There Is Hope For Every Soul That's Lost!

(Notes from the talk by Elder Kopischke)

Elder Erich W Kopischke had a talk in the last conference that popped up, one more time, but this time with a sign language accompaniment. This is what I derived from his talk and I hope that this pertains to me because if it pertains to me yet, it may also pertain to you and anyone else who wonders if they've "gone too far" to be recommended for salvation.

He outlined the simple pattern in which one may find ultimate acceptance of the Lord. And he paraphrased Joseph Smith speaking for and behalf of the Lord... he writes, "Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice—yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are accepted of me." Doctrine and Covenants Section 97:8

In the which, we are given 3 simple steps.

1) Know that our hearts are honest and broken.

2) know that our spirits are contrite.

3) be willing to observe our covenants by sacrifice. (as commanded by the Lord.)

Decision! Self reflection: we know our motives and desires. Broken = Soft, open, receptive heart vs hard hearted. Confirmation or gentle correction. Remorse; willin to pray over and acknowledge sins & short comings - contrite - willing to listen - to act(or do and not simply act like) - to humble oneself.

When our only desire is to serve him, we will be blessed w/ deep inner peace.

Prepare for that sacred ordiance. (The Sacrament) Acceptance + efforts + recognized = sins forgiven

Having the HG as our constant companion is the ultimate indicator that we are accepted of the father.

Stand firm and Faithful while the storms are raging around us. Seek and hope for that moment when the Lord says, "Well done thou good and faithful servant...thou hast been faithfull on a few things; thou shalt be a ruler of many!

Seek prayerfully over these things and he extends mercy and pardons those who repent!

Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me; And none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost. D&C 50:41-42

In conclusion, I want to close a thought from one of the songs I value, from Michael McLean... which goes:

There is an old Michael McClean song, I can't remember the name, I just remember a few lines of it. It goes like this,

"There is hope, for every soul that's lost. There is a way back home, no matter where you roam. Let His love heal you & lead you there. There's a place for every heart in pain, a place where there's not hurt, and there's no shame, let His love heal you & lead you there." - Michael McLean

In conclusion, In Elder Bednar's First Conference Talk As An Apostle, "he spoke of the tender mercies of the Lord, and how the Lord is in the details of our lives. So true. And ME, you said something that I think is pivotal, and that is that you've been working the program long enough (and I emphasize, "long enough") for you to begin to recognize some of those tender mercies in the details of your life.

"Don't get discouraged, any of you, no matter how long it takes, no matter how many tries it takes. And never fail to recognize any degree of improvement in your lives, and be thankful for it to the Lord in private prayer. The Lord is in the details of our lives."

This makes sense of anyone who has had a 'sore repentance' and it is my solemn prayer that the Lord's bowels may be filled with mercy and compassion towards all who are reading this message! May we do the things that our leaders suggest. May we all avoid SIN as though it were the plague! For there is NO JOY in sin. It may feel good, for a little while, but what remains is emptiness. If one would like their minds to be harrowed up in their many sins against the father, then by all means CONTINUE down that path. It is a lonely and a very dark place! If this has been our path, may our fates be like that of an Alma the Elder or even an Alma the Younger! Or perhaps a Zeezrom!

This I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen! 1 Timothy 1:15 "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."