Sunday, October 13, 2013

Strengthening Faith and Testimony By Robert D. Hales


Strengthening Faith and Testimony By Robert D. Hales


Rereading and pondering Elder Robert D. Hales conference talk, he testifies that
we are gathered in His conference and we will hear His words. 
There is much fasting and prayer that goes into each message given, all are for the benefit and blessing of all of Gods children.  He quoted Oliver Cowdery, “You must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right”

Elder Hales promise is that
 if we listen,
we will feel the Spirit well up within us.
He will tell us what we need to do with our life.

 As we ponder each message and ask for guidance we receive the instruction that is needed for ourselves.
 
These are my thoughts and feelings as I think and pray on Elder Hales Message.

I know that as I grow in my knowledge of the gospel and my love increases for our Savior Jesus Christ I understand what I need to do or change in my life to become closer to my Savior. The process for change is always the same.

Study it out in our mind
Pray for understanding
Apply what we learn

 Sacrifice is an important part of the gospel.
Our Savior gave ALL to His Father.
Am I willing to give ALL as the Savior did?
His way brings JOY, PEACE, HAPPINESS.
The world brings about contention, frustrations, heart ache, pain.

We have the right to personal revelation as we listen and are taught by our leaders. What do we hear and what do we feel. We must make an effort to “experience conference in a setting where the still, small voice of the spirit can be clearly heard, felt and understood” (Elder Hales). This is individual instruction given to us from The Lord.

Elder Hales quoted President Harold B. Lee
“The only safety we have as members of this church is to …
give heed to the words and commandments that the Lord shall give through His prophet.
There will be some things that take patience and faith.
 You may not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may contradict your [personal] views. It may contradict your social views. It may interfere with some of your social life.
But
if you listen to these things, as if from the mouth of the Lord Himself, with patience and faith, the promise is that ‘the gates of hell shall not prevail against you;… and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you. And cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory’ D&C 21:6.

Elder Hales quoted President Spencer W. Kimball
“I have made up my mind that when I go home from this general conference… there are many, many areas in my life that I can perfect. I have made a mental list of them, and I expect to go to work as soon as we get through.”

Elder Hales
“I testify that those who put their trust in the Lord and heed this counsel in faith will gain great strength to bless themselves and their families for generations to come.”

There a great power in the words of this conference and I hope that each one of you will take into your heart Elder Hales words. Review and ponder over all the messages of conference with a prayer in your heart to hear what the message is for you.

You can view all of this conference here