Brandon Weekes—Gospel Study Journal

Brandon

Experiencing true joy

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An interesting scripture/gospel study journey this morning lead me to this, from then Elder Nelson.

“My dear ones,” I replied, “in order to experience true joy in the morning, or at any time, at least three factors are needed. You need to feel good about the people with whom you live and work—your companions in life. You must feel good about yourself—not in any sense of conceit, but simply a proper esteem for yourself, well deserved. And possibly most important, you must feel good about your relation to God and sincerely love him.”

Read more here, to discover how one might accomplish these three steps… “Joy Cometh in the Morning”1Russell M. Nelson, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Bringing forth promised blessings

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Another part of my study journey helped me better understand how I might bring forth the promised blessings in my life, i.e. patriarchal blessing.

From a beloved most recently passed prophet, President Thomas S Monson (speaking of some seemingly unattainable promised blessings…

These were beyond the reach of those whom he had blessed. He whispered that he had tried to withhold the promises he knew were unattainable. It had been no use. The inspiration had come, the promises spoken, the blessings provided.
“What shall I do? What can I say?” he repeated to me.
I replied, “Brother Fetzer, these blessings have not come from you; they have been given of God. Let us kneel and pray to Him for their fulfillment.1Your Patriarchal Blessing: A Liahona of Light—Thomas S. Monson, Second Counselor in the First Presidency

—Thomas S Monson

There is so much suffering in the world, let us take comfort from the Lord

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Sometimes that suffering overwhelms. An old friend will be missed. The atonement of Christ is real and I am grateful that is an infinite atonement to be applied on both sides of the veil reaching throughout all time.

And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

—Alma (Ancient Prophet in North America prior to Christ’s birth)1Alma 7:11

We all struggle at times, I hope we can find a message of peace when we need it most.

Because of His Atonement, the Savior has the power to succor—to help—every mortal pain and affliction.2Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ—Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

—Elder Dallin H Oaks

“Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, …
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.”3How Firm a Foundation

*Posted on Facebook 12/11/2018—after the passing of a high school friend.

Follow the Prophetic warnings in the scriptures

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In the last 100 or so years we discovered infections are spread through the act of contact between the infected and others. By washing hands and cleaning the area of infected individuals (bodies, bed, clothes, medical tools) we have been able to greatly decrease death within communities and particularly hospitals.

Yet…

3000 years ago God tried to teach is this.

‘Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When any man hath a running issue out of his flesh, because of his issue he is unclean. And this shall be his uncleanness in his issue. … Every bed, whereon he lieth that hath the issue, is unclean: and every thing, whereon he sitteth, shall be unclean. And whosoever toucheth his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water. … And he that toucheth the flesh of him that hath the issue shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water. And when he that hath an issue is cleansed of his issue; then he shall … wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in running water, and shall be clean.’ (Leviticus 15) Thus, our loving Heavenly Father had clearly revealed principles of clean technique in the handling of infected patients more than three thousand years ago! These scriptures are in complete harmony with modern medical guidelines. But during those many millennia, how many mothers needlessly perished? How many children suffered because man’s quest for knowledge had failed to incorporate the word of the Lord?1Where Is Wisdom?—Russell M. Nelson, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

— President Nelson

This is one simple section of scripture of the thousands available to us. This being the case, how much do we still suffer in our lives considering all the the great wisdom that God hath set forth for us in His scripture and from His prophets.

But a caution— we can not pick and choose the doctrines we would like to follow. We cannot simply choose our favorite gospel principles and ignore the rest. This does not mean we are to be perfect in all things, but we must be striving towards obedience in all things. Remember perfection is not possible to attain at this point and time—please reach out if the principle of perfection is troubling you.

I testify that the answer to every question, concern, problem, struggle, challenge that we mortals may have is contained in the scriptures offered to us, the words of God’s prophet, and the fullness of the Saviors gospel found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

We have the opportunity to hear from God’s prophet, apostles, and great disciples of Christ—both women and men this week at the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Please join the millions who will attend/watch/hear/read this conference.

If we follow the counsel offered we will have peace and joy. We will find ourselves closer to the Savior and nearer to our Eternal Father.

*Originally posted on Facebook April 1st 2019

General Conference April 2020 Sunday Afternoon Session

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President Dallin H Oaks

The plan of happiness began as a council in Heaven. In mortal life, a part of that plan, we would become soiled by sin and subject to death.

Our action in the spirit world have influence on our mortal experience. This plan is for the offspring of God to become like him. He invites all to come unto him and denieth none.

Sometime we learn more from mortal challenges that cannot be immediately removed form in order to grow. Alma 7:11 We celebrate the reality of the atonement to give us strength to endure the mortal challenges.

Marriage is necessary to Gods plan (Proclamation to the Family). Power to create shall not be misused.

We know that there will be a Millenium of the Saviors reign after his triumphant return. We who know Gods plan have a responsibility to teach and share this message with all.

Elder Quinton L Cook

All the standard works of the church contain the mind and will of the Lord for us today. Personal revelation is available to all who humbly seek it from the Lord. The Holly Ghost os the revealer and testifier of all truth. The constant companionship of the Holy is available after baptism and confirmation of the Holy Ghost.

Our spiritual preparation is enhanced through scripture study and prayer. Be patient on the Lord as revelation is on his time.

As storms are battering our lives there is only one refuge—it is offered by our Heavenly Father through his son Jesus Christ.1Helaman 5:12 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.

Come unto me—for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Immerse ourselves in the words of God through ancient and moderns teachings of prophets. As members we need to share this message.

Jesus Christ cares deeply about each and everyone. Whether rich or poor. Accomplished or broken. The mortal Savior spent his time among the down-trodden.