Joyous Easter!

"Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him- Saying; "Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified." Doctrine and Covenants 43:3-16  

Yesterday I had the privilege to go to an Easter Conference held at BYU. A couple of speakers spoke on the life of Christ and focused mainly on his death and resurrection. This really helped me to remember the significance of Easter and burn into my mind how grateful I should be. Latter in the day I went to watch my nephews hunt for eggs, and do some hunting for myself. I love being with my family and holidays are a great time to remember traditions and memories. From an early age I was taught about Jesus Christ and looked forward to easter. 

On this beautiful Easter morning I reflect on the phrase, "He is not here, He is Risen!" Angles declared his birth with great rejoicing and likewise angles declared that he had conquered the bands of death. I know that Jesus Christ suffered for each of us. He has the power to heal, no matter what it is in our lives that need fixing, he has the power to heal. He made it possible for us to repent our sins and to heal spiritually, He can also heal us physically, mentally and emotionally.  He is the only begotten of the Father and only doest he will of the Father. The Holy Ghost testifies of him. I know from the Holy Ghost that the Savior died on the cross and rose on the third day. He fulfilled every prophesy and was indeed the awaited Messiah. He will come again and rule on the Earth for a thousand years. I know that we can come closer to God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and feel the presence of the Holy Ghost more in our lives. 

Most people are familiar with the story of Moses parting the red sea, there is so much to learn from this story. The children of Israel were held captive in Egypt. God spoke to Moses on mount Sinai and chose him to be a prophet. Moses then received power from God to lead the Children of Israel out of Egypt. Moses received revelation from God and taught the 10 commandments to the people. Moses also prophesied of the coming of Jesus Christ. So you already knew this... The first thing I want to point out is that it is God's pattern to call Prophets - Moses, Abraham, Daniel, Jacob, Isaiah,  and Peter. In the example of Moses, God didn't speak to each individual on what the church should do, rather God chose a Prophet to lead his church. What really matters is that we have a prophet on the earth today. On my mission there were many people that would question me when I said this. One objection was that revelation doesn't happen anymore. To this I say that God doesn't change and will not change. When people actively seek God he answers. I would also like to point out that every time someone creates something good in life the inspiration comes from God such as a work of art or the internet. I want to make it clear that with all the distractions and evil in the world we need a prophet today more than ever. Many people are hesitant when someone claims they are a prophet because many have done so. So how can we know if someone is a true prophet? In Matthew 7: 15-20 Jesus Christ teaches us how to know, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." Therefore we can know by their fruits. We can also know through prayer.

This weekend I have been watching General Conference. General Conference is when the leaders of the Church speak to all the members in the world. It is broadcasted to all the churches by satellite. I know that God does have Thomas S. Monson is a prophet on the earth today. Doctrine and Covenants 1:38-39 teaches, "What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same. For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit bareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever. Amen." The Prophet speaks what the Lord would speak. I invite you to read a talk given by President Monson in April 2007 General Conference. This talk was one of my favorites, its all about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This will help our minds be focused on Christ around Easter this year.  I Know That My Redeemer Lives!         

President Monson