January 23, 2017
I send my warmest greetings from the cold and snowy Idaho!!
This week was soo soo wonderful! The week started out in a interesting way, such that all of our set teaching appointments for the first two days got cancelled! Conveniently, done either right before we were going to meet them or an hour before that! But what amazes me soo much every time is the way that our Heavenly Father provides and like Elder Lawrence of the seventy said," Where God closes a door.. He always opens a window!" Elder Shoemaker and I were truly blessed this week as we were given the privilege to add four new investigators to begin teaching the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ! It all really does work out in the long run!
The thought I have this week was sparked from the remarks of someone we meet this week.
As we discussed with this lady she made the statement that, "I have read the Book of Mormon and it bothers me it doesn't once talk about Jesus Christ." When I first heard this I was in shock as to how in the world did that conclusion come about!? As I have pondered this week about my studies I have felt my testimony grow towards the Book of Mormon and its inspired writings! Every time I read I become enthralled with its storyline and teachings of Jesus Christ and specifically his sacrifice that will be made! I add my testimony that, "The Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” (History of the Church, 4:461.)
Its an interesting statement to say the most correct book and I would encourage you to take a look at this article!
This is where I will make my stand that its by living the precepts of the book. Applying, pondering, praying, likening. All these things will draw us closer to receiving revelation, inspiration, and comfort to those that are seeking.
My other thought comes from when I was particularly struck at the comment that was made from a member that talked about how he struggled to think why would the greater sin be upon the person that judges someone for breaking a commandment rather than the person that actually committed the sin. This member shared his insight. The sin is greater because we are denying the power that the Atonement could actually forgive that person. We are saying that individual has gone farther than the grasp of the Atonement.. This statement has just struck me this week.. I pray we all can forgive one another as Jesus Christ forgives us!
Alma 7:11-12
11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptation
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
I know we can be forgiven for all things. Strengthened in all things. and comforted through all things because Jesus Christ our Savior and Redeemer!
ps. I only slipped once this week! but it happened to be into a huge puddle of water haha
Keep smiling!
Love, Elder Gerrard
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