Restoration Proclamation, Paragraph 1
To each of us in every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, God promises, covenants, and invites us to come partake of His abundant joy and goodness. God’s love for all people is affirmed throughout scripture...In the household of faith there are to be no strangers, no foreigners, no rich and poor, no outside “others.” As “fellowcitizens with the saints,” we are invited to change the world for the better, from the inside out, one person, one family, one neighborhood at a time.
- Gerrit W. Gong, All Nations, Kindreds, and Tongues
Restoration Proclamation, Paragraphs 2-3
Pondering about the total religious confusion and church division of his time, this young man asked himself, “If any one of [these churches] be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?”. Why such confusion? The prophetic model was to ask of God.... direct revelation answered Joseph Smith’s question...In the following years, by revelation, [he] received full divine doctrinal knowledge and the authority and the keys of the priesthood. Joseph Smith qualified to be called the prophet of the Restoration in modern times.
- Charles Didier, The Message of the Restoration
The Lord Answers Questions from Inquiring Minds - LDS
Restoration Proclamation, Paragraph 4
In response to Joseph’s penitent and faithful prayer, Moroni, a heavenly messenger, appeared to him…The angel Moroni appeared to Joseph twice more during the night, then again in the field and on the hillside the next day, and then every year for the next four years on what we now know as Cumorah’s hill. That first day, Moroni repeated the same message over and over again…The Lord had Moroni teach a young prophet through repetition. Repetition ingrains gospel principles in our minds and hearts…Joseph Smith learned so much from Moroni.
- Susan W. Tanner, Glad Tidings from Cumorah
Restoration Proclamation, Paragraphs 5-6
I am an eyewitness to the ongoing Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ…I testify today that I have observed this profound Restoration of the Savior’s gospel with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears. I am a witness of God’s work across the world. There has never been a better time to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints than today...You also know what I know because you have received your personal witness of the truthfulness of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Brent H. Nielsen, A Record of What I Have Both Seen and Heard
Restoration Proclamation, Paragraphs 7-8
What was once only hoped for has now become history…I give thanks...for all we have been given in this last and greatest of all dispensations, the dispensation of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. The gifts and blessings that flow from that gospel mean everything to me...I testify that the future is going to be as miracle-filled and bountifully blessed as the past has been. We have every reason to hope for blessings even greater than those we have already received because this is the work of Almighty God, this is the Church of continuing revelation...
- Jeffrey R. Holland, A Perfect Brightness of Hope
Restoration Proclamation, Paragraph 9
The Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ began with an explosion of light and truth!…A veritable flood of divine revelation and blessings follow[ed]: new scripture, restored priesthood keys, apostles and prophets, ordinances and covenants, and the reestablishment of the Lord’s true and living Church...One of the great truths of the Restoration is that the heavens are open—that we too can receive light and knowledge from on high.
- Alexander Dushku, Pillars and Rays
The very first word in the Doctrine and Covenants is hearken. It means “to listen with the intent to obey.” To hearken means to “hear Him”—to hear what the Savior says and then to heed His counsel. In those two words—“Hear Him”—God gives us the pattern for success, happiness, and joy in this life. We are to hear the words of the Lord, hearken to them, and heed what He has told us…What will happen as you more intentionally hear, hearken, and heed what the Savior has said and what He is saying now through His prophets?
- President Russell M. Nelson, Hear Him
What does it mean to be a prophet?...In Hebrew, the word prophet means “one who announces or brings a message from God.”...What a comfort it is to know that the Lord keeps a channel of communication open to His children through the prophet. What a blessing it is to know we have a voice we can trust to declare the will of the Lord...We stand ready to heed his voice because we know he speaks for the Lord. May God bless us that we may follow him who has been called to be our prophet, seer, and revelator.
- L. Tom Perry, Heed the Prophet’s Voice
The purpose of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to help all of the children of God understand their potential and achieve their highest destiny...all of this is possible through the atonement of the Only Begotten of the Father, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ...It is the reality of these glorious possibilities that causes us to proclaim our message of restored Christianity to all people...This is the faith that gives us strength and joy to confront the challenges of mortal life.
- President Dallin H Oaks, Apostasy and Restoration
The History of Latter-day Saints
We need not be timid about testifying of Joseph’s mission as prophet, seer, and revelator, for the Lord has always worked through prophets...We know about the great things Joseph accomplished as the Lord’s prophet...look at the great work the Lord has wrought by the hand of His servant Joseph, notwithstanding the opposition against him. Is not the fulfillment of this prophecy compelling evidence of the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith?
- Craig C. Christensen, “A Choice Seer Will I Raise Up”
[I]t may be true that man is nothing in comparison to the greatness of the universe. At times we may even feel insignificant, invisible, alone, or forgotten. But always remember—you matter to Him!... the Lord entrusts “the fulness of [His] gospel [to] be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world.” He has chosen “the weak things of the world [to] come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones” and to put to shame “the things which are mighty.”
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, You Matter to Him
Small and Simple Things - Dallin H Oaks
[W]e have seen and felt evidence that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is both true and living. The Lord spoke to those through whom He restored the Church in the latter days...Only in this Church has the Lord lodged the power to seal on earth and to seal in heaven as He did in the time of the Apostle Peter. Those keys were restored to Joseph Smith, who then was authorized to confer them upon the members of the Quorum of the Twelve.
- President Henry B. Eyring, The True and Living Church
Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration...He was the instrument in God’s hands in bringing forth sacred scripture, lost doctrine, and the restoration of the priesthood...Many of those who dismiss the work of the Restoration simply do not believe that heavenly beings speak to men on earth…A sincere inquirer should see the spreading of the restored gospel as the fruit of the Lord’s work through the Prophet.
- Neil L. Andersen, Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith the Prophet was the chosen instrument through which the Restoration took place. He was selected of the Lord before his birth to fill this most important mission...In the meridian of time, the Father sent his own Son to be born of a virgin mother in a lowly manger...When it was time to restore his gospel to prepare the world for the second coming of his Son, he again sent a baby boy to the home of a righteous father and mother...He was born of noble, God-fearing parents who loved the Lord...
- Rex C. Reeve, Joseph Smith, the Chosen Instrument
[T]he Lord will guide you by revelation…You must ask in faith for revelation to know what you are to do…Often the answers will come as you study the scriptures...They have doctrine in them which will apply in every time and every situation. Pondering the scriptures will lead you to ask the right questions in prayer. And just as surely as the heavens were opened to Joseph Smith after he pondered the scriptures in faith, God will answer your prayers and He will lead you by the hand.
- President Henry B. Eyring, Rise to Your Call
[W]e must have faith—to believe the Lord knows us, that He loves us, and that He will give us answers to our prayers. As Joseph Smith was reading the Bible, he...followed instructions and received an answer to his prayer. We will also receive answers to our prayers…To all, wherever you are... I urge you to bow your head or drop to your knees!...talk to the Lord, asking for comfort, direction, and understanding. As you open your mind and heart to feel the Spirit, the Lord in His own time and in His own way will give you the instructions which will bless your life.
- D. Rex Garrett, Follow the Instructions
Joseph Smith’s First Vision blesses our own personal lives, the lives of families, and eventually the whole human family—we come to believe in Jesus Christ through the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Prophets and apostles throughout the history of mankind have had divine manifestations similar to Joseph’s…I am grateful that early in my life I was blessed with a simple faith that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, that he saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, in a vision.
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, The Fruits of the First Vision
When young Joseph Smith told the truth about his sacred experience in the grove, he was persecuted and mistreated. The adversary used ridicule as a weapon against him...Even today there are those who misunderstand our doctrine and challenge the unchanging values by which we are invited to live…Anxiety and fear of rejection are common among teenagers. Peer pressure is often overpowering…Are we willing to fight the unpopular battle?…As we follow Him, we will be able to make sacrifices and keep our sacred covenants.
- W. Craig Zwick, We Will Not Yield, We Cannot Yield
We can have exciting experiences as we learn about our vibrant, dynamic ancestors...It is a joy to become acquainted with our forebears who died long ago. Each of us has a fascinating family history. Finding your ancestors can be one of the most interesting puzzles you…can work on. Each of us has to begin this work somewhere, and it can be done by young or old.
- James E. Faust, The Phenomenon That Is You
Our Heavenly Father is anxious to gather and bless all of His family. While He knows that not all of them will choose to be gathered, His plan gives each of His children the opportunity to accept or reject His invitation. And families are at the heart of this plan…Elijah did come, and he gave to Joseph Smith the priesthood power to seal families eternally.
- President Henry B. Eyring, Gathering the Family of God
Which of us is not in need of the miracle of repentance? Whether your life is lightly blemished or heavily disfigured from mistakes, the principles of recovery are the same....When repentance is full and one has been cleansed, there comes a new vision of life and its glorious possibilities. How marvelous the promise of the Lord: “Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.” The Lord is and ever will be faithful to His words.
- Richard G. Scott, Finding Forgiveness
[A]fter a sincere prayer, an angel appeared at Joseph’s bedside. The angel was a messenger sent from God, his name was Moroni, and he told Joseph that God had a work for him to do...Joseph did not say, "Oh no, Angel, I just wanted to know which church was true. I did not know I needed to do something!” But of course Joseph needed to do something. He had a special calling from the Lord.
- Julie B. Beck, A Work for Me to Do
[T]he Restoration added knowledge that Saints had anciently. The Lord provided a new book of scripture. To the Holy Bible, He added the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. It is a record of prophecies and the ministry of the resurrected Lord to the people of ancient America…The Restoration fulfills many biblical prophecies...the stick of Joseph (the Book of Mormon) and the stick of Judah (the Bible) would be as one in God’s hand have now been fulfilled.
- President Russell M. Nelson, Catch the Wave
Moroni Preserves the Record for the Latter Days | Moroni 10; Title Page
Why Did Moroni Quote Isaiah 11 To Joseph Smith? (Knowhy #50)
I wonder…what could be accomplished if we all…“had a mind to work.”…Think of how the kingdom of God would progress throughout the earth. Imagine how the world itself could be transformed for good if every [one] were to gird up his loins and live up to his true potential, converted in the depth of his soul…committed to building the kingdom of God.
The Lord is seeking…to enlist unfaltering souls who diligently go about the work of building the kingdom of God...
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, We Are Doing a Great Work and Cannot Come Down
A Great Work | Youth Music Festival 2021
Gathering Israel: President Nelson's Greatest Challenge
This work of the Lord is indeed great and marvelous, but it moves forward essentially unnoticed by many of mankind’s political, cultural, and academic leaders. It progresses one heart and one family at a time, silently and unobtrusively, its sacred message blessing people everywhere...there is a Savior. He lived in the meridian of time. He atoned for our sins, was crucified, and was resurrected. That matchless message, which we proclaim with authority from God, is the real reason this Church grows as it does.
- L. Whitney Clayton, The Time Shall Come
You can’t please God without upsetting Satan, so you will get pressure from those he tempts to do wrong. Individuals who do wrong want you to join them because they feel more comfortable in what they are doing when others do it also. They may also want to take advantage of you. It is natural to want to be accepted by peers, to be part of a group... You don’t need to compromise your standards to be accepted by good friends. The more obedient you are, the more you stand for true principles, the more the Lord can help you overcome temptation.
- Richard G. Scott, Making the Right Choices
Trust in the Lord is a familiar and true teaching in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That was Joseph Smith’s teaching when the early Saints experienced severe persecutions and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. That is still the best principle we can use when our efforts to learn or our attempts to find comfort encounter obstacles...There is so much we do not know that our only sure reliance is to trust in the Lord and His love for His children.
- President Dallin H. Oaks, Trust in the Lord
The Lord has a plan for you. He has prepared you for this day, right now, to be a strength and force for good in His mighty work. We need you! It simply will not be as grand without you!…Our eternal purpose is to come unto Christ and actively join Him in His great work...And when we do His work together with Him, we come to know and love Him more…Remember, the best way for you to improve the world is to prepare the world for Christ by inviting all to follow Him…
- Bonnie H. Cordon, Come Unto Christ and Don’t Come Alone
An Invitation to Come Unto Christ
When The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized… the Lord gave a revelation to the members of the Church through His prophet, Joseph Smith Jr...the Savior instructed Church members to “give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith”…I testify to you that the fulness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith…
- M. Russell Ballard, “His Word Ye Shall Receive”
I have come to better understand how vitally important it is to receive by the Spirit. We often focus, appropriately, on the importance of teaching by the Spirit. But we need to remember that the Lord has placed equal, if not greater, importance on receiving by the Spirit…those who receive by the Spirit intend to act. As the prophet Moroni instructed, to receive a witness of the Book of Mormon, we must ask “with real intent”. The Spirit teaches when we honestly intend to do something about what we learn.
- A. Roger Merrill, Receiving by the Spirit
What is the Book of Mormon about? | Get the Book
[T]he Lord blesses those who want to improve, who accept the need for commandments and try to keep them, who cherish Christlike virtues and strive to the best of their ability to acquire them. If you stumble in that pursuit, so does everyone; the Savior is there to help you keep going...we are going to be blessed for our desire to do good, even as we actually strive to be so... Why? Because our Heavenly Father wants it to be! He wants to bless us.
- President Jeffrey R. Holland, Tomorrow the Lord Will Do Wonders Among You
Because our Heavenly Father wants better for us, He makes it possible for us to hear His voice. Most often, we hear Him through impressions given by the Holy Ghost...The Spirit speaks to different people in different ways, and He may speak to the same person in different ways at different times. As a result, learning the many ways He speaks to us is a lifelong quest…in a world with so many competing voices, I testify that our Heavenly Father has made it possible for us to hear and follow His.
- David P. Homer, Hearing His Voice
Inspiring Short: Seeking Constant Divine Communication | Patrick Kearon
Look up to Jesus Christ—the wise advice of my father—strengthens my faith whenever I face challenges in life. He taught me how to apply the teachings of Christ, as in these words: “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.”…It is never too late to look up to Jesus Christ. His arms are always open to you...Look up to Christ for strength, balance, and healing..Inviting others to come unto Christ is our purpose, and we can fulfill this purpose by looking up to Jesus Christ.
- Yoon Hwan Choi, Don’t Look Around, Look Up!
I am convinced that each of us, however good, loyal, or dedicated we try to be in the gospel and in the Church, could do so much more if we did it with the power and influence of an unwavering faith in the Lord… our goodness—our every righteous endeavor—our good works, our obedience, and our efforts to bless others must be anchored in and driven by our faith in Christ, our testimonies of his mission and sacrifice...
- Jack H. Goaslind, Spiritual Mountaintops
It is through [the] sacred feelings from the Holy Ghost that we come to know what God would have us do, for this, as stated in scripture, “is the spirit of revelation.”…Through the gift of the Holy Ghost, we receive added capacity and spiritual gifts, increased revelation and protection, steady guidance and direction, and the promised blessings of sanctification and exaltation in the celestial kingdom. All of these blessings are given as a result of our personal desire to receive them.
- Craig C. Christensen, An Unspeakable Gift from God
This sacred ancient record was not “translated” in the traditional way that scholars would translate ancient texts by learning an ancient language...Joseph Smith declared that through God’s power he “translated the Book of Mormon from [hieroglyphs]"...Joseph learned that the Lord would choose witnesses to see the plates…They testified that they heard the voice of God from heaven declaring that the ancient record was translated by the gift and power of God.
- Ulisses Soares, The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon
Why Did the Book of Mormon Come Forth as a Miracle? (Knowhy #273)
Each of us has problems that we cannot solve and weaknesses that we cannot conquer without reaching out through prayer to a higher source of strength. That source is the God of heaven to whom we pray in the name of Jesus Christ…We are privileged to pray daily for the small and great concerns in our lives...to pray against the power of our enemies and the devil...When we are not crying directly unto God, we should let our hearts be drawn out in prayer unto Him continually.
- James E. Faust, The Lifeline of Prayer
I Pray When... #didyouthinktopray
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…”…We should not be surprised by Satan’s efforts to thwart or discredit temple worship and work. The devil despises the purity in and the power of the Lord’s house. And the protection available to each of us in and through temple ordinances and covenants stands as a great obstacle to the evil designs of Lucifer.
- David A. Bednar, Honorably Hold a Name and a Standing,
Significant events unfold in the gospel and in the Church that further the kingdom of God on earth. They are not by accident but by God’s plan…Likewise, events and associations unfold in each of our lives that further God’s work on earth…No trial or calamity can derail God’s plan of happiness…Sometimes we consider changes in our plans as missteps on our journey. Think of them more as first steps to being “on the Lord’s errand.”...By “divine design,” He is in the small details of your life as well as the major milestones.
- Ronald A. Rasband, By Divine Design
Jesus taught us to obey in simple language that is easy to understand: “If ye love me, keep my commandments,” and “Come, follow me.”…Spiritually mature obedience is “the Savior’s obedience.” It is motivated by true love for Heavenly Father and His Son. When we willingly obey, as our Savior did, we cherish the words of our Heavenly Father: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: … enter…into the joy of thy lord.”
- Robert D. Hales, “If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments”
Spiritual momentum is created “over a lifetime as we repeatedly embrace the doctrine of Christ.”…As the Holy Ghost exerts a greater influence in our lives, we progressively and iteratively develop Christlike attributes. Our hearts change. Our disposition to do evil diminishes. Our inclination to do good increases until we only want “to do good continually.” And we thereby access the heavenly power needed to endure to the end. Our faith has increased...
- Dale G. Renlund, The Powerful, Virtuous Cycle of the Doctrine of Christ
I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus – Emily Brown – Music Video
We cannot love what we do not know... Before we can teach the gospel, we must know the gospel…The Lord has commanded us to search the scriptures, to feast upon them, and to treasure them up…If you earnestly search the scriptures and treasure up in your minds the words of life, if you keep the commandments with all of your heart… you will enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost and you will receive revelation.
- David M. McConkie, Gospel Learning and Teaching
5 Things Anyone Can Do to Share the Gospel - Elder Uchtdorf
Amulek Receives Alma into His Home | Alma 8
Disciple of Christ | Official 2024 Theme Music Video | #christianmusic
We…are privileged to live in an exceptional time...In no previous dispensation have so many missionaries been called, so many nations been opened for the gospel message, and so many temples been built throughout the world…Our amazement... produces spiritual strength. It gives us the energy to remain anchored in our faith and to engage ourselves in the work of salvation…I testify that the work in which we are engaged is “a marvelous work and a wonder.”
- Gérald Caussé, Is It Still Wonderful to You?
[E]nduring to the end is not just a matter of passively tolerating life’s difficult circumstances or “hanging in there.”...Enduring to the end is a process filling every minute of our life, every hour, every day, from sunrise to sunrise. It is accomplished through personal discipline…[and] implies “patient continuance in well doing”, striving to keep the commandments, and doing the works of righteousness. It requires sacrifice and hard work.
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Have We Not Reason to Rejoice?
[W]hen we try to help someone we love come unto Christ, we can do so with confidence that He has the capacity to lift the burden of sin and to forgive....when we make effort...to bring others to Christ, we can do so with certainty that He sees our true intentions and will appropriately honor them…we are all engaged as Latter-day Saint disciples in the work of bringing others to Christ...Each of us has a role to play in the kingdom of God…As we do, and if we will, the Lord blesses us all.
- James W. McConkie III, And They Sought to See Jesus Who He Was
Luke 15 | Parables of Jesus: The Prodigal Son | The Bible
The Book of Mormon is the most correct of any book on earth because it centers upon the Truth, even Jesus Christ, and...speaks to the spirit and to the heart of the reader like no other volume of scripture…Testimony is personal knowledge, based upon the witness of the Holy Ghost, that certain facts of eternal significance are true…And a testimony need not always begin with the phrase “I bear you my testimony.” Our witness can be declared as simply as “I know I was blessed with inspiration at work today” or “The truth in this scripture always has been a powerful source of direction for me.”
- David A. Bednar, Watching with All Perseverence
Already A Missionary | Come Learn with Me | Doctrine and Covenants
John the Baptist brought back the Aaronic Priesthood with the keys of repentance and baptism…The events describing the return of the priesthood are remarkable in that they conform precisely with the biblical pattern of priesthood restoration in earlier dispensations…Priesthood and priesthood keys open the door to the blessings of the Atonement. Through the power of the priesthood, people are baptized for the remission of sins, made possible by the Savior’s great act of mercy…
- Merrill J. Bateman, Priesthood, Keys and the Power to Bless
God's Priesthood Power | Growing Faith
In many gospel ordinances, we make sacred covenants with God; He promises to bless us as we keep those covenants. Do we realize it is the combination of priesthood ordinances along with the keeping of covenant promises that allows us to draw upon God’s power?…Learn how priesthood ordinances and covenant promises will allow God’s power to flow into your life with greater efficacy, working in and through you, empowering and equipping you to reach your full purpose and potential... We all have access to the gift of God’s power.
- Emily Belle Freeman, Live Up to Your Privileges
Inspiring Short: Covenant Relationships | Jenet Jacob Erickson | 2024
Remembering Jesus | Growing Faith
Drawing Upon the Power of God in Our Lives
[W]e may be inclined to see the building of the kingdom as something that takes place beyond the horizon, far away from our own branch or ward…We do not have to be called to serve far from home, nor do we have to hold a prominent place in the Church or in the world to build up the Lord’s kingdom…More than anywhere else, it is within the family, in the quiet sanctuary of the home, that generations unite in building the kingdom of God
- Bruce D. Porter, Building the Kingdom
This Is Church | ComeUntoChrist.org
How Can We Build Our Foundations on a Rock? (KnoWhy 659)
Let me point out the need to differentiate between two critical words: worth and worthiness. They are not the same. Spiritual worth means to value ourselves the way Heavenly Father values us, not as the world values us. Our worth was determined before we ever came to this earth. “God’s love is infinite and it will endure forever.” On the other hand, worthiness is achieved through obedience...No matter what, we always have worth in the eyes of our Heavenly Father.
- Joy D. Jones, Value Beyond Measure
Our love for the Lord and appreciation for the Restoration of the gospel are all the motivation we need to share what gives us much joy and happiness. It is the most natural thing in the world for us to do, and yet far too many of us are hesitant to share our testimonies with others…We find joy in helping others come unto Christ and feel the redemptive power of His love…Creating a gospel-sharing home is the easiest and most effective way that we can share the gospel with others.
- M. Russell Ballard, Creating a Gospel-Sharing Home
[A]sk [yourself], “Am I taking upon myself the Savior’s name as He would have me do so?” … We live the two great commandments, submit to God’s will, gather Israel, and let our light “shine before men.” We receive and live the covenants and ordinances of His restored Church. As we do this, God endows us with power to bless ourselves, our families, and the lives of others...My prayer is that we will faithfully take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ—by seeing as He sees, by serving as He served, and by trusting that His grace is sufficient to deliver us home and to enduring joy.
- Robert C. Gay, Taking upon Ourselves the Name of Jesus Christ
Something wonderful happens in a missionary’s service when he or she realizes that the calling is not about him or her; rather, it is about the Lord, His work, and Heavenly Father’s children. I feel the same is true for an Apostle. This calling is not about me. It’s about the Lord, His work, and Heavenly Father’s children…With all my heart I want to be a true follower of Jesus Christ...I witness of His living reality. I witness that He is the Anointed One, the Messiah. I am a witness of His incomparable mercy, compassion, and love.
- Dale G. Renlund, Through God’s Eyes
Excerpts from "The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles"
He Is Risen! | A Special Easter Season Message from the First Presidency
My testimony is that the Lord is speaking to you! But with the deafening decibels of today’s environment, all too often we fail to hear him…In the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord tells us that he speaks to us through the scriptures. Of course, just reading words without our minds being centered on the message is not really listening...And thus, what to many seems to be the monologue of prayer actually becomes a dialogue with God as we immerse ourselves in the scriptures.
- Graham W. Doxey, The Voice is Still Small
#HearHim: Listen to the Voice of Jesus Christ
We believe that God the Father “is an exalted man” with a glorified “body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; [and] the Son also.” Thus, every time we talk about the nature of God, in some way, somehow, we are also talking about our own nature…we truly believe that we are all literally the children of God…We read that “God spake unto Moses, saying: Behold, I am the Lord God Almighty, and Endless is my name.”...Then He added, “And, behold, thou art my son.”
- Rubén V. Alliaud, Sons and Daughters of God
As I pondered the significance of th[e sacrament] words, the word willing impressed me as never before...The Savior is our perfect example of willingness to submit to the Father in all things. He is “the way, the truth, and the life.” He willingly atoned for our sins. He willingly eases our burdens, calms our fears, gives us strength, and brings peace and understanding to our hearts in times of distress and grief.
- Kevin W. Pearson, Are You Still Willing?
Meek and Lowly of Heart by Elder Bednar | April 2018
[T]he instant we come unto Christ...the crushing weight of our sins starts to shift from our backs to His. This is possible only because He who is without sin suffered “the infinite and unspeakable agony” of every single sin in the universe of His creations, for all of His creations—a suffering so severe, blood oozed out of His every pore. From direct, personal experience the Savior thus warns us, in modern scripture, that we have no idea how “exquisite” our “sufferings” will be if we do not repent.
- Matthew S. Holland, The Exquisite Gift of the Son
Jesus Christ: Our Healer Then and Now - See What’s Possible Because of Him
Correct knowledge of and faith in the Lord empower us to hush our fears because Jesus Christ is the only source of enduring peace...Exercising faith in and on the holy name of Jesus Christ, meekly submitting to His will and timing in our lives, and humbly acknowledging His hand in all things yield the peaceable things of the kingdom of God that bring joy and eternal life. Even as we encounter difficulties and face the uncertainties of the future, we can cheerfully persevere and live a “peaceable life in all godliness and honesty”.
- David A. Bednar, Therefore They Hushed Their Fears
Peace in Christ- 2018 Youth Theme for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
A consecrated life is a life of labor. Beginning early in His life, Jesus was about His Father’s business. God Himself is glorified by His work of bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of His children. We naturally desire to participate with Him in His work, and in so doing, we ought to recognize that all honest work is the work of God…One who lives a consecrated life does not seek to take advantage of another but, if anything, will turn the other cheek and, if required to deliver a coat, will give the cloak also.
- D. Todd Christofferson, Reflections on a Consecrated Life
The Widow's Mite: A Bible Story for Children
Our Heavenly Father has not only invited us to speak to him, he has commanded it. And, as he has always done, when he commands, he promises, too...Everything belongs to God, so there is not much you can give him, after you have given him a repentant heart...With all you will do for your Heavenly Father—if you pray, and listen, and then obey him all your days—you will still find him more generous than you can ever be...“And…he doth require that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you; and therefore he hath paid you..."
- President Henry B. Eyring, To Draw Closer to God
Matthew 6 | Sermon on the Mount: Treasures in Heaven | The Bible
Matthew 13 | Parables of Jesus: The Kingdom of Heaven | The Bible
We…affirm that the scriptures, ancient and modern, clearly teach the origin and need for a church directed by and with the authority of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We also testify that the restored Church of Jesus Christ has been established to teach the fulness of His doctrine and to officiate with His priesthood authority to perform the ordinances necessary to enter the kingdom of God...Despite the good works that can be accomplished without a church, the fulness of doctrine and its saving and exalting ordinances are available only in the restored Church.
- President Dallin H. Oaks, The Need for a Church
As our faith in Jesus Christ grows, God invites us to make promises with Him. These covenants, as such promises are known, are manifestations of our conversion. Covenants also create a sure foundation for spiritual progression. As we choose to be baptized, we begin to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ and choose to identify ourselves with Him. We pledge to become like Him and to develop His attributes... You will become more like the Savior as you always remember Him, follow Him, and adore Him.
- Dale G. Renlund, Unwavering Commitment to Jesus Christ
Sophia's Baptism Promises | Growing Faith
Baptism: A Bible Story for Children
Friend to Friend: Keeping Baptismal Covenants with Elder Soares - Animated
From the newest ordained deacon to the most senior high priest, we all have lists of what we could and should do in our priesthood responsibilities…God is faithful. Through the Holy Spirit, He will speak to our minds and hearts concerning the path we should follow during each segment of our lives. If our hearts are pure...if we seek to do His will, if we desire to bless the lives of our family and fellowman—we will not be left to walk alone.…divine blessings for priesthood service are activated by our diligent efforts, our willingness to sacrifice, and our desire to do what is right.
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, The Why of Priesthood Service
God's Priesthood Power | Growing Faith
[W]e can always remember Him on the Sabbath through the sacrament...In the ordinance of the sacrament, we witness unto God the Father that we are willing to take upon us the name of His 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…our Savior invites us to always remember Him as He always remembers us.
- Gerrit W. Gong, Always Remember Him
Inspiring Short: Always Remember Being Saved | Thomas B. Griffith
When we sustain prophets and other leaders, we invoke the law of common consent...This gives us, as members of the Lord’s Church, confidence and faith as we strive to keep the scriptural injunction to heed the Lord’s voice as it comes through the voice of His servants the prophets. All leaders in the Lord’s Church are called by proper authority…The calling of 15 men to the holy apostleship provides great protection for us as members of the Church. Why? Because decisions of these leaders must be unanimous.
- President Russell M. Nelson, Sustaining the Prophets
Blessed and Happy Are Those Who Keep the Commandments of God
Our gospel learning and teaching deepen our conversion to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and help us become more like Them…We come unto Christ by “exercising faith in [Him], repenting daily, making covenants with God as we receive the ordinances of salvation and exaltation, and enduring to the end by keeping those covenants”…The doctrine of Christ helps us find and stay on the covenant path, and the gospel is so arranged that the Lord’s promised blessings are received through sacred ordinances and covenants.
- Adeyinka A. Ojediran, The Covenant Path: The Way to Eternal Life
You Can Be Born Again through Baptism
Find a Fresh Start through Baptism
Saving Ordinances - Taniala Wakolo
There is the natural tendency to look at those who are sustained to presiding positions, to consider them to be higher and of more value in the Church or to their families than an ordinary member. Somehow we feel they are worth more to the Lord than are we...No member of the Church is esteemed by the Lord as more or less than any other. It just does not work that way! Remember, He is a father—our Father. The Lord is “no respecter of persons.”
- Boyd K. Packer, The Weak and the Simple of the Church
[W]e can know in the midst of our afflictions that God has provided an eternal compensating reward…Many of us have pleaded with God to remove the cause of our suffering, and when the relief we seek has not come, we have been tempted to think He is not listening. I testify that, even in those moments, He hears our prayers, has a reason for allowing our afflictions to continue, and will help us bear them...We can take strength in knowing that all the hard experiences in this life are temporary; even the darkest nights turn into dawn for the faithful.
- Evan A. Schmutz, God Shall Wipe Away All Tears
Mountains To Climb - Gaining Power To Overcome Challenges In Life
Inspiring Short: Lessons from Liberty Jail | Jeffrey R. Holland
God Delivers Us in Our Trials | Hope Works at Home
[W]e have an obligation as members of the Church to accept callings to serve in building the kingdom of God on earth. As we serve in our various callings, we bless the lives of others...In Church service we learn to give of ourselves and to help others. President Spencer W. Kimball, a great example of service, said: “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom.”
- Steven E. Snow, Service
[W]e live in perilous times, and the decisions which you are called upon to make on a daily, or even hourly, basis have eternal consequences. The decisions you make in your daily life will determine what happens to you later...Living the gospel and standing in holy places is not always easy or comfortable, but I testify that it is worth it! The Lord counseled Emma Smith to “lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better.” I suspect we cannot begin to imagine just how magnificent those “things of a better” world are!
- Bonnie L. Oscarson, Be Ye Converted
Meek and Lowly of Heart by Elder Bednar | April 2018
Always Something to Give – The Coconut Farmer
The music of sacrament meeting is a vital part of our worship. The scriptures teach that the song of the righteous is a prayer unto the Lord. The First Presidency has declared that “some of the greatest sermons are preached by the singing of hymns”. How wonderful when every person in attendance joins in the worship of singing—especially in the hymn that helps us prepare to partake of the sacrament...President Joseph Fielding Smith taught: “...We should assemble in the spirit of prayer, of meekness, with devotion in our hearts”.
- President Dallin H. Oaks, Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament
President Thomas S. Monson taught, “Sacred covenants are to be revered by us, and faithfulness to them is a requirement for happiness.”…Making and cheerfully keeping our covenants gives validity and life to the vital sacred and saving ordinances we need to receive in order to obtain “all that [the] Father hath.”…I invite each of us to evaluate how much we love the Savior, using as a measure how joyfully we keep our covenants.
- Linda K. Burton, The Power, Joy and Love of Covenant Keeping
The symbolism of the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is beautiful to contemplate. The bread and water represent the flesh and blood of Him who is the Bread of Life and the Living Water, poignantly reminding us of the price He paid to redeem us. As the bread is broken, we remember the Savior’s torn flesh... As we drink the water, we think of the blood He shed in Gethsemane and on the cross and its sanctifying power...As we remember and honor His atoning sacrifice, we should also contemplate His sinless life.
- D. Todd Christofferson, The Living Bread Which Came Down from Heaven
Sacrament: A Bible Story for Children
Inspiring Short: Always Remember Being Saved | Thomas B. Griffith
The performance of every ordinance of salvation comprising our covenant pathway back to the presence of our Father in Heaven requires appropriate governance through priesthood keys…“Priesthood keys are the authority God has given to priesthood leaders to direct, control, and govern the use of His priesthood on earth.” Priesthood keys control the exercise of priesthood authority. Ordinances that create a record in the Church require keys and cannot be done without authorization.
- Gary E. Stevenson, Where Are the Keys and Authority of the Priesthood?
The Restoration of Priesthood Keys
Faith brings us the power of the Lord, which—among other things—is manifested by a hope of good things to come, miracles that confirm our faith, and divine protection in spiritual and temporal matters…The Lord commands us to take “the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Satan will use such things as doubt, fear, or sin to tempt us to let go of faith and lose the protection it offers.
- Marcus B. Nash, By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled
Put on the Armor of God | Animated Scripture Lesson for Kids (Updated)
[W]e receive personal revelation only within our purview and not within the prerogative of others...Doctrine, commandments, and revelations for the Church are the prerogative of the living prophet, who receives them from the Lord Jesus Christ…only the prophet receives revelation for the Church. It would be “contrary to the economy of God” for others to receive such revelation…Personal revelation rightly belongs to individuals... Church leaders may teach doctrine and share inspired counsel, but the responsibility for these decisions rests with you. That is your revelation to receive…
- Dale G. Renlund, A Framework for Personal Revelation
[O]ne not familiar with the Church might feel that there would be great confusion. But the Lord’s kingdom is one of order. There is no confusion in its leadership. The Church is growing large… It is moving across the world. Its program is extensive, complex, and deals with a host of elements. The responsibilities are many and varied. But I can say that regardless of the circumstances, the work goes forward in an orderly and wonderful way…there is order in the exercise of that authority.
- President Gordon B. Hinckley, The Church Is on Course
Let’s Rethink Organized Religion | Organized Religion
I think we will witness increasing evidence of Satan’s power as the kingdom of God grows stronger. I believe Satan’s ever-expanding efforts are some proof of the truthfulness of this work...We will need greater spirituality to perceive all of the forms of evil and greater strength to resist it…There is...an ample shield against the power of Lucifer and his hosts. This protection lies in the spirit of discernment through the gift of the Holy Ghost... Satan’s efforts can be thwarted by all who come unto Christ by obedience to the covenants and ordinances of the gospel.
- James E. Faust, “The Great Imitator”
Deceive Me Not by Elder Stevenson
It is our responsibility as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to gather Abraham’s seed and bring them unto Christ. They should be easy to find, for they are as numerous as the sands of the seashore...Are we looking? Are we asking? ...let us renew our commitment to seek the Spirit to help us find those who are Abraham’s seed. Then let us open our mouths, friendship them, invite them to come unto Christ, and be there to support, nourish, and retain them...Our Father in Heaven wants all of Abraham’s seed to return to Him.
- E. Ray Bateman, Pearls from the Sand
A Message for Children from President Russell M. Nelson | Friend to Friend
[W]e have an “eternal destiny.” Such a destiny will not be forced on us. After death, we will receive what we have qualified for and “enjoy [only] that which [we] are willing to receive.” …
Our Heavenly Father wants you to become His heir and receive all that He has. He cannot offer you more. He cannot promise you more. He loves you more than you know and wants you to be happy in this life and in the life to come.
- Dale G. Renlund, Your Divine Nature and Eternal Destiny
Your Potential, Your Privileges
[T]he Lord has set His hand to prepare the world for His glorious return. These are days of great opportunity and important responsibilities…Those awaiting the Savior’s coming will “look for [Him].” And He has promised, “I will come”! …I testify of the majesty but, most of all, of the certainty of this magnificent event. The Savior lives. He will return to the earth. And whether on this side of the veil or the other, you and I will rejoice in His coming...
- Neil L. Andersen, Preparing the World for the Second Coming
The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again - President Russell M. Nelson #lds #generalconference
When the Savior Comes Again | October 2024 General Conference
The gospel plan shows our Heavenly Father’s love for all His children. To understand this, we must seek to understand His plan and His commandments...In the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have a unique understanding of our Heavenly Father’s plan. This gives us a different way of viewing the purpose of mortal life, the divine judgment that follows it, and the ultimate glorious destiny of all of God’s children…Under that plan there are multiple kingdoms so that all of His children can be assigned to a kingdom where they can “abide.”
- President Dallin H. Oaks, Divine Love in the Father’s Plan,
There is a crucial balance between the temporal and the spiritual aspects of this principle...Our physical preparation—including a clean, orderly home—makes it possible for the Spirit to be present. Likewise, the Spirit of the Lord brings an atmosphere of peace and contentment to our orderly home…One sister told of her preparation to receive a General Authority guest in her home for stake conference. Everything was to be perfect. Extensive cleaning and cooking were done. Her ten children were prepped as to what their roles should be. She worked hard! By the time he arrived she was exhausted and couldn’t enjoy his visit. Too late, she realized that spiritual preparation was “needful” also.
- Barbara W. Winder, Becoming a Prepared People
Prepare to be Inspired for LDS General Conference #GeneralConference
Prepare for General Conference
Increase Your Daily Energy to Act, Love, and Lift Like the Savior
Life is all about making choices. Our Father in Heaven gave us the divine gift of agency precisely so that we could learn from our choices—from the right ones and also from the wrong ones…To be able to exercise our agency, we need to have opposing options to consider...In life, we constantly confront many important choices. For example: Choosing whether or not we will follow God’s commandments...We can rest assured that our difficulties, sorrows, afflictions, and pains do not define us; rather, it is how we go about them that will help us grow and draw closer to God. It is our attitudes and choices that define us much better than our challenges.
- Mathias Held, Opposition in All Things
You have the power to choose for yourself
I Will Walk with Jesus | Friend to Friend
Unfortunately, some Latter-day Saints seem to...fix their priorities on the standards and values of the world...We do not serve our Savior well if we fear man more than God. He rebuked some leaders in His restored Church for seeking the praise of the world and for having their minds on the things of the earth more than on the things of the Lord. Those chastisements remind us that we are called to establish the Lord’s standards, not to follow the world’s.
- President Dallin H. Oaks, Unselfish Service
In the eternal perspective, a mission is but a few moments away from familiar settings, family, and having retirement fun with old friends. The Lord will send special blessings to your family as you serve...Families are greatly strengthened as they pray for their parents and grandparents and read letters sent home which share their testimonies and the contribution they are making in the mission field.
- Robert D. Hales, Couple Missionaries: A Time to Serve
Elder Bednar: Your family is better off without you when on your mission.
[T]he Savior’s great commission can be accomplished through simple, easily understandable principles taught to each of us from childhood: love, share, and invite…These three things are merely an extension of who we already are as disciples of Jesus Christ. No name badge or letter is required. No formal calling is needed. As these three things become a natural part of who we are and how we live, they will become an automatic, unforced expression of genuine love.
- Gary E. Stevenson, Love, Share, Invite
Young Adults: Simple Ways to Love, Share, and Invite
Inviting Others to "Come and See"
5 Things Anyone Can Do to Share the Gospel - Elder Uchtdorf
[W]here our foundation is really matters, and this has a decisive effect on the outcome ultimately and eternally. I hope and pray that we all will find and stay on the sure foundation as we establish our future life…That is the promise from God! If we build our foundation on Jesus Christ, we cannot fall! As we endure faithfully to the end, God will help us establish our lives upon His rock...Our entire lives should be filled with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel is not part of our life, but our life is actually part of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Chi Hong (Sam) Wong, They Cannot Prevail; We Cannot Fall
Blessings will come not so much because of your abilities but because of your choices. And the God of the universe will work within and through you, magnifying your humble efforts for His purposes. His work has always advanced on this important principle: “Out of small things proceedeth that which is great.”
The history of God’s work is filled with people who considered themselves inadequate. But they humbly served, relying on the grace of God and His promise…How encouraging it is to know, though we are imperfect, if our hearts are turned to God, He will be generous and kind and use us for His purposes.
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, A Yearning for Home
As guided by the Spirit, Joseph spent about three years going through the Bible, making thousands of corrections to the text and restoring information that had been lost. This restored information sheds marvelous light on many doctrines that are not clearly presented in the Bible as it exists today... Hundreds of passages from the Joseph Smith Translation are now included in the Latter-day Saint edition of the King James Version of the Bible. The Prophet’s translation of the Bible was an important part of his own spiritual education and the unfolding restoration of gospel truth.
- Teachings of the Prophets: Joseph Smith
Why is the Joseph Smith Translation important to Latter-day Saints?
[One] single event changed the future of the world. The appearance of the Father and the Son to the young prophet ushered in the dispensation of the fulness of times. It exemplified God’s love for His children and changed the world forever. How can one know of a surety that Joseph Smith actually saw and conversed with the Father and the Son? ...The kingdom of God on earth continues to move forward with dedicated missionary and member alike having the conviction confirmed by the Holy Ghost that Joseph Smith saw God our Father and His Son Jesus Christ.
- L. Aldin Porter, The Spirit of Prophecy
A Powerful Testimony of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
What the Book of Mormon has to say about Easter
The Savior’s Atonement is available to each of us—always. We access the Atonement through repentance. When we repent, the Lord allows us to put the mistakes of the past behind us...The Savior felt the weight of the anguish of all mankind—the anguish of sin and of sorrow.…There are times when each of us needs “relief from feelings of guilt that come from mistakes and sins.” As we repent, the Savior removes the guilt from our souls. Through His atoning sacrifice, our sins are remitted...the Atonement is available to everyone all the time, no matter how large or small the sin, “on conditions of repentance.”
- C. Scott Grow, The Miracle of the Atonement
A Message of Hope in Jesus Christ | #BecauseOfHim
Jesus Christ was appointed and foreordained to be our Redeemer before the world was formed. With His divine sonship, His sinless life, the shedding of His blood in the Garden of Gethsemane, His excruciating death on the cross and subsequent bodily Resurrection from the grave, He became the author of our salvation and made a perfect Atonement for all mankind...The free gift of His great atoning sacrifice for each of us is the only way we can be exalted enough to stand before Him and see Him face-to-face.
- James E. Faust, The Atonement: Our Greatest Hope
Because of Jesus, You Can Rise Above Anything - Easter 2023 | “Rise”
Jesus Christ Suffered for Us All | Easter
Latter-day Saints join in affirming that Christ has “broken the bands of death” and that “death is swallowed up in victory”. Because we believe the Bible and Book of Mormon descriptions of the literal Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we also readily accept the numerous scriptural teachings that a similar resurrection will come to all mortals who have ever lived upon this earth. As Jesus taught, “Because I live, ye shall live also”.
- President Dallin H. Oaks, Resurrection
Because of Jesus Christ, All Things Are Possible | #BecauseOfHim
I declare with joy that I am converted to the Lord Jesus Christ. I am striving to be whole in Him. I am sure that all things will be restored and healing will come, in His time, because He lives. Mary Magdalene was a woman healed of Jesus Christ...His Resurrection allowed Mary’s tears to be wiped away. Surely He will wipe away yours too. He is risen. Jesus Christ lives. Ultimately all will be healed, physically and emotionally, in Him.
- Camille N. Johnson, Spiritually Whole in Him
He Lives–Celebrate Jesus Christ's Resurrection
If we truly seek our Lord and Savior, we shall surely find Him...He is the literal Savior of the world, the Son of God, the Prince of Peace, the Holy One of Israel, even the risen Lord, who declared: “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. … I am the light and the life of the world.” “I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father.”
- President Thomas S. Monson, The Way of the Master
His Sacred Name - An Easter Declaration
Jesus Christ Appears at the Temple | 3 Nephi 11:1–17
Luke 24 | The Risen Lord Jesus Christ Appears to the Apostles | The Bible
Kirtland Temple | Easter Sunday: Revelation Through Prayer! | "The Savior Was Here"
[A] rich young man asked an extremely important question of the Savior: “Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”...millions in the world today still prize and choose “the riches of the earth” over the “riches of eternity”, not knowing or fully understanding that “he that hath eternal life is rich” and that eternal life is God’s greatest gift to man. Simply stated, eternal life is to live forever as families in the presence of God.
- John M. Madsen, Eternal Life through Jesus Christ
Earthly Father, Heavenly Father
I see the Savior’s declaration “ye are my friends” as a clarion call to build higher and holier relationships among all of God’s children “that we may be one.” We do this as we come together seeking both opportunities to unite and a sense of belonging for all…we must stop looking for reasons to divide and instead seek opportunities to “be one.” ...May I invite each of us to be worthy of the Savior’s invitation to “be one” and to boldly declare, as He did, “Ye are my friends.”
- David L. Buckner, “Ye Are My Friends”
I believe it is time, and perhaps with some urgency, to review the counsel we have received in dealing with our personal and family preparedness. We want to be found with oil in our lamps sufficient to endure to the end…The need for preparation is abundantly clear. The great blessing of being prepared gives us freedom from fear, as guaranteed to us by the Lord in the Doctrine and Covenants: “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear”.
- L. Tom Perry, “If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear”
Inspiring Short: Fear Not: Good Tidings of Great Joy | Lloyd D. Newell
[T]he power of the Savior’s gospel to transform and bless us flows from discerning and applying the interrelatedness of its doctrine, principles, and practices…Church organizations and programs exist to bless individuals and families and are not ends in themselves…I promise that increased perspective, purpose, and power will be evident in our learning and living of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as we strive to gather together in one all things in Christ.
- David A. Bednar, Gather Together in One All Things in Christ
What to Expect at Church | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Make New Friends at Church | Unlikely Friendships
Inspiring Short: Somebody to Stand by You | Jeffrey R. Holland
Through honoring our covenants, we enable God to pour out the multitude of promised blessings associated with those covenants, including increased power to change and become more like our Savior...Study the talks of our prophet…Learn from his teachings about the beautiful blessings and increased power and capacity that can be yours through making and keeping covenants with God.
- J. Annette Dennis, Put Ye On the Lord Jesus Christ
The Blessings of Making Covenants
Inspiring Short: The Fire of Temple Covenants | David A. Bednar
The transcendent gift of the Holy Ghost, along with membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is bestowed by confirmation, by the laying on of hands by those having priesthood authority…Those who possess the gift of the Holy Ghost after baptism and confirmation can receive more light and testimony. This is because the gift of the Holy Ghost is “a permanent witness and higher endowment than the ordinary manifestation of the Holy Spirit.”
- James E. Faust, Born Again
Video: Sister Johnson Talks about the Holy Ghost
I have carefully observed the effect that diligently and humbly listening to the voice of the Lord has had in the lives of people...The same promise that the people of ancient Israel received is valid today: And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God”.
- Francisco J. Viñas, Listening to the Voice of the Lord
#HearHim: Listen to the Voice of Jesus Christ
Discipleship is all about doing and becoming. As we obey His commandments and serve our fellowmen, we become better disciples of Jesus Christ. Obedience and submission to His will bring the companionship of the Holy Ghost, along with those blessings of peace, joy, and security that always accompany this third member of the Godhead. And they can come in no other way. Ultimately, it is total submission to His will that helps us become as our Savior is.
- Daniel L. Johnson, Becoming a True Disciple
God’s commands and standards...can sometimes be difficult to understand...He gives us divine direction, through His commands and loving guidance, so that we may avoid the dangers...the barriers established by the Lord create for us a safe harbor from the evil and destructive influences that would otherwise drag us down to the depths of despair. The Lord’s commandments are given out of love and caring; they are intended for our joy in this life just as much as they are intended for our joy and exaltation in the next.
- Von G. Keetch, Blessed and Happy Are Those Who Keep the Commandments of God
Why does God give us commandments?
The Church of Jesus Christ is under divine mandate to care for the poor. It is one of the pillars of the work of salvation and exaltation... The Church responds to this charge in a wide variety of ways… small efforts collectively make a big impact, magnifying the many individual things we do as disciples of Jesus Christ…Our individual efforts don’t necessarily require money or faraway locations; they do require the guidance of the Holy Spirit and a willing heart to say to the Lord, “Here am I; send me.”
- Sharon Eubank, I Pray He’ll Use Us
Why is revelation so essential to our spiritual survival? Because the world can be confusing and noisy, full of deception and distractions. Communication with our Father in Heaven enables us to sort through what is true and what is false, what is relevant to the Lord’s plan for us and what is not...We are led by prophets who teach us the will of the Lord for the difficult times we live in. In addition, we have direct access to our own revelation so the Lord can comfort and guide us personally.
- Milton Camargo, Ask, Seek, and Knock
Mormon Church: The Message of the Restoration
God reveals eternal truth to us through a network of revelatory relationships…prophets receive truth from God and share that truth with us. We learn the truth from past prophets in the scriptures and from living prophets at general conference and through other official channels…The Lord works through His prophets to uphold His doctrine and to modify Church policies according to the needs of His children...today, Christ continues to lead His Church through living prophets and apostles.
- John C. Pingree, Jr., Eternal Truth
Jesus Christ is a God of love, a God of hope, a God of healing...That is what He wanted before coming to this earth when He volunteered to rescue us when we fall into transgression. That is what He wanted in Gethsemane when He faced humanly incomprehensible pain during the agony of paying the price of sin. That is what He wants now when He pleads on our behalf before the Father…Because He “descended below all things,” He makes it possible for all things that have been broken in our lives to be mended, and thus we can be reconciled with God.
- Walter F. González, The Savior’s Touch
The standard, established by revelation, is contained in the scriptures through the doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The principles of the gospel life we follow are based on doctrine, and the standards accord with the principles... We know that the homes we establish...will be —the “light,” the “standard,” the “ensign” for all nations, and the “refuge” against the gathering storms…ordinary men...ordinary women and ordinary children in ordinary families, living the gospel as best they can all over the world, can shine forth as a standard.
- Boyd K. Packer, A Defense and a Refuge
The World Needs Your Light | #LightTheWorld 2022
The Lord is fulfilling His promise. The Savior’s restored Church is being established throughout the world and is the instrument by which God will “gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.”…individuals “who prayerfully study the message of the Restoration and act in faith will be blessed [through the power of the Holy Ghost] to gain their own witness of its divinity and of its purpose to prepare the world for the promised Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
- David A. Bednar, The Times of Restitution of All Things
Experience God’s Miracles: The Promises for Covenant Israel Fulfilled — Russell M. Nelson
I can think of no more important counsel from a loving Heavenly Father than His admonition for each of you to “stand … in holy places, and be not moved.” ...No amount of peer pressure, no acceptance, no popularity is worth a compromise… Your choices matter. Your choices now not only affect you, but they also affect others. They are of eternal significance. Be not moved!…generations are depending on the choices you make...
- Elaine S. Dalton, Be Not Moved!
Nothing lifts my desire to speak of Christ more than visualizing His return. While we do not know when He will come, the events of His return will be breathtaking! He will come in the clouds of heaven in majesty and glory with all His holy angels. Not just a few angels but all His holy angels...Can you imagine being caught up to meet Him, whether on this side or the other side of the veil? That is His promise to the righteous. This amazing experience will mark our souls forever.
- Neil L. Andersen, We Talk of Christ
To His Saints in our day, the Savior has said, “Be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you”. The Lord will stand by His Church and people and keep them in safety until His coming. There will be peace in Zion and in her stakes...The Church stands as a bulwark of safety for its members. Though conditions in the world may become very vexing at times, faithful Latter-day Saints will find sanctuary in the stakes of Zion.
- Bruce D. Porter, Beautiful Mornings
[T]hose who gather in the congregation communicate to each other this “welcome to the church of joy” through the expressions they wear on their faces!…For those who feel left out or on the margins, the warmth of this welcome will be crucial. Ultimately, we can ask ourselves how the Saviour would want our sacrament hour to be. How would He want each one of His children to be welcomed, cared for, nourished, and loved? How would He want us to feel when we come to be renewed through remembering and worshipping Him?
- Patrick Kearon, Welcome to the Church of Joy
[A]ll are under the directive to become like Him, just as Jesus Christ became like the Father. As we progress, we become more complete, finished, and fully developed...
Becoming as Jesus Christ is will require changing our hearts and minds, indeed, our very character, and doing so is possible only through the saving grace of Jesus Christ…Christlike attributes are gifts from a loving Heavenly Father to bless us...Accordingly, our efforts to obtain these attributes will require heartfelt pleas for His divine assistance.
- Scott D. Whiting, Becoming like Him
Seek Jesus Christ: Our Greatest Treasure
As sons and daughters of God, we each have unique responsibilities and roles, and through the blessings of the priesthood, we are all given equal partnership, gifts, and blessings...Each of [us] is blessed by sacred ordinances, and each of [us] can enjoy the blessings of spiritual gifts…Because the priesthood has been restored, we also share equally in the blessings of spiritual gifts. The Lord gives us these gifts for our own benefit and to help each other...Spiritual gifts are numerous and varied and come to us as we seek them and use them appropriately.
- Julie B. Beck, An Outpouring of Blessings
Matthew 25 | Parables of Jesus: The Parable of the Talents | The Bible
[L]et us go forward fearlessly so that we will be given the powers to do whatever the Lord calls us to do... we all know that confirmation into the Church gave us the gift of the Holy Ghost. But the companionship of the Holy Ghost, the manifestations of it in our life and service, requires us to put our lives in order to qualify…Repentance, prayer, and pondering over the scriptures are essential parts of our qualifying for the gifts of the Spirit... Further magnification of our power to serve will come as we respond with faith to go forward in our callings with the Holy Ghost to help us.
- President Henry B. Eyring, Serve with the Spirit
A Mother's Determination - A Mother’s Day Message
The Bread Loaf Prayer | Come Learn with Me
Share your testimony with your family; encourage them to remember how they felt when they recognized the Spirit in their lives and to record those feelings in journals and personal histories so that their own words may, when needed, bring to their remembrance how good the Lord has been to them. You will recall that Nephi and his brothers returned to Jerusalem to obtain the brass plates that contained the recorded history of their people, in part so that they would not forget their past…remember to record your feelings of “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, [and] temperance.”
- Ronald A. Rasband, Lest Thou Forget
The Church History Library: Behind the Scenes
[A]s disciples of the Savior Jesus Christ, we watch out for one another, encourage one another, and find ways to serve and strengthen each other. We are not just receivers and takers of what is offered at church; we are needed to be givers and suppliers…Ask your Heavenly Father to show you those around you who need your help and to inspire you on how to best serve them. Remember that the Savior most often ministered to one person at a time… Pray for help in recognizing those in your ward families who need love and encouragement... your efforts will bless lives and will also bless you in ways you cannot begin to imagine.
- Bonnie L. Oscarson, The Needs Before Us
Always Something to Give – The Coconut Farmer