I like this: Each of us can have a life-changing experience which will forever define our discipleship if we apply Moroni's promise to the Book of Mormon. Whatever "grove" we enter when we lack wisdom, we will also learn, in a less dramatic way, that the Lord giveth to all men liberally and that by the power of the Holy Ghost, [we] may know the truth of all things. - We need to remember that we can make any place on earth a sacred grove and we can receive answers anywhere if we are prepared and truly have an open heart and a willing mind. "teach the word of wisdom;...the word of knowledge..." -We must be worthy of the spirit in order to be able to teach the word of wisdom and knowledge. We must have the spirits help to come to greater understanding and better ways to live and teach these principles of the Gospel. This is awesome, I really like this quote because it gives me hope and a new look on how to live; Moroni 10:17 "...they come unto every m...
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"...trust in Christ that thou wilt be saved;" (Moroni 9:22) - We must trust in Christ and live our lives as He has commanded in order for us to be saved and live with Him again. Trusting isn't always easy but it is so essential and so important especially when developing and working on a relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ. "...be faithful in Christ;" (Moroni 9:25) - We must live our lives according to Christ and care more about what He thinks then what the people of the world and in the world think of us. We must live our lives faithful as a tribute to Christ. For really we have not other choice but to perish . Marion D. Hanks said, "Christ in our lives is not meant to grieve us or weigh us down unto death because we have been imperfect. Through him we may be lifted up by accepting his gifts and his mercy and long-suffering. These blessings we must seek to keep in our minds always." (Ensign, July 1973, "What Manner of Men") We...
- God will call us to do great things in His name if we are worthy and living our lives ready to receive the call. We must always be ready and willing to listen and heed his words. - Children and brought into this world innocent and perfect, there is no need for baptism at this point. M. Russell Ballard said, "In other words, we're born good; we learn to sin as we grow older. And if you need evidence of the truth of that doctrine, please see your nearest infant. Look deeply into the child's eyes. Have you ever seen such sweetness and purity? It's like you can look through a baby's eyes right into heaven. "Of course, that changes a little later in their lives when wide-eyed innocence turns into wild-eyed mischievousness. That's when children become accountable and capable of sin-when they know and understand the difference between right and wrong. Through the Prophet Joseph Smith the Lord revealed that the age of accountability is eight years old. (...
"...have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise." (Moroni 7:41) - Sometimes I try to hope for things in life and they don't happen the way I want them to and it makes me lose faith for a little while. This is an important reminder that we must have " hope through the atonement of Christ" and nothing else. We must do our best because of that hope we plant in ourselves and because Christ already did everything needed to return. and gain eternal life. Moroni 7:45 Charity is a great attribute to gain and to be used and worked on now as well as used in Marriage. CHARITY, noun- In a general sense, love, benevolence, good will; that disposition of heart which inclines men to think favorably of their fellow men to think favorably of their fellow men, and to do them good. In a theological sense, it includes supreme love to God, an...
"...Christ hath said; If y will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me." (Moroni 7:33) - Gaining faith in our Savior Jesus Christ is one of the most important and sometimes hardest but most rewarding things we can do on this earth. By having faith we can have a sure hope and a stronger relationship with our Elder Brother and Savior Jesus Christ. -People often think that miracles don't happen anymore and that it was only in the days of Christ or the days of the Bible that God would show Himself to us. Moroni 7:37 tells us what really happened, "it is by faith that miracles are wrought;" We must have faith in the God of miracles and there are a lot of people who don't and who don't even believe He exists. How can we change this? How can we strengthen the faith of God's Children? Spencer W. Kimball said, "If the Bible were 'the end of the prophets,' it would be through lack of faith, and th...
Moroni 7:20,22 "...how is it possible that ye can lay hold upon every good thing?" ---> 7:22 "...the coming of Christ; and in Christ there should come every good thing." -My Savior Jesus Christ will bring all things good into this world. He did when He lived here and He will do it again when He returns. (Moroni 7:23) "...all things which are good cometh of Christ;" (Moroni 7:26) " ...by faith, they become the sons of God." In Mosiah 5:7 it also says, "because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called children of Christ," -It is so important to make covenants with our Father in Heaven and to keep them. We make covenants with Him at baptism and we make covenants with Him when we go to His Holy Temple. We also partake of the sacrament each week in church to "renew" our covenants and to remind us what we promised we would do and who we promised we would become. RENEW-To renovate; to restore t...
"Christ... the author and finisher of their faith." (Moroni 6:4) - Christ did EVERYTHING already. Bruce R. McConkie "Christ is the Author of Salvation. This means that he made salvation available to all men in that he worked out the infinite and eternal atonement. Paul's statement that Christ is 'the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him' (Heb. 5:9), as the marginal reading shows, means that he is the 'cause' thereof; that is, salvation is possible because of his atoning sacrifice; without this sacrifice there would be no salvation." (Mormon Doctrine, p. 66) (Moroni 7:3) "I would speak unto you that are of the church, that are the peaceable followers of Christ, and that have obtained a sufficient hope..." -How do we obtain a sufficient hope? What is sufficient? (Moroni 7:9) "...if he shall pray... not with real intent of heart;...it profiteth him nothing," - We need to be more conscious of the t...
- In Institute yesterday we were talking about the importance of the sacrament and that there are so many people in the church who don't understand the purpose or the importance of coming to the sacrament and partaking of it. We renew our covenants with God, not just our baptismal covenants but also the covenants we made in the temple with Him. We need to remember them and to remember what we are responsible for and most important reflection on what we need to improve on or do better at. - When we partake of the sacrament WORTHILY we are allowing Christ into us, both in a spiritual and a physical sense. We are asking Him to heal us and to make us more like He is. Are we allowing that to happen or do we just partake of the sacrament because that's what we do each week? "took upon themselves the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end." (Ether 6:3) - Taking upon ourselves the name of Christ is a big deal. It makes me think of our last names th...
- Moroni is alone. I have felt alone before but been around many people, I think it's interesting though that there were people around him but none that were or wanted to live the way he did. I think of that today, sometimes we are surrounded by people and yet feel alone in our beliefs, actions, and words because of the way we are trying to live. But it's important to ALWAYS REMEMBER that Christ is there for us always. I have a tendency to forget this and to rely on my own strength and knowledge which isn't much. "...they ordained them by the power of the Holy Ghost, which was in them." -What a blessing to have the Holy Ghost with us always as long as we are striving to live our lives to have Him with us. I also think of the men who hold the priesthood and have been loaned the power of God to bring to pass His gospel and His purpose. How much more could we achieve if we were to always live worthy of it and therefore grow closer to God? "Elder James E. T...
- People often rejected God's servants and Prophets that were sent to teach and testify to them what was to happen. In what ways today do we do that? We don't stone the Prophet or throw him our of our cities but in what ways do we likewise do these things to reject the Prophet and God's word? I feel like not listening or taking heed to His words and his counsel is the same thing today. When we don't do as we are asked we are doing as they did in old times when they rejected the prophets for telling them to live as our Father in Heaven would have them live. -The wicked receive strength and more power with their secret combinations. I never understand how those who are wicked receive strength more than those who are righteous. - I don't particularly like to read the many many war chapters in the Book of Mormon but it is interesting to compare the success or lack thereof when the people us the strength of God or when they go about using their own strength the...
Moroni testifies of Christ for his posterity and those who might read his writings, because of the marvelous miracles, visitations, and blessings he has received. We are also invited to "...seek this Jesus..." seek- To go in search or quest of; to look for; to search for by going from place to place. - To "seek this Jesus" takes more effort and time then I think we typically give it some days. If we were seeking for an answer or a cure for a sickness or for cancer for a loved one how hard would we seek? Would we go to the end of the world to read all the books we could about it or would we just rely on others and their knowledge? How can we better seek Him? And not only seek Him but find Him in our own lives? Blessing- happiness!!! :) 😁
"...faith is things which are hoped for and not seen;...for ye recieve no witness until after the trial of your faith." (Ether12:6) - God will bless us always but we are the ones who aren't trustworthy all the time so we have to do our part before he will bless us and give us what we need at that time. - Faith is one of the hardest things to get and yet I would think it would be one of the most rewarding to have unwavering faith and to work to wards a knowledge and true understanding of all things by living our lives righteously and by obeying the commands of God. We are asked to be meek, Neal A. Maxwell said, "Meekness ranks low on the mortal scale of things, yet high on God's: 'For none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart.' (Moroni 7:44.) The rigorous requirements of Christian discipleship are clearly unattainable without meekness. In fact, meekness is needed in order to be spiritually successful, whether in matters of the...
-It's interesting how some in the scriptures can have wicked parents and turn out good and rule righteously and some can have righteous parents and rule wicked? What is it today that we can do to have our kids stay in the gospel and to love and live it? -Why do we have to be told to things so many times? I think it is interesting also that we often times can't learn from the mistakes of others we have to learn from our own mistakes over and over again. When God tells us something to do or not to do to it should be obvious but not always is it, even to me. -How much faith do you have? How often are you willing to exercise your faith? - I can't imagine the miracles we would see every day or even recognize every day if we were to have greater faith in ou God. I'm sure there is so much more going on around us that we don't even know, recognize or can't even comprehend. Blessing- I had fun at my photo shoot
-Because the people had a righteous king to rule over them they were both " exceedingly strong " and " exceedingly rich ". I also think that God will bless us in the ways He sees fit when we are living our lives righteously. By better recognizing or trying to recognize our blessings we can become truly happy. It is easy to recognize not receiving blessings we wanted but that doesn't do us any good, but make us bitter and upset. - Let's look for extraordinary blessings in our lives, recognize daily the things the Lord gives us and does for us. -It's interesting how many times in the scriptures people fight or kill others in their own family for wealth or for the thrown. What does it mean to you to be in a family? Is it just a group of people you were stuck with or do you truly care about them? Blessing- I was blessed with a beautiful body and mind. (I am pretty and seek to be like my Savior)
-It's interesting that in the scriptures people become wicked and then they recognize their wickedness and repent and become better. -Today I don't feel like that happens, people don't recognize their great sin and that there is a need to change if they are happy, which is an artificial happiness. Ether 8:26 says, "...they may be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto the fountain of all righteousness and be saved." It's amazing the things people will do for power and recognition, from the beginning of time to today. It seems like God's people always take the same paths. Although in the scriptures they usually came from or had some kind of influence around them that was good that could turn them back to their Savior Jesus Christ and bring them back to Him. Blessing- Good nights rest!!
REND- To separate any substance into parts with force or sudden violence; to tear asunder; to split; as powder rends a rock in blasting; lightning rends an oak. "...when ye shall rend that veil of unbelief..." (Ether 4:15) - To get rid of all unbelief and to truly gain a knowledge of the Gospel and of my Savior Jesus Christ. -Often times we are told that or hear people say that God doesn't speak to His children and that revelations or God revealing Himself is of the past. Why do we put limitations on our God? Don't we think that if He want's to find a way to talk to us He will, and has done so? Do we even read the words like the Holy Bible, The Book of Mormon, and other amazing works to better understand what He wants from us and wants us to know? We can't get more until we have used what we have been given. -When the Jaredite's made it to the promise land they sang praises and gave thanks to God. Do we always give God credit for our accomplishment...
Faith- believing without seeing. - This can be a lot easier said than done. I find myself forgetting the promises given to me and doubting at times and then realizing like it says in Ether 3 that Heavenly Father is the "God of truth, and canst not lie." (Ether 3:12) So when we are promised something by Him it will come either in this life or in the next, but we also much be willing to listen to Him and live our lives according to his counsel. "...they who shall believe on my name;... shall become my sons and my daughters. " (Ether 3:14) - Do we truly believe in the name of Jesus Christ our Redeemer? That He has redeemed us from the fall and is the ultimate and only source of Salvation. What would that be like to be the brother of Jared and have "faith no longer, for he knew, nothing doubting." Ether 3:19 - I think that is a goal of everyone's but it is also a goal we can't achieve on our own. We must have for help and become humble to our...
"The Lord i s My Light" Lyrics 1. The Lord is my light; then why should I fear? By day and by night his presence is near. He is my salvation from sorrow and sin; This blessed assurance the Spirit doth bring. (Chorus) The Lord is my light; He is my joy and my song. By day and by night he leads, He leads me along. 2. The Lord is my light; tho clouds may arise, Faith, stronger than sight, looks up thru the skies Where Jesus forever in glory doth reign. Then how can I ever in darkness remain? 3. The Lord is my light; the Lord is my strength. I know in his might I'll conquer at length. My weakness in mercy he covers with pow'r, And, walking by faith, I am blest ev'ry hour. 4. The Lord is my light, my all and in all. There is in his sight no darkness at all. He is my Redeemer, my Savior, and King. With Saints and with angels his praises I'll sing. Text: James Nicholson, 1828-1876 Music: John R. Sweney, 1837-1899 ...
Ether 1:43 "...there shall be none greater than the nation which I will raise up unto me of thy seed, upon all the face of the earth." The United States of America was a chosen land and nation. We were chosen to bring forth the restoration of the gospel in these latter-days. Ether 2:13 has a condition with it; "Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, who hath been manifested by the things which we have written." -This is kind of scary in these days because there are so many people who don't believe in God or Jesus Christ and more and more all the time are turning to science and not to the miracles of the Almighty ones. The rising generation is so mixed, we have amazing strong youth and we also have those youth who want to be accepted so badly that they will do whatever it tak...
- Everyone one wants to live with God again after we complete our work in this life. But will we feel comfortable living with Him? What did we do to improve our lives and become more like our Savoir Jesus Christ? Or did we? We must improve our lives each day and if we don't know or aren't sure where to start, then pray. Heavenly Father has promised us that He will answer our prayers if we ask. Mormon 8:11 "But behold, I will show unto you a God of miracles ," -Heavenly Father has done and continues to do miracles for His children today. He uses His magnificent powers to give us blessings, to heal us, to create things every day for our sake. -I think often times we give science and scientists way to much credit. If it weren't for God we would have nothing. Yes, our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ created this world and all that is in it but he created just that "all that is in it". Just like Thomas Edison created the light bulb which we use every...
- Oh my goodness... When we are feeling bad for ourselves or lonely we should just read Mormon 8. It is so sad, this man that is so alone and writing to people who are not born yet and won't be for many many years. -Mormon 8:12, Moroni bears his testimony of the truth of the words written in the Book of Mormon and says that "were it possible, I would make all things known you." He would bear his witness to Gods people so that we would better understand what he went through and all he suffered and was at that point suffering. Mormon 8:22 "For the eternal puroses of the Lord shall roll on, until all his promises shall be fulfilled." cross reference D&C 4 Missionary scripture. We are all asked to do the work of God and to be HIs servant in fulfilling his purpose. He could do it alone but then we wouldn't get the blessings He wants us to have or the growth He wants us to have. Mormon 8:24- the word of God is so powerful it can protect us from harm o...
-Christ is the keeper of the gate and will be there to greet us when we pass on the other side. (Mormon 6:17) "O ye fair ones, how could ye have rejected that Jesus, who stood with open arms to receive you!" -That will be amazing to be in the arms of the Savior after fighting the fight here on earth and doing my best to do as was asked of me. Am I doing my part to know Him and to have a relationship with my Savior while I'm on earth so that I can and will recognize Him always? - We have been blessed because we are in the house of Israel that blessings will be bestowed upon us. We must follow the gospel and do our best to repent and come unto him. We are asked to; "come to the knowledge of your fathers..." "repent of all your sins and iniquities..." "believe in Jesus Christ..." (Mormon 7:5) Blessing- THE IDAHO FALLS TEMPLE IS REDEDICATED!!! I have my temple back!!!
The Nephites "did struggle for their lives without calling upon that Being who created them." (Mormon 5:2) - Are there times in our lives that we struggle and go through hard things without calling upon the Lord? The one that understands all and can truly help. Let's commit right now to call upon the Lord throughout our lives and include him in our struggles and our happy times. Whatever the Lord promises us will come to pass, for God cannot lie and will not bring His children down the path of destruction like Satan. We must believe what Heavenly Father has told us and promised us. Believe that we are His sons and daughters and that we have great potential to be like Him and to live with Him again. Don't give up on yourself, for God will NEVER give up on you. "...the seed of this people may more fully believe his gospel," (Momon 5:15) - What would this take to have more of Gods people believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ? We have missionaries out teachi...
"the Lord would not always suffer them to take happiness in their sin." (Mormon 2:13) - The Lord won't allow us to sin and be truly happy. We must find happiness among our trials and tribulations but not among sin and sinners. We have to change and become better every day. We must find ways to find joy and recognize the blessings we have been given in our life. Ammon clearly understood the difference between the strength of the Lord and mortal man's weakness. He testified: 'I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things' (Alma 26:12). -I need to remember this more often, that what I have been given is not because of anything I have done or deserve. It's so that God can use me to continue His work. I must stay positive in order to ensure His trust and ensure that I have a job " ...to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of...
Mormon is visited by Christ and "knew of the goodness of Jesus" (Mormon 1:15) -Do we have to have a visit from Christ to know of His goodness or does it just require on our part a desire to know Him and to have a relationship with Him? Blessing- Christ want's to have a relationship with me all I have to do is have the same desire and do my part.
-We are asked to become like our Savior; in so doing we need to repent, be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost in our lives and accept His help. This is what truly converts us to the gospel of Jesus Christ and brings us closer to Him in all things. -Because everyone was living the way they were asked they had a peace in the land and were able to feel "the love of God" (4 Nephi 1:15 in their lives. It also says about the people that "there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God." (4 Nephi 1:16) - a cross reference I love 2 Nephi 9: 39 The First Presidency "Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities." ("The Family: A Proclamation to the ...
-The Three Nephites have a great desire to stay on earth and bring God's children unto Him. What a righteous desire. What are my desires? Are they righteous? Are they in line with God's plan? "I have inquired of the Lord," (3 Nephi 28:37) - Even a Prophet of God asks our Heavenly Father for guidance and direction about things that trouble Him 3 Nephi 29:1, God will fulfill His promises, in His own time but He will fulfill them. -We are invited to turn away from evil ways and to follow our Saviors example. We have been blessed with text and amazing righteous leaders that guide us and direct us to how to change our lives and if we deny this blessing and the many other blessings we have been given it will allow us to recognize and receive more along the way. Blessing- Go camping with the family.
-Christ came down to earth and lived His life to show us exactly how to return to God and what we needed to do on this earth. Why do we make it so hard by not following His teachings or by not doing what we are asked? There is a plan there was a plan before we came down all we have to do is follow it. Think of this; putting a dresser together if you just start putting pieces together that look like they go together but you've never done it before it probably won't turn our right, the drawers won't fit, it will be crooked something will happen. But if we follow the plan already set out for us then we will have a nice upright functioning dresser. "...whatsoever things ye shall ask the Father in my name shall be given unto you." (3 Nephi 27:28) - This is a great promise that I have seen come true many times in my life. But often times I get frustrated because this also says between the lines that it will happen in God's timing and I don't understand that...
- Christ was sent solely to atone for our sins and to and to "draw all men unto" himself. How can we allow His sacrifice to not be in vain and to allow ourselves to change and become more like our Savior by following His example? What should we be working on because we want to be like him? (3 Nephi 37:19) " No unclean thing can enter into his kingdom ; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins , and their faithfulness unto the end." -There is a lot in this scripture that we are asked to do. First of all, we are given the sacrament in order to clean ourselves, renew our covenants and become united again with Christ and with the plan . No unclean can live with God again so we can't just be okay with our sins or our way of life we must repent and become a changed person. We are asked to wash our garments with blood; this is interesting be...
- Christ says to take His name and to also remember Him. How hard of a task is that really? We must also take it in respect and use it in respect. Name - Reputation; character; that which is commonly said of a person; as a good name; a bad name. - We are given the gospel of Jesus Christ in this day. We don't even have to work for it or to sacrifice our lives for the gospel like the people did in 1800's with the Prophet Joseph Smith so we should be more willing to sacrifice the little things we are asked to. - It's amazing to me how much more willing people are to believe in things like the rapture or even things from history that we don't have anything but writings about and yet they don't believe in our Savior Jesus Christ who died for them and suffered that they don't have to if they would believe and repent. What it's like the scripture in Helaman 8 tat is talking about the people who were asked to look at the "brazen serpent" and yet were...
-We are given scriptures to expand our understanding and knowledge. If we read them it is promised that "then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them." (3 Nephi 26:9) So as we do the things we are asked to do we will be blessed with more knowledge and wisdom from our Father in Heaven. -3 Nephi 26:10; if we don't believe the things that are revealed unto us and do the things we are asked why do we think or believe that we will believe or do things that are greater? -God will reveal to us great and marvelous things if we are ready and if we pray ernistly to have a better understanding and desire to know His will. 3 Nephi 27:1 "the disciples were gathered together and were united in mighty prayer and fasting." -Can you imagine the miracles that could take place if we were united as a church, fasted and prayed more often and did as we were asked by our leaders? I love the phrase mighty prayer, it wasn't a casual ask for things thank God for ...
- Heavenly Father has asked us to pay 10% to Him for all He gives to us. Is it hard? More importantly is it worth it. both of those answers are YES!! Who can give us more than God? Who else will do exactly as they promise? 3 Ne 24:10 prove me now herewith...if I will not open you the windows of heaven Gordon B. Hinckley said, "That is a wonderful promise. There is no other promise in all the world like that one in terms of the temporal salvation of the people of this Church, my brethren and sisters. I did not make it. The Lord made it and He has the power to keep His promises. It is my testimony to you that He does so. Let us live honestly with the Lord for the remainder of our lives and I do not hesitate to say that we will so be blessed." (Church News, 01/03/98) -What an amazing quote. God cannot lie so to do as he asks will bring great blessings. Let's be honest God doesn't need our money or anything we have but he wants our heart and willingness to do as He...
-If we don't do as we are asked and told then we are living idly through life. What is the point of life if we aren't trying to be better and do better? "search the prophets" - I love this phrase. It doesn't mean just listen to Generals conference and read the Ensign but truly search what they are saying, apply it to our life and change to be better. Are we using the tools our Father in Heaven has given us to bring us closer to Him and to make us a better people? "...who may abide the day of his coming, and who shall stand when he appeareth?" (3 Nephi 24:2) -Who is going to be the faithful followers of Christ and going to still be standing strong when He comes? Blessing- Christ sees more potential in us than we see in ourselves.
- It's amazing how many times we are invited by Christ to repent, come unto him, and obey his words and commandments. We as a people obviously have a hard time with this doctrine and need more guidance and direction when it comes to this. "I will establish my church among them." (3 Nephi 21:22) - These people were wicked and were not doing as was asked of them and yet Christ believed in them and did was needed to bring them back to Him. I need to remember that Christ has a plan and that everything will be fair and work out in the end. "the father among all nations in preparing the way whereby his people may be gathered home... This scripture is talking about gathering them home to the place of their inheritance, where their ancestors were. But I was thinking about our heavenly home with my Father in Heaven and Savior Jesus Christ. Heavenly Father has prepared a way for us to return to His home and to live with Him again someday. I am so thankful for this plan...
"And it shall come to pass that the time cometh, when the fulness of my gospel shall be preached unto them; And they shall believe in me, that I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and shall pray unto the Father in my name." (3 Nephi 20:30-31) Gordon B. Hinckley "Put on thy beautiful garments, O daughters of Zion. Live up to the great and magnificent inheritance which the Lord God, your Father in Heaven, has provided for you. Rise above the dust of the world. Know that you are daughters of God, children with a divine birthright. Walk in the sun with your heads high, knowing that you are loved and honored, that you are a part of his kingdom, and that there is for you a great work to be done which cannot be left to others." (Ensign, November 1983, pp. 83-84.) -This gives me strength, motivation, and determination to make a difference and be an instrument in the hand of God. Just Do It!!! We are asked to "not harden (our) hearts,... repent and come unto (Chr...
Henry B. Eyring said, "I pray that you and I will make the choices today and tomorrow and as long as we live that will bring the influence of the Holy Ghost into our lives in the service of the Master. I testify that as we do, we will feel the cleansing that comes through the Savior's atonement, and with it the confidence that we are coming unto him. And when we are there, with him and sanctified, we shall never hunger or thirst again." (To Draw Closer to God, p. 58 - 59) - I love this quote and the promise we are given. I need this every day in my life, I seek for it and try to live my life worthy of the spirit every day. What are things that can always be improved on? What do I need to do? Blessing- I have great friends that are here to help me in times of need.
-The scriptures are amazing the peace they can bring to you for just reading them and applying them to your life. Life isn't easy, it wasn't meant to be but Christ knows what you need at any given time and will bring you comfort when you need it the most. -The people in 3 Nephi 19 "prayed for that thing which they most desired...the Holy Ghost" (3 Nephi 19:9) What do my prayers consist of? Do I pray for things that are good for me and that I want the most? Do I ask if they are good for me? Am I praying in the attitude of prayer to understand and do God's will? " pray on. .." Jesus said. -In what ways can we be more diligent in our prayers and truly understand the importance of them? Faith it's the key to believing and to a better understanding of this life. With faith, we grow and gain knowledge that we need to become who God wants us to become. Blessing- Heavenly Father knows me and loves me.
Christ commands us to obey the commandments, pray unto the father, and repent and be baptized. 3 Nephi 18:20 says, "A nd whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you." - I have never fully understood this scripture because it's saying if I pray for it I will receive it if it is right in God's eyes. I pray for a lot of things and often times I don't get it. How do we better a line our will with God's? - I think often we believe in Christ but we don't believe Christ. I know sometimes when I don't get what I want it's hard to believe Him and be patient with His timing. Bible Dictionary; prayer- "The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obt...
-In what ways can I make the sacrament more meaningful each week? What can I do to redirect my attention and my mind on things that are important? -What is so symbolic of Christ breaking the bread why do we cut bread today and not break it? -We are to partake of the sacrament "in remembrance" so that we " always remember" him. (3 Nephi 18:11) I don't thin we truly understand how important this commandment is. It is not only important for us to live but to improve on each and every day especially as we partake of the sacrament each week. We should as we partake of the sacrament each week recommit ourselves to remember Christ in our lives and to live accordingly. I have always had questions about the wine vs the grape juice this is a good explanation; Christ also contrasted the wine he drank at the last supper with the grape juice which he will drink with the righteous in the kingdom of God, But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of...
- I have been trying to improve my prayers a lot in the last year or so. I can't imagine what it would have been like to hear Christ pray to His Father, to witness and hear a perfect prayer. What are things we can do? I think having something specific each day that has been on our mind or a question we can go to Him with would help instead of just thanking Him and praying for the same things every time. -What would it have been like to hear with your own ears Christ praying to the Father for you? I can imagine I would be an emotional mess, as I am reminded of the love He has for me and the hope and plans He has for me and my life. - Christ asked that the little children be brought to Him, then He blessed them. This is interesting because little children will believe what they hear and what you tell them. They trust you fully. That is why Christ has instructed us to be as little children and to be more teachable and willing to listen. They are also a lot more humble and willing to...
Gordon B. Hinckley said, "We all do a lot of studying, but most of us don't do much meditation. We don't take time to think. I'd like to suggest that next fast day . . . everybody in this hall set aside an hour or two. Sit by yourself. Go in the bedroom and lock the door. Go out in the yard under a tree. Go in your study if you have one and shut the door, and think about yourself and your worthiness. Read from this great book [Book of Mormon]...There's a great word that's used, 'ponder.' "'Ponder.' What do we mean by 'ponder'? Well, I think it simply means kind of quietly thinking things through. Ponder what you have read. Ponder your life. Are you worthy, are you living the commandments...?" (Church News, 01/06/96) -Christ commanded them to; 1. " ponder upon the things which I have said, 2. ask the Father, in my name, that ye many understand, 3. prepare your minds for the morrow ," (3 Nephi 17:3) -The thing...
- It's interesting in this chapter that it talks about the scattering of Israel and the gathering. Why did God allow the people to be scattered just together them all up again in the end? (Matthew 20:16) "So the last shall be first and the first last: for many be called but few chosen." When it is talking about the gospel being preached to the gentiles will not receive it or accept it. They got the opportunity first when Christ was on the earth to receive it and they rejected it and the Savior now they will be last. "O house of Israel, and ye shall come unto the knowledge of the fullness of my gospel." -I didn't realize how amazing this phrase is. It's talking about the restored gospel, fullness means the whole gospel, not just parts of it that man have decided are the most important. It is more, far more than a city that focuses on social problems and solutions in fallen man's social programs. 'Other attempts to promote universal peace ...
-Christ has given the opportunity to everyone and continues to give the opportunity to everyone to hear His gospel and to live it. Those who don't hear it on the earth will have the chance to in the next life. It's amazing to me the more I learn about God's plan how perfect it is. I am so thankful for the opportunity to continue to strengthen my testimony and knowledge of the Plan of Salvation. Blessing- I have been blessed with an amazing body and I'm able to accomplish God's will with it.
"Judge not, that ye be not judged." (3 Nephi 13:1) -In Matt 7:1 it says, " Judge not unrighteously, that ye be not judged." but judge righteous judgment. - I haven't always understood this but in my life within the last year or so I have come to a better understanding of what this means. We must judge to keep ourselves safe, and we must judge in order to stay away from or not engage in things or people who aren't living their life the way you want to. -The scriptures tell us that by their fruit ye shall know them. (3 Nephi 14:20) What are some indications or signs that we can recognize or identify someone of good standing who has good fruit or is teaching us the things of the Lord? I feel the best way to tell is if you can feel the spirit and it makes you feel good, want to change, and want to share it with others. How can we better do God's will and become more like our Savior? I know that there are ways to improve each of our lives to become m...
3 Nephi 13:8; "...for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him." -What does this mean exactly? I've learned about needs vs wants my whole life and I'm sure my definition of them is totally different compared to the Lord. I know that God knows all things and that He just wants us to do our part and have faith in Him to ask Him for things. I should ask Him more often what is good for me and what I need, what blessings and desires I should have in my life. "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven," Bruce R. McConkie said "While yet on earth men may lay up treasures in heaven. These treasures earned here and now in mortality, are in effect deposited to our eternal bank account in heaven where eventually they will be reinherited again in immortality. Treasures in heaven are the character, perfections, and attributes which men acquire by obedience to law. Thus, those who gain such attributes of godliness as knowledge, faith...
Christ is asking us to come to him and be saved. But we must know Him and know his gospel in order for Him to accept Him as a child of God. -Christ asked us to "take up your cross," We are asked to do our part and to bring our best self and our best efforts to the table. Ezra Taft Benson "Yes, the Lord Jesus Christ liberated man from the world, by the pure gospel of love. He demonstrated that man, through a love of God, and through kindness and charity to his fellows, could achieve his highest potential...His charge to return good for evil is still the greatest challenge to the mind of man. At the same time it is man's greatest weapon."(So Shall Ye Reap, p. 6) -I really like this quote by President Benson, It helps me remember that we are all children of God and by doing what we know we should like treating others kindly it brings us closer to God. I think we will grow even more when those we are trying to serve don't like us or are continually mean ...
Delbert Stapley "One of the best compliments an individual can say of another is that he or she is the 'salt of the earth.' It is most meaningful and suggests unquestioned Christlike character and conduct, uprightness, honesty, spirituality, sincerity of purpose, dignity, and other noble character virtues and qualities patterned after the divine nature of our Heavenly Father." (Conference Report, Oct. 1964, p. 65) 3 Nephi 12:13 the salt of the earth - a person or group of people of great kindness, reliability, or honesty. -Heavenly Father has given us all special gifts and responsibilities in order to use those gifts. I love 3 Nephi 12:16, it is a good reminder to be an example to those and to always be doing what you should because you never know who is using your light that day. I believe there are probably days that our lights are bright and we are able to light the path for others and I also believe that there are days that we are struggling and our light p...
Russell M. Nelson quoted Elder Mark E. Peterson in regards to 3 Nephi 12:6 " ...blessed are they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost." " 'Do you know what it is to be really hungry? Do you know what it is to really be thirsty? Do you desire righteousness as you would desire food under extreme conditions or drink under extreme conditions? [The Savior] expects us to literally hunger and thirst after righteousness and seek it with all our hearts!' " -I haven't ever been really truly hungry or thirsty in a physical sense, but I have been in a spiritual sense. Wanting and yearning or answer to prayers and questions I desire to know more about, we also need to though as the scriptures say to hunger and thirst after righteousness and seek it. We need to work at it, it isn't just going to come because we want it to or because we asked for it. I love this quote, I even wrote some of it down and put ...
- Baptism is so important, it is so sad that the world looks at it as something that just needs to be done so they baptize babies and "forgive" those who are on their death bed. Life wasn't meant to be that easy. Baptism is a changing of our whole person, our whole being and to change and become more like God we must be baptized and have a mighty change of heart and mind. If we get baptized and go back to our old ways it is a mockery to God. Joseph Smith said, "There is but one baptism; it takes the baptism of water, of the Holy Ghost, and of fire to constitute one full baptism." (Hyrum L. Andrus and Helen Mae Andrus, They Knew the Prophet, p. 51 Blessing- sunsine
-I love that the Book of Mormon, it explains that baptism is very important for the remission of sins, that it needs to be done by one holding authority, and it must be done by immersion. These truths were lost to others during The Great Apostacy and need to be restored to the earth in order to accomplish the work of the Lord. The Gospel of Jesus Christ was made simple enough for a child to understand and we are asked to learn it and live it to the fullest. We have been given so many amazing resources that we don't really have any reason to not know the gospel and not understand what is expected of us today and to return to live with God again. Blessing- The Gospel brings strength to my life.
Henry B. Eyring "Now, I testify it is a small voice. It whispers not shouts. And so you must be very quiet inside. That is why you may wisely fast when you want to listen. And that is why you will listen best when you feel, 'Father, thy will, not mine, be done.' You will have a feeling of 'I want what you want.' Then, the still small voice will seem as if it pierces you. It may make your bones to quake. More often it will make your heart burn within which will lift and reassure." (Ensign, May 1991, p. 67 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 409-10) -This is so necessary for each of us but also so very hard so tell God "Thy will be done." Essentially God's will happens anyways but if we accept it and go with what He has for us and wants for us then our lives will be so much easier and better off. -The Savior appears to the people in the Americas and they are able to see Him and hear His ...
Christ is asking the people how often do I have to gather you up and bring you into my fold? Why don't we just do as He has shown us and asks instead of being stubborn and doing our own things and living in our own way? "...and their mourning was turned to joy, and their lamentations into the praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord Jesus Christ, their Redeemer." (# Nephi 10:10) -Does it take natural disasters or miserable trials we go through to bring us to praise and thank Christ or do we strive to thank and praise Him every day? In what ways can I improve? "he that hath the scriptures, let him search them," (3 Nephi 10:14) -We are asked to search the scriptures and find ways to improve our lives, not just read them and put them away for the day. It doesn't tell us anywhere to read the scriptures but to search them. The Prophet Joseph Smith counseled: 'Search the scriptures-search the revelations ... and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of...
Christ is talking to the people in many cities about being destroyed and also said, "O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous then they will not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?" (3 Nephi 9:10) Christ has promised us may times in the scriptures that if we would follow His example, live His gospel the way He has asked us to we will be saved. In this scripture he is asking us to come unto Him, repent and be converted then he promises to heal us. -The people heard the voice of the Lord Jesus Christ. What would that be like to be on earth and hear His voice? I think if we were doing as these people were I would be scared to death. They weren't doing what they should have been doing and needed to repent. But it would be comforting if I were there back then and I was part of the righteous group in the cities. "I came unto my own, and my own received me not." (3 Nephi 9:16) -How sad is that? Chris...
Hartman Rector Jr. "The prophet Mormon stated very plainly what I like to call the qualification for the performance of miracles. It is recorded in 3 Nephi...'there was not any man who could do a miracle in the name of Jesus save he were cleansed every whit from his iniquity.' "So this is the qualification: we must be cleansed every whit from our iniquity. When I first read this passage of scripture, I felt to say 'Hurray for repentance!' for if it were not for repentance, there would be no miracles performed." (Conference Report, Apr. 1970, p. 103) "cleansed every whit from his iniquity" (3 Nephi 7:1) -Where would we be if it weren't for repentance? Do we take advantage of it? Do we recognize when we need to repent and do so? It talks about the prophecy coming to past and the land changing and the earth having mountains and valley's because of the promises the Lord made if they did not repent of their sins. Blessing- My ...
3 Nephi 7:16, "began to testify boldly, repentance and remission of sins through faith on the Lord Jesus Christ. " - What is the difference in having faith "on the Lord Jesus Christ" and in the Lord Jesus Christ? https://www.lds.org/topics/faith?lang=eng&old=true says, Having faith in Jesus Christ means relying completely on Him — trusting in His infinite power, intelligence, and love. It includes believing His teachings. It means believing that even though we do not understand all things, He does. Because He has experienced all our pains, afflictions, and infirmities, He knows how to help us rise above our daily difficulties (see Alma 7:11-12; D&C 122:8). He has “overcome the world” (John 16:33) and prepared the way for us to receive eternal life. He is always ready to help us as we remember His plea: “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (D&C 6:36). - Nephi is trying to teach the people and it says "for so great was his fa...
Te gathering of Isreal is happening right now as we do missionary work. 2 Nephi 5:26 talks about it and says, "then shall they be gathered in from the four quarters of the earth unto their own lands," . It makes me wonder if everyone who has come to the United States will have to go back to their homeland? When will this take place, all at once or a little at a time? -It's interesting reading about Satan and the influence that he has on God's children because he always uses his same tactics with every generation. He doesn't change anything he does, he uses worldly treasures or riches and pride most of the time to pull God's children away from the path. As soon as people get these things they stop doing what has been asked of them; reading our scriptures, praying, going to church, paying our tithing serving others around us... You would think that we could figure this out after thousands of years of the same stuff, but he still gets us. -What can we change...
-The Nephites have always had great struggles and they continue to go from being very faithful to having not faith and not believing in the gospel or in our Savior. What would it or does it take for us to doubt or to stop believing in things that we "knew" at one point? They did also repent "and did serve God with all diligence day and night." (3 Nephi 5:3) That takes a lot of dedication to serve God day and night. I try to do what's right and what is asked of me but I don't always serve God day and night. - I love the next verse (vs 4) they did capture prisoners and then sent missionaries into prison to preach to them the word of God. What a good tactic, lock up your investigators and then they have no choice but to listen. :) "Disciple is a term that denotes pupil or learner, an adherent to the principles and doctrine espoused by a teacher. To be a disciple of Jesus Christ, as He taught, is no trivial matter. "Christ unequivocally declared...