Jesus Christ --> Death - Day 26

 Mosiah 18:2 Yeah, concerning that which was to come, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and the redemption of the people, which was to be brought to pass through the power, and sufferings, and death of Christ, and his resurrection and ascension into heaven.

"the power" is that of Jesus to use His agency and authority given by God the Father, to lay down His life. I'm sure it can and does mean other things as well, but that was the impression when I first read it. His sufferings, death, and subsequent resurrection and ascension into heaven were by His power and the grace of our loving Father in Heaven.

Alma 21:9 Now Aaron began to open the scriptures unto them concerning the coming of Christ, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead and that there could be no redemption for mankind save it were through the death and sufferings of Christ, and the atonement of his blood.

The death, sufferings, and atonement of Jesus Christ were by the power given Him by His Father and the use of His own agency to do the will of Father.

Day 304 Today's reading: 3 Nephi 17:1-25

Question of the day: In these verses how does Christ teach us to minister unto our fellow men?

I love this passaged, possibly more than any other in the scriptural works we have. It strengthens my faith, my hope, and my charity. It describes a connection with Jesus that we all want to have. And I believe we will all experience at some point if we have any faith in Him at all. This is a passage worth reading and thinking about throughout the day.

This is the passage I think about when giving a priesthood blessing. There is no illness Jesus cannot cure. And it is the same priesthood we use when we give blessings. 

The Powers of Heaven - Elder Bednar

Elder Bednar begins by reminding us of what the Priesthood is -- that it is the authority of God delegated to men on the earth to act in all things for the salvation of mankind.

What interests me is how the conversation then turns to what it means to have Power in the Priesthood.  How do we obtain this power?  What does it feel or look like?

The point is made clear that when we are disobedient, or take no action at all in the priesthood, we sin and we have no power in the priesthood.

So, there is "no priesthood power if he is disobedient, unworthy, or unwilling to serve."  Then references to Section 121

We then learn from the story of E. Bednar with his father.  His father was not a member but quite active in the church.  Elder Bednar would ask frequently as a boy when he would get baptized.  The question that came from father Bednar was, "David, your church teaches that the priesthood was taken from the earth anciently and has been restored by heavenly messengers to the Prophet Joseph Smith, right?" Then, "Here is my question.  Each week in priesthood meeting I listen to the bishop and the other priesthood leaders remind, beg, and plead with the men to do their home teaching and to perform their priesthood duties.  If your church truly has the restored priesthood of God, why are so many of the men in your church no different about doing their religious duty than the men in my church?"

"Receiving the authority of the priesthood by the laying on of hands is an important beginning, but it is not enough.  Ordination confers authority, but righteousness is required to act with power as we strive to live souls, to teach and testify, to bless and counsel, and to advance the work of salvation."

Elder Bednar shares the feelings of sisters who want their husbands to be more active.  "Please help my husband understand his responsibility as a priesthood leader in our home. I am happy to take the lead in scripture study, family prayer, and family home evening, and I will continue to do so  But I wish my husband would be an equal partner and provide the strong priesthood leadership only he can give.  Pelase help my husband learn how to be come a patriarch and a priesthood leader in our home who presides and protects."