Past Feeling

In the book of Mormon, the prophet Nephi has two wicked brothers, Laman and Lemuel. He continually tries to persuade them to be righteous. In 1 Nephi 17:45, he tells them:

"Ye are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord your God. Ye have seen an angel, and he spake unto you; yea, ye have heard his voice from time to time; and he hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words; wherefore, he has spoken unto you like unto the voice of thunder, which did cause the earth to shake as if it were to divide asunder."

This scripture helps us examine ourselves. Are we past feeling? Have we become numb to the promptings of the Holy Ghost? We must carefully consider the choices we make on a daily basis and ask ourselves; if the Spirit were to talk to me right now, would I be listening?

I testify that there are things on a daily basis that Heavenly Father would have you know--we just need to make sure that we are listening.

The Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon is the most convincing evidence we have of the truthfulness of this church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is the keystone of our religion.

In the introduction to the book, it reads:

"We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10:3-5)"

 Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, of the Quorum of the Twelve, adds his own testimony of the Book of Mormon in this video.

I add my testimony to that of members everywhere. The Book of Mormon is true. The book testifies of the divinity of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It truly is the word of God. For those wondering what it's all about, click here to order a free copy.

Let Us Labor Diligently

Anything worthwhile requires much diligence. This is especially true for living the Gospel. It is not always easy to do the things we are asked, but there are many blessings in store for those who remain diligent.

 In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Mormon writes:

"And now, my beloved son, notwithstanding their hardness, let us labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought under condemnation; for we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God. " (Moroni 9:6)

 "We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become." -Elder Richard G. Scott

So, you want to be a better singer? Start singing. You want to be a better runner? Start running. Above all, if you want to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ, then start doing the things that He would have you do. Read your scriptures, say your prayers, attend church, keep the commandments, and most importantly, do what Christ would do "at all times and in all things, and in all places". (Mosiah 10:9)

Be diligent to the end.

Experiment Upon the Word

Gaining a testimony of anything requires faith. You may feel like you don't have sufficient faith, or maybe you feel like you don't have any faith at all. To those people who are struggling to gain a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, listen to the words Alma, a prophet from the Book of Mormon, teaches:

"And now as I said concerning faith--faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true."

"But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words." (Alma 32:21,27)

As Alma said, faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things. You may feel like the most cynical or disbelieving person, but I promise that if you will take Alma's promise to "experiment upon the word" and "exercise a particle of faith", you too can find the peace and happiness that only the Gospel of Jesus Christ brings. After all, Christ did not come to redeem just some of mankind--He came for you too.

"Faith is like a little seed, if planted it will grow"

Follow the Prophet

This weekend, we have the wonderful opportunity to hear from our Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, as well as the twelve apostles and other general authorities of the church. This event is called General Conference and is held twice a year.

Prophets are a crucial part to the Lord's church. When the Lord has something important to give to the church and the world as a whole, He tells us through His prophet.

"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7)

Unfortunately, many people are slow to hearken to a prophet's voice. They may dislike the counsel he gives, or lack a testimony that he truly is a prophet of God.

In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Samuel warned the people of rejecting the prophet.

"And now when ye talk, ye say: If our days had been in the days of our fathers of old, we would not have slain the prophets; we would not have stoned them, and cast them out.

"Behold ye are worse than they; for as the Lord liveth, if a prophet come among you and declareth unto you the word of the Lord, which testifieth of your sins and iniquities, ye are angry with him, and cast him out and seek all manner of ways to destroy him; yea, you will say that he is a false prophet, and that he is a sinner, and of the devil, because he testifieth that your deeds are evil.

"But behold, if a man shall come among you and shall say: Do this, and there is no iniquity; do that and ye shall not suffer; yea, he will say: Walk after the pride of your own hearts; yea, walk after the pride of your eyes, and do whatsoever your heart desireth--and if a man shall come among you and say this, ye will receive him, and say that he is a prophet." (Helaman 13:25-27)

I testify that Thomas S. Monson is a Prophet of the Lord. The words that he speaks and the revelation he receives are for all those on the earth--not just members of the church. Let us be grateful for the blessing of having prophets and for continued revelation from our Heavenly Father in our day.

To learn more about watching General Conference this weekend, click here.

Can Ye Feel So Now?

"And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?" (Alma 5:26)

I think it's safe to say that people all around the world, both in and out of the church, could tell you of a significant spiritual experience they've had in their life. Many have felt God's love and presence, and have had the Holy Ghost testify truth to them. The question that Alma, a prophet from the Book of Mormon asks is:

Can ye feel so now?

Spiritual drought has become an epidemic among people everywhere. When we rely on rare, "lightning bolt" types of experiences, our testimonies grow weak and frail. We may question things we have previously known or even doubt God's existence.

Quentin L. Cook said,

"Many who are in a spiritual drought and lack commitment have not necessarily been involved in major sins or transgressions, but they have made unwise choices. Some are casual in their observance of sacred covenants. Others spend most of their time giving first-class devotion to lesser causes. Some allow intense cultural or political views to weaken their allegiance to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some have immersed themselves in Internet materials that magnify, exaggerate, and, in some cases, invent shortcomings of early Church leaders. Then they draw incorrect conclusions that can affect testimony. Any who have made these choices can repent and be spiritually renewed."

It is never too late to have a "mighty change of heart" and to "sing the song of redeeming love" that comes when we obey the commandments of God and do as He's asked of us. Let us all remember our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and cling closely to the covenants we have made with Him.

       

Read the entire talk by Elder Quentin L. Cook here.

The Testimony of Two

Our Heavenly Father has provided us many times with the testimony of two.

First, the testimony of two nations. The Bible and the Book of Mormon both testify of Christ.

Second, the testimony of two witnesses, such as missionaries that go in pairs of two to testify of Jesus Christ and his restored gospel.

Last of all, he gives individuals two testimonies within themselves, so that the strength of it is not based upon just logic, or just feelings.

"Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart." (Doctrine and Covenants 8:2)

When the Holy Ghost testifies of truth to us, it tells us in our minds and hearts--not just one or the other. This way, we can feel the truth, and also understand it.

For those looking for a testimony of the restored gospel, I can testify that you can know of assurety in your mind and in your heart. You can receive the knowledge to understand it, and the peace in your heart that only the gospel brings.