The Day of Pentecost

The Pentecost was a Jewish celebration that occurred 50 days after the Passover feast.  The name itself comes from the Greek work “pentekoste,” meaning “fiftieth.”  Other names it was referred to as include “Dayof the First Fruits,” “Feast of Harvest,” and “the Feast of Weeks.”

The day of Pentecost, found in Acts 2, was an incredible event.  Peter taught the multitude that this pouring out of the Spirit was a fulfillment of prophecy, that God said He would pour out His Spirit in the last days.  He taught them of prophecy, miracles, and gifts of the Spirit.

Peter testified of Jesus Christ and His power.  He invited the multitude to repent and be baptized in Christ’s name and to receive the Holy Ghost.  His testimony strengthened many and 3,000 people were baptized!

Many spiritual gifts were made apparent that day.  They spoke in tongues and prophecies.  They understood each other, even if they spoke different languages.  They were filled with the Spirit of God.  They were filled with a desire to follow God and be baptized.  They were filled with love for each other, served one another, and took care of each other.

I am grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost and that it continues to be on earth today.  It’s been a blessing throughout my life and has been a source of strength and comfort.  I know that God works great miracles through the Holy Ghost and that gift truly shows of the deep love He has for each of us.

The Savior's Instructions About The Holy Ghost

John 14-16 has some wonderful teachings of Jesus Christ about the Holy Ghost.  He was teaching his disciples about what the Holy Ghost does and what they must do to receive it.

The Holy Ghost:

Comforts

Teaches

Brings things to remembrance

Brings Peace

Guides to Truth

Testifies of Christ

Reproves sin

Inspires us to live up to our full potential

Serves as a messenger of God & does His will

To Receive the Holy Ghost:

Keep the commandments

Be not troubled or afraid

Share testimonies and be a witness of Christ

The Holy Ghost was vital in the continuance of the gospel after Christ’s resurrection.  The Holy Ghost was able to direct, strengthen, and comfort the Apostles as they continued their ministries.  The Holy Ghost was able to bear witness to their words as they shared their testimonies and Christ’s teachings.  They were able to feel of God’s presence with them through the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Ghost has been a wonderful blessing throughout my life.  I remember having a difficult time at the very beginning of my mission.  I felt like my trainer hated me and that I shouldn’t be there.  But as I prayed and asked God for help, I felt the peace and comfort of the Holy Ghost.  I knew that God was with me during this hard time, and that strengthened me.  I’m grateful for this experience because it continued to help me throughout my mission.

Being A Disciple Of Jesus Christ

What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?

• Listening to the Lord, even when you’re busy
• Praying to God, thanking Him for blessings and asking for help
• Recognizing that God knows what’s best for you and being patient when asking for His help
• Not seeking worldly treasure, but building up spiritual treasure
• Not being so concerned with yourself, but having faith in the Lord to direct your life
• Striving to follow the Lord
• Being committed to the Lord and following Him is your priority
• Not being selfish, but helping others
• Trusting God to answer your prayers in the best way possible

One of these things I want to work on in my own life is helping others.  Christ served all who were around Him.  By following that example, I can become more like a disciple of Christ.  It’s important to take opportunities to serve those around us.  I know from my own experiences that as I take the time to help others, I am so full of peace and joy because I know I did the right thing.  I am happier when I serve others.  I tend to feel busy and trying to look for ways to help others is definitely something I can work on.  But I know that if I do this, I will see blessings in my life and will feel good about taking the time to serve.

Ultimately, what is required to be a disciple of Jesus Christ is entirely dedicating oneself to God and realizing all we have are blessings from Him.  As we strive to align our will with God’s, we can all become disciples of Christ and enjoy the peace and happiness that comes from doing so.

Faith To Be Healed

There is an account of a boy who was in need of healing (Matthew 17:14-21).  He was brought to Christ’s disciples first, but they could not heal him.  The boy was then brought to Christ, who healed him, leaving the disciples to ask why they were unable to heal him themselves.  Christ answered and told them of three important things they must have and do:

1. Faith
2. Prayer
3. Fasting

Here are some additional scriptures about blessings from God:

• 3 Nephi 18:20 – If what we ask for is right, God will give it. 
• Doctrine & Covenants 50:29 – If we are clean from sin, we can ask God for blessings and we will receive them. 
• Doctrine & Covenants 42:48 – We must have faith to be healed in order to be healed. 

Blessings are a special gift from God.  I’ve received blessings when I’ve been sick and have recovered quickly because of them.  It’s always important to remember that we are healed according to our faith, just as the scriptures indicate.  I’m grateful to have these blessings available to us.

The Beatitudes

I love the Beatitudes – they are one of my very favorite parts of the New Testament.  Matthew 5:1-12 contains the beautiful Sermon of the Mount that Jesus Christ delivered.  This Sermon is the greatest sermon ever given.  It contains blessings known as the Beatitudes.

The word Beatitude comes from the Latin word beatus.  The word beatus is defined as “to be fortunate,” “to be happy,” or “to be blessed.”  I think this word is very fitting, due to the truth of each Beatitude and the blessing accompanying each one. 

In the Beatitudes, you will find a lot of “blessed” and “blessedness” going on.  According to the LDS Guide tothe Scriptures, blessed and blessedness is explained “to confer divine favor upon someone. Anything contributing to true happiness, well-being, or prosperity is a blessing.”  This stands true for the Beatitudes.  They definitely are a divine favor to each of us and they definitely contribute to true happiness, well-being, and prosperity.

The Beatitudes

Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit

Blessed Are They That Mourn

Blessed Are the Meek

Blessed Are They That Hunger and Thirst After Righteousness

Blessed Are the Pure in Heart

Blessed Are the Merciful

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

Blessed Are They Which Are Persecuted

That is obviously a very basic list of them.  I want to focus on three of them and share more about them.

1. "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4

This is a blessing that is present in anyone’s lives.  And we all can receive comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ.  He knows exactly how we feel as we face difficulties or challenges and He knows exactly how to help us.  As we turn to Him and rely on him for strength and help, we will be comforted through the Holy Ghost.  I know that because of Jesus Christ’s Atonement, I will never be alone or helpless.  Jesus Christ will always be there for me and I can receive peace and comfort from the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

 2. "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” – Matthew 5:6 

As we hunger and thirst after righteousness, we will be lead down the path of Christ.  As we seek out to study, pray, take the Sacrament and attend the Temple, our spirits will be filled.  I’ve seen this to be true in my own life – as I make a continued effort to pray daily, study God’s words in the scriptures,  go to church and the Temple, I have an increased desire to follow Christ and to come closer to Him.  I also feel closer to Him and feel the Spirit more strongly in my life.

3. “Blessed are peacemakers: for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8

Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace.  It is through following Jesus Christ and His example that we can return to God.  As we strive to be peacemakers in our own lives, we will be blessed with peace and the happiness that comes from following Christ’s example.  When I’ve had the opportunity to be a peacemaker at home, work, ,or school, I have benefitted from the peace of mind and heart that follows.  I know that I can be a good influence and make a difference in the lives of others, as well as my own.

I love the teachings and principles that Christ taught and I know that following them will bring us happiness and peace.