Youth Gems

Converting Power

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Conversion depends upon our feeling the Spirit. The words of the Book of Mormon invite the Holy Ghost. There is great converting power in the word of God. Alma taught us that the word of God was ‘more powerful . . . than the sword, or anything else’ in changing people’s hearts (Alma 31:5).”

Henry B. Eyring, “Why the Book of Mormon?” New Era, May 2008, 9

Topics: Testimony, Conversion, Book of Mormon

Children of God

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Who are we? We are children of God. Our potential is unlimited. Our inheritance is sacred. May we always honor that heritage—in every thought and deed.”

Russell M. Nelson, “You Are a Child of God,” New Era, July 2008, 6

Topics: Creation, Purpose of Mortality

The Lord’s Example

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:00:00 MST

“As we go about our daily lives, we discover countless opportunities to follow the example of the Savior. When our hearts are in tune with His teachings, we discover the unmistakable nearness of His divine help. It is almost as though we are on the Lord’s errand; and we then discover that, when we are on the Lord’s errand, we are entitled to the Lord’s help.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Three Gates Only You Can Open,” New Era, Aug. 2008, 6

Topics: Serving Others

Justice and Mercy

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:00:00 MST

“Those who repent will be particularly blessed by the Atonement. Without the Atonement, the eternal principle of justice would require punishment (see Alma 42:14). Because of the Atonement, mercy can prevail for those who have repented and allow them to return to the presence of God (see Alma 42:15).”

Quentin L. Cook, “Strengthen Faith as You Seek Knowledge,” New Era, Sept. 2008, 6

Topics: Atonement

Sexual Purity

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Because sexual intimacy is so sacred, the Lord requires self-control and purity before marriage, as well as full fidelity after marriage. In dating, treat your date with respect, and expect your date to show that same respect for you. Tears inevitably follow transgression. Men, take care not to make women weep, for God counts their tears.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Standards of Strength,” New Era, Oct. 2008, 5

Topics: Chastity

The Need to Forgive

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Is there someone in your life who perhaps needs forgiveness? Is there someone in your home, someone in your family, someone in your neighborhood who has done an unjust or an unkind or an unchristian thing? All of us are guilty of such transgressions, so there surely must be someone who yet needs your forgiveness.”

Jeffrey R. Holland, “Amazed at the Love Jesus Offers Me,” New Era, Dec. 2008, 6

Topics: Forgiveness

Spiritual Learning

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“To keep spiritual learning in its proper place, we will have to make some hard choices of how we use our time. But there should never be a conscious choice to let the spiritual become secondary. Never. That will lead to tragedy. Remember, you are interested in education, not just for mortal life but for eternal life. When you see that reality clearly, you will put spiritual learning first and yet not slight the secular learning. In fact, you will work harder at your secular learning than you would without that spiritual vision.”

Henry B. Eyring, “Real-Life Education,” New Era, Apr. 2009, 5

Topics: Education

Resurrection of the Dead

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“It matters tremendously what we do in relation to those who have gone before, because they live today as spirits and shall live again as immortal souls, and that because of Jesus Christ. We believe His words when He said, ‘I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live’ (John 11:25).”

D. Todd Christofferson, “Why Do We Baptize for the Dead?” New Era, Mar 2009, 4

Topics: Temple Work

The Power of God

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“To honor our priesthood, and to magnify our callings in both the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods, is to receive the power of God in our lives.”

M. Russell Ballard, “The Priesthood: A Lifetime of Service,” New Era, May 2009, 2

Topics: Priesthood Blessings

A Testament of Jesus Christ

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“The Book of Mormon has been at the center of missionary work since the gospel was restored through the Prophet Joseph. We use it every day in missionary work. One fact about the Book of Mormon being the key to power in each part of missionary work is this: the Book of Mormon is a testament of Jesus Christ. The title page tells us that. It says that the purpose of the book is to show what great things the Lord has done for His people, to help them know that the covenants the Lord has made with His people are still in force, and to convince all people that Jesus is the Christ.”

Henry B. Eyring, “Why the Book of Mormon?” New Era, May 2008, 6–8

Topics: Book of Mormon, Testimony

The Spirit

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Development of the spirit is of eternal consequence. The attributes by which we shall be judged one day are those of the spirit. These include the virtues of integrity, compassion, love, and more. Your spirit, by being housed in your body, is able to develop and express these attributes in ways that are vital to your eternal progression.“Spirit and body, when joined together, become a living soul of supernal worth. Indeed, we are children of God—physically and spiritually.”

Russell M. Nelson, “You Are a Child of God,” New Era, July 2008, 4

Topics: Purpose of Mortality, Creation

Preparation

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“In academic preparation, I have found it a good practice to read a text with the idea that I will be asked to explain that which the author wrote and its application to the subject it covered. Also, I have tried to be attentive in any lecture in the classroom and to pretend that I would be called upon to present the same lecture to others. While this practice is very hard work, it certainly helps during test week!”

Thomas S. Monson, “Three Gates Only You Can Open,” New Era, Aug. 2008, 5

Topics: Education, Work

Faith and Knowledge

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Faith and knowledge require equal effort and commitment. We cannot expect to have faith at the center of our lives if all of our efforts are expended on knowledge, sports, hobbies, making money, or other pursuits.”

Quentin L. Cook, “Strengthen Faith as You Seek Knowledge,” New Era, Sept. 2008, 2

Topics: Faith

Standards of Strength

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Precious young people, make every decision you contemplate pass this test: What does it do to me? What does it do for me? And let your code of conduct emphasize not ‘What will others think?’ but rather ‘What will I think of myself?’ Be influenced by that still, small voice. Remember that one with authority placed his hands on your head at the time of your confirmation and said, ‘Receive the Holy Ghost.’ Open your hearts, even your very souls, to the sound of that special voice that testifies of truth.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Standards of Strength,” New Era, Oct. 2008, 2

Topics: Holy Ghost, Righteousness

He Is Forgiving

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Jesus Christ was the purest and only perfect person who ever lived. He is the one person in all the world from Adam to this present hour who deserved adoration and respect and admiration and love, and yet He was persecuted, abandoned, and put to death. Through it all, He would not condemn those who persecuted Him.”

Jeffrey R. Holland, “Amazed at the Love Jesus Offers Me,” New Era, Dec. 2008, 4

Topics: Forgiveness

Education

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“The thirst for education can be a blessing or a curse, depending on our motives. If we continue to seek learning to serve God and His children better, it is a blessing of great worth. If we seek learning to exalt ourselves alone, it leads to selfishness and pride.”

Henry B. Eyring, “Real-Life Education,” New Era, Apr. 2009, 4

Topics: Education

Lives of Virtue

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“All over the world young women are living lives of virtue and purity. It shows in your eyes and radiates in the light that shines forth from your countenance. Never has there been a time in the history of the world when virtue is more needed. “The blessings and promises of being virtuous will help you be free and happy and worthy to enter the Lord’s holy temples.”

Elaine S. Dalton, “Cherish Virtue,” New Era, Mar. 2009, 17

Topics: Virtue

Cherish Virtue

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Virtue is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards. It encompasses chastity and moral purity. Virtue includes modesty—in thought, language, dress, and demeanor. Virtue provides an anchor on the path leading to our Heavenly Father’s presence. The paths of virtue lead to happiness in this life and in the life to come. The paths of virtue lead to strong families. The paths of virtue contain the foundation stones for the blessings of eternity. They lead to the temple.”

Elaine S. Dalton, “Cherish Virtue,” New Era, Mar. 2009, 16

Topics: Virtue

Baptism for the Dead

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“The doctrine that the living can provide baptism and other essential ordinances to the dead vicariously was revealed anew to the Prophet Joseph Smith (see D&C 124; 128; 132). He learned that the spirits awaiting resurrection are offered not only individual salvation but they can be bound in heaven as husband and wife and be sealed to their fathers and mothers of all generations past and have sealed to them their children of all generations future. The Lord instructed the Prophet that these sacred rites are appropriately performed only in a house built to His name, a temple (see D&C 124:29–36).”

D. Todd Christofferson, “Why Do We Baptize for the Dead?” New Era, Mar. 2009, 2

Topics: Temple Work

Priesthood Service

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Although we speak of the Melchizedek Priesthood as the greater priesthood, we must not misunderstand the importance of the Aaronic Priesthood. The service given by a faithful bearer of the Aaronic Priesthood is just as important in the eyes of the Lord as the service given by one holding the Melchizedek Priesthood.”

M. Russell Ballard, "The Priesthood: A Lifetime of Service,” New Era, May 2009, 2

Topics: Serving Others

Respect for Others’ Beliefs

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Our leaders have consistently counseled us ‘to live with respect and appreciation for those not of our faith. There is so great a need for civility and mutual respect among those of differing beliefs and philosophies’ (Gordon B. Hinckley, “This Is the Work of the Master,” Ensign, May 1995, 71). “It is equally important that we be loving and kind to members of our own faith, regardless of their level of commitment or activity.”

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

Topics: Fellowship, Citizenship

Discipleship

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 MST

“It is not enough merely to speak of Jesus Christ or proclaim that we are His disciples. It is not enough to surround ourselves with symbols of our religion. Discipleship is not a spectator sport. We cannot expect to experience the blessings of faith by standing inactive on the sidelines any more than we can experience the benefits of health by sitting on a sofa watching sporting events on television and giving advice to the athletes. . . .“Ours is not a secondhand religion. We cannot receive the blessings of the gospel merely by observing the good that others do.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Way of the Disciple,” Ensign, May 2009, 76–77

Topics: Discipleship

Prayer and Fasting

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Prayer can . . . be enhanced by fasting. The Lord said, ‘I give unto you a commandment that ye shall continue in prayer and fasting from this time forth’ (D&C 88:76).”

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

Topics: Fasting, Prayer

Faith

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:00:00 MST

“You might ask yourself this question: ‘Is my own net faith positive or negative?’ 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: Faith

Strengthened by Gifts and Blessings

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

“As we walk in obedience to the principles and commandments of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we enjoy a continual flow of blessings promised by God in His covenant with us. Those blessings provide the resources we need to act rather than simply be acted upon as we go through life.”

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

Topics: Holy Ghost, Obedience

Obtaining Inspiration

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Joseph Smith told us to watch for answers by paying attention to the thoughts and feelings that come into our minds. Over time we will learn to recognize these as promptings. . . .“Developing this capacity helps us gain testimonies and becomes the means for obtaining additional inspiration in the future.”

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

Topics: Testimony

Receiving Inspiration

Wed, 15 Jul 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. 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 need to learn how to recognize and apply these promptings.”

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

Topics: Spirituality

Respect and Reverence

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Reverence includes turning off our cell phones and BlackBerry devices. Texting or reading e-mails in a Church meeting is not only irreverent; it is distracting and signals a lack of respect for those around us. So we exemplify reverence by participating in the meeting, listening to the speakers, and singing the hymns of Zion together.”

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

Topics: Reverence

Overcoming Challenges

Wed, 01 Jul 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).”

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

Topics: Temptation, Self-Reliance

Atonement

Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00:00 MST

"Jesus Christ entered a garden called Gethsemane, where He overcame sin for us. He took upon Himself our sins. He suffered the penalty of our wrongs. He paid the price of our education. I don't know how He did what He did. I only know that He did and that because He did, you and I may be forgiven of our sins that we may be endowed with His power. Everything depends on that. What then shall we do? We will 'take upon [us] the name of [the] Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given [us]; that [we] may always have his Spirit to be with [us]' (D&C 20:77). Everything depends on that."

Lawrence E. Corbridge, "The Way," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 35

Topics: Atonement, Jesus Christ

Modesty

Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 MST

"Many of you are trying too hard to be unique in your dress and grooming to attract what the Lord would consider the wrong kind of attention. In the Book of Mormon story of the tree of life, it was the people whose 'manner of dress was exceedingly fine' who mocked those who partook of the fruit of the tree. It is sobering to realize that the fashion-conscious mockers in the great and spacious building were responsible for embarrassing many, and those who were ashamed 'fell away into forbidden paths and were lost' (1 Nephi 8:27–28)."

L. Tom Perry, "Let Him Do It with Simplicity," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 9

Topics:

Sacrament

Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 MST

"Young men who officiate in the ordinance of the sacrament should be worthy. The Lord has said: 'Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord' (D&C 38:42). The scriptural warning about partaking of the sacrament unworthily (see 1 Corinthians 11:29; 3 Nephi 18:29) surely applies also to those who officiate in that ordinance. In administering discipline to Church members who have committed serious sins, a bishop can temporarily withdraw the privilege of partaking of the sacrament. That same authority is surely available to withdraw the privilege of officiating in that sacred ordinance."

Dallin H. Oaks, "Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 20

Topics: Sacrament, Worthiness

Opposition

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 MST

"The Lord's way is not hard. Life is hard, not the gospel. 'There is an opposition in all things' (2 Nephi 2:11), everywhere, for everyone. Life is hard for all of us, but life is also simple. We have only two choices (see Moroni 7:15–17). We can either follow the Lord and be endowed with His power and have peace, light, strength, knowledge, confidence, love, and joy, or we can go some other way, any other way, whatever other way, and go it alone—without His support, without His power, without guidance, in darkness, turmoil, doubt, grief, and despair. And I ask, which way is easier?"

Lawrence E. Corbridge, "The Way," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 36

Topics: Adversity

Unity

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 MST

"At the end of July this year, young single adults from several countries in eastern Europe gathered outside Budapest, Hungary, for a conference. Among this group were 20 young men and women from Moldova who had spent days obtaining passports and visas and over 30 hours traveling by bus to get there. The conference program included some 15 workshops. Each person needed to select the two or three that he or she most wanted to attend. Rather than focus exclusively on their own interests, these Moldovan young adults got together and made plans so that at least one of their group would be in each class and take copious notes. Then they would share what they had learned with each other and later with the young adults in Moldova who could not attend. In its simplest form, this exemplifies the unity and love for one another that, multiplied thousands of times in different ways, will 'bring again Zion' (Isaiah 52:8)."

D. Todd Christofferson, "Come to Zion," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 38

Topics: Unity

Hope

Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 MST

"The things we hope for lead us to faith, while the things we hope in lead us to charity. The three qualities—faith, hope, and charity (see Moroni 10:20)—working together, grounded on the truth and light of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, lead us to abound in good works (see Alma 7:24)."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Infinite Power of Hope," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 24

Topics: Faith, Charity, Hope

Temple Work

Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 MST

"The temple is a house of learning. Much of the instruction imparted in the temple is symbolic and learned by the Spirit. This means we are taught from on high. Temple covenants and ordinances are a powerful symbol of Christ and His Atonement. We all receive the same instruction, but our understanding of the meaning of the ordinances and covenants will increase as we return to the temple often with the attitude of learning and contemplating the eternal truths taught."

Silvia H. Allred, "Holy Temples, Sacred Covenants," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 113

Topics: Temple Work

Revelation

Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 MST

"We can do the work of the Lord in His way when we seek, receive, and act on personal revelation. Without personal revelation, we cannot succeed. If we heed personal revelation, we cannot fail. . . . Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught us that receiving revelation for our calling and in our personal lives 'requires serious mental effort on our part. . . . Revelation is not a matter of pushing buttons, but of pushing ourselves, often aided by fasting, scripture study, and personal pondering." 'Most of all, revelation requires us to have a sufficient degree of personal righteousness, so that on occasion revelation may come to the righteous, unsolicited' (Neal A. Maxwell, "Revelation," First Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan. 11, 2003, 5)."

Julie B. Beck, "Fulfilling the Purpose of Relief Society," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 111

Topics: Revelation

Testimony

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 MST

"Great events are not a guarantee that our testimony will be strong. Laman and Lemuel are good examples of this. They were visited by angels and even then, almost in the very next minute, they were questioning the will of the Lord. Some great leaders of these latter days can also teach us about this principle. They were taught from on high during the early days of the Restoration and still were not strong enough to endure to the end. These experiences show us that to receive the witness of the 'still small voice' sometimes can have a stronger impact on our testimonies than the visit of an angel."

Carlos A. Godoy, "Testimony as a Process," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 101

Topics: Testimony

Joy

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 MST

"This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now."

Thomas S. Monson, "Finding Joy in the Journey," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 85

Topics: Joy

Mission of the Church

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 MST

"This is God's work, and God's work will not be frustrated. But there is still much to be done before the Great Jehovah can announce that the work is done. While we praise and honor those faithful Saints who have brought us to this point of public prominence, we cannot afford . . . to be comfortable or content."We are all needed to finish the work that was begun by those pioneering Saints over 175 years ago and carried out through the subsequent decades by faithful Saints of every generation. We need to believe as they believed. We need to work as they worked. We need to serve as they served. And we need to overcome as they overcame."

M. Russell Ballard, "The Truth of God Shall Go Forth," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 83

Topics: Proclaim the Gospel

Virtue

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 MST

"Virtue is a prerequisite to entering the Lord's holy temples and to receiving the Spirit's guidance. Virtue 'is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards' (Preach My Gospel [2004], 118). It encompasses chastity and moral purity. Virtue begins in the heart and in the mind. It is nurtured in the home. It is the accumulation of thousands of small decisions and actions. Virtue is a word we don't hear often in today's society, but the Latin root word virtus means strength. Virtuous women and men possess a quiet dignity and inner strength. They are confident because they are worthy to receive and be guided by the Holy Ghost."

Elaine S. Dalton, "A Return to Virtue," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 79

Topics: Virtue

Courage

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:00:00 MST

"Some people mistakenly think responses such as silence, meekness, forgiveness, and bearing humble testimony are passive or weak. But to 'love [our] enemies, bless them that curse [us], do good to them that hate [us], and pray for them which despitefully use [us], and persecute [us]' (Matthew 5:44) takes faith, strength, and, most of all, Christian courage. . . ."When we do not retaliate—when we turn the other cheek and resist feelings of anger—we too stand with the Savior. We show forth His love, which is the only power that can subdue the adversary and answer our accusers without accusing them in return. That is not weakness. That is Christian courage."

Robert D. Hales, "Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 72

Topics: Love, Courage

Serving Others

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 MST

"Increased spiritual strength is a gift from God which He can give when we push in His service to our limits. Through the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our natures can be changed. Then our power to carry burdens can be increased more than enough to compensate for the increased service we will be asked to give."That helps me understand when I see someone else who makes priesthood service look easy. I know that they have either passed hard tests or that the tests lie ahead. So rather than envying them, I stand ready to help when the going gets harder for them, because it surely will."

Henry B. Eyring, "O Ye That Embark," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 57

Topics: Spirituality, Serving Others

Serving Others

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:00:00 MST

"When we seek to serve others, we are motivated not by selfishness but by charity. This is the way Jesus Christ lived His life and the way a holder of the priesthood must live his. The Savior did not care for the honors of men; Satan offered Him all the kingdoms and glory of the world, and Jesus rejected the offer immediately and completely (see Matthew 4:8–10). Throughout His life, the Savior must have often felt tired and pressed upon, with scarcely a moment to Himself; yet He always made time for the sick, the sorrowful, and the overlooked."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Lift Where You Stand," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 54

Topics: Charity, Jesus Christ, Serving Others

Reserved for the Last Days

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:00:00 MST

"Reserved to come forth in these last days and labor for our Father and His Son are some of the most valiant and noble of our Father's sons and daughters. Their valiance and nobility were demonstrated in the pre-earth struggle with Satan. . . .". . . You are those who chose good over evil and who exhibited 'exceedingly great faith' and 'good works.' And because of your personal history, you were entrusted to come to the earth in these last days to do again what you did before—to once again choose good over evil, exercise exceedingly great faith, and perform good works—and to do so in behalf of the kingdom of God on the earth and your fellowman!"

James J. Hamula, "Winning the War against Evil," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 50–51

Topics: Premortal Existence, Faith

Sacrament

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 01:00:00 MST

"Young men, before going to church, will you please pause before a mirror one more time and ask yourself if every aspect of your appearance is in order? Better still, invite someone you love, such as a parent, to look at you one more time, and if something is amiss, don't resent their counsel."True servants of Jesus Christ are properly groomed and dressed, reflecting always His standards and not the worldly drift of casualness. Having every detail carefully attended to ensures that the Spirit of the Lord will be present. The dress or appearance of those administering the sacrament should not be a distraction for those who are earnestly seeking the blessings of the infinite Atonement."

Jay E. Jensen, "Arms of Safety," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 49

Topics: Sacrament,

Priesthood Keys

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:00:00 MST

"The priesthood is the authority to act in the name of God. That authority is essential to the fulfillment of His work on earth. The priesthood we hold is a delegated portion of the eternal authority of God. As we are true and faithful, our ordination to the priesthood will be eternal."However, the conferring of authority alone does not of itself bestow the power of the office. The extent to which we can exercise the power of the priesthood depends upon personal worthiness, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and obedience to His commandments. When supported by a secure foundation of gospel knowledge, our capacity to worthily use the priesthood is greatly enhanced."

Richard G. Scott, "Honor the Priesthood and Use It Well," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 44

Topics: Melchizedek Priesthood

Prayer

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 01:00:00 MST

"Simply stated, prayer is communication to Heavenly Father from His sons and daughters on earth. 'As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are his children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part' (Bible Dictionary, "Prayer," 752). We are commanded to pray always to the Father in the name of the Son (see 3 Nephi 18:19–20). We are promised that if we pray sincerely for that which is right and good and in accordance with God's will, we can be blessed, protected, and directed (see 3 Nephi 18:20; D&C 19:38)."

David A. Bednar, "Pray Always," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 41

Topics: Prayer

Zion

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 01:00:00 MST

"Zion is both a place and a people. Zion was the name given to the ancient city of Enoch in the days before the Flood. 'And it came to pass in his days, that he built a city that was called the City of Holiness, even Zion' (Moses 7:19). This Zion endured for some 365 years (see Moses 7:68). The scriptural record states, 'And Enoch and all his people walked with God, and he dwelt in the midst of Zion; and it came to pass that Zion was not, for God received it up into his own bosom; and from thence went forth the saying, Zion is fled' (Moses 7:69). . . ."The Lord called Enoch's people Zion 'because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them' (Moses 7:18). Elsewhere He said, 'For this is Zion—the pure in heart' (D&C 97:21)."

D. Todd Christofferson, "Come to Zion," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 37

Topics: Unity, Zion

Gift of the Holy Ghost

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 01:00:00 MST

"Nothing in this life is of greater worth than the supernal gift of the Holy Ghost. It is the source of joy, peace, knowledge, strength, love, and every other good thing. With the Atonement, it is the power by which we may be changed and made strong where we are weak. With the priesthood, it is the power by which marriages and families are sealed together eternally (see D&C 132:7, 19). It is the power by which the Lord makes Himself manifest unto those who believe in Him (see 2 Nephi 26:13). Every good thing depends on getting and keeping the power of the Holy Ghost in our lives. Everything depends on that."

Lawrence E. Corbridge, "The Way," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 35

Topics: Holy Ghost

Sacrament

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:00:00 MST

"During sacrament meeting—and especially during the sacrament service—we should concentrate on worship and refrain from all other activities, especially from behavior that could interfere with the worship of others. Even a person who slips into quiet slumber does not interfere with others. Sacrament meeting is not a time for reading books or magazines. Young people, it is not a time for whispered conversations on cell phones or for texting persons at other locations. When we partake of the sacrament, we make a sacred covenant that we will always remember the Savior. How sad to see persons obviously violating that covenant in the very meeting where they are making it."

Dallin H. Oaks, "Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 18–19

Topics: Reverence, Sacrament, Covenants