This week we would like to share our feelings on how we have strengthened our relationships with Jesus Christ. By sharing these convictions, we intend to strengthen the faith of others.
"Reading from the scriptures each day has been a major factor in strengthening my relationship with my Savior. All of the scriptures: The Old and New Testament, The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine & Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price have compatible and consistent testimonies of the reality of God and Jesus Christ, and of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I have the text of the scriptures and also the audio of the scriptures on my iPhone, so I can read them and listen to them anytime I choose. Having them in my pocket is a great blessing to me. It is simple to listen to them in the car.
I have made a promise to God that I will read from the Book of Mormon each day. That has been a great strength to me. Last year I read and listened to the Old Testament, and this year I am reading and listening to the New Testament. I have concentrated on the gospels this first half of the year. Beginning next month, July, I will concentrate on the rest of the New Testament, Acts to Revelations.
Even with my study of the New Testament this year, I am still reading something from the Book of Mormon each day. Since the footnotes are available as hot links, it is easy and very instructional to follow the links electronically.
I know of the truthfulness of the scriptures and am grateful for them."
-Alan (LDS Bishop)
I have the text of the scriptures and also the audio of the scriptures on my iPhone, so I can read them and listen to them anytime I choose. Having them in my pocket is a great blessing to me. It is simple to listen to them in the car.
I have made a promise to God that I will read from the Book of Mormon each day. That has been a great strength to me. Last year I read and listened to the Old Testament, and this year I am reading and listening to the New Testament. I have concentrated on the gospels this first half of the year. Beginning next month, July, I will concentrate on the rest of the New Testament, Acts to Revelations.
Even with my study of the New Testament this year, I am still reading something from the Book of Mormon each day. Since the footnotes are available as hot links, it is easy and very instructional to follow the links electronically.
I know of the truthfulness of the scriptures and am grateful for them."
-Alan (LDS Bishop)
-Kiya
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"...by reading the Book of Mormon and the New Testament!"
-Will
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"The most effective way I've found to strengthen my personal relationship with my Savior has been specifically through prayer, scripture study, and church attendance. I know that prayer is a way through which I can personally speak with God, and He can respond to me. I can share my deepest needs and desires with Him, and He provides answers that are relevant to me.
I continually study the Book of Mormon on a daily basis and study other books of scripture so I can learn God's will and see how His word applies to my life. I apply the things I learn into my life, and every time I do, I feel closer to Jesus Christ.
I go to Church every week so that I can remember the promises that I have made to God to follow His commandments and remember Jesus Christ in my life. I feel the influence of the Holy Ghost and feel God's approval. I learn about how I can follow the Savior with more devotion. Through continuously doing these things, I have come to have a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ and I am so grateful for it."
-Doug
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"I have always known that the Savior loved me, but I came to really understand this through small and simple means. I think, through looking at how the Savior takes care of me every day in my little, whiney needs is a greater testimony to how much He cares. He cares even when I feel like no one should even notice that I'm upset.
I was living in Italy for the summer and feeling particularly homesick. I also was feeling depressed and upset. I would look on Facebook aimlessly to see all of my friends having fun with each other and completely forgetting about me. Yes, it was a silly ordeal but I felt bad and I was just having a hard time. I didn't tell anyone. I didn't even pray to get rid of the arrogant thought that everyone's lives should revolve around me. I just went to bed upset. I woke up the next day and three of my friends had messaged me, including my old roommate that said she couldn't wait for me to return and room with her again. It was simple. But it touched me that my Savior and Heavenly Father cared so much about the little things in my life."
-Krystal
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"My testimony of the Savior has greatly been strengthed by daily reading of the scriptures. Everyday as I ponder the words I read, I realize how merciful and loving He is, and how much he has done for us. His gospel is simple and He wants us all to return and be happy! I know this to be true!"
-Eric
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"I grew up listening to stories of Christ and being taught the principles and doctrines that Christ taught during His earthly ministry, however I had never read through and diligently studied the Bible. So a few years ago I decided to really study the Bible. In doing so I came to love the parables that the Lord taught the people. I was able to learn of the love that Jesus has for others through the story of Lazarus, learn about how our Heavenly Father answers prayers through the parable of the unjust king, and learn through the story of Zacchaeus how the savior does not judge others by how they are perceived by others, but rather work with them and help them to achieve their potential. While this way helped me to learn a lot about the principles of the gospel, and the characteristics of Jesus Christ, alone it is not the most effective way of developing a personal relationship with the Savior.
In my opinion the most effective way of developing a relationship with the Savior is to try out the teachings that are contained in the scriptures. As I have come to rely on the Lord and trust that He will help me as I try and do what He asks, my relationship with Him has become so much stronger. I am more able to see how His hand is in my everyday life. Through serving others, I have come to experience the love that Christ has for everyone. Prayers feel meaningful, and as if I am talking to a loving Father who cares, rather than repeated phrases falling on empty ears.
If you ever find yourself questioning your faith in God, or if He really answers your prayers, I ask that you give it your all to live as He would ask. Think about what you are going to say in your prayer before you give it. Explain what is going on in your life to Him. He understands and will help you. His hand is and has been ever present in my life, whether I noticed it at the time or not. I love my Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ. I invite you to develop this love for them as well."
-Jason
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"One of the best ways I have strengthened my relationship with the Savior is by studying about His life - His parables, the stories about how he treated others, His death, atonement and resurrection, and then trying to implement in my own life His way of living. One of my favorite things to do is to think about His love for other people and then walk around and try to see them through His eyes, and treat them how I think He might treat them. Not only do I get a glimpse at their incredible value, but I feel more greatly the love He must have for me, too, despite my shortcomings. I am touched at the Savior's love for me, especially because of how unworthy I am at times of such powerful and perfect love."
-Emily
Email us with your story on how you have strengthened your relationship with the Savior.
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