Study Guide for "There Was Bread"

In this talk, Bishop W. Christopher Waddell discusses the importance of both spiritual and temporal preparedness. He draws upon the biblical account of Joseph in Egypt to illustrate the principle of being prepared for future challenges and emphasizes the guidance provided by modern prophets. Bishop Waddell also addresses the current challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and how the principles of preparation can be applied "in wisdom and order".

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

How does Bishop Waddell use the story of Joseph in Egypt to illustrate the principle of preparedness?
What does Bishop Waddell suggest about the balance between spiritual and temporal preparation?
How does Bishop Waddell address the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to the principle of preparedness?
What resources and tools does Bishop Waddell mention to help members become more self-reliant and prepared?
How does Bishop Waddell define "true faith"?

Topics

Understanding the Importance of Spiritual and Temporal Preparedness

Bishop Waddell discusses the importance of being prepared both spiritually and temporally for future challenges. He uses the story of Joseph in Egypt as an example of how foresight and preparation can help us navigate through difficult times. He emphasizes that the Lord provides guidance to help His people prepare for these trials.

From the beginning of time, the Lord has provided direction to help His people prepare spiritually and temporally against the calamities and trials that He knows will come as part of this mortal experience.

The Lord does not expect us to do more than we can do, but He does expect us to do what we can do, when we can do it.

Being temporally prepared and self-reliant means "believing that through the grace, or enabling power, of Jesus Christ and our own effort, we are able to obtain all the spiritual and temporal necessities of life we require for ourselves and our families."

What does it mean to be spiritually and temporally prepared?
How did Joseph in Egypt demonstrate the principle of preparedness?
What does the Lord expect of us in terms of preparedness?
How can you apply the principle of spiritual and temporal preparedness in your own life?
What steps can you take to be more prepared for future challenges?
How has the Lord provided direction in your life to help you prepare for future trials?

Applying Principles of Preparedness during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Bishop Waddell addresses the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has affected people's lives and livelihoods. He reassures members that better days are ahead and emphasizes the importance of applying the principles of preparedness "in wisdom and order". He also mentions tools and resources available through the Church to help members reestablish their lives and become more self-reliant.

Today we are blessed to be led by prophets who understand the need for us to prepare against the calamities "which should come" and who also recognize the limitations or restrictions that we may encounter in striving to follow their counsel.

In today's environment, with a pandemic that has devastated whole economies as well as individual lives, it would be inconsistent with a compassionate Savior to ignore the reality that many are struggling and ask them to begin building a reserve of food and money for the future.

You have been blessed with bishops and branch presidents who seek out members of their congregations with temporal needs and who have access to tools and resources that can help you reestablish your lives and place you on the path to self-reliance as you apply principles of preparedness.

How does Bishop Waddell suggest we apply the principles of preparedness during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic?
What resources and tools does the Church provide to help members become more self-reliant and prepared?
How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and how can the principles of preparedness help you navigate through this challenge?
What steps can you take to utilize the resources and tools provided by the Church to become more self-reliant and prepared?

Applying the Principles of Financial Management and Home Storage

Bishop Waddell discusses two key elements of temporal preparedness: managing finances and home storage. He outlines key principles for each, including the payment of tithes and offerings, avoiding debt, living within a budget, and saving for the future for financial management, and the storage of food, water, and other necessities for home storage.

Key principles to manage your finances include the payment of tithes and offerings, eliminating and avoiding debt, preparing and living within a budget, and saving for the future.

Key home storage principles include the storage of food, the storage of water, and the storage of other necessities based on individual and family needs, all because "the best storehouse" is the home, which becomes the "most accessible reserve in times of need."

What are the key principles of financial management as discussed by Bishop Waddell?
What are the key principles of home storage as discussed by Bishop Waddell?
How can you apply the principles of financial management and home storage in your own life?
What steps can you take to improve your financial management and home storage?

Building a Spiritual Foundation for Temporal Preparedness

Bishop Waddell emphasizes the importance of building a spiritual foundation for temporal preparedness. He explains that all things are spiritual to the Lord, and everything points to Jesus Christ as the foundation upon which we must build our temporal preparedness. He also discusses the concept of "true faith" leading to action.

Everything, then, points to Jesus Christ as the foundation upon which we must build even our temporal preparedness.

Taking action is the exercise of faith. True faith is focused in and on the Lord Jesus Christ and always leads to action.

What does it mean to have a spiritual foundation for temporal preparedness?
How does Bishop Waddell define "true faith"?
How can you build a spiritual foundation for your temporal preparedness?
How does your faith lead to action in terms of being prepared?

Preparing for Uncertainties in an Ever-Changing World

Bishop Waddell concludes by emphasizing the need to prepare for uncertainties in an ever-changing world. He assures that as we seek to become temporally prepared, we can face the trials of life with increased confidence and peace in our hearts.

Brothers and sisters, in an ever-changing world, we must prepare for uncertainties. Even with better days ahead, we know that the temporal peaks and valleys of mortality will continue.

Why is it important to prepare for uncertainties in an ever-changing world?
How can temporal preparedness help us face the trials of life with increased confidence and peace?
What uncertainties are you currently facing and how can the principle of preparedness help you navigate through them?
How can you increase your confidence and peace in facing trials through temporal preparedness?