Young Single Adult Gems

There Is Room for All

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“The degree of difficulty and the pattern necessary to forgo behavior and to control thoughts will be different with different individuals, but the message of hope and the hand of fellowship offered by the Church is the same for all who strive.”

Dallin H. Oaks, “Same-Gender Attraction,” Ensign, Oct. 1995, 13

Topics: Faith

Appreciate Revealed Truths

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“We need to embrace, study, and appreciate the revealed truths that are ours. We need to declare the gospel generously and kindly to all of our Father's children.”

M. Russell Ballard, “Marvelous Are the Revelations of the Lord,” Ensign, May 1998, 33

Topics: Revelation

Help Others

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:00:00 MST

“Help others in their race of life. Remember that when you help another up a mountain, you are a little nearer the top yourself.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Great Expectations,” CES fireside for young adults, Jan. 11, 2009

Topics: Service

Love Others and Yourself

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:00:00 MST

“The commandment given by the Savior was to love others and yourself. Am I secure enough in my love of myself to laugh at myself, to admit mistakes, to graciously accept a compliment? Am I secure in my love of others to smile and say hello to a perfect stranger?”

James E. Faust, “The Value of Self-Esteem,” CES fireside for young adults, May 6, 2007

Topics: Love, Charity

Don’t Be Afraid

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:00:00 MST

“Don’t be afraid to walk out of a movie, turn off a television set, or change the radio station if what’s being presented does not meet your Heavenly Father’s standards. In short, if you have any question about whether a particular movie, book, or other form of entertainment is appropriate, don’t see it, don’t read it, don’t participate.”

Thomas S. Monson, "Great Expectations,” CES fireside for young adults, Jan. 11, 2009

Topics: Righteousness

Humility

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“The second key to an adequate self-esteem is humility. I do not mean the breast-beating, sackcloth-and-ashes kind of humility. I mean the humility that comes with inner strength and peace. It is the humility that allows us to accept and live with our own warts, without cosmetics to hide them.”

James E. Faust, “The Value of Self-Esteem,” CES fireside for young adults, May 6, 2007

Topics: Humility,

Faith Fulfills

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Remember that doubt and faith cannot exist in the mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other. Whereas doubt destroys, faith fulfills. An attitude of faith brings one closer to God and to His purposes.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Great Expectations,” CES fireside for young adults, Jan. 11, 2009

Topics: Faith

The Unsung Hero

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“In my long life I have observed that the greatest respect is owed not necessarily to the rich or the famous but to the quiet, unsung, unknown heroes whose true identity, like the Unknown Soldier, is known only to God. The unsung often have little of status, but much of worth.”

James E. Faust, “The Value of Self-Esteem,” CES fireside for young adults, May 6, 2007

Topics:

Others Have Passed the Same Way

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Whenever we are inclined to feel burdened down with the blows of life, let us remember that others have passed the same way, have endured, and then have overcome.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Look to God and Live,” Ensign, May 1998, 52

Topics: Adversity, Faith

Formula for Choices

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“May I provide a simple formula by which you can measure the choices which confront you. It’s easy to remember, sometimes difficult to apply: You can’t be right by doing wrong; you can’t be wrong by doing right. Your personal conscience always warns you as a friend before it punishes you as a judge.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Decisions Determine Destiny,” CES fireside for young adults, Nov. 6, 2005

Topics:

Obedience

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Obedience opens the door to the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. And the spiritual gifts and abilities activated by the power of the Holy Ghost enable us to avoid deception—and to see, to feel, to know, to understand, and to remember things as they really are.”

David A. Bednar, “Things as They Really Are,” CES fireside for young adults, May 3, 2009

Topics: Obedience, Holy Ghost

The Pathway Leading to Truth Is Clear

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“To those who humbly seek, there is no need to stumble or falter along the pathway leading to truth. It is well marked by our Heavenly Father. We must first have a desire to know for ourselves. We must study. We must pray. We must do the will of the Father. And then we will know the truth, and the truth will make us free.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Great Expectations,” CES fireside for young adults, Jan. 11, 2009

Topics: Truth, Prayer

The Importance of Self-Esteem

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Self-esteem goes to the very heart of our personal growth and accomplishment. It is the glue that holds together our self-reliance, our self-control, our self-approval or disapproval and keeps all self-defense mechanisms secure. It is a protection against excessive self-deception, self-distrust, self-reproach, and plain old-fashioned selfishness.”

James E. Faust, “The Value of Self-Esteem,” CES fireside for young adults, May 6, 2007

Topics:

Testimony

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“This thing which we call testimony is the great strength of the Church. It is the wellspring of faith and activity. It is difficult to explain. It is difficult to quantify . . . , yet it is as real and powerful as any force on the earth.”

Gordon B. Hinckley, “Testimony,” Ensign, May 1998, 69

Topics: Testimony

Excellence Requires Effort

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“In your pursuit of excellence, real effort is required. Remember, ‘he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully’ (2 Corinthians 9:6).”

Thomas S. Monson, “Great Expectations,” CES fireside for young adults, Jan. 11, 2009

Topics: Faith

Ordinary People

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“In my experience, there are very few people who are of true genius. While there are those who are gifted, most of the world’s work and some of the greatest contributions come from ordinary people with a talent which they have developed. An ordinary, garden-variety talent can be nurtured and nourished into a great gift through hard work.”

James E. Faust, “The Value of Self-Esteem,” CES fireside for young adults, May 6, 2007

Topics:

Be One Hundred Percent

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

*!*“So what does it mean to obey the commandments, to keep our covenants, and to serve the Lord with ‘the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime’? It means to be a 100 percent Latter-day Saint, 100 percent of the time. In scriptural terms, it means to follow the direction King Benjamin gave to his people: ‘I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his’ (Mosiah 5:15).”*!* *!*

Dallin H. Oaks, “The Dedication of a Lifetime,” CES fireside for young adults, May 1, 2005

Topics: Obedience

Avoid Pornography

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Avoid any semblance of pornography. It is dangerous and addictive. If you continue to view pornography, your spirit will become desensitized and your conscience will erode.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Great Expectations,” CES fireside for young adults, Jan. 11, 2009

Topics: Righteousness

The Lord Knows Us

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“The Lord knows who we really are, what we really think, what we really do, and who we really are becoming.”

David A. Bednar, “Things as They Really Are,” CES fireside for young adults, May 3, 2009

Topics: Children of God

The Importance of Our Physical Bodies

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“All of us can find enjoyment in a wide range of wholesome, entertaining, and engaging activities. But we diminish the importance of our bodies and jeopardize our physical well-being by going to unusual and dangerous extremes searching for an ever greater and more exhilarating adrenaline ‘rush.’ We may rationalize that surely nothing is wrong with such seemingly innocent exploits and adventures. However, putting at risk the very instrument God has given us to receive the learning experiences of mortality—merely to pursue a thrill or some supposed fun, to bolster ego, or to gain acceptance—truly minimizes the importance of our physical bodies.”

David A. Bednar, “Things as They Really Are,” CES fireside for young adults, May 3, 2009

Topics: Obedience

The Sea of Life

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Life is a sea upon which the proud are humbled, the shirker is exposed, and the leader is revealed.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Great Expectations,” CES fireside for young adults, Jan. 11, 2009

Topics: Humility, Leadership

The Spirit Can Guide

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“In every language, the Spirit of God—the Holy Ghost—guides, or can guide, every member of the Church.”

Boyd K. Packer, "The Cloven Tongues of Fire,” Ensign, May 2000, 7

Topics: Holy Ghost

Let Us Be True Disciples

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Let us be true disciples of the Christ, observing the Golden Rule, doing unto others as we would have them do unto us.”

Gordon B. Hinckley, “We Bear Witness of Him,” Ensign, May 1998, 5

Topics:

Decisions Determine Destiny

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“I can’t stress too strongly that decisions determine destiny. You can’t make eternal decisions without eternal consequences.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Decisions Determine Destiny,” CES fireside for young adults, Nov. 6, 2005

Topics:

Live It Well

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Take advantage of this great opportunity in your life to live it well, to be good, to have good works, and to influence other people for good.”

David B. Haight, “Live the Commandments,” Ensign, May 1998, 8

Topics: Commandments

A Denial of Our Identity

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“When any of Heavenly Father’s children misuse their physical tabernacles by violating the law of chastity, by using drugs and addictive substances, by disfiguring or defacing themselves, or by worshipping the false idol of body image, whether their own or that of others, Satan is delighted. To those of us who know and understand the plan of salvation, any defiling of the body is rebellion (see Mosiah 2:36–37; D&C 64:34–35) and a denial of our true identity as sons and daughters of God.”

David A. Bednar, "Things as They Really Are,” CES fireside for young adults, May 3, 2009

Topics: Plan of Salvation

Preparation Is a Vital Factor

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“When we contemplate the eternal nature of our choices, preparation is a vital factor in our lives. The day will come when we will look upon our period of preparation and be grateful that we properly applied ourselves.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Great Expectations,” CES fireside for young adults, Jan. 11, 2009

Topics:

To Those Who Are Unemployed

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 MST

To Those Who Are Unemployed—Speak Up“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: Melchizedek Priesthood

Ours Is Not a Secondhand Religion

Fri, 28 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. And yet for some, ‘spectator discipleship’ is a preferred if not a primary way of worshipping.“Ours is not a secondhand religion. We cannot receive the blessings of the gospel merely by observing the good that others do. We need to get off the sidelines and practice what we preach.”

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

Topics: Gospel of Jesus Christ

Return to the Temple

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Within the sound of my voice are individuals who have received the ordinances of the temple and for various reasons have not returned to the house of the Lord in quite some time. Please repent, prepare, and do whatever needs to be done so you can again worship in the temple and more fully remember and honor your sacred covenants.”

David A. Bednar, “Honorably Hold a Name and Standing,” Ensign, May 2009, 100

Topics: Temple

Fear Not, Be of Good Cheer

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 MST

“My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Be of Good Cheer,” Ensign, May 2009, 92

Topics: Joy

The Light of the Gospel

Fri, 21 Aug 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. . . . “The gospel is centered on the Atonement of our Lord and Savior. The Atonement provides the power to wash away sins, to heal, and to grant eternal life. All the imponderable blessings of the Atonement can be given only to those who live the principles and receive the ordinances of the gospel—faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. Our great missionary message to the world is that all mankind is invited to be rescued and to enter the fold of the Good Shepherd, even Jesus Christ.”

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

Topics: Proclaim the Gospel

The Gift of Choice

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 MST

“One gift that will help us navigate our lives is the gift He has given to all, the ability and power to choose.“Our choices have the undeniable power of transforming our lives. This gift is an extraordinary sign of trust in us and simultaneously a cherished personal responsibility to use wisely. Our Father in Heaven respects our freedom to choose and will never force us to do what is right, nor will He impede us from making mediocre choices. His invitation, however, concerning this important and vital gift is clearly expressed in the scriptures: ‘But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.’ ”

Jose A. Teixeira, “Gifts to Help Us Navigate Our Life,” Ensign, May 2009, 104

Topics: Agency

Within the Sound of My Voice

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Within the sound of my voice are many young women, young men, and children. I plead with you to be worthy, to be steadfast, and to look forward with great anticipation to the day you will receive the ordinances and blessings of the temple.”

David A. Bednar, “Honorably Hold a Name and Standing,” Ensign, May 2009, 100

Topics: Temple

We Shouldn’t Get Something for Nothing

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 MST

“The worldly aspiration of our day is to get something for nothing. The ancient evil of greed shows its face in the assertion of entitlement: I am entitled to this or that because of who I am—a son or a daughter, a citizen, a victim, or a member of some other group. Entitlement is generally selfish. It demands much, and it gives little or nothing. Its very concept causes us to seek to elevate ourselves above those around us. This separates us from the divine, evenhanded standard of reward that when anyone obtains any blessing from God, it is by obedience to the law on which that blessing is predicated (see D&C 130:21).”

Dallin H. Oaks, “Unselfish Service,” Ensign, May 2009, 95

Topics:

Be of Good Cheer

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:00:00 MST

“None of us makes it through this life without problems and challenges—and sometimes tragedies and misfortunes. After all, in large part we are here to learn and grow from such events in our lives. We know that there are times when we will suffer, when we will grieve, and when we will be saddened. However, we are told, ‘Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.’ 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

We Will Never Walk Alone

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Brothers and sisters, one of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said, ‘I will not leave you comfortless. [My Father and] I will come to you [and abide with you].’ ”

Jeffrey R. Holland, “None Were with Him,” Ensign, May 2009, 88

Topics: Atonement

We Must Exercise Faith during Life’s Challenges

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:00:00 MST

“As we daily confront a world full of negativity, doubt, fear, and even dread can creep into our hearts. President Thomas S. Monson has counseled us that ‘faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other’ (“Come unto Him in Prayer and Faith,” Liahona and Ensign, Mar. 2009, 6). 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, 81–82

Topics: Faith, Hope

A Marvelous Work and a Wonder

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:00:00 MST

“We live in these days of the Lord’s ‘marvelous work and a wonder’ (Isaiah 29:14; see 2 Nephi 25:17). We have been blessed to bring the gospel to our families and our posterity and to assist in preparing for the Second Coming of the Savior. The Lord described the purposes of the Restoration ‘to be a light to the world, . . . to be a standard for [us, His] people, . . . and to be a messenger before [His] face to prepare the way before [Him]’ (D&C 45:9). Our responsibility is not trivial; it is not by chance that we are who we are; the keeping of our covenants in these days of destiny will be a badge of honor throughout all the eternities.”

Neil L. Andersen, “Come unto Him,” Ensign, May 2009, 80

Topics: Second Coming

The Truths of the Gospel

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:00:00 MST

“When we hear the transcendent truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ, hope and faith begin to blossom inside of us. The more we fill our hearts and minds with the message of the risen Christ, the greater our desire is to follow Him and live His teachings. This, in turn, causes our faith to grow and allows the light of Christ to illuminate our hearts. As it does, we recognize the imperfections in our lives, and we desire to be cleansed of the depressing burdens of sin. We yearn for freedom from guilt, and this inspires us to repent.”

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

Topics: Gospel of Jesus Christ

Three Suggestions for Safety

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Although our journey through mortality will at times place us in harm’s way, may I offer you tonight three suggestions which, when observed and followed, will lead us to safety. They are:1. Study diligently.2. Pray fervently.3. Live righteously.“These suggestions are not new; they have been taught and repeated again and again. If we incorporate them into our lives, however, we will have the strength to withstand the adversary. Should we ignore them, we will be opening the door for Satan to have influence and power over us.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Be Your Best Self,” Ensign, May 2009, 67–68

Topics: Prayer

You Are Enlisted in the Lord’s Army

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

“You will need bravery and you will need boldness because you are enlisted in the Lord’s army in the last dispensation. This is not a time of peace. That has been so since Satan arrayed his forces against our Heavenly Father’s plan in the pre-mortal existence. We don’t know the details of the combat then. But we know one result. Satan and his followers were cast down into the earth. And since the creation of Adam and Eve, the conflict has continued. We have seen it intensify. And the scriptures suggest that the war will become more violent and the spiritual casualties on the Lord’s side will mount.”

Henry B. Eyring, “Man Down!” Ensign, May 2009, 63

Topics: Obedience

Our Savior’s Invitation

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Our Savior extended this invitation to each and every one of us individually:“ ‘Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. “ ‘For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ “When we do His work and His will, rather than our own will, we will realize that the yoke is easy and the burden is light. He will be with us always. He will reveal to us the exact portion that we need for success with our families, our career, and every responsibility that we have in His Church. He will help us to grow individually and as brethren in the priesthood.”

Claudio R. M. Costa, “Priesthood Responsibilities,” Ensign, May 2009, 58

Topics: Jesus Christ

We Show Love through Our Actions

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

“When we truly love our Heavenly Father and His children, we demonstrate that love through our actions. We forgive one another and seek to do good, for ‘our old [self] is crucified with [Christ].’ We ‘visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction,’ and we keep ourselves ‘unspotted from the vices of the world.’ ”

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

Topics: Forgiveness

No Organization Better Able to Respond

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Elder Robert D. Hales has recently observed: ‘The economic clouds that have long threatened the world are now fully upon us. The impact of this economic storm on our Heavenly Father’s children requires a gospel vision of welfare today more than ever before.’ The unemployment and financial wakes of this storm are splashing over every stake and every ward throughout the Church. I suspect they have been felt in some way by each of us, whether personally—through members of our families or extended families—or through someone we know.“Brethren, there is no organization better able to respond to the challenges of humanity than the priesthood of the Most High God. We have the organization. Stake presidents, bishops, elders’ quorum presidents, and high priests group leaders—we now call upon you to mobilize our priesthood quorums in response to the employment and financial challenges facing our members. Consider this your personal phone call. Now is the time to rally around, lift up, and help the families in our quorums who may be in distress.”

Richard C. Edgley, "This Is Your Phone Call,” Ensign, May 2009, 53

Topics: Melchizedek Priesthood

You Are Not to Be Fearful

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Everywhere present is the influence of Lucifer and his legion of angels. They tempt you to do those things and say those things and think those things that would destroy. Resist every impulse that will trouble your spirit. “You are not to be fearful. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that ‘all beings who have bodies have power over those who have not.’ And Lehi taught that all ‘men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil.’ Remember, the prayerful power of your spirit will protect you.”

Boyd K. Packer, “Counsel to Young Men,” Ensign, May 2009, 51

Topics: Temptation

The Proper Language of Prayer

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

“While worldly manners of daily dress and speech are becoming more casual, we have been asked to protect the formal, proper language of prayer. In our prayers we use the respectful pronouns Thee, Thou, Thy, and Thine instead of You, Your, and Yours. Doing so helps us to be humble. That can also enhance our prayers. Scripture so declares, ‘Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers.’ ”

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

Topics: Prayer

The Importance of Temple Worship

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Because I love you, I am going to speak to you heart to heart, without mincing words. I have seen that many times individuals have made great sacrifices to go to a distant temple. But when a temple is built close by, within a short time, many do not visit it regularly. I have a suggestion: When a temple is conveniently nearby, small things may interrupt your plans to go to the temple. Set specific goals, considering your circumstances, of when you can and will participate in temple ordinances. Then do not allow anything to interfere with that plan. This pattern will guarantee that those who live in the shadow of a temple will be as blessed as are those who plan far ahead and make a long trip to the temple.”

Richard G. Scott, “Temple Worship: The Source of Strength and Power in Times of Need,” Ensign, May 2009, 43

Topics: Temple Work

The Wise Man Built His House upon the Rock

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

“The Savior said:“ ‘Therefore, whoso heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, who built his house upon a rock—“ ‘And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock.“ ‘And every one that heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them not shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand—“ ‘And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell, and great was the fall of it" (3 Nephi 14: 24–27).“It is interesting to notice that the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew against both houses! Living the gospel does not mean that we will everlastingly escape adversity. Rather, it means that we will be prepared to face and endure adversity more confidently.”

Rafael E. Pino, “Faith in Adversity,” Ensign, May 2009, 42

Topics: Faith

What It Means to Have Faith

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

“ ‘To have faith is to have confidence in something or someone’ (Bible Dictionary, “Faith,” 669). True faith must be centered in Jesus Christ. ‘Faith is a principle of action and of power’ (Bible Dictionary, 670). It requires us to do, not merely to believe. Faith is a spiritual gift from God that comes through the Holy Ghost. It requires a correct understanding and knowledge of Jesus Christ, His divine attributes and perfect character, His teachings, Atonement, Resurrection, and priesthood power. Obedience to these principles develops complete trust in Him and His ordained servants and assurance of His promised blessings.“There is no other thing in which we can have absolute assurance. There is no other foundation in life that can bring the same peace, joy, and hope. In uncertain and difficult times, faith is truly a spiritual gift worthy of our utmost efforts. We can give our children education, lessons, athletics, the arts, and material possessions, but if we do not give them faith in Christ, we have given little.”

Kevin W. Pearson, “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,” Ensign, May 2009, 38

Topics: Faith

We Should Not Judge One Another

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

“It is equally 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. 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.’ ”

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

Topics: Plan of Salvation