The AWESOME message of the Gospel

As I sit here pondering on world events and life in general, I can’t help but be extremely grateful for the blessings I have been given to live in the time that I do. I know I have written some difficult blogs in the past stating some of the things that our Nation is about to go through and we as church members, but I must admit that at least when I am doing what I should be doing, rather than being worried or frustrated, I am actually very excited.

I don’t know why I have been blessed with the testimony that I have been given, but even from my childhood I could never deny that the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ is once again on the earth. I love it. I love living it. I love everything about it. It is the answer to the problems of our day. Lately it has come at me stronger and stronger as I study the difficulties that our generation faces. Our country is about to go through some of the most difficult times it has ever experienced, and yet what awesome days are in front of us because we will be able to see the Glory of God revealed as these trials come upon our land.

When I see people struggling, I can’t help but think and even tell them, “Do you realize we have a modern day Prophet of God on the earth today?” There is nothing more glorious on the earth than that message. Armies can come against us, our own government can turn against us, and as Joseph Smith once stated, even the very pits of hell can open up before us, but if we realize this simple little fact that God is in charge, then we need not fear.

This land belongs to the covenant followers of Jesus Christ, those willing to keep the commandments, do his will, and defend their freedom. To these people, the Lord will reveal his will and show his power in the face of danger. We do not need to fear any government that acts as an enemy to the people, rather we need to keep the commandments and listen to the sweet words of a Prophet of God in our day and take action in doing what is right.

I can’t help but feel sorry for those who are not attending church or who are not partaking of the blessings that are to be had by church membership and attendance. I cannot by any means say I am perfect in this respect, but what I can say is that this is not a time to be casual in our relationship with divinity. We are not alone in our struggles and we do not have to fight our battles alone. The purpose of a prophet is to give us hope in times of trouble and to act as instruments in God’s hands to prepare his people against times of trouble. What a tragedy for someone to miss out on these blessings because of either not being aware of a modern day prophet or not listening to him when he does speak. We see things as they are in the present, but prophets are entitled to see things as they are and as they will be, therefore their insight is critical in these days.

When it comes to the church itself, there are three possibilities. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is either all true, all false, or part true and part false. If it were false, then we would not need to give much heed to it. Even if it were part true and part false, then we would not need to give very much heed to it. If it really is true however, which I bear witness of it being, then we need to give all that we have to be as active in the church as possible since this is the only way to safety, security, and eternal life. We can have our Father in Heaven fight our battles for us, but we must first be willing to do our part so that he can intervene and help us maintain our liberty and freedom. I still do not understand people who will say they know the church is true, and yet will not live the gospel to its fullest. In my mind it is kind of like knowing there is a flood coming your way and yet not moving to higher ground to avoid its effects. What good does it do that person to know the flood is coming, if in the end they are still drowned in the rush of water! If you know the church is true, then live it.

I know that Thomas Monson is a prophet on the earth today and is entitled to speak as the Lord’s mouthpiece the words we need to hear at this time. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is Heavenly Father’s church on the earth today to give us direction, keep us on the right path, and lead us into the paths of safety. I invite all who are reading this who are members of the LDS church to strive to live the gospel with all of their hearts so that we can be worthy of his divine help. To those who are not members of the LDS church, I invite you to read the Book of Mormon, listen to our modern day Prophet, and study the message of the restored gospel. I promise as you do this you will find direction in a troubled world and peace will come into your life.

For more information, please visit one of the church websites:
www.mormon.org
www.lds.org