"And now remember, remember, my brethren, that whosoever perisheth, perisheth unto himself; and whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself; for behold, ye are free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for behold, God hath given unto you a knowledge and he hath made you free." - Helaman 14:30
It's been a great week this week. First of all, we got Elder Pugmire back with us! The trio is back at it again! He's been recovering from his tonsillectomy fairly well. We got news that he will indeed be leaving us at the end of the transfer to head to his original assignment in Mexico, but we are glad to keep him for the three more weeks that we can!
On Monday we went to a members home in another Ward and they have this sweet batting cage! I was able to pitch baseballs to some missionaries and take some batting practice of my own. I hit a lot better than I thought I would (G-Money has still got it 😘). They served us lunch and we had an absolute blast.
On Halloween night President Browning let missionaries who are serving near the Temple go and do a session in the evening. It was probably a good idea as to not have us tracting door-to-door among trick-or-treaters and get an awkward "OH, I love your Mormon Missionary costumes" at the doorstep (excuse the slang). It was a great night, there were 40 missionaries in the session!
I'll quickly share a experience we had this week with one of our investigators Katy. She is in her 30's, very vibrant and enthusiastic. She's currently living with her mom who is a native from the Philippines. Katy has had a rough upbringing. Unfortunately due to her tough younger years, she has made some decisions that has resulted in her getting caught up with drugs and alcohol. Her "friends" have only added to her addictions. These decisions have brought pain and darkness into her life. She is still trying to recover from her addictions and is now facing serious trials and turmoil due to her not being willing to change and follow Christ's true gospel. Her demeanor is sullen, her addictions and friends have limited and her ability to choose well for herself. We continue to meet, teach, and pray for her, but it's sad to see this; especially when it can be avoided.
"For behold, if ye have procrastinated the day of your repentance even until death, behold, ye have become subjected to the spirit of the devil, and he doth seal you his; therefore, the Spirit of the Lord hath withdrawn from you, and hath no place in you, and the devil hath all power over you; and this is the final state of the wicked.
And this I know, because the Lord hath said he dwelleth not in unholy temples, but in the hearts of the righteous doth he dwell; yea, and he has also said that the righteous shall sit down in his kingdom, to go no more out; but their garments should be made white through the blood of the Lamb." - Alma 34:35-36
I'm not at liberty to tell you all that has proceeded with Katy, but I will tell you this, we must accept and choose to follow Christ. We can delay our repentance and withhold Heavenly help, or we can obey and follow our Savior where there is refuge. Nobody deserves affliction, just as was stated in the first scripture, we can only really punish ourselves. We make the decisions, we call the shots. The outcomes and results of those choices are dependent on whom we choose to follow; our adversary or our God.
"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon".
I relate now to Matthew 26:4 and 2 Nephi 32:8
"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
"And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing. For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray, ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray."
These scriptures now have a new meaning to me. We all must listen to the Holy Spirit.
"And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy?
Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul." - 2 Nephi 4:27
If you create room for the evil one, he will enter. Do not leave space or open a door or window for him to creep in. If you seek help, you must obey that help. The power of God must be manifest on condition of our willingness and obedience to keep His commandments. Satan only has the power that we give him.
"For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified." - Romans 2:13
The Priesthood is real. God's ability to bless and heal His children is real. The Lord beckons:
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30
He can and will give us aide. Let His Spirit work within you, and it will work out for your salvation. I leave this witness in the name of Jesus Christ.
-Elder G. West
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