Chapter 91: Resist

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."

James 4:7-8

A week full of exchanges with most of the Scotland zone leaders. We started off with Glasgow then Edinburgh and then Aberdeen and Dundee came down to finish the week of. It's always a great pleasure to work with the zone leaders and enjoy their friendship. Exchanges are a great chance for us as office missionaries to get outside and do proselyting which brings the spirit and helps me feel peace.

I continue to learn as the weeks go on. I came across this scripture this week along with an incredible talk The Mortal Christ by Jack R. Christiansen which is beautiful teaching about Jesus Christ with an emphasis on his mortal life. How he did what he did, focusing on the mortal instead of the God, for he was indeed both.

An incredible principle taught by both the scripture and the talk was how to gain power over the adversary. It should be no secret that Satan is constantly trying to overthrow all that is good in our lives. He seeks to destroy our peace and security, injecting doubts and contentions into our lifeblood of faith, hope and charity. His only goal is misery for all.

Satan does not rest. His is a work in which he passionately and persistently kicks against the pricks of conscience to dull our consciences into sinful submission, rotting away resolve to stand firm in truth or even to decide to repent when we make mistakes. As such, the question is how hard are we willing to work to resist and combat such evil? If Satan works relentlessly, what do we do?

When Christ was on the earth, he appealed to scripture and doctrine to combat the temptations of Satan. He knew so well and so thoroughly the doctrines of salvation that no temptation deserved any heed because of its clear violation of what was true. I've learned this week that I can do this too. As I have drawn near to God in my efforts to learn the scriptures, I have found that he has drawn near to me. My ability to resist Satan is far stronger when I am able to rely on the words of Christ to fuel my in the moment resolve to fight against temptation. Satan does flee, because he cannot stand against truth. Seek the truth and let it become part of who you are and what you do.

Life is good.

God is wise.

Don't give up.

Elder Childers

Me and Elder Lambert

Exchanges with the Dundee Zone Leaders and Aberdeen Zone Leaders (myself, Elder Yorgason, Peavler, Christensen, Draney, and Cuthbertson)

Highland Coo