During eternity’s most crucial, agonizing hours, our Savior did not shrink but partook of the bitter cup. How did He do it? We learn, “For the joy that was set before him [Christ] endured the cross,” His will “being swallowed up in the will of the Father.”…when life’s challenges are most painful and overwhelming, I remember the Lord’s promise—that we “should suffer no manner of afflictions, save it [be] swallowed up [consumed, devoured, and engulfed] in the joy of Christ.”
- Brian K. Taylor, Swallowed Up in the Joy of Christ
As we make and keep covenants with God, the Savior can help us to “be born again; yea, born of God, changed from [a] carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters”. Of all the zealous social, religious, and political endeavors of our day, let disciple of Jesus Christ be our most pronounced and affirming affiliation.
- Jeremy R. Jaggi, Let Patience Have Her Perfect Work, and Count It All Joy!
The holy scriptures are the word of God given to us for our salvation…To His disciples then and now, His words ring out: “Search the scriptures; for … they are they which testify of me”—a testimony borne by the Holy Ghost, for “by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.”...the scriptures have been “kept and preserved [for us] by the hand of the Lord … for a wise purpose in him.”....The scriptures which we have give prophecies and promises, and they have been fulfilled in our day.
- Robert D. Hales, Holy Scriptures: The Power of God unto Our Salvation
When all is said and done, the primary place in building a value system is in the homes of the people… If we are to turn this tide, the effort must begin with children when they are young and pliable, when they will listen and learn…It is not enough simply to provide food and shelter for the physical being. There is an equal responsibility to provide nourishment and direction to the spirit and the mind and the heart… The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all find their roots in the teaching of children by fathers and mothers.
- President Gordon B. Hinckley, Bring Up a Child in the Way He Should Go
The Lord has told us that our time should “be devoted to the studying of the scriptures” and that “the Book of Mormon and the holy scriptures are given…for [our] instruction”...If you have not already developed the habit of daily scripture study, start now and keep studying in order to be prepared for your responsibilities in this life and in the eternities…Through my scripture reading and the prayers that accompany my study, I have gained knowledge which brings me peace and helps me keep my energies focused on eternal priorities.
- Julie B. Beck, My Soul Delighteth in the Scriptures
How can each of us become such a significant influence? We must be sure to sincerely love those we want to help in righteousness so they can begin to develop confidence in God’s love...Share principles that help those you love to press forward along the path to eternal life...Keep your sharing of the gospel simple. Your personal testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ is a powerful tool…You will share what you know in a way that encourages your friends to want to be strengthened spiritually.
- Richard G. Scott, “I Have Given You an Example”
*The Lord is My Light
I Need Thee Every Hour
Lord Accept into Thy Kingdom
“Give,” Said the Little Stream
*As I Search the Holy Scriptures
As Zion’s Youth in Latter Days
Oh May My Soul Commune with Thee
Quickly I’ll Obey
Oh Holy Words of Truth and Love
*Testimony
Be Thou Humble