Uncertain Paths

Through the Book of Mormon we have been provided with additional scripture and a second witness of our Savior Jesus Christ.  The Book of Mormon is a guide and road map back to our Heavenly Home. It also gives us valuable information exposing who Satan is, his works, and how he tries to lead us off the path and misdirect our journey, in hopes we will not make it home.  

Satan uses many tactic to lead all those he can through flattery, false churches, false teachings, pride, sin and denying the power of God. Today, many are blinded by the words of man verses the words of God. If we do not follow the road map given to us by our Heavenly Fathers Son, we will in fact find ourselves misdirected to an uncertain path.

One way we can stay on the path and truly be guided home is through prayer. Prayer is essential in not being deceived and staying on the path. 

In 2 Nephi 32:8-9

“…For if we would hearken unto the spirit which teacheth a man to pray ye would know that ye must pray’ for the evil spirit teacheth him that he must not pray.”

“But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate they performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul.”

When I have decisions or cross roads in my life, I counsel with the Lord.  I may not get an immediate answer, but I always get answers.  There are times when I have had a continual prayer in my heart the entire day.  I don’t stop talking to my Heavenly Father.  Prayer and a close relationship with our Heavenly Father are two things I have found to stay on the path back home.

What does “praying always” mean to you?

What causes us to fall victim to the spiritual dangers around us?

Don’t Be Blinded

We cannot be blinded by the conditions of this world.  Satan’s influence is real and he will attack each of us, we have to be prepared and equipped to fight him.                                                                             

In the talk, Do Not Fear, Elder Packer quoted the Apostle Paul, when he prophesied of “perilous times” in the last days (2 Tim. 3:1), and he warned, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12). 

Paul’s wisdom is for us today, we live in perilous times, and if we spend our life “wrestling” with the things of no value we will have many regrets.  It’s easy to get side tracked from what is right and accept evil for good and good for evil.  We live in a day where many people are followers and lean on man for understanding instead of God.  Why is it, even when we know what is right, we still get side tracked and lose our eternal perspective? 

“Wo unto them that call evil good and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”    2 Nephi 14:20  

It is surprising how many people look the other way and do not care about God’s laws.  They profess a belief in God, but only on their own terms.  Good for evil and evil for good is becoming the norm.  It makes it easier to sin. The Ten Commandments are looked at as an old thing, pornography and bad movies have become acceptable, yet are destructive to society and families.

“Wherefore do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy.  Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.”   2 Nephi 9:51    

The world would have us believe the things of value are materialistic, that which money can buy.  The Lord tells us to invest in the things which are lasting and which will not perish.  We cannot and will not find the most valuable things amidst the filth of this world, it darkens our spirits and leaves us empty.

As we combat the evil one, through scripture study, worship, prayer and obedience, we put on spiritual armor to fight Satan and his followers.  I know the scriptures are of great worth, feasting on them and delighting in the gospel of Jesus Christ brings the greatest blessing to my life. I gain strength to conquer the evils that so readily surround me.  I do not want to live with regrets when there is so much more to life.  I, like Nephi, know my flesh is weak but I also know in whom I can trust.  To combat the evils that surround me I must stand on the Lords side.

Mom

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December 2014 We did it!  After 2 1/2 years we finally got a family photo :)