The Restored Gospel and Christian History Lesson 1 & 2

Starting a new course called The Restored Gospel and Christian History". I am looking forward to learn from the early saints, prophets, and the Holy Ghost this semester.  Brother Matthews had us read from the Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge section in the beginning of our Study Journals. It starts out by saying:
                       "Because our Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to progress toward
                        becoming like Him, He has encouraged us to "seek learning, even by study
                        and also by faith" (D&C 88:11)"

What I learn from this is, our Heavenly Father wants to teach us and we can trust "Him and rely on His wisdom, His love, and His power to teach and bless us."

In order for us to learn by the spirit there are certain conditions that are more favourable to learn by the Holy Ghost and learn spiritual things.

1. Act in Faith

"We act in faith when we choose to trust God and turn to Him first through sincere prayer, a study of His teachings, and obedience to His commandments."
It has been my experience that we must prepare to learn, and act upon the promptings which we will get. As I study the scriptures, I may receive promptings to act or to work on a character flaw maybe even call a friend, and it is these acts that my Heavenly Father has tutored me to become more like Him. I have a long way to go, but I feel closer to the Lord, and come to know His character through service. Our Savior, Jesus Christ teaches us through active learning.

2. Examine Concepts and Questions with an Eternal Perspective

I don't know everything, and I enjoy learning more about the doctrines and principles of the gospel. I am ok with not knowing the big whys to life's questions. "To examine doctrinal concepts, questions, and social issues with an eternal perspective, we consider them in the context of the plan of salvation and the teachings of the Savior."
This is a good way to judge a principle or a worldly believe, how does it fit in alignment to the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ, His prophets and the Plan of Salvation.

3. Seek Further Understanding through Divinely Appointed Sources

What I was most impressed with as I read this section was how the Lord has prepared the way for us to learn and progress in a safe way here on earth.

"As part of the Lord's appointed process for obtaining spiritual knowledge, He has established sources through which He reveal truth and guidance to His children. These sources include the light of Christ, the Holy ghost, the scriptures, parents and Church leaders. The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles-the Lord's prophets upon the earth today-are a vital source for truth. The Lord has chosen and ordained these individuals to speak for Him."

I thought of the many people who have encouraged me and help me guide my way through challenges while gaining and strengthening my testimony. Parents, leaders, scriptures, and words of the living prophets have our BEST interest at heart. We may know people who say something that we feel isn't quite right or we may not know their intentions. The Savior has put people in our midst that we can trust their counsel. The prophets teach us correct principles, and encourage us along the way. Preaching repentance, (we need that message) and teaching us to obey the commandments. These consistent messages will help guide us on our journey here, and build our faith in Jesus Christ. This is the goal to become like Him.