His Love Is Such That Even Should We Give Up On Ourselves, He Never Will

His love is such that even should we give up on ourselves, He never will.

Author: Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Title: The Way of the Disciple
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 75–78

Now Is The Time

Now is the time to adjust your lives to be able to have a temple recommend and use it. Now is the time to have meaningful family home evenings, to read the word of God, and to speak to our Heavenly Father in earnest prayer. Now is the time to fill our hearts with gratitude for the Restoration of His Church, for living prophets, the Book of Mormon, and the priesthood power that blesses our lives. Now is the time to embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, become His disciples, and walk in His way.

Author: Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Title: The Way of the Disciple
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 75–78

Every Holder of the Priesthood Should Participate In Daily Scripture Study

Every holder of the priesthood should participate in daily scripture study. Crash courses are not nearly so effective as the day-to-day reading and application of the scriptures in our lives....

I promise you, whether you hold the Aaronic or the Melchizedek Priesthood, that if you will study the scriptures diligently, your power to avoid temptation and to receive direction of the Holy Ghost in all you do will be increased.

Author: Thomas S. Monson
Title: Be Your Best Self
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 67–70

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.

Author: Thomas S. Monson
Title: Be Your Best Self
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 67–70

You Are Under Covenant...He Sends You to Act for Him

Our comrades are being wounded in the spiritual conflict around us. So are the people we are called to serve and protect from harm....you are under covenant, as has been made clear to you, that when you accepted the trust from God to receive the priesthood, you accepted a responsibility for whatever you might do or fail to do for the salvation of others however difficult and dangerous that might appear to be for you....He sends you to act for Him.

Author: Henry B. Eyring
Title: Man Down!
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 63–66

The Doctrine of the Church Is Not Someone's Best Guess As To The Meaning of Ancient Scripture

The doctrine of the Church is not someone’s best guess as to the meaning of ancient scripture. It is the truth of heaven revealed by God Himself.

Author: Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Title: We Are Doing a Great Work and Cannot Come Down
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 59–62

A Mind to Work...A True and Faithful Priesthood Man

Nehemiah

Nehemiah of the Old Testament is a great example of staying focused and committed to an important task. Nehemiah was an Israelite who lived in exile in Babylon and served as cupbearer to the king. One day the king asked Nehemiah why he seemed so sad. Nehemiah replied, “Why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ [graves], lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?”4

When the king heard this, his heart was softened, and he gave Nehemiah the authority to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city. However, not everyone was happy with this plan. In fact, several rulers who lived near Jerusalem grieved exceedingly “that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.”5 These men “took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.”6

Fearless, Nehemiah did not allow the opposition to distract him. Instead, he organized his resources and manpower and moved forward rebuilding the city, “for the people had a mind to work.”7

But as the walls of the city began to rise, opposition intensified. Nehemiah’s enemies threatened, conspired, and ridiculed. Their threats were very real, and they grew so intimidating that Nehemiah confessed, “They all made us afraid.”8 In spite of the danger and the ever-present threat of invasion, the work progressed. It was a time of stress, for every builder “had his sword girded by his side, and so builded.”9

As the work continued, Nehemiah’s enemies became more desperate. Four times they entreated him to leave the safety of the city and meet with them under the pretense of resolving the conflict, but Nehemiah knew that their intent was to do him harm. Each time they approached him, he responded with the same answer: “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down.”10

What a remarkable response! With that clear and unchanging purpose of heart and mind, with that great resolve, the walls of Jerusalem rose until they were rebuilt in an astonishing 52 days.11

Nehemiah refused to allow distractions to prevent him from doing what the Lord wanted him to do.

We Will Not Come Down

I am encouraged and inspired by the many faithful priesthood holders today who are of similar heart and mind. Like Nehemiah, you love the Lord and seek to magnify the priesthood you bear. The Lord loves you and is mindful of the purity of your hearts and the steadfastness of your resolve. He blesses you for your fidelity, guides your path, and uses your gifts and talents in building His kingdom on this earth.

Nevertheless, not all are like Nehemiah. There is room for improvement.

I wonder, my dear brethren of the priesthood, what could be accomplished if we all, like the people of Nehemiah, “had a mind to work.” I wonder what could be accomplished if we “put away childish things”12 and gave ourselves, heart and soul, to becoming worthy priesthood bearers and true representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Think for a moment what could be accomplished in our personal lives, in our professional lives, in our families, in our wards and branches. Think of how the kingdom of God would progress throughout the earth. Imagine how the world itself could be transformed for good if every man who bears the priesthood of God were to gird up his loins and live up to his true potential, converted in the depth of his soul, a true and faithful priesthood man, committed to building the kingdom of God.

Author: Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Title: We Are Doing a Great Work and Cannot Come Down
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 59–62

What Excuses Do You Cling To?

What excuses do you cling to that keep you from being the kind of husband, father, son, and priesthood holder you know you should be? What are the things that distract you from your duties or hinder you from magnifying your calling more diligently?....When we truly love our Heavenly Father and His children, we demonstrate that love through our actions.

Author: Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Title: We Are Doing a Great Work and Cannot Come Down
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 59–62

There Is Enough of Expertise, of Knowledge, of Strength, of Concern In Every Priesthood Quorum To Assist

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....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.

President Gordon B. Hinckley, while a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said:

“I am satisfied, my brethren, that there is enough of expertise, of knowledge, of strength, of concern in every priesthood quorum to assist the troubled members of that quorum if these resources are properly administered.

“… It is the obligation of the priesthood quorum to set in motion those forces and facilities which will equip the needy member to provide on a continuing basis for himself and his family.”3

Author: Richard C. Edgley
Title: This Is Your Phone Call
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 53–55

It May Seem That The World Is In Commotion; And It Is!

It may seem that the world is in commotion; and it is! It may seem that there are wars and rumors of wars; and there are! It may seem that the future will hold trials and difficulties for you; and it will! However, fear is the opposite of faith. Do not be afraid! I do not fear.

At noon today four young men, all grandsons, came to visit us. Three of them had young ladies on their arms—one to talk about his coming wedding, two of them to announce their engagements, and the stray to talk about his mission call to Japan. We talked to them about the fact that one day each of you will take a pure and precious daughter of our Heavenly Father to the temple to be sealed for time and for all eternity. These young grandsons must know what Alma taught: that the gospel plan is “the great plan of happiness”22 and that happiness is the end of our existence

Author: Boyd K. Packer
Title: Counsel to Young Men
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 49–52

It Will Not Hurt You to Want Something and Not Have It

The reality of life is now part of your priesthood responsibilities. It will not hurt you to want something and not have it. There is a maturing and disciplining that will be good for you. It will ensure that you can have a happy life and raise a happy family. These trials come with responsibility in the priesthood

Author: Boyd K. Packer
Title: Counsel to Young Men
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 49–52

Young Men Should Not Complain About Schooling

You young men should not complain about schooling. Do not immerse yourself so much in the technical that you fail to learn things that are practical. Everything you can learn that is practical—in the house, in the kitchen cooking, in the yard—will be of benefit to you. Never complain about schooling. Study well, and attend always.

Author: Boyd K. Packer
Title: Counsel to Young Men
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 49–52

Baptized Too Soon? And Retaining A Remission of My Sins

I remember when I was “[baptized] by immersion for the remission of sins.”15 That was appealing. I assumed that all my past mistakes were now washed away, and if I never made any more mistakes in my life, I would be clean. This I resolved to do. Somehow it did not turn out that way. I found that I made mistakes, not intentionally, but I made them. I once foolishly thought maybe I was baptized too soon. I did not understand that the ordinance of the sacrament, administered by you of the Aaronic Priesthood, is in fact a renewing of the covenant of baptism and the reinstating of the blessings connected with it. I did not see, as the revelations tell us, that I could “retain a remission of [my] sins.”16


Author: Boyd K. Packer
Title: Counsel to Young Men
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 49–52

The Prayerful Power of Your Spirit Will Protect You

You are not to be fearful. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “all beings who have bodies have power over those who have not.”13 And Lehi taught that all “men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil.”14 Remember, the prayerful power of your spirit will protect you.

Author: Boyd K. Packer
Title: Counsel to Young Men
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 49–52

Do Not Run With Friends That Worry Your Parents

Do not run with friends that worry your parents.

Author: Boyd K. Packer
Title: Counsel to Young Men
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 49–52

The Priesthood Is Something You Cannot See Nor Hear Nor Touch, But It Is A Real Authority And A Real Power

The priesthood is something you cannot see nor hear nor touch, but it is a real authority and a real power.

Author: Boyd K. Packer
Title: Counsel to Young Men
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 49–52

They Want It Straight, Undiluted.

When I began my teaching career, President J. Reuben Clark Jr., the First Counselor in the First Presidency, had spoken to teachers. His words went into my heart and influenced me ever since.

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

President Clark continued: “You do not have to sneak up behind this spiritually experienced youth and whisper religion in [their] ears; you can come right out, face to face, and talk with [them]. … You can bring these truths to [them] openly. … There is no need for gradual approaches.”9

Since then I have taught young people in the same way that I teach adults.
Author: Boyd K. Packer
Title: Counsel to Young Men
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 49–52

When We Keep the Temple Covenants...Then Come What May

What I am trying to teach is that when we keep the temple covenants we have made and when we live righteously in order to maintain the blessings promised by those ordinances, then come what may, we have no reason to worry or to feel despondent.

Author:Richard G. Scott
Title: Temple Worship: The Source of Strength and Power in Times of Need
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 43–45

We Should Never Complain, When We Are Living Worthily, About What Happens In Our Lives

We should never complain, when we are living worthily, about what happens in our lives.

Author:Richard G. Scott
Title: Temple Worship: The Source of Strength and Power in Times of Need
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 43–45

I Have Never Asked Why But Rather What Is It That He Wants Me to Learn From This Experience

I have never asked why but rather what is it that He wants me to learn from this experience. I believe that is a good way to face the unpleasant things in our lives, not complaining but thanking the Lord for the trust He places in us when He gives us the opportunity to overcome difficulties.

Author:Richard G. Scott
Title: Temple Worship: The Source of Strength and Power in Times of Need
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 43–45

Nothing Can Ever Go Permanently Wrong....Winds Blew Against Both Houses

President Howard W. Hunter said: “If our lives and our faith are centered on Jesus Christ and his restored gospel, nothing can ever go permanently wrong. On the other hand, if our lives are not centered on the Savior and his teachings, no other success can ever be permanently right” (The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, ed. Clyde J. Williams [1997], 40)....that the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew against both houses!

Author: Rafael E. Pino
Title: Faith in Adversity
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 41–42

A Lack of Confidence in One's Self or Abilities Is Inconssistent With Our Divine Identity

[A] lack of confidence in one’s self or abilities. It is inconsistent with our divine identity as children of God.
Author: Kevin W. Pearson
Title: Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 38–40

If We Do Not Give Them Faith in Christ, We Have Given Little

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....When we teach our children by example or precept to be casual or situational in obeying God’s commandments, we prevent them from receiving this vital spiritual gift. Faith requires an attitude of exact obedience, even in the small, simple things.

Author: Kevin W. Pearson
Title: Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 38–40

Widely Held Belief is Not Scriptural

with respect to the doctrine that revelation still exists, some very good people have been confident that the Church could not be true because they have been taught, and therefore believe, that the heavens are closed and there will be no additional revelation, no scripture, and no pronouncements from heaven. Let me emphasize that this widely held belief is not scriptural, but it is a stumbling block to some.10

Author: Quentin L. Cook
Title: Our Father’s Plan—Big Enough for All His Children
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 34–38

The Difference Maker

And so it returns, as it always does, to your own personal faith and testimony. That is the difference-maker, my young brothers and sisters. That is how you know. That is how you avoid the mistakes of the past and take your spirituality to the next level....And how do you get such a testimony? Well, there’s no new technology for that, nor will there ever be. You cannot do a Google search to gain a testimony. You can’t text message faith. You gain a vibrant, life-changing testimony today the same way it has always been done. The process hasn’t been changed. It comes through desire, study, prayer, obedience, and service. That is why the teachings of prophets and apostles, past and present, are as relevant to your life today as they ever have been.

Author: M. Russell Ballard
Title: Learning the Lessons of the Past
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 31–34

Enduring--Well

Even when you feel the truth of that capacity and kindness of the Lord to deliver you in your trials, it may still test your courage and strength to endure.....The Lord will rescue His faithful disciples. And the disciple who accepts a trial as an invitation to grow and therefore qualify for eternal life can find peace in the midst of the struggle....Tragedy did not erode their faith; it tested it and strengthened it.

Author: Henry B. Eyring
Title: Adversity
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 23–27

The Holy Ghost is the Great Sanctifier

In all the ordinances, especially those of the temple, we are endowed with power from on high.4 This “power of godliness” comes in the person and by the influence of the Holy Ghost. The gift of the Holy Ghost is part of the new and everlasting covenant. It is an essential part of our baptism, the baptism of the Spirit. It is the messenger of grace by which the blood of Christ is applied to take away our sins and sanctify us (see 2 Nephi 31:17). It is the gift by which Adam was “quickened in the inner man” (Moses 6:65).

Author: D. Todd Christofferson
Title: The Power of Covenants
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 19–23

The Power of Covenants

This entire conference talk is a great resource on covenants.

Author: D. Todd Christofferson
Title: The Power of Covenants
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 19–23

Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Advisor

I invite quorum presidencies to ask the following questions and seek other questions the Spirit will inspire: What does an Aaronic Priesthood quorum president do to preside over a quorum? What are his duties? What does he do as he sits in council with quorum members? How and when does he teach? What are the covenants referenced in the verses (DC 107:85-89)? And what do the quorum adviser and the bishopric member do as each assists the president in his duties and in his use of priesthood keys of presidency?

Author: Michael A. Neider
Title: Revealed Quorum Principles
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 14–16

Harshness in Our Training Begets Resentment, Not Reverence

Harshness in our training begets resentment, not reverence.

Author: Margaret S. Lifferth
Title: Respect and Reverence
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 11–13

Reverence and Self Discipline

A toddler can learn to fold his arms and get ready for prayer. But it takes time, patience, and consistency. Remember that we are not only teaching a child his first lessons in reverence, but the child may be mastering his first attempts at self-discipline.

Author: Margaret S. Lifferth
Title: Respect and Reverence
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 11–13

Keep a Place in Your Heart for Forgiveness

A sister who had been through a painful divorce wrote of her experience in drawing from the Atonement. She said: “Our divorce … did not release me from the obligation to forgive. I truly wanted to do it, but it was as if I had been commanded to do something of which I was simply incapable.” Her bishop gave her some sound advice: “Keep a place in your heart for forgiveness, and when it comes, welcome it in.” Many months passed as this struggle to forgive continued. She recalled: “During those long, prayerful moments … I tapped into a life-giving source of comfort from my loving Heavenly Father. I sense that he was not standing by glaring at me for not having accomplished forgiveness yet; rather he was sorrowing with me as I wept. …

“In the final analysis, what happened in my heart is for me an amazing and miraculous evidence of the Atonement of Christ. I had always viewed the Atonement as a means of making repentance work for the sinner. I had not realized that it also makes it possible for the one sinned against to receive into his or her heart the sweet peace of forgiving.” 33

The injured should do what they can to work through their trials, and the Savior will “succor his people according to their infirmities.” 34 He will help us carry our burdens. Some injuries are so hurtful and deep that they cannot be healed without help from a higher power and hope for perfect justice and restitution in the next life. Since the Savior has suffered anything and everything that we could ever feel or experience, 35 He can help the weak to become stronger. He has personally experienced all of it. He understands our pain and will walk with us even in our darkest hours.

Author: James E. Faust
Title: The Atonement: Our Greatest Hope
Where: Ensign, Nov 2001, 18

The Ideal Family...Live for It, Pray for It...Don't Become Overanxious

Throughout your life on earth, seek diligently to fulfill the fundamental purposes of this life through the ideal family. While you may not have yet reached that ideal, do all you can through obedience and faith in the Lord to consistently draw as close to it as you are able. Let nothing dissuade you from that objective. If it requires fundamental changes in your personal life, make them. When you have the required age and maturity, obtain all of the ordinances of the temple you can receive. If for the present, that does not include sealing in the temple to a righteous companion, live for it. Pray for it. Exercise faith that you will obtain it. Never do anything that would make you unworthy of it. If you have lost the vision of eternal marriage, rekindle it. If your dream requires patience, give it...Don’t become overanxious. Do the best you can.

Author: Richard G. Scott
Title: First Things First
Where: Ensign, May 2001, 6
Scripture:
Why I liked it:

We Did Not Make The Rules; They Were Revealed as Commandments

Sometimes we are asked why we do not recognize this conduct as a diverse and acceptable lifestyle. This we cannot do. We did not make the laws; they were made in heaven "before the foundation of the world" (D&C 132:5; 124:41; see also Alma 22:13). We are servants only.
Just as with the prophets in ancient times, we have been "consecrated priests and teachers of this people, . . . [responsible to] magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence" (Jacob 1:18-19).
We understand why some feel we reject them. That is not true. We do not reject you, only immoral behavior. We cannot reject you, for you are the sons and daughters of God. We will not reject you, because we love you (see Heb. 12:6-9; Rom. 3:19; Hel. 15:3; D&C 95:1).
You may even feel that we do not love you. That also is not true. Parents know, and one day you will know, that there are times when parents and we who lead the Church must extend tough love when failing to teach and to warn and to discipline is to destroy.
We did not make the rules; they were revealed as commandments. We do not cause nor can we prevent the consequences if you disobey the moral laws (see D&C 101:78). In spite of criticism or opposition, we must teach and we must warn.
Author: Boyd K. Packer
Title: Ye Are the Temple of God
Where: Ensign, Nov 2000, 72–74