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Showing posts with label Thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thoughts. Show all posts
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Thursday, September 18, 2025
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
Monday, July 3, 2023
Six Reasons We Really Do Need the Church!
By Eric B. Murdock and Joshua J. Perkey
Church Magazines - August 2018
A lot of things in life are optional. But to become the person you were meant to be, you have to follow the plan Heavenly Father has made for you.
Have you ever heard someone ask why we have a church? Or maybe why we need one? Why can’t they just be spiritual on their own—go to the mountains or the beach or another special place and feel close to God—and call it good?
It’s certainly true that you can be close to God wherever you are (in fact, it’s a really good idea!), but Heavenly Father has so much more in store for you than generic spirituality. He wants you to become the best you can be. In fact, He wants you to inherit all that He has and gain eternal life. And He has a plan and an organization so you can do that. The plan is the plan of salvation, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the organization—“the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth” (D&C 1:30).
Here are six reasons why we really do need the Church.
1. To Learn and Participate in the Gospel of Jesus Christ
One of the blessings of being a member of the Church is that we can learn the fulness of the gospel (see D&C 1:17–23). If we have a sincere desire to learn, and if we are humble, prayerful, diligent, and obedient, we can gain a testimony and have hope in the Resurrection and in the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Through Church leaders and Church materials, we also learn about other essential doctrine, including the Restoration of the gospel, the calling of prophets today, and the true nature of the Godhead. Living in accordance with true doctrine brings us joy and happiness.
2. To Receive Essential Ordinances and Covenants
Heavenly Father’s work is to “bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). But sometimes we might forget that His work requires some work on our part too! We qualify for the blessings of eternal life by obedience to the ordinances and covenants of the gospel. President Russell M. Nelson has said: “We cannot wish our way into the presence of God. We are to obey the laws upon which those blessings are predicated [see D&C 130:20–21].”1
The ordinances we participate in and the covenants we make are necessary for us to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father and live with Him. Those ordinances and covenants require the priesthood—which is available only in God’s true Church. Without those covenants, we’d be lost.
Through the Church leaders, the Lord can administer His work and minister to His children. Without such leadership, all kinds of false ideas and teachings would threaten to lead us into dark, forbidden paths. In other words, to help us know how to achieve eternal life, we need the protection provided by truly called and ordained prophets and apostles. That happens only in His Church.
Church Magazines - August 2018
A lot of things in life are optional. But to become the person you were meant to be, you have to follow the plan Heavenly Father has made for you.
Have you ever heard someone ask why we have a church? Or maybe why we need one? Why can’t they just be spiritual on their own—go to the mountains or the beach or another special place and feel close to God—and call it good?
It’s certainly true that you can be close to God wherever you are (in fact, it’s a really good idea!), but Heavenly Father has so much more in store for you than generic spirituality. He wants you to become the best you can be. In fact, He wants you to inherit all that He has and gain eternal life. And He has a plan and an organization so you can do that. The plan is the plan of salvation, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the organization—“the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth” (D&C 1:30).
Here are six reasons why we really do need the Church.
1. To Learn and Participate in the Gospel of Jesus Christ
One of the blessings of being a member of the Church is that we can learn the fulness of the gospel (see D&C 1:17–23). If we have a sincere desire to learn, and if we are humble, prayerful, diligent, and obedient, we can gain a testimony and have hope in the Resurrection and in the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Through Church leaders and Church materials, we also learn about other essential doctrine, including the Restoration of the gospel, the calling of prophets today, and the true nature of the Godhead. Living in accordance with true doctrine brings us joy and happiness.
2. To Receive Essential Ordinances and Covenants
Heavenly Father’s work is to “bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). But sometimes we might forget that His work requires some work on our part too! We qualify for the blessings of eternal life by obedience to the ordinances and covenants of the gospel. President Russell M. Nelson has said: “We cannot wish our way into the presence of God. We are to obey the laws upon which those blessings are predicated [see D&C 130:20–21].”1
The ordinances we participate in and the covenants we make are necessary for us to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father and live with Him. Those ordinances and covenants require the priesthood—which is available only in God’s true Church. Without those covenants, we’d be lost.
3. To Help Each Other Along the Way
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught, “A major reason the Lord has a church is to create a community of Saints that will sustain one another in the ‘strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life’ [2 Nephi 31:18].”2
At church, we can develop caring relationships with others. We can help each other get through tough times as we lead, guide, and walk beside each other (see “I Am a Child of God,” Hymns, no. 301; Ephesians 2:19). Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said, “We are all children of God, and we must teach each other; we must help each other ‘find the way.’”3 The Church is the perfect place to do that!
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught, “A major reason the Lord has a church is to create a community of Saints that will sustain one another in the ‘strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life’ [2 Nephi 31:18].”2
At church, we can develop caring relationships with others. We can help each other get through tough times as we lead, guide, and walk beside each other (see “I Am a Child of God,” Hymns, no. 301; Ephesians 2:19). Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said, “We are all children of God, and we must teach each other; we must help each other ‘find the way.’”3 The Church is the perfect place to do that!
4. To Help Families Qualify for Eternal Life
Another major reason we have the Church is to help families qualify for eternal life. The sealing ordinance in the temple allows families to be together forever. For that to happen, we have to live worthy to receive those blessings. The Church helps families help each other do that.
As Elder Christofferson has taught, “The point of gospel teaching and priesthood ordinances administered by the Church is that families may qualify for eternal life.”4 Thus, the Church helps us live up to those covenants—and helps us support each other along the way.
5. To Bless People All over the World
Elder Christofferson said that as we work together in the Church, Heavenly Father can “achieve needful things that cannot be accomplished by individuals or smaller groups.”5
Did you know that every year for the past 30 years, the Church has donated US$40 million worth of welfare and humanitarian aid and service projects? The generous donations and volunteer service that Church members offer accomplishes things that could be done in no other way.
Through our extraordinary missionary program, missionaries share the light of the gospel with people all over the world. Nearly 105,000 missionaries (including young adults and seniors) are serving. Wow! That’s more people than the population of some cities!
And because of members’ charitable donations, the Church has the resources to build temples all over the world. As of April 2018, there were 182 temples in operation, under construction, or announced.
Another major reason we have the Church is to help families qualify for eternal life. The sealing ordinance in the temple allows families to be together forever. For that to happen, we have to live worthy to receive those blessings. The Church helps families help each other do that.
As Elder Christofferson has taught, “The point of gospel teaching and priesthood ordinances administered by the Church is that families may qualify for eternal life.”4 Thus, the Church helps us live up to those covenants—and helps us support each other along the way.
5. To Bless People All over the World
Elder Christofferson said that as we work together in the Church, Heavenly Father can “achieve needful things that cannot be accomplished by individuals or smaller groups.”5
Did you know that every year for the past 30 years, the Church has donated US$40 million worth of welfare and humanitarian aid and service projects? The generous donations and volunteer service that Church members offer accomplishes things that could be done in no other way.
Through our extraordinary missionary program, missionaries share the light of the gospel with people all over the world. Nearly 105,000 missionaries (including young adults and seniors) are serving. Wow! That’s more people than the population of some cities!
And because of members’ charitable donations, the Church has the resources to build temples all over the world. As of April 2018, there were 182 temples in operation, under construction, or announced.
6. To Establish the Kingdom of God on the Earth
One of the most important reasons God established a church is that it is the kingdom of God here on the earth (see D&C 65). The Lord bestowed upon Joseph Smith and all the prophets and apostles since him the keys of the priesthood. Elder Christofferson taught, “In the authority of these keys, the Church’s priesthood officers preserve the purity of the Savior’s doctrine and the integrity of His saving ordinances.”6
One of the most important reasons God established a church is that it is the kingdom of God here on the earth (see D&C 65). The Lord bestowed upon Joseph Smith and all the prophets and apostles since him the keys of the priesthood. Elder Christofferson taught, “In the authority of these keys, the Church’s priesthood officers preserve the purity of the Savior’s doctrine and the integrity of His saving ordinances.”6
Through the Church leaders, the Lord can administer His work and minister to His children. Without such leadership, all kinds of false ideas and teachings would threaten to lead us into dark, forbidden paths. In other words, to help us know how to achieve eternal life, we need the protection provided by truly called and ordained prophets and apostles. That happens only in His Church.
Saturday, August 21, 2021
The Work of His Hands . . .
These pictures of me were taken one year apart. One on Saturday, August 15, 2020, in Houston, Texas, at 2:35 PM. The other on Sunday, August 15, 2021, in Maricopa, Arizona, also at 2:35 PM. Looking at them both now, you can't see much of a difference. You can tell I'm outside instead of inside, you can tell I'm wearing a different dress, and that I'm maybe a little older....but that's about it! What you can't tell is the story that transpired between these two pictures. What you can't tell is all that awaited the innocent, unknowing me in 2020, and all that the current me has overcome in this past year through my Savior.
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Some of you may know what I am referring to. Tomorrow is my one year anniversary since the attack. It's been called my "undead day," my "re-birthday," the "day of miracles," the "day of protection," and so many other things. As you can imagine, my heart is overflowing with thoughts and emotions, and I can't wait to share many of the stories and miracles from this past year with you all tomorrow.
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However, as I got ready this morning, I couldn't help but also stop to appreciate the significance of today. August 15th was, for a long time and maybe forever, the last day of my "normal." It was the last day with no trauma. The last day with no scars. The last day of being a normal teenager with a normal body serving as a normal missionary. It was my last day serving in the Texas Houston Mission. I went to bed on August 15th completely naive to how that night would change my life forever.
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Now I do, and will always, have scars--mentally and physically. Now I did, and will always, have experienced attempted murder. Now I am, and will always be, a trauma survivor. I used to look at this picture of myself on August 15th and feel a sort of longing in my soul. To me, it represented what was and could never be again. The innocent, the unbroken, the unexpecting.
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And it's true that me on this August 15th is different than the me on the last, but it's not because I can never be who I once was. It's because I'm everything I was in that blue dress and so much more. It's because I learned once that Jesus Christ doesn't just heal. He restores.
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For the longest time after the attack, I clung to the idea that Jesus was the Master Healer. That He really COULD bind up my wounds, help me walk, remove my pain. But inside I was still struggling to accept the change. Even if the wounds were sealed..... scars would still remain. Even if I could walk again, I'd never have the same endurance as before. Even if my pain went away, it could still come back again.
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And then one day the Spirit spoke to me and said, "Jesus is not just the Master Healer. He is the Restorer." He doesn't just bind up our wounds but gives us the same perfect peace we had before the injury with a greater peace in Him because of them! He doesn't just repair us until we're good enough to stand alone; He brings us back to the same strength we had before and then adds His strength to it! He doesn't just help us fix the current pain but gives us the same relief we enjoyed previously with a greater capacity to withstand in the future!
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As I look back after one year now, I can truly say that Jesus Christ has not only healed, but restored me. I have learned in the most powerful way that there is no man nor force on this earth that possesses the power to take from us what God has bestowed. Christ has brought back everything that was lost. I am back doing what I was a year ago, serving in His wondrous work as His representative, with all the joy and strength I had before, but a more perfect hope in Him because of what I've been through. I am so grateful for all that was taken from me. Because Christ has restored it all to me again, along with more than I could ever imagine 
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Sleep tight tonight, everyone! See you all tomorrow
To explain the above testimony:
August 16th, 2020. Do you remember where you were that day? Where did you wake up? Who were you with? What plans had you made? No matter how long I live, in this life or the next, I will never forget what happened on August 16th for me. Needless to say, I have been anticipating this anniversary and this post for a very long time. I have spent many hours pondering what I could possibly share to express the love and gratitude overflowing from my heart and all the miracles that Heavenly Father has shown me this past year. It is my earnest hope that everything I experienced on this day a year ago and every day following may be shared here in a way that shows the goodness and mercy of Heavenly Father, the love and power of Jesus Christ. They saved my soul in a sacred garden thousands of years before my birth and again in a dank apartment just north of Houston, Texas, exactly one year ago today. I am Theirs, and my soul purpose for now and for eternity is to testify of Them.
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Many of you reading this know the event which I am referring to. Many of you already know about what happened, but I would bargain to say that most of you reading this right now know little about what ACTUALLY happened. The miracles, the emotions, the continuing struggles. It's true-- it all started with the stabbing. On August 16th, 2020 at 4 am I was in my apartment in Houston, Texas, with my companion. We had great plans for the following day like our church service and teaching appointments with six or seven families. I remember going to bed so excited about how successful of a day we had lined up. But that all changed when, on August 16th, I woke up to screaming and an unfamiliar figure above my bed. I woke up to a fight, a struggle of life or death that would last about 15 minutes. Grappling, screaming, slashing, praying. I woke up to the potential of death. I received 9 stab wounds in the fight: one in my shoulder that pierced my lungs, one in my elbow, one on both sides of my hand, one in my side, two in my thigh, and one through both sides of my calf. We called 911 and they came and rushed us to the hospital. I called my president to come give me a life saving blessing. I called my parents to get their opinion on the surgery. They operated for six hours, and I then spent eight days in my home away from home--Houston HCA Northwest hospital--relearning how to eat, sit up, walk, etc. I was then in recovery for five months with constant physical therapy and hospital trips. We used to fill up a whole little garbage can just redressing my wounds each morning 
. After what seemed like forever, I received a phone call in Walmart two days before Christmas, informing me that I had once again been called to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ, and that I would finish my labor in the Arizona Tempe Mission
. After what seemed like forever, I received a phone call in Walmart two days before Christmas, informing me that I had once again been called to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ, and that I would finish my labor in the Arizona Tempe Mission.
But my journey doesn't end there. I haven't shared the continuing story with many, but my story hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows. About five months ago, I started having a lot of returning health problems, specifically with my ability to eat. I began to get extremely nauseous almost 24/7, and eating became very difficult, and sometimes impossible, for me. I often can't sleep or work because the nausea and the pain is so bad. I have had a plethora of medical exams, tests, CT scans, xrays, and other things to try and figure out the problem. They assume it was caused by the stab wound in my intestines, but as of right now, there are no answers and it is something I still struggle with to this day.
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Now please understand, I don't share any of this to be pitied for my pain or praised for the perseverance. I have shared this with very few people because, when all is said and done, I consider myself the luckiest and most blessed soul on the planet to have gone through what I have and to have escaped with such FEW problems. And I am a missionary! I'm part of the greatest work in the world!! How could I be anything BUT happy?!
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But I feel impressed to share these recent experiences with you all now because they are the context that explains just how miraculous the Lord has been in my life this past year. They show that the stabbing was only the beginning of the miracle. Christ didn't just show up for five minutes to fight my battle and then retreat to His comfortable throne to observe my recovery. He has NEVER LEFT MY SIDE! Not when I left that apartment on the stretcher. Not when I left the hospital. Not when I left the THM. And not when I was healed enough to leave my home and return to service. What has REALLY built my faith in His infinite mercy and goodness is His hand in everything that has followed the attack. In the OVERWHELMING and CONSTANT love that He has shown me through each of you!!
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For me, it's all about moments. The indescribable connection I felt when a man, bent on my death, held me to the ground, but I screamed Heavenly Father's name as loud as I could and knew that He heard me. The comfort when I turned on a light for the first time after the fight and saw the world as it really was. The vision that filled my heart when I saw the stab wound through my palm and instantly felt my Savior there. The absolute wave of relief when I saw a handful of fully armed policemen crowd the scene and I knew that everything would be alright.
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And then there's other moments like when my mission president placed his hands on my frail and broken body and pronounced a blessing of peace. Or when I first semi-consciously recognized my parents as they rushed into my hospital room. And when I left the THM and was surprised with a parade from my ward and mission to see me off. Or how speechless I was when I received another parade from my ward and family in my neighborhood upon my homecoming.
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All of these moments in this past year, and so many more, have sustained me through the infinite love of Jesus Christ, expressed in each of you. But as I got ready yesterday, I realized that each of these moments are made up of little things. The things like being able to roll over in bed or cough without searing pain. The little things like fingers that can curl my hair or put on mascara. Things like how I can balance on one foot now, step up onto a curb, put on my own shirt, swallow a sip of water, wiggle my toes.
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There are more moments, memories, lessons, and experiences in this last year that have testified to me of the absolutely eternal goodness and love of our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ, than I could ever possibly share. But seriously, just take my word for it. GOD IS SO GOOD!!!!! He knows us, He saves us, He lifts us, He fills us! I am ONLY standing here today, alive, breathing, and absolutely beaming with joy because of HIM! It is ALL because. of. HIM.
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In the hospital a few days after the attack, one of my cousins texted my mom with a question to ask me: "What is your favorite name for Jesus Christ?" Because of the pain and circumstances of the moment, I am just now realizing that I don't know if I ever gave her a good response to that question But even if I tried to answer her question now, I couldn't. Each one of these moments for me was so sacred because it represented a different role and a different hole that Jesus Christ was filling in my life. But because it has been a year, I think I owe my cousin something;) So, to commemorate these twelve months of miracles, for the next twelve days I am going to share the twelve roles of Jesus Christ that have had the greatest influence on me this last year. I will also share the stories and miracles of healing that brought me to the testimony of each of His mighty, miraculous names. I hope that each of you will join me in this celebration of our Redeemer and reflect on the miraculous moments that He has bestowed to make you who you are today
(the posts will be on here and on my page, The Work of His Hands. See link below:)
But even if I tried to answer her question now, I couldn't. Each one of these moments for me was so sacred because it represented a different role and a different hole that Jesus Christ was filling in my life. But because it has been a year, I think I owe my cousin something;) So, to commemorate these twelve months of miracles, for the next twelve days I am going to share the twelve roles of Jesus Christ that have had the greatest influence on me this last year. I will also share the stories and miracles of healing that brought me to the testimony of each of His mighty, miraculous names. I hope that each of you will join me in this celebration of our Redeemer and reflect on the miraculous moments that He has bestowed to make you who you are today (the posts will be on here and on my page, The Work of His Hands. See link below:).
Thank you all, each and everyone, for remembering me on this re-birthday and for helping me remember my Life-giver. Christ gave me my life once through His atoning sacrifice and baptism in His church. That potential of salvation is more than I could ever thank Him for, in this life or the next. But this re-birthday has been truly special for me because, one year ago today could have been the end. I could have died. He saved me once, He didn't have to do it again. But the thing is--He is Jesus. So He DID. He did save me again. He gave my life back to me. It has been bought, it is His. The only question that remains for me and for each of us is WHY? And what are we going to do about it?
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Now, more than ever, I know that I owe my life to the Lord! Now, more than ever, I know that I can do nothing but give every breath testifying of Him and His infinite goodness and love! My only purpose, now and forever, is to testify of my Life Saver and spread His good news to all the world! That He can save your life, too! That in Him you, me, and we all, can be reborn! As I look back, I can say with confidence that i am SO GRATEFUL I was stabbed. There is not a single thing in this year I would change. We don't have to change the past. Because He can change our future
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As my heart fills with gratitude today for all He has given that I can never repay, I know that the one thing I can give is my testimony. After one year, I can still say with confidence: I KNOW that Jesus Christ lives, because I live. I KNOW that Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father love you more than you can ever imagine, because I have finally felt some real sorrow and some real pain that allowed me to imagine a microscopic portion of how unfathomable the Atonement really was, and what a miracle that They loved us enough to perform it. I KNOW that Christ's gospel is the way to salvation, because it has saved my mind from trauma, my body from pain, and my soul from death. I know that Christ loves us because He let me suffer and almost die, so that in Him, I could be reborn, as we all can be if we choose to see each day as His day of miracles! and I bear this witness and promise to each of you in the name of He Who fulfills all His promises, even the name of Jesus Christ, amen
Thursday, September 24, 2020
SLC Temple Dedicatory Prayer
April 6, 1893
"Heavenly Father, when Thy people shall not have the opportunity of entering this holy house to offer their supplications unto Thee, and they are oppressed and in trouble, surrounded by difficulties or assailed by temptation and shall turn their faces towards this Thy holy house and ask Thee for deliverance, for help, for Thy power to be extended in their behalf, we beseech Thee, to look down from Thy holy habitation in mercy and tender compassion upon them, and listen to their cries. Or when the children of Thy people, in years to come, shall be separated, through any cause, from this place, and their hearts shall turn in remembrance of Thy promises to this holy Temple, and they shall cry unto Thee from the depths of their affliction and sorrow to extend relief and deliverance to them, we humbly entreat Thee to Turn Thine ear in mercy to them; hearken to their cries, and grant unto them the blessings for which they ask.
Almighty Father, increase within us the powers of that faith delivered to and possessed by Thy Saints. Strengthen us by the memories of the glorious deliverances of the past, by the remembrance of the sacred covenants that Thou hast made with us, so that, when evil overshadows us, when trouble encompasses us, when we pass through the valley of humiliation, we may not falter, may not doubt, but in the strength of Thy Holy name may accomplish all Thy righteous purposes with regard to us, fill the measure of our creation, and triumph gloriously, by Thy grace, over every besetting sin, be redeemed from every evil, and be numbered in the kingdom of heaven amongst those who shall dwell in Thy presence forever."
"Heavenly Father, when Thy people shall not have the opportunity of entering this holy house to offer their supplications unto Thee, and they are oppressed and in trouble, surrounded by difficulties or assailed by temptation and shall turn their faces towards this Thy holy house and ask Thee for deliverance, for help, for Thy power to be extended in their behalf, we beseech Thee, to look down from Thy holy habitation in mercy and tender compassion upon them, and listen to their cries. Or when the children of Thy people, in years to come, shall be separated, through any cause, from this place, and their hearts shall turn in remembrance of Thy promises to this holy Temple, and they shall cry unto Thee from the depths of their affliction and sorrow to extend relief and deliverance to them, we humbly entreat Thee to Turn Thine ear in mercy to them; hearken to their cries, and grant unto them the blessings for which they ask.
Almighty Father, increase within us the powers of that faith delivered to and possessed by Thy Saints. Strengthen us by the memories of the glorious deliverances of the past, by the remembrance of the sacred covenants that Thou hast made with us, so that, when evil overshadows us, when trouble encompasses us, when we pass through the valley of humiliation, we may not falter, may not doubt, but in the strength of Thy Holy name may accomplish all Thy righteous purposes with regard to us, fill the measure of our creation, and triumph gloriously, by Thy grace, over every besetting sin, be redeemed from every evil, and be numbered in the kingdom of heaven amongst those who shall dwell in Thy presence forever."
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Talk On The Holy Ghost (April 17, 2016)
Just a talk given in Sacrament by someone asked to pick a talk from General Conference and talk on it.
Central Valley, California
I am thankful for the opportunity I’ve had to study and learn more about my topic today. What spoke to my heart in the recent general conference was the talks about the Holy Ghost.
I like looking up topics in the bible dictionary, as it explains very well the meaning of gospel topics. The bible dictionary teaches us about precious truths of the Holy Ghost:
It is the third member of the Godhead and a personage of Spirit, not possessing a body of flesh and bones.
The Holy Ghost has been manifest in every dispensation of the gospel since the beginning, being first made known to Adam.
The Holy Ghost is manifested to men on the earth both as the power of the Holy Ghost and as the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The Holy Ghost has been manifest in every dispensation of the gospel since the beginning, being first made known to Adam.
The Holy Ghost is manifested to men on the earth both as the power of the Holy Ghost and as the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The power can come upon one before baptism and is the convincing witness that the gospel is true. By the power of the Holy Ghost a person receives a testimony of Jesus Christ and of His work and the work of His servants upon the earth.
When a person speaks by the power of the Holy Ghost that same power carries a conviction of the truth unto the heart of the hearer – as in 2 Nephi 33:1 he states:
And now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which were taught among my people;
neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the
power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts
of the children of men.
And now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which were taught among my people;
neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the
power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts
of the children of men.
The gift can come only after proper and authorized baptism and is conferred by the laying on of hands.
The gift of the Holy Ghost is the right to have, whenever one is worthy, the companionship of the Holy Ghost. For those who receive this gift, the Holy Ghost acts as a cleansing agent to purify them and sanctify them from all sin.
Also, The Holy Ghost is often spoken of as “fire” – In Matthew 3:11 it says –
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance:but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
And in D&C 19:31 it also says: . . . thou shalt declare repentance and faith on the Savior, and remission of sins by baptism, and by fire, yea, even the Holy Ghost.
The gift of the Holy Ghost is the right to have, whenever one is worthy, the companionship of the Holy Ghost. For those who receive this gift, the Holy Ghost acts as a cleansing agent to purify them and sanctify them from all sin.
Also, The Holy Ghost is often spoken of as “fire” – In Matthew 3:11 it says –
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance:but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
And in D&C 19:31 it also says: . . . thou shalt declare repentance and faith on the Savior, and remission of sins by baptism, and by fire, yea, even the Holy Ghost.
The bible dictionary also proclaims that The Holy Ghost knows all things. In D&C 35:19 we read Wherefore, watch over him that his faith fail not, and it shall be given by the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, that knoweth all things.
Other names that sometimes refer to the Holy Ghost are
Holy Spirit - Spirit of God - Spirit of the Lord - Comforter, and Simply Spirit.
Holy Spirit - Spirit of God - Spirit of the Lord - Comforter, and Simply Spirit.
A week ago in general conference I noted that the Holy Ghost was a topic in a few of the talks.
In Elder Hale’s talk titled “The Holy Ghost” he declares:
All of us benefit from this holy light. It is “in all and through all things,”
and it allows us to distinguish right from wrong.
The Holy Ghost provides personal revelation to help us make major life decisions about such things as education, missions, careers, marriage, children, where we
will live with our families, and so on. In these matters, Heavenly Father expects
us to use our agency, study the situation out in our minds according to gospel principles, and bring a decision to Him in prayer. Personal revelation is essential, but it is only one part of the work of the Holy Ghost.
All of us benefit from this holy light. It is “in all and through all things,”
and it allows us to distinguish right from wrong.
The Holy Ghost provides personal revelation to help us make major life decisions about such things as education, missions, careers, marriage, children, where we
will live with our families, and so on. In these matters, Heavenly Father expects
us to use our agency, study the situation out in our minds according to gospel principles, and bring a decision to Him in prayer. Personal revelation is essential, but it is only one part of the work of the Holy Ghost.
Elder Hale continues with many quotes from the scriptures:
As the scriptures attest, the Holy Ghost also testifies of the Savior and God the Father.
He teaches us “the peaceable things of the kingdom” and causes us to “abound in hope.”
He “leadeth us to do good and to judge righteously.”
He gives “to every man and woman a spiritual gift that all may be profited thereby.”
He “giveth us knowledge” and “brings all things to our remembrance.”
Through the Holy Ghost, we “may be sanctified” & receive “a remission of our sins.”
He is the “Comforter,” the same who was “promised unto the Savior’s disciples.”
As the scriptures attest, the Holy Ghost also testifies of the Savior and God the Father.
He teaches us “the peaceable things of the kingdom” and causes us to “abound in hope.”
He “leadeth us to do good and to judge righteously.”
He gives “to every man and woman a spiritual gift that all may be profited thereby.”
He “giveth us knowledge” and “brings all things to our remembrance.”
Through the Holy Ghost, we “may be sanctified” & receive “a remission of our sins.”
He is the “Comforter,” the same who was “promised unto the Savior’s disciples.”
Elder Hale reminds us not to seek the Holy Ghost unwisely. He is not there to give direction in every minor choice we make, making his sacred role trivial. We are to use
our agency to live our daily lives, feeling the promptings of the Holy Ghost when needed.
He stated:
In the world we live in today, the influence of the Holy Ghost is most important.
To live righteously so we can feel and understand the promptings of the
Holy Ghost are most important
Elder Hale warns -
“Sometimes the adversary tempts us with false ideas that we may confuse with
the Holy Ghost. I testify that faithfulness in obeying the commandments and
keeping our covenants will protect us from being deceived. Through the
Holy Ghost, we will be able to discern those false prophets who teach for
doctrine the commandments of men”.
our agency to live our daily lives, feeling the promptings of the Holy Ghost when needed.
He stated:
In the world we live in today, the influence of the Holy Ghost is most important.
To live righteously so we can feel and understand the promptings of the
Holy Ghost are most important
Elder Hale warns -
“Sometimes the adversary tempts us with false ideas that we may confuse with
the Holy Ghost. I testify that faithfulness in obeying the commandments and
keeping our covenants will protect us from being deceived. Through the
Holy Ghost, we will be able to discern those false prophets who teach for
doctrine the commandments of men”.
What a great promise! I have struggled myself with recognizing the promptings of the Holy Ghost. I have missed opportunities - I have received understanding that I had received a prompting that I dismissed, or ignored. It is most frustrating.
As we follow his promptings, we receive more promptings. But when we ignore or dismiss promptings, we will stop receiving them. I have prayed much to understand and follow the promptings that I receive. Even asking the Lord to give me another chance to continue to receive promptings and trying to increase my spirituality, so I can recognize and follow the promptings for me and my family.
As we follow his promptings, we receive more promptings. But when we ignore or dismiss promptings, we will stop receiving them. I have prayed much to understand and follow the promptings that I receive. Even asking the Lord to give me another chance to continue to receive promptings and trying to increase my spirituality, so I can recognize and follow the promptings for me and my family.
One of the greatest examples that I read about following the promptings of the Holy Ghost was in the Ensign. A gal was home alone while her husband was at the nearby church, when her brother in-law had knocked on the door. It was not unusual for him to show up unannounced and she would have welcomed him into her home.
But . . . the spirit told her not to open the door. She wondered at the strange prompting . . . and she heeded it! After he knocked, through the closed door, she told him her husband was at the church and he could meet him there. He persisted that she open the door, but she stated again he could walk to the church. He left and a short time later she saw him walking with her husband towards their home, laughing and talking!
But . . . the spirit told her not to open the door. She wondered at the strange prompting . . . and she heeded it! After he knocked, through the closed door, she told him her husband was at the church and he could meet him there. He persisted that she open the door, but she stated again he could walk to the church. He left and a short time later she saw him walking with her husband towards their home, laughing and talking!
She learned that he had meet up with an old friend on the bus, and this friend had insisted that he go to the sister in-laws house with him. He felt that this friend did not have good motives. He was unsure how to handle the situation. Then he started praying that his sister in-law would not open the door! When, in fact, she did not open the door, this fellow’s friend lost interest and left.
This was a great example to me. I know, at the time I read this story, I would have dismissed this silly prompting and possibly invited evil into my home. We often want to know the why before we will head a prompting. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way!
Elder Hales shared some personal experiences of following the Holy Ghost in his own life:
Many years ago, Sister Hales and I planned to host some of my work associates
at a special dinner in our home.
On my way home from the office, I had an impression to stop at the house of a widow whom I home taught. When I knocked on the sister’s door, she said,
“I have been praying for you to come.” Where did that impression come from?
The Holy Ghost.
Many years ago, Sister Hales and I planned to host some of my work associates
at a special dinner in our home.
On my way home from the office, I had an impression to stop at the house of a widow whom I home taught. When I knocked on the sister’s door, she said,
“I have been praying for you to come.” Where did that impression come from?
The Holy Ghost.
He continues:
Once, following a serious illness, I presided at a stake conference. To conserve
my energy, I planned to leave the chapel immediately after the priesthood leadership session. However, following the benediction, the Holy Ghost
said to me, “Where are you going?”
I was inspired to shake hands with everyone as they left the room.
As one young elder stepped forward, I was prompted to give him a special message. He was looking down, and I waited for his eyes to come up and meet mine, and I was able to say,
“Pray to Heavenly Father, listen to the Holy Ghost, follow the promptings
you are given, and all will be well in your life.” Later the stake president told
me that the young man had just returned early from his mission.
The stake president, acting on a clear impression, had promised the young
man’s father that if he brought his son to the priesthood meeting,
Elder Hales would speak with him. Why did I stop to shake everyone’s hand?
Why did I pause to talk to this special young man?
What was the source of my counsel? It’s simple: the Holy Ghost.
Once, following a serious illness, I presided at a stake conference. To conserve
my energy, I planned to leave the chapel immediately after the priesthood leadership session. However, following the benediction, the Holy Ghost
said to me, “Where are you going?”
I was inspired to shake hands with everyone as they left the room.
As one young elder stepped forward, I was prompted to give him a special message. He was looking down, and I waited for his eyes to come up and meet mine, and I was able to say,
“Pray to Heavenly Father, listen to the Holy Ghost, follow the promptings
you are given, and all will be well in your life.” Later the stake president told
me that the young man had just returned early from his mission.
The stake president, acting on a clear impression, had promised the young
man’s father that if he brought his son to the priesthood meeting,
Elder Hales would speak with him. Why did I stop to shake everyone’s hand?
Why did I pause to talk to this special young man?
What was the source of my counsel? It’s simple: the Holy Ghost.
Elder Hale admonishes us to:
. . . encourage our children and others to follow the direction of the Holy Ghost.
In doing so, let us follow the example of the Holy Ghost ourselves, leading through gentleness, meekness, kindness, long-suffering, and love unfeigned.
The Holy Ghost is a medium for God’s work in families and throughout the Church. I offer my testimony of the personal revelation and constant flow of daily guidance, caution, encouragement, strength, spiritual cleansing, comfort, and peace that have come to our family through the Holy Ghost. Through the Holy Ghost, we experience “the multitude of Christ’s tender mercies” and miracles that do not cease.
. . . encourage our children and others to follow the direction of the Holy Ghost.
In doing so, let us follow the example of the Holy Ghost ourselves, leading through gentleness, meekness, kindness, long-suffering, and love unfeigned.
The Holy Ghost is a medium for God’s work in families and throughout the Church. I offer my testimony of the personal revelation and constant flow of daily guidance, caution, encouragement, strength, spiritual cleansing, comfort, and peace that have come to our family through the Holy Ghost. Through the Holy Ghost, we experience “the multitude of Christ’s tender mercies” and miracles that do not cease.
In D&C 68:3-6 we read about the impact of the words that our prophet and apostles speak –
3 And this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost.
4 And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost
shall be scripture,
shall be the will of the Lord,
shall be the mind of the Lord,
shall be the word of the Lord,
shall be the voice of the Lord,
and the power of God unto salvation.
5 Behold, this is the promise of the Lord unto you, O ye my servants.
6 Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come.
4 And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost
shall be scripture,
shall be the will of the Lord,
shall be the mind of the Lord,
shall be the word of the Lord,
shall be the voice of the Lord,
and the power of God unto salvation.
5 Behold, this is the promise of the Lord unto you, O ye my servants.
6 Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come.
Yesterday afternoon, while I should have been finishing up this talk, I was on facebook!
As I was scrolling down the news feed, a video from the mormon channel came up titled “Receiving Revelation: Power of the Holy Spirit” - I clicked on it and the first part of the video started with a question which was “How Does The Spirit send you revelation”?
As I was scrolling down the news feed, a video from the mormon channel came up titled “Receiving Revelation: Power of the Holy Spirit” - I clicked on it and the first part of the video started with a question which was “How Does The Spirit send you revelation”?
I watched testimonies of young people talking about following promptings.
A gal named Jenny shared her testimony –
“The spirit has definitely protected me from making wrong decisions. Even though we know what we should be doing, we need the Holy Ghost to remind us when to do it.”
A gal named Jenny shared her testimony –
“The spirit has definitely protected me from making wrong decisions. Even though we know what we should be doing, we need the Holy Ghost to remind us when to do it.”
I love that she said the Holy Ghost “protected” her. She could have used a number of words, but she chose protected.
Another gal mentions the feeling of peace she gets when she makes right choices.
Elder Gerald N. Lund taught in the video that
“Sometimes the Holy Ghost is so subtle that you don’t recognize it, only later as you
see how things work out that you get the confirmation again and you say “Ok, now I understand that was from the Lord”.
“Sometimes the Holy Ghost is so subtle that you don’t recognize it, only later as you
see how things work out that you get the confirmation again and you say “Ok, now I understand that was from the Lord”.
A fellow from the same video explains that if we want to know how HF speaks to us - we want to recognize that, you ask him that – you say “HF I want to recognize your spirit when you speak to me” as you do that and read your scriptures, and pray and continually put yourself in those places where you can feel the spirit, he will reveal that to you.
Isn’t it awesome that I can watch a wonderful video that teaches such beautiful truths?
We have so much given to us to help us to grow and learn and improve and increase our knowledge in the gospel. We just need to take the time – to make it a priority in our lives. I’ve seen in my own progression that it has been line upon line, precept upon precept.
As I grow and learn, I have been added upon.
We have so much given to us to help us to grow and learn and improve and increase our knowledge in the gospel. We just need to take the time – to make it a priority in our lives. I’ve seen in my own progression that it has been line upon line, precept upon precept.
As I grow and learn, I have been added upon.
My hope and prayers are for all of us to continue to learn and progress in the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ. I know I am happier when I am following the commandments.
I would like to close with one of my favorite hymns, the third verse of How Firm A Foundation:
Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
In the Name of Jesus Christ Amen
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