Daily Gems

Always Faithful Obedience

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"At times we may rationalize that the Lord will understand our disobedience because our special circumstances make adherence to His laws difficult, embarrassing, or even painful. However, faithful obedience, regardless of the apparent size of the task, will bring the Lord's guidance, assistance, and peace."

Bruce A. Carlson, "When the Lord Commands," Ensign, May 2010, 39

Topics: Obedience, Faith, Courage

Offering Spiritual Help Invites All to Come to Christ

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"The Lord's work and glory truly is 'to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man' (Moses 1:39). Many around us need spiritual help. As we offer a saving hand to less-active members, to part-member families, and to those not of our faith, we invite all to 'come unto Christ.' "

Koichi Aoyagi, "Helping Hands, Saving Hands," Ensign, May 2010, 36

Topics: Jesus Christ, Fellowship

A Way to Escape Temptation

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Whenever temptation comes, remember the wise counsel of the Apostle Paul, who declared, 'There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it' (1 Corinthians 10:13)."

Thomas S. Monson, "Preparation Brings Blessings," Ensign, May 2010, 66

Topics: Choice and Accountability, Temptation

What to Do When Wronged

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"If you feel you have been wronged—by anyone (a family member, a friend, another member of the Church, a Church leader, a business associate) or by anything (the death of a loved one, health problems, a financial reverse, abuse, addictions)—deal with the matter directly and with all the strength you have. 'Hold on thy way' (D&C 122:9); giving up is not an option. And without delay, turn to the Lord."

Donald L. Hallstrom, "Turn to the Lord," Ensign, May 2010, 80

Topics: Enduring to the End, Adversity, Forgiving Others

The Miracle of Forgiveness

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Don't put your eternal life at risk. Keep the commandments of God. If you have sinned, the sooner you begin to make your way back, the sooner you will find the sweet peace and joy that come with the miracle of forgiveness. Happiness comes from living the way the Lord wants you to live and from service to God and others."

Thomas S. Monson, "Preparation Brings Blessings," Ensign, May 2010, 66–67

Topics: Peace, Exaltation, Forgiveness

Out of Touch with Modern Life

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Not all will follow the map [Heavenly Father has given us]. They may look at it. They may think it is reasonable, perhaps even true. But they do not follow the divine directions. Many believe that any road will take them to a 'happily ever after.' Some may even become angry when others who know the way try to help and tell them. They suppose that such advice is outdated, irrelevant, out of touch with modern life."Sisters, they suppose wrong."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Your Happily Ever After," Ensign, May 2010, 127

Topics: Enduring to the End, Plan of Salvation

Be Strong and of Good Courage

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Sisters, we love you. We pray for you. Be strong and of good courage. You are truly royal spirit daughters of Almighty God. You are princesses, destined to become queens. Your own wondrous story has already begun. Your 'once upon a time' is now."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Your Happily Ever After," Ensign, May 2010, 127

Topics: Youth, Womanhood, Children of God

A Way Back

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"If any has stumbled in his journey, there is a way back. The process is called repentance. Our Savior died to provide you and me that blessed gift. Though the path is difficult, the promise is real: 'Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow' (Isaiah 1:18)."

Thomas S. Monson, "Preparation Brings Blessings," Ensign, May 2010, 66

Topics: Repentance, Forgiveness, Atonement

Passing through Our Trials

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"As we pass through the trials of life, let us keep an eternal perspective, let us not complain, let us become even more prayerful, let us serve others, and let us forgive one another. As we do this, 'all things [will] work together for good to [us] that love God' (Romans 8:28)."

James B. Martino, "All Things Work Together for Good," Ensign, May 2010, 103

Topics: Prayer, Forgiving Others, Service

Joy and Opposition

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

" 'Men are, that they might have joy' (2 Nephi 2:25) and 'for it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things' (2 Nephi 2:11) are not contradictory; they are complementary."

Donald L. Hallstrom, "Turn to the Lord," Ensign, May 2010, 79

Topics: Joy, Purpose of Mortality, Adversity

The Whole Duty of Man

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 01:00:00 MST

"In the Holy Bible are these inspired words: 'Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man' (Ecclesiastes 12:13; emphasis added)."The duty of which I speak is what we are expected to do and to be."

Keith B. McMullin, "Our Path of Duty," Ensign, May 2010, 13

Topics: Duty, Commandments

Faith and Devotion to the Gospel

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 01:00:00 MST

"Thank you, my brothers and sisters, for your faith and devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for all that you do in your wards and branches, in your stakes and districts. You serve willingly and well and accomplish great good. May the Lord bless you as you strive to follow Him and to obey His commandments."

Thomas S. Monson, "Welcome to Conference," Ensign, May 2010, 4

Topics: Obedience, Gospel of Jesus Christ, Serving Others

Priesthood Power as a Shield

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 01:00:00 MST

"Now, fathers, I would remind you of the sacred nature of your calling. You have the power of the priesthood directly from the Lord to protect your home. There will be times when all that stands as a shield between your family and the adversary's mischief will be that power. You will receive direction from the Lord by way of the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Boyd K. Packer, "The Power of the Priesthood," Ensign, May 2010, 9

Topics: Fatherhood, Gift of the Holy Ghost, Family

Let Him Share Your Burden

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 01:00:00 MST

"Turn to the Lord. Exercise all of the faith you have in Him. Let Him share your burden. Allow His grace to lighten your load."

Donald L. Hallstrom, "Turn to the Lord," Ensign, May 2010, 80

Topics: Grace, Jesus Christ, Adversity

A Mother's Promise

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"My mother assured me that if I stayed on the road of truth, even when it seemed hot and dusty, even when there were distractions, the end would be better than the beginning. I will be eternally grateful that Mother told me."

Bradley D. Foster, "Mother Told Me," Ensign, May 2010, 100

Topics: Motherhood, Enduring to the End, Teaching

Gospel Standards Key to Good Judgment

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"A person can never be a good judge without the gospel of Jesus Christ as a reference. The gospel has a long and successful record of guiding people to happiness. Some of the world's ideas leave mankind adrift to try to define their own standards. Because of this, we hear phrases like 'a new morality.' This phrase is deceptive! The standards of morality are eternal and have not changed; neither should we try to discover a new interpretation of them."

Gregory A. Schwitzer, "Developing Good Judgment and Not Judging Others," Ensign, May 2010, 105

Topics: Gospel Standards, Gospel of Jesus Christ

What It Means to Rear in Love and Righteousness

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"In a time when the family is under attack from the forces of evil . . . , the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve have set forth in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" that 'parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness.'"This includes nurturing, supporting, and teaching children in all things pertaining to righteousness so that they may remain firm, with their 'loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and [their] feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace' (D&C 27:16)."

Francisco J. Viñas, "Things Pertaining to Righteousness," Ensign, May 2010, 107

Topics: Teaching, Righteousness, Children

Gaining Assurance of the Father's Love

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Our Heavenly Father, who loves us completely and perfectly, permits us to have experiences that will allow us to develop the traits and attributes we need to become more and more Christlike. . . . As we understand this doctrine, we gain greater assurance of our Father's love."

James B. Martino, "All Things Work Together for Good," Ensign, May 2010, 101

Topics: God the Father, Opposition, Adversity

There Will Always Be a Home for Lost Ones

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"With the help of priesthood leaders, parents must continue to go back and find their lost ones, assuring them there will always be a 'home' within the family and the Church, waiting for their return. We never know when a heart may be turned. We never know when a soul may be weary and worn out by the world."

Bradley D. Foster, "Mother Told Me," Ensign, May 2010, 99–100

Topics: Family, , Parenthood

Parents Should Teach for Each Child's Needs

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Parents play an essential role in helping their children to understand the things pertaining to righteousness. In the Book of Mormon we find that Alma the Younger. . . taught and gave his children their charge separately, adapting his instructions to each son, according to that son's needs. He bore testimony and taught them doctrine and principles, preparing them to preach those same principles to others."

Francisco J. Viñas, "Things Pertaining to Righteousness," Ensign, May 2010, 107

Topics: Teaching, Righteousness, Individual Worth

Spiritual Judgment for Spiritual Decisions

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Many blessings in life are missed because worldly judgment was applied to what was really a spiritual decision."

Gregory A. Schwitzer, "Developing Good Judgment and Not Judging Others," Ensign, May 2010, 104–5

Topics: Spirituality

How Do We Face Difficulties?

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"We will each face times of difficulty, and the question is not when we will face them but how we will face them."

James B. Martino, "All Things Work Together for Good," Ensign, May 2010, 101

Topics: Opposition, Adversity

Never Stop Trying

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"In a world where everyone is granted agency, some of our loved ones may stray for a season. But we can never give up. We must always go back for them—we must never stop trying."

Bradley D. Foster, "Mother Told Me," Ensign, May 2010, 99

Topics: Family, Enduring to the End, Agency

One Source of Peace

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"In the most difficult circumstances of life, there is often only one source of peace. The Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, extends His grace with the invitation, 'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest' (Matthew 11:28)."

Donald L. Hallstrom, "Turn to the Lord," Ensign, May 2010, 78

Topics: Jesus Christ, Adversity, Peace

Follow the Spirit

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"We know we are successful if we live so that we qualify for, receive, and know how to follow the Spirit."

Julie B. Beck, "And upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit," Ensign, May 2010, 12

Topics: Gift of the Holy Ghost

Faith in Jesus Christ

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"A stronger personal faith in Jesus Christ will prepare [your children] for the challenges they will most surely face."

Neil L. Andersen, "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus," Ensign, May 2010, 110

Topics: Faith

Purpose of All Scripture

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"The central purpose of all scripture is to fill our souls with faith in God the Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ."

D. Todd Christofferson, "The Blessing of Scripture," Ensign, May 2010, 34

Topics: Scripture

Salvation and Exaltation

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"We rejoice in all the Savior has done for us. He has made it possible for each of us to gain our salvation and exaltation."

Quentin L. Cook, "We Follow Jesus Christ," Ensign, May 2010, 86

Topics: Jesus Christ, Exaltation

Parenthood

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"A spiritual early warning system . . . can help parents in Zion to be watchful and discerning concerning their children."

David A. Bednar, "Watching with All Perseverance," Ensign, May 2010, 41

Topics: Parenthood

Joy of Fidelity

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"May the joy of our fidelity to the highest and best within us be ours as we keep our love and our marriages, our society and our souls, as pure as they were meant to be."

Jeffrey R. Holland, "Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul," Ensign, May 2010, 46

Topics: Worthiness

Helping Youth to Understand

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"It is our imperative duty to help youth understand and believe the gospel in a deeply personal way."

Robert D. Hales, "Our Duty to God: The Mission of Parents and Leaders to the Rising Generation," Ensign, May 2010, 96

Topics: Testimony

Understanding and Faith

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Our understanding of and faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ will provide strength and capacity needed for a successful life."

Richard G. Scott, "He Lives! All Glory to His Name!" Ensign, May 2010, 77

Topics: Atonement, Faith

Parents and Children

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"In these last days it is essential—even critical—that parents and children listen to and learn from one another."

M. Russell Ballard, "Mothers and Daughters," Ensign, May 2010, 21

Topics: Family, Parenthood

Priesthood Power

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"We have this priesthood power, and we should all be prepared to use it properly."

Dallin H. Oaks, "Healing the Sick," Ensign, May 2010, 48

Topics:

Generations Linked in Love

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Our inborn yearnings for family connections are fulfilled when we are linked to our ancestors through sacred ordinances of the temple."

Russell M. Nelson, "Generations Linked in Love," Ensign, May 2010, 92

Topics: Temple Work, Redeem the Dead

Mothers Teaching Children in the Home

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"I believe it is by divine design that the role of motherhood emphasizes the nurturing and teaching of the next generation."

L. Tom Perry, "Mothers Teaching Children in the Home," Ensign, May 2010, 31

Topics: Parenthood, Motherhood

Perfection of Individuals and the Family

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Every law and principle and power, every belief, every ordinance and ordination, every covenant, every sermon and every sacrament, every counsel and correction, the sealings, the calls, the releases, the service—all these have as their ultimate purpose the perfection of the individual and the family, for the Lord has said, 'This is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man' (Moses 1:39)."

Boyd K. Packer, "The Power of the Priesthood," Ensign, May 2010, 9–10

Topics: Church Callings, Church Callings, Gospel Standards

Patience, a Defining Characteristic

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"It is my prayer that patience will be a defining characteristic of we who hold the priesthood of Almighty God; that we will courageously trust the Lord's promises and His timing; that we will act toward others with the patience and compassion we seek for ourselves; and that we will continue in patience until we are perfected."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Continue in Patience," Ensign, May 2010, 59

Topics: Patience, Serving Others,

Among the First Responders at Disasters

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"This year marks 25 years since our humanitarian program became part of our welfare effort. The number of individuals assisted by this program could never adequately be measured. We will always strive to be among the first on the scene of disasters, wherever they may occur."

Thomas S. Monson, "Welcome to Conference," Ensign, May 2010, 4

Topics: Charity

Qualifying for the Lord's Spirit

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Qualifying for the Lord's Spirit begins with a desire for that Spirit and implies a certain degree of worthiness. Keeping the commandments, repenting, and renewing covenants made at baptism lead to the blessing of always having the Lord's Spirit with us."

Julie B. Beck, "And upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit," Ensign, May 2010, 11

Topics: Commandments, Sacrament, Repentance

To Walk with Heads Held High

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"For those who eschew evil and live good lives, who strive for a brighter day and keep the commandments of God, things can get better and better even in the face of tragedy. The Savior showed us the way. From Gethsemane, the cross, and the tomb, He rose triumphant, bringing life and hope to us all. He bids us, 'Come, follow me' (Luke 18:22)."President Thomas S. Monson has counseled: 'If we are to walk with head held high, we must make our contribution to life. If we are to fulfill our destiny and return to live with our Father in Heaven, we must keep His commandments and pattern our lives after the Savior. By so doing, we will not only achieve our goal of eternal life, but we will also leave the world richer and better than it would have been had we not lived and performed our duties' (Thomas S. Monson, used with permission)."

Keith B. McMullin, "Our Path of Duty," Ensign, May 2010, 13

Topics: Commandments, Enduring to the End, Duty

Ye Have Done It unto Me

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Sometimes we feel that we are weak and lack the strength to rescue others, but the Lord reminds us, 'Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me' (Matthew 25:40)."

Koichi Aoyagi, "Helping Hands, Saving Hands," Ensign, May 2010, 37

Topics: Jesus Christ

The Importance of Missionary Work

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Missionary work is the lifeblood of the Church and the lifesaving blessing to all who accept its message."

Ronald A. Rasband, "The Divine Call of a Missionary," Ensign, May 2010, 51

Topics: Missionary Work, Conversion

Offering Spiritual Help Invites All to Come to Christ

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

Koichi Aoyagi, "Helping Hands, Saving Hands," Ensign, May 2010, 36

Topics: Jesus Christ, Fellowship

My People Will I Preserve

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"This is a troubled world. Discord and disaster are everywhere. It sometimes feels as though mankind itself may be hanging in the balance."Foreshadowing our day, the Lord said, 'The heavens shall shake, and also the earth; and great tribulations shall be among the children of men, but my people will I preserve' (Moses 7:61; emphasis added). We should take great comfort in this promise."

Keith B. McMullin, "Our Path of Duty," Ensign, May 2010, 13

Topics: Adversity, Peace, Hope

Using the Past to Prepare for the Future

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"There is something about reviewing the lessons of the past to prepare us to face the challenges of the future. What a glorious legacy of faith, courage, and ingenuity those noble early Mormon pioneers have left for us to build upon. . . ."Embracing the gospel resulted in a complete change of life for them."

L. Tom Perry, "The Past Way of Facing the Future," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 74

Topics: Pioneers, Conversion, Courage

No Fear of the Future

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"I bear witness of the power of the priesthood given to the Church to protect us and guide us. And because we have that, we have no fear of the future. Fear is the opposite of faith. We move forward, certain that the Lord will watch over us, particularly in the family."

Boyd K. Packer, "The Power of the Priesthood," Ensign, May 2010, 10

Topics: Faith, Family, Priesthood Keys

Learning to Wait

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Patience—the ability to put our desires on hold for a time—is a precious and rare virtue. We want what we want, and we want it now. Therefore, the very idea of patience may seem unpleasant and, at times, bitter."Nevertheless, without patience, we cannot please God; we cannot become perfect."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Continue in Patience," Ensign, May 2010, 56

Topics: Discipleship, Enduring to the End

Follow Inspired Instruction

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"I promise each of you, as you follow inspired direction in this, the true Church of Jesus Christ, that our youth and we who help and love them can be delivered safely to our home with Heavenly Father and the Savior to live in families and in joy forever."

Henry B. Eyring, "Help Them on Their Way Home," Ensign, May 2010, 25

Topics: Heavenly Father, , Youth

Church Growth

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"The Church continues to grow and to move forward. The building of temples is an indication of such growth. . . . We will continue to build temples throughout the world as our membership grows. Each year millions of ordinances are performed in the temples for our deceased loved ones. May we continue to be faithful in performing such ordinances for those who are unable to do so for themselves."

Thomas S. Monson, "Welcome to Conference," Ensign, May 2010, 4

Topics: , Temple Work

Make Your Way Back to Peace and Joy

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 MST

“Keep the commandments of God. If you have sinned, the sooner you begin to make your way back, the sooner you will find the sweet peace and joy that come with the miracle of forgiveness. Happiness comes from living the way the Lord wants you to live and from service to God and others.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Preparation Brings Blessings,” Ensign, May 2010, 66-67

Topics: Commandments