Helaman 10

This section of scripture inspires me to be just like Nephi. I like what the Lord says to Nephi in verse 4. He says, "Blessed are thou, Nephi (insert Carrie), for those things which thou has done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou has not sought thine own life, but thou has sought my will, and to keep my commandments."

I want the Lord to be able to say this to me someday. It is so easy to be caught up in what others may think, or the busyness of life, or our own ambitions; however, seeking the Lord's will over our own is the ultimate goal. In the end, His will is all that matters. In order to maintain this perspective, I think we must keep an eternal perspective in our minds.

Later in this chapter, when the Lord is finished talking with Nephi, Nephi immediately turns around and begins to preach to the people again. Sadly, as I place myself in Nephi's position--after being gone from home for quite some time--I could see myself justifying a return to home first. Perhaps, for a much needed nap, or something to eat. I can see myself returning home for rejuvenation, and then immediately going back to the work. The example of Nephi is so powerful, because he immediately turned around. He immediately did as the Lord prompted. I wonder how many times I have received a prompting, and have every intention of completing it; however, due to less important tasks, I forget. Nephi's example to immediately "go and do" is a lesson I need. I want to follow his example. I want to immediately go and do.

Helaman 9

Nephi prophesies of the murderer of the chief judge and he explains exactly how to know who murdered the chief judge. I learned two lessons from this section of scripture. First, the Lord speaks to His living prophets. Second, God knows our thoughts--we cannot hide our sins from Him.

Excerpt from The Book of Mormon from Latter-day Saint Families:

Moses offered a test of a true prophet: "If the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath spoken" (Deuteronomy 18:22). Some people saw in Nephi's prophecy the possibility for a test: "Now we will know of a surety whether this man be a prophet" (Helaman 9:2). As all that Nephi declared was proven to be true, Nephi noted, "Then shall ye know that I am an honest man, and that I am sent unto you from God" (9:36).

I believe that when we follow the prophet, we will be safe. Many people in our time would like the prophet to dictate our church according to popular opinion; however, the prophet doesn't make the rules. If you truly believe in a prophet, then you must believe that he receives direction from on high--not from himself, but from God. A prophet is not in charge of decisions for the church rather he is in charge of executing the decisions God makes for the church. He receives divine inspiration from God.

Because God is omnipotent, He guides a prophet to guide our Church, and further He knows the thoughts and intents of our hearts. We cannot hide our sins from Him. He is aware of all things--with the Church, and with us individually.

Helaman 7 & 8

These two chapters give us counsel for our day. In chapter 7:21-22 it states, "O, how could you have forgotten your God in the very day that he has delivered you? But behold, it is to get gain to be praised of men, yea, and that ye might get gold and silver. And ye have set your hearts upon the riches and the vain things of this world, for the which ye do murder, and plunder, and steal, and bear false witness against your neighbor, and do all manner of iniquity."

These verses are for our day. It is so easy to get caught up in the things of this world. It is so easy to forget God, and all that He has done for us if we are not keeping our focus set on Him. These scriptures explain that as we set our hearts on riches, and the vain pursuits of this world, we will forget our God, and find ourselves in iniquity.

This isn't something that happens over night. I think it happens in slow degrees. Satan cannot pull us down with one massive pull; however, he can lead us away little by little if we allow him to do so. If we stop saying our prayers, if we stop reading our scriptures, if we stop doing the "little things", I think it is then that we will find our hearts set on the things of the world rather than God.

In chapter 8 we are given more direction on this matter when Nephi compares their day to the days of Moses, which then can be compared to our day. Nephi explains that the people in Moses' day only had to look to a serpent and live; however, many did not, and they perished. He then says, "even so as many as should look upon the Son of God with faith, having a contrite spirit, might live, even unto that life which is eternal" (verse 15).

And so it is with us. Are we looking to our Savior? It seems easy to focus on the Savior, and yet we don't.  The Lord declared, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3: 14-15). In Mosiah 3: 17 it states, "There shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men."

Therefore, we must look to the Savior. We must make Him our focus. I think we do that by continuing with daily scripture study, and daily prayer. It seems so simple to keep our focus on Him through these two means. And yet, it can be so difficult. I pray that I will continue in the faith. I pray that I will not be deceived by Satan. I pray that I will be what the Lord needs me to be, and then when the day comes that I stand before Him, I pray that I will be ready.

Helaman 6

I find the end of Helaman 6 to be of great worth in our instruction through this life. A comparison of the Nephites and the Lamanites is described. The Nephites are described as "exceedingly wicked" (vs. 31),  and "the more part of them had turned out of the way of righteousness, and did trample under their feet the commandments of God, and did turn unto their own ways" (vs. 31). The Lamanites were described as growing in their knowledge of God (vs. 34), and as keeping his commandments insomuch that the Lord began to "pour out his Spirit" upon them (vs. 36).

Throughout these descriptions a few things were pointed out. First, the Nephites wickedness came about quickly (vs. 32). The fact that a people could be righteous, and then wicked in a relatively short period of time causes me to reflect on the importance of diligence in our lives. Diligence in seeking God--in reading my scriptures, in praying, and doing all the little things that are actually big things in the whole scheme of life. As I look around, I have seen this trend in our day. It didn't just happen to the Nephites. We are not immune to these kinds of trials. In fact, these scriptures were written to help us to not repeat the mistakes of the past. As I ponder on this principle, I realize how very real Satan is, and how I must be constantly fighting against him in order to succeed--in order to endure. The second thing I noticed, which goes along with the first idea yet still a bit different, is the way in which the Nephites became wicked and the Lamanites became righteous. It describes the Nephites as allowing the Gadianton Robbers to be apart of themselves. It states, "they did build them up and support them" (vs. 38). In comparison, the Lamanites "did hunt the band of robbers of Gadianton; and they did preach the word of God among the more wicked part of them, insomuch that this band of robbers was utterly destroyed" (vs. 37). This example illustrates the importance of pushing out wickedness in our lives, and surrounding ourselves with good things. The Lamanites were not complacent. They didn't just allow the robbers to coexist. They knew the importance of surrounding themselves with good things. They knew how they could be changed from good to bad by allowing wickedness to remain among them. Because of this, they actively fought against it--Not by pushing these people out of their lives, but rather by teaching them the Gospel. They showed forth love to fight the bad. This inspires me to show love more readily, to not be afraid of expressing my testimony to everyone.

To remain on the Lord's side, I believe we have to be actively seeking the Lord. If we allow ourselves to simply roll with life--we will find evil influence affecting our decisions. I believe that we have to choose daily to do the things that will keep us safe. Choosing is an action--if we don't actively seek God, Satan will be ready, and I believe that even the best of us can fall.

Helaman 6

We have often been told that as we are converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we will want to share it with others. I am intrigued that in Helman 6 this very thing happens to the people. Once they are truly converted, they then go and preach--they declare the truth they have learned. I reflect in my own life: Am I declaring the words of Christ? Am I truly converted? If not, how do I get my heart to be truly converted to the Lord?

As I ponder on my own missionary heart, I realize there is much more I can do. With all of my heart, I believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Because I feel it in my very being, I do want to share it. However, this desire is not always taken into action. I pray today that the Lord will bless me to know how and when to share...

Just recently I applied to be an EFY speaker and an Education Week speaker. I did this because of this desire within me to share the Gospel. I haven't heard back from EFY yet; however, I know that I will be speaking at Education Week next summer. It is my desire to share my testimony, to bring a bit of goodness through what I teach, and to act as a tool for my Father in Heaven. I know that I am nothing without Him. I know that in His strength, I can do all things. I know that as I seek Him, I will be magnified in my life, and more able to bear a sincere testimony of Him. This is my desire.

Helaman 5

The beginning of Helaman 5 is counsel that Helaman gave to his son's Lehi and Nephi, As I was reading through his counsel, I wondered what my counsel would be if I were teaching my kids for the last time. His counsel was as follows:

Vs 6: Keep the Commandments; Preach the People; Remember Who You Are; Be Like the Lehi and Nephi You are Named For

Vs 7: Do Good

Vs 8: Do Not Do Good So That You Can Boast, But Do Them for Treasures in Heaven;

Vs. 9: Remember that is only Through Jesus Christ that we Can be Saved

Vs. 10: Remember the Teachings of Alma and Amulek about How the Lord comes to Redeem their People--Not in Their Sins, but From their Sins

Vs. 11: We can Be Redeemed Through Repentance

...and my favorite counsel of all

Vs. 12: "And now, my sons, remember, remember that is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation wheron if men build they cannot fall."

This is my favorite verse of all time. It speaks to my heart. It gives me a formula for how to live, and my mind loves formulas. It also offers me promises if I go and do! If I build my life around Christ, Satan can have no power over me. This is the desire of my heart. First, to build my life around Chris; and second, to keep clear of Satan in my life.

I love how the rests of this chapter is how Lehi, and Nephi did exactly as they were counseled. They did "go and do" the things that the Lord had commanded. They were tools of bringing hundreds of people to the truth. (Can you imagine baptizing hundreds on a mission?) 

Towards the end of the chapter, we learn qualities our Heavenly Father. Lehi and Nephi while preaching the word, are thrown into prison, and as they are about to be harmed, the Lord encircles them with fire. The people then hear the voice of the Father. His voice is described as a still voice of perfect mildness (vs. 30). And then in verse 46 it is described as a pleasant voice, a whisper. Because this voice is described in the scriptures, it causes me to think we should emulate this voice in our lives.

Helaman 4

Yesterday, I was able to give a talk in sacrament meeting. I felt that I was led by the spirit in all things pertaining to the preparation and the delivery of the talk. In fact, I wrote most of the talk in the summer for another event; however, a day prior to the event I felt impressed to write a new talk. When I was asked to speak this past week, I felt a strong peace and reassurance that I was meant to use the talk previously prepared. I spent hours revising and memorizing. I used every extra moment that I had. There was  a lot going on this past week for my family (we went to the cabin to celebrate Amber's birthday), so I had to plan my time wisely. When Sunday morning arrived, I woke up early so I could practice my talk, and study for a bit longer. (I had been using my ear-buds to listen to my talk all week in hopes of memorizing it, but I still felt I needed more work.)

When it came time to deliver the talk, I was a bit nervous. I love speaking, but I always feel nervous prior to delivery. I feel that Heavenly Father has given me the talent to speak and deliver His messages; however, despite this gift I know I am nothing without Him. The thing is: when I do it alone, it's only half as good as it could have been. I've learned (the hard way) that it is my job to work like crazy, and then rely on the Lord--turn it over to Him. He makes me what I am meant to become. He makes up the difference. I am nothing without Him.

After the talk, everyone came to tell me how wonderfully I did. I kept thinking about a story that Elder Utchdorf shared in conference when he said,

"When I was called as a General Authority, I was blessed to be tutored by many of the senior Brethren in the Church. One day I had the opportunity to drive President James E. Faust to a stake conference. During the hours we spent in the car, President Faust took the time to teach me some important principles about my assignment. He explained also how gracious the members of the Church are, especially to General Authorities. He said, 'They will treat you very kindly. They will say nice things about you.' He laughed a little and then said, 'Dieter, be thankful for this. But don’t you ever inhale it.'"

You see, I truly feel that this gift to be able to speak comes from something higher than myself. I want to be the kind of person where Heavenly Father can rely. I love this counsel from President Utchdorf and President Faust. It is so easy to be caught up in the compliments or in other words--pride.

President Utchdorf said that "this sin has many faces. It leads some to revel in their own perceived self-worth, accomplishments, talents, wealth, or position. They count these blessings as evidence of being “chosen,” “superior,” or “more righteous” than others. This is the sin of “Thank God I am more special than you.” At its core is the desire to be admired or envied. It is the sin of self-glorification."

All of these thoughts were running through my head this morning as I was studying my scriptures. In Helman 4 it describes the wickedness of the people, and in verse 13 it states, "And because of this their great wickedness, and their boastings in their own strength, they were left in their own strength; therefore they did not prosper, but were afflicted and smitten, and driven before the Lamanites, until they had lost possession of almost all their lands."

And so it is with us--if we allow pride get in the way of the things that matter most, we will be like unto the Nephites. The Lord cannot strengthen us if we assume our own superiority. I pray that I will always look to the source of my strength realizing that I am nothing without the Almighty. In D&C 121:39 it states, "We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion." And in verse 40 it states, "Hence many are called, but few are chosen."

My talk from yesterday:

When we were sent here to earth, our Heavenly Father gave us the gift of agency. Because we have been given the ability to choose, it is ultimately up to us to decide our final destination. I have often envisioned what it will be like to stand before my Father in Heaven and be judged for my actions. Recently, I was taught a lesson on this topic. My mother-in-law entrusted my husband and I with her most prized possession—a necklace made from her mother’s wedding ring. She had left it at the cabin, and asked that we deliver it to her. Knowing the importance of this item, my husband and I discussed ways in keeping it safe, and then followed through with our plan. However, when it came time to deliver the necklace, it was no longer where it had been placed for safe keeping. This realization ensued several weeks of searching and praying for the lost heirloom. Throughout this time of prayer and contemplation, my soul longed for a “redo”. My mind was relentless with the “if only’s”, and the “should of’s”.  I couldn’t help but think of what I could have done, or what I should have done. In the midst of my turmoil, I was taught a lesson. One evening while contemplating the lost heirloom, my mind was opened to a new thought. In my mind I saw myself standing in front of my Savior after I had completed my time here on Earth. As I stood, my mind wondered—will I want a “redo”, or will I have done all that I could? In 2 Nephi it states, “Therefore, lift up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves, to choose the way of everlasting life, or the way of everlasting death” (2 Nephi 10:23). President Monson has stated, “Life’s journey is not traveled on a freeway devoid of obstacles, pitfalls, and snares. Rather, it is a pathway marked by forks and turnings. Decisions are constantly before us. To make them wisely, courage is needed…” (“The Call for Courage”, President Thomas S. Monson, General Conference, 2004).

Joshua 1:9 states, “Have I not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9).

This scripture has become a motto for my family. I truly believe as we have courage, as we move forward with faith, and as we allow God to be a part of our lives, we will be choosing the pathway of eternal life. Today I would like to take a closer look at the principles this scripture teaches.

BE STRONG AND OF A GOOD COURAGE

The first part of our scripture states, “Be Strong and Of Good Courage” (Joshua 1:9). The scriptures are full of examples of courage. I love the example of Noah when he had the courage to build an ark on dry ground. I love the example of David when he fought Goliath. I love the courage of Esther when she faced the king even when it could mean death for her. There is also the story of Moroni when he declared that he “would not deny the Christ”, the story of Daniel in the Lion’s den, the story of the stripling warriors, the story of Samuel on a city wall, and the story of Abinidi testifying to his death. These are just a few of the examples of courage in the scriptures. In all the scriptural accounts of courage there is a common theme—each of these heroes were seeking the Lord: they had a testimony of Him, and His goodness, and they were then strengthened with courage to endure any trial that they faced. And so it is with us--I believe that in order for us to have courage to make the correct decisions, we must first have a testimony. President Monson has talked about both courage and testimony being needed in order to make correct decisions. When speaking about courage, he said, “In order for us to make the correct decisions, courage is needed—the courage to say no when we should, the courage to say yes when that is appropriate, the courage to do the right thing because it is right” (Be of Good Courage, Thomas S. Monson, April 2014 General Conference). About testimony, he has said, that “in order for us to be strong, and to withstand all the forces pulling us in the wrong direction…, we must have our own testimony” (“Dare to Stand Alone”, President Monson, General Conference, October 2011). Thus, in order to have courage to make the decisions required, we must have a testimony. Therefore, our beliefs guide our courage.

When I was a freshman at Ricks College, I had a professor that opened my eyes to the importance of our individual testimonies. She told us that we were all in dire circumstances, and in order to survive—we had to be willing to give up “the less important” things in life. And then, she had each of us pick from cards at the front of the room. A few of the cards were: fax machine, computer, boat, radio, iPod, email, camera … At first it seemed pretty easy to take a few things from our list, but the lesson didn’t stop at a few things. After one round, she stood again, and said people were dying—circumstances where dire, what else are you willing to give up? And then each of us was required to again choose from the list of items: close friends, sense of sight, the living prophet, church organization, priesthood blessings, immediate family, temple ordinances… I remember that as we got down to the last two items: testimony of Jesus Christ, and a living prophet; an argument broke out in our class. One girl was extremely upset at the choice that was being made by the student who was last to choose. This girl begged our teacher to have the lesson stop; however, the point of the lesson was to eliminate all but one. The student who was last to pick was choosing to remove a living prophet. The last card was a testimony of Jesus Christ. My professor then said to the class, “If a testimony is the most important thing each of you has, then why is it so easy to spend your time in pursuit of things that are not as important”? She was right. My time was constantly filled with important things, but perhaps not as important as working on my testimony. Testimony is our most prized possession.

In the October conference, Elder Utchdorf said, that a personal testimony of the gospel and the Church is the most important thing you can earn in this life”. He further stated that “gaining a testimony is not a task of a minute, and hour, or a day. It is not once and done. The process of gathering spiritual light is the quest of a lifetime”. I would like to add my testimony to Elder Utchdorf’s words that as we firmly place our hearts with God, we will have the courage to act in moments of decision.

BE NOT AFRAID

The second part of our scripture states, “be not afraid”. When we are fearful, we allow the world to get in the way of our ultimate goal and our faith is weakened. I think I am just beginning to understand the process of fear and faith. This past summer, I had an experience while at Roaring Springs that has broadened my understanding. 

While we were in the Lazy River, all of a sudden, a panicked lifeguard was pointing, running, and blowing on her whistle. As I turned to see what she was pointing at, I could see a lifeless toddler on the bottom of the pool. I ran to assist the drowning child. I'm not sure why I didn't let go of Jacob, so that I could better help the child—Jacob was on a tube, and completely fine, but my mind didn't register that I needed both of my hands to better assist the drowning child. Instead, I tried frantically to lift the body with my one remaining hand. When the lifeguard finally arrived, she quickly pulled the child the rest of the way out of the water. It was then that I realized the child was only a mannequin—a decoy in an effort to train the lifeguard. I walked away from the lifeguard crying silently. I kept chiding myself for being upset--all the while, grateful that it WAS a mannequin and not a real child. I think this experience was simply too close to home for me.

When I was seventeen, my brother drowned. When he died, I found myself afraid to participate in water activities. My father told me that I couldn’t allow fear to control my actions. He taught me the importance of being faithful and not fearful. He taught me that it was a choice. This experience at Roaring Springs took me back eighteen years to the time when my brother was pulled out of a river, and all of those fears came rushing back. After my experience at Roaring Springs, there are two lessons I’m beginning to understand. First, I believe fear works against faith.

When we face our fears with faith, God is near. In D&C it states, "Search diligently, pray always, and be believing and all things will work together for your good." That is what faith is all about--it is believing that no matter what happens is for our good. I may not understand everything in my life, there may be uncertainties, and most definitely there will be bad things that happen--I cannot prevent that—fearing the bad will not stop the bad from coming; however, it will work against my faith by negating my trust in God.

The second lesson I am learning is that living by faith--not fear is something I choose. When my faith is strong, I am able to face the difficulties of each new day. In these moments, I am seeking the Lord, I am praying, and I am making Him a part of my life. It is in these moments that I am full of faith. And then there are times when I allow my problems or fears to overwhelm me. I feel anxious, and worried—I forget to seek the source of my strength—(my Heavenly Father)—and I react poorly to the situations in my life. I am beginning to think that these are moments of fear.

Gregory Clark spoke at a BYU Devotional, and he said that it seems to be contradicting when we know that the Gospel is true (Gregory Clark, “Some Lessons on Faith and Fear, BYU Devotional, May 6, 2008), and yet we have to continually remind ourselves to choose faith rather than fear. He then explained with a story from the Bible.

On a boat, in a stormy sea—Jesus was awakened by his apostles:

“Master, carest thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4:38).

The Lord calmed the storm, and then asked them, “Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?”(Mark 4:40).

The disciples had sat at the Savior’s feet. They had witnessed the Savior’s power. The Savior was on the boat with them, and they knew that the Savior’s mission on earth was not yet complete; however, at that moment—it was difficult to see past the raging storm. Brother Clark explained this situation by saying, “their memories of His works and His words and their hope in the future reality of His promises were not, at that moment, nearly so real to them as the storm…at that moment, the only things they had perfect knowledge of were the intensity of the storm, the fragility of their boat, the depth of the water, and their distance from the shore. At that moment their mortal senses were filled with fear: They could see and hear and feel the threat of their circumstances” (Gregory Clark, “Some Lessons on Faith and Fear, BYU Devotional, May 6, 2008).

And so it is with us, we know the gospel of the Restoration is true, but what we don’t know is how or when our trials will be resolved. The Lord has promised us that He will be with us, but at times—living in the day to day moments—it is easy to be uncertain (Gregory Clark, “Some Lessons on Faith and Fear, BYU Devotional, May 6, 2008).

When President Hinckley spoke at his wife’s funeral he set an example of choosing faith over fear. He said, “It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don’t worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. . . . Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. . . . If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers” [Gordon B. Hinckley, quoted in Latter-day Counsel, “Excerpts from Addresses of President Gordon B. Hinckley, ”Ensign, October 2000, 73; see also “Put Your Trust in God, “Ensign, February 2006, 63].

The Lord Thy God is With Thee

With these inspiring words from President Hinckley, it brings us to our third portion of this beloved scripture. The last part of Joshua 1:9 states, “the Lord thy God is with thee” (Joshua 1:9). Our Savior understands everything we have ever, and will ever experience. President Holland said that His journey was the “loneliest journey ever made” (None Were with Him, Jeffrey R. Holland, April 2009). Not only did his disciples slowly diminish in their support, but Elder Holland also said that the “Father briefly withdrew from Jesus the comfort of His personal presence. It was required…For His Atonement to be infinite and eternal, He had to feel what it was like to die not only physically but spiritually, to sense what it was like to have the divine Spirit withdraw, leaving one feeling totally, abjectly, hopelessly alone” (None Were with Him, Jeffrey R. Holland, April 2009). 

President Holland further stated that “one of the great consolations…is that because Jesus walked a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so” (None Were with Him, Jeffrey R. Holland, April 2009).

When my brother passed away, I had moments where I felt the Savior’s presence, and moments when I felt completely alone. Right after we found my brother’s body, my entire family felt a great peace and reassurance. We knew that a greater force was with us during that time. However, as the time drew closer for the viewing, that feeling of peace began to dissipate for me. At one point during the viewing, my father asked me to go and seek peace as I was unable to control my tears. I don’t remember where I went in the funeral home, or much about what happened surrounding my prayer, but I do remember reading in Matthew 11: 28-30. It reads, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your soul. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” As I prayed and read the scriptures, peace began to fill my heart once again. I named this scripture my “Eric Peace Scripture”, and every time I had a moment of struggle, I would again turn to this scripture and remind myself to seek the Savior.

I bear testimony that as we choose daily to be courageous through building our testimony, as we choose faith over fear, and as we choose to seek the Savior, we will be guided in our lives, and we will someday stand before our Savior with a clear conscience—not longing for a “redo”, and we will be on the pathway to eternal life. The Lord’s command to have courage, not be fearful, and His reminder that He will be with us—is for you and me!

I know that this Gospel is true. I know that when we live by its teachings, we are blessed. I know it, because I have lived it, and I witness it in my daily life.

Helaman 3

Because the people turn to God in sincerity, the Church grows immensely, and their hearts are full of joy. And through the studying of scriptures, Satan was literally pushed aside.

Helaman 3:26-29 reads:

26. And it came to pass that the work of the Lord did prosper unto the baptizing and uniting to the church of God, many souls, yea, even tens of thousands. 
27. Thus we may see that the Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name. 
28. Yea, thus we see that the gate of heaven is open unto all , even to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God. 
29. Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked--

My mind often works in formulas. In verse 27, it tells us that the Lord is merciful to those who will call on the Lord with sincerity of heart. But, not only that--we learn that the gates of heaven can be open to those who will believe (verse 28). And then finally in verse 29, we learn that through studying the scriptures, we can stay on the course to eternal life. Therefore, through prayer--which brings forth faith--and scriptures study, we will be led to Christ, and not be tempted by Satan.

Another part of this chapter, which speaks to my heart is in verse 35 when it says, "Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility , and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God."

A formula for this scripture could look something like this:
Fast & Pray Often=Humility & Firmer Faith=Joy=Purifying & Sanctification of Heart

And all this came because they yielded their hearts to God.

So, it begins with prayer, and as we turn our hearts through prayer to God, we change our hearts to His will rather than our will, and as we do so, we will have joy and sanctification.

I want to be all that He desires me to be. I want to go where He wants me to go. I want to do what He wants me to do. I truly believe it begins with prayer, and continuous seeking of the things that are most important. I plan on doing this in my life. I plan on giving my all. I know that there are times when I am falling short; however, I truly believe that as I continue in prayer and reading my scriptures--I will be led.