Holy Moses! What an interesting, and long week I have had!
I would have to say this was the toughest week of my mission! I miss
the Lenexa Zone so much! It broke my heart, and I love those
missionaries. I spent last P-day packing, and saying bye to a really
cool family that I grew to love, and learn from! They helped build my
testimony of the importance of having an Eternal Family. Before I met
them I did NOT want kiddos. But after knowing them, and seeing the joy
that they had raising their baby, I couldn't help but recognize the
importance of getting married, and starting a family.
It also taught me to choose a career wisely. This experience in
particular helped me understand how important schooling is going to be
when I return home. It helped me understand that I need to pick a
career that I love, and that will help me meet the needs of my family,
and posterity. Those things have never been thought through until I
met these people, they have been an impact on my life, and I will be
eternally grateful for them.
This new area is pretty interesting. There has been a lot of just
awful things happen to the saints here. It has had a devastating
effect on the work. The missionaries here Blatantly Disobey the rules.
It's extremely frustrating. However, I did sit down with president
Vest this week and went over some things we could do to help them out.
They are just trying to figure out why they are here, and the only way
to help them is to love them.
Not too much to report on this week.
Love ya
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
March 21,2016
Hi everybody.
This week was good, we baptized. That was successful. First baptism
this area has had in a year. It was a 10 year old. But it still
counts. Lol
I'm getting Transferred to serve in the Kansas City Missouri Stake.
Little unexpected, but the Lord makes his call.
This week was full of interesting things, we only had about 6 hour of
proselyting time in our area and the Lord provided us blessings. We
found 5 New investigators. One just moved from South Carolina and he's
awesome. Surprised he didn't run us off his porch. But he said he is
looking forward to knowing a further light and knowledge. We also met
a missionary from the Lutheran church, she is awesome. I love people
that know the Bible, because the Bible testifies of the Book of
Mormon. So really, it's just helping them recognize that, and then
giving them that opportunity to feel the spirit, and act on the
impressions received.
I am reading through the Book of Mormon for the 8th time now. It is
still just as true as it was when I first read it. Although, I feel
like I understand it better. I was promised at the beginning of my
mission that if I read 6 pages a day, I will never fall. I can testify
of that principle. It is true. All afflictions seem to fade, as I feel
the strength from the spirit to know what to do. A story, or passage
always comes to mind as I'm walking the streets, or feel
discouragement, and of course many other things that a missionary may
struggle with.
I'm really going to miss the Lenexa Stake, and Zone. We had our
monthly correlation meeting with the Stake Presidency and Mission
Presidency. We provided a report of the progress this area is making.
What a spiritual experience! We noticed that the lessons taught with
Members Present had dropped a little. We asked them what they felt as
a stake presidency could be done to increase this. We put our heads
together, and the spirit guided the meeting. We walked out with a
rough draft from the presidents on how we can help the Bishops and
Ward councils move the work forward. They also invited us to a seminar
for all bishops in a month, we will be presenting the plan that was
created.
I know that the work I have done here in such a short time has been
done. I know that I have met the people i have needed to meet. I know
this by their situations. If i hadn't lived the life I did, I would
not have been able to help these people understand grace. I am truly
grateful for the Lords Atonement. I use it every day. The redemption
power, and the Enabling power. The doctrine of Christ is real. It is
the only way we can return back to the Father, and stand blameless
before him.
One of the missionaries in my zone made this little meme about me, I
thought it was cute.
This week was good, we baptized. That was successful. First baptism
this area has had in a year. It was a 10 year old. But it still
counts. Lol
I'm getting Transferred to serve in the Kansas City Missouri Stake.
Little unexpected, but the Lord makes his call.
This week was full of interesting things, we only had about 6 hour of
proselyting time in our area and the Lord provided us blessings. We
found 5 New investigators. One just moved from South Carolina and he's
awesome. Surprised he didn't run us off his porch. But he said he is
looking forward to knowing a further light and knowledge. We also met
a missionary from the Lutheran church, she is awesome. I love people
that know the Bible, because the Bible testifies of the Book of
Mormon. So really, it's just helping them recognize that, and then
giving them that opportunity to feel the spirit, and act on the
impressions received.
I am reading through the Book of Mormon for the 8th time now. It is
still just as true as it was when I first read it. Although, I feel
like I understand it better. I was promised at the beginning of my
mission that if I read 6 pages a day, I will never fall. I can testify
of that principle. It is true. All afflictions seem to fade, as I feel
the strength from the spirit to know what to do. A story, or passage
always comes to mind as I'm walking the streets, or feel
discouragement, and of course many other things that a missionary may
struggle with.
I'm really going to miss the Lenexa Stake, and Zone. We had our
monthly correlation meeting with the Stake Presidency and Mission
Presidency. We provided a report of the progress this area is making.
What a spiritual experience! We noticed that the lessons taught with
Members Present had dropped a little. We asked them what they felt as
a stake presidency could be done to increase this. We put our heads
together, and the spirit guided the meeting. We walked out with a
rough draft from the presidents on how we can help the Bishops and
Ward councils move the work forward. They also invited us to a seminar
for all bishops in a month, we will be presenting the plan that was
created.
I know that the work I have done here in such a short time has been
done. I know that I have met the people i have needed to meet. I know
this by their situations. If i hadn't lived the life I did, I would
not have been able to help these people understand grace. I am truly
grateful for the Lords Atonement. I use it every day. The redemption
power, and the Enabling power. The doctrine of Christ is real. It is
the only way we can return back to the Father, and stand blameless
before him.
One of the missionaries in my zone made this little meme about me, I
thought it was cute.
Baby Fan!
#Thug Life
Monday, March 14, 2016
Fat Baby cheeks of the gospel
This week was the best week ever. We were filled with many spiritual experience. I felt the spirit testify to me, that the Lord calls Apostles and prophets to the earth today, as I looked one in the eyes, shook his hand, and introduced myself. The countenance he held was touching. I listened to him testify to me and every other missionary here that we are the "noble and great ones" as defined in D&C 138 he said "I don't know what you did in the pre-exsistance deserve a mission call like this one". I loved Gary E. Stevensons training. Before this, I had the opportunity to give a training to 9 companionships on Friday. I witness the reality of the Plan of Salvation, as I stand in my flesh and bones, and I see the children of God walk this earth. I know that I told the father that I would come here, I not only know that I told him that, but I know that every person that walks this earth told him that. Heavenly Father wants all of his children back. We are infinitely far greater than we think. As stated in Ephesians 1, the Latter Day Saints were foreordained as members of this church. That means we have a work to do. How great is our calling as members here in the latter days.
I attached a copy of my training.
And this picture of my new bestie since all of mine are married now.
"Believe in Christ, and Deny Him Not"
Elder Jared M. Greenburg
March 13th, 2016
The concept of Faith in Jesus Christ and his Atonement has caused me much reflection lately. As I have studied the doctrine, it is my prayer that I might know what more the Lord would have me do as his authorized servant.
2 Nephi 25:29 "...the right way is to believe in Christ, and deny him not; and Christ is the Holy One of Israel; wherefore ye must bow down before him, and worship him with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul; and if ye do this ye shall in nowise be cast out."
What exactly does it mean to worship him with all your "Might, mind, and strength and your whole souls"? I have studied it out, and defined each word; that I might fully understand what it means to exercise my faith in him.
Might
In this context it means power. Allowing Jesus Christ to have power over you, is in essence worshipping him with your might, and so qualifying you to exercise more faith. Satan can't have power over you unless you give it to him. The same concept works with Christ. It is aligning your will with his, and relying on his power to guide and direct you. When we act on the impressions we receive from the spirit, we are honoring him, and showing him our faith.
Mind
To worship Christ with our mind is to study his doctrine and become familiar with his teachings. What would he say if he were here today? What would he do if he were here today? In the sacrament prayer we covenant to "always remember him". Keeping our thoughts clean and pure, and when they are not, we immediately turn to him and ask "Lord what would thou have me do"?. Worshiping him in faith, is knowing him, and working to allow his attributes to come to fulfillment in our lives. The only way this is accomplished is by studying his doctrine, and allowing our head knowledge become heart knowledge, even to the cleansing of our souls.
Strength
When temptation is at bay, it takes a lot of strength to keep His commandments. Worshiping Jesus Christ with all our strength is working from 10am to 9:30 pm. It's placing our physical wants aside, and placing all of our energy toward his cause. It's fearing God rather than the precept of man. It's trusting that he is there. When this is applied, fear is no longer an option. It's giving everything you have and relying on grace to come into your life as you physically, and spiritually burn out. I imagine someone fighting a war, and placing all of his training, and knowledge into the battle field. He unloads, he isn't afraid to go the full 15 rounds, and when he is finished he remembers who it was that he trusted. So it is with Christ's Atonement. If you "Remember how merciful the Lord hath been from the creation of Adam, even down until [this point in your life]"; Then you are truly remembering in whom you've placed your strength, and you will accomplish more that day than you would have if you placed your trust in yourself.
Whole Soul
Repenting, and knowing that you are forgiven of your sins. You trust, and have faith that Christ kept his word when he said "16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;
17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;
18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit--and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink--
19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men." (D&C 19) it's trusting that the atonement happened. It's knowing and feeling that he has payed the debt, and after we have done all things to make it right, We will be forgiven. Faith in Jesus Christ and his Atonement not only means to trust in the Redeeming power, but also the Enabling power of Him. Knowing that his grace is sufficient to help you put off the sins, and to put off temptation. Trust that he won't let your soul perish. That if you turn to him, you will be healed, and at the final day be able to stand in the presence of God.
I now know, and understand that "there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God." As the scripture reads "believe in Christ, and deny him not." I now realize that I deny Jesus Christ when I let myself believe that he can't take my weaknesses from me. I deny him when i put all my might, mind, strength, and whole soul into my own efforts rather than relying on his. When I tell myself that I can do this on my own, when I rely on the carnal, rather than the councils of God.
I simply know now, that it is truly him in whom we need to place our trust. Like Nephi, "I know in whom I have trusted....My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep...He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh."( 2Nephi 4:19-21)
He can help each one of us overcome each temptation we receive, pain we have ever felt, guilt can be swept away, and hearts can be healed. It is by the only true doctrine. It is the doctrine of Jesus Christ, and the only doctrine of the father.
Conclusion
I now turn to Alma chapter 32 in closing as he explains better than I can how we can build our faith.
Alma 32:12 I say unto you, it is well that ye are cast out of your synagogues, that ye may be humble, and that ye may learn wisdom; for it is necessary that ye should learn wisdom; for it is because that ye are cast out, that ye are despised of your brethren because of your exceeding poverty, that ye are brought to a lowliness of heart; for ye are necessarily brought to be humble."
Step 1
A man must be humbled by being compelled or by his own instance. Faith cannot work without a building place, therefore we must give place in order for faith to grow.
Alma 32:13 "And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh repentance; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall be saved."
Step 2
Repentance, we must seek to change, get a fresh view of God, and so qualify for his guidance, we will obtain mercy from it.
Alma 32:16 "Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words, blessed is he that believeth in the word of God, and is baptized without stubbornness of heart, yea, without being brought to know the word, or even compelled to know, before they will believe."
Step 3
Believe in the word of God, and be baptized, be born again! Partake of the sacrament, and be ready for him to bless you as you follow his commandments.
Alma 32:23 "And now, he imparteth his word by angels unto men, yea, not only men but women also. Now this is not all; little children do have words given unto them many times, which confound the wise and the learned."
Step 4
Listen to the spirit with submission. Even like a child. Promise to follow those promptings.
These first 4 steps are the pre-ground for faith. Every farmer plows his field before dropping seed. We can plow our fields, and prepare our spiritual grounds for seed and nourishment in preparation for more faith.
PHASE 2 Of Faith Building. Action.
Action 1 Begin
Alma 32:28 "Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves--It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me. 29 Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say unto you, Yea; nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfect knowledge. 30 But behold, as the seed swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, then you must needs say that the seed is good; for behold it swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow. And now, behold, will not this strengthen your faith? Yea, it will strengthen your faith: for ye will say I know that this is a good seed; for behold it sprouteth and beginneth to grow.31 And now, behold, are ye sure that this is a good seed? I say unto you, Yea; for every seed bringeth forth unto its own likeness. 32 Therefore, if a seed groweth it is good, but if it groweth not, behold it is not good, therefore it is cast away. 33 And now, behold, because ye have tried the experiment, and planted the seed, and it swelleth and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, ye must needs know that the seed is good."
Alma uses the word "Beginning" 8 different times in these verses, in connection with "grow" and "enlighten". Everything has to have a beginning before progression starts, and hearts are changed. The beginning could be finding people to teach, it could be a lifelike matter such as someone prepared their field for a seed, the beginning could simply be the missionaries knocking on their door, or a member inviting them to dinner with the missionaries. Whatever the case may be, it has to start with a beginning before it can progress to something greater. It only progress to something greater if the Holy Ghost can testify of its goodness.
Action 2 Recognize
Alma 32: 34 "And now, behold, is your knowledge perfect? Yea, your knowledge is perfect in that thing, and your faith is dormant; and this because you know, for ye know that the word hath swelled your souls, and ye also know that it hath sprouted up, that your understanding doth begin to be enlightened, and your mind doth begin to expand. 35 O then, is not this real? I say unto you, Yea, because it is light; and whatsoever is light, is good, because it is discernible, therefore ye must know that it is good; and now behold, after ye have tasted this light is your knowledge perfect? 36 Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither must ye lay aside your faith, for ye have only exercised your faith to plant the seed that ye might try the experiment to know if the seed was good."
The action word is "KNOW". You must recognize that the seed is good or in other words-the word is good. Acknowledge that it is from God, and that your own mind did not come up with it. But it was divine revelation from the almighty. The spirit is what expands our knowledge in that thing
Action 3 Nourish it
Alma 32: "37 And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit. 38 But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it hath no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out.39 Now, this is not because the seed was not good, neither is it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it is because your ground is barren, and ye will not nourish the tree, therefore ye cannot have the fruit thereof. 40 And thus, if ye will not nourish the word, looking forward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never pluck of the fruit of the tree of life. 41 But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life. 42 And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst. 43 Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you."
Nourish it until it takes root, and then continue to nourish it with an eye of faith, looking forward to the fruit. The fruit, Is revelation and guidance. If we desire more guidance and revelation, we must have more faith, we must nourish our spiritual trees and be able to pluck the fruit by and by and reap the rewards of everlasting life. Nourishing the word takes diligence, patience, long suffering, submission, and the continuation of the spirit. We can expand our knowledge, our testimonies unto conversion, by nourishing the good word of God, exercising what we know, and looking forward with a positive mind to the future. If we dwell in the past, we will end up doing past things. If we dwell in the future, and the future is a righteous desire, we will eventually become that righteous desire, our hearts will be changed, and we will know with a perfect knowledge that it is in fact a good seed. We will be building our foundations upon the rock of our redeemer who is Christ the son of God. And THAT, is how we can become "disciples of Jesus Christ, and declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life"
Elder Jared M. Greenburg
Missouri Independence Mission
Lenexa Kansas Ward
Heyooo everybody! March 7, 2016
Nothing too exciting happened this week, which kinda sucks. The family
we had on baptism date was sick so we couldn't visit with them. A lot
of administrative stuff this week with the transfers. We had 5
companionships get traded up in our zone of 9. So we have some fresh
blood to work with.
I hope I don't get meeting fatigue this week. We have a meeting every
day. Tomorrow is Interviews with president, Wednesday is mission
leadership council, Thursday is zone training prep, Friday is zone
training, Saturday is a conference with with Elder Stevenson from the
quorum of the 12. Sunday is church, and that goes with all the
meetings that church requires. Then next week we are prepping for
stake reports, so a lot of office work. The glory though is that
there's a baptism that weekend, and we are excited because this area
hasn't baptized in a year.
Went to this place called Oak Park mall. I think it's in one of the
top 12 biggest malls in the US. It might be one of the fanciest too.
We went there so Elder Torrico could get a suit that fits, so we
invited a few companionships along with us and showed them how to
personal contact in public places. I love doing that because there is
people everywhere, it gets your blood rushing, and it's sketchy. My
cup of tea.
We had this thing called the Mini MTC this week for all the youth in
the stake. I trained on chapter 10 of preach my gospel. Which BTW is
my favorite chapter. These teenage kids spent all day in this Mini MTC
and then they went and tracted for 2 hours. I don't think I've ever
tracted that long before! But while I was teaching the class, I
discerned that something wasn't right, and during the prayer I
received the prompting to say this "I don't know why I'm saying this.
But I feel that there is someone in this room that needs to know that
the Lord knows your heart, and he is going to watch over you today. He
loves you, and he wants you to know that you are going to be fine."
The girl in the front row began to sob. I had never really noticed the
spirit speaking through me at the time, but then the girl got up later
that night to bare testimony of the account. She gave us 4 referrals.
I feel like the youth are going to be the drive for success in this
area.
Talked to a member about military service a few days ago, he was from
the Navy. I expressed that I might consider that route for schooling
and such. He gave me some good pointers for Psychology, and business.
I hope to use those some day. :) maybe that will be my route, it's
going to take some prayer. Either that or BYUI. I'm not sure, I do
have 8 months to figure it out though.
Well, that about caps out my week.
Have a great week everyone!
Love you.
Elder Jared M. Greenburg
Missouri Independence Mission
Lenexa Kansas Ward
Sunday, March 6, 2016
#Baptism Feb. 29,2016
Well, this week was good. My comp got a John Dear or some crappy
thing. Wait. A Dear John. So this next transfer is going to suck
really bad.
Mission is going great. Had a baptism this weekend, it was good.
I trained on PMG chapter 8! I loved it.
How do I use my spiritual time wisely?
(Integrated steps from PMG chapter 8)
Your responsibility is to be worthy of the Holy Ghost, you made that
decision when you chose to accept the call from a Prophet of God. The
Lord wants you to watch yourself with love and great care. He has
given you special commandments to ensure your spiritual safety. It is
important to apply those commandments, for if you don't, you could
become your own worst enemy.
Do all you can to increase your testimony of the Lords Strength, and
become stronger than you once were. (Ether 12:27) Meaningful goals
and careful planning will help you become what the Lord wants you to
become. As you set your focus on what the Lord wants, you will account
to Him and your Mission President.
As it states in your call letter, you are expected to "devote all your
time and attention to serving the Lord, leaving behind all personal
affairs." This is the #1 set back of progression in the gospel. Using
our time wisely. If we don't have a predetermined plan for what we are
going to do when temptation comes, then we will fall for any
enticement from the adversary. The Lord said "Watch and pray, that ye
enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh
is weak.....Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin" how much
of our spiritual time is being devoted to serving sin, rather than
God? What is our goal? Are we becoming Disciples or Devils?
I have prayerfully created 5 steps to take for how to use spiritual
time wisely. My purpose is to become a clean and worthy vessel for the
Holy Ghost, each and every day.
Step 1.) Set goals and make plans for what you can do to personally
fight against temptation. The adversary is very personal, it's no
surprise that he knows our weaknesses. Therefor the temptations we get
are also personal, he tempts people in his own way, because he knows
what things will trigger there decision to act. The benefit of this
spiritual contest is that we too, can know our weaknesses, and as we
come unto the Lord he can make those things become strong. Pray that
the Lord will show you those moments of temptation, ask him what you
are doing wrong in those moments. Pray for inspiration to know what to
do, plan to do it, ask for help, promise to obey. Make a concentrated
effort to focus on what you are doing. Does it invite the spirit? Are
others benefiting spiritually because of it? Are you coming to know
the Lord better? How will this activity hinder, or enhance your
eternal progression? You can plan activities daily to increase your
ability to fight against the adversary.
Step 2.) Pray for and seek inspiration from the Lord about what
spiritual activities you can do to use your time more wisely. These
activities could be memorizing scripture, serving your companion and
others, singing hymns, studying for your investigators, hourly
prayers. The most important thing to know, is that we all have the
right, and privilege of personal revelation, ask the Lord what he
thinks about it. He may have a plan specifically for your protection
that day.
Step 3.) Set goals that will make you stretch beyond your comfort
zone. Think about your day, what do you need to accomplish? What does
the Lord want you to accomplish? Think about how you are going to
accomplish those tasks. What is something you can do spiritually, that
you have not yet tried before? What could potentially distract from
fulfilling your purpose? Commit to acting on those goals, and seek the
Lords help in doing so. He will magnify your efforts. Follow the
spirit, focus on your activities, focus on the Lord, be specific and
realistic, measure your progress by accounting to the Lord.
Step 4.) Set goals and make plans for how you will be accountable to
your spiritual time. "When performance is measured, performance
improves. When performance is measured and reported, the rate of
improvement accelerates."-Thomas S. Monson. Be honest with yourself,
and with the Lord on how well you did. Don't be afraid to account to
him. He said "if men humble themselves before me, and have faith in
me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." Plan your
accountability, it's the only way you can focus on staying on track
with your plan to become a better instrument in the hands of God.
Step 5.) Set goals and make plans of how you will prepare yourself
that day to partake of the sacrament on Sunday. With the baptismal
covenants we made with our father, there was a specific promise we
make each week. "Always remember him, keep his commandments, take his
name upon us" this can start with daily repentance, studying the
baptismal covenant and sacrament, or the love, mercy, sacrifice of the
Savior. Plan how you will help others prepare. Make specific goals for
the day of how you will "always remember him". He promises that if we
do these things, we will ALWAYS have his spirit to be with us.
The Lord places many people in our path each day, we have key
indicators to conversion so we can help those people. But we cannot
execute our purpose of helping others come unto Christ without the
spirit. These 5 steps, can help me in the preparation period of my
day, so that I can be a worthy vessel of the Lord. Men are free to
choose death, or eternal life through the great mediator. It all
depends on how well i use my time in doing so. The tender mercy of my
choices is that they effect my eternal progression. What i do, will
effect eternity. So it's important to use my spiritual time wisely,
and put off the natural man. Become a saint to him who knew no sin,
who suffered yet sent angels to comfort those in distraught, and lift
up the hearts of the broken hearted.
thing. Wait. A Dear John. So this next transfer is going to suck
really bad.
Mission is going great. Had a baptism this weekend, it was good.
I trained on PMG chapter 8! I loved it.
How do I use my spiritual time wisely?
(Integrated steps from PMG chapter 8)
Your responsibility is to be worthy of the Holy Ghost, you made that
decision when you chose to accept the call from a Prophet of God. The
Lord wants you to watch yourself with love and great care. He has
given you special commandments to ensure your spiritual safety. It is
important to apply those commandments, for if you don't, you could
become your own worst enemy.
Do all you can to increase your testimony of the Lords Strength, and
become stronger than you once were. (Ether 12:27) Meaningful goals
and careful planning will help you become what the Lord wants you to
become. As you set your focus on what the Lord wants, you will account
to Him and your Mission President.
As it states in your call letter, you are expected to "devote all your
time and attention to serving the Lord, leaving behind all personal
affairs." This is the #1 set back of progression in the gospel. Using
our time wisely. If we don't have a predetermined plan for what we are
going to do when temptation comes, then we will fall for any
enticement from the adversary. The Lord said "Watch and pray, that ye
enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh
is weak.....Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin" how much
of our spiritual time is being devoted to serving sin, rather than
God? What is our goal? Are we becoming Disciples or Devils?
I have prayerfully created 5 steps to take for how to use spiritual
time wisely. My purpose is to become a clean and worthy vessel for the
Holy Ghost, each and every day.
Step 1.) Set goals and make plans for what you can do to personally
fight against temptation. The adversary is very personal, it's no
surprise that he knows our weaknesses. Therefor the temptations we get
are also personal, he tempts people in his own way, because he knows
what things will trigger there decision to act. The benefit of this
spiritual contest is that we too, can know our weaknesses, and as we
come unto the Lord he can make those things become strong. Pray that
the Lord will show you those moments of temptation, ask him what you
are doing wrong in those moments. Pray for inspiration to know what to
do, plan to do it, ask for help, promise to obey. Make a concentrated
effort to focus on what you are doing. Does it invite the spirit? Are
others benefiting spiritually because of it? Are you coming to know
the Lord better? How will this activity hinder, or enhance your
eternal progression? You can plan activities daily to increase your
ability to fight against the adversary.
Step 2.) Pray for and seek inspiration from the Lord about what
spiritual activities you can do to use your time more wisely. These
activities could be memorizing scripture, serving your companion and
others, singing hymns, studying for your investigators, hourly
prayers. The most important thing to know, is that we all have the
right, and privilege of personal revelation, ask the Lord what he
thinks about it. He may have a plan specifically for your protection
that day.
Step 3.) Set goals that will make you stretch beyond your comfort
zone. Think about your day, what do you need to accomplish? What does
the Lord want you to accomplish? Think about how you are going to
accomplish those tasks. What is something you can do spiritually, that
you have not yet tried before? What could potentially distract from
fulfilling your purpose? Commit to acting on those goals, and seek the
Lords help in doing so. He will magnify your efforts. Follow the
spirit, focus on your activities, focus on the Lord, be specific and
realistic, measure your progress by accounting to the Lord.
Step 4.) Set goals and make plans for how you will be accountable to
your spiritual time. "When performance is measured, performance
improves. When performance is measured and reported, the rate of
improvement accelerates."-Thomas S. Monson. Be honest with yourself,
and with the Lord on how well you did. Don't be afraid to account to
him. He said "if men humble themselves before me, and have faith in
me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." Plan your
accountability, it's the only way you can focus on staying on track
with your plan to become a better instrument in the hands of God.
Step 5.) Set goals and make plans of how you will prepare yourself
that day to partake of the sacrament on Sunday. With the baptismal
covenants we made with our father, there was a specific promise we
make each week. "Always remember him, keep his commandments, take his
name upon us" this can start with daily repentance, studying the
baptismal covenant and sacrament, or the love, mercy, sacrifice of the
Savior. Plan how you will help others prepare. Make specific goals for
the day of how you will "always remember him". He promises that if we
do these things, we will ALWAYS have his spirit to be with us.
The Lord places many people in our path each day, we have key
indicators to conversion so we can help those people. But we cannot
execute our purpose of helping others come unto Christ without the
spirit. These 5 steps, can help me in the preparation period of my
day, so that I can be a worthy vessel of the Lord. Men are free to
choose death, or eternal life through the great mediator. It all
depends on how well i use my time in doing so. The tender mercy of my
choices is that they effect my eternal progression. What i do, will
effect eternity. So it's important to use my spiritual time wisely,
and put off the natural man. Become a saint to him who knew no sin,
who suffered yet sent angels to comfort those in distraught, and lift
up the hearts of the broken hearted.
Solid week Feb. 22,2016
This week was BOMB!!
We did some long drawn out stake reports. That was painful because it
was a 5-7 hour process that kept us in our apartment, and deprived us
of any pros time. But that night we got out, and the Lord blessed us
with 2 families to teach. Super excited about that.
The spirit has drawn me to a story I would like to recite.
The foolish man built his house upon the sand, the rains came down and
the floods came up, and the house on the sand washed away.
The wise man built his house upon a Rock, the rains came down and he
floods came up, but the house on the rock stood still.
Yes, even a childhood primary song can help us understand that if you
build your life on the precepts of men, you will wash away, and in the
end have nothing to stand. Why then, do people after being washed away
begin to build again there house upon the sand? Is it the view of the
world? Is it pride? Is it the lack of faith that another way is not
possible? The actions of Insanity are doing the same thing over and
over and expecting a different result each time. Thus, when we rebuild
our spiritual homes on fickle ideas of justification, instant
gratification, rebelliousness, pride, and all other things that
destroy our faith; we begin to see again- the rains of temptation, and
floods of peer pressure enter into our lives, and the home we built is
again washed away.
In Heleman 5 Nephi recounts what Heleman told his sons. "Behold, my
sons, I desire that ye should remember to keep the commandments of
God....Therefore, my sons, I would that ye should do that which is
good, that it may be said of you....that ye may do these things to lay
up for yourselves a treasure in heaven, yea, which is eternal, and
which fadeth not away; yea, that ye may have that precious gift of
eternal life, which we have reason to suppose hath been given to our
fathers....And now, my sons, remember, remember that it 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
whereon if men build they cannot fall".
The only way to build our spiritual stature is on the Doctrines of
Jesus Christ. The only way to break down insanity, the only way to
hold strong and be comfortable, the only way to be truly happy, is by
relying on the merits and mercy of the Lord. He is our strength. He
has known no sin, but has lived through temptation. He has felt every
pain, and still he sent his angels to minister to others. He gave
everything he could, so that we could have the chance of living life
eternal in the mansions of our Father.
Here is my new address.
9233 Legler Cir Apt 495 Lenexa Kansas
We did some long drawn out stake reports. That was painful because it
was a 5-7 hour process that kept us in our apartment, and deprived us
of any pros time. But that night we got out, and the Lord blessed us
with 2 families to teach. Super excited about that.
The spirit has drawn me to a story I would like to recite.
The foolish man built his house upon the sand, the rains came down and
the floods came up, and the house on the sand washed away.
The wise man built his house upon a Rock, the rains came down and he
floods came up, but the house on the rock stood still.
Yes, even a childhood primary song can help us understand that if you
build your life on the precepts of men, you will wash away, and in the
end have nothing to stand. Why then, do people after being washed away
begin to build again there house upon the sand? Is it the view of the
world? Is it pride? Is it the lack of faith that another way is not
possible? The actions of Insanity are doing the same thing over and
over and expecting a different result each time. Thus, when we rebuild
our spiritual homes on fickle ideas of justification, instant
gratification, rebelliousness, pride, and all other things that
destroy our faith; we begin to see again- the rains of temptation, and
floods of peer pressure enter into our lives, and the home we built is
again washed away.
In Heleman 5 Nephi recounts what Heleman told his sons. "Behold, my
sons, I desire that ye should remember to keep the commandments of
God....Therefore, my sons, I would that ye should do that which is
good, that it may be said of you....that ye may do these things to lay
up for yourselves a treasure in heaven, yea, which is eternal, and
which fadeth not away; yea, that ye may have that precious gift of
eternal life, which we have reason to suppose hath been given to our
fathers....And now, my sons, remember, remember that it 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
whereon if men build they cannot fall".
The only way to build our spiritual stature is on the Doctrines of
Jesus Christ. The only way to break down insanity, the only way to
hold strong and be comfortable, the only way to be truly happy, is by
relying on the merits and mercy of the Lord. He is our strength. He
has known no sin, but has lived through temptation. He has felt every
pain, and still he sent his angels to minister to others. He gave
everything he could, so that we could have the chance of living life
eternal in the mansions of our Father.
Here is my new address.
9233 Legler Cir Apt 495 Lenexa Kansas
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)