To the Missionaries of the Great Texas Houston Mission,
We wish each of you could understand just how much of this work is completely dependent on us qualifying for the Spirit individually. Because this is so, we must be very careful about those things, as innocent as they may be, that can "quench the Spirit" or deprive us of that power as we teach the gospel. Without it, no one will be "quickened" or "enlightened" in a way that allows them to understand. The result of this often is that we teach many first lessons without any follow up. If this describes your experience, please consider those things in your life that are quenching the Spirit and eliminate them. You will find that exact obedience will bring spiritual power faster than any other thing you can do.
There are couple of powerful messages in the scriptures where we read of early prophets warning members of the church of this same thing. In 1 Thessalonians chapter 5, Paul admonishes the members in his day to act in a manner that is consistent with their calling. He lists appropriate attributes and behaviors and then in verse 19 Paul warns them with these four simple words: “Quench not the Spirit.”
Similarly in the Book of Mormon, Jacob asks his people: “Will ye reject the words of the prophets; and will ye … deny the good word of Christ, … and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and quench the Holy Spirit?” (Jacob 6:8).
As we are engaged in this great work, we too must be careful not to hinder or quench the Spirit in our lives. The adversary labors to dull our sensitivity to the promptings of the Spirit because he is well aware of the difference the Spirit makes in the work.
As I have been interviewing the last couple of weeks, I have been pleased with the efforts so many of you are making to qualify for the Spirit. We are proud of you. There are some of us who don't quite understand the importance of this yet. This will likely always be the case, but we each have the responsibility to help one another have a clear vision of our purpose. If we want to help others come unto Christ, we need to be moving that direction ourselves :).
At the conclusion of King Benjamin's sermon he says: "And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them." (Mos 4:29) While it is true that we can't number all of them, We would like to identify one. We need to be using our iPads EXCLUSIVELY for that which they were intended (for RIGHTEOUS, APPROPRIATE and in MEASURED WAYS). When we do, they will enhance our study and preparation thereby increasing our power. When we don't, the opposite takes place. File sharing of pictures and messages that are not consistent with our purpose quenches the Spirit. If you are participating in this practice, we will likely give you a break from your iPad so you can regain your focus on your purpose.
Our great desire is to help each of you qualify for the Spirit in such a way to allow you to not only return to the presence of God, but to lead many back with you.
It is a privilege to serve the Master as He hastens His work!
Love,
President and Sister Mortensen
And the Winner of the Special Zone Activity is the
Cypress Zone!
Last P-day we had a great time playing volleyball, soccer and ultimate frisbee in the park together. Congratulations on your excellence.
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| Elder Hansen on the piano :) |
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| Elder Beck teaching with great power. |
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| So fun to have Elder Barlow back for a couple of days. |