Increase Confidence in the Presence of the Lord — D&C 30-36
Come, Follow Me: Doctrine and Covenants 2025
(April 7-13)
Three Thoughts from Me (from General Conference):
What would you do today, if you knew Christ was coming to your home tomorrow? My first thoughts go to cleaning the house, hiding the Diet Coke cans and putting out my scriptures. But with growing anxiety I would quickly realize the outward appearance of my earthly home is irrelevant–what I need is oil in my lamp. Like David Whitmer, I might hear these words, “…you have feared man and have not relied on me for strength as you ought. But your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the things of me, your Maker…and you have not given heed unto my Spirit…” (D&C 30:1,2).
But if I knew my lamp was filled with my very best oil of charity and virtue, this day of anticipation would be one of excitement beyond belief. I would be meeting my dearest brother, advocate, and friend, face to face. I would practice my greeting of kneeling at his feet and then falling into his outstretched arms. I would prepare stories of deep gratitude for when He lifted me up, showed me the way, and sent angels to protect me, and He could remind me of times I never knew. If my lamp was full, I would know Him and with confident humility, rejoice in his coming presence.
The place to prepare and practice for this coming day is in the temple. It highlights what matters and what doesn’t. It increases our capacity to do good and be good and fills our lamp with sacred oil. Above all, it reminds us He is with us, today, and is excited to see us, soon.
Two Thoughts from Others:
“As we diligently seek to have charity and virtue fill our lives, our confidence in approaching God will increase. I invite you to take intentional steps to grow in your confidence before the Lord. Then, as we go to our Heavenly Father with increasing confidence, we will be filled with more joy, and your faith in Jesus Christ will increase. We will begin to experience spiritual power that exceeds our greatest hopes” (President Russell M. Nelson).
“Regular worship in the house of the Lord increases our capacity for both virtue and charity. Thus, time in the temple increases our confidence before the Lord. Increased time in the temple will help us prepare for the Second Coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We do not know the day or the hour of His coming. But I do know that the Lord is prompting me to urge us to get ready for that ‘great and dreadful day’” (President Russell M. Nelson).
One Question for You:
What would you do today, if you knew Christ was coming tomorrow?