Studying the Scriptures

On Monday Mom and I went to the Single Adult Home Evening.  The lesson was on Keeping Covanats.  Brother Lyle used Presidnet Uchtdorf's Message from a receint Ensign.  You will all remember the story of the two brothers playing at a lake in the summers as they grew up and wanting to jump off a cliff into the water.  They would always deside that next summer would be better. Then one time the got ready to jump and one brother said we should wait until next year, the other brother was already moving forward and his momentum was taking him over and he said "Brother, I am Committed".  Of cousre they both had a great time jumping from the cliff.  His message is  that if we are moving forward doing the right things we also are committed.

My feeling that there are a few things we must be doing, that are essential for us to be committed to the Gospel;  Daily scripture study, daily personal and family prayer and constant attandace at church.  When we let one of these slip satan finds ways to lead us away. 

I have a testimony that when we are studying the scriptures, praying and attending church the spirit can and will lead us to make needed changes in our lifes so that we are following the Savior better and better, which is essential to bring us to exaltation.

Coming Closer to Jesus Christ

I gave a talk on "Getting the Most Out of Studying the Scriptures".  There are many ways to inprove our study of the scriptures but I have come to realize that it is key to read the Book of Mormon DAILY keeping in mind it's primary purpose is to 'Bring us to Christ'.  It is very helpful to understand the stories, geography, the government and recogize the names, but enless we read the Book of Mormon daily, internalize the message about Jesus Christ and grow closer to Him through our study we are not obtaining the greatest benefit that can come from our scripture study.

I would enchourge aa of us to read and study the Book of Mormon everyday (even when studing other books of scripture) and pray for a greater understanding and a stronger testimony of our Savior.  The Plan of Salvation only works because Christ fulfilled his mission.  Without Jesus Christ there in no plan or salvation for any of us.  Let's try to always remember, honor and love Him.

Alma 34

Hi everyone,
Could everyone read Alma 34 for FHE on Sunday, 5/22.  This is right after Alma's discores on Faith.  Amulek talks about some wonderful thing.  It should be a great. 

I love you all.  Can't wait until Friday.

January 2, 2011

I want to really study the New Testament this year.  So, my comments will focus on the New Testament.  Today's lesson was about the Christ's mission.  I hope that all of you will keep up with the personal study guide for the New Testament.  We learned today that Matthew was written to the Jews to convince them that Jesus was/is the Messiah.  It is interesting to me that is one of the purposes of the Book of Mormon.

This year I have few goals I would like to accomplish;
1.  Read and study the New Testament and the Book of Mormon.  Read the scriptures and pray everyday (I have trouble on Saturdays and Sundays).
2.  Work harder on my personal fitness, watch out steppers.
3.  And be more detailed oriented at work.

I will mention how I'm doing on these goals throughout the year.

Thanks to all of you for a wonderful Christmas.  I was so nice to have all of you here.  I especially enjoyed the few days with our little family.

Jane and Paul, I hope and pray that you will both have a wonderful time in Arizona!!!
Annie, I hope this last semester at LDSBC is fantastic for you!!!
Emily, I know this last semester of High School will be the best!!!

I have been studying Alma 5 for to mornings now, it has been enlightening. Why,to start with does Alma ask about remembering what happened to his father and all that followed him? I think it is very specific example of what Christ can and will do for each of us as we exercise faith in him. Do any of you have other thoughts?

I want to have opportunity to share some of my scripture study. I do need to improve my study habits and I think this will help. I do my studying on the bus in the morning. I don't do it on the days I drive or don't go to work. So, my goal is to study the scriptures every day and write about what I am learning. This is vital part of our lives if we are to maintain our testimony's of the gospel. If you don't have daily gospel study plan start today with me.

I will begin with the premiss that I have testimony that the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints has the authority from Christ to teach his gospel. And that within the church there are Prophets and Apostles that receive revaluation from Jesus Christ to run His Church on earth. Since there words are the words of Christ I feel they are as important as the scriptures. So, some of my writing will be about the words of our modern Prophets. I bear my witness that we will be blessed as we follow the council we receive from the modern Prophets and just the opposite if we choose not to, just as happened to the people we read about in the scriptures. I know that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want what is best for us, always. And if we will follow the commandments and council we will be truly happy, even if we can't see it at the moment, this is one way we exercise our faith in Christ.

In addition, the Leaders of the Church teaches us the the family unit is the most important unit in time and eternity. I love my family and my priority is to have us all to be together after this life. So, please let's grow together and not apart, through the years. My hope and prayer is that we can enjoy communicating with each other while we are apart and really love being together. Please help me accomplish these goals.

I plan, as part of my study to go through Alma chapter 5. I would like all of your prospective. This is what Alma teaches in Zarahemla right after he gives up the judgement seat to dedicate himself to the work of the Lord.