Daily Gems - 30 April 2010

A Loving Appeal

"When we sin, we turn away from God. When we repent, we turn back toward God.

"The invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a loving appeal to turn around and to 're-turn' toward God (see Helaman 7:17)."

Neil L. Andersen, "Repent . . . That I May Heal You," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 40

Topics: Repentance

Church History Gems - 30 April 2010

Priority of the Book of Mormon

"A . . . powerful testimony to the importance of the Book of Mormon is to note where the Lord placed its comings forth in the timetable of the unfolding Restoration. The only thing that preceded it was the First Vision. In that marvelous manifestation, the Prophet Joseph Smith learned the true nature of God and that God had a work for him to do. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon was the next thing to follow.

"Think of that in terms of what it implies. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon preceded the restoration of the priesthood. It was published just a few days before the Church was organized. The Saints were given the Book of Mormon to read before they were given the revelations outlining such great doctrines as the three degrees of glory, celestial marriage, or work for the dead. It came before priesthood quorums and Church organization. Doesn't this tell us something about how the Lord views this sacred work?"

Ezra Taft Benson, "The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion," Ensign, Nov. 1986, 4

Topics: Book of Mormon

Family Gems - 30 April 2010

Husbands and Wives Have Full Partnership in Their Marriage

"Men and women joined together in marriage need to work together as a full partnership. However, a full and equal partnership between men and women does not imply the roles played by the two sexes are the same in God's grand design for His children. As the proclamation clearly states, men and women, though spiritually equal, are entrusted with different but equally significant roles."

M. Russell Ballard, "The Sacred Responsibilities of Parenthood," Ensign, Mar. 2006, 29

Topics: Marriage

Young Single Adult Gems - 30 April 2010

Repentance Is Spiritual Medicine

“Repentance is powerful spiritual medicine. There are few spiritual ills it will not cure. Each sin left behind through faith in Christ opens spiritual doors.”

Neil L. Andersen, “Clean Again!” New Era, Apr. 1997, 4

Topics: Repentance

Youth Gems - 29 April 2010

Pray to Share the Gospel

“I would ask that your faith and prayers continue to be offered in behalf of those areas where our influence is limited and where we are not allowed to share the gospel freely at this time. Miracles can occur as we do so.”

Thomas S. Monson, "Welcome to Conference,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 6

Topics: Proclaim the Gospel

Daily Gems - 29 April 2010

Knowing What Is Going On in Your Son's Life

"Fathers, listen to your sons—really listen to them. Ask the right kind of questions, and listen to what your sons have to say each time you have a few minutes together. You need to know—not to guess but to know—what is going on in your son's life."

M. Russell Ballard, "Fathers and Sons: A Remarkable Relationship," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 48

Topics: Fatherhood

Young Single Adult Gems - 28 April 2010

Peace, the Fruit of a Righteous Life

“Peace is the precious fruit of a righteous life. It is possible because of the Atonement of the Savior. It is earned through full repentance, for that leads to refreshing forgiveness.”

Richard G. Scott, “The Path to Peace and Joy,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 25

Topics: Peace

Daily Gems - 28 April 2010

God's Greatest Gift to Man

"What would each of us say if we had to open our mouth three times? If I may, I would like to offer a suggestion. First and foremost, we should declare our belief in Jesus Christ and His Atonement. His redeeming act blesses all mankind with the gift of immortality and the potential of enjoying God's greatest gift to man, the gift of eternal life."

L. Tom Perry, "Bring Souls unto Me," Ensign, May 2009, 111

Topics: Proclaim the Gospel

Church History Gems - 28 April 2010

The Vision

"Each of us can develop in our bosom an uplifting, sanctifying, and glorifying feeling of [the Restoration's] truth. The Holy Ghost will reveal and seal upon each of our hearts this knowledge, if we truly desire. Our understanding, belief, and faith in 'the vision' (as we refer to it) of God the Father and His Only Begotten Son appearing to Joseph, thereby ushering in this final dispensation with its great and precious truths, is essential to our eternal salvation. Salvation comes only through Christ. Joseph Smith is the instrument or revealer of that knowledge, divinely called to teach of the terms and conditions of the Father's plan and given the keys of salvation for all mankind."

David B. Haight, "Joseph Smith, the Prophet, Ensign, Dec. 2001, 26, 28

Topics: First Vision

Youth Gems - 27 April 2010

Eternal Life

“The Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith the following: ‘And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God’ (D&C 14:7). This divine promise is possible to achieve. Eternal life is to live with our Father and with our families forevermore. Should not this promise be the greatest incentive to do the best within our reach and give the best of ourselves in pursuit of what has been promised to us?”

Jorge F. Zeballos, “Attempting the Impossible,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 33

Topics: Commandments

Daily Gems - 27 April 2010

Uncommon Acts of Charity

"[The Relief Society] is composed of women whose feelings of charity spring from hearts changed by qualifying for and by keeping covenants offered only in the Lord's true Church. Their feelings of charity come from Him through His Atonement. Their acts of charity are guided by His example—and come out of gratitude for His infinite gift of mercy—and by the Holy Spirit, which He sends to accompany His servants on their missions of mercy. Because of that, they have done and are able to do uncommon things for others and to find joy even when their own unmet needs are great."

Henry B. Eyring, "The Enduring Legacy of Relief Society," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 121

Topics: Charity

Daily Gems - 26 April 2010

Cultivate a Reputation for Excellence

"Work is an antidote for anxiety, and ointment for sorrow, and a doorway to possibility. Whatever our circumstances in life, my dear brethren, let us do the best we can and cultivate a reputation for excellence in all that we do. Let us set our minds and bodies to the glorious opportunity for work that each new day presents."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Two Principles for Any Economy," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 56

Topics: Work

Family Gems - 26 April 2010

Enrich Marital Relationships through Communication

"Marriage relationships can be enriched by better communication. One important way is to pray together. This will resolve many of the differences, if there are any, between the couple before going to sleep. I do not mean to overemphasize differences, but they are real and do make things interesting. I believe our differences are the little pinches of salt that can make the marriage seem more flavorful."

James E. Faust, "Enriching Your Marriage," Ensign, Apr. 2007, 6

Topics: Marriage

Church History Gems - 26 April 2010

Prophet's Growth

"The Prophet Joseph had no role models from whom he could learn how to be a prophet and leader of the Lord's people. He learned from heavenly messengers and from the harvest of his unique spiritual gifts. He had to rely on associates who had no role models either. They struggled and learned together, and the Prophet's growth was extremely rapid."

Dallin H. Oaks, "Joseph, the Man and the Prophet," Ensign, May 1996, 72

Topics: Joseph Smith

Young Single Adult Gems - 26 April 2010

The Importance of Daily Repentance

“We must become converted to daily repentance. President Benson taught that many of our troubles sprout from pride, which he defined as a selfish pitting of our will against God’s (see Ensign, May 1989, 4–7). We repent as we follow the Savior’s example in doing ‘not as I will, but as thou wilt’ (Matt. 26:39). As we gain sufficient faith and trust to meekly surrender ourselves to the Lord’s way, we are repenting.”

Neil L. Andersen, “Clean Again!” New Era, Apr. 1997, 4

Topics: Repentance

Family Gems - 23 April 2010

Happy Marital Relationships Take Hard Work and Patience

"Temple marriage covenants do not magically bring equality to a partnership. Those covenants commit us to a developmental process of learning and growing together—by practice.

". . . Equal partnerships are not made in heaven—they are made on earth, one choice at a time, one conversation at a time, one threshold crossing at a time. And getting there is hard work."

Bruce C. Hafen, "Crossing Thresholds and Becoming Equal Partners," Ensign, Aug. 2007, 28

Topics: Marriage

Daily Gems - 23 April 2010

God's Love despite Our Disobedience

"If only we will listen, we can know of God's love and feel it, even when we are disobedient. A woman recently returned to Church activity gave this description in a sacrament meeting talk: 'He has always been there for me, even when I rejected Him. He has always guided me and comforted me with His tender mercies all around me, but I [was] too angry to see and accept incidents and feelings as such.' "

Dallin H. Oaks, "Love and Law," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 27

Topics: Love

Young Single Adult Gems - 23 April 2010

True Repentance

“True repentance must come to each individual. It cannot be accomplished by proxy. One can neither buy nor borrow nor traffic in it. There is no royal road to repentance: whether he be a president’s son or a king’s daughter, an emperor’s prince or a lowly peasant, he must himself repent and his repentance must be personal and individual and humble.”

Spencer W. Kimball, “What Is True Repentance?” New Era, May 1974, 4

Topics: Repentance

Church History Gems - 23 April 2010

Power

"The Prophet Joseph Smith promised that 'all beings who have bodies have power over those who have not' (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 211).

"When temptation comes, you can invent a delete key in your mind—perhaps the words from a favorite hymn. Your mind is in charge; your body is the instrument of your mind. When some unworthy thought pushes into your mind, replace it with your delete key. Worthy music is powerful and can help you control your thoughts.

"When Oliver Cowdery failed in an attempt to translate, the Lord told him:

" 'Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.

" 'But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.

" 'But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings' (D&C 9:7–9)."

Boyd K. Packer, "Prayer and Promptings," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 46

Topics: Spirituality

Youth Gems - 22 April 2010

The Restored Gospel

“In many ways the gospel of Jesus Christ is like a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle. When Joseph Smith came on the scene, perhaps 100 pieces were in place. Then Joseph Smith came along and put many of the other 900 pieces in place so that people could say, ‘Oh, now I understand where I came from, why I am here, and where I am going.’ As for Joseph Smith’s role in the Restoration, the Lord defined it clearly: ‘This generation shall have my word through you’ (D&C 5:10).”

Tad R. Callister, “Joseph Smith—Prophet of the Restoration,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 37

Topics: Restoration, Faith