Daily Gems

Reverence and Revelation

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“I remember a talk that President Boyd K. Packer gave in conference almost 20 years ago entitled “Reverence Invites Revelation” (see Ensign, Nov. 1991, 21–23). That phrase has remained in my heart all these years. It reminds me that we must create in our hearts, our homes, and our meetings places of reverence that will invite the Spirit to comfort, guide, teach, and testify. Because when the Spirit testifies to each of us that God is our Father and Jesus Christ is our Savor, it is that revelation that will invite true reverence born of love and profound respect.”

Margaret S. Lifferth, “Respect and Reverence,” Ensign, May 2009, 12

Topics: Reverence, Spirituality

Weathering Storms with Optimism

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“There are cycles of good and bad times, ups and downs, periods of joy and sadness, and times of plenty as well as scarcity. When our lives turn in an unanticipated and undesirable direction, sometimes we experience stress and anxiety. One of the challenges of this mortal experience is to not allow the stresses and strains of life to get the better of us—to endure the varied seasons of life while remaining positive, even optimistic. Perhaps when difficulties and challenges strike, we should have these hopeful words of Robert Browning etched in our minds: 'The best is yet to be' ("Rabbi Ben Ezra," in Charles W. Eliot, ed., The Harvard Classics, 50 vols. [1909–10], 42:1103).”

L. Tom Perry, "Let Him Do It with Simplicity", Ensign, Nov. 2008, 7

Topics: Adversity, Opposition

Virtuous Life

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Why is our being virtuous so important not just to our earthly parents but to our Heavenly Father as well? Virtue brings peace, strength of character, and happiness in this life. Our Heavenly Father knew that we would be faced with many choices and challenges, and virtuous living would prepare us to succeed.”

Mary N. Cook, “A Virtuous Life—Step by Step,” Ensign, May 2009, 117

Topics: Womanhood

Be Thou an Example

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“May each of us strive to be ‘an example of the believers.’ May we live the gospel of Jesus Christ and do all that is asked of us, and may we do these things in faith, nothing wavering, with a pure and virtuous heart.”

Ann M. Dibb, “Be Thou an Example of the Believers,” Ensign, May 2009, 116

Topics: Testimony

Temple Attendance

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“My brothers and sisters, we have built temples throughout the world and will continue to do so. To you who are worthy and able to attend the temple, I would admonish you to go often. The temple is a place where we can find peace. There we receive a renewed dedication to the gospel and a strengthened resolve to keep the commandments.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Until We Meet Again,” Ensign, May 2009, 113

Topics: Temple Work

World of Changing Values

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“It should be ‘with great earnestness’ (D&C 123:14) that we bring the light of the gospel to those who are searching for answers the plan of salvation has to offer. Many are concerned for their families. Some are looking for security in a world of changing values. Our opportunity is to give them hope and courage and to invite them to come with us and join those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lord’s gospel is on earth and will bless their lives here and in the eternities to come.”

L. Tom Perry, “Bring Souls unto Me,” Ensign, May 2009, 110

Topics: Proclaim the Gospel

Strength and Hope from Covenants

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Our covenants supply strength—they produce the faith necessary to persevere and to do all things that are expedient in the Lord. Our willingness to take upon us the name of Christ and keep His commandments requires a degree of faith, but as we honor our covenants, that faith expands. In the first place, the promised fruits of obedience become evident, which confirms our faith. Secondly, the Spirit communicates God’s pleasure, and we feel secure in His continued blessing and help. Thirdly, come what may, we can face life with hope and equanimity, knowing that we will succeed in the end because we have God’s promise to us individually, by name, and we know He cannot lie (see Enos 1:6; Ether 3:12).”

D. Todd Christofferson, “The Power of Covenants,” Ensign, May 2009, 21

Topics: Temple Work

Respect for Ourselves and Others

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Ask yourself these questions: Am I an example of respect in my home by the way I treat those I love the most? What is my demeanor during a sports event? If my child has a disagreement with a teacher, coach, or peer, do I listen to both sides of the issue? Do I show respect for the property of others as well as take care of my own? How do I respond to others with whom I disagree in matters of religion, lifestyle, or politics? “As parents and leaders exemplify and teach respect for others, we confirm in the hearts of our children that each of us is truly a child of God and all are brothers and sisters through eternity. We will focus on the things we have in common—on the qualities of heart that bind the family of God together, rather than on our differences.”

Margaret S. Lifferth, “Respect and Reverence,” Ensign, May 2009, 11

Topics: Serving Others, Children of God

Thou Shalt Not Covet

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Being provident providers, we must keep that most basic commandment, ‘Thou shalt not covet’ (Exodus 20:17). Our world is fraught with feelings of entitlement. . . . If our family does not have everything the neighbors have, . . . we go into debt to buy things we can’t afford—and things we do not really need. Whenever we do this, we become poor temporally and spiritually.”

Robert D. Hales, “Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually,” Ensign, May 2009, 8

Topics: Financial Management, Agency

Testing Your Courage to Endure

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Even when you feel the truth of [the] capacity and kindness of the Lord to deliver you in your trials, it may still test your courage and strength to endure. The Prophet Joseph Smith cried out in agony in a dungeon: “ ‘O God, where are thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?’(D&C 121:1–2). . . .“The Lord’s reply has helped me and can encourage us all in times of darkness. Here it is: ‘My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes’ (D&C 121:7–8).”

Henry B. Eyring, “Adversity,” Ensign, May 2009, 24–25

Topics: Enduring to the End

New and Everlasting Covenant

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“The new and everlasting covenant is the gospel of Jesus Christ. In other words, the doctrines and commandments of the gospel constitute the substance of an everlasting covenant between God and man that is newly restored in each dispensation. If we were to state the new and everlasting covenant in one sentence it would be this: ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life’ (John 3:16).”

D. Todd Christofferson, “The Power of Covenants,” Ensign, May 2009, 20

Topics: Gospel of Jesus Christ, Gift of the Holy Ghost

Testimony

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Elder Dallin H. Oaks defined a testimony this way: ‘A testimony of the gospel is a personal witness borne to our souls by the Holy Ghost that certain facts of eternal significance are true and that we know them to be true’ (Dallin H. Oaks, “Testimony” Ensign, May 2008, 26). At another time Elder Oaks said, ‘Testimony is to know and to feel, conversion is to do and to become’ (Dallin H. Oaks, quoted in Kenneth Johnson, “Coming to Know for Ourselves,” Ensign, July 2008, 29).”

Allan F. Packer, “Finding Strength in Challenging Times!” Ensign, May 2009, 17

Topics: Testimony, Conversion

Maximize Virtues and Blessings

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Brethren, we should be earnest students of revealed priesthood and quorum principles. Our goal is to correctly use inspired direction from God and His prophets to maximize the virtues and blessings of the quorum and strengthen young men and their families. The work of the quorum is to increase faith in Christ, prepare and save young men, and eliminate mistakes and sloth in implementing God’s will. As we seek wisdom from God let us also be students of revealed quorum principles.”

Michael A. Neider, “Revealed Quorum Principles,” Ensign, May 2009, 14

Topics: Priesthood Blessings, Faith

The Examples We Need to Be

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“May I suggest that our ability and our credibility to exemplify reverence for God is strengthened as we show respect for each other. In today’s society, the standards of decorum, dignity, and courtesy are assailed on every side and in every form of media. As parents and leaders, our examples of respect for each other are critical for our youth and children because they are watching not only the media—they are watching us! Are we the examples we need to be?”

Margaret S. Lifferth, “Respect and Reverence,” Ensign, May 2009, 11

Topics: Parenthood, Example

Tithing: Foundation of Provident Living

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“The foundation of provident living is the law of the tithe. The primary purpose of this law is to help us develop faith in our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Tithing helps us overcome our desires for the things of this world and willingly make sacrifices for others.”

Robert D. Hales, “Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually,” Ensign, May 2009, 9

Topics: Family, Financial Management

We Must Exercise Faith

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“In Moroni we read that ‘without faith there cannot be any hope’ (Moroni 7:42). We must exercise faith to take on life’s challenges and changes. It is how we learn and progress.”

Steven E. Snow, “Get On with Our Lives,” Ensign, May 2009, 81

Topics: Faith

The Door to True Happiness

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:00:00 MST

“The gospel of Jesus Christ has the answers to all of our problems. The gospel is not a secret. It is not complicated or hidden. It can unlock the door to true happiness. It is not someone’s theory or proposition. It does not come from man at all. It springs from the pure and everlasting waters of the Creator of the universe, who knows truths we cannot even begin to comprehend. And with that knowledge, He has given us the gospel—a divine gift, the ultimate formula for happiness and success.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Way of the Disciple,” Ensign, May 2009, 75

Topics: Gospel of Jesus Christ

A Great Work

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:00:00 MST

“We cannot and we must not allow ourselves to get distracted from our sacred duty. We cannot and we must not lose focus on the things that matter most.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “We Are Doing a Great Work and Cannot Come Down,” Ensign, May 2009, 60

Topics: Proclaim the Gospel

Teaching Our Youth

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:00:00 MST

“President [J. Reuben] Clark [taught]: ‘You do not have to sneak up behind this spiritually experienced youth and whisper religion in [their] ears; you can come right out, face to face, and talk with [them].’ ”

Boyd K. Packer, “Counsel to Young Men,” Ensign, May 2009, 50

Topics: Youth

The Plan of Salvation

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:00:00 MST

“The Savior said: ‘Let not your heart be troubled. . . . In my Father’s house are many mansions. . . . I go to prepare a place for you.’ A succinct summary is provided in the book of Moses: ‘For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.’ ”

Quentin L. Cook, “Our Father’s Plan—Big Enough for All His Children,” Ensign, May 2009, 37

Topics: Plan of Salvation

We Are Our Brother’s Keeper

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:00:00 MST

“Now, let me say a few words to those of you who are currently unemployed. The responsibility for finding employment or improving your employment rests with you. Continued guidance comes from the Lord through regular fasting and prayer. Your quorum leaders, bishops, specialists, and employment resource center staff will help in your efforts. We fear, however, that often priesthood leaders are unaware of your situation. Speak up! Let them know you are looking for work. And bishops and priesthood leaders, rise up and let the brotherhood of the priesthood engage themselves in the wonderful opportunity to truly be a quorum, a brotherhood, a brother’s keeper.”

Richard C. Edgley, “This Is Your Phone Call,” Ensign, May 2009, 54–55

Topics: Welfare

Walk in Obedience

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Read section 89 in the Doctrine and Covenants. You will find great promises:‘All saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;‘And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;‘And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.’ ”

Boyd K. Packer, “Counsel to Young Men,” Ensign, May 2009, 50

Topics: Obedience

Lifting Burdens: The Atonement of Jesus Christ

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

Watch and share a new Mormon Messages video, " Lifting Burdens: The Atonement of Jesus Christ" in which Apostles of Jesus Christ testify of the Saviors power to heal, change, and purify us through His Atonement.

Mormon Messages,

Be an Example

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

Ann M. Dibb, “Be Thou an Example of the Believers,” Ensign, May 2009, 116

Topics: Example

The Temple

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Now, my brothers and sisters, we have built temples throughout the world and will continue to do so. To you who are worthy and able to attend the temple, I would admonish you to go often. The temple is a place where we can find peace. There we receive a renewed dedication to the gospel and a strengthened resolve to keep the commandments.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Until We Meet Again,” Ensign, May 2009, 112

Topics: Temple Work

Sharing the Gospel

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

L. Tom Perry, “Bring Souls unto Me,” Ensign, May 2009, 110

Topics: Proclaim the Gospel

Recipients of the Lord’s Tender Mercies

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“We as faithful Saints have been strengthened by adversity and are the recipients of the Lord’s tender mercies. We have moved forward under the promise of the Lord: ‘I will not suffer that [mine enemies] shall destroy my work; yea, I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil’ (D&C 10:43).”

David A. Bednar, “Honorably Hold a Name and Standing,” Ensign, May 2009, 99

Topics: Temple Work

Forget Yourself in the Service of Others

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“It is not easy to give up our personal priorities and desires. . . . [But] ‘he who lives only unto himself withers and dies, while he who forgets himself in the service of others grows and blossoms in this life and in eternity’ (Gordon B. Hinckley, Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [1997], 588).”

Dallin H. Oaks, “Unselfish Service,” Ensign, May 2009, 93

Topics: Service

Joy in Our Lives

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“How might we have joy in our lives, despite all that we may face? Again from the scriptures: ‘Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you.’ ”

Thomas S. Monson, “Be of Good Cheer,” Ensign, May 2009, 89

Topics: Joy

The Good News

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“The gospel is the good news of Christ. It is the revelation that the Son of God came to earth, lived a perfect life, atoned for our sins, and conquered death. It is the path of salvation, the way of hope and joy, and the assurance that God has a plan of redemption and happiness for His children.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Way of the Disciple,” Ensign, May 2009, 75

Topics: Gospel of Jesus Christ

Hungry for Things of the Spirit

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“President [J. Reuben] Clark described youth as ‘hungry for things of the Spirit [and] eager to learn the gospel.’ He said: ‘They want it straight, undiluted. They want to know . . . about our beliefs; they want to gain testimonies of their truth. They are not now doubters but inquirers, seekers after truth.’ ”

Boyd K. Packer, “Counsel to Young Men,” Ensign, May 2009, 50

Topics: Testimony

Covenants and the Holy Ghost

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“When we have entered into divine covenants, the Holy Ghost is our comforter, our guide, and our companion. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are ‘the peaceable things of immortal glory; the truth of all things; that which quickeneth all things, which maketh alive all things; that which knoweth all things, and hath all power according to wisdom, mercy, truth, justice, and judgment’ (Moses 6:61). The gifts of the Holy Spirit are testimony, faith, knowledge, wisdom, revelations, miracles, healing, and charity, to name but a few (see D&C 46:13–26).”

D. Todd Christofferson, “The Power of Covenants,” Ensign, May 2009, 22

Topics: Gifts of the Spirit

Working through Adversity to Help Others

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Age and illness can test the best of us. My friend served as our bishop when my daughters were still at home. . . .“I visited him in his home from time to time to thank him and to give him priesthood blessings. His health began a slow decline. I can’t remember all the ailments he suffered. . . . He was in constant pain. Yet every time I visited to give him comfort, he turned the tables; I was always the one comforted. His back and legs forced him to use a cane to walk. Yet there he was in church, always sitting near the door, where he could greet those arriving early, with a smile.”

Henry B. Eyring, “Adversity,” Ensign, May 2009, 26

Topics: Serving Others, Gratitude

A More Righteousness Generation

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“With all my heart I hope and pray that you will be wise enough to learn the lessons of the past. You don’t have to spend time as a Laman or a Lemuel in order to know that it’s much better to be a Nephi or a Jacob. You don’t have to follow the path of Cain or Gadianton in order to realize that ‘wickedness never was happiness’ (Alma 41:10).”

M. Russell Ballard, “Learning the Lessons of the Past,” Ensign, May 2009, 33

Topics: Example, Righteousness

Attain Eternal Life with Our Families

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“It is . . . important that we be loving and kind to members of our own faith, regardless of their level of commitment or activity. The Savior has made it clear that we are not to judge each other (see Luke 6:37). This is especially true of members of our own families. Our obligation is to love and teach and never give up. The Lord has made salvation ‘free for all men’ but has ‘commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance’ (2 Nephi 26:27).”

Quentin L. Cook, “Our Father’s Plan—Big Enough for All His Children,” Ensign, May 2009, 37

Topics: Repentance, Plan of Salvation

Overcoming Fear with Faith

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Faith and fear cannot coexist. One gives way to the other. The simple fact is we all need to constantly build faith and overcome sources of destructive disbelief. The Savior’s teaching comparing faith to a grain of mustard seed recognizes this reality (see Matthew 13:31–32). Consider it this way: our net usable faith is what we have left to exercise after we subtract our sources of doubt and disbelief. . . . If your faith exceeds your doubt and disbelief, the answer is likely positive. If you allow doubt and disbelief to control you, the answer might be negative.”

Kevin W. Pearson, “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,” Ensign, May 2009, 40

Topics: Opposition, Choice and Accountability

Accepting God’s Will under Difficult Circumstances

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“I witnessed how [a] faithful family dealt with great adversity. Several members of the Quero family had died in a terrible car accident. Brother Abraham Quero lost his parents, two sisters, his brother-in-law and his niece in that accident. Brother Quero showed an admirable attitude when he said the following: ‘This was the time to show loyalty to God and to acknowledge that we depend on Him, that His will must be obeyed, and that we are subject to Him.’ ”

Rafael E. Pino, “Faith in Adversity,” Ensign, May 2009, 41

Topics: Plan of Salvation, Adversity

Learning from Difficult Experiences

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Fourteen years ago the Lord took my wife beyond the veil. I love her with all my heart, but I have never complained because I know it was His will. I have never asked why but rather what is it that He wants me to learn from this experience. I believe that is a good way to face the unpleasant things in our lives, not complaining but thanking the Lord for the trust He places in us when He gives us the opportunity to overcome difficulties.”

Richard G. Scott, “Temple Worship: The Source of Strength and Power in Times of Need,” Ensign, May 2009, 45

Topics: , Temple Work

The Lord’s Will Be Done

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“When should we pray? Whenever we desire! Alma taught, ‘Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good’ (Alma 37:37). . . . Jesus reminded His disciples ‘that they should not cease to pray in their hearts’ (3 Nephi 20:1). The practice of Church members is to kneel in family prayer each morning and evening, plus having daily personal prayers and blessings on our food (see Ensign, Jan. 1976, 11).”

Russell M. Nelson, “Lessons from the Lord’s Prayers,” Ensign, May 2009, 48

Topics: Humility, Family

Our Test in Mortality

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Our challenges, including those we create by our own decisions, are part of our test in mortality. Let me assure you that your situation is not beyond the reach of our Savior. Through Him, every struggle can be for our experience and our good (see D&C 122:7). Each temptation we overcome is to strengthen us, not destroy us. The Lord will never allow us to suffer beyond what we can endure (see 1 Corinthians 10:13). “We must remember that the adversary knows us extremely well. He knows where, when, and how to tempt us. If we are obedient to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we can learn to recognize the adversary’s enticements. Before we yield to temptation, we must learn to say with unflinching resolve, ‘Get thee behind me, Satan’ (Matthew 16:23).”

Robert D. Hales, “Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually,” Ensign, May 2009, 7

Topics: Enduring to the End, Purpose of Mortality

Learning by Personal Experience

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“It is clear that for us to have [God’s] gift [of eternal life] and to be given [the] trust [of our Heavenly Father], we must be transformed through making righteous choices where that is hard to do. We are prepared for so great a trust by passing through trying and testing experiences in mortality. That education can come only as we are subject to trials while serving God and others for Him.”

Henry B. Eyring, “Adversity,” Ensign, May 2009, 24

Topics: Righteousness, Atonement, Sacrifice

Power through Covenants

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“A covenant is an agreement between God and man, an accord whose terms are set by God (see Bible Dictionary, “Covenant,” 651). In these divine agreements, God binds Himself to sustain, sanctify, and exalt us in return for our commitment to serve Him and keep His commandments. “We enter into covenants by priesthood ordinances, sacred rituals that God has ordained for us to manifest our commitment. . . . If we are faithful, we become inheritors not only of the celestial kingdom but of exaltation, the highest glory within the heavenly kingdom, and we obtain all the divine possibilities God can give (D&C 132:20).”

D. Todd Christofferson, “The Power of Covenants,” Ensign, May 2009, 20

Topics: Temple Work, Priesthood Keys

How We Receive Inspiration

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“When the winds blow and the rains pour, they blow and pour on all. Those who have built their foundations on bedrock rather than sand survive the storms (see Matthew 7:24–27). There is a way to build on bedrock by developing a deep personal conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ and knowing how to receive inspiration. We must know—and know that we know. We must stand spiritually and temporally independent of all worldly creatures (see D&C 78:14). This begins by understanding that God the Father is the Father of our spirits and that He loves us, that Jesus Christ is our Redeemer and Savior, and that the Holy Ghost can communicate with our minds and our hearts (see D&C 8:2–3). This is how we receive inspiration. We need to learn how to recognize and apply these promptings.”

Allan F. Packer, “Finding Strength in Challenging Times!” Ensign, May 2009, 17

Topics: , Conversion

That Which Perisheth Not

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“With all the love I have in me and with the Savior’s love through me, I invite you to come unto Him and hear His words: ‘Wherefore do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted’ (2 Nephi 9:51).”

Robert D. Hales, “Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually,” Ensign, May 2009, 10

Topics: Commandments, Temptation, Atonement

Reverence in Our Meetings

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“As parents and leaders, we must set the example of reverent behavior in our Church meetings. Our chapels provide places for many different functions, but on Sunday they are places of worship.”

Margaret S. Lifferth, “Respect and Reverence,” Ensign, May 2009, 13

Topics: Spirituality, Worship

Inspiration of the Spirit

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Our Church leaders have taught and we have felt the Spirit invite the use of inspired questions given of the Spirit to help us learn of God and His will for us (see Henry B. Eyring, “Elder David A. Bednar: Going Forward in the Strength of the Lord,” Ensign, Mar. 2005, 16-21).”

Michael A. Neider, “Revealed Quorum Principles,” Ensign, May 2009, 14

Topics: Spirituality, Prayer

How Inspiration Comes

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“While testimonies can come as dramatic manifestations, they usually do not. Sometimes people think they need to have an experience like Joseph Smith’s vision before they gain testimonies. If we have unrealistic expectations of how, when, or where answers come, we risk missing the answers which come as quiet, reassuring feelings and thoughts that most often come after our prayers, while we are doing something else. These answers can be equally convincing and powerful. “Over time we will receive answers and learn how inspiration comes. This is something each person learns for himself.”

Allan F. Packer, “Finding Strength in Challenging Times!” Ensign, May 2009, 18

Topics: Testimony, Revelation, Holy Ghost

Entering into Binding Covenants

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“I testify that in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is found the priesthood authority to administer the ordinances by which we can enter into binding covenants with our Heavenly Father in the name of His Holy Son. I testify that God will keep His promises to you as you honor your covenants with Him.”

D. Todd Christofferson, “The Power of Covenants,” Ensign, May 2009, 22

Topics: Obedience, Faith

Being Purified in the Lord’s True Church

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“I bear you my testimony that God the Father lives. He set a course for each of us that can polish and perfect us to be with Him. I testify that the Savior lives. His Atonement makes possible our being purified as we keep His commandments and our sacred covenants. And I know from my own experience that He can and will give us strength to rise through every trial.”

Henry B. Eyring, “Adversity ,” Ensign, May 2009, 27

Topics: Plan of Salvation

Process to Gain a Testimony

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“You gain a vibrant, life-changing testimony today the same way it has always been done. The process hasn’t been changed. It comes through desire, study, prayer, obedience, and service. That is why the teachings of prophets and apostles, past and present, are as relevant to your life today as they ever have been.”

M. Russell Ballard, “Learning the Lessons of the Past,” Ensign, May 2009, 34

Topics: Obedience, Testimony, Faith

True Destination

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Early European converts [sailing to America] . . . had overcome many stumbling blocks. They had a testimony that revelation comes from heaven and that prophets and apostles are again on the earth. They had faith in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. “They had come to understand the sublime destination that was in store for them. They were not fearful of the arduous journey they were undertaking, and their ultimate destination was not really the Salt Lake Valley. Their true destination was paradise followed by exaltation in the celestial kingdom.”

Quentin L. Cook, “Our Father’s Plan—Big Enough for All His Children,” Ensign, May 2009, 37

Topics: Revelation, Gospel of Jesus Christ