Remission of Sins

“In order to receive a remission of sins, it is necessary to take each step as taught in the doctrine of Christ. Receiving the ordinance of baptism, therefore, requires that we first develop faith in the Savior and repent of our sins. Then we enter into the required baptismal covenant to keep the commandments and qualify for the promised blessing of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands. Likewise, to renew the blessing of the constant companionship of the Spirit promised in the sacrament prayers, we continue the ongoing process of developing and exercising faith in Christ, repenting of our sins, and partaking of the sacrament with a determination to keep the commandments.”

Elder Wilford W. Anderson, “Receiving and Retaining a Mighty Change,” Ensign, April 2012, 36-37. 

Might Change of Heart

“A mighty change of heart is not something we experience only once. Rather, it is a process we repeat over and over throughout our mortal lives, and thus our light grows “brighter and brighter until the perfect day” (D& C 50:24). We repeat the steps as taught in the doctrine of Christ by exercising our faith unto repentance. When we participate in the renewing ordinance of the sacrament, the power and influence of the Holy Ghost are renewed in our lives. Through the power of the Spirit, we are once again spiritually reborn and become the sons and daughters of Christ (see Mosiah 5:7). That is what is meant by our taking upon us the name of Christ (see Mosiah 5:8), which we must be willing to do each time we partake of the sacrament.”

Elder Wilford W. Anderson, “Receiving and Retaining a Mighty Change,” Ensign, April 2012, 36.

Yield Our Hearts to Christ

 “When we yield our hearts to Christ—by conforming to the principles and ordinances of His gospel—He changes us. He also heals us and sanctifies us (see Helaman 3:35). As a result, “we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually” (Mosiah 5:2). This is they might change of heart experienced by the people of King Benjamin (see Mosiah 5:2) and by Alma the Younger (see Ama 5:12-14). This is the rebirth of which the Savior spole to the Pharisee Nicodemus (see John 3:1-5). It occurs when we apply the doctrine of Christ. We are reborn into the family of Christ and thereby become His sons and His daughters (see Mosiah 5:7). This rebirth is the essence of His gospel, for it prepares us to return to the presence of the Father.”

Elder Wilford W. Anderson, “Receiving and Retaining a Mighty Change,” Ensign, April 2012, 36.

Purify Our Desires

“Alma taught that God grants unto men according to their desires, whether they be good or evil (see Alma 29:4). Our hope, then, is not just to refrain from sinning but also to turn to the Lord, who has the power to grant a remission of our sins, to purify our desires, and to change our very natures (see Mosiah 5:2).”

Elder Wilford W. Anderson, “Receiving and Retaining a Mighty Change,” Ensign, April 2012, 35. 

Essentials for Effective Councils

“In his book, Counseling with Our Councils, Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gives the following three suggestions:

“First, focus on fundamentals.” Follow the guidelines in Handbook 2: Administering the Church, chapter 4, which can be found online in the Serving in the Church section of LDS.org.

“Second, focus on people, not programs.” Pursue “the integration of new members, activation of the less active, concerns of the youth, the economic plight of individual members, and the needs of single mothers and widows.”

“Third, councils are for counsel and the exchange of ideas, not just reports and lectures. Establish a climate conducive to openness, where every opinion is valuable.” Individuals have different viewpoints and backgrounds, so each can add a helpful perspective to understanding members’ needs.

See Elder M. Russell Ballard, Counseling with Our Councils, 106, 109, 112. 

Ward Council

“The ward council meeting is one of the most important meetings in the Church because priesthood quorum and auxiliary leaders can discuss and plan with the bishopric. . . . Of all the councils and committees in the Church, I believe the ward council can have the greatest impact in helping our Father’s children.”

M. Russell Ballard, Counseling with Our Councils: Learning to Minister Together in the Church and in the Family, 102. 

Spirit of Inspiration

 “We are entirely dependent upon the spirit of inspiration, and if there ever was a time, since Adam occupied the Garden of Eden, when the Spirit of God was more needed than at the present time, I am not aware of it. The signs of the times, and the rapid approach of scenes that will try the hearts of the Latter-day Saints, and their integrity, demand that we now seek earnestly the Spirit of God, and Divine assistance, for it will certainly be needed in the scenes now rapidly approaching. We know that we have needed it in the past. We can easily see that if we had not been in the possession of the Spirit of God to direct us through many of the scenes through which we have passed, we should not have been in the enjoyment of our present prospects of exultation and glory, and our circumstances would have been much less favorable. And if we have needed the Holy Spirit in the past, we may truly understand that it will be needed in the future.”

“Teachings of Lorenzo Snow,” pg 77-78.

Prepare Temple Names

“Do you young people want a sure way to eliminate the influence of the adversary in your life? Immerse yourself in searching for your ancestors, prepare their names . . . . and then go to the temple.”

Richard G. Scott, “The Joy of Redeeming the Dead,” Ensign, Nov. 2012, 94. 

Pray For Others

“Petitioning Heavenly Father for the blessings we desire in our personal lives is good and proper. However, praying earnestly for others, both those who despitefully use us, is also an important element of meaningful prayer. . . . Praying for others with all of the energy of our souls increases our capacity to hear and to heed the voice of the Lord.”

Elder David A. Bednar, “Pray Always,” Ensign, Nov. 2008, 43. 

Marriage

 “There’s a point at which it’s time to think seriously about marriage and to seek a companion with whom you want to spend eternity. If you choose wisely and if you are committed to the success of your marriage, there is nothing in this life which will bring you greater happiness.

“When you marry, . . . you will wish to marry in the house of the Lord. For you who hold the priesthood, there should be no other option. Be careful lest you destroy your eligibility to be so married. You can keep your courtship within proper bounds while still having a wonderful time.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Priesthood Power,” Ensign, May 2011, 67-68. 

Grounded on Faith

“Fear not; ask questions. Be curious, but doubt not! Always hold fast to faith and to the light you have already received. Because we see imperfectly in mortality, not everything is going to make sense right now. . . . It’s true that ‘faith is not . . . a perfect knowledge’ (Alma 32:21), but as you exercise your faith, applying gospel principles every day under any circumstances, you will taste the sweet fruits of the gospel, and by this fruit you will know of it truth (see Matthew 7:16-20; John 7:17; Alma 32: 41-43).”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Reflection in the Water” (Church Education System fireside for young adults, Nov. 1, 2009); available at mormonchannel.org/ces-devotionals.

Find Answers Themselves

 “While we may be tempted to lecture them about the gospel, we will be more effective when we help them find answers for themselves, enable them to gain their own testimonies, and teach them how to find answers when they have other questions.”

Michael Barber, “Helping Youth Become Powerful Learners & Teachers,” Ensign, Jan 2013, 30.

You Can't Teach From a Manual

“The Challenges that the youth face can’t be taught out of a manual. That’s personal revelation we receive as teachers to go forth and be able to prepare our youth to battle Satan each day. I’ve seen that you can’t just show up on Sunday with a manual and give a lesson.”

Michael Barber, “Helping Youth Become Powerful Learners & Teachers,” Ensign, Jan 2013, 30.

Know How to Teach the Youth

 “When we pray for revelation and become aware of the interests, hopes, and desires of the youth, we will—as the Savior did—know how to teach and challenge them to live the gospel in personally meaningful ways.”

Michael Barber, “Helping Youth Become Powerful Learners & Teachers,” Ensign, Jan 2013, 30.

Teaching Youth

 “Teaching youth requires more preparation than quickly glancing through a manual moments before we begin teaching.”

Michael Barber, “Helping Youth Become Powerful Learners & Teachers,” Ensign, Jan 2013, 29. 

The Best Day

 “Each last day or each last week should be the best that we have ever experienced, that is, we should advance ourselves a little every day, in knowledge and wisdom, and in the ability to accomplish good.”

Teachings: Lorenzo Snow, 103.

The Spirit Of Revelation

“When a choice will make a real difference in our lives . . . and when we are living in tune with the Spirit and seeking his guidance, we can be sure we will receive the guidance we need to attain our goal. The Lord will not leave us unassisted.”

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Revelation,” in Brigham Young University 1981-82 Fireside and Devotional Speeches (1982), 26. 

Why is a Man Called to Act as President?

 “Why is [a] man called to act as president over a people?” President Snow once asked. “Is it in order to acquire an influence and then to use that influence directly for his own aggrandizement? No, but on the contrary, he is called to act in such a position on the same principle as the priesthood was given to the Son of God, that he should make sacrifices. For himself? No, but in the interests of the people over whom he presides. .  .  . To become the servant of his brethren, not their master, and to work in their interest and welfare.”

Teachings: Lorenzo Snow, 219. 

Strength To Live With Your Challenge

“Some challenges in life will not be resolved here on earth. Paul pled thrice that ‘a thorn in the flesh’ be removed. The Lord simply answered, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee’ (2 Corinthians 12: 7, 9). . . . He gave Paul strength to compensate so he could live a most meaningful life. He wants you to learn how to be cured when that is His will and how to obtain strength to live with your challenge when He intends it to be an instrument to growth. In either case the Redeemer will support you.”

Elder Richard G. Scott, “To Be Healed,” Ensign, May 1994, 7. 

God Knows Our Individual Lives

 “The same god that placed that star in a precise orbit millennia before it appeared over Bethlehem in celebration of the birth of the Babe has given at least equal attention to placement of each of us in precise human orbits so that we may, if we will, illuminate the landscape of our individual lives, so that our light may not only lead others but warm them as well.”

Neal A. Maxwell, That My Family Should Partake (1974), 86.