Chapter 14

Chapter 14 - CHRISTLIKE ATTRIBUTES

Principle - Obedience is a vital attribute in missionary work.

John 14:15 - The Lord has never been simpler in giving scripture.  I enjoy the simple scriptures the most.  And this one is close to the top of the list of simple scriptures.  It is easy, if you love Jesus Christ, you will keep his commandments.

Doctrine & Covenants 82:10 - This is my personal favorite scripture of all the scriptures.  It is a simple explanation of a deal we are priveleged to have with the Lord.  The deal is this:  when we do what the Lord asks, we bind him into giving us blessings, however, we have no promise if we do not hold up our end of the deal, being that we do what He says.

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Principle - Missionaries strive to develop Christlike attributes.

2 Nephi 31:9-10 - Nephi is speaking of the straightness of the path and how his people need to follow the example he has set for them.  Nephi poses a question to his people.  "Can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?"  As missionaries, it is important that we be willing to keep the commandments of our Heavenly Father and strive to be like Jesus Christ.

3 Nephi 18:24 - This scripture speaks of how as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we need to be examples unto the world.  We need to hold up our light so that it may shine unto the world.  We must be examples to those who are not of the church that they may see that we are a different people than the people of the world.

Principle - Missionaries are commanded to serve God with all their "heart, might, mind, and strength."

Doctrine & Covenants 4:2-5 - This set of scriptures is taken from the section of the Doctrine and Covenants that is meant for missionaries to ponder and really treasure up.  It speaks of how those who embark in the service of God need to serve Him with all their heart, might, mind, and strength.

Doctrine & Covenants 88:84 - In this scripture, it is written that those who labor diligently in the service of God will be perfected in their ministry.  These will be the people who prepare he saints for the hour of judgement in the last days.

Chapter 13

Chapter 13 - Preparing investigators for baptism and confirmation.

Principle - Missionaries help those who are converted prepare for baptism, confirmation, and membership in the Lord's church.

Exodus 20:8-11 - As members, we must set an example for those converts.  We are instructed in this set of scriptures that we must remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.  It is important that converts can see that members are strong in keeping the faith helping them to keep it themselves.  We must work to support the missionaries in teaching this principle.

Amos 3:7 - This scripture is written that we may follow the words of the prophets and heed to their warnings.  God does reveal his secrets to his servants, the prophets.  It is the responsibility of the prophets to relay that message to the members of God's church.  And as members of God's church, it is our responsibility to obey these words as if they are the words of our Heavenly Father.

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

Doctrine & Covenants 131 - Celestial marriage is required in order to obtain the highest degree of glory in heaven.  Celestial marriage is one of the required ordinances to live with our Heavenly Father again.  We must live worthily to be able to enter into the temple with our partner and be sealed for time and all eternity.

Doctrine & Covenants 132:15 - It is written in this scripture that any marriage between a man and a woman that are not married by the word of our Heavenly Father, their covenant and marriage are not of force when they are out of the world.  This is just another reason why it is so important for us to be worthy of a temple marriage so that our marriages can be continued in the after-life that we can be with our spouses forever.

Chapter 13

Chapter 13 - Preparing investigators for baptism and comfirmation.

Principle - 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.

Moroni 6:1-4 - These verses in Moroni help support the statement in this first principle.  These verses explain what is necessary of the investigators or those who get baptized as far as covenants made and what to do to keep them.  It also talks about the importance of fellowshipping newly baptized members of the Church.

Doctrine & Covenants 20:37 - This verse talks again of baptism and of the things necessary to be baptized into the Church.  Investigators looking to be baptized must fully repent of their sins and be willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a desire to serve him to the end.

Chapter 12

USING TIME WISELY TO BRING PEOPLE TO CHRIST.

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

Doctrine & Covenants 109:8 - This is a good scripture to treasure up while on your mission and while you prepare for your mission.  It talks about how we need to be organized and establish a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.  It is very important that we establish a house of all these things while on our mission because we need to be as in tune with the Spirit as we can in order to carry the word of the Lord unto the souls of those open to receive it.

Chapter 12

Chapter 12 - USING TIME WISELY TO BRING PEOPLE TO CHRIST

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

Doctrine & Covenants 123:12-13 - This is a good scripture about missionary work where Alma is preaching.  Alma sets forth the covenant of baptism at the waters of Mormon.  Without baptism, missionary work would be all in vain as investigators would not be able to come unto Christ.  Baptism is one of the main components of becoming a member and a true follower of Jesus Christ along with repentance, receiving the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.

Chapter 11

Chapter 11 - Physical and Emotional Preparation

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

Doctrine and Covenants 4:2 - This verse talks about how as we embark in the service of God, our missions for example, we need to serve Him with all our heart, might, mind, and strength.  It is promised in this verse that if we do these things, we shall stand blameless before God at the last day.

Doctrine and Covenants 88:124 - This scripture was marked in my scriptures with a sidenote that says "Righteous Living."  I believe it is a scripture mastery from my junior year in seminary.  It is a good scripture that talks about how to live righteously.  It says not to be idle, and to not sleep longer than needful, and to get up earl, that we may be invigorated.

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

Having an older brother who had to be released from his mission for medical reasons, it is good to have read this section in the manual and learn that there are alternatives to a full-time mission due to medical circumstances.

Chapter 10

Chapter 10 - Faith and Conversion

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

1 Nephi 7:12 - This is a wonderful scripture about faith.  It is about when Nephi and Laman and Lemuel are sent back into Jerusalem to enlist Ishmael and his household in their cause.  Laman and Lemuel are rebelling against their father, Lehi.  It is written that the Lord is able to do all things according to His will if it so be that the children of men exercise faith in Him.

2 Nephi 9:23 - This scripture is pretty straight forward in that it puts it pretty bluntly that we are commanded by God that we must be repent, be baptized in His name, having perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel or we cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.

Principle - Faith can increase.

Jacob 4:6 - Through listening and heeding to the words of the prophets, by the spirit of prophesy our faith can become unshaken and we are capable of commanding in the name of Jesus trees or mountains or waves of the sea to move.  That is an amazing power and I couldn't even imagine having a faith that strong.  It is a wonderful goal to shoot for however.

Helaman 3:35 - This scripture is speaking of the Nephites and how they waxed stronger in the faith.  The Nephites fasted and prayed often and became firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ.  And these people were sanctified because of their yielding their hearts unto God.

Chapter 9

Chapter 9 - The Restoration and the coming forth of new scripture.

Principle - The Book of Mormon helps bring people to Christ.

1 Nephi 6:4 - This verse talks about Nephi's purpose.  Nephi is being used as a tool in the hands of God in order to persuade men to come unto God and be saved.  What greater calling than to be used as a tool by our Heavenly Father?  I believe that as a missionary, I will also be used as a tool in the hands of God to bring people unto Him and be saved.

1 Nephi 19:18 - This scripture is very similar to 1 Nephi 6:4 in that Nephi is explaining his purpose in life.  Nephi explains that he is writing that he might persuade his people that they would remember the Lord their Redeemer.

Principle - The Book of Mormon is convincing evidence of the Restoration.

1 Nephi 13:40 - Nephi writes of the things which he sees in a vision.  He sees the restoration of the gospel and the bringing forth of Latter-Day scripture in order to bring men unto the Savior of the world, that they might be saved.

Doctrine and Covenants 20:8-12 - These scriptures talk about how the Book of Mormon proves the divinity of the latter-day work.  My favorite part of these verses is verse 12 which states that he is the same God yesterday, today, and forever.

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

Doctrine and Covenants 1:30 - Jesus Christ gave commandments to Joseph Smith and others involved in the Restoration of the true gospel.  And to them was given power to lay the foundation for this church.  Because of their pre-ordained callings, they were able to bring to pass the Restoration of the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

Doctrine and Covenants 13:1 - This is a scripture which describes the giving of the holy Priesthood of Aaron unto Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.  Along with the priesthood they are given they keys of the ministering of angels among other things.

Chapter 9

Chapter 9 - The Restoration and the coming forth of new scripture.

Principle - God called Joseph Smith to be the prophet of the Restoration.

Doctrine and Covenants 1:17  - This scripture is of the Lord speaking generally about the calling of Joseph Smith to be a prophet.  It also speaks of how the Lord gave commandments unto Joseph Smith, being to bring forth the Book of Mormon.

Doctrine and Covenants 136:37 - This scripture also speaks of the Lord's calling for Joseph Smith to bring forth His work.  The Lord says that He called upon Joseph Smith b His angels or ministering servants.

Principle - Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon and brought forth other scriptures b the gift and power of God.

Doctrine and Covenants 1:29 - This scripture speaks of how Joseph Smith is called to be the translator of the Book of Mormon.  And he is to do so through the mercy of God and by the power of God.

2 Nephi 3:11-12 - Joseph in Egypt is prophesying of the coming forth of Joseph Smith as a modern-day prophet of God.  He speaks of how Joseph Smith will be given the power to bring forth the word of God unto the people of the Earth and the power of convincing them of the word of God.

Chapter 8

Chapter 8 - Prophets and Apostasy

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

Matthew 24:14 - This scripture prophesies of the coming of false prophets and false teachers throughout the land that will prophesy with great signs and wonders and shall deceive the elect.  When I read this scripture I immediately think of televangelists that I see on televisions on Sundays who speak in great voice that speak to huge crowds of people and try and show miracles unto them.  I believe that these televangelists are examples of those false prophets that are spoken of in this scripture.

1 Timothy 1:15 - This is probably my favorite scripture of all the scriptures in this section of scriptures because of the plainness of it.  It simply says that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners.  I enjoy scriptures that speak simply and plainly about things.

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

Joel 2:28-29 - This scripture is a promise from the Lord that he will pour out his Spirit upon all flesh prior to the Second Coming.  This scripture also talks about how our young men will see visions and our old men will dream dreams.  And these are signs given to us that the Second Coming is near.

Chapter 8

Chapter 8 - Prophets and Apostasy

Principle - The Lord provides truth, priesthood authority, ordinances, and organization through His Prophets.

Amos 3:7 - This scripture is nice and short and exactly to the point.  This scripture simply states that God will revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.  This is a comforting scripture because it testifies of the promise made by our Heavenly Father that he has yet to reveal things unto us in this day and age.  Things that will be given to us each General Conference when we hear from President Monson and the Apostles.

Alma 12:27-30 -  These verses speak of how God appointed certain individuals to be those who are to know things and to share this knowledge with the people of the Earth.  It states that He sent angels to converse with them that they might now of His glory.  This scripture helps to explain why prophets are so important and why Heavenly Father has restored them on this Earth.

Principle -  Throughout history there as been a recurring pattern of apostasy and restoration.

Amos 8:11-12 -  This scripture teaches us that God will send a spiritual famine to the land when men and women will wander from shore to shore seeking the word of God but shall not find it.  This is kind of a scary scripture in that it could happen again.  However, based on my relationships with members of this great church and knowledge of its truthfulness, I know that if it were to happen again, the members of this church would make it through.

2 Nephi 25:17 -  This scripture is almost the opposite of the scripture listed above in that it speaks not of the apostasy brought on by Heavenly Father but the restoration of His church.  It speaks of the restoration by His hand as a "marvelous work and a wonder among the children of men."  This "marvelous work and wonder" has come to pass as the Book of Mormon was translated and published for all the world to know and come to understand.  It is called the most correct book of any book on Earth and a man would get closer to God by abiding by its teachings than by any other book.

Heavenly Father's Plan

Chapter 7:  Heavenly Father's Plan

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

We cannot return to live with our Heavenly Father on our own.  It is necessary for us to have the help of Jesus Christ.  We can gain the help of Jesus Christ through the Atonement.  "The Atonement of Jesus Christ [was] an act of pure love."  As we read in Alma Chapter 34 verses 8 through 10, Amulek testifies that Christ shall come among the children of men to take upon him the transgressions of his people, and that he will atone for the sins of the world as spoken by the Lord God.  It is part of our Heavenly Father's plan that Jesus Christ shall come and die for our sins and it was necessary to happen so that we may live, once again, with our Father in heaven.

Principle: Heavenly Father prepared degrees of glory for His children.

We learn from the scriptures that all the children of God, except the sons of perdition, will be saved in a degree of glory, being celestial, terrestrial, and telestial.  Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explains that "the righteous... will ultimately go to a kingdom of glory more wonderful than any of us can comprehend."  I find that absolutely amazing as I attend school here in Hawaii.  I view Hawaii as paradise on Earth and to believe that there will be a place, a kingdom even more breathtaking and glorious than this place is just amazing and leaves me excited to find out more about a place like that.

Heavenly Father's Plan

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

I also would like to write this blog on the second principle, which states "Jesus Christ is central to Heavenly Father's plan."

I read in the scriptures listed in the Mission Preparation Student Handbook and one that particularly stood out to me was in Alma.  It was Chapter 12 Verse 25.  It talks about how if it weren't for the plan of redemption, which was laid from the foundation of the world, there could have been no resurrection of the dead.  It also says "but there was a plan of redemption laid, which shall bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, of which has been spoken."

Elder Bruce R. McConkie said "Salvation is in Christ and comes because of his atoning sacrifice."  His statement is reinforced in the scriptures in Moses Chapter 6 verses 62 and 63.  The scriptures talk about how the plan was presented unto all men only through Jesus Christ.

Search the Scriptures

Chapter 6 - We learn to teach "by study and also by faith," Part 2.

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

·      As we pay the price to learn the restored gospel by study and by faith, the Holy Ghost blesses us with power to teach by the Holy Spirit and the Light of Christ.

·      This takes much prayer and pondering of the word of God.  We must study it and really treasure up the words being spoken by the prophets.

·      In Alma 17:3-2 Alma encounters the sons of Mosiah on their way towards Zarahemla.  It is explained how the sons of Mosiah are able to get such an understanding of the gospel.  “Yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.”

·      The sons of Mosiah did not merely read the scriptures and come to an understanding of them.  It says that they searched the scriptures.  Dilligently.

·      Verse 3 explains that not only did they search the scriptures with diligence but they also prayed much, and also fasted.  With their fasting and praying, they were given the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation.  And when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God.

·      In Doctrine and Covenants 1:37 we are told to search the commandments, commandments being the scriptures.  For the scriptures are true and faithful.  The Doctrine and Covenants is also called the Book of Commandments.  In a way, we are being commanded by the Lord to search the scriptures.  So in keeping the commandments, we will search and ponder the scriptures.

·      As we read and study the scriptures we will be blessed with the companionship of the Holy Ghost.  The Holy Ghost will help carry the message of the true gospel of Christ to the hearts of those investigating it.

We learn to teach "by study and also by faith," Part 2

Chapter 6 - We learn to teach "by study and also by faith," Part 2.

Principle:  Bearing testimony invites the Spirit into our teaching.

As is read in Preach My Gospel, the bearing of one's testimony is one of the most powerful ways of inviting the Spirit and helping others feel the Spirit.  Knowing this fact, to be effective teachers and missionaries it is necessary that we use our strongest tool, our testimony.

In 2 Nephi Chapter 33 Verse 1 Nephi explains that he is not strong in writing nor speaking but, when he, or any man for that matter, speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost, the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth the truthfulness unto the hearts of the children of men.  With this in mind, let us always speak by the power of the Holy Ghost in order to be most effective as messengers of God.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 100 Verses 5 through 8 speak of how the Lord will help us when teaching or testifying of the truthfulness of his gospel.  It states that we must speak the thoughts that He will put in our hearts and that we will not be confounded before men.  However, this will only be done by faith.  We must have faith in the Lord that he will be there to help us.  

Henry B. Eyring of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated spoke of the ways we can use our testimonies.  "First, we can teach some sacred truth.  Then we can testify that we know what we have taught is true.  And then we must act so that those who hear our testimony see that our actions conform with what we said was true.  The Holy Ghost will then confirm to them the truth of what we said and that we knew it to be true."  If we have faith that the Lord by the power of the Holy Ghost will carry the message given in our testimony to the hearts of those listening, it shall be given unto us.

Chapter 5

We Learn to teach "by study and also by faith," Part 1.

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

As missionaries and as young men preparing to become missionaries it is necessary that we immerse ourselves in the study of the words of the prophets.  As we read and study the wonderful promises promised to us in the scriptures we will be brought closer to God and better receive the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

Some scripture study methods taught by the Missionary Preparation Student Manual are as follows:

• Look for principles.
• Mark your scriptures.
• Use the study aids in the scriptures.
• Ask questions relating to the text.
• Notice questions asked in the scriptures.
• Look for definitions of unfamiliar words or phrases.
• Notice and learn about symbols.
• Insert your name.
• Notice scripture lists.
• Memorize key scriptures.
• Ponder and pray about specific passages.

In Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:37 it reads "Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled."  Another name for the Doctrine and Covenants is the "Book of Commandments."  What we read in the first section is a direct commandment to read the scriptures and really "search" them out.  We must do this in order to keep the commandments of our Heavenly Father and to properly prepare ourselves to become teachers in the mission field.

Chapter 5

Principle:  Pray and pondering the scriptures help prepare us to receive the influence of the Holy Ghost.

In 1 Nephi 11:1 Nephi desires to know of the things his father had seen in his vision of the tree of life.  Nephi states that as he was pondering, he was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord and he was able to see the vision of the tree of life that his father had seen.  It says though, that because of Nephi's believing that the Lord was able to make these things known unto him, he was able to know them.  In other words, because of Nephi's faith and obedience, he was able to be guided by the Holy Spirit and know things that he otherwise would never have known.  The title of this chapter is "We learn to teach 'by study and also by faith.'"  Because of Nephi's faith in the Lord, he was able to learn by the Holy Ghost.

The title of this chapter is "We learn to teach 'by study and also by faith.'"  Nephi writes in 2 Nephi 4:15 that he writes the scriptures for the learning and the profit of his children.  In order to gain profit and learning from Nephi's writings, we must study these things.  We must delight in the scriptures and pondereth them in our hearts like unto Nephi so that we can learn by studying.  It is extremely important to learn to teach as missionaries because the main job of a missionary is to teach the gospel to those who have not had a chance to learn of it.  But if we go as missionaries unable to teach, we will not be able to effect people seeking the Word of God like we should be able to.

Methods of Teaching That Edify

Principle:  Missionaries should practice methods of teaching that edify.

10 methods of teaching that edify:

1. Pray.
2. Use the scriptures.
3. Bear testimony.
4. Use music.
5. Share stories and examples.
6. Use objects and pictures.
7. Ask questions, and listen.
8. Live the commandments.
9. Expound.
10. Use events.

The only way to become familiar with these methods of teaching is to practice them.  My high school cross country coach always told me that proper preparation prevents poor performance.  So don't waste time practicing.  Practice like its the real thing.  Practice like you mean it.  If you do this, you will ultimately be prepared for any situation and you will know material inside and out.  If you practice and study properly and give your full effort, you will not perform poorly, but rather you will perform at the highest level with the Holy Spirit helping you at every step along the way.

In 2 Nephi 33:1, Nephi makes the statement that he is not might in writing or speaking but if you speak with the power of the Holy Ghost, your message will be carried to the hearts of the children of men, or those listening to your message.  In the life of a missionary, which I will be very soon, this means that if I properly prepare, I will have the power of the Holy Ghost carrying my message to the hearts of the investigators I am teaching as opposed to me just teaching off of a whim.  This makes all the difference in the world and can even be the reason for someone not being baptized, which you have to look at as a lost soul.  And the worth of a soul is a great thing.  As we read in Doctrine and Covenants Section 18:10, "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God."  With this knowledge, we must be motivated to prepare properly and be ready at all times to give our best performance when teaching.

Teaching by the Spirit

Principle:  Personal Preparation and worthiness are necessary to teach by the Spirit.

In Alma 5:46, Alma the High Priest is teaching and speaks about how he knows things by the Holy Spirit of the God.  In order to gain this knowledge, Alma explains how he fasted and prayed many thats that he might know certain things.  Because of his righteousness, the Lord God made these things which Alma inquired about manifest unto him by the Holy Spirit.  What we can all gain from this scripture is that if there is something out there that we are wanting to figure out we need to get ourselves worthy to have it made manifest unto us by the Holy Spirit of Lord.

In Alma 8:10 I am interested in the choice of words used by Alma.  The scripture uses the word "wrestle" when describing Alma's prayer to God.  Because of his powerful prayer to Heavenly Father, Heavenly Father poured out his Spirit upon the people who were in the city.  Because of this, many were baptized by the hand of Alma.

Because of Alma's personal worthiness and preparation, he was able to convert many people and bring them unto God.  However, it was not only him who did this but it was by the power of the Holy Spirit which brought these people to repentance and ultimately to baptism.

Companionship of the Holy Ghost

Principle:  There are many ways that the Holy Ghost influences our lives for good.

The most simple scripture in all the scriptures they give I think is the most profound and meaningful to me.  Moroni 10:5 which I believe is also a scripture mastery.  With the companionship of the Holy Ghost, we can know the truth of all things.  The Holy Ghost plays a large role in the converting of investigators even though they are not necessarily blessed with the gift of the Holy Ghost.  He can still influence them to feel that the gospel is true.  With Him, we may know the TRUTH of all things.

Also, 2 Nephi 33:1 is a very good scripture having to do with missionary work.  The companionship of the Holy Ghost is so important to missionaries because, as it is read in 2 Nephi, "for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men."  This explains the importance of every young man preparing to serve a full-time mission to live worthily of having the Holy Ghost as a constant companion and always being in tune to the Spirit.  

Chapter 3

Principle:  The Light of Christ is a power for good in the lives of all people.

Tonight's reading taught me things about the Holy Ghost and the Light of Christ that I never knew about before.  For example, I did not know that there was a difference between the Holy Ghost and the Light of Christ.  I thought that they were the same thing just referred to differently.  Also it was good that I learned that everyone on Earth was born with the Light of Christ in them and that even though everyone doesn't have the gift of the Holy Ghost, it can still be used by investigators to gain a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I liked the scripture reference Moroni 7:16-19 where it talks about how every man is is given the Spirit of Christ that they may know good from evil.  My favorite part of this set of scriptures though is in verse 19 where it says "ye should search dilligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ."  I like this because being called a child of Christ is a big deal.  When I think of Christ as my father it makes things make sense.  We go to our Earthly fathers in trials or when we need guidance just like we turn to Christ when we need guidance and direction.  

Personal Worthiness

Principle:  Personal worthiness allows prospective missionaries to obtain temple blessings.

Doctrine and Covenants 95:8 states that it is a commandment.  It is a commandment for us to build temples and use them to gain power from on high.  The power that is necessary to become effective missionaries.  A missionary who has been through the temple is entitled to additional power.  And being personally worthy to enter the temple will increase spirituality and enhance each missionary's ability to teach the restored gospel to others.

My favorite quote from the Mission Preparation Student Manual in this section of personal worthiness is the simple sentence "An endowment is a gift."  Missionaries are to go to the temple to receive a gift.  It makes me think that we, as worthy young men preparing to go out and represent Jesus Christ are being rewarded by being given the gift.  This gift is one of power and closeness to our Heavenly Father.

Principle:  Repentance is a cleansing process that allows us to become worthy.

It is important that young men preparing to go on missions repent of their sins and transgressions and we worthy of the Spirit.  Elder Glenn L. Pace said at a devotional at Ricks College, "Without the Spirit, you shall not teach."  This is important because teaching is one of the main jobs we will have as missionaries for the Lord.

Personal Worthiness

As it turns out, my first two blogs were done wrong.  But, I have figured out what I am supposed to be writing on so this blog will be correct.

Tonight I have read Chapter 2 of the missionary preparation student manual which is about personal worthiness.

The principle being discussed in this first section is:  Personal worthiness is necessary to accomplish missionary work.

The first scripture which I will be discussing which is also my favorite scripture from this section of reading is Doctrine and Covenants 38:42.  I like in this scripture how it simply says "Save yourselves."  When I first read this I thought of it as a life or death situation.  Or that Joseph Smith is comparing personal worthiness to a life or death situation, which, spiritually I guess it is.

The next scripture that I will be discussing is also in the Doctrine and Covenants.  It is Section 88:74.  The end of this verse reads "yea, purify your hearts, and cleanse your hands and your feet before me, that I may make you clean."  What this means to me is that if we do our part to remain clean and worthy and if we put forth our full effort to do so, the Lord will make up the difference and make us clean.  We must repent, however.

1 Nephi Chapters 6-10

I began this reading session again with a prayer.  I am trying to make a habit of praying more often.  I think that it is good that I am reading the Book of Mormon and getting to know it better as I will be leaving for my mission in a matter of months.

Tonight's reading dealt with Nephi and his brothers going to the house of Ishmael.  Laman and Lemuel were exhorted by Nephi which angered them and caused them to bind him.  My favorite part of Nephi's exhortion was in Chapter 7 Verse 12 which reads, "Yeah, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him?  Wherefore, let us be faithful to him."

When reading Chapter 8, which tells of Lehi's vision of the tree of life, I kept thinking, "What if it was my dad who was having the vision?  What if he saw me as one of the people who did not partake of the fruit?"  I like to think that if I was in that situation I would hold fast to the rod.

In Chapter 10, Verses 18 and 19 stood out to me.  Verse 18 speaks of the consistency of the Father and that we must repent.  And Verse 19 talks about how if you seek it, you will find it through the power of the Holy Ghost.  I really like scriptures like that one.  "Seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you."

1 Nephi Chapters 1-5

The last time I really sat down and actually read the Book of Mormon with the intent of reading it cover to cover was when Gordon B. Hinckley put out the challenge for members to read it before the end of the year.  When I think about that it makes me a little bit sad that I haven't been better about reading.  I want to get the most out of reading the Book of Mormon as I can seeing as I am planning on leaving for my mission in May.  I want to know the book through and through with no doubts or things unclear to me.  I began my first night of reading with a prayer that I might have the desire to know that things I would be reading are true and also that I might have the desire to make a habit out of reading and understanding what I am reading.  I think this helped set the tone for my reading.  I read in my dorm room which I may not do again.  I love my roommate and he is a great guy but his cell phone went off a few times which I think took away some from my reading.  I think I will move to a more secluded area tomorrow when I read to avoid these interruptions.

One scripture that really stood out to me in these first 5 chapters was in Chapter 2 Verse 12.  It says that Laman and Lemuel murmured against their father because they did not know God's plan.  I went through a time during high school where I found myself not having the best attitude at church and questioning the truthfulness of what I was doing every Sunday, wondering whether I was just wasting my time.  This was because I did not have a clear understanding of the plan of our Heavenly Father. 

I think my favorite scripture in the entire Book of Mormon is 1 Nephi Chapter 3 Verse 7.  I love Nephi's attitude towards his father and I wish I could have done better with that.  And I also love the quote, "I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the things which he commandeth them."

Also, I always wondered how it is possible that Laman and Lemuel continued to act as they did even with seeing an angel before them.  I can't even imagine what it would be like.  It would be nearly impossible to not believe having seen an angel face to face.

I am looking forward to this semester and getting to know the Book of Mormon by really sitting down to read and understand instead of worry about how many more pages and verses are left in the section.