Have you ever had a day, any day, when you just know that things could not be a coincidence? I have felt that several times in my life, especially out here on a mission. I know that my Heavenly Father truly hears every prayer, even if it is just for something small, it matters to Him because it matters to me. One of my favorite quotes that I alway have running around in my head is from President Spencer W. Kimball:
“God does notice us, and He watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs.” I can tell you that is true. I have found many times that other people answer my prayers. Whether it's comforting words that I needed to hear through a hard time or a letter from a friend I really needed to hear from. These, I know are answers to my heartfelt prayers that Heavenly Father has granted me. The other thing that I have to remember as well is that I can be that answer to another's prayer as well as I act on those impressions that press upon my mind.
This story given by President Gordon B. Hinckley has always warmed my heart. I have no doubt that those two boys were an answer to that man's prayer. I love that He poured his heart out to the Lord in gratitude for that blessing in which he recieved. It always reminds me that God is always watching over us.
Remember that you matter!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Another Testament of Jesus Christ
I've been stewing over what I should write for the past few days now and I decided it would be best to talk about the most fundamental element of this gospel. The very keystone of our religion, the Book of Mormon.
Out of any book that any I have ever read, I have never come across an invitation to ask God if it is true. In Moroni 10:3-5 it says:
Moroni was the last prophet who wrote in to Book of Mormon, he not only invites but he exhorts or strongly encourages us to read and in sincerity of heart with real intent, meaning that we need to have real desire to act on the answer we receive.
Growing up in the church I have always had the Book of Mormon. I would read from it, not as often as I should have. Before my mission I had to read it cover to cover. I took the challenge and read. As I did, my life was filled with meaning and with purpose. Several almost an innumerable amount of times I felt the Spirit strongly as I read. I never questioned if the book was true but reading it with the intent that I would be sharing my testimony of its divinity to those I would meet in the mission field, I was determined to have a burning testimony. I knew that its teaching were true and that they were for me. You may ask what is the Spirit and why is it important? The Holy Ghost, (or the Holy Spirit) testifies of Heavenly Father and of Jesus Christ. It witnesses to our hearts and to our minds and reveals all truth.
In the Book of Mormon in 3 Nephi 11:3 it says:
"And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn."
Let the Spirit work in you to know what is true. Alma 34:38 reads:
I know with all the energy of my soul that the Book of Mormon is true. Joseph Smith did see God and Jesus Christ and was later called as a prophet, just as God has always called prophets. I know by the power of God that Joseph Smith translated to Book of Mormon and that you can read it and if you truly want to know if it is true, you can know. Its pages cannot come to life if you never open it and read."For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round" (1 Nephi 10:19). I would exhort you just as Moroni to read and let it testify to you of our Savior, Jesus Christ who truly did come to the Americas and will again.
Out of any book that any I have ever read, I have never come across an invitation to ask God if it is true. In Moroni 10:3-5 it says:
"Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
"And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."
Moroni was the last prophet who wrote in to Book of Mormon, he not only invites but he exhorts or strongly encourages us to read and in sincerity of heart with real intent, meaning that we need to have real desire to act on the answer we receive.
In the Book of Mormon in 3 Nephi 11:3 it says:
"And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn."
Let the Spirit work in you to know what is true. Alma 34:38 reads:
"That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you."
I know with all the energy of my soul that the Book of Mormon is true. Joseph Smith did see God and Jesus Christ and was later called as a prophet, just as God has always called prophets. I know by the power of God that Joseph Smith translated to Book of Mormon and that you can read it and if you truly want to know if it is true, you can know. Its pages cannot come to life if you never open it and read."For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round" (1 Nephi 10:19). I would exhort you just as Moroni to read and let it testify to you of our Savior, Jesus Christ who truly did come to the Americas and will again.
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