Week 3 - Samuel

Ponderize Scripture
Proverbs 3: 5-6 "Trust in the Lord will all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Monday 10/26
D&C 75:29 'Let every man be diligent in all things.  And the idler shall not have place in the church,..."  This struck me today.  How often the Lord has said this in the Doctrine and Covenants.  It is an important principle.  It is required to work hard and smart, and the best way is to consistently work at it.  I really need to apply this at my workplace, which will lessen the stress and cut down on my backload of projects.

Tuesday 10/27
D&C 76:22 "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!"  I know that Jesus is the Christ, that he is the Savior of the World, that he suffered, bled, died, and rose again.  There is no other way back to our Heavenly Father than through the Atonement of Christ.  I know that this is true! v.41"That he came into the world even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness."

Wednesday 10/28
D&C 78:19 "And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him."  It is amazing how much the Lord values gratitude.  Why?  One thought is that when we are grateful, we see the Lord's hand in our lives which causes us to look toward the Lord more and more...seeing our 'nothingness' as described by King Benjamin and seeing the infinite love and mercy of God.  It helps us to see the true source of strength in our lives and the power of the Atonement.  How can I apply this?  Start with giving thanks for 5 things each day...

Thursday 10/29
Elder David A. Bednar The Spirit of Revelation "The gradual increase of light radiating from the rising sun is like receiving a message from God 'line upon line, precept upon precept'.  Most frequently, revelation comes in small increments over time and is granted according to our desire, worthiness, and preparation...This pattern of revelation tends to be more common than rare...We as members of the Church tend to emphasize marvelous and dramatic spiritual manifestations so much that we may fail to appreciate and may even overlook the customary pattern by which the Holy Ghost accomplishes his work.  The very 'simpleness of the way' of receiving small and incremental spiritual impressions that over time and in totality constitute a desired answer or direction we need may cuase us to look 'beyond the mark'."  Elder Bednar does promise that as we are obedient to the commandments with faith that we will not go astray.  This all brings me comfort.  At times it is very difficult to understand the feelings and promptings of the Holy Ghost and to know God's will.  Promptings come more common subtly than immediately and intensely.  There isn't anything wrong when that happens, rather it shows God's trust (faith and hope) in us to have faith and hope in him, in his commandments, and in the learning experience.

Friday 10/30
D&C 84 This chapter is entirely about the priesthood.  The essence of this power is to serve and bless the lives of others.  It is interesting how one has to mature at certain stages in the priesthood before more is given (I should say, more responsibilities are given).  It just feels like the priesthood is preparatory to something greater to come.  Verse 85..."treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man."  In other words, Ponderize!  Think about the Lord, about the gospel and its principles, about the experiences in each day and the lessons that can be learned.

Saturday 10/31
Elder David A. Bednar Receive the Holy Ghost The Holy Ghost "will whisper peace and joy to [our] souls, and it will take malice, hatred, envying, strife, and all evil from [our] hearts; and [our] whole desire will be to do good, bring forth righteousness, and build up the kingdom of God."  Do I recognize and how do I recognize the Holy Ghost? "Do we...remember to pray earnestly and consistently for that which we should most desire, even the Holy Ghost?"

Sunday 11/1
D&C 88 What a wonderful section, so full of gems and simple gospel principles and mysteries of God.  v. 63 "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me" Am I getting to know the Savior, the source of all faith, hope and charity?  I realize a little more the importance to talking, preaching, teaching, testifying, learning about Christ. v. 118, "and as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom."  My thoughts went to my scripture study.  A great multiplier of faith is that of searching, pondering, and praying about the scriptures consistently, daily. v. 124 "Cease to be idle...cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated."  I haven't done as well this week on being engaged, not be critical of others and going to bed and getting up early.  Goals for this week.

I just feel in seeking the Lord how much he does love me.  He loves his children.  The Holy Ghost is a sure companion and extension to the Lord.  As I look to and trust in him, things will work out.