Happiness is Conditional

Elder Scott a member of the 12 Apostles recently said, "Your happiness now and forever is conditioned on your degree of conversion and the transformation that it brings to your life."

Conversion at times is evident by the things that we do. We can take the example of Peter the Apostle as he is transformed though his personal conversion process. The Lord says to him, “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you. … But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."

Stated simply, true conversion is the fruit of faith, repentance, and consistent obedience. Faith comes by hearing the word of God and responding to it. You will receive from the Holy Ghost a confirming witness of things you accept on faith by willingly doing them. You will be led to repent of errors resulting from wrong things done or right things not done. As a consequence, your capacity to consistently obey will be strengthened. This cycle of faith, repentance, and consistent obedience will lead you to greater conversion with its attendant blessings. True conversion will strengthen your capacity to do what you know you should do, when you should do it, regardless of the circumstances.

As I finished The Book of Mormon and listened to conference this week I again thought how trials continue to play a major part in our conversion. In Ether 12:6 it says," And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that afaith is things which are bhoped for and cnot seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no dwitness until after the etrial of your faith."

Have I not prepared a way?

This week is always an exciting one while members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints prepare to hear the words of a living prophet and apostles in General Conference which takes place this Saturday and Sunday. While I was reading in The Book of Mormon this week I was over come with gratitude knowing that God has provided a way for us to accomplish all that he has asked us to do while here on this earth.

As I thought about all the ways in which God has prepared a way for us I was drawn to Ether 2 in The Book of Mormon where the Jaredites are getting ready to cross the sea and have made little boats. The brother of Jared is concerned how they are going to make it across the sea with out light or air in the boats and he worries that they'll be tossed upon the sea and never make it. The Lord says to him," And behold, I prepare you against these things; for ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare you against the waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come. Therefore what will ye that I should prepare for you that ye may have light when ye are swallowed up in the depths of the sea."

I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have prepared us in every way for the trials that lye ahead of us. They are aware of what is happening now and what will come. We will not be left alone. There is great peace in knowing that. I know that is why we have a living prophet on the earth, The Bible and Book of Mormon to lead and guide us as well as the Holy Ghost. There is no need to fear for He has prepared a way.

A plan of hope

This week I had a few days off from work because my Elders left for Mexico. To fill a little time- I have been watching the news. In this ever-changing world there are many who want to know the best formula for happiness and yearn to know what to do next. There is a lot of ambiguity among doctors, psychologists, and other experts in their fields concerning a plan of action. I have found that the best council we can follow is found the scriptures. In The Book of Mormon, the word of the Lord is compared to the Liahona, a compass that lead the Nephites out of the desert- a device that worked primarily on faith.

In Alma 37 the answer is found, “For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land.
And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise.”

If we will but follow the words of Christ, both what is found in the scriptures and by living prophets today, then the path will be clear and our future will be filled with hope.

Stronger Families

This week I had the opportunity to teach about how to build stronger families. I think that is one of the things that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is known for. It is not that we have some magic formula but it is because we understand how vital it is that our family is with us for all eternity. To prepare ourselves for that blessing we do the little things now that create stronger bonds and a happier family.
President Kimball (1895-1985) stated, “Home is a haven against the storms and struggles of life. Spirituality is born and nurtured by daily prayer, scripture study, home gospel discussions and related activities, home evenings, family councils, working and playing together, serving each other, and sharing the gospel with those around us. Spirituality is also nurtured in our actions of patience, kindness, and forgiveness toward each other and in our applying gospel principles in the family circle” (“Therefore I Was Taught,” Tambuli, Aug. 1982, 2; Ensign, Jan. 1982, 3).
Our homes can be a refuge and will be as we make living the gospel as a family, a priority.
The Book of Mormon teaches us in 3 Nephi 18:21," Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed," how true that is. When a family prays together it brings peace into the home and allows the home to become a place of safety and love.

Asking in Faith

Elder Bednar of the quorum of the twelve apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints states, " Meaningful prayer requires both holy communication and consecrated work." The scriptures state many times the attitude of prayer and are filled with examples of meaningful prayer. We know that prayer is the way by which we can communicate with God, our Heavenly Father. Prayer is how we receive answers, direction and warning. Prayer is humbling and requires faith.

There are examples in The Bible as well as The Book of Mormon that teach us how to pray. An example well known by many of the members of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is found in James 1:5, the scripture that invited the boy Joseph Smith to ask God, which church was true. It states, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering” (James 1:5–6). Here we learn that we must ask in faith and not doubt that God will guide us to what we should do. Concerning faith, the prophet Joseph Smith said, "Faith is not only the principle of action, but of power also, in all intelligent beings, whether in heaven or on earth” (Lectures on Faith, 3). Thus, faith in Christ leads to righteous action, which increases our spiritual capacity and power. Understanding that faith is a principle of action and of power inspires us to exercise our moral agency in compliance with gospel truth, invites the redeeming and strengthening powers of the Savior’s Atonement into our lives, and enlarges the power within us whereby we are agents unto ourselves (see D&C 58:28).

This past weekend I had yet another powerful experience with prayer. As I took what I've learned from Moroni in The Book of Mormon, and prayed with "all energy of heart" and exercised my faith that Heavenly Father would provide some help and comfort; I felt the healing powers of prayer. I know that Heavenly Father answers our prayers and if we will commit to always act on the promptings that he gives us, our relationship with Him will continuously grow.

Ease the burdens

This past week my sister called me quite upset. When she was more calm she told me that my good friend from high school's little brother had died. There are speculations that it was a suicide and not just a drug over dose. This young boy had been involved in a car accident recently where the driver in the other car died. This young boy (19 yrs of age) carried the burden of the affects of that accident since the day it occurred. Being so weighed down with guilt could have led him to desire to leave this mortal existence.

This made me think another saving power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Even though our guilt or sin might be overwhelming, we can have the hope that the pain can be lifted as we repent. There is a scripture that I'm reminded of that speaks of how the Lord will ease our burdens: "And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions." (Mosiah 24:14) I know that to be true, burdens truly are lifted as we talk with our Heavenly Father through prayer and apply the grace of the Atonement in our lives.

Entering into His rest

I’m from California where the economy has not only affected my family but friends and neighbors. I have heard of people just giving up hope and struggling to find peace amid this uncertain future. Some have doubted God and miracles that can still be performed in their lives. In times of disturbed peace one can always turn to the scriptures for answers. There are two principles that allow us to regain that peace in our lives. They are both attributes of the Savior himself; faith and hope.

The Book of Mormon states, “Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope. Hope is the great motivator and our optimism. (Moroni 7:42) Hope stems from having faith. Faith in God and what he can and has already done for us. Faith that the Savior; Jesus Christ knows our sorrows and fears, because he has already experienced them through his Atonement.
The Book of Mormon continues to make a very important point, “Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain.”
Satan would have our faith diminished, he would have us doubt to the point of unbelief. Yet the scriptures tell us to press forward and do the things that require faith. Pray with real intent, study earnestly, and continue to purify yourself so that the Holy Spirit of peace can abide with us. I have seen this happen, I know it to be true.

The naming of the true church

This week I reread 3 Nephi 27 in the Book of Mormon. Here the doctrine of Christ's church is stated quite clearly. As I served my mission in the southern states I came to know and talk with people from various churches. Many proclaiming the doctrine of Jesus Christ. I soon realized that there is confusion among Christian churches today concerning the naming and structure of Christ's church.

In 3 Nephi 27, Christ makes a very direct comment that if a church is not named under his name, then it is not his church. There are many Christian churches that do not carry the name of Jesus Christ in it's title.

"And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses’ name then it be Moses’ church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel."( 3 Nephi 27:8)

Here we understand that not only does the church need to be called by his name but also teach his same doctrine. The true church would also have to show forth good works, perhaps even a "marvelous work and a wonder", as Isaiah said.
"And if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel then will the Father show forth his own works in it."(3 Nephi 27:10)

I'm grateful for many churches in the world that continue to teach people how to live and strive to become more like Christ. While there are so many different churches I know that Christ's true church must bear his name, have His priesthood authority (power to perform baptisms, give the gift of the Holy Ghost, healing the sick and all other saving ordinances), have the structure of Apostles and Prophets (Ephesians 2:20) and teach His doctrine.

From study and prayer I know that these evidences of truth are found in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

SIGNS

I have spoken to many who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and those who are being taught by missionaries who seek for signs to know the will of God. I think it is important to know what signs really are.
Signs are wonders and miracles; they always are manifest by the faithful. More or less, signs are gifts of the Spirit given to those that believe and obey the commandments of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Revelation given to Joseph Smith found in the Doctrine and Covenants 63:9-12, more clearly defines what signs are and how we obtain them: "But, behold, faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe.
Yea, signs come by faith, not by the will of men, nor as they please, but by the will of God.
Yea, signs come by faith, unto mighty works, for without faith no man pleaseth God; and with whom God is angry he is not well pleased; wherefore, unto such he showeth no signs, only in wrath unto their condemnation."

Sings come from faith and are a product of it. They can often strengthen the faithful; they act as a reward to the faithful. That is why those without faith often ignore or rationalize the power of God and the miracles that stream from it.

In 3 Nephi chapters 1-10, the people were seeking for signs. Although it had been prophesied to them the Messiah was to come visit them after his resurrection in Jerusalem, they still doubted. Patience failed them as many turned from words of faithful prophets. Those that endured with patience were rewarded and saw Jesus Christ descend unto them. They were able to touch the prints in his hands and feet and were privileged to be taught at the feet of the Savior. To those who wait patiently and follow the signs and continue to prepare, the rewards do come.

Great passages

Recently I was asked, "What the greatest passage was in the Book of Mormon?" I had to think of that because I of course have my favorite scriptures on the Atonement, baptism, faith, obedience, trials etc. I had to really think about what perhaps is one of the greatest passages in the Book of Mormon.

Towards the end of the Book of Mormon, Christ appears to the Nephites after his resurrection. He like in Jerusalem calls apostles and a prophet. The priesthood authority is given by the laying on of hands to be able to perform such ordinances as baptism, giving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and blessing the sick. This occurs in chapter 11 of 3rd Nephi. The next chapter over is when Christ teaches the people the "Beatitudes" similar to that found in Matthew yet slightly different. The very last verse of this chapter reads, "Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect."

While the task of becoming perfect was only effectively carried out by our Savior Jesus Christ, we can attain a certain degree of perfection here on this earth as we obey with exactness. The whole Book of Mormon teaches the reader how to come unto Christ and receive eternal joy. We begin to come unto Christ as we are baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, if you are a man- you receive the Priesthood and then serve a mission, later you get married in the temple. These steps require more promises made between you and Heavenly Father, thus allow you become more like our Savior Jesus Christ.

What it is

Many people today are in to sharing books, insights, and life lessons learned. I wanted to take a few minutes each week to share a book that has inspired me to be a better person, taught me how to be eternally happy, has provided answers to life's biggest questions, and has taught me more about Jesus Christ then any other book. This book is The Book of Mormon.

The Book of Mormon another testament of Jesus Christ was written by prophets of old as was the Bible. These ancient prophets were men called of God, who had the priesthood or the authority to act in the name of Jesus Christ, they received revelation or direction from God, and stood as special witnesses of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon spans the time from 600 B.C. to 421 A.D. Although The Book of Mormon begins in Jerusalem, the most part was written in the ancient Americas. Each page testifies of Jesus Christ and provides a deeper yet clearer understanding concerning the doctrines of salvation. The Book of Mormon is simply written in a way that young children can know of it's truthfulness and gain their own testimony of it.

The Book of Mormon was translated by the power of God by the prophet, Joseph Smith in the year 1823. Concerning this record the Prophet Joseph Smith said: “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” The Book of Mormon has taught me the purpose of life, what the Lord expects of me, and helps me know the things that I must do to become more like my Savior Jesus Christ.