Monday, April 14, 2014

Above All Else

There are some parts of scripture that people tend to always skip over simply because they are too confusing.  I will admit, I have been now of these people, especially with the Book of Revelation.  One of the main reasons I took this class about the second half of the New Testament was so I could learn more about this book.  One thing that the book mentions is that there was a war in heaven.  That war did not end there, however.  It has simply changed battlegrounds.
But we already know who wins.  The only thing that's left to decide is what side you will be on.  Here is how we are going to do it.  Revelation 12:11

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."

The way to win against the enemy is to focus on our greatest ally.  By keeping our focus on the Savior and working to keep our testimony strong, we will be able to overcome the attacks that Satan throws at us.  We will be on the winning side of this great war.  Through our Savior's sacrifice, we are able to win against sin.
This is possibly my last post.  Now that the semester is ending, I don't know if I will be keeping up this blog.  But there is one thing I have learned from this whole experience.  The more I bear my testimony, the more it grows.  Through writing about my Savior, the more I feel I have come to know him and gain an understanding of the Atonement.  I still have a long ways to go, but everyday is another chance to improve.  Everyday is another chance to come to know the Savior.  I hope that you realize that.  He will always be there for you.

Monday, April 7, 2014

For Your Own Good

Please tell me I'm not the only person who has woken up on some mornings and not had much to work with in terms of looks.  There are definitely days that I feel like I'm not amounting up to very much.  That's when I have to remember how much I really am worth: an infinite price.  Read here 1 Peter 2:9

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness unto his marvelous light."

Usually people take the word "peculiar" to mean strange or odd.  Which, sometimes, we may seem that way to other people.  But there is a footnote for this word.  It says that peculiar in this sense would mean purchased or preserved.
Folks, we are something special.  We were bought by the Savior's Atonement.  We were saved for these times on this earth.  Now I want you to read 1 Peter 1:7

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ."

We have trials because we are worth it.  We mean something very special to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  While it may be hard to see in the moment, I can guarantee that one day, you will be very glad of the person you have become, and so will your Father in Heaven.  If you do what is right, all things will work together for your good.