Daily Gems - 12 October 2009

Covenants and the Holy Ghost

“When we have entered into divine covenants, the Holy Ghost is our comforter, our guide, and our companion. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are ‘the peaceable things of immortal glory; the truth of all things; that which quickeneth all things, which maketh alive all things; that which knoweth all things, and hath all power according to wisdom, mercy, truth, justice, and judgment’ (Moses 6:61). The gifts of the Holy Spirit are testimony, faith, knowledge, wisdom, revelations, miracles, healing, and charity, to name but a few (see D&C 46:13–26).”

D. Todd Christofferson, “The Power of Covenants,” Ensign, May 2009, 22

Topics: Gifts of the Spirit

Daily Gems - 28 April 2009

Answers to Prayer

"The object of our prayers should not be to present a wish list or a series of requests but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is eager to bestow, according to His will and timing. Every sincere prayer is heard and answered by our Heavenly Father, but the answers we receive may not be what we expect or come to us when we want or in the way we anticipate."

David A. Bednar, "Ask in Faith," Ensign, May 2008, 97

Topics: Humility, Prayer, Gifts of the Spirit

Church History Gems - 16 January 2009

Those Who Seek Him and Serve Him

"Spiritual gifts come to those who have received the gift of the Holy Ghost. As the Prophet Joseph Smith taught, the gifts of the Spirit 'are obtained through that medium' [the Holy Ghost] and 'cannot be enjoyed without the gift of the Holy Ghost. . . . The world in general can know nothing about them.' (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1938, pp. 243, 245; see also Elder Marion G. Romney in Conference Report, Apr. 1956, p. 72.)

"The gift of the Holy Ghost is conferred on both men and women. So are spiritual gifts. As Elder Bruce R. McConkie declared in Nauvoo at the dedication of the Monument to Women: 'Where spiritual things are concerned, as pertaining to all of the gifts of the Spirit, with reference to the receipt of revelation, the gaining of testimonies, and the seeing of visions, in all matters that pertain to godliness and holiness and which are brought to pass as a result of personal righteousness—in all these things men and women stand in a position of absolute equality before the Lord. He is no respector of persons nor of sexes, and he blesses those men and those women who seek him and serve him and keep his commandments.' (Ensign, Jan. 1979, p. 61.)"

Dallin H. Oaks, "Spiritual Gifts," Ensign, Sept. 1986, 68-69

Topics: Gifts of the Spirit, Holy Ghost

Church History Gems - 12 January 2009

Following the Order of the Church

"Just a few months after the Church was organized, Hiram Page, one of the earliest members, was receiving revelations through a seer stone. The Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith to tell Hiram Page privately that 'those things which he has written from that stone are not of me and that Satan deceiveth him.' (D&C 28:11.) The receipt of revelation had not been 'appointed unto' Hiram Page, the Lord explained, 'neither shall anything by appointed unto any of this church contrary to the church covenants. For all things must be done in order, and by common consent in the church, by the prayer of faith.' (D&C 28:12-13.)

"Here we learn that Satan gives revelations to deceive the children of men and that our protection is in following the order of the Church on who should receive revelation for what subject. In this, both men and women have equal responsibility to follow the duly ordained leaders of the church who have the obligation to lead and, on occasion, to correct.

"Early in the second year of the Church, the Lord revealed that 'there are many spirits which are false spirits, which have gone forth in the earth, deceiving the world.' (D&C 50:2.) The revelation on spiritual gifts tells the elders who were going forth on missions to be righteous and prayerful 'that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; for some are of men, and others of devils.' (D&C 46:7.)

"Other revelations give instructions that help priesthood leaders discern the spirits and avoid being deceived. Thus, in section 52 of the Doctrine and Covenants we read that 'he that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances.' (v. 16.) In contrast, 'he that is overcome and bringeth not forth fruits,

"The Prophet's instruction that a person should not speak in tongues unless there was someone to interpret is an application of this principle. As the Lord said: 'That which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.' (D&C 50:23; see also vs. 30-35; Teachings, pp. 203-4.)"

Dallin H. Oaks, "Spiritual Gifts," Ensign, Sept. 1986, 72

Topics: Gifts of the Spirit

Youth Gems - 14 February 2007

"If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect. Have I imperfections? I am full of them. What is my duty? To pray to God to give me the gifts that will correct these imperfections. If I am an angry man, it is my duty to pray for charity, which suffereth long and is kind. Am I an envious man? It is my duty to seek for charity, which envieth not. So with all the gifts of the Gospel. They are intended for this purpose. No man ought to say, 'Oh, I cannot help this; it is my nature.' He is not justified in it, for the reason that God has promised to give strength to correct these things, and to give gifts that will eradicate them (Millennial Star, 23 Apr. 1894, 260)."

Quoted in Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual (1999), 84-85

Topics: Gifts of the Spirit

Youth Gems - 13 February 2007

The Tender Mercies of the Lord

"I have reflected repeatedly upon the phrase 'the tender mercies of the Lord.' Through personal study, observation, pondering, and prayer, I believe I have come to better understand that the Lord's tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ. Truly, the Lord suits 'his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men' (D&C 46:15)."

David A. Bednar, "The Tender Mercies of the Lord," Ensign, May 2005, 99

Topics: Mercy, Gifts of the Spirit, Prayer