Gospel Message Day 225

Gifts of the Spirit Part 9

I'd say it's about time we come to a close with this topic. You get the idea with the spiritual gifts I've talked about, and what else is listed in the scriptures. But what I have loved the most over the years of learning about spiritual gifts was this talk by Elder Marvin J. Ashton which I read when I was preparing to teach about this topic years ago. This passage has strongly resonated with me ever since:

Taken at random, let me mention a few gifts that are not always evident or noteworthy but that are very important. Among these may be your gifts—gifts not so evident but nevertheless real and valuable.

Let us review some of these less-conspicuous gifts: the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost.

We must remember that to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. It is our right and responsibility to accept our gifts and to share them. God’s gifts and powers are available to all of us.

When I first read this, I had never thought of other gifts beyond what was found quoted in the scriptures. Ever since, I have often reflected on what other spiritual gifts I am finding in myself, or seeing in others. I also like to consider what spiritual gifts I would like to have in my life so that I can pray for them and have the Spirit's help in developing them if I am blessed with them.

I love Elder Ashton's closing remarks in the talk, too--the whole reason we are blessed with spiritual gifts:

“And to every man is given a gift” (D&C 46:11). This is true. God help us to recognize, develop, and share our gifts that all may profit thereby is my earnest hope and plea.

God does live. He does bless us with gifts. As we develop and share our God-given gifts and benefit from the gifts of those around us, the world can be a better place and God’s work will move forward at a more rapid pace. 

P.S. "The gift to weep"--definitely a gift of mine, especially with this week. A gift I would love to have: being agreeable. Oh, and not passing judgement. Much work and prayer, but I believe the Lord would love to bless me with those.

Gospel Message Day 224

Topic Detour: My Savior, Still There

It's always a bit of a conundrum when (by current preferred choice) one is living alone, and then they are sick. Because there is the relief that no one can see you look as awful as you do. Or hear you in pain. Or be annoyed that you are moving your sick self all around the house.

But then you don't want to be alone. You want someone to take care of you. To sympathize. To love you.

I miss my mother. And my sister. And long for my best friend.

But though none of them are present, I'll be fine. Because even though I was crying out from waves of pain, I somehow started to sing (in gasps) one of my favorite "I'm going through a hard time, Lord" songs, which has always brought me comfort since the Darkest Days of My Life eight years ago. There's no way you can read this blog and not know what the song is.


And as I sang, and thought of how so much seems to be going wrong and falling apart, and started to cry out in an entirely different kind of pain as tears mingled with the singing, I knew even more that I am not alone. That my Savior's kindness still has not departed from me. Nothing--no man, no emotion, no illness, no any thing can hurt me because the Savior has never and will never leave me. Tears of pain began to include tears of gratitude and joy and faith. It was a rather sacred experience.

The Savior's Everlasting Kindness. I have a very firm testimony about that. It is unshakeable. As is my Lord's love for and blessings toward me.

Gospel Message Day 223

Gifts of the Spirit, Part 8

Moving on to the next passage of scripture quoted, there is only one gift mentioned here that was not mentioned in the previous scripture: Discerning of spirits.

I've never had to describe this before. Never really heard it taught either. The dictionary defines discernment as "the ability to judge well" and "(in Christian contexts) perception in the absence of judgment with a view to obtaining spiritual direction and understanding." I like that. Judging well. And in this gift, it is of spirits. To me, the spirit is what resides within us. Our soul is our body and spirit combined. When we die, our spirit will wait until the time that it will be reunited with its renewed body.

There was 1/3 of the hosts of heaven who did not choose the Savior's plan. They chose the adversary, and as such did not receive bodies. They have wanted bodies ever since. We see this in the New Testament story when Jesus cast the evil spirits out of the man and they asked to be put in the swine. They would rather have the bodies of pigs than nothing. But the pigs did not want those spirits inside, and killed themselves to get rid of them.

Those spirits do not have to possess someone else's body, but they can be around. So, one with this gift would be able to judge well between the spirits that are around, whether they be good or evil. Breaking it down to define it, this seems like a gift that many righteous who pray for protection and guidance may have. Because it will be a gift that protects them and others. And it is certainly something we need in these days with darkness and evil all around us. I want to keep the good spirits close to me and the evil ones as far away as possible, so this is a gift I would like to have.

Gospel Message Day 222

Gifts of the Spirit, Part 7

Next on the list:

*All kinds of tongues

*Interpretation of languages and divers kinds of tongues

I always thought tongues was another word for languages. That's still how I see it in these scriptures.

I have known people with one or other or both of these gifts. Learning or understanding new languages came naturally to them. I believe my brother is one of them, which is why the field he went into was a very wise one for him to do. He's very good at it and he is able to serve so many with that gift. One of the best things about spiritual gifts that Heavenly Father bestows on us is how much they help us to bless others.

Gospel Message Day 221

Gospel Contemplating

I'm taking a break from the current topic to address something that's been on my mind because it is currently my main trial: Patience! Trust! And pixie dust. Ha ha! Of course, I am kidding. But the first two for sure. And if I have to add a third, it would be faith--in my self.

The main trial is certainly not a difficult one. I mean, I've been through similar ones before, and others were much more painful. This current one is more frustrating because it is me trying to fight how I've been or what I've done in the past. I've had many lessons in the last couple of years and I'm trying to apply what I've learned. So it's new territory for me, and it isn't easy! Especially as I'm constantly second guessing absolutely everything I'm doing.

Throughout all of these trials--in the past and current--I've always kept the Lord involved. Because there is no way I could do this without Him. So while I always try to trust my Savior and have faith in His ways and patience in His timing, I also have to learn to have patience with myself, faith in my efforts, and trust that I am learning, improving, and on the right course. Not easy is an understatement.  And slightly frustrating certainly applies. The only way I know how to move forward in this is 1) trust the Lord more. I've never been wrong there, and He will help me learn what I need to about myself and what I'm doing. This will also increase the patience that I need. 2) Pray, pray, pray. 3) Focus on the spiritual part of my life. It's always the most important part as it is. It's the only thing I have full control over. And it's where I want my main focus to be any way. 4) Continue to remember how much my life is amazingly blessed and wonderful. There is so much to be happy about. So much to celebrate. So I'll continue to sing, dance, laugh, and twirl my way through life. It is the best way.

Gospel Message Day 220

Gifts of the Spirit, Part 6

Here are the next 3 on the list:

*Work Mighty Miracles

*Prophesy concerning all things

*Beholding of angels and ministering spirits

Well, all three seem pretty self-explanatory. I'm trying to think of examples either from my life or in the scriptures or Church History. In scriptures, I would say that Moses certainly worked mighty miracles. All those plagues. And parting the sea. But biggest of all--saving an entire people! I think he was able to accomplish these miracles because of faith and righteousness and obedience. I'm seeing a pattern here! The Lord will accomplish His work no matter what, but He needs His servants on earth to help bring it about. A slothful, whiny, un-dedicated servant is not going to get much done. But a focused, hard-working, faithful, obedient servant can bring about those miracles.

Prophets from all dispensations are given the gift to prophesy--because that is their role!

I think Joseph Smith was blessed with the 3rd gift. During his years of training as he was prepared to translate the Book of Mormon, he was visited by so many angels as part of that tutoring. And these visitations, visions, ministerings, etc continued for the rest of his life.

Gospel Message Day 219

Gifts of the Spirit, Part 5

I may have to do more than one gift a day, or we'll be on this topic for a couple of months! Not that that would be a bad thing. I do love this topic!

Next on the list: gifts of healing by the Spirit.

I've heard of this gift, and I believe in it. But I really liked seeing the movie "Ephraim's Rescue."
In the story based on a real pioneer, Ephraim Hanks had the gift of healing, and I liked seeing that a spiritual gift like that requires great faith. obedience, and worthiness. When one thinks about it, every spiritual gift probably requires that. So, when we seek out spiritual gifts, or seek to improve upon the ones we have already been blessed with, it would be well with us to keep that in mind.