Continuing Revelation

I would like to talk about continuing revelation and its importance in my life. First I would like to quote Elder Holland from the April 2008 conference: "Some Christians, in large measure because of their genuine love for the Bible, have declared that there can be no more authorized scripture beyond the Bible. In thus pronouncing the canon of revelation closed, our friends in some other faiths shut the door on divine expression that we in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hold dear: the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and the ongoing guidance received by God’s anointed prophets and apostles. Imputing no ill will to those who take such a position, nevertheless we respectfully but resolutely reject such an unscriptural characterization of true Christianity" (http://lds.org). The Book of Mormon is a testimony that there is continuing revelation. It could not have come about without divine assistance. I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon; it has shaped my life like no other book has and I know that what is written is true. I know that through of the faith of a 14 year old boy, the Lord re-established his Church in these days. If the heavens were closed, this would not be possible. If the heavens were closed, there might as well be no god. Fortunately, the heavens are open and God speaks to man again as in the days of Adam!
God also speaks to us on an individual level, not just through His selected and inspired leaders. We have the wonderful gift of prayer which allows us to communicate with our Father in Heaven. My Heavenly Father has guided my life and for that I am infinitely grateful. " Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5; http://scriptures.lds.org) This is what I have striven to do all my life and there is no denying His loving hands gently steering me in the right direction.
I love the Lord Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon which truly testifies of Him along with the New and Old testaments. I pray that I may always try to be worthy of His love.

Trusted in

President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, David O. McKay said, "it is better to be trusted than to be loved" (http://ww.lds.org/). As I thought more on this statement, I came to realize that I agreed with it. There are many people that I love: God, my family and friends to name a few. However, I do not put my trust in all of them - in other words, I am more selective in those I trust than of those I love. Even among those I trust, there are still varying degrees. For instance, I would trust my father for providing sincere advice and I would trust my roommate with insight on a relationship issue. Ultimately, I put all of my trust in the Lord and I know that in return, He will direct me (Proverbs 3:5).

I think Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ also use discretion in whom they trust. They love everyone - to a degree that is incomprehensible to either you or me. But as history shows, they do not, nor can they, trust everyone at that same level. For example, Jesus Christ trusts Thomas S. Monson enough to allow him to lead His Church in the right direction, with some help along the way, of course. He trusted Paul enough to have called him to preach His gospel to His children. Also, He trusts me enough to visit and care for the women in my ward (whom He loves more than I ever can) that I am assigned to visit teach. Thus, as I go about my life and serve, in various capacities, in the Lord's kingdom, I must strive to remember that the Lord is putting his trust in me. I will do my best to serve them so that in a small way, they may feel the love that He has for them. After all, I am on the Lord's errand and He is trusting me to do my best.