Christlike ATtributes

12/4/08

Missionaries are commanded to serve God with all their "heart might mind and strength"

• D&C 4: 2-5 I think one Christlike attribute that we all need to have is endurance. We need to go throughout our mission with ALL our heart might mind and strength. We need to endure to the end in all things. Work hard from the start to the finish. That is a Christlike attribute.
  
• D&C 88:84 Just like the passage above, we need to labor diligently. We need to strive to perfect our ministry, and do the best we can in all things. We are responsible to help them gain a testimony. We need to do our part

Obedience is a vital attribute to missionary work

• 1 Nephi 3:7 I will go and do the things which the lord has commanded. It is as simple as that. We need to go and do the things which we have been commanded. We are called of god to go and serve. To do his work, and we need to go do it with the fulness of our heart.
• Alma 37:35 WE have been learning about the church and its teachings our entire lives. It has been engrained in our mind the teachings and small bible stories. Now it is our time and our duty to help share that ever giving gift to the world. We are able to help teach and preach this gospel to those who need it. it feels good to know that we are helping people gain everlasting happiness.
  

Christlike Attributes

12/02/08

Missionaries strive to develop Christlike attributes.

• 3 Nephi 18:24 - We need to have Christlike attributes at all times on our mission, and do our best to have them all the time. We are ambassadors of the lord, and we need to act like he does. When we go out we are representing "his light" We hold it up and we teach it. It is just like we are representing him.
  
• D&C 4:5-6 - These are all very important things we need to learn. These are all wonderful attributes, Christlike attributes. We need to strive to do better in all of these things. Every single day we should pray for help. We can't become perfect on our own, the more we ask for help, and the harder we try, we can become more like him. We can become more like christ and become closer to exaltation.
  

Preparing Investigators for Baptism and Confirmation

11/25/08

Covenants and ordinances necessary for exaltation are received in the house of the Lord.

• D&C 131 - This just shows that no matter what we do in life, no matter how good we are, there are a some things that we NEED to do in order to get to the celestial kingdom. We need to follow not just some rules, but every single on, including celestial marriage.
  
• D&C 132:15,18,19 - Im just thankful that we are able to marry in the temple. That we are able to marry and stay with our spouse for time and all eternity. I am so thankful that we have these ordinances. I love that i know that i can see my family again, and i can be sealed to my wife and family for ever. It's important, and its awesome to see it happen. Divorce is such a big thing around the states, but i think the eternal perspective gives everyone in the church a bit more to live for.
  

Preparing investigators for baptism and confirmation

11/20/08

As Investigators come unto Christ and prepare to become Church members, they must understand the covenants associated with saving ordinances and be willing to make and keep these sacred obligations.

• D&C 45:9 - We are Christs work and workers, we are his covenant going out into the world to teach and share his gospel with the people. We are to go out and be the light of the world, and show the full standard of his people. We are the best he has, his warriors in the field, coming to do his work.
  
• D&C 42:78 - I think for a lot of non members who are being converted have the problem with the word of wisdom. I think and have heard, that the hardest thing to do is to keep them clean long enough to get baptized, then keep them clean after that as well. This goes for many other commandments im sure. But if we are a member of this great church, we need to keep the commandments and sacred ordinances.

Missionaries help those who are converted prepare for baptism, conformation, and membership in the Lords Church.

• Exodus 20:8-11 - I think among members and investigators as well something we all struggle with is keeping the sabbath day holy. It's hard on a day when a lot of us have nothing to do to keep the day devoted to the lord/family. I think one way we can look at it is this. WE can work hard and be devoted to life for 6 days a week that is many many hours of work. But then on the 7th day, the lords day, we devote 12 hours to him. Spend that much needed time with your family, read your scriptures, enjoy gods creations, nature etc. We should teach the aspect of keeping the sabbath day holy as something positive. Something we long for.
  
• D&C 59:9-10 - In helping people to prepare to become members of the church, we also need to make sure they are doing well after baptism and things. We need to keep up with them, make sure if they need support, we can give it to them. We want to try and keep them spotless before god. Meeting with them on sundays i think is a good thing to do. That way you are busy, and they are doing something holy on the sabbath day, as opposed to doing something to break the sabbath.
  

Using time wisely to bring people to Christ

11/18/08

Effective planning, goal setting, and time management help focus missionary efforts and increase success.

• Doctrine and Covenants 109:8 - We can't just go knocking on random doors all throughout our missions and expect to convert everyone. We need to effectively plan, and use our time wisely in order to do things right. We need to pray, and fast, and think in depth what is needed and where we should be that day. Preparation is key.
  

Using Time wisely to bring people to Christ

11/13/08

Finding people to teach is a responsibility for missionaries and Church members

• Doctrine and Covenants 123:12-13 - We need to spend our lives and expecially our missions really searching out the people who need us. I think a big part of this is prayer, and listening to the promptings of the spirit. The Spirit will help us a great deal in thinking of where to go and what to say etc. Just like the scripture said there are people all over the earth in different countries, sects, parties, etc. Some of them simply dont know the truth, and others want to know, but dont know how to find it. Some just don't know where to find it. We as missionaries need to be that person, that tool to share with them the things that they long to hear. We can bring that truth to them, and share with them the continuous love of Christ.
  

Physical and Emotional Preparation

10/11/08

Prospective missionaries should prepare for the physical and emotional demands of a full-time mission.

• D&C 4:2 - If we are going to serve god with "all" our heart might mind and strength, we need to be in great physical and emotional condition. If we are super over weight, or we have injuries or something like that. Then we cant serve to our full extent. We need to do our best to be in the best shape possible. We are going to do heaps of walking and things all over the place, and we need to be able to do what is asked of us. Physical and emotional preparation before a mission is critical prior to serving.
  
• D&C 88:124 - This is something i really have a problem with, and its good to learn about it so i can work at it. We need to "cease to sleep longer than is needful" As missionaries it's early to bed early to rise. And i personally need to start doing that now, so it's not such a burden to me when i get into the field. And i think it really is a good practice. Your mind is clear, your alert and ready to go. It makes it easier to be happy and feel the spirit when your not groggy and sleepy.
  

There are honorable alternatives to full-time missionary service for those individual excused by priesthood leaders because of their physical or emotional circumstance.

• Some people just cant go out and serve a full 2 year mission. Some people have certain physical or emotional circumstances that wont permit a 2 year mission. And i feel like its ok. It's sad, but it's ok, the Lord understands. And the church will excuse you from a 2 year mission. Besides that, there is heaps of different ways you can gain those blessings and help other people. Youc an go to the church family history center, work with welfare projects, hospitals homeless shelters, anywhere that needs help. Service is service, and the lord will bless you no matter what kind of service you are doing. We will be blessed and judged on the desires of our hearts. So if we do our part in missionary service, wherever and whenever it may be, we will be blessed
  

Faith and Conversion

11/6/08

Faith leads to conversion

• 2 Nephi 31:19-20 - Someone once taught in a lesson that faith cannot be stagnent. Your faith is never just sitting still. Your faith in Christ and his gospel is either gradually growing, or gradually decresing, but never sitting still. This scripture relates to that in a big way. Just because we are on the straight and narrow path, and have been. It doenst mean that we cant stray from it. We need to stay steadfast and close to Christ to continue on that straight and narrow. Then when we follow his guidance and commandments, we will stay on that path until the end, reaching the end and gaining eternal salvation.
• Alma 32:41 - Once again going back to staying close to christ not just for a small amount of time, but always. We can always plant that original seed in our heart, but in order to get the real fruit, we need to nourish that seed every day, at any time we can. We need to nurture the seed, let it grow, then partake of the everlasting fruit of life.

Conversion includes repentance, baptism, and the reception of the gift of the Holy Ghost.

• John 3:5 - Baptism is a huge part of conversion. When you are baptised is when you are actually made a legitimate member of the church. So technically you are converted to the word of christ, you believe in his teachings and have felt the spirit. Then you need to take it a step further, be baptized and make thos covenants with the lord. Recieve the holy ghost to be with you so you can recieve his guidance. This is such an important step in life, and critical to becoming converted to the church and gospel.
• 2 Nephi 31:13,17 - We need to follow after the savior in every way possible. One of the big things he did was be baptized. He had no need at all in the world to be baptized, for he had no sins to cleans. But he was doing it to be an example to us, an example to his children. Christ gave the ultimate sacrifice and is the ultimate example. In order to be close to him, we need to lead by that example.
  

Faith and Conversion

11/4/08

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is essential to spiritual growth.

• 1 Nephi 7:12 - Going on a mission to me is a big test of faith. We need to have faith that the lord will look after us in the mission fields and our families back home. It takes great faith and love for the lord to put aside everything were doing in life and go serve him for 2 years. We are asked to do it, and we must go and serve for him. But i still believe we must have great faith. And have great faith in the mission field as well, faith that his spirit will be with us to help teach and convert many.
• Alma 37:33 - This is just everything in a nut shell to me. It talks about the things we should teach. As a missionary there are so many different things we need to cover in the discussions and while teaching our investigators. But this is the basic means of what we need to be teaching.
  

Faith can Increase

• Helaman 3:35 - This just shows to prove that prayer and fast can strengthen us in so many ways. These two things are necesary for the growth of our faith. With prayer and fast we can wax strong in the gospel and grow in many different ways.
• Jacob 4:6 This can be made short and simple. When we have faith we can do great things. Great power comes from the lord and following his gospel. If we do his will, we can move mountains.
  

The Restorations and coming Forth of New Scripture

10/30/08

The Book of Mormon is convincing evidence of the Restoration.

• 1 Nephi 13:40 - The only thing that can bring us undying love is the Lord Jesus Christ. The only thing that can save us is if we come unto Christ. I believe and know this for a fact. It is as simple as that. An angel spoke saying that these are the last records, and they really are. We should treasure them up and learn of the things Christ wants us to know.
• D&C 20:8-12 - God will always be there and always be the same god. He will inspire us and call us to his work, he loves and cares for each and every one of us. These scriptures are the beginning of a ladder, a ladder of the constitution of the church if you may.
  

Under the direction of Jesus Christ, the priesthood and the Church were restored through His servants

• 5th and 6th Articles of Faith - We as missionaries have been, and will be called of god. We are chosen, and sent to do his will. Bring the people unto christ and teach them of his everlasting love. It's as simple as that.
• JSH 1:72 - - This really hits close to home for me because i was just recently sustained to be ordained to the office of an elder. Its a special time, and mark in our lives. We are able to hold keys we've never held before. We can perform ordinances we've never performed, and in all essence become a whole new better person.
  

The Restoration and the Comming Forth of New Scripture

10/28/08

God Called Joseph Smith to be the prophet of the Restoration.

• D&C 1:17 - Our church wouldn't be here and restored w/o the help of Joseph Smith. It says right there in the Doctrine and Covenants the lord knew what was going to happen on earth, and he would talk to Joseph Smith and give him the commandments. W/o that, we would still be lost in darkness. I think we underestimate how lucky we really are. I know Joseph Smith was a true prophet, and he was predestined to bring the church back to the earth.
• Joseph Smith History 1:17 - This scripture is so powerful. It shows the absolute power and love of Jesus Christ and God the Father. Just as Joseph was delivered from Satan, we can be delivered up from any hardship or trial that we have. With faith, love, and repentance, we can accomplish anything and make it over any obstacle.
  

Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon and brought forth other scriptures by the gift and power of God

• Book of Mormon Title Page Paragraph 1 - "Written by way of commandment and also by the spirit of prophecy and of revelation." This book, the Book of Mormon was made for us by commandment... It was written adn translated using the spirit of prophecy and revelation. This is truley a book from the heavens. The means and foundation of our religion, I know this book brings people unto Christ. "by the gift of God" This scripture is a gift from god, for our welbeing. We need to treasure it, for this is the most beautiful thing we could recieve.
  
• 2 Nephi 3:11-12 - It is amazing to me, and only testifies more of the truth of this book when in 2nd Nephi it talks about the coming forth of Joseph Smith. Its almost crazy, but great at the exact same time.
  

The Book of Mormon helps bring people unto Christ

• 1 Nephi 6:4 - All Christ wants is for his children to come unto him. I know that he loves us, and wants us to live with him for all eternity in the Celestial Kingdom. We need to try our best to be rightous, and live by his commandments. He loves us so much, and the least we could do, is do our best to live up to his standards so we can return unto our father, and live with him again.
• 1 Nephi 19:18 - We should remember Christ always, remember who he is and what he did for us. He was the ultimate sacrifice and has everlasting love for each and every one of his children. Hopefully we remember him throughout our days with prayer and things. But the scriputres were written so we can deeply think about him often. When we read the scriptures, we are reading the words of Christ. The words in the scriptures are there so we can remember him, and everything he has done for us.
  

Prophets and Apostacy

10/23/08

The European Reformation helped prepare the way for the final Restoration.

• Joel 2:28-29 - Well this was the only scriputre to choose from, but it was a good one. It talks about how the lord will pour his spirit upon all. We will prophesy, feel the spirit, have visions etc. It gives me great hope for those who don't have the church in their lives today. It gives me a touch of reassurance, that those who don't have the opportunity now, may someday feel the ever growing love of the lord Jesus Christ. Its just a great feeling to know that even though not everyone can feel his spirit and love right now, that the lords spirit will be poured upon all, so everyone can eventually feel his love.
  

Prophets and Apostacy

10/21/08

The lord provides truth, priesthood authority, ordinances, and organization through his prophets.

• Matthew 16:18-19 - This scripture brought me back to good old primary times. It talks about building the church upon this rock. It's so simple but it reminded me about the wise man that built his house upon the rock. Its a simple thing, but if we build our lives, the church, work, anything at all upon a strong foundation, we will prosper for a long time. In all essense the church should be our strong foundation. If we stay close the the church, everything will stand strong in the end.
• D&C 1:6 - - This scripture is very powerful to me personally. It just hits deep when you know the word of God will be proclaimed forever and always. Even after he has been gone for so long, his church and his word still penetrate throughout almost the entire world. When he speaks, he speaks, and will not excuse himself. What he says is right, and what he says is doctrine we must live by to our best power.
  

Throughout history there has been a recurring pattern of apostasy and restoration.

• 2 Nephi 15:17 - No matter what happens in this earth, no matter what happens with the church, the lord will always be there. He has touched teh lives of countless people, and there are millions more to come. When we are in our lost and fallen state, he is our iron rod. He won't exactly bring us right up and out of that fallen state, but he is the thing that will help us. He is that light at the end of a dark tunnel that will bring us unto salvation.
• Amos 8:11-12 - This scripture to me reminds me of food, half because it talks about food. But i think of it in this way: If you knew there was going to be a famine, you would stock up on as much food as you could, you would eat plenty, and put away heaps of storage. If we know an apostasy is coming we should stock up on the gospel. Stock up on scripture and prayer, get as close to Christ as possible. That would be a scary thought to know all throughout the land, the entire earth is empty of the gospel. But i know in my heart, that if this were to happen, i would have the gospel in my home, and in my heart.
  

The rejection of the Savior, His teachings, and priesthoood authority resulted in the Apostasy of the New Testament Church.

• Matthew 24:24 - We need to beware of false doctrines, christs, and prophets. They will arise in the last days and try to decieve the minds of the faithfull. Sometimes you may hear material that disagrees with the church, or goes against our standards. We need to flee from it like the plague. We may be tempted to "bash" or listen, but i feel as though we should just leave like we would with a bad joke or foul language. It's not something we should let seep into our minds. Because we may dwell on it later.
• Acts 20:29-30 - We are lucky to have prophets and apostles on the earth today. They are able to give us guidance and teachings straight from the lord himself. This is a big help in keeping us on the straight and narrow path. This scripture to me warns us. I interpret it that when we find ourselves far from the lord, or from church the wolves move in. Wolves meaning the temptations of the world. Satan knows the best times to tempt us, and he will strike when we are weak. We need to remember who we are, and make choices ahead of time so when the adversary comes, we can decide quickly what we are going to do.
  

Heavenly Father's Plan

10/15/08

The Atonement of Jesus Christ makes it possible to overcome the obstacles of spiritual and physical death.

• 2 Nephi 2:25-27 - It kind of means to me that with everything we do there is a consequince, whether it be a good one or a bad one. We "need" to do the lords will in order for things to go the right way. There is a plan, and we need to do our best to stick close to it. Adam had to fall in order for us to have "joy". Without him falling, we would not have been able to multiply and replenish the earth, and follow gods plan. Christ is here to come forth in the last days and redeem us from that fall, as long as we keep his commandments and love the lord.
• Alma 34:8-10 - This set of scriptures is so powerful to me. When I read it, it just seems to scream to me that Christ will take upon our sins. When I read a scripture like this, i know, i know for 100% fact that Christ is the savior, and he did atone for all of our sins.

Heavenly Father prepared degrees of glory for His children.

• John 14:2 - To me this is a promise from the lord. We are promised if we keep the commandments and attain Celestial glory that we will live in just that, Celestial Glory. It will be beautiful and amazing beyond belief. That is exactly what this scripture talks about and promises. Is that we will have many mansions, and if there wasn't going to be many mansions, Christ wouldn't have said there were. These mansions will be prepared and waiting for those of us who do the right things in life.
  
• D&C 98:18 - I like this because it again emphasizes that we shouldn't worry. If we do our part we will get our "reward". In his Fathers house there are many mansions. And there will be some for us already prepared, and there we shall be.
  

Heavenly Father's Plan

10/14/08

There are three stages of Heavenly Father's plan: premortal, mortal, and postmortal.

• Alma 34:32(31) - The assigned scripture was vs. 32. It means a lot to me because its talks about us needing to be ready to meet god. That this lifetime here on earth is for the preperation to meet god. And we need to be prepared to serve a mission, which will in the end better prepare us to meet god. But my eyes strayed to vs 31, which i had underlined from some previous reading. 31 talked about salvation and redemption. That we need to not harden our hearts so we can take part in the plan of redemption. We are living in the last days, and need to stay close to Christ. We mustn't hearden our hearts towards any of the teachings or commandments. We need to listen and heed his word, so at the last day we can stand blameless before god.
• Moses 3:4-5 - This scripture, like many of the scriptures we read in this class seems as though it was meant just for our ears. It talks about the last days, and how these generations of the heaven and earth were saved for the last days. I think we take advantage of a lot of things in this life. We need to really sit down and ponder about life. The lord made this earth and everything in it in 6 days. He has given us everything we have, from blessings to material things. God created all, and to that we must be ever so grateful.

Jesus Christ is central to Heavenly Father's plan.

• 2 Nephi 2 - Is a very important chapter. Without the fall of adam where would we be? If we had happened to choose Satans plan, and lived life without any choices we would have never learned. We would always be the same, with no proggression in our lives. I am extremely greatfull to have free agency, to be able to make choices for myself and learn form my mistakes
• Moses 6:62-63 - Once again talking about the plan of salvation. We need to really love and appreciate the things that the lord has done for us. He bled and died for our sins. He is the reason for our religion. His teachings are in heaven, earth, and everywhere. "All things bear record of me." Everything bears a record of the Lord and his teachings. We just need to take the time to listen to the spirit, and make sure we are living by his teachings every single day to the best of our abilities.
  

We learn to teach "by study and also by Faith" Pt. 2

10/9/08

God promises the Holy Ghost to those who treasure up His word.

• Alma 17:2-3 - What i "Treasured up" about this scripture is really going the extra mile. We as missionaries are all close to the Lord. We go to church, we love the lord, and we are happy to do his work. But in order to be the best, we also need to pray hard, and fast. This will help the spirit to dwell within us. It will help us to be better teachers, and to effectively teach with the spirit.
  
• D&C 84:85 - We've discussed this scripture before, and i really really like it. It's dear to my heart, because i know that it is true. If we really treasure up the word, if we study hard and do our part, we will be ok. Good things will happen to us, and all will be well. If we have studied and worked hard in preparation, the words will come unto us. The lord will open up our minds, and bring things unto our remembrance. Our tongues will be loosed, and the word of god will flow from our mouth.
  

We learn to teach "by study and also by Faith" Pt. 2

10/7/08

Bearing testimony invites the spirit into our teaching

• 2 Nephi 33:1 - Now every missionary is not going to be the best public speaker, teacher, and learner. Some people just cant do it, it's not in their personality. But through the power of god, and the love of the spirit, all things are possible. I believe this strongly with the depths of my soul, that with the power of God, all things are possible. A simple school boy can teach and talk better than a politician.
  
• D&C 100:5-8 - There was a lot of angry things going on in these verses, but an important lesson as well. What i got out of it was important in every persons life. It seems as though some people go to church and things but are somewhat distant from god. They believe the church, but may not practice the teachings 100% all the time, because life is good and there isn't much to worry about. Yet then when the times get hard, and life isn't running so smoothly they cling to god. Praying more and more often, reading scriptures, etc. This shouldn't be the case. We need to stick close to God all the time, whether the times are good or not.
  

We obtain the word by faith

• D&C 42:14 - This scripture gets pretty straight forward and to the point. It goes back again to worthiness. If you pray with deep faith, you will gain and have with you the spirit of god. If you don't have it, you wont be able to effectively teach, and thats that.
  
• Romans 10:17 - Faith comes by hearing, and hearing comes from the word of god. You need to plant that little seed by hearing what the gospel has to offer. Once you have heard the word of god, you plant that seed. From there you gain your faith. With your faith and the spirit of the lord you can effectively "farm". You can plant those small seed within peoples hearts and watch as you teach and they grow.
  

We learn to TEach "by Study and Also by Faith"

10/2/08

We obtain the word by study and by preparing to teach the restored gospel.

• D&C 88:118 - I think this can go along with companionship study. It talks about if you don't have faith to seek diligently and teach one another. All throughout life and on our mission, we are going to meet people that know more than we do. We can learn so much from them, whether it be life lessons, or lessons of the spirit. We need to listen, and treasure up the things that we are learning from our friends, teachers, and peers.
  

We Learn To Teach "By Study And Also By Faith"

9/30/08

Prayer and pondering the scriptures help prepare us to receive the influence of the Holy Ghost.

• 1 Nephi 11:1 - This scripture is very powerful. It really shows of Christs power. If we believe in things, then we should ponder them. After we think and ponder exceedingly then we will feel the spirit of the lord. We need that spirit to dwell within us in order to teach out investigators and bring them unto Christ
• Alma 5:46 - The spirit will make things known unto us as children of god, and as missionaries. But these things don't just come in the mail one day. We need to first treasure up our religion and its teachings. Fast and prayer, just like in this scripture will help us to have the spirit with us, and have the power to preach and teach

We must seek to obtain the word

• D&C 11:21 - We need to not seek to declare the word, but to obtain it. We need to strive to learn and dwell and treasure up the things that we need to teach. We need to know the discussions like the back of our hand, and treasure them up. When we have succesfully obtained the word, our tounge will be loosed. The spirit of god will dwell within us and help thing come to mind. Our memory will be opened and the spirit will help distinguish what to say and what not to say. This is such a special thing to have in our lives, and it will ever help us. With his spirit we will have the power to convince men, and bring them unto Christ
  
• D&C 100:5-8 - I feel like a lot of missionaries might be scared to speak up and say what they are prompted to say. so in this scripture it says we need to lift up our voices! We need to speak and preach the word to everyone. The spirit will put the words into our hearts, and we will not be confounded my men. It will pay in the end. If we do what we are asked, if we do what we should, we will have the words delivered to us, and the children of god will be brought unto his word.
  

Teaching by the spirit

Sept - 22- 2008

Personal preparation and worthiness are necessary to teach by the spirit.

• Alma 8:10 - When I read this scrupiture the first thing that came to my mind was a challenge. Our missions are not going to be a 2 year youth conference, playing games while being spiritual and things like this. Our missions are going to be 2 years of hard work. This scripture talks about laboring, wrestling, and having mighty prayer. It means to me that we need to be very ready. This isn't going to be a walk in the park, it's going to be 2 years of hard work and learning. Not only is it going to be hard work, but hard work to convert. We can't just expect the people to come untro Christ right away. We need to work at it and feed the spirit of the lord in to their hearts.
• D&C 84:85 - This shows the true meaning and power of the spirit, and of the Holy Ghost. When on our mission, we needeth not think before hand of the things in which to preach, but treasure up in our minds and it shall be given to you. If the spirit is with us, we will be given the words that we're going to need in order to convert and help the people to feel the spirit.

Missionaries can incite the Holy Ghost into their teaching.

• Alma 5:45-46 - The spirit of revelation doesn't come with ease. It comes with the spirit of fast and prayer. It's not something you can go buy from the store, or obtain in 1 day. You need to earnestly pray and fast in order to have this spirit of revelation with you, so you can productively teach the people. Just like i said before, its going to be a challenge, a wrestle. Its going to be a challenge to gain the spirit of revelation, but once gained we will be moving along nicely.
• D&C 84:62 - I think this goes back to serving, i suppose everything in this class revolves around serving. But this scripture to me is likened unto war. If you are drafted into the war, you go and serve wherever it is that they send you. During out mission, we go and serve wherever it is that they send us. We go and serve with all our heart mind might and strength. Teaching to everyone we can, and trying out best to convert those who want unto Christ.
  

The companionship of the Holy Ghost

9/17/08

The companionship of the Holy Ghost part 2

• There are many ways that the Holy Ghost influences our lives for good.
  
• 1 Nephi 4:6 - While were on out missions, and all throughout life we need to heed the feelings of the spirit. It was given to us, and is a great privilege, hence when prompted we need to abide and go with what the spirit is telling us. In the scripture it says, "And i was led by the spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which i should do." No matter what the circumstance, if the spirit is prompting us, we need to listen. Even if we feel like we want to do something different, or we want to do it our way, the spirit know's best. We were given the Holy Ghost for a reason, and he only gives us feelings to keep us safe. When they come, not just on the mission but all throughout life, we need to listen.
• 2 Nephi 33:1 - This scripture is especially for the missionaries. This give me great confidence. It says, "that for a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it into the hearts of the children of men." This gives me heaps of confidence, because it reassures me that the spirit will be helping me along the way to soften the hearts of our investigators.

• Sensitivity and obedience to the spirit is one of a missionary's greatest resources.
  
• 2 Nephi 33: - I would just like to re-iterate that this scripture was written in the manual twice in a row, hence it must be important. So remeber to be worthy to have the spirit with you, for it will go into the hearts of the children of men.
• D&C 43:15-16 - This scripture goes back to a talk i just recently read, and a small portion of a lesson we had in the mission preperation class. This scripture talks about how elders are not sent forth to be taught, but to teach the children of men. And it really is true. Some people think a mission is a good 2 year period to strengthen yourself in the church, to clean up and get closer to the lord, and in a way it is. You really should come home from your mission closer to the lord and the church. But on the other hand, your mission is not for you to learn, but for you to teach. You've been learning about the church your entire life (or most of it) and you have been chosen by your father in heaven to now share that knowledge, and bring the children of men unto christ. Its inportant that we go on our missions to teach, baptize, and bring people unto christ. Its a learning experience for us, but more for the people we are meant to be teaching.

The Companionship of the Holy Ghost

9/16/08

The Companionship of the Holy Ghost part 1

• The light of Christ is a power for good in the lives of all people
• Moroni 7:16-19 - This scripture stood out to me in vs. 17 more than any other. When we are being evil, in a sense we are promoting it. If we are sinning, denying him, and not serving him, then we are essentially being of the devil. Just like the lesson before, we need to be worthy, and be in the ever glowing light of the lord. He loves us, and wants us to be with him. We need him near us often in order to serve a successful mission
• D&C 84:46-47 - It amazes me every single time i read a scripture that is meant specifically for missionaries, or the children of the last days. There is so much stuff in these scriptures for us, and its amazing to me. Something written so long ago, was meant for us thousands of years later. Now what stands out to me in this scripture is that god has given light to every man on this earth. Everyone chose to be here, and everyone is given his light, and can be enlightened by him and feel his love deep within their hearts. Everyone has the chance. Either they grew up in the church, or we the missionaries are to bring it to them. And once they have heard the word and accept the one and only true love of Christ. They will "come unto god, even the father." That is the most priceless thing you could ever receive.
  
• The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead
• 3 Nephi 28:11 - One thing is for certain, we need the Holy Ghost on our mission. To keep our hearts close to the lord, and to soften the hearts of investigators. The Holy Ghost is a big reason behind conversion. Its that little feeling inside your heart, telling you that this doctrine is in fact the true gospel. "The Holy Ghost beareth record of the father and me." The Holy Ghost is an important and beautiful thing to have with you every day of your life, and essential for a missionary.
• D&C 130:22 - Since were on the subject of the Holy Ghost. Sometimes we/I wonder, why does the holy ghost need to be a spirit, why cant he be a man in the godhead like the others. This scripture tells us why. If the holy ghost were a body of flesh and bones he could not dwell within us. He could not give us that feeling of comfort and love that he is able to give while dwelling inside us. His spirit is constantly inside the church, temple, and some even say the PCC. It is critical that the Holy Ghost is a spirit, so it can dwell within us.
  

Personal Worthiness

9/11/08

Personal Worthiness part 2

• Personal worthiness allows prospective misssionaries to obtain temple blessings
• D&C 109:22-23 : servants will go forth from his house with his power. This is just amazing to me. Just like a general in an army we are going out in to this "field" of work. Yet we have the upper hand on any missionary from another church. We are being sent out with "his" power. The power of the all knowing and all powerful lord. That personally gives me confidence, that if im ready, i can all preach his gospel, with his spirit and help
• D&C 110:7-9 : Not very many people on this earth have been given the opportunity to see Christ. This scripture says that if we in fact keep the commandments he will "appear unto his servants." There is not much to treasure up, except great appreciation. Its so unreal, all we need to do is keep some simple commandments, and we will be able to see and be with Christ. It's a good "motivation" to keep the commandments, knowing you'll be around and see Christ.
• Repentance is a cleansing process that allows us to become worthy.
  
• Isaiah 1:18 : This scripture to me is all about repentance. Repentance is such an amazing thing. To know 100% that Christ has endured anything and everything we have endured. Every single emotional and physical pain, he has felt. And no matter our sins, with time we can become "as white as snow." This makes me appreciate what the lord has done for us even more. Not only has he experience everything we have, he is willing to forgive us, and that means a lot to me
• Mosiah 26:29 - Since we are treasuring up, i went a little before this scripture to verse 28. I happened to have it high lighted so i read it. It kinda made me realize even more then before how much people need missionaries. The scripture summed up says those who dont hear my voice they wont receive my church, and wont be received at the last day. It is our divine responsibility to teach these people, so they can come unto christ. Without us, they are lost souls, and who else will bring them the gospel? If they don't hear the word, they cant be received at the last day, and that could be our fault.
  

Personal Worthiness

9/9

Personal Worthiness part 1

• Personal worthiness is necessary to accomplish missionary work
• D&C 88:74 - I personally feel like this scripture is written for our days. It's so crazy how some things in the scriptures you just know are meant for your ears. It says for us, the first laborers of this last kingdom. The children of the last day. He is giving us the commandment to go out and serve. It is "our" responsibility, it is my responsibility to go out and serve. And not just serve, but organize, prepare, sanctify, purify, and cleanse so we may be clean. This also goes back to searching worthily. When we go, we need to go and do in a state as pure as possible.
• D&C 121:45 - This scripture, in the "treasured up" form means to me a give take relationship with the lord. If we are charitable to not just your friends, but to all men. If you have faith, virtue, and let your confidence wax strong. The doctrine of the priesthood will distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. If we give a little, if we do what we are told, what we know is right. Then we will be greatly blessed.
  

Called to Serve

9/4

Called To Serve part 2

• The focus of missionary work is too invite people to Christ
• 2 Nephi 25:26: We talk of Christ so often, in school, seminary, church, and among friends. But i feel as though we aren't really thinking about what we say always. We are learning in this class to "treasure up". And i think whenever the word, or any thoughts of Christ come around, we need to treasure up what we are saying. Think twice and really ponder about our thoughts and words of Christ. We rejoice in Christ. He gave us everything, and anything we ever have had, have now, or will have. I think we take for granted how blessed we really are that we have a loving savior that would do and give anything to see us be happy. In this scripture it says many of these things, we talk of, we rejoice in, we preach of, we prophesy, we write according to his prophecies, so our children may know. We love and appreciate all that Christ has done for us, so we do all these things, insomuch that our children may know and grow in his loving gospel.
• D&C 133:37-39: This scripture is amazing to me. As a pre-missionary, it shows just how important, I and every single other person in this class really is. We are to go out and litterally bring unto salvation the souls of many. The souls of every kindred, tounge, nation, and people. We will be able to go out to the many lands of the earth, and share the one and only truth with people who may have never heard it, except the fact that we had come to them to preach. It just really hits deep, it makes you appreciate the "opportunity" to be able to go and serve for the lord our god.
• A full time mission call comes form the lord through his authorized servants
• Alma 42:31: This scripture to me may have a whole different meaning then it may have to others. In the passage it says " Declare the word with truth and soberness." To me this is so powerfull for a certain reason. I have known, and come to have known a lot of wonderful young men that have served missions. And i have come to know a handfull who have not served their missions with "truth and soberness" It really hits home for me because i know people. And i know that you need to be 100% true and sober while on your mission in order to get the full experience. If you do stay true to the word, and work hard every single day, it will pay off and you will have a wonderfull 2 years, and i believe in this strongly.
  
• D&C 64:29: This scripture also hit home for me a lot. Specifically because we talked about this in class. When we go on our missions we are in the direct sevice of our lord. He is our "boss" on our 2 year intership for the gospel. Whatever we do reflects upon him and his church. We are his agents, we are doing his will, and his work. Therefor we need to give it our all 100% all the time for the entire 2 years. Whatever we do is according to the lord and his business. Just like a gardener needs tools to make the garden flourish, and become beautiful. The lord needs us to bring forth the truth. We are simply a tool in the hands of the lord.
  

9/2

• The first thing i thought of as i started to read the Doctrines and Principals was how great of an opportunity this is. It says we have the duty and "Privilege" to share the restored gospel. Some may think of a mission as a trial, a period of 2 years where we need to leave everything we've ever known and pay for it. But all in all, this is a wonderful opportunity to go out and share with the world what we know to be true, we have the opportunity to share things with people that could change many lives not just during our mission, but in the lives of people to come years from then.
• "The field is white already to harvest" The people are ready to learn, and when its our time to go, we need to go serve, we need to go thrust in our sickle with all our might. Go out for our entire 2 years, and work hard every single day. There are people ready to learn, and we are the ones responsible for bringing them unto christ.
• Something that stood out to me was D&C 133:37-39 That we will preach the gospel to every nation kindred and tongue. I just think that is neat that we are able to spread the word to every single people among this earth. It also says it will come forth saying with a loud voice. To me that kind of means, there are so many missionaries out there with numbers growing every day, i envision a big army. The more people you have the louder your army would be, and that's what i see, a large army going forth with a loud voice preaching the sacred word of god