Recap of Teresa's lesson on #9 Prophets

"A Prophet is a man called by God to be His representative on earth. When a prophet speaks for God, it is as if God were speaking. A prophet is also a special witness for Christ testifying of His divinity and teaching His gospel. A prophet teaches truth and interprets the word of God. He calls the unrighteous to repentance. He receives revelations and directions from the Lord for our benefit. He may see into the future and foretell coming events so that the world may be warned." (see lesson manual)
We need to gain a personal testimony of each prophet. This requires work on our part. We need to ask and pray. In John 7:17 it reads, "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." If we have faith to try and do what the prophet asks, then we can receive a testimony of those things.
Sister Fairbanks shared several recent talks from President Monson.
"The Canary with the Best Song" Liahona June 2010: A member of President Monson's congregation passed away and left 3 canaries with a letter behind. 2 of the canaries were beautiful. One canary was scrubby and marred by gray on his wings. She asked Presdient Monson to take this canary and said, "he isn't pretty but his song is the best." Samual 16:7 “The Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” President Monson says the world is filled with yellow canaries with gray on their wings. We need to look on the heart.
"What Have I Done for Someone Today?" October 2009 General Conference: President Monson said, "The Savior taught His disciples, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish—and in effect save their lives."
Other lessons that President Monson has given recently included: Be of good cheer, have faith, God has not given us fear. The future is as bright as your faith. Find joy in the journey! Don't let the most important things pass you by. Express your gratitude always and thus find joy in the journey.