A sweet friend asked me to speak of my 'testimony of the Book of Mormon". True to the title of my blog "The Journal of Lost Things", I realized that I had not verbally bore this testimony in quite a long time, even though I read it often and teach it much. I was surprised at what literally "poured out of ". I am so happy that deep inside of me, the Lord is fighting for me, and helping me to remember what is most important, at least in my life.
I feel like, that my testimony of the Book of Mormon really
stood out to me was when I found myself at times, quoting many of the verses in context, while
speaking with some of my “church going” neighbors, friends and family members who
were not of our faith .And I wasn’t ashamed to do it. Now this may not sound
like much, but I do and have frequently quoted scripture from the Bible to
various people, in the context of either teaching or bearing my testimony. But there have been many times when my
neighbors would dispute the validity and truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and
also the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I had to represent!!
When I was investigating the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS;
Jenny Provance was my “super” Missionary. Her mission was to literally prepare
me for baptism. She proceeded (with firmness) to review the Book of Mormon with
me, and helped me understand what I struggled to know, even though my testimony was fledgling .She helped me to focus on knowing that the Book of Mormon
is the true testament of Jesus Christ, and in turn I came to know also that
Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the Restoration of the gospel of Christ.
Needless to say it was overwhelming.
My testimony was further strengthened when I was called as a
teacher, first in Primary, in which I learned so much from the children, who
really taught me the book of Mormon. And now for the past 3 years I have been
teaching Gospel Doctrine. Last year, I had the opportunity to “teach” the book
of Mormon for the first time, and I prayed to know how approach the book, and
then how to apply it in the best way for the class to learn. It was so
intimidating, because I still felt like a “newbie” and I worried that I could
not possibly teach this book to those who had been in the Church their entire
lives. I thought that they would surely call me out as a phony. This scripture
in Doctrine
& Covenants 45:13-14 helped me to know what the will of the Lord is
toward those who earnestly seek to “know” how to apply the truth’s of the Book
of Mormon in their lives. 13 To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to
know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the
sins of the world. 14 To others it is given to believe on their words, that
they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful
I realized that I
needed to continue to build up my testimony of the book of Mormon, lesson by
lesson. And I was impressed to know that if I would just read the chapters for
the lesson, literally the Holy Spirit would “open my mind” and soften my heart
so that I could become teachable. In response, my class would feel the Spirit
as we were all being taught. I am
continuing to gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon; I can honestly say that I
love this book; it is so much more a powerful testament than we give it credit
for. I am slowly realizing what a gift it is to us from a Loving Savior, who
provided it as an integral means to our salvation. Think about the enormity of
that statement. The book of Mormon is the light that we literally shine to the world.
It kind of puts every little aspect of our humanness into perspective
And I say these things, in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ!!!!!!!!!
TobyMac - Move (Keep Walkin') (Live)
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