Well guys I finished the book of Mormon this week. I know without a doubt that every chapter, every verse, and every word in the book of Mormon is put there for a reason. I know that the book of Mormon is the word of God meant for all of us in these latter days. I also have a testimony through my experience these last couple weeks that the lord commanded prophets to include things that they didnt know why it was important to include because the Lord knows that someone needs to hear that. The sorrow I felt as I read of a entire rightous civilization falling into unbelief because of their pride was so strong I felt as if I were there. As I read towards the end of the prophet Mormons writings where we learn that over 230,000 of the Nephites were killed I cried and couldnt believe that just after a few hundred years of having Christ come and administer among them they could become so corrupt. Guys, be humble because I promise you that in the days we lift up our hearts in pride then we too will be cut of from the face of the Earth by the power of the Lord. That being said, as I read the end of the book of Mormon and read Moronis promise (Moroni 10: 4-5) I took the challenge upon myself and fell to my knees asking God if the book of Mormon was true. I knew before that it was true but even though I had a testimony that didn't mean I was done learning. I am unable to put into words the joy I felt as I felt the spirit testifying in every part of my body that the book of Mormon is the word of God. I know it is true and I can never deny the knowledge that I have. I fear if I do that I reap damnation upon my soul because although I have not seen an angel or seen God as many prophets have I have felt the spirit testifying so strongly that I know I can not deny my testimony.
After finishing the book of Mormon and feeling the spirit burn within me I had a moment where I kinda thought, o.k. what now... so I started over, this time in Spanish. I know that reading the book of Mormon is not something that we just need to do once. I know that in order to keep our testimony strong we need to constantly read and make it a part of our life for all our days.
This week has been a big blur and to be honest I cant really differentiate the days other than Sunday so I am just gonna share some experiences I had this week with you guys. The time here is starting to fly, the days still feel like eternity but as I sit here writing I feel as if it were just yesterday that I was emailing you about going to the temple. Also speaking of the temple we get to go again today so I am pumped for that.
On Sunday we watched The Restoration and it was a great testimony builder for me. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and I know that he was chosen by our Heavenly Father before coming down to earth in this life. I know it was Joseph Smith´s mission here on this earth to restore the gospel of Christ and restore church of Jesus Christ and I also know that Joseph Smith knew that this was his lifes purpose. Why would someone give their life defending a book if they didn't know it was true and that it was sent from God. Even though the book of Mormon was originally written on plates of gold before being translated by Joseph Smith and those plates of Gold would be worth a fortune I know that in respect to the treasure of the words within those golden plates they are worth next to nothing. Seek not after the riches of this life because the riches found within the book of Mormon will bless us in the life after this. I challenge you my friends and family to read the book of Mormon and to find the treasures that Joseph Smith saw were within it. And when you read I beg you to follow the challenge of Moroni and pray for a knowledge if it is true. I promise you that the Lord is bound to give you a knowledge of the truth of the book of Mormon if we pray with a contrite spirit, broken heart, and with faith in Jesus Christ. I also promise you that if the book of Mormon is true than Joseph Smith was a true prophet because they are connected, one can not be true without the other. I love Joseph Smith and cant wait to talk with him in the life after this. ´Praise to the Man who communed with Jehovah´
Like I said this week has been a real blur. We played a lot of volleyball as a district and I stuffed my companion who is about 8 inches taller than me at the net (granted this success only came after trying and failing on about thirty other occasions). We have also had a lot of opportunities to teach investigators and the spirit has been with us for which I thank my Lord. On Tuesday we helped move in the new missionaries and I love doing this because it is funny to think that I was in their situation only a couple weeks ago. Other than that, I read. I read for over an hour every night after my companion fell asleep because it gives me a little time to have some one on one time talking with my God through the spirit. I have loved doing this and probably am gonna continue reading a little every night after Elder Evans hits his pillow but I gotta say, only getting six or seven hours of sleep every night starts to add up.
I am going to the temple again in one hour but if you write me after that I might be able to talk this afternoon or I will reply next week. Love you all and stay strong
Love Elder Café (Brown)
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