Did you know that we sustain all 15 apostles as “prophets, seers, and revelators”?

Did you know that all 15 living prophets today are set apart as “special witnesses of Jesus Christ”?

They have unique permission and ability to testify of Jesus Christ anywhere in the world with that special priesthood power. 

It’s all about JESUS.

As you start to review and reread General Conference talks, try to see if you can find where each of them bear witness of Jesus Christ somewhere in their message.

And even 2,000 years ago, we had another great example in Paul.

Paul was a perfect example of always bearing witness of Jesus Christ.

In every letter he wrote, he testified of Christ.

He taught of Christ’s abilities.

And then gave correction or specific direction as needed. ⁣

Listen to Paul’s words:

⁣”And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.” (Ephesians 2:20)

We may not have the title of being a “special witness of Jesus Christ.”

But are we still His witness?

Do we mention Christ in our prayers?

Talks?

Lessons? ⁣

Do we speak of Christ openly with those around us?

Even our own family members?⁣

Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone of this church and of this gospel.

And Jesus Christ can be the chief cornerstone of our lives, too.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Jesus is the cornerstone  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

“But this is brutal right now!”

And without fail, every single time I mention out loud how difficult this phase of life is, someone older than I am immediately says: “You’ll miss this when you are older!”

I used to get annoyed at that response—

Sometimes you just want someone to validate that things are hard, right?

But then I started to think…

If everyone older than I am is saying this, maybe they are right?

Even though this stage of life is hard, maybe I need to do better at finding the joy and feeling the gratitude NOW.

And really, don’t we all do this in lots of ways?

We get caught in the trap of thinking we can’t possibly feel gratitude now.

I mean, it is super healthy to admit when things are hard.

However, we know that God invites us to live with gratitude in our hearts constantly!⁣

Constantly.

“How much of life do we miss by waiting to see the rainbow before thanking God that there is rain?” – Elder Uchtdorf ⁣

I’ve tried to reframe my perspective to think of things to be grateful for during the tough moments.

If I’m having a rough day with my kids at home because it’s Fall Break and they are going crazy… (I mean, this is just hypothetical, right?)

I try to picture myself 50 years from now, filled with gratitude for these little kids. I think of their good qualities.

But I’ve also tried to focus on praising God, no matter the circumstance.

Just feeling gratitude and love for God all the time.

The world recognizes gratitude as a positive mental health strategy (which it is).

But we also know that gratitude TO GOD is a spiritual principle.

Gratitude to God no matter the earthly circumstance can change our heart.

“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”. (Ephesians 5:20)

⁣Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Gratitude in all things  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

A teacher at church asked our class this question once.

And everyone squirmed in their seats.

Because when we think of being “predestined” or foreordained for something, it’s usually for something big and important.

Prophets. Apostles. Prominent leaders.

We know they been foreordained for their important roles.

But what about regular old me?

Our class discussion took an interesting turn as the teacher invited us to reflect on when other people have been a miracle or answered prayer in our lives.

In my life, there have been some big and important moments where friends have shown up at my door at just the right moment.

Or when a speaker in church says a sentence that answers a prayer.

These moments will never make the news, but are they IMPORTANT?

Yes.

So important to me.

We are most likely doing big and important things already, even if we don’t realize it.

And I like to think that God knew exactly what we would do to be able to make the important things happen.

The things that really matter for each of His daughters and sons.

Paul also adds:

“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.” (Ephesians 1:4-5)

We’ve also been foreordained to be disciples of Christ!

And honestly, I can’t think of anything bigger and more important than that.

I’m here on the earth to be a disciple of Christ, along with anything that comes with that.

So how am I going to fulfill my destiny today?

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Fulfill your destiny! first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.