God Still Speaks To Us Today

 Are the Heavens closed? Or does God continue to speak to us today just as he did in Bible times? This talk by a living apostle of Jesus Christ tells us the answer.

One of the most glorious blessings that comes from the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the knowledge that the Heavens are still open and that our loving Father in Heaven still speaks to us today. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and testifies, as does the bible, that Jesus is the Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Knowing that our Father in Heaven can speak to us allows us to always have an outlet, a source to go to when we've hit the wall and want to give up. I testify that He does answer our prayers and that we can have a personal relationship with Him. He knows us perfectly and can give us specific answers for our specific problems and trials. 

This personal relationship means that we can go to Him with anything and everything. Concerns as small as a lost pencil or matters as large as where to live are all important to our perfect Heavenly Father. He wants to help us, He loves to help us, and He loves to hear from us.

I am so grateful for the relationship that I have developed with my Father in Heaven. And I am even more grateful in knowing that anyone can have that bond with Him as well. Through actions like daily prayer, daily scripture study, and attending church each week, we can feel the spirit more abundantly in our lives and can begin building that unity with our Eternal Father. Seek Him out and find out for yourself if He does still love and speak to us today. I know that He does and that He is always there for us if we will reach out and accept His help. But most importantly, I know that He cares.

This Is The Way, Walk Ye In It

In today's world there are voices screaming at us from all directions. It can be extremely difficult to find the strength inside of ourselves to tune out the lies and deceptions and to hone in on the voice that brings us guidance and peace. This video is a great representation of the way we can find that oasis in our own lives.

What I love most about the voice of the Spirit, is that it is a broadcast that is never down due to reasons outside of our own actions. Our Father in Heaven loves us and will always be sending us guidance and assistance as long as we are willing to do what He asks of us. Sometimes that means doing things that may be unpopular or looked down upon by those around us. It reminds me of all the times my teammates on various soccer teams growing up would think I was so weird or crazy because I wouldn't drink or smoke with them before games. To them it seemed odd, but to me it was simply a necessary requirement to stay receptive to that voice that would guide and direct me not only in my everyday life, but also helped me to be the best soccer player I could be. This ever present communication from our Father in Heaven guides us through the obstacles that we encounter here on earth and will bring us back to live with Him. Just like a muscle, we must exercise and practice and train ourselves to be receptive to this still, small voice that comes as feelings "in your mind and in your heart." (D&C 8:2) Once we have accustomed ourselves to this gift, no obstacle or trial will slow us down as we rely on our Savior to guide us through it all. 

Treasure In Heaven

Before I saw this video I had never heard of John Tanner before. He lived a life full of faith and didn't matter what it cost as long as he was part of the truth. Watch this video and I know that you too will feel the warmth of the Holy Ghost that I felt when I first saw it. I couldn't find the video anywhere besides BYUtv, so this link will send you there. 

BYUtv - Treasure In Heaven

John Tanner will forever be an example to me of a life truly lived in the service of our God. No sacrifice was too great, no trial too sore, for his faith never wavered in understanding his purpose. He went from extreme wealth to begging for food all in the cause of truth. In the world today it can be difficult to know which is the right path to take. Not only did John Tanner listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost that whispered truth to his heart and his mind, but he did the part that often seems harder; he lived it. I'm not sure why this video touched me so deeply, perhaps it is because I know that it is true. But I believe that it is God's way of revealing to us a more faithful way to live. A call to develop the faith that will allow us to stand tall and press forward no matter the circumstance. As our great prophet Moroni said "for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith" (Ether 12:6) Only after having the faith to be healed was John healed. Only after living the faithful life he lived will John enjoy the blessings that await him in heaven. I pray that we can all follow this principle and develop the unshakable faith that we see in John Tanner. For then we will truly live a life worth living.