Don't Give Up!

     Have you ever had a time when you wanted to make a good choice and it seemed that everything was working to keep you from it? From the scriptures we learn about a couple of different stories where others faced a similar situation and how they made it through. I'll share the first and the second is in video form at the end.
     The first involves the young boy, Joseph Smith. As he was seeking answers from God about what was true he faced intense opposition from Satan. He related, "After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go... I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which overcame me... Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction. But exerting all my power to call upon God to deliver me.., and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair... I saw a pillar of light." (JSH 1:15-16)
     Just prior to having one of the greatest spiritual experiences of his life, we see that Joseph Smith faced some of the greatest opposition. It may be this way for you too. When you want to be baptized, come back to church or go to the temple, you may face intense opposition to keep you from doing so. Clearly that opposition comes from Satan who wants everyone to "be miserable like unto himself," and if he can keep you from doing such things, he will win.
      If you aren't perfect the first time you try, that's okay. Keep on trying. Don't give up. Continue to "call upon God" just as Joseph did. Don't let Satan bring you down. Know that you have a far more powerful being on your side, your Heavenly Father, who will help you overcome the opposition you face. He will help you to make it through as you turn to him. I personally know this is true and I say this in the name of Jesus Christ.

     For another example of this watch the following video relating Moses' experience with opposition from Satan.

Back to the Basics- The Gift of the Holy Ghost

     In my recent post about baptism, I talked about the need to be "born of water and of the spirit". This post will focus on being being "of the spirit". In the book of Acts in the New Testament we learn from Peter that we need to "repent, and be baptized... and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Being 'born of the spirit' is receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.
     The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead and a personage of spirit. He can only be in one place at a time, but his influence can be everywhere at the same time. The Holy Ghost is our Heavenly Father's messenger and is a special gift to us. He can guide and direct us and teach us what is true. We read in the Book of Mormon that "by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." (Moroni 10:5) That makes the Holy Ghost extremely important in our lives. With so many ideas and different teachings floating around we are promised a way that we can know what is right.
     So what must you do to have such a gift?? Prior to receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost you must be baptized by someone who holds the priesthood authority of God. Following baptism someone who holds the priesthood lays their hands on your head and will give you the gift of the Holy Ghost just as Paul did in the New Testament. (Acts 19:6) At that time you will have the Holy Ghost to be with you at all times, so long as you remain worthy.
     I am grateful for the ways that the Holy Ghost has blessed my life. I know that there have been many times when it has guided me to avoid a bad situation or to go and do something that my Heavenly Father would want me to do. I know that the Holy Ghost plays a significant impact in my life and I know it can do the same for you.
     This video will show how others have felt the Holy Ghost, aka the Holy Spirit, in their lives and how it has helped them. Enjoy!

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