D&C130:20 There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—
21 And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.
People ask why members of the church, especially missionaries, have to obey so many rules. Some would say that its cultural, but the believers understand that part of the nature of God is as a lawgiver. That the entire universe operates on natural laws. When we want to receive blessings, we must learn and obey the laws and principles. I'll share now two examples from my mission.
First, my personal scripture study. I had a zone leader (Elder Hooper) who described the personal study hour as our personal appointment with the Savior Jesus Christ. He asked us to imagine as if we were going to have a talk with the Savior at 8:00 every morning. You wouldn't arrive late, right? You wouldn't arrive in your pajamas. You wouldn't arrive munching on granola bars. That way of thinking helped me. Throughout the years since I started, I feel that the scriptures have become familiar to me. When I open them I feel the love and support of the Savior. Because of the scriptures I feel like he has become my friend. I feel like I am receiving the blessings that were promised to those who study.
The other law and blessing is a little funnier. I was never very strong before my mission. I did track and cross country, but I always dreamed of being able to do lots of push ups. But now because I have to work out every morning to be obedient, I am a lot stronger than I was before!
God gives us laws to bless us. I am grateful for the living prophet, for the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, and how much was restored by the prophet Joseph Smith. Love you all,