Fortify
Yesterday I talked about the questions running through my head. I have prayed about them, pondered them, and continued to try to understand. I want to know how I can avoid such tragedy. I want to know how my children can avoid these mistakes. I want to know how to help others avoid these pit falls. Well, today I received a little more insight.
I had a priesthood leadership meeting this morning for stake conference at the conference center. In attendance were leaders from 72 stakes and one district. If everyone was there and each stake contains 7 wards, that is 360 members of stake presidencies, 2520 members of Bishoprics, 2016 Elders Quorum/High Priests Group/Young Men's presidencies (each), and 864 High Councilors. That is some where around 10,000 priesthood leaders. I was pretty amazing. Then to our surprise, President Monson, Elder Ballard, and Elder Hinckley attended.
Elder Ballard's remarks enlightened me a little about my question. He stated that many of the problems we have in the church, is with those members who know in there minds, say with words, and show with physical actions that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. They know and believe that the principles of the gospel are right. They know that the teachings are good because of the Light of Christ. All these things are good. They have learned, but they have not experienced the powerful witness of the Holy Ghost testifying of all these things in their hearts. I add to that my wonder on how many have received that witness, but have not recognized it because the are confused with the deceiving distractions of the world.
He then quoted some personal teachings he and the quorum of the twelve received from President Hinckley in the upper rooms of the temple. He said that if they do not recognize and experience the communication of the Holy Ghost with their spirits, in their hearts, they will be as the people described by Timothy in the New Testament (2 Tim 3).
So the question at hand is this, Have you experienced this witness in your heart? If so, how do you keep that witness kindled in your heart? If not, how to you receive it?
I have received this witness in my heart. I know that God the Father hears and answers prayers. I know that He is concerned for each of us. He wants us to succeed. I know that His son, Jesus Christ, came to the earth that we might be redeemed from our transgressions. He offered Himself in our behalf. I know that he communicates with prophets on the earth today. I know that He has called incredible men and women to be leaders upon this earth today. I know that He wants each of us to know these things in our hearts. The Holy Ghost is there, we just need to prepare ourselves to receive him. We need to open the door. This witness does not come to the idle. It is something that we must actively seek. It something that we must desire with all our being. This is my testimony.
I so want each of you to know this as I do. I exhort you to fortify yourselves. Start with the basics. The rest with follow. Pray with true intent, knowing that He is listening and trying to speak to you. You just have to listen. Diligently search, ponder, and pray about the scriptures. They will prepare your mind, heart, and soul to receive this witness. Live and keep the covenants you have made. Understand them that you may do so.
I love you,
Dad
I had a priesthood leadership meeting this morning for stake conference at the conference center. In attendance were leaders from 72 stakes and one district. If everyone was there and each stake contains 7 wards, that is 360 members of stake presidencies, 2520 members of Bishoprics, 2016 Elders Quorum/High Priests Group/Young Men's presidencies (each), and 864 High Councilors. That is some where around 10,000 priesthood leaders. I was pretty amazing. Then to our surprise, President Monson, Elder Ballard, and Elder Hinckley attended.
Elder Ballard's remarks enlightened me a little about my question. He stated that many of the problems we have in the church, is with those members who know in there minds, say with words, and show with physical actions that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. They know and believe that the principles of the gospel are right. They know that the teachings are good because of the Light of Christ. All these things are good. They have learned, but they have not experienced the powerful witness of the Holy Ghost testifying of all these things in their hearts. I add to that my wonder on how many have received that witness, but have not recognized it because the are confused with the deceiving distractions of the world.
He then quoted some personal teachings he and the quorum of the twelve received from President Hinckley in the upper rooms of the temple. He said that if they do not recognize and experience the communication of the Holy Ghost with their spirits, in their hearts, they will be as the people described by Timothy in the New Testament (2 Tim 3).
So the question at hand is this, Have you experienced this witness in your heart? If so, how do you keep that witness kindled in your heart? If not, how to you receive it?
I have received this witness in my heart. I know that God the Father hears and answers prayers. I know that He is concerned for each of us. He wants us to succeed. I know that His son, Jesus Christ, came to the earth that we might be redeemed from our transgressions. He offered Himself in our behalf. I know that he communicates with prophets on the earth today. I know that He has called incredible men and women to be leaders upon this earth today. I know that He wants each of us to know these things in our hearts. The Holy Ghost is there, we just need to prepare ourselves to receive him. We need to open the door. This witness does not come to the idle. It is something that we must actively seek. It something that we must desire with all our being. This is my testimony.
I so want each of you to know this as I do. I exhort you to fortify yourselves. Start with the basics. The rest with follow. Pray with true intent, knowing that He is listening and trying to speak to you. You just have to listen. Diligently search, ponder, and pray about the scriptures. They will prepare your mind, heart, and soul to receive this witness. Live and keep the covenants you have made. Understand them that you may do so.
I love you,
Dad
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