The Savior's Instructions About the Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost is a marvelous gift that our Heavenly Father has allowed for us to have. The Holy Ghost does so many things in our benefit. Christ called the him “The Comforter” and promised the disciples (which includes the rest of us) that the Holy Ghost would abide with them, would bring them peace and dwell within them, and teach them all things and bring remembrance and testify of the truthfulness of Christ.  All these things and even more and all the disciples were asked to do, in order to receive and keep this gift, was to keep the commandments.

I think the thing that shows to me what the Holy Ghost can do for a person, is how Christ Apostles seemed to change after Christ’s death. Especially in The Acts. When Christ was with them, they were learning and growing but there were many aspects that they did not understand. They were, in many cases, still naïve and young in regards to the gospel. However, once they received the Gift of the Holy Ghost there is a strength that you find within the Apostles. They have unshakable testimonies and have a greater knowledge of the Gospel. It really shows to me what the Holy Ghost can do for us if we live the commandments and strive to learn more.

I can think of many instances in my life where the Holy Ghost has changed me, but I have to say that the really big moment in my life was in 2010. It was at this point in my life that I started to really read the scriptures. I didn’t just read them either, but I sat down with a notebook and recorded all my feelings and thoughts as I read. I would even read General conference talks and I really tried to listen to what my feelings were telling me. I also began saying my prayers with more of a conversational intent rather than just talking. It was around this time that my life began to change. The biggest change was getting the strong impression I needed to move home for schooling (which I had been praying about) even though there was nothing back home that would really contribute to it. However, upon going on I was able to get into the Pathway Program that kick started my education. I met people that I made long lasting connections with, I developed a better relationship with my parents and with one of my sisters with whom I was out of touch with. While I didn’t make perfect decisions all the time, I noticed a huge change in my life. I was happier; I had a stronger testimony in my Savior and in the gospel. I had more love for those around me. I still have my ups and downs now and then, but I have such a strong testimony because I strived to listen to the Holy Ghost, and because I wanted to learn more, he was able to teach me. The Holy Ghost does amazing things for people but more often than not, people don’t know that because they truly do not listen for his counsel or they are so far off the course that He simply can not reach them.

I have such a strong testimony in the power of the Holy Ghost. There is no doubt in my mind that He gives me guidance and strength directly from the Heavenly Father. 

The Savior Anointed

In Mark 14:3-9 and Matthew 26: 6-13 there is a woman, who anoints the Savior with very expensive oil. She is originally judged harshly by those witnessing. They claimed that the oil was wasted, and that she could have sold it for lots of money and then distributed it to the poor as good works. The savior, however, rebukes them. This woman, it would seems, may have had a greater understanding of what the savior would be going through soon than the rest of them that were present. For it seems that she knew that Christ would no longer be with them and the Savior says “She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying” (Mark 14:8)

The savior praised this woman, claiming that she had “wrought a good work” and that her deed’s would “be spoken of for a memorial of her” (Mark 14:6,9)

So what did this woman do that make her act so great that she was praised by the savior and makes her worthy of our remembrance? I’d like to think that the woman was so in tune with the spirit and probably very well read in the scriptures that she was aware of what was going to happen to the Savior. She knew that he would no longer be with them and she was reverencing him. He was worth more to her than the money the oil could have brought. To me she symbolizing putting Christ first and remembering what he did for us. She was willing to give up the precious materials in her life and give them to the savior. She was respectful and knew that the work he would do would be for all mankind.

What I take from this woman is that I need to remember to put Christ first. I need to follow the gospel before I worry about the other things in my life.  This woman also reminds me of the sacrament and how we should reverence it and remember why we take it. We should always be grateful to our Heavenly Father and to Jesus Christ, who made it possible that we could even return to their presence. 

The Savior Taught About Future Events

	Destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem  (JS-M 1:5-20	The Second Coming of Jesus Christ (JS-M 1:21-55)
Events to Occur	·         People claiming to be Christ (v.6) ·         They will afflict you, and you will be hated of all nations (v. 7) ·         People will be offended and hate one another (v. 8) ·         False prophets will deceive many (v. 9) ·         Love shall wax cold (v. 10) ·         Tribulation of the Jews (v. 18)	·         People claiming to be Christ, false prophets shall deceive many (v 21-22) ·         Wars and rumors of wars (v 23 & 28) ·         Nation will rise against nation, famines and earthquakes in diverse places (v 29) ·         Love of men will wax cold (v 30) ·         “The sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light and the stars from heaven and the powers of heaven shall be shaken” (v 33)
Promises to the Righteous	·         “He that remain steadfast and is not overcome, the same shall be saved (v. 11) ·         The elect shall be saved (v. 20)	·         “Whoso treasureth up my word shall not be deceived” (v 37) ·         The elect will know when He is near (v 39)

I know that many people, including myself, may get nervous or worried about the Second coming. It seems like a very scary part of life and I guess that is understandable. However, Christ promises that the righteous, those who are striving hard to live the gospel and keep their covenants and stay close to God, will be okay. The second coming does not have to be a scary situation, especially if we are doing what is right to the best of OUR ability. 

Paying Tribute to Caesar and to God

Throughout Jesus’ ministry the Jewish leaders attempted to “entangle” or trick the savior in some way. In Matthew 22:15-22 (same stories found in Mark 12:13-17 and Luke 20:20-26) the Pharisees attempted to sway Jesus with the Herodians there as well, they attempted to trick him by asking him the question “We know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man; for thour regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, what thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?” I think the purpose of asking him this question was to see what side he would stand with. If he said that all should only pay tribute to God, they would have cause to put him in jail as he would be “treasonous” towards the Romans, but if he paid tribute to Caesar he would be denying God, and therefore the Jews would have reason to turn from him.

However, Christ answers them without falling prey to either of their traps.  After having them show him and tell him whose picture was on the penny (Matthew 22:20-21) Christ then basically tells them that in his temporal world, give to Ceasar the things which are his (the coin, laws of the land, etc) but at the same time, in your heart, give all that belong to God. (Matthew 22:21).

Not only did Christ answer their question, but he made very specific instructions. That we should follow the laws of the land and remain good citizens (I’m sure while the country is being righteous in it’s dealings with men) and yet that we must give our hearts and actions towards God and keep his commandments. We are made in the image of God, and therefore we can pay tribute to God by being like him and by acting in ways that he would deem worthy. As we strive to live the commandments and love our neighbors and our God with all that we can, we will be have the opportunity to gain more understanding and remain close to him.

In this world, many people try to sway us or trick us into saying things or incriminating ourselves. I know that sometimes people have been better at talking than I have and have attempted to make me look foolish. Sometimes they have succeeded. But I know through all these experiences that if I remain faithful to my Heavenly Father and strive to remain righteous, that he will give me understanding, and that I will learn and grow from these experiences, even if I’m never able to eloquently defend myself against those who can out-talk me. 

Parables Teach us Eternal Truths

In Luke Chapters 16-18 there are these parables found:

The Parable of the Unjust Steward

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

The Parable of the Unjust Judge

And The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican

This particular topic was hard for me because for some reason I struggled (and am still struggling) to fully understand what these parables were saying. However, while reading these parables I was struck the idea that the common theme that I personally was receiving was how and why it is important that we follow the gospel and the commands of God. It is so important in life that we learn to be like Christ. Christ gave all for us, even his own life, and he judged no one any less than another. He forgave and loved all and he taught that we should as well.  I think we forget that all too often when we get lost in our daily lives. I also understood that we should never assume that we are always right. I think that was meant for me because I don’t like to think I’m doing anything wrong (who does?). However, it is important to just assume you can always do better, because you can. No one perfect but we can learn more and more how to be if we trust in the Lord and let him teach us and guide us. 

The Lord Appointed Other Seventy Also

The Seventy of the church are meant to be witnesses of Christ and to serve and teach. In Luke 10:1-24 Jesus gives instructions to his seventy to do these things. He tells them not to worry about their needs that they will be taken care of, and not to put man above God. He teaches that they should first and foremost teach others about Christ and Heavenly Father and the gospel.  He teaches that they should be courteous to those who receive them, and that those who receive them receive Christ.

Article of Faith 6 states that “We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church.” In Luke 10 there are instances that reflect this. Not only do we have a Quorum of the Seventy but as followers of the gospel (as well as the responsibility of the Seventy) we also strive to labor and share the message of the gospel. The seventy specifically are specially protected in Luke 10:19 it says “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”  Our Seventy today follows and are blessed by the same blessings Christ gave his seventy at the beginning of the organization of the gospel.

Although given apostolic authority, The Seventy are not ordained Apostles; they devote their time fully to ministry and to teaching of Christ (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/gs/seventy?lang=eng)

I love the gospel of Jesus Christ and I am so grateful for the reorganization of the church in these latter days. It is another testament to me that our Heavenly Father loves us and wants to see us return to him. He has provided a way for this to happen especially through the reorganization of the Church. I am so grateful for the Quorum of the Seventy and their obedience to serve and teach of Christ and of our Heavenly Father.

Healing a Man Born Blind

In John Chapter 9 there is a story of a blind man who was healed by Christ. It is an interesting story because you can see the spiritual growth of some, while others growth is halted because of their own spiritual blindness. The Pharisees had the hardest time believing and even had to call in the previously blind man’s parents to verify his story.  Some claimed that Christ was a sinner because he wasn't keeping the Sabbath, while others claimed that a sinner wouldn't be able to work such miracles. The parents of the blind man, when asked about how their son received his sight, were fearful to answer because if anyone openly admitted Jesus was the Christ they were to be thrown out of the synagogues so they pretty much opted out to answering by using the excuse that their son was old enough and they should ask him what happened.  The blind man’s spiritual growth is actually really neat to watch throughout this chapter. You can tell by how he answers the questions of who healed him. The man refers to Christ in three separate ways. First he calls him a man (vs 11), then he says that he is a prophet (vs 17), he then claims that Christ is “of God” (vs 33), and even calls him “Lord” (vs. 36) when he sees Christ again. In the end when Jesus tells him he is the Christ, the man falls down and worships him and believes.

I think the man’s faith and how he got to that point where he did believe in Christ is interesting. When I am reading that chapter I almost can put myself in his shoes. In my mind it seems that he was getting frustrated with everyone around him not believing that such a marvelous miracle had occurred. He knew something special had happened and as time went on I think he recognized that and also recognized that the people were spiritually blind to what had really happened. In the end his testimony in Christ has grown and he is ready to believe when Jesus tells him who he is. I wonder if he would have believed if Christ told him at the very beginning.

It kind of reminds me of the trials we sometimes go through. The blind man may not have had a strong testimony in Christ in the beginning, but I believe that while people were arguing around him, he was pondering the things that had happened to him and he was paying attention to what everyone was saying. In the end his faith grew and he had a stronger testimony in Christ.

Physical blindness is considered a handicap in someone’s life, however spiritual blindness can handicap someone as well. The Pharisees and even to some extent the blind man’s parents, were so concerned with specifics and were so afraid of the world that they were not able to recognize the miracle right in front of them. In some cases they almost couldn't accept that it even happened. It makes me wonder in my own life what I choose to believe and what not to believe. What hinders my spiritual growth? I need to make an effort to look past my obstacles. Just as the blind man shared his story and testimony and grew each time he shared it, I too can grow and learn when I share what I believe.