What an amazing event in our family tonight. Mike got baptised into the LDS church. I am so happy and excited for our famiy. I spoke on the Holy Ghost. Below is my talk. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed preparing and giving. Mike I love you and can't wait until we are "stuck" together forever!
How many of you know who the Holy Ghost is?
The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. He is a personage of spirit, without a body of flesh and bones. He is often referred to as the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Lord, or the Comforter.
When you receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and remain worthy you can enjoy his
companionship throughout your life. The Holy Ghost testifies of Christ and helps us recognize the truth. He provides spiritual strength and helps us do what is right. He comforts us during times of trial or sorrow. He warns us of spiritual or physical danger. The Holy Ghost provides the power by which we can teach and learn. The gift of the Holy Ghost is one of our Heavenly Father’s most precious gifts. Through the power of the Holy Ghost we can feel God’s love and direction for us.
Allan F. Packer, “Finding Strength in Challenging Times,” Ensign, May 2009, 17
“We need to be acquainted with the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and we need to practice and apply gospel teachings until they become natural and automatic. These promptings become the foundation of our testimonies. Then our testimonies will keep us happy and safe in troubled times.”
Did you know the Holy Ghost can help people before they have been baptized? He can tell a person the teachings of Jesus are true. Sometimes he tells us where to find the true Church of Jesus Christ , you know Mike like on LDSMINGLS.com. (that is where Mike & I meet) But the Holy Ghost will not stay with us until we have been baptized and have been given the gift of the Holy Ghost. The gift of the Holy Ghost is different from the influence of the Holy Ghost. Before we are baptized, a person can feel the influence of the Holy Ghost from time to time and through that influence can receive a testimony of the truth. After receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, a person has the right to the constant companionship of that member of the Godhead if he or she keeps the commandments.
Mike, tonight you were baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sunday the Melchizedek Priesthood holders will lay their hands on your head and, confirm you as a member of the Church. As part of this ordinance called confirmation, you will be given that gift of the Holy Ghost.
Matthew 3:11
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Something we all remember from young men & women is the 4th article of faith:
4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The gift of the Holy Ghost must be received and accepted to be enjoyed. When we are confirmed, we are given the right to the companionship of the Holy Ghost, but it is a right that we must continue to earn through obedience and worthiness. We cannot take this gift for granted.
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about how The Holy Ghost will warn us of danger, and it will inspire us to help others in need. President Thomas S. Monson counseled us: “We watch. We wait. We listen for that still, small voice. When it speaks, wise men and women obey. Promptings of the Spirit are not to be postponed.”
For faithful members of the Church, the companionship of the Holy Ghost should be so familiar that we have to be careful not to take it for granted.
How many of you have felt the Holy Ghost in your lives?
What does the Holy Ghost feel like?
Is it that good feeling you get for cutting someone off in traffic?
If we do not obey the Holy Ghost and if we begin to do wrong things, the Holy Ghost leaves us. He will not stay with us or help us if we do not do right things. But if we listen for His direction, the Holy Ghost will be with us constantly.
If we are practicing our faith and seeking the companionship of the Holy Ghost, His presence can be felt in our hearts and in our homes. A family having daily family prayers and seeking to keep the commandments of God and honor his name and speak lovingly to one another will have a spiritual feeling in their home that will be felt to all who enter.
I know this to be true, because I have felt the presence or absence of that feeling in many LDS homes and I am sad to admit mine included. I remember growing up a friend of mine, Mary had a very active LDS family. Her dad was always in the bishopbric or the bishop. I always loved going over to her house because of the feeling I felt from the moment I walked in the door. Mary said she could never feel it, but I could each and everytime I was there. This was different from my home. My parents were not active in the church and we rarely had family activities let alone family home evening. I was always envious of my friend and always wanted that feeling when I walked into my home. It never bothered me that Mike wasn’t a member of the church nor did I ever pressure or persuade him to become a member. The only times it did were when we had our son blessed by Brother Chesnik or had Michael blessed for some medical things this past year. We even had to have a second blessing with the missionaries for Michael when I felt that the previous blessing wasn’t right. Something in my heart told me I needed to have someone worthy bless the safety of my son.
In closing, I would like to share these words
The Spirit whispers this to me and tells me it is true,
And tells me it is true.
2. He sent me here to earth, by faith to live his plan.
The Spirit whispers this to me and tells me that I can,
And tells me that I can.
