“Draw Nearer to God” : Simple Things

Alma the Younger is teaching his son Helaman the importance of keeping the records of the people. Alma explains that this is "for a wise purpose" and that God does everything for a reason; recording the simplest doctrines is what will help future generations. Alma shares with his son that by keeping a record of the spiritual and temporal history, the Lord would be able to bring about His work to all the people of the world.

This scripture inspires me to keep my own record of spiritual experiences, so that when I need guidence and spiritual strength, I can look back and see the hand of God in my life! By remembering the little experiences, we can be better prepared for the big experiences; by keeping a record of our blessings, our future families will be able to recognize our testimonies, and seek for their own spiritual experiences.

The Lord does everything for a wise purpose. His Gospel was restored to the Earth exactly when it was because His wonderful plan was to do it that way; Joseph Smith was supposed to be the Prophet of this dispensation, and he was prepared for his mission from before the beginning.

The principle of small things bringing about great things can be applied to anything. By studying for a class here a little and there a little, at the time it comes to take the test, you won't be cramming the information, because over that study process you will have leanred the information. Studying the scriptures works that way too. Studying them before a mission or before a spontaneous question of testimony, you will be prepared to know how to answer any question, or where to find the answer. Adding a drop of oil to your lamp, will eventually build up to be a great source of light and inspiation when it gets dark.

I invite all of us to remember the little things; prioritize our tasks so that all the important things will have been completed and given our fullest attention.

“Draw Nearer to God” : Fear Not

"...nevertheless they stand fast in that liberty wherewith God has made them free; and they are strict to remember the Lord their God from day to day; yea, they do observe to keep his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments continually; and their faith is strong in the prophecies concerning that which is to come." - Alma 58:40 

This week has been one of deep reflection and turning to God. As fear and hate divides the United States, it is into God's hands that we must give our will. We live in a wonderful nation that provides opportunities for progress, freedom, and peace! Jesus Christ is at the head of this nation, and more importantly, the Gospel as it rolls forth to all the Earth. Heavenly Father has protected our rights to freedom in all forms in this country, and only through Him will we remain free.

This scripture in Alma, comforts me and reminds me that God is in charge. God has a plan, and He has shared it with us. If we are faithful and earneslty seek His guidance, we have no reason to fear what man can do. I have a testimony that Heavenly Father loves me, He loves all of us, and He will keep me free! There are so many wonderful opportunites available to us, and we have the responsibility to bring the Gospel to His children. God will provide a way for His people to live His Gospel freely, and He will continue to bless those who keep His commandments and those who remain faithfull to the covenants they have made. 

"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." - D&C 68:6

“Draw Nearer to God” : Faith is a Seed

Faith is not a complete understanding, it is not a perfect knowledge of things. 

Faith is hope for things which you cannot see. Faith is hope for things that are true. 

Faith is trust in God! 

In Alma 32, the poor people of Antionum are taught to pray in humility. Alma teaches them of faith and humility; humility is a strength, humility is the willingness to offer our will to God. Alma teaches the people to nuture their faith, plant it as a seed and let it grow within them. 

Acting in faith brings experience >> experience built precept upon precept gives knowledge >> knowledge leads to continued obedience >> obedience makes way for humility >> humility allows you to serve willingly >> service added upon service becomes charity: the pure love of Christ! 

I have faith that the Savior will come again! I have faith that He is my Redeemer, that He paid the price needed for my deliverance from sin and has paved the way for me to live with Him again! I know that little by little, my testimony will grow, my love for God will increase, and my love for His chilren will continue to grow! If I act in Faith to do good, I will gain spiritual experiences that will lead to increased wisdom in God's plan, allow me to humble myself to give glory to God, to serve Him willingly and to be charitable to His children! All it takes is planting a tiny seed, and helping it grow! 

"Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it wil begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves--- it must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me." 

- Alma 32:28