GODLY POWER IS MANIFEST

 hey!

as promised, this email will be more in depth.

now a little about this week. what a spirit filled week I had. we had a powerful spirit abiding with us this week. we had two mission meetings this week over zoom. they were powerful and effective. it truly affirmed that the keys we hold as missionaries are aligned with President Grisel and with God Himself. 

some background on the matter... earlier this year we had some of the lowest baptism rates in the southwest area as far as missions go. this is because we received revelation as a mission that our efforts can better be efficient when we align our keys as missionaries with stake presidents and the area authorities. now we have roughly 22 people on date for this next weekend alone. 

the moral of this story is that when we align ourselves with what the Lord has in store, He will bless us in those efforts. it is the essence of being submissive to our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ. 

working with members is the focus of our mission if you haven't caught on. this is because YOU are the ones who are friends with those "who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it." (D&C 123:12) I plead with you to do everything in your will power, to live up to the covenant YOU made at baptism. To take upon yourselves the name of Jesus Christ and to keep His commandments. now, through modern revelation, we have received a new commandment from President Russell M. Nelson, who is the mouthpiece for God. That being... to "Gather Israel." 

to put it simple, or as Hugh Nibley stated when talking about the covenants we make with our Heavenly Father, "We do not make promises and covenants with mental reservations." YOU promised God that you would fulfill His commandments. there is no backing out. there is no backing down. 

I promise you, the same as President Russell M. Nelson promised, "Covenant-keeping men and women seek for ways to keep themselves unspotted from the world so there will be nothing blocking their access to the Savior’s power."

nothing will block you from the Power of God when you live up to the covenants you made. 

to begin, go to the temple and remember the covenants you made through vicarious ordinances. "Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest." (D&C 84:20) Cry unto God "in mighty prayer and supplication." (Enos 1:4) "Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings." (Alma 37:37) know that "ye are Christ's." (1 Corinthians 3:23) 

I end with the words of a Prophet who at the time, was incarcerated in a jail in the middle of one of the coldest winters recorded in the year of 1839.

"Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." (D&C 123:17) 

love,

elder smith