Come Follow Me - Matthew 6-7 (part 1): "No Man Can Serve Two Masters"

[@heatherbosshardtmusic]

I come from a long line of Catholics, My mom joined the church when she was in college, and this last week marked the beginning of Lent, 40 days until Easter. As I’ve been studying more about Lent this week - the three pillars of Lent are fasting, prayer, and almsgiving - I have gained new insights. The practice of each is a way of ridding us of our earthly crutches of self reliance, pride, appetites- all the seven deadly sins, really. So when I started listening to this, my ears totally perked up when I hear almsgiving, prayer, and fasting! How perfect that the week of Lent this is the chapter we’re studying. I have been truly amazed at the countless times these classes have lined up with situations in my life, or things I’ve been studying and pondering and seeking, and has opened a flood of light and perspective and insight on the things I’m learning or need to be learning to help me on my way. Thank you so very very very much!!

[@michelleparish7037]

"Spit wads all over the ceiling" ... vain prayers! Your explanations are spot on. Prayer is so sacred... I sometimes have felt it was a burden to pray and just wanted to check it off my "To Do" list before bed...but I have strived to have more intimate prayers and I now know I am truly communicating with my Father in Heaven when I humbly pour out my heart to Him and feel the Holy Spirit lifting my prayers to Heaven and I feel the Saviors arms around me! Prayer is a blessing and I love the fact that He hears me!!

[@Defendingthetruth-k9w]

BROTHER Halverson. I was working in the Temple and saw you in Celestial Room. You were sitting by yourself and were reading the scriptures and quietly closed your eyes to ponder. I wanted to run over and thank you from the older generation that grew up loving the gospel despite the lack of “knowledge” our seminary teacher had obtained that you so freely share with us. I have written you a note before when gave an epic Fireside in Billings, Montana right after the flooding on the Yellowstone. I believe the Stake President wasn’t there because he was fishing or hunting! I loved that. Why make up a crazy excuse for fishing. It’s the way we are. Those people are so real. My seminary teacher had no formal training. She taught by the spirit and I know she changed my life. Between her praying for the spirit and me never being forced to go to seminary but choosing to climb into the VW that had no heat to drive at 6 AM. In sub zero temps to hear those humble people of Montana. What a blessing to have a roaring testimony and now after raising a large family and teaching Elementary School for 22 years, I listen in awe and can never get enough of your lessons!!!!!My scriptures are marked with your humble expressions of love of Jesus Christ. Thank you again and again. We are asked to give patrons the same quiet space everyone needs to process the spirit and remember the covenants. You are the master teacher. Thank you, thank you, thank you! You have blessed my husband and my testimony. Next time you see a little old Temple worker give you WalMart head tip, you will know it is me. You have given me a Pearl of the greatest Price! Sincerely, Molly Mormon who raised the Simpson Family and gained experience. Tell your adorable wife who spoke her heart to those Montana saints thanks too!

[@aubrey4622]

What an amazing testimony. Thank you for sharing that with all of us!

[@Defendingthetruth-k9w]

Thanks Aubrey! I just admire the younger generation so much.

[@aubrey4622]

@@Defendingthetruth-k9w I never, ever hear anyone older than me say that. That made me so happy

[@alinecrisantabalut7085]

,thank you for teaching me in a very divine way.. Thank you.

[@tina7106]

The you so much Audrey. Amen ❤

[@mmeszmurrized7872]

Such a fun and inspiring lesson ... lots to digest and to weave into my life. My goal is to leave every person, place, or situation better for my having been there ... seeking to be an extension of the Lord's mercy, ear, mouth, grace, healing, etc. Like I said, that's my goal ... but not always my success. This, your, lesson will give me more to use to evaluate all aspects of my efforts. As always, THANK YOU!!

[@sarahhaman35]

Amazing how the things that are vexing and worrying me right now, and the words I’m using in my prayers are the same words you’re speaking back to me , answering me as if you are Heavenly Father. Thank you

[@michelleparish7037]

I apologize for double dipping, but you touched on something so profound when you said, " Some of my most powerful prayers have been without words". I too have experienced this when all I could do is weep at the throne of Heavenly Father, and I could not utter a word, yet I know that Heanly Father knew what was in my heart, and accepted my prayer! He is so good and loving. Thank you for all your teachings. And thank you to your wife for supporting you in this endeavor to teach us at the layman's level. You have a precious and precise gift for teaching.

[@ruthannh.3188]

I cant thank you enough. The time you spend to teach us every week and teach families all over the world is beautiful. I used study alone each week and now I am not alone. You are part of my feasting on these weekly scriptures and lessons. I hope you know how an amazing teacher you are and love Your countenance. I love that you challenge me in thought.

[@MichaelJones-lh1ug]

I am so grateful to our Father and our Saviour that I can download and study your lessons. I speak about you as my one and only human teacher after my Saviour. I happened upon you during the start of 2020 and I cannot remember how it happened but I thank our Father and our Saviour that I did. Thank you so very much Brother Halverson.

[@davidspjut9365]

Amen brother, I feel the same blessing😇

[@Jan-nn7fq]

Do you live in North Carolina? Are you brother to Linda, Doug and Jan?

[@MichaelJones-lh1ug]

@@Jan-nn7fq Good morning. Sadly no, I live in the "nethermost" part of the vineyard - South Africa.

[@deedeemorgan4123]

How do you download?

[@WegottaLovett]

South Africa! Yay! I agree with what you wrote. I happened upon this channel around the same time and I am also grateful that I can learn so much from our dear Bro Halvorsen.

[@deedeemorgan4123]

Bro Hal, I agree totally with you about the ideal you teach regarding prayer and feelings, but for those of us who struggle with depression, lack of feeling is one of our problems. Then we assume we aren’t faithful enough or spiritual enough because we don’t “feel” spiritual things like everyone else does. The Lord has lovingly taught me recently that my mortal body weakness is not a reflection of my spirit. And even though I can’t physically feel emotions like not depressed people do, the Lord still knows my heart’s desire to feel it and he accepts that too. It’s nice to know He trusts my faith even when I don’t have the normal emotional reinforcement that so many people experience.

[@michellel4424]

Just wanted to say you were heard and you are not alone. I am touched to read of your experience being taught by God. Our personal portion of the fall as individuals can be such a challenge. Thank you for sharing your faith.

[@karliannewhittington887]

Thank you! I struggle with this too. Grateful He knows our hearts 💕

[@pgegamersandmore9051]

I love your comment about our prayers needing an opening prayer. 20+ years ago when I was in college and a relief society president, I learned that those times when I didn't feel like praying, if I prayed for the desire first, it always helped to put me in the right place to be able to pray. He always answered that first prayer when I needed it.

[@ritautupo2859]

I went to the temple yesterday too. The change is beautiful. I’m humble and appreciate our prophets and apostles🥰💖they truly are men called by God to help us in these challenge days

[@ilovemybrats2]

00:54:28 “Saints of other faiths.” I love that. I have become less judgmental of other religions because of your charitable words towards them throughout your lessons. Thank you.

[@judybray7514]

Shafts of revelation... Answers to prayers... Thank you for your instrumentality.

[@harmonywoodrome9911]

I’m learning “don’t worry too much, things happened, we can’t control. Only can help me, I went to the Tempe and found peace in my heart, knowing my God loves me, I need to chill. 😍👏

[@mariahhonda7720]

I'm haven't finished this lesson yet; still listening, but I wanted to comment and share my appreciation for what you shared about the temple and the endowment of power we receive from the Lord there. I love all your comments about preparing ourselves to go and receive all the promises, power, and blessings the Lord is offering and to purify our motivations and intentions for going. Namely so that we can understand, come to know better, and cleave more fully unto our Savior Jesus Christ. I'll be going to the temple after work and really appreciated being reminded of all of that.

[@kevinvanderweyden5598]

I was happy too with the introduction to the Temple. I have the same feeling as he has when people say that they "take out their endowment". I think that as we think this way, or approach it this way, we will miss so many blessing. Sometimes it becomes part of a checklist for mission preparation instead of receiving so many blessings from Heaven.

[@davidspjut9365]

Brother Jared….I love your overflowing love of the Temple. There is nowhere I would rather be than there in that pure Spirit and light. That light shines in all your lessons, but in this one, as you discussed the Lords prayer the words took on an even more sacred meaning….as we pray with faith, and true intentions…our Father listens out of Paternal love and regard for us…as His own…for we are😇❤️. David

[@WindyGardener]

I enjoy complimenting people I do not know and most likely will never know. I also speak to elderly people, letting them know they are seen. And I also tell cashiers hi and thank you. A smile and a kind word can alter a person's mood and outlook.

[@karyshort4994]

Thanks 👍😊 Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother and Jesus Christ and The Sweetest Holy Spirit and The Angels 😇🙏🎶🎵 in Heaven for helping me out with these updates and uploads of the gospel through the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints!

[@mariaconlon1656]

I’ve learned to pray differently as I have come to understand what prayer is, even when asked to pray in Sacrament meeting. What others think about my prayers is of no worry to me. When I pray I’m speaking to the Father and wishing He may forgive us and help us repent just one last chance prior to partaking of the Sacrament. My prayers may sound too different to everyone, but after enduring hell in my life, I will never offer just a simple meaningless prayer to my Father above.

[@nanelf8002]

Love the way you teach the gospel of Jesus Christ!

[@beckywright7906]

This is so good on the way we should be praying! I certainly needed this reminder of praying with feeling! ❤ I love this!

[@WegottaLovett]

I needed a reminder about how to pray as well. Bro Halvorsen is a master teacher.

[@aubrey4622]

I've been raised in the church and what you just said about the temple is more than I've ever been told about the temple. I have asked thousands of questions and no matter how I ask, I'm always given the same answer: "you just have to go and find out; we can't talk about it." This is truly the biggest issue I've ever had with church and the reason I've never been to the temple. Thank you.

[@jenniferbetcher8748]

If you have questions about the temple I recommend The Holy Covenants -Living our Sacred Temple Promises by Anthony Sweat. This book explains a lot about the temple. I have a sister who had a lot of question and I gave her this book. She said that it cleared a lot of things up and answered her questions. I hope this helps.

[@aubrey4622]

@@jenniferbetcher8748 thank you, I appreciate that!

[@jenniferbetcher8748]

@@aubrey4622 Here is a KZbin video that Jared Halverson did that I think you might like. He talks about asking questions. I hope you will continue to ask question and try to seek out answers to those questions that you have. Never give up on finding answers. kzbin.infoYDTMNIjw0Ac?feature=share

[@spunkycat6144]

I went a year after joining in 2004. I cried tears of joy inside. I am a changed human and now want to be a Temple worker doing for others, the same that was done for me. The woman who prayed over me in the very beginning is a woman I will never forget and I hope to fill her shoes someday. The praying over me part what I remember every day. She was so sincere. Don't let the rest overwhelm you. I got the best advice and just relaxed. I am single and unmarried and went by myself and it was just fine. Don't wait to get married to go is what I am saying if you are single.

[@spunkycat6144]

The Jewish have a similar thing that involves water and is pretty cool. It involves going in water and lots of scripture later. I had two friends convert years ago and helped them study (or listened while they read and read).

[@monahunt9720]

Thank you so much for discussing the temple. I just went and was struggling with the changes. You brought peace to my mind.❤

[@Jan-nn7fq]

44:05 "I just love you and would do anything to serve you." That's how I feel about our Savior. I do whatever I can to help whoever I can out of love and gratitude to and for Him. Isn't the Endowment amazing!?! This past Saturday was the first time I experienced the new version and I had 3 aha moments during it. It is absolutely amazing!!!

[@ilovemybrats2]

Beautiful lesson on The Lord’s Prayer. 01:12:57 Great recommendations. I’ll try this. My prayers “suck,” too… 01:14:07 This helps. Because I can’t think of adequate words. This makes it easier and more genuine, and if the words flow, then even better. 01:14:32 01:15:20

[@DanielHouston1406]

I love what you said about prayer, that it’s more about how we feel than what we say. I’ve rarely been able to have meaningful prayers and have been looking for ways to improve them. You gave me a lot of things to try, so thanks!

[@deedeemorgan4123]

This quote from Elder Gong’s Happy and Forever sounds like a foreshadowing of the recent temple presentation changes: “In a remarkable way, the Lord’s prophet is drawing us closer to our Savior, including through sacred temple ordinances and covenants coming closer to us in more places. We have a profound opportunity and gift to discover new spiritual understanding, love, repentance, and forgiveness with each other and our families, in time and eternity.

[@kennethlabrum5397]

Thank you Brother Halverson for giving me added wisdom as to the presentation and the endowment in the Temple. Something that I was concerned about, you made it all clear. Thank you again for your knowledge of the gospel and things of the world

[@willmatt99]

My brother, these past two scripture study lessons have been two of your very best -very fitting for the chapters covered which were the greatest sermon ever given. Thank you my friend!

[@janfelshaw8217]

My mom used to tell me that the faults that we see in others are usually the ones we have in ourselves. With that in mind, I try to search my soul when judging others, and see if I don’t have some of that same fault. It helps, but I’m still so imperfect.

[@deboraswarner5507]

Bought my topical guide Bible when I was there preparing for my mission to Spain in 1982. Looked it up and found the sinnner there. Marked it!

[@veruga98]

Bro. Halverson. All I can say is wow! Thank you so much for your insight into prayer. It was so eye opening for me. Your analysis of vanity vs repetition was so helpful. It’s difficult to express my feelings but I know I’ll never be able to look at prayer in the same way.

[@riverbeauty3]

THANK YOU! Thank you for putting into words what I've been feeling in my heart about the changes to the PRESENTATION of the Endowment since I first read about them this week.

[@annewandering]

Last week last half part 2 was life changing for me. If you haven’t watched it yet please do now.

[@socorrozamarripa9567]

Brother Halverson, I was so sick for 3 weeks with COVID, that I missed the other 2 lesson, however starting this lesson now, I will go back and catch up, I am out of wind sometimes this was the hardest COVID I experienced, however it just now hit me, I am always amazed how you teach and in great lengths, and a feeling came to me, you really love to teach the Gospel and of our Savior, and you must really love us your audience to go through great lengths to teach, we knowing you have a full time teaching career and yet you set time to create these videos to teach us. How we all thank you for your time. You truly emulate our Savior and pray for your well being.

[@deedeemorgan4123]

Opening prayer? YES! I do it a lot, only I call it my pre-prayer prayer.

[@gailstephenson9231]

Love what God loves!!!

[@connerbeus1955]

Thank you

[@tawnyarasmussen1965]

I really appreciate your comments about how the ceremony of the endowment is the packaging to the beautiful product of the covenants made. Thank you!

[@lorithornbrue4295]

Thank you. Beautiful

[@novawarren5089]

Just love these books 😃❤️

[@akdollface007]

I always remember John Bytheway’s addition to that Scripture, “Even Skeletor has friends!” 😂💀 22:01

[@matthewrussell2178]

There is a sister in Arizona, Kim Deakyne, who had a calling to minister to women (not just LDS) in the county jail, I believe. She has since been released, but she regularly posted wonderful stories like the one you just mentioned.

[@ilovemybrats2]

What you said in the last video about the “unfairness” of what Jesus was asking of us changed the paradigm for me: Like the American philosopher you quoted, “what if love isn’t a reward, but a commandment?” Wow. We think it’s unfair because they don’t “deserve” it. But looking at it as a commandment and not a reward, makes it easier to swallow. God is just asking us to act the way He does.

[@ryanandsarah]

HIGHLIGHT. 1:12:51. more meaningful prayer.

[@amybartow-just2863]

Good morning. If memory serves me, I think today is your birthday, so I just wanted to wish you a happy one. I hope you have a spectacular day! 🎼🎶🎵🍨🎂🎉🎈🎊🥳

[@dennistiberius-ez4dw]

Brother Halverson, I have been listening to everyone of your lessons since the end of the Book of Mormon and have greatly enjoyed it. But I have a concern with this week’s lesson on Matthew 6:25-34. Your additions or interpretations of “don’t be overly anxious” as a correction of the words “give no thought” is very helpful and makes the lesson more applicable to all of us, but the JST and the Book of Mormon point out that these verses are for the disciples, the 12 apostles, not the masses. By the sweat of our brow we have to earn our bread all the days of our lives. It is my understanding that he is providing for the 12 so that they can totally focus on building the kingdom. The rest of us have to focus on the need provide for our families and pay our tithes and give service to support the kingdom. But this is a minor issue in comparison to the hundreds of hours of inspiring lessons to which I have listened. Thank you for your wonderful service.

[@Unshaken]

That's an excellent insight! Thank you for bringing that up. There's definitely a "contrary" to prove there, and some kind of "Goldilocks Zone" of how much thought we give--neither too little nor too much. And I imagine that applies to apostles as much as to the rest of us. Thank you for this essential reminder!

[@kamiwallace4408]

Any chance you can give me the source for the Pres Packer quote Re you never leave the path without being given a warning? (I’m speaking tonight and it’s a perfect quote!!)

[@andypew6443]

Jared and others...can anyone recommend books, lds or not, that are great companion books to the bible/new testament which give helpful translations/interpretations of greek, hebrew, and aramaic words?

[@christophertolman7023]

It gets tricky sometimes to know how to carry yourself so as to teach and do your duty, but not be prideful or hypocritical. I’ve had a couple of high profile callings in the past several years, bishopric, EQ, etc, and you want to share powerful messages with people, but you don’t want to show off either, and at the same time you wonder why you are even in the position being acutely aware of your own weaknesses and sins. I told my wife, I don’t want to be in front anymore. I just wanted to be a family historian or simply a ministering brother. Our boundaries were then changed, and now I have the calling of activity day boys 9-10.🤔. The Lord likes to stretch us.

[@ilovemybrats2]

But what about people who are starving everywhere? I’ve always struggled with trust because of this. Any answers? (Matthew 6:25-32)

[@allthings_Nancy]

How do you download the studies?

[@judybrock7831]

I am a Gospel Doctrine teacher. I have a couple of questions that I hope you can help me understand. Some one in class asked if Christ and the Apostles got drunk, if they had the Holy Ghost, and doesn't that send the Holy Ghost away? A question that I have about baptism in the Old Testament is. Were they performed? It is rarely talked about and a comment you made about Christ's baptism reminded me that we only talked about temple sacrifices and not about baptism.

[@douglasbair5647]

I need to remember the motive of my brother Satan. He fell, and his motive for his rebellion was to receive Fathers glory. What is my motivation? I am so sinfull how can I judge my brother or sister?

[@natedog1220]

Gadianton Robbers. I have to wonder about this interpretation of Luke and Matthew about giving one's coat.

[@nadinek5638]

Think about God and what he does for us and how some respond. You'll get it.

[@ilovemybrats2]

01:43:03

[@ilovemybrats2]

I’ve always felt the same way about that awkward phrase, “I’m taking out my endowments.” Huh?

[@jaakkorewell8495]

What about loans? Owing money and paying it back

[@asifmuniruniverse7732]

Hi,

[@asifmuniruniverse7732]

Thanks appreciated me

[@asifmuniruniverse7732]

Now allow me to go because some one at on my door and kowcking see you soon again and try to follow your instructions bye

[@karyshort4994]

Yo!

[@ilovemybrats2]

I’m not too happy with the changes to the endowment session. It’s 15 minutes longer. Some changes I liked, but overall the film is flat and plodding. Transitions are ssssssloooooooww with so much more repetition to explain what we’re doing, yet sheds little light on the cryptic symbolism of the ordinance itself-which I’d love to see. When the session was shortened in 2019, people were happy. Now the changes went in the exact opposite direction, and people are happy. I don’t get it. There was clarification on how to do certain things, which in all the years I’ve been going to the temple, never saw these as being major issues. I mean, as soon as you make a little mistake, you have patrons and ordinance workers on all sides who promptly help you. In short, with few exceptions, I felt like they dumbed down and slowed down the easy things, but still didn’t help with the questions most of still have. I’m sure I’m in the minority here. Just frustrated.