55- (2/26/24) Marvelous Work and a Wonder

 55- (2/26/24)

 Hello Family,

This weekend I finished reading A Marvelous Work and Wonder.  I haven’t read that book since my mission as it was one of the books we were encouraged to read. Reading and studying it these past couple of months in combination with studying the Book of Mormon for Come Follow Me this year has been really eye opening for me. It is crazy to me to stop and think of all that we know and believe because of the Book of Mormon. Not just what is in the book itself, but because of all the truths that come with it, mainly the knowledge of living prophets. Consider all that you know and believe because of the restoration of the Gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith. All the knowledge and understanding we have from the Revelations of the Doctrine and Covenants, as well as the truths taught in Pearl of Great Price. 

Sometimes we lose sight of how blessed we really are to know all that we know. It really is mind boggling. As I was reading this past week the Come Follow Me chapters I couldn’t help but feel the powerful testimony of Jacob as he was teaching his family the Plan of Salvation in 2Nephi:9. Because of the knowledge he had, the knowledge that we also have, it caused him to not be able to contain his emotions. He expresses this bound up praise and glory to His Heavenly Father within 10 short versus of Chapter 9.


10 O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way…


13 O how great the plan of our God!


17 O the greatness and the justice of our God! For he executeth all his words, and they have gone forth out of his mouth…


19 O the greatness of the mercy of our God, the Holy One of Israel! For he delivereth his saints…


20 O how great the holiness of our God! For he knoweth all things, and there is not anything save he knows it.


Jacob’s powerful testimony of God’s Plan for us strengthens my testimony! I am so grateful for the truths of the Gospel. When we hear quotes from our prophet like “as we read the Book of Mormon everyday, we will make better decisions everyday”, it makes so much sense to me. How could we not be better from our study of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. There is so much to learn, and feel, and aspire to as we seek to emulate the Savior. 


Later in this same chapter Jacob gives us this warning and council. It is the same exact council that President Nelson has recently given to us. The need to think Celestially. Jacob teaches warns us: “Remember, to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal.” 


It is my testimony that our study of the Book of Mormon will enable us be more spiritually minded, thinking Celestially more often throughout our day.


Invitation: If you are not currently keeping up with the Come Follow me reading assignments, I would encourage you to get there. It really does amount to just a chapter a day. Let us all continue to strive putting Him first in our lives. I know that as we do, all else that we are involved and worried about will fall into its proper place.


I love you so much! Have a wonderful week,


Dad


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