LDS Gem Archives, August 2008
Church History Gems - 29 August 2008
Saved the Church
"The years of 1836 and 1837 were as difficult as that young Church had ever faced--financially, politically, and internally. In the midst of that stress, Joseph Smith had the remarkable prophetic prompting to send some of his ablest men (ultimately the entire Quorum of the Twelve Apostles) abroad on missions. It was a bold, inspired move, one that would in the end save the Church from the perils of the day, but in the near term it imposed great burdens on the Saints--painful for those who went away and perhaps even more painful for those who stayed at home.
"I quote from Elder Robert B. Thompson:
" 'The day appointed for the departure of the Elders to England having arrived, I [stopped at] the house of Brother [Heber C.] Kimball to ascertain when he would start [on his journey], as I expected to accompany him two or three hundred miles, intending to spend my labors in Canada that season.
" 'The door being partly open, I entered and felt struck with the sight which presented itself to my view. I would have retired, thinking that I was intruding, but I felt riveted to the spot. The father was pouring out his soul to . . . [God, pleading] that He who "careth for sparrows, and feedeth the young ravens when they cry" would supply the wants of his wife and little ones in his absence. He then, like the patriarchs, and by virtue of his office, laid his hands upon their heads individually, leaving a father's blessing upon them, . . . commending them to the care and protection of God, while he should be engaged preaching the Gospel in a foreign land. While thus engaged [in giving those blessings] his voice was almost lost in the sobs of those around [him], who [were trying in their youthful way to be strong but having a very hard time doing so.] . . . He proceeded, but his heart was too much affected to do so regularly. . . . He was obliged to stop at intervals, while . . . big tears rolled down his cheeks, an index to the feelings which reigned in his bosom. My heart was not stout enough to refrain,' said Brother Thompson. 'In spite of myself I wept, and mingled my tears with theirs. At the same time I felt thankful that I had the privilege of contemplating such a scene' (quoted in Orson F. Whitney, Life of Heber C. Kimball [1945], 108-9)."
Topics: Proclaim the Gospel
Daily Gems - 29 August 2008
Book of Mormon References to Biblical Teachings
"The Book of Mormon . . . stands as a scriptural witness to [New Testament] teachings. Examples include the miraculous birth of the babe in Bethlehem, His Sermon on the Mount, and the intense suffering of the Savior. The doctrine of the Resurrection is mentioned more frequently in the Book of Mormon than in the Bible.
"The need for the Holy Ghost was mentioned by Paul He asked, 'Have ye received the Holy Ghost . . . ? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost' (Acts 19:2). That doctrine is clarified by another scriptural witness, conveyed through the Lord's prophet of the Restoration. He taught us to 'believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands' (History of the Church, 5:499). That precious and powerful gift is again available to children of God."
Topics: Jesus Christ, Scripture
Family Gems - 29 August 2008
Good Women Are a Vital Influence to Young Men
"You young men need to know that you can hardly achieve your highest potential without the influence of good women, particularly your mother and, in a few years, a good wife. Learn now to show respect and gratitude. Remember that your mother is your mother. She should not need to issue orders. Her wish, her hope, her hint should provide direction that you would honor."
Topics: Motherhood
Young Single Adult Gems - 29 August 2008
Practicing Restraint
“You cannot afford in any degree to become involved with pornography, whatever its form. You simply cannot afford to become involved in immoral practices--or to let down the bars of sexual restraint. The emotions that stir within you which make boys attractive to girls and girls attractive to boys are part of a divine plan, but they must be restrained, subdued, and kept under control, or they will destroy you and make you unworthy of many of the great blessings which the Lord has in store for you.”
Topics: Chastity, Gospel Standards
Daily Gems - 28 August 2008
Gospel Message Most Clear in the Book of Mormon
"Christ's gospel is the only true gospel, and 'there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ' (Mosiah 3:17; see also Acts 4:12).
"The core elements of the gospel message are found in all the holy scriptures but are most clearly given to us in the Book of Mormon and in the revelations to the Prophet Joseph Smith. Here Jesus Himself plainly declares His doctrine and His gospel, with which God's children must comply to 'have eternal life' (D&C 14:7)."
Topics: Scripture
Youth Gems - 28 August 2008
What Does a Temple Recommend Interview Contain?
"Every member who wants to go to the temple, regardless of age, needs to prepare for this sacred experience. Certain questions will be asked by your bishop and stake president, who hold keys of priesthood authority and are common judges in the Church. These vital questions will include: Are you honest? Are you morally clean? Do you keep the Word of Wisdom? Do you obey the law of tithing? And do you sustain the authorities of the Church? The answers to these key questions reflect your attitudes and actions.
"You younger men might not be aware that the standards set by the Lord in the temple recommend questions are very similar to the standards found in For the Strength of Youth."
Topics: Temple
Young Single Adult Gems - 27 August 2008
He Will Lead Thee by the Hand
“The Lord has said, ‘Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers’ (D&C 112:10).
“What a tremendous promise is given in this statement. If we are without conceit and pride and arrogance, if we are humble and obedient, then the Lord will lead us by the hand and answer our prayers. What greater thing could we ask for? There is nothing to compare with this.”
Daily Gems - 27 August 2008
Obedience Brings the Lord's Promises
"Becoming unspotted from the world is a promise to those who keep the Sabbath holy (see D&C 59:9; Exodus 31:13). Divine guidance and inspiration are promised to those who 'feast upon the words of Christ' (2 Nephi 32:3) and who 'liken all scriptures' unto themselves (1 Nephi 19:23).
"The Lord also promised that 'whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you' (3 Nephi 18:20). We are promised that the Holy Ghost will be our constant companion when we 'let virtue garnish [our] thoughts unceasingly' (see D&C 121:45 46). We can claim the spiritually liberating promise of fasting, which will 'loose the bands of wickedness,' unto our 'heavy burdens,' and 'break every yoke' (Isaiah 58:6)."
Church History Gems - 27 August 2008
Super Faith
"When I read Church history, I am amazed at the boldness of the early brethren as they went out into the world. They seemed to find a way. Even in persecution and hardship, they went and opened doors which evidently have been allowed to sag on their hinges and many of them to close. I remember that these fearless men were teaching the gospel in Indian lands before the Church was even fully organized. As nearly as 1837 the Twelve were in England fighting Satan, in Tahiti in 1844, Australia in 1851, Iceland 1853, Italy 1850, and also in Switzerland, Germany, Tonga, Turkey, Mexico, Japan, Czechoslovakia, China, Samoa, New Zealand, South America, France, and Hawaii in 1850. When you look at the progress we have made in some countries, with no progress in many of their nearby countries, it makes us wonder. Much of this early proselyting was done while the leaders were climbing the Rockies and planting the sod and starting their homes. It is faith and super faith."
Topics: Proclaim the Gospel
Daily Gems - 26 August 2008
Educational Blessings Now and in the Future
"On several occasions, President Hinckley has admonished us to 'get all of the education you can' (Ensign, May 2007, 116). Your education will benefit your family now and will surely bless your future family. What can you do now to plan and prepare for a good education?"
Topics: Family
Youth Gems - 25 August 2008
Change of Heart
"The gospel of Jesus Christ encompasses much more than avoiding, overcoming, and being cleansed from sin and the bad influences in our lives; it also essentially entails doing good, being good, and becoming better. Repenting of our sins and seeking forgiveness are spiritually necessary, and we must always do so. But remission of sin is not the only or even the ultimate purpose of the gospel. To have our hearts changed by the Holy Spirit such that 'we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually' (Mosiah 5:2), as did King Benjamin's people, is the covenant responsibility we have accepted. This mighty change is not simply the result of working harder or developing greater individual discipline. Rather, it is the consequence of a fundamental change in our desires, our motives, and our natures made possible through the Atonement of Christ the Lord. Our spiritual purpose is to overcome both sin and the desire to sin, both the taint and the tyranny of sin."
Topics: Atonement
Family Gems - 25 August 2008
Our Homes Can Be Holy Places
"In addition to temples, surely another holy place on earth ought to be our homes. The feelings of holiness in my home prepared me for feelings of holiness in the temple."
Topics: Temple
Church History Gems - 25 August 2008
Taught Missionary Work by Example
"The Prophet Joseph believed in missionary work. While he and Sidney Rigdon were proselyting at Perrysburg, New York, October 12, 1833, having been long absent from their families and feeling concerned for them, they received the following revelation:
" 'Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, my friends Sidney and Joseph, your families are well; they are in mine hands, and I will do with them as seemeth me good; for in me there is all power. . . .
" 'Therefore, verily I say unto you, lift up your voices unto this people' (D&C 100:1, 5).
"Joseph and Sidney continued their missionary labors.
"Joseph Smith not only inspired men to volunteer for missions, but he also taught the importance of missionary work--by example."
Topics: Joseph Smith, Proclaim the Gospel
Daily Gems - 25 August 2008
The Power of a Simple Testimony
"Forty six years ago . . . I was called to meet with President David O. McKay. He . . . called me to be one of the General Authorities, an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. . . .
"President McKay explained that one of the responsibilities of an Assistant to the Twelve was to stand with the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as a special witness and to bear testimony that Jesus is the Christ. What he said next overwhelmed me: 'Before we proceed to set you apart, I ask you to bear your testimony to us. We want to know if you have that witness.'
"I did the best I could. I bore my testimony the same as I might have in a fast and testimony meeting in my ward. To my surprise, the Brethren of the Presidency seemed pleased and proceeded to confer the office upon me.
"That puzzled me greatly, for I had supposed that someone called to such an office would have an unusual, different, and greatly enlarged testimony and spiritual power.
"It puzzled me for a long time until finally I could see that I already had what was required: an abiding testimony in my heart of the Restoration of the fulness of the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith, that we have a Heavenly Father, and that Jesus Christ is our Redeemer. I may not have known all about it, but I did have a testimony, and I was willing to learn. . . .
Topics: Church Callings, Testimony
Young Single Adult Gems - 22 August 2008
The Light of the Atonement
"[Jesus Christ] is the Light of the Atonement fulfilled in the Garden of Gethsemane and on Golgotha, who took upon Himself the sins of the world, that all mankind may obtain eternal salvation. He is the Light of the empty tomb. . . . He is my Light, my Redeemer, my Savior--and yours."
Topics: Atonement
Church History Gems - 22 August 2008
Taught Love by Example
"I think one of the sweetest lessons taught by the Prophet, and yet one of the saddest, occurred close to the time of his death. He was required to leave his plan and vision of the Rocky Mountains and give himself up to face a court of supposed justice.
"These are his words: 'I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summer's morning; I have a conscience void of offense towards God, and towards all men' (D&C 135:4). That statement of the Prophet teaches us obedience to law and the importance of having a clear conscience toward God and toward our fellowmen. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught these principles--by example.
"There was to be one great final lesson before his mortal life ended. He was incarcerated in Carthage Jail with his brother Hyrum, with John Taylor, and with Willard Richards. The angry mob stormed the jail; they came up the stairway, blasphemous in their cursing, heavily armed, and began to fire at will. Hyrum was hit and died. John Taylor took several balls of fire within his bosom. The Prophet Joseph, with his pistol in hand, was attempting to defend his life and that of his brethren, and yet he could tell from the pounding on the door that this mob would storm that door and would kill John Taylor and Willard Richards in an attempt to kill him.
"And so his last great act here upon the earth was to leave the door and lead Willard Richards to safety, throw the gun on the floor, and go to the window, that they might see him, that the attention of this ruthless mob might be focused upon him rather than the others. Joseph Smith gave his life. Willard Richards was spared, and John Taylor recovered from his wounds.
" 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends' (John 15:13). The Prophet Joseph Smith taught us love--by example."
Topics: Joseph Smith, Love
Family Gems - 22 August 2008
The Home Is a Refuge
"When the seas of life are stormy, a wise mariner seeks a port of peace. The family, as we have traditionally known it, is such a refuge of safety. 'The home is the basis of a righteous life and no other instrumentality can take its place or fulfil its essential functions' (quoted in Conference Report, Oct. 1962, 72). Actually, a home is much more than a house. A house is built of lumber, brick, and stone. A home is made of love, sacrifice, and respect. A house can be a home, and a home can be a heaven when it shelters a family. When true values and basic virtues undergird the families of society, hope will conquer despair, and faith will triumph over doubt.
"Such values, when learned and lived in our families, will be as welcome rain to parched soil. Love will be engendered; loyalty to one's best self will be enhanced; and those virtues of character, integrity, and goodness will be fostered. The family must hold its preeminent place in our way of life because it's the only possible base upon which a society of responsible human beings has ever found it practicable to build for the future and maintain the values they cherish in the present."
Topics: Family
Daily Gems - 22 August 2008
Scriptures Declare Who the Lord Really Is
"Willingly we share scriptures of the Restoration with people across the world. The Book of Mormon records the personal ministry of the resurrected Lord to people of ancient America. Ponder these everlasting truths that He proclaimed:
" 'Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. . . .
" '. . . The scriptures concerning my coming are fulfilled. . . .
" 'I am the light and the life of the world.'
"The Savior continued:
Topics: Scripture, Restoration
Youth Gems - 21 August 2008
Anger
"A proverb in the Old Testament states: 'He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city' (Proverbs 16:32).
"It is when we become angry that we get into trouble. The road rage that affects our highways is a hateful expression of anger. I dare say that most of the inmates of our prisons are there because they did something when they were angry. In their wrath they swore, they lost control of themselves, and terrible things followed, even murder. There were moments of offense followed by years of regret. . . .
"So many of us make a great fuss of matters of small consequence. We are so easily offended. Happy is the man who can brush aside the offending remarks of another and go on his way."
Topics: Joy
Daily Gems - 21 August 2008
God Speaks to All Nations
"An angel proclaimed that the Book of Mormon shall establish the truth of the Bible (see 1 Nephi 13:40). He also revealed that writings in the Bible available in our day are not as complete as they were when originally written by prophets and apostles (see 1 Nephi 13:28 29). He declared that the Book of Mormon shall restore plain and precious things taken away from the Bible (see 1 Nephi 13:40).
"A prophecy in the Book of Mormon warned that some people would object to the notion of additional scriptures. To those who think they 'need no more Bible' (2 Nephi 29:6), consider this God given counsel:
" 'Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, . . . created all men, . . . and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?
" '. . . Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And . . . the testimony of the two nations shall run together also' (2 Nepni 29:7 8)."
Topics: Restoration, Scripture
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