December 17, 2006 - Original Post
A Choice Seer
Lehi tells his son Joseph about their forefather Joseph who was sold into Egypt. Through Joseph, many nations are blessed. From Joseph’s posterity would come Joseph Smith.
We learn many things that Joseph Smith would do. Verse 12 talks about how the Book of Mormon and the Bible would be joined together to confound false doctrines and to establish the truth. This prophecy has come true. Today, millions of copies of the Bible and Book of Mormon can be found scattered around the world. In some sets, they are even bound together as one book.
We learn that Joseph will declare repentance unto the Lamanites. Shortly after the Church was established, missionaries were sent to the Native Americans. Today, missionaries are found all over the world declaring repentance. Even I was able to take part in the fulfillment of this revelation as I served in Central American among the ancestors of the Mayans. The church in Central and South America truly is blossoming like a rose (D&C 49:24).
In summary, Joseph would “do much good, both in word and in deed” (v. 24).
Personal Application
There is not much in this chapter that can be directly applied to my life. What strengthens my testimony when I read this chapter is that I have a chance to reflect on the life and mission of Joseph Smith. The work that he did on this earth is really quite miraculous when you consider all that he did.
The greatest testimony I have of the Prophet Joseph Smith is the translation of the Book of Mormon. I firmly believe that he received the gold plates from Moroni and that he translated them through the power of God. Every time I read the Book of Mormon and consider how it came to be, I know it in my heart that no one man wrote this book. It was written my many different prophets and compiled by Mormon and Moroni. Then by the power of God, Joseph Smith translated the book.
And just as verse 12 so wonderfully states, the Book of Mormon and the Bible have indeed grown together to establish the truth once again.
January 11, 2012 - Addition
2 Nephi 3:9-10 caught my attention today.
If you were to look at a timeline, Joseph of Egypt comes first, then Moses, then Lehi and Joseph (son of Lehi) and then Joseph Smith.
2 Nephi 3:7 begins Joseph of Egypt's prophesy about Joseph Smith and Moses.
In verse 9, he says "And he [Joseph Smith] shall be great like unto Moses, whom I have said I would raise up unto you, to deliver my people, O house of Israel."
In verse 10 he continues, "And Moses will I raise up, to deliver thy people out of the land of Egypt."
So, according to the Book of Mormon, Joseph of Egypt not only say the Israelites being held captive, but he saw and knew the name of Moses.
The Maxwell Institute has a nice little article about this prophesy: "Joseph's Prophesy of Moses and Aaron"
More info on this link as well.
Showing posts with label Testimony. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Testimony. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
November 30, 2011 - Finished Book of Mormon
There was a Brother Cal Henline in the ward we lived in several years ago and I remember him bearing his testimony about how he's read the Book of Mormon X amount of times in his life ... I don't recall the number, but it was high. He was proud of that fact. I was impressed with his effort. I could tell he wanted to be able to report to God, someday, that he was faithful in reading the Book of Mormon in his life.
A few years before Brother Henline bore that testimony, I was sitting in Primary with my Sunbeams, and Sister Vallery, the Primary president, was telling us how she has read the Book of Mormon every day of her life since she was a young woman. I was really impressed with that!
Many years before her testimony, back in Oregon, I walked into our home around 4:30pm. The house was quiet; it was autumn. I looked to my left into the living room and there in his recliner with a couch pillow on his lap and his copy of the Book of Mormon on that pillow, sat my dad - quietly reading the Book of Mormon. I remember thinking, "I want to be just like my dad."
I try to be more like Brother Henline; I want to read the whole Book of Mormon every year - perhaps more times if can manage.
I try to be more like Sister Vallery and not let a day go by without opening and reading from the Book of Mormon.
I try to seek those quiet moments like my dad, and read the Book of Mormon. I want my kids to see me study the scriptures too. I've been more conscious lately in trying to find opportunities to read my scriptures at home so my children can see me and want to follow my example.
Today, I accomplished, in a small degree, all three of those desires.
After I finished the Book of Mormon again today, I find that it is still true!
And I, like Moroni, admonish anyone reading this, to read and study the Book of Mormon. Read it. Recommit to reading it. Pray about it. It will make your life better.
A few years before Brother Henline bore that testimony, I was sitting in Primary with my Sunbeams, and Sister Vallery, the Primary president, was telling us how she has read the Book of Mormon every day of her life since she was a young woman. I was really impressed with that!
Many years before her testimony, back in Oregon, I walked into our home around 4:30pm. The house was quiet; it was autumn. I looked to my left into the living room and there in his recliner with a couch pillow on his lap and his copy of the Book of Mormon on that pillow, sat my dad - quietly reading the Book of Mormon. I remember thinking, "I want to be just like my dad."
I try to be more like Brother Henline; I want to read the whole Book of Mormon every year - perhaps more times if can manage.
I try to be more like Sister Vallery and not let a day go by without opening and reading from the Book of Mormon.
I try to seek those quiet moments like my dad, and read the Book of Mormon. I want my kids to see me study the scriptures too. I've been more conscious lately in trying to find opportunities to read my scriptures at home so my children can see me and want to follow my example.
Today, I accomplished, in a small degree, all three of those desires.
After I finished the Book of Mormon again today, I find that it is still true!
And I, like Moroni, admonish anyone reading this, to read and study the Book of Mormon. Read it. Recommit to reading it. Pray about it. It will make your life better.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Elder Richard G. Scott Quote on Book of Mormon
In his October 2011 General Conference talks, Elder Richard G. Scott said,
"those who consistently read the Book of Mormon are blessed with an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a greater resolve to obey His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the divinity of the Son of God."
Amen!
"those who consistently read the Book of Mormon are blessed with an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a greater resolve to obey His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the divinity of the Son of God."
Amen!
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Elder Koichi Aoyagi and the Book of Mormon
Below is an excerpt taken from Elder Koichi Aoyagi's talk from General Conference last week.
Living alone, far from my hometown and the people I knew, I became lonely and strayed from the Church. One day I received a postcard from a Church member back home. She wrote that she had heard I was not attending Church meetings. She quoted a scripture and invited me to return to church. I was overwhelmed by the words of the scripture. This helped me realize that maybe I had lost something important, and I pondered and struggled for many days. This also caused me to remember a promise the missionaries had made to me: “If you read the Book of Mormon and ask in fervent prayer if the promise found in Moroni is true, you will know the truth through the power of the Holy Ghost.” (see Moroni 10:4-5)
I realized that I was not praying with all of my heart and decided to do so. One morning I woke up early, knelt in my small apartment, and prayed sincerely. To my surprise, the confirmation of the Holy Ghost came upon me as promised. My heart burned, my body shook, and I was filled with joy. Through the power of the Holy Ghost, I learned that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, live and that They truly appeared to Joseph Smith. I made a commitment in my heart to repent and faithfully follow Jesus Christ for the rest of my life.
This spiritual experience changed my life completely! I decided to serve a mission out of gratitude to the Lord and to the Church member who rescued me. Following my mission, I was sealed in the temple to a wonderful girl, and we have been blessed with four children. Not coincidentally, this is the same girl who saved me by sending a postcard to that lonely apartment in Yokohama many years ago. I remain ever grateful for the mercy of the Lord and the help of this Church member, who invited me to once again come unto Christ. (see Matthew 11:28)
Source: April 2010 General Conference, "Helping Hands, Saving Hands"
Living alone, far from my hometown and the people I knew, I became lonely and strayed from the Church. One day I received a postcard from a Church member back home. She wrote that she had heard I was not attending Church meetings. She quoted a scripture and invited me to return to church. I was overwhelmed by the words of the scripture. This helped me realize that maybe I had lost something important, and I pondered and struggled for many days. This also caused me to remember a promise the missionaries had made to me: “If you read the Book of Mormon and ask in fervent prayer if the promise found in Moroni is true, you will know the truth through the power of the Holy Ghost.” (see Moroni 10:4-5)
I realized that I was not praying with all of my heart and decided to do so. One morning I woke up early, knelt in my small apartment, and prayed sincerely. To my surprise, the confirmation of the Holy Ghost came upon me as promised. My heart burned, my body shook, and I was filled with joy. Through the power of the Holy Ghost, I learned that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, live and that They truly appeared to Joseph Smith. I made a commitment in my heart to repent and faithfully follow Jesus Christ for the rest of my life.
This spiritual experience changed my life completely! I decided to serve a mission out of gratitude to the Lord and to the Church member who rescued me. Following my mission, I was sealed in the temple to a wonderful girl, and we have been blessed with four children. Not coincidentally, this is the same girl who saved me by sending a postcard to that lonely apartment in Yokohama many years ago. I remain ever grateful for the mercy of the Lord and the help of this Church member, who invited me to once again come unto Christ. (see Matthew 11:28)
Source: April 2010 General Conference, "Helping Hands, Saving Hands"
Friday, January 23, 2009
"The Most Useful Piece of Knowledge" by Elder Christensen
Read Elder Clayton M. Christensen's moving testimony of how he found out the Book of Mormon is true.
His invitation:
His invitation:
For those of you who may still be living on the testimonies of others, I invite you to set aside an hour every day and find out for yourself if the Book of Mormon is true, because it will change your heart as it has changed mine. Then someday you’ll be able to go to the place where you lived at the time that God revealed this to you and point at it for your children and spouse and say, “That’s a sacred place because that’s where I learned that Jesus is the Christ.”Clayton M. Christensen, “The Most Useful Piece of Knowledge,” NewEra, Jan 2009, 40–42
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
My Testimony
I finished posting the last commentary to the blog last night on October 9, 2007. The commentary and insights have come a long way since December 12, 1996 in Coban Guatemala. It has taken me many tries to complete this little project to my liking. And I'm sure that I will continue to revise it through the years. To me, it is a treasure and will help me more easily remember all that the Lord has taught me while I've read this sacred book.
Today was a beautiful north Texas fall day. I had to work the night shift last night and so when I came home from work, I fell asleep and then got up around 1:00pm. By then, it was clear and dry and 80 degrees outside. As usual, I went on my run … today's route would be four miles.
I hadn't had much time to myself, so I was looking forward to spending my time in prayer while I ran. As I started to run, my thoughts turned to my family. I began to say a prayer in my head. I thanked our Heavenly Father for my beautiful children and my lovely wife. I let my mind wander thinking of all the blessings we have received. Indeed I feel so blessed and sometimes wonder why I should deserve those blessings.
I asked for forgiveness of my sins and shortcomings. I expressed my gratitude for the feelings of goodness within my heart and how I wish I always had them with me to help me resist temptations. I asked for strength to always choose the right.
Then I began to pray about the Book of Mormon. I told Heavenly Father that I love the book and how it has brought me joy in my life. I told Him that I know that by reading the Book of Mormon and following its teachings, I have learned the true way to happiness. And then something extraordinary happened. I told our Father in Heaven that even if all the evidence in the world came out against the Book of Mormon and that it were proven to not be true without any doubt, I would still believe in the Book of Mormon … I would still read it and I would still love it; I would still follow the teachings found therein. I would never "trample" on (see 1 Nephi 19:7) the Book of Mormon. I simply could not do it; I love the book too much to ever turn my back to it.
Unexpectedly, while I was running, tears welled up in my eyes and my heart began to thump a little harder. It was if a curtain was lifted and I could see. I began to cry out loud. I felt the Holy Ghost tell me that what I had determined in my heart was what Heavenly Father desired of me. Immediately, the words of Mormon in 3 Nephi 6:14 came to my mind, "They were firm, and steadfast, and immovable." I felt at that moment that Heavenly Father was pleased with me and He told me that I was on the right path. It was such a peaceful and powerful feeling. It was real to me and I shall never forget it.
I know the Book of Mormon is true. I love it dearly. Because I know the Book of Mormon is from God, I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's church on the earth today. I also know the prophet who leads the Church is a prophet of God. I know these things are true and knowing that makes me happy. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Today was a beautiful north Texas fall day. I had to work the night shift last night and so when I came home from work, I fell asleep and then got up around 1:00pm. By then, it was clear and dry and 80 degrees outside. As usual, I went on my run … today's route would be four miles.
I hadn't had much time to myself, so I was looking forward to spending my time in prayer while I ran. As I started to run, my thoughts turned to my family. I began to say a prayer in my head. I thanked our Heavenly Father for my beautiful children and my lovely wife. I let my mind wander thinking of all the blessings we have received. Indeed I feel so blessed and sometimes wonder why I should deserve those blessings.
I asked for forgiveness of my sins and shortcomings. I expressed my gratitude for the feelings of goodness within my heart and how I wish I always had them with me to help me resist temptations. I asked for strength to always choose the right.
Then I began to pray about the Book of Mormon. I told Heavenly Father that I love the book and how it has brought me joy in my life. I told Him that I know that by reading the Book of Mormon and following its teachings, I have learned the true way to happiness. And then something extraordinary happened. I told our Father in Heaven that even if all the evidence in the world came out against the Book of Mormon and that it were proven to not be true without any doubt, I would still believe in the Book of Mormon … I would still read it and I would still love it; I would still follow the teachings found therein. I would never "trample" on (see 1 Nephi 19:7) the Book of Mormon. I simply could not do it; I love the book too much to ever turn my back to it.
Unexpectedly, while I was running, tears welled up in my eyes and my heart began to thump a little harder. It was if a curtain was lifted and I could see. I began to cry out loud. I felt the Holy Ghost tell me that what I had determined in my heart was what Heavenly Father desired of me. Immediately, the words of Mormon in 3 Nephi 6:14 came to my mind, "They were firm, and steadfast, and immovable." I felt at that moment that Heavenly Father was pleased with me and He told me that I was on the right path. It was such a peaceful and powerful feeling. It was real to me and I shall never forget it.
I know the Book of Mormon is true. I love it dearly. Because I know the Book of Mormon is from God, I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's church on the earth today. I also know the prophet who leads the Church is a prophet of God. I know these things are true and knowing that makes me happy. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
2 Nephi 29
Chapter 29 largely deals with the writing of other books of scripture other than the Bible. Nephi quotes the Lord as saying that the testimony of two nations shall run together and testify that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
I think that two testimonies of God’s work on the earth is significant. Many people believe that God is different and that as Nephi stated in the last chapter, God has left His work in the hands of men. This is not so. God is still very active in His work and glory (Moses 1:39). He wants us to know that he is the same, so he has commanded the prophets throughout the world to write and testify of him.
A Bible, A Bible!
I've always found it interesting how some Christian religions know the Bible is from God yet deny that the Book of Mormon comes from the same divine source. The logic and arguments for and against the Book of Mormon are numerous. But at the heart of every argument against the Book of Mormon is the question of authenticity. Many believe the Joseph Smith wrote it instead of translating it … many believe that the Book of Mormon doesn't come from God. But those same people believe that the Bible is inspired of God. They are stuck on the question of Joseph Smith being a prophet or not. Thankfully Moroni saw this dilemma and instructed everyone who reads the Book of Mormon to ask God if it is true or not. Those who have a sincere desire to know the truth will receive a personal witness of the truth of the Book of Mormon (Moroni 10:3-9).
Let me also address the question of authenticity in another way. At church this Sunday, the counselor in the Elder's quorum shared a missionary experience with us. He is a convert to the Church. He had gone on a few visits with the missionaries the previous week. One of the people they visited was this young man who questioned everything the missionaries taught him. He kept asking them, "how do you know for sure Joseph Smith is a true prophet? How do you know for sure the Book of Mormon is true?" He wanted solid proof that the Church is true. At this point, the counselor began addressing this young man. He said, "you believe in Jesus Christ, correct?" The young man replied, "yes." Then the counselor said told said, "I assume you've not seen Jesus Christ, but you know he lived and did what the Bible tells us he did. Is that correct?" The young man again said, "yes." Then the counselor said that believing the Book of Mormon and that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God is similar to believing Christ is real. You must gain that testimony for yourself through study and prayer.
I think that those who forcefully argue against the Book of Mormon (those who say there is no more word of God besides the Bible) love the Bible and think the Book of Mormon detracts from it. In reality, if these people were really searching the truth, they would prayerfully consider the Book of Mormon after reading it and studying its teachings.
“The argument is, as the Lord suggests, most foolish. It is our modern counterpart to those of Jesus' day who rejected him in the pretense of being loyal to the Law of Moses, the irony being that loyalty to the Law of Moses demanded acceptance of Jesus as the Christ. The purpose of the Law of Moses was to teach and testify of Christ. Such is also the purpose of the Book of Mormon, it being the most Christ-centered book ever written. Yet it is rejected in the name of loyalty to the Bible. The logical extension of such reasoning would be to reject the Gospel of Mark in the name of loyalty to Matthew or to reject the witness of Peter in the pretense of loyalty to Paul and his teachings.” (McConkie and Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 1, p. 347)
Out of the Books Will We be Judged
A warning also comes with this doctrine. We will be judged according to that which is written in the books written by the prophets (v. 11). Since we have the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, we will be judged according to that which is written in those books. Also, we will be judged according to the word of the modern-day prophets. Their words are found in the Ensign and other Church materials.
Since I'm an IT person, I kind of view reading the scriptures and the latest General Conference material like anti-virus software. In order to protect your personal computer (or your soul) you should install a base version of some anti-virus software (read the scriptures). Then in order to guard against the most recent virus attacks (or Satan's temptations), you must subscribe to an anti-virus update service (or listen to and read the latest General Conference).
More Scripture to Come
We have been taught from the scriptures that more scriptures will be revealed. We've discussed earlier that some sealed scriptures will be revealed to the world. And now in 2 Nephi 29:13 we learn that not only will we have the Bible and Book of Mormon, but we will have the scriptures of the Lost Tribes of Israel.
“Lost books are among the treasures yet to come forth. Over twenty of these are mentioned in the existing scriptures. Perhaps most startling and voluminous will be the records of the lost tribes of Israel (see 2 Nephi 29:13). We would not even know of the impending third witness for Christ except through the precious Book of Mormon, the second witness for Christ! This third set of sacred records will thus complete a triad of truth. Then, just as the Perfect Shepherd has said, ‘My word also shall be gathered in one’ (v. 14). There will be ‘one fold and one shepherd’ (1 Nephi 22:25 in a welding together of all the Christian dispensations of human history (see D&C 128:18).” (Neal A. Maxwell, "God Will Yet Reveal," Ensign, Nov. 1986, p. 52)
I think that two testimonies of God’s work on the earth is significant. Many people believe that God is different and that as Nephi stated in the last chapter, God has left His work in the hands of men. This is not so. God is still very active in His work and glory (Moses 1:39). He wants us to know that he is the same, so he has commanded the prophets throughout the world to write and testify of him.
A Bible, A Bible!
I've always found it interesting how some Christian religions know the Bible is from God yet deny that the Book of Mormon comes from the same divine source. The logic and arguments for and against the Book of Mormon are numerous. But at the heart of every argument against the Book of Mormon is the question of authenticity. Many believe the Joseph Smith wrote it instead of translating it … many believe that the Book of Mormon doesn't come from God. But those same people believe that the Bible is inspired of God. They are stuck on the question of Joseph Smith being a prophet or not. Thankfully Moroni saw this dilemma and instructed everyone who reads the Book of Mormon to ask God if it is true or not. Those who have a sincere desire to know the truth will receive a personal witness of the truth of the Book of Mormon (Moroni 10:3-9).
Let me also address the question of authenticity in another way. At church this Sunday, the counselor in the Elder's quorum shared a missionary experience with us. He is a convert to the Church. He had gone on a few visits with the missionaries the previous week. One of the people they visited was this young man who questioned everything the missionaries taught him. He kept asking them, "how do you know for sure Joseph Smith is a true prophet? How do you know for sure the Book of Mormon is true?" He wanted solid proof that the Church is true. At this point, the counselor began addressing this young man. He said, "you believe in Jesus Christ, correct?" The young man replied, "yes." Then the counselor said told said, "I assume you've not seen Jesus Christ, but you know he lived and did what the Bible tells us he did. Is that correct?" The young man again said, "yes." Then the counselor said that believing the Book of Mormon and that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God is similar to believing Christ is real. You must gain that testimony for yourself through study and prayer.
I think that those who forcefully argue against the Book of Mormon (those who say there is no more word of God besides the Bible) love the Bible and think the Book of Mormon detracts from it. In reality, if these people were really searching the truth, they would prayerfully consider the Book of Mormon after reading it and studying its teachings.
“The argument is, as the Lord suggests, most foolish. It is our modern counterpart to those of Jesus' day who rejected him in the pretense of being loyal to the Law of Moses, the irony being that loyalty to the Law of Moses demanded acceptance of Jesus as the Christ. The purpose of the Law of Moses was to teach and testify of Christ. Such is also the purpose of the Book of Mormon, it being the most Christ-centered book ever written. Yet it is rejected in the name of loyalty to the Bible. The logical extension of such reasoning would be to reject the Gospel of Mark in the name of loyalty to Matthew or to reject the witness of Peter in the pretense of loyalty to Paul and his teachings.” (McConkie and Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 1, p. 347)
Out of the Books Will We be Judged
A warning also comes with this doctrine. We will be judged according to that which is written in the books written by the prophets (v. 11). Since we have the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, we will be judged according to that which is written in those books. Also, we will be judged according to the word of the modern-day prophets. Their words are found in the Ensign and other Church materials.
Since I'm an IT person, I kind of view reading the scriptures and the latest General Conference material like anti-virus software. In order to protect your personal computer (or your soul) you should install a base version of some anti-virus software (read the scriptures). Then in order to guard against the most recent virus attacks (or Satan's temptations), you must subscribe to an anti-virus update service (or listen to and read the latest General Conference).
More Scripture to Come
We have been taught from the scriptures that more scriptures will be revealed. We've discussed earlier that some sealed scriptures will be revealed to the world. And now in 2 Nephi 29:13 we learn that not only will we have the Bible and Book of Mormon, but we will have the scriptures of the Lost Tribes of Israel.
“Lost books are among the treasures yet to come forth. Over twenty of these are mentioned in the existing scriptures. Perhaps most startling and voluminous will be the records of the lost tribes of Israel (see 2 Nephi 29:13). We would not even know of the impending third witness for Christ except through the precious Book of Mormon, the second witness for Christ! This third set of sacred records will thus complete a triad of truth. Then, just as the Perfect Shepherd has said, ‘My word also shall be gathered in one’ (v. 14). There will be ‘one fold and one shepherd’ (1 Nephi 22:25 in a welding together of all the Christian dispensations of human history (see D&C 128:18).” (Neal A. Maxwell, "God Will Yet Reveal," Ensign, Nov. 1986, p. 52)
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
1 Nephi 6
“For the fullness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob and be saved.”
Is this not the purpose of all Gospel discussion? When we read the scriptures, all the prophets’ intent was to convince people that there is a God and that we need to keep the commandments. When we discuss the scriptures, we do so so that we might more fully understand gospel principals and live in harmony with God’s commands. We are intending to persuade others to believe.
When we share our testimonies, we do so under the premise that we might be the means of strengthening others’ testimonies so that they might more fully keep the commandments.
This journal serves the same purpose. If my views on how I can apply the scriptures to my life might help others, then it is worth it.
“Wherefore, the things which are pleasing unto the world I do not write, but the things which are pleasing unto God and unto those who are not of the world.”
So many blogs and even LDS blogs discuss topics that seem so pointless and do not accomplish much. They do not strengthen one’s testimony; rather they tend more to detract from the Spirit. I’m writing this journal in part to counter the pervasive negativity on the Internet. If my words can help one person to feel the Spirit and desire to be better, then the time I put into these thoughts will be worth it.
Is this not the purpose of all Gospel discussion? When we read the scriptures, all the prophets’ intent was to convince people that there is a God and that we need to keep the commandments. When we discuss the scriptures, we do so so that we might more fully understand gospel principals and live in harmony with God’s commands. We are intending to persuade others to believe.
When we share our testimonies, we do so under the premise that we might be the means of strengthening others’ testimonies so that they might more fully keep the commandments.
This journal serves the same purpose. If my views on how I can apply the scriptures to my life might help others, then it is worth it.
“Wherefore, the things which are pleasing unto the world I do not write, but the things which are pleasing unto God and unto those who are not of the world.”
So many blogs and even LDS blogs discuss topics that seem so pointless and do not accomplish much. They do not strengthen one’s testimony; rather they tend more to detract from the Spirit. I’m writing this journal in part to counter the pervasive negativity on the Internet. If my words can help one person to feel the Spirit and desire to be better, then the time I put into these thoughts will be worth it.
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