Power of the Atonement

"No institution, plan, program, or system ever conceived by men has access to the redeeming and transforming power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Ghost."

- Lawrence E. Corbridge, "The Way, Ensign, Nov. 2008," 36

The Gifts of the Spirit

I was listening to this BYU devotional today by Elder Eyring and it really spoke to me. Its a good source to learn or be reminded of the proper steps to obtain and retain the Spirit.

One thing Elder Erying spoke of that I need to improve upon is the "pure motive". When I pray for things, do I ask God for things that "I" want, or am I asking for things that "He" wants for me? Our motives must be pure in the things that we ask for in prayer, seeking only for His will. Elder Erying said "God is offended when we seek the gifts of the Spirit for our own purposes rather than for His. Our selfish motives may not be obvious to us. "

http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,538-1-3751-1,00.html

Non-Sins Can Block the Whisperings of the Spirit

Not only do "sins" prevent us from hearing the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, there are a number of "non-sin" things that as well...

- Fear
- Guilt
- Worrying
- Anger
- Sadness
- Constant mind stimulation in radio, TV, iPods, cds, video games, etc.

None of these things are sins, but they do in fact prevent us from hearing the still "small" voice. Satan knows that and often stirs us up to have thoughts that cause us to worry, be fearful, guilt-prone etc. Knowing this while hopefully allow us to turn our hearts to a more peace full state, as well as turning off the loud, distracting entertainment and "listen" quietly to the spirit.

The Best Way to Gain a Testimony of Christ

Apparently, the greatest and strongest testimony of Christ wouldn't come from seeing Him with our eyes or hearing His voice with our ears (though that would be an amazing experience). It would come through the manifestation of the Holy Ghost telling our heart and mind. There is no greater means by which that knowledge can come about. (My LDS Institute Instructor)

The Sanctifier

"The actual cleansing of the soul comes when the Holy Ghost is received. The Holy Ghost is a sanctifier whose divine commission is to burn dross and evil out of a human soul as through and by fire." - Bruce R. McConkie

The Holy Ghost

"When the Holy Ghost is your constant companion, this means that the atonement is working in your life." - current apostle/name unknown