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June 20, 2004 --
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Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing -- unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentence, even as it has been given unto us to bring these our brethren to repentence.
Alma 26:22
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This week I have started my new studies just like I said I would, but instead of reading the Book of Mormon I have been studying Isaiah. It feels good to be looking at the scriptures so indepth again, and Isaiah is mostly new to me, except for those portions which Nephi quoted in his record.
However, I've realized that there is a certain spirit in the Book of Mormon that is hard to find anywhere else, so I think I'll have to spend a little more time there than I have been. Also, it occurred to me today that while the Bible and Book of Mormon are records of the Lord's dealings with ancient peoples, we also have the Doctrine and Covenants, which are His words to the restored Church in our day. It poses an interesting dilemma as to what I ought to spend my half-hour each morning studying, though for now I think I'll continue in Isaiah and spend additional time in other books as I have it (mainly Saturday and Sunday mornings).
I had the privilege to speak in Church last Sunday (which I am just now realizing that I forgot to mention to several people who might have liked to be there). I love speaking in Church because I love the spirit I am able to feel each time that I do, and I love the spiritual growth and learning that always accompany the occasion. This time I was able to speak on the Priesthood, specifically the Melchizedek Priesthood. During my studies, I realized that I have largely missed the awesome gift that the priesthood really is, being the same as that which the Lord Jesus Christ used during his mortal ministry (Heb.5:5-6). I've also missed the major focus of that priesthood: to prepare the children of men to dwell in the presence of the Father (D&C 84:19-22). The work of Perfecting the Saints, Proclaiming the Gospel and Redeeming the Dead are the true responsibilities and powers of the priesthood; healings, tongues, interpretations of tongues, etc. are simply helps to those ends.
These are the sorts of thoughts I have been pursuing the last couple of weeks as I continue to try to bring my will and mind more in line with that of my Father and live a little more to His liking.
Hope everyone is doing well, and may the Lord bless each of you in your own spiritual journeys.
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