Elder M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Tuesday devotional, December 10, 2019
Tuesday devotional, Elder M. Russell Ballard, Tuesday, December 10, 2019. Both Elder Ballard and President Oaks spoke on this night.
- I lost my father at age 7.
- I was the ‘matchmaker’ that brought together President Oaks and his current wife, Kristen. I would describe them as a ‘golden couple’ giving their all to the Lord’s work.
- There is no place I would rather be than right here at the Missionary Training Center. We love you, we pray for you.
- Serving a mission is a cherished experience. The education you receive during your mission is as great as any education you would receive at a university. Make this a treasured time of your life.
- We must learn to fully accept the Atonement, especially what happened in Gethsemane.
- Think about Jesus every day of your mission, every minute of your mission. Think of Him as you go about your work all day long. Teach and testify of Jesus Christ.
- I want to share a principle with you that will help you overcome any challenge you face. That principle is ‘Really Believe’!
- Believing can be described as accepting what you consider to be true, without the need of proof.
- In 1 Nephi 15, Nephi says to Laman and Lemuel, “If ye will ask me in faith, BELIEVING that ye will receive, surely these things will be made known unto you.”
- Believe that you will know what to say and what NOT to say.
- In 3 Nephi, the Lord says, “Ask in my name that which is right, BELIEVING that you will receive.”
- When our affections distill from our mind to our heart, those truths will become embedded in our souls.
- You will face challenges, believing that you will overcome.
- Believe that you can get through a hard day, because you can!
- Belief is a great principle of the gospel.
- Believe from the very first day of your mission until the very last day.
- During his service as president of the Toronto mission, a young elder came to serve whose father had been diagnosed with cancer. Knowing that he might not see his father again, he promised his father that he would be the best missionary in his mission. Even when it was -30 degrees outside, he would tract and work. When his companions were hesitant to work in adverse conditions, he would say to those companions: “We must work. You need to help me save my dad’s life. The Ballards were able to see this missionary run into his father’s arms at the Salt Lake City airport upon the completion of his mission. He believed that his father would live if he served a faithful mission.
- Doctrine and Covenants 14:8 says: “…if ye shall ask the Father in my name, in faith believing, you shall receive the Holy Ghost, which giveth utterance…”.
- Doctrine and Covenants 58:64 says: “…the gospel must be preached unto every creature, with signs following them that believe.”
- When you leave the training center, believe that you can do all that the Lord will ask of you. Serve with a believing heart.
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