One of my nonmember friends asked last week asked how God spoke to me when we were talking about my decision to have a baby. How could I explain the spirit to her? How could I briefly differenciate between how I feel and think and what the spirit leads me to do? I thought about this question as I read the scripture thought of the week D&C 11:12-14) and chapters in 1st Nephi about Lehi's vision. The spirit communicates in many different ways.
Specifically, the verses in D&C 11 suggests what we have to do to get the spirit and what the spirit will do for us in return. Our part? "Trust in the Spirit," have righteous desires, and have "faith believing." In return promises that the spirit will help us to: do good, walk humbly, judge righteously, be enlightened, and to feel joy. Just like in Galatians 5:22-23 which describes the fruits of the spirit to recognize the spirit as you would a tree by its fruit, D&C 11:12-14 identifies fruits to recognize the spirit. These are the versus I used to describe to my friend Cindy the spirit. I'm not sure she completely understood, but it is a start.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
40 Weeks Closer To Jesus Christ
Sisters, This church does have, running through its veins, the spirit of revelation which inspires anyone who feels of its influence. I am excited about the new challenge given us to read out of the Book of Mormon together as sisters of the Relief Society. As I began to read yesterday, I had so many promptings and I think it was because I was reading with the intent to share with each of you and my children and grandchildren some of the impressions that I received while reading and pondering - what a blessing! We have been given the most precious and priceless gift of the Holy Ghost at our baptisms and if we desire to feel of the Holy Ghost's presence always we need only to pray and immerse ourselves in the scriptures. The feeling comes with peace, assurance, love, acceptance and whatever feeling you need to help you feel as the Savior felt/feels and do as he did/does.
As I read 1 Nephi 1:5-8, I was reminded of my conversion some 30+ years ago where I, too, received an answer to prayer which was undeniable . Just as Lehi prayed to the Lord with all his heart in behalf of his people I prayed to know if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was true because I wanted the fruits of the gospel, not only for myself, but for my family. Several similar principles involved here: (1). The power of prayer when we pray with real intent, (2) The power of remembering others in our prayers, (3) The power of Heavenly Father to answer those prayers through the Holy Ghost in a vision or through an impression of enlightenment where our heart and mind become settled.
The Holy Ghost does desire to be our constant companion and is beckoning to us to come unto Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. You and I need to be still so we can know that they are there for us always and our lives are better for realizing they can be more of a constant influence in our lives if we will but seek them daily and more frequently.
Sisters, I love you and pray as you take this challenge given to us by an inspired Relief Society Presidency that your lives will be enriched and filled with that joy that does not fade with the lights.
As I read 1 Nephi 1:5-8, I was reminded of my conversion some 30+ years ago where I, too, received an answer to prayer which was undeniable . Just as Lehi prayed to the Lord with all his heart in behalf of his people I prayed to know if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was true because I wanted the fruits of the gospel, not only for myself, but for my family. Several similar principles involved here: (1). The power of prayer when we pray with real intent, (2) The power of remembering others in our prayers, (3) The power of Heavenly Father to answer those prayers through the Holy Ghost in a vision or through an impression of enlightenment where our heart and mind become settled.
The Holy Ghost does desire to be our constant companion and is beckoning to us to come unto Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. You and I need to be still so we can know that they are there for us always and our lives are better for realizing they can be more of a constant influence in our lives if we will but seek them daily and more frequently.
Sisters, I love you and pray as you take this challenge given to us by an inspired Relief Society Presidency that your lives will be enriched and filled with that joy that does not fade with the lights.
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