21 Days Closer to Christ

21 Days Closer to Christ

day 12

The Gift

In this chapter the author tells us of a time when she was asked to speak about Gratitude to a group of youth in a detention center. As she started she realized that her prepared talk wasn't what she was suppose to say. She was to talk from the scripture Luke 17, the 10 lepers.

"we talked about those times in life when we find ourselves in a situation we might not know how to get out of. Unable to solve the problem our own, we become isolated. Distancing ourselves from what is familiar, we wonder if we can ever return. During times of reflection we need to remember that there is always a way back.

As they earnestly listened, they began to understand the principle of the atonement, the Gift.

This healing requires giving our whole heart to follow the counsel of the Lord.

*Identify a change that you would like to make in your own life*

21 days Closer to Christ #11

21 days Closer to Christ

Day 11

Calm the Storm

I love the story found in Matt 14:27-28, where Peter walks on the water.

As long as Peter was focused on the Savior, as long as he had his eyes fix on Him he did not fall. When Peter lost his focus and was distracted he fell. Now my favorite part, When he called out to the Savior, the Savior was there immediately with his hand stretched forth. Doesn't that give you comfort? All we have to do is "call out"

It's important that we find time to re focus on the Lord everyday.

In the Book of Mormon, Nephi gives us counsel on how to do this

*Talk to Christ

*rejoice in Christ

*preach of Christ

*Remember to focus on Christ*

21 days closer to Christ #10

21 days closer to Christ

Day 10

Stand

Christ asks us to stand "at attention" in many ways

*Stand by faith (Rom 11:20)

*Stand fast in the faith (1 Cor 16:13)

*Stand and testify (Alma 5:44)

*Stand spotless (3 Nep 27:20)

*Stand in the place of our stewardship (D&C 42:53)

*Stand in holy places (D&C 45:32)

*Stand as witnesses (Mosiah 18:9)

*Take upon us the Lord's whole armour, that we may be able to stand (D&C 27:15)

*Having done all , to stand for truth, righteousness, peace and faith (Eph 6:13)

we are giving caution "Woe to them that are at ease in Zion"

*Where you see the battle raging, where do you see yourself?*

*Find one way you can strengthen someone today*

21 days Closer to Christ #9

21 Days Closer to Christ

Day #9

Ancient Keys

When Christ walked the earth he held the keys of the priesthood.

I believe that those ancient keys were past down to Peter, James and John and then past down to a modern day prophet. "The same divine priesthood power and authority that was held anciently." (David B Haight)

We have the opportunity today to hear from a living prophet and have been counseled to listen carefully to his words. In the Book of Mormon King Benjamin gives us 5 items of counsel that will help us apply those words of a living prophet.

1 ) "open your ears that ye may hear"

2) open "your hearts that ye may understand

3) open our minds that the mysteries of God maybe unfolded to our view

4) Remember the words we have been taught

5) and now believe all these things and see that ye do them

the results will be a might change.

*What counsel do you remember most from the last general conference*

*write down counsel given and place it somewhere that you'll see it*

*What is one way you can apply inspired counsel to your life today*

21 days Closer to Christ #8

21 Days Closer to Christ

Day 8

Recognize His Voice

In order to understand this chapter the author explains how being a shepherd worked in the Bible. This helped me understand what it's meant when the Savior gave the parable of the Good Shepherd.

"Jesus reminded His listeners that a good shepherd, "goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice." (John 10:4)

(John 10:11) "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."

In order to follow Christ, the good shepherd we must know his voice.

*Listen*

*Think about how you have learned to recognize His voice.*

**Make a list of those moments you have heard His voice.*

*find a way to "hear" His voice today.*

21 Days Closer to Christ #7

21 Days Closer to Christ

Day 7

A Promise without Parallel

Prayer was addressed in this chapter, on this day.

the 5 parts of prayer were given

(as found in Moroni 7:26)

1)Ask

2) ask in the name of Jesus Christ

3) to determine that "which is good"

4) Ask with faith

5) "Behold, it shall be done unto you"

*Ponder the 5 characteristics of prayer*

*How will remembering these make your prayers more meaningful?*

*Pray*

21 days Closer to Christ #6

21 Days Close to Christ

Day 6

When Hope is Gone

I think this is my favorite chapter.

I found the most comfort and useful words in this chapter.

It retold the story found in the Book of John about the blind man.

Like this man there have been so many times that I have

wished the Lord would open my eyes, that I might see.

(Just as the author states for her life)

2 of my favorite quotes ...

"Never underestimate the purpose of the trail."

"It is through adversity that we experience the

sweetest parts of the Atonement"

*Attempt to see your trial through 'different eyes'*

*Pray the Savior will touch your eyes*

*Write down some good things that have come to you through Christ*

*How does recognizing these blessings bring you hope*

21 days Closer to Christ #5

21 days Closer to Christ

Day #5

Who Is This Jesus?

The Story of the Woman at the Well is retold in this chapter.

How "what began as an ordinary task suddenly became life changing".

This woman had found a "pearl in the field" at a most unexpected time.

*"Prepare to receive a simple learning moment, a "pearl in the field", as you go through your day. Let your search be constant. Try to discover, "in every hour," some heavenly blessing that will bring you closer to Christ. A treasure - God's Gold."

21 Days Closer to Christ #4

21 Days Closer to Christ

Day #4

Never Stopping, Ever Searching

This chapter retells the story of Jairus's daughter. How Jairus had not stopped searching for the Savior until he'd found him. Even when the Savior got involved with 'the woman' Jairus didn't waver in his desire to stay with the Savior.

I was left with this great scripture (Mark 5:36) of comfort "Be not afraid, only believe".

*"Think back on a time in your life when you had to search for the savior to find strength beyond your own. Try to remember the process you went through in that search. Was it scripture study, more meaningful prayers or another avenue that led you to Christ"*

*Stretch again. Apply one of those principles today."

21 Days Closer to Christ #3

21 Days Closer to Christ

Day #3

A Common Thread

A common thread among all of us is that we're all tried.

"You must be tried, to be proven. My Heavenly Father was surely mindful of me. And when we know that, we live our lives free and apart without murmuring with life or the part we care called to play."

Quote from Susan Marinda Bullock's journal

Another common thread that we all have is that we all can have the

Holy Ghost to guide us through these trials.

This chapter isn't really about the above, but the above was what I got out of the chapter. The chapter was about writing down your history and your experiences.

*Do you have a written copy of your testimony of Christ?*

*Obtain & Keep a journal of your 21 day journey*

21 days Closer to Christ day #2

21 Days Closer to Christ

Day #2

(John 13:4-15)

Take His Name

"Be true to who you are and the family name you bear"

Gordon B Hinkley

We should Take The Lord's name upon us thus Honor His name everyday.

*As you go through this day, find ways that you can bring honor to Christ's name by letting the walk of your life exemplify Him. On this day, try to remember Him always.*

*Try to reflect on how each name for the Savior describes a way that He blesses your life*

21 Days Closer to Christ

I decided to start this book on the

First day of February instead of last week.

Just easier.

I'll be jotting down the highlights of my daily reading

mostly because it helps me retain it more

if I've written it down after I've read it.

Day 1

"Come and See"

(Mark 1:16-18 and John 1:38-39)

"My desire today is for all of us ... to have a more straightforward personal experience with the Savior's example. Sometimes we seek heaven too obliquely, focusing on programs or history or the experience of others. Those are important but not as important as personal experiences, true discipleship and the strength that comes from experiencing firsthand the majesty of His touch."

(Broken things to Mend by Jeffery R Holland)

*Determine what fills your nets.

Are everyday challenges such as time constraints, demands from work or home, or feelings of inadequacy or fear holding you back from developing a relationship with Christ.

*Today try to listen

for the quiet invitations from the Lord to

come and see.

(taken from the book "21 days Closer to Christ)