Daily Gems - 5 November 2009

Maximize Virtues and Blessings

“Brethren, we should be earnest students of revealed priesthood and quorum principles. Our goal is to correctly use inspired direction from God and His prophets to maximize the virtues and blessings of the quorum and strengthen young men and their families. The work of the quorum is to increase faith in Christ, prepare and save young men, and eliminate mistakes and sloth in implementing God’s will. As we seek wisdom from God let us also be students of revealed quorum principles.”

Michael A. Neider, “Revealed Quorum Principles,” Ensign, May 2009, 14

Topics: Priesthood Blessings, Faith

Church History Gems - 30 October 2009

Divinely Given Endowment

"[The] full restoration [of the priesthood] involved the coming of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, whose head was taken to satisfy the whims of a wicked woman, and of Peter, James, and John, they who faithfully walked with the Master before his death and proclaimed his resurrection and divinity following his death. It involved Moses, Elias, and Elijah, each bringing priesthood keys to complete the work of restoring all of the acts and ordinances of previous dispensations in this the great, final dispensation of the fulness of times.

"The priesthood is here. It has been conferred upon us. We act in that authority. We speak as sons of God in the name of Jesus Christ and as holders of this divinely given endowment. We know, for we have seen, the power of this priesthood. We have seen the sick healed, the lame made to walk, and the coming of light and knowledge and understanding to those who have been in darkness.

"Paul wrote concerning the priesthood: 'No man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.' (Heb. 5:4.) We have not acquired it through purchase or bargain. The Lord has given it to men who are considered worthy to receive it, regardless of station in life, the color of their skin, or the nation in which they live. It is the power and the authority to govern in the affairs of the kingdom of God. It is given only by ordination by the laying on of hands by those in authority to do so. The qualification for eligibility is obedience to the commandments of God.

"There is no power on the earth like it. Its authority extends beyond life, through the veil of death, to the eternities ahead. It is everlasting in its consequences."

Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Cornerstones of Our Faith," Ensign, Nov. 1984, 52–53

Topics: Priesthood Keys, Priesthood Blessings

Youth Gems - 8 October 2009

The Power of God

“To honor our priesthood, and to magnify our callings in both the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods, is to receive the power of God in our lives.”

M. Russell Ballard, “The Priesthood: A Lifetime of Service,” New Era, May 2009, 2

Topics: Priesthood Blessings

Daily Gems - 28 May 2009

Compassionate Attention to Widows

"Be sensitive to the promptings of the Spirit in the use of that consummate privilege of acting in the name of the Lord through your priesthood. Be more aware of how you can make greater use of the power of the priesthood in the lives of those you love and serve. I am thinking particularly of individuals such as a widow in need who likely could benefit from the help of an understanding, compassionate priesthood bearer. Many such will never request help. Be aware of the range of challenges you could help meet in her home, such as the relief of anxieties through an inspired priesthood blessing or the need for small repairs."

Richard G. Scott, "Honor the Priesthood and Use It Well," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 46

Topics: Priesthood Blessings, Serving Others

Young Single Adult Gems - 4 February 2009

The Protection of the Priesthood

"A loving Father in Heaven has sent his sons and daughters here to mortality to gain experience and to be tested. He has provided the way back to him and has given us enough spiritual light to see our way. The priesthood of God gives light to his children in this dark and troubled world. Through priesthood power, we can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost to lead us to truth, testimony, and revelation. This gift is available on an equal basis to men, women, and children. Through the blessings of the priesthood, we can be equipped with 'the whole armour of God, that [we] may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil' (see Eph. 6:11–18). This protection is available to every one of us."

Robert D. Hales, "Blessings of the Priesthood," Ensign, Nov. 1995, 32

Topics: Priesthood Blessings

Daily Gems - 5 June 2008

The Power of the Priesthood Is among Us

"The Church of Jesus Christ is a church of priests, 'a royal priesthood, an holy nation' (1 Peter 2:9).

"The restored Church gives to each home a priesthood holder with the power of God to bless. How many times I have been able to hear the soft, sweet voice of a little child at home say, 'Daddy, could you give me a blessing?' and put my hands upon his or her head in moments of pain and difficulty and pronounce blessings of comfort and healing and see the power of the priesthood exercise its influence and the next day hear that little voice say, 'Thanks, Daddy, I slept just fine last night.' We don't need to go out looking for someone having that power--it is among us! What a blessings to be able to teach this principle to our children! This is the only church upon the earth which offers such a blessing to families.

"Through this power, I was able to ordain each of my sons to the priesthood and thus give them the power of God to administer His ordinances.

". . . This is . . . why I am a member of this Church: because the power of the priesthood is again upon the earth and has reached even unto our homes."

Enrique R. Falabella, "Why Are We Members of the Only True Church?" Ensign, Nov. 2007, 14-15

Topics: Priesthood Blessings, Family

Daily Gems - 1 August 2007

Healing Comes in Many Ways

"We can be healed through the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Jesus gave His Apostles power 'to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease' (Matthew 10:1; see also Mark 3:15; Luke 9:1-2). . . . Although the Savior could heal all whom He would heal, this is not true of those who hold His priesthood authority. Mortal exercises of that authority are limited by the will of Him whose priesthood it is. . . .

"Healing blessings come in many ways, each suited to our individual needs, as known to Him who loves us best. Sometimes a 'healing' cures our illness or lifts our burden. But sometimes we are 'healed' by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us."

Dallin H. Oaks, "He Heals the Heavy Laden," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 7-8

Topics: Melchizedek Priesthood, Priesthood Blessings

Youth Gems - 19 July 2007

The Priesthood and Covenants

"I saw the power of priesthood blessings when I visited a family where the young father lay dying. Surrounding him were his wife and beautiful daughters. On each wall of that room was at least one picture of the family or the temple. The mother testified of their blessings when she said: 'We are empowered and protected by our covenants. Our family will endure forever. The Lord is watching over us, and we are not alone.' All faithful members are equally blessed by the outpouring of blessings they receive through priesthood ordinances."

Julie B. Beck, "An Outpouring of Blessings," Ensign, May 2006, 12

Topics: Ordinances and Covenants, Priesthood Blessings, Melchizedek Priesthood

Youth Gems - 26 June 2007

Priesthood and Spiritual Gifts

"The priesthood is intricately woven into who we are and have ever been. 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."

Julie B. Beck, "An Outpouring of Blessings," Ensign, May 2006, 11

Topics: Priesthood Blessings, Aaronic Priesthood, Melchizedek Priesthood

Daily Gems - 15 June 2007

Being Worthy for Whatever Call We Receive

"Brethren, our task is to reach out to those who, for whatever reason, are in need of our help. Our challenge is not insurmountable. We are on the Lord's errand, and therefore we are entitled to the Lord's help. . . .

"Ours is the responsibility to so conduct our lives that when the call comes to provide a priesthood blessing or to assist in any way, we are worthy to do so. We have been told that truly we cannot escape the effect of our personal influence. We must be certain that our influence is positive and uplifting."

Thomas S. Monson, "True to Our Priesthood Trust," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 58

Topics: Priesthood Blessings, Worthiness