Preparing for the Savior's Second Coming

For this weeks blog entry I would like to talk about preparing for the second coming. In the New Testament of the bible, in Mark 13, the Savior talks about many things that we can watch for to let us know that the second coming is close and things that can help us prepare for the second coming. Here are some of those things that the Savior taught, indicated by verse:

• V. 5 - We should watch out for false Christs who would try to make us believe that they are the real Messiah even though they aren't even close.
• V. 9 - We should watch for moments where our testimonies will be scrutinized and we should be ready to stand firm in our beliefs. 
• V. 23 - We can watch for the events and calamities that will take place all over the world that we have been told are the signs of the second coming. 
• V. 33 - We can not only watch for all these things, but we can pray for guidance and strength so that we may be ready for the second coming. 

The things told in Mark 13 are all true, but they are not the only place in the scriptures where we have been told as to what we should do and what we should watch out for. Here are some scriptures that can relate to the verses in Mark 13 and also shed more light on the subject.

• Doctrine and Covenants 87: 8 - This verse tells us that we should stand in holy places, meaning we shouldn't be partaking in activities or doing things that would go against the Lord's commandments. 
• JS Matthew 1:32 - This verse tells of the coming destruction of the wicked.
• JS Matthew 1:37 - This scriptures tells us that we should treasure Gods words and study them so that we won't be deceived. 
• JS Matthew 1:46-50 - These verses tell us that we should be always trying to prepare for the second coming and be furthering the work of the Lord. 
• Doctrine and Covenants 33:17 - This verse, just like verse 33 of Mark 13, tells us that we should pray often and be faithful.
• Doctrine and Covenants 45:56-57 - These scriptures reference the parable of the ten virgins and they tell us that we will be blessed if we receive his gospel and accept the Holy Ghost as our guide. 

As I go throughout each day, I try to live by the commandments that the Lord has given us. I recognize that the Savior could come at any time and I want to be ready for his coming. There are definitely times when I slip up and make mistakes, but that's part of being human. When I make mistakes I repent of those mistakes and try not to do them again. I know that if it weren't for the plan of Salvation and what Jesus did for me, I would be a goner for sure.  As we move closer to the second coming the world is becoming worse, and it is becoming harder for us to strive for perfection. However, I know that If I can endure to the end, the blessings that I will receive will be far greater than any temporal thing that I can receive in this life.