Don't Worry,But be Prepared

D&C 84:85

When I think of this scripture I sometimes think, well that means I don't really have to prepare when giving a lesson, the Spirit will guide me. Wrong! If only I do my scripture study like I'm supposed to and pray always and try to be in communion with my Father in Heaven, then when the time is right the Spirit will guide me what to say. There have been times when I really wasn't prepared to give a talk and I just blew it because the Spirit was not with me because I didn't do my part by studying and reading about my topic. When we have the resources Heavenly Father will help us use them.
Enoch was afraid to speak before the people, as was Moses, but the Lord comforted them and told them that he would guide them what to say.

No Spirit, No Teaching

D&C 42:14

For I know without the Spirit I cannot teach. Everytime I give a lesson I ask for Heavenly Father's help in providing the Spirit so my lesson may be edifying. John Bytheway said in one of his books that I read, is that the missionary doesn't but it is by the Holy Ghost that man shall be taught. The missionary can invite the Holy Ghost, but without it there is nothing to be felt and the investigator doesn't feel anything. If it's playing the piano for sacrament or giving a lesson in Elder's quorum I always ask for the Spirit to be with me.

And my mind was enligthened

D&C 138:1-2, 6, 11

Often we get caught up in the things of the world and we become so distressed from everyday's problems and challenges, that our mind becomes murky and distracted from our problems. I was just reading the scriptures just earlier and nothing was making sense. I tried again and again but I kept thinking about the day's problems, how my life is hard, why this why that, why me? I finally got so fed up and angry with myself and the world that I wanted to find some way to get rid of it in a non-violent way. So without any hesitation I grabbed my running shoes and headed out the door. I ran all the way to the temple and all the way to temple beach at a fast and hard pace, and then all the way back to my room with the same pace. While going through with this "cleansing process" I thought of all my frustration, I thought of my family, I thought of all my friends that I have and have made, I thought of all the negative things that were plaguing my life and I would use that as my drive, and thought of the temple as an incentive for my homecoming. I would run towards the temple and think to myself, faster Brother Adams, you're almost home. I ran up to the temple gate just outside the visitor center, and I would stare longingly at it. While on this run I tried to also think of positive things and said little prayers in my heart to my Father in Heaven. I asked Him certain questions as to why this is happening? Am I doing something wrong or is this just a test?
Afterwards, as I was cooling down, I thought of the things that were troubling me and what could I do on my part to improve. The run had cleared the negative garbage from my mind and just like Joseph F. Smith said, the eyes of my understanding were opened and I felt more relaxed and my mind felt more clear.
So when we cannot understand something because our minds our blocked, sometimes it takes something to clear it away and then ponder like President Smith did. Then will our minds become open and more receiving.

My Soul Delighteth

2 Ne. 4:15-16

For my soul also delighteth when I read the scriptures and the words of the prophet's and apostles. I feel a certain peace come upon my soul when I'm feeling troubled or angry when I turn to the scriptures. When I don't read the scriptures I feel that my week or day doesn't go right, it's just missing that certain spirit. When reading the scriptures especially the ones that have to do with future events, I ponder to myself if the prophecies of the Lord have been fulfilled in these latter days. For one, the Church has been restored, Israel has been re-established in the middle east, and there are starting to become more disasters and rumors of wars.
I love to read the scriptures and I love reading and partaking of the things of the Lord. I know that reading the scriptures brings blessings and brings us closer to God.

Spirit of Truth

D&C 50:13-14, 17-23

Unto what was I ordained? To preach the the Lord's gospel through the Comforter which teaches the truth.
I know that by the Spirit truth will be manifested. I have bore my testimony of the gospel and every time I can feel the Spirit whispering to me that it is true. A few months ago I played a variation of Joseph Smith's Prayer, A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief, and Praise to the Man on the piano in sacrament. As soon as I was done and walked back to my parents, and not hearing a single sound due to the reverence, I felt a swelling and a burning in my bosom which filled and consumed my whole soul. I knew that right then that Spirit had testified unto me that Joseph Smith did see God the Father and Jesus Christ, that what he did for humanity was great, and that he his a prophet of the Lord.
This experience has taught me that the Spirit can do marvelous things in teaching and guiding. My goal as a missionary is to seek ways to keep and invite the Spirit at all times off and on my mission so as when I'm faced with the opportunity to teach an investigator, I may be able to teach with the Spirit as my companion.

Using the Holy Ghost

2 Nephi 33:1

How I like Nephi's usage of words! He is so simple and pure just like a testimony, with nothing complicated and he's straight to the point and very plain. For the gospel is supposed to be plain and for our understanding.
I know that the Holy Ghost is the way to teach the gospel to all people. For I know without it nothing can be taught and it's by the precepts of men or with a different type of spirit that nothing can be brought forth.
I know that as a future missionary that I will need the Holy Ghost as my constant companion and guide. When I teach or give a talk, and if I'm properly prepared, I feel enlightened and guided, and I can feel the power of the Holy Ghost influencing me.

Solemnity of Heart

D&C 100:7-8

I like getting promises from the Lord. If we truly do declare the Gospel with meekness then we will allow the Spirit to penetrate the hearts of men. One thing I've seen is that pride fuels the fire while meekness and humility in all things, even when confronted in anger, can douse the flames and cool the soul unto peaceful settings.

Be Made Known

Alma 5:45-46

I have found that when I fast that I'm drawn closer unto the Spirit. That's why fasting and praying for something is effective because it brings the Spirit closer and helps us commune with God.

Study the Word

D&C 11:21-22

We if are prepared and have something planned out the Lord will help us preach the gospel. Although we don't need to worry too much about what we're going to preach, we should still be prepared with the word of God and study the scriptures often and to treasure up as we are so often encouraged.

With Mighty Prayer

Alma 8:10

Wrestling in mighty prayer with God must really be a time to pour out your soul unto God. Mighty prayer must mean that they are praying much and with a lot of fervor. Sometimes I feel like Alma. I see wickedness all around me and I see that people are not truly happy. I sometimes feel like crying out why, and how could someone do such wickedness when they know it is not right?

Taught from on High

D&C 43:15-16

What a thrill it is to be taught from on high and to go forth! If only I remain worthy and listen to the Spirit will I be endowed with power. I must not use my mission as a learning basis but as a teaching basis, which means I need to be taught and prepared before my mission.

By the Power of the Holy Ghost

2 Nephi 33:1

I really like how Nephi really makes things plain and simple. By speaking by the power of the Holy Ghost basically it penetrates to the hearts of men. Speaking with this power can covert souls.

Missionaries are Led

Alma 21:16

I know that missionaries today are guided by the Holy Ghost. For the Holy Ghost is the greatest missionary tool. The Holy Ghost testifies, comforts, and brings about knowledge to investigators.

The Spirit Teacheth a Man to Pray

2 Nephi 32:5,8

When I'm troubled or more often when I'm busy and in a rush I sometimes forget to pray and to offer thanks to the God. The evil spirit does teach a man not to pray. It is through our busy lives that we can sometimes forget our Heavenly Father.

Shall be Taught all Things

John 14:26

The Spirit teaches everything. If it weren't so then how could we know? And the comforter he is. When I feel troubled and I'm pouring out my soul to Heavenly Father I feel a wave of peace wash over me and I know that my prayers have been heard and I have been given relief. Truly praying to our Father in Heaven and actually communicating with Him invokes the Spirit which gives us knowledge.

The Godhead

3 Nephi 28:11

I've had experiences where the Spirit testified unto me the truthfulness of Joseph Smith, the restored gospel, and God the Father and Jesus Christ. It is often times through the Spirit that our testimony can be strengthen because of the record the Spirit bears that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ do live and are real.

Let There be Light

D&C 84:46-47

Those who are obedient to the Spirit gain knowledge. By listening to the Spirit we are brought closer to God.

Know Good from Evil

Moroni 7:16-19

It is true that when you do something good you know it to be of Christ. For the Spirit testifies that this the right way. But when you do something wrong you are left with a blank yet dirty feeling. When we seek to do things that are right we gain knowledge or discernment over things. Everyone is given the Spirit of Christ so they can choose good from evil and then know for certain which is good or bad.

The Light

John 1:5-10

It's a shame that those who have died, who didn't know of the Savior, died without a knowledge of what sacrifice was made for them. It's true as it is said in verse 10 that Jesus made the world, but the world knew him not.

Remission of Sins

Heleman 14:13

I know that by Jesus sacrifice that my sins are forgiven if I believe on His name. I do believe on His name and I know that I'm redeemed through Him.

Armed With Power

D&C 109:22-23

I like the thought of going to the temple to become prepared. I picture the temple as being an armory where we go to get our armor and weapons issued, only the weapons are the power of God and our testimony. It gives me confidence to know that I will be in the presence of angels and that my companion and I will be protected while preaching.

The Hill of the Lord

Psalm 24:3-5

When reading this scripture I'm reminded that I must remember to keep myself clean in order to attend the temple. From there I will receive blessings and become strengthened from the Lord. Where it says that we are not to swear deceitfully, I wonder if it has to do with not being dishonest and to murmur and use foul language. I think we sometimes we get caught up in the world that sometimes we forget to pay attention to the Spirit and to watch ourselves.

My confidence shall be waxed strong

D&C 121:45

As a missionary and definitely throughout the day I need to remember to be Christ-like and be compassionate to all and not have negative thoughts about others. This ties in with having virtue garnish my thoughts unceasingly. I like the thought of having the Savior as my companion and guide.

A purified heart

D&C 88:74

I like it how it says in this scripture how we are supposed to assemble and ourselves. In other words we are supposed to gather to together to become prepared, and to become clean. This applies to every week when we go to church to partake of the sacrament and to be organized into callings, and we become prepared for the upcoming week. This is necessary so we can become clean so we'll be more in touch with the Spirit when going forth to preach the gospel.

I'm always called

D&C 11:15

We are always called of God to be missionaries. We are not supposed to wait for Him to give us permission to be missionaries, but we are supposed to always go with a willingness and a desire to serve. It is plain: we do not need a calling in order to spread the gospel.

I am called of God

I am called of God and I will serve him faithfully forever. As Alma told his son in Alma 42:31 I will declare the word with truth and with soberness. I will bring souls unto repentance and unto the great plan of salvation.

Laboring

Jacob 1:7

Laboring is the way to bring happiness. If I find that I'm bored or depressed it's often because I'm not working enough. Serving others is truly a blessing for those being served and for ourselves. As Jacob has said that he labored dilligently among his own people to persuade them to come unto Christ. The Church was never meant for idlers. For being idle does not ensure a place in the Celestial Kingdom.

Laboring

We Rejoice of Christ

2 Nephi 25:26

We are to rejoice in Christ has Nephi has said. Missionary work is part of rejoicing and spreading the word. The gospel brings happiness and peace. It is truly something to be joyful about for our sins are forgiven and we can return home to Heavenly Father.

Gather the Elect

It's true as it is said in D&C 29:7, that the elect will hear the Lord's voice. For it is the elect who are valiant enough to listen and respond to the Lord's voice. We are called to gather the elect. For they are the only ones that will listen. It's interesting that in the Church that we are called and that there really is no volunteering involved. There is no room for those who choose to volunteer, but we are called forth instead.

Scattered Israel

I often think to myself when reading the scriptures, concerning the lost tribes of Israel, as to where they could all possibly be. Are there some real descendants of the lost tribes or are they completley lost. It is then that I remember that we are all the house of Israel. Those who become converted unto Christ are joined into the house of Israel. 1 Nephi 22:4, 11-12 concerns the house of Israel and how the Lord will make bare his arm in all the eyes of the nations. His gospel will be restored to every nation and they will have a chance to hear it.

Kept from the truth.

It is true as it is said in D&C 123:12, that there are many who are blinded by the ways and craftiness of men. I look at other church's, and not to bash or put down, but I notice they have some similar things that our church has but there's something missing to it. I've thought to myself what would be the reaction if I came into one of their churches and got up in front of the whole congregation and bore my testimony of Christ's restored gospel back upon the earth?
For are they not kept from the truth and do not know where to find it? I don't have to go to another church and bear witness of the Gospel. All I have to do, and all we as members of the Church have to do is not be afraid to spread the word and to put away our fear, and especially reach out to those who we associate with.

For the field is white.

In D&C 33:3 where it talks about the field being white and ready to harvest, this mentions that there is work to be done and that the time of the harvest has come. The time to gather in the saints has come. When I think of being a missionary I picture myself going into a field with a basket and a scythe and gathering in those who are ready or ripe. Just the same as going out into the mission field and finding those that are "ripe" or ready to hear the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and to bring them unto His store house.

In D&C 88:81 the Lord commands us that we must warn our neighbor. Warn them about what? The time has come. Christ has re-established his church back upon the earth. How can we sit idle and let our friends and family not reap the blessings of the gospel? I've had friends and family who have taken the missionary discussions and although most of them have not been converted a small seed has planted which can grow if triggered by some means.
As a missionary, I will be sent out to testify and warn the people. I can be a missionary today and warn those by living my standards, being Christ-like, and serving others.