Transfer 7: October 24

This week's been good. As human beings we, by nature, continuously are learning new things. This is true for us as we learn the Gospel as well. We however as members of the church, we have a gift. It is a gift to remember, a gift to learn, a gift to understand, and a gift of God's love inspired correction. This gift has been given to God's children since the dawn of time. It was given to Adam, it was used by Moses. It is the key to a constant flow of personal as well as worldwide revelation to a fallen and thirsty people. It has been called the Unspeakable Gift, the comforter, the Spirit of Revelation, and of truth. It is the Third member of the Godhead, which is comprised of three beings, namely God The Father, Jesus Christ (or Jehova) the son, and the Holy Ghost. This gift of the Spirit of God, is given to us after Baptism by proper and complete authority. This gift is kept as we are obedient to God's commandments, as we are willing to repent and as we humble ourselves, and put off the natural man and follow the Light of the World. When we live the Gospel to the best of our ability, the Spirit provides us with direction and guidance from our Heavenly Father, who Himself is the epitome of truth, knowledge and love. When some things in our lives are not in harmony with the inspired teachings of the Gospel the Spirit will cause our hearts to burn, but this is a different kind of burning. this burning comes as we make mistakes, and we feel bad about them, and wish to repair them, repent, and never make the mistake (sin) again. This burning is painful, and is a gift... it is the spirit telling us that we are better than whatever our mistake was, it's the spirit telling us that we Abhor sin, and that we do not wish to partake of it anymore. It is a sign that our hearts are changing, that we are becoming more like our Savior. And these feelings need to be brought to heavenly Father in sincere and heartfelt prayer, that we may lay hold on the blessings of the atonement, which have already been provided, but that we need to reach out and take. Sometimes we over complicate the Gospel, perhaps like I may have just done above... It is not that complicated. The Gospel is to be explained and understood in such a way that an 8 year old can understand it. When was the last time you asked an 8 year old to tell you about the Atonement? The Book of Mormon tells us that even babes often have words given to them which confound the wise and the learned. I have been challenged by my companion to study with more intent the simple truth's of the Gospel. These truths are the foundation of testimony because we bear testimony of them. I know that the Church is true, I know that the Scriptures are from Heavenly Father, I know that Jesus Loves me, I know that He understands. I know that He knows me. There are a lot of clouds in our minds and in our hearts related to pride, and stubbornness which often stunt our growth and begin to make us forget the simple truths of the Gospel. We reject the spirit because we don't want to embarrass ourselves or because we think that our ways are better, or that something was somebody else's fault. We need to put off the Natural man, and become a Saint. Do you know what that word means? Saint... A Saint, is someone who is striving for perfection. Are you striving for perfection? Yes? Great, but who are you striving with? Yourself, or God? Enos, in the Book of Mormon has what he calls a "wrestle with God". We need to do this, and reconsile ourselves to Him. I wrote this as a weekly email, but I think I need to hear this and remind me of these things myself. I will print this off and use it during some of my studies. I am no prophet, so don't trust too much in my words. But I leave my testimony with you that I know that the Gospel is simple, if we allow it to be. I know more than ever before in my life that there is a Savior, and that He is very active in all of our lives. His Spirit is real, because I have felt it, and His peace is real, because I have it. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.