The Gathering of Scattered Israel

“The Gathering of Scattered Israel,” by Elder Russel M. Nelson, October 2006 There is such a strong spirit about what I am studying this morning. I cannot tell its purpose yet.  As I read about the Lord telling Abraham to get thee out of the land of his father’s inheritance, this resonates deeply and strongly …

Gratitude Revisited and Internalized

I’ve come back to this post on Gratitude from back in 2011. There is a lot that I have been terribly ungrateful for.  I have allowed my perceived circumstances to bring me down, and the Spirit is strong with me in making this realization. I’ve reviewed the scriptural mandates to be grateful found in 1 …

A Few Thoughts on Prayer

A study of humility has lead me to consider the question: how to be humble? Spencer W. Kimball answers: “How does one get humble? To me, one must constantly be reminded of his dependence. On whom dependent? On the Lord. How remind one’s self? By real, constant, worshipful, grateful prayer.” (Humility, Brigham Young University Speeches …

The Covenant of Daily Scripture Study

First, let me be up front. I don’t know that anywhere is there a direct covenant made to study the scriptures.  What I’m trying to figure out is why I feel such a direct responsibility towards daily scripture study, and why is it that I seemed to be bound by covenant to this practice if …

“Thy Will Is Done,” JST Matthew 27:54

JST Matthew 27:54 (click on footnote) “Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, saying, Father, it is finished, thy will is done, yielded up the ghost.” (emphasis added) It impresses me that it was the Father’s will to have an Atonement made by one who would do so in love. The temptation …

Priesthood and Personal Prayer

Just re-read this talk on priesthood and personal prayer and there are passages that I want to commit the principles to memory: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/priesthood-and-personal-prayer?lang=eng This is what I’ve learned: God is not interested in long prayers. Rather He is interested in specific prayers, and us knowing what we should be praying for. “Ye worship ye know …

Fear of Men and Fame

“Which Way Do You Face?” Elder Lynn G. Robbins, October 2014 General Conference In this talk, I’ve learned that I struggle with this particular challenge to make sure that I am facing the right way.  Both in my personal ministering and in professional/business activities. The reason for which Christ told those that received miracles at …