The Spirit of God like a fire is burning



One of my favorite Latter-day Saints hymns starts with the phrase, "The Spirit of God like a fire is burning." Growing up that has always been one of my favorite songs. As I have progressed in the Gospel, the topic of that song has grown closer to me as well.
The Spirit of God has many titles, such as: Holy Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Comforter, and the Spirit of truth. An Apostle from our Church teaches us that, "The Holy Ghost is manifested to men on the earth both as the power of the Holy Ghost and as the gift of the Holy Ghost. The power can come upon one before baptism, and is the convincing witness that the gospel is true. It gives one a testimony of Jesus Christ and of his work and the work of his servants upon the earth. The gift can come only after proper and authorized baptism, and is conferred by the laying on of hands, as in Acts 8:12-25 and Moroni 2:1-3. The gift of the Holy Ghost is the right to have, whenever one is worthy, the companionship of the Holy Ghost. More powerful than that which is available before baptism, it acts as a cleansing agent to purify a person and sanctify him from all sin. Thus it is often spoken of as “fire.”
What a blessing it is to have the Spirit of the Lord with us at all times! Our Savior teaches us in John chapter 14 verse 18, "I will not leave you comfortless." He said this to His Apostles, who, were beginning to realize that He would soon be leaving them. I cannot imagine how it would be to walk the streets of Jerusalem with the greatest life known to mankind. Far more unfathomable than that, to be told that He will be leaving you shortly. I caught a glimpse of that longing as I walked away from my family nine months ago. Just as the Savior had to depart His beloved desciples, I too had to walk away from my family's loving embrace. It was tough. But the Comforter, filled my heart with peace. I felt the love my Father in Heaven had for me and I received the strength that I needed to serve my Lord for two years. I could not do this without the Spirit in my life. I would not want to.
The Gift of the Holy Ghost is a remarkable blessing that is Heaven sent. It is a prime example of the love our Father in Heaven has for us. And a helpmate to this long and winding road of life. I am so grateful for it. God lives. This I know. Jesus is the Christ. They love us. And I love you all. Stay classy.
Elder Hill

No Fear

Nephi, a Prophet from the Book of Mormon, was an amazing man of God. He had incredible faith and as you learn more about him, you can't help but love the guy. For the incredible man that he was, he exhibits a large amount of humility by admitting, "I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things." Those familiar with Nephi's history know that he gave up so much to do the will of the Lord. Never once did he question or complain. Willingly and confidently he relied on the Lord, doing all that was required of him. And right here he admits that he does not know everything. It is so easy to question or refrain from doing the will of the Lord because we do not understand. That is the easy way out. But as I read the chapter where Nephi admits this, a verse from the New Testament came to mind.
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us." (1 John 4:18-19) Nephi knew the amount of love that God had for him. In return, he loved the Lord with every fiber of his being. Perfect love really does cast out all fear. As a missionary my faith has been tried and tested. It would be easy to succombe to fear. Fear, that what I am proclaiming to people is not true. I know of the love that my Savior has for me. I feel it and see it every day. And I love the Master with all of my heart. Because of this love, I do not fear. I, like Nephi, do not understand everything. But this I do know, God loves all of His children. I have complete faith in Him. The restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is both real and heaven sent. I do not doubt it.
Do not fear because you do not understand. The questions we have will be answered. Another Prophet from the Book of Mormon, Moroni, teaches us, "dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." (Ether 12:6) Love Jesus Christ with all of your heart. Do the things that would make both He and our Father in Heaven proud. Follow Him in faith and love. One day, we will understand all things. But as for now, have no fear. I love you all. Stay classy.
Elder Hill