It Has Been Done

“It is no small thing, in the blaze of the nineteenth century, to give to men a new revelation, found a new religion, establish new forms of worship, to build a city with new laws, institutions, and orders of architecture, to establish ecclesiastical, civil and military jurisdiction, found colleges, send out missionaries, and make proselytes on two hemispheres. Yet all this has been done by [Joseph] Smith, and that against every sort of opposition, ridicule, and persecution.”

Elder Joseph F. Merrill

• pg 71DECEMBER 2015
• JOSEPH SMITH DID SEE GOD

Questioning While Teaching

In order to generate classroom discussion, a much more useful question is one that invites a variety of thoughtful responses. When you ask this kind of question, you can find out what those you ask are thinking about the subject or what they are puzzling over during your discussion....

It is very helpful to do two things as you prepare your lesson. First, write the question out. Don’t just think of it; write it. Choose words carefully and read them over a few times to make sure that the question asks what you want it to ask in a clear way....

 If you want to ask better questions of those you teach, ask real questions about the scriptures as you read and study and prepare. ...The better you become at asking questions about the scriptures while you study, the better you will become at asking those same great questions of those you teach.

Scott H. Knecht

• pg 68-69DECEMBER 2015
• ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS IN THE RIGHT WAY

The Heart of Learning and Teaching

 “To ask and to answer questions is at the heart of all learning and all teaching.”

Henry B. Eyring, “The Lord Will Multiply the Harvest” (satellite broadcast address to religious educators in the Church Educational System, Feb. 6, 1998), 5–6.

Seven Ways to Invite the Holy Ghost

“God’s laws must ever be our standard,” said President Russell M. Nelson, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “In dealing with controversial issues, we should first search for God’s guidance.”⁷ Following are ways we can seek for God’s guidance through the revelations of the Holy Ghost:

1. 1. 
   Pray and fast.
2. 2. 
   Search the scriptures and the words of the prophets.
3. 3. 
   Listen to sacred music.
4. 4. 
   Obey the commandments.
5. 5. 
   Attend the temple.
6. 6. 
   Receive a priesthood blessing.
7. 7. 
   Bear testimony.

Russell M. Nelson, “Let Your Faith Show,” Ensign,May 2014, 30.

We Are All Brothers and Sisters

“Every day of our lives we are given opportunities to show love and kindness to those around us. …

“Love is expressed in many recognizable ways: a smile, a wave, a kind comment, a compliment. Other expressions may be more subtle, such as showing interest in another’s activities, teaching a principle with kindness and patience, visiting one who is ill or homebound. These words and actions and many others can communicate love.”

President Thomas S. Monson, “Love—the Essence of the Gospel,” Ensign, May 2014, 91, 92, 93.

Spiritually Hungry

We must come ... to the sacrament table hungry. If we should repair to a banquet where the finest of earth’s providing may be had, without hunger, without appetite, the food would not be tempting, nor do us any good. If we repair to the sacrament table, we must come hungering and thirsting for righteousness, for spiritual growth.

How can we have spiritual hunger? Who is there among us that does not wound his spirit by word, thought, or deed from Sabbath to Sabbath? We do things for which we are sorry and desire to be forgiven, or we have erred against someone and given injury. If there is a feeling in our hearts that we are sorry for what we have done, if there is a feeling in our souls that we would like to be forgiven, then the method to obtain forgiveness is not through rebaptism; it is not to make confession to man, but it is to repent of our sins, to go to those against whom we have sinned or transgressed and obtain their forgiveness and then repair to the sacrament table where, if we have sincerely repented and put ourselves in proper condition, we shall be forgiven, and spiritual healing will come to our souls. It will really enter into our being. You have felt it. I am a witness that there is a spirit attending the administration of the sacrament that warms the soul from head to foot; you feel the wounds of the spirit being healed, and the load is lifted. Comfort and happiness come to the soul that is worthy and truly desirous of partaking of this spiritual food. …

The one thing that would make for the safety of every man and woman would be to appear at the sacrament table every Sabbath day. We would not get very far away in one week—not so far away that, by the process of self-investigation, we could not rectify the wrongs we may have done. … The road to the sacrament table is the path of safety for Latter-day Saints. …

I know, my brethren and sisters, that no man or woman shall ever come to stand in the presence of our Father in Heaven, nor be associated with the Lord Jesus Christ, who does not spiritually grow. 

Elder Melvin J. Ballard

• pg 50-51DECEMBER 2015
• THE SACRAMENT AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH

New and Everlasting Covenant

... those who enter into the new and everlasting covenant and endure faithfully to the end will (1) receive the fulness of the glory of God, (2) enjoy the power of godliness in time and eternity,²² (3) be exalted, (4) enjoy eternal marriage and increase, and (5) become gods. Taken together, these blessings culminate in the gift of eternal life....

The terms of the covenants we as Latter-day Saints agree to live can be grouped into four categories: (1) to take upon us the name of the Savior, to remember Him always, and to follow His example; (2) to keep all His commandments; (3) to willingly serve God’s children as part of His work of salvation, even at personal sacrifice; and (4) to consecrate ourselves and our means to the Lord’s work.

Marcus B. Nash

• pg 43-44DECEMBER 2015
• THE NEW AND EVERLASTING COVENANT

Four Categories for Goals

We don’t know much about Christ’s early life, but we do know that He “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52). This implies at least four categories for potential self-improvement goals: mental, physical, spiritual, and social. President Howard W. Hunter (1907–95) suggested that we become engaged in “the personal pursuit of hobbies or crafts, the seeking of knowledge and wisdom, particularly of the things of God, and the development and honing of skills.”

When deciding on categories and goals, include Heavenly Father in the process. Make it a serious matter of prayer to find out how you can best improve your life and what His will is for you. After all, Heavenly Father knows best what things are going to make your life the most meaningful and fulfilling it can be....

By accomplishing small daily, weekly, and monthly goals, you’ll find that not only will you become a better person, but you’ll feel the empowerment and fulfillment of having a milestone-achieving, self-improving, ever-flowing, and all-around more meaningful life.

Mindy Anne Selu

Howard W. Hunter, “The Church Is for All People,”Ensign, June 1989, 77.

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• Pg 14DECEMBER 2015
• NAVIGATING THE CURRENTS OF LIFE

Set Goals Consistent with Divine Destiny

Elder Rex D. Pinegar, an emeritus member of the Seventy, counseled: “Decide about … things that you will incorporate into your life, things that will bring you eternal happiness. Decide to set goals which are consistent with your divine destiny. … Decide to believe in yourself, that you truly can reach goals—your goals.”

Rex D. Pinegar, “Decide to Decide,” Ensign, Nov. 1980, 73.

Improve Yourselves

In order to move forward in life—past the stagnant parts of the river—we need to take a step toward improving ourselves. 

But no matter the month, nor your marital, educational, or professional status, progression is not only an eternal principle of the gospel but also an integral part of creating a meaningful life. Although you can’t always create the major milestones in your life, you can find meaning and fulfillment by setting and striving to keep purposeful daily, weekly, and yearly goals.

Honestly evaluate where and how you spend your time and what things you want to change. Think about things you want to do, traits you want to develop, and skills you want to acquire.

Mindy Anne Selu

• PG 13-14DECEMBER 2015
• NAVIGATING THE CURRENTS OF LIFE

Resolve to Make More Room For Christ

Among our resolutions for this year, did we resolve to make time in our lives and room in our hearts for the Savior? 

In our busy lives, with ever so many other things competing for our attention, it is essential that we make a conscious, committed effort to bring Christ into our lives and into our homes. 

Thomas S. Monson

• PG 4DECEMBER 2015
• MAKE TIME FOR THE SAVIOR

Trust in the Lord

“Do you want the windows of heaven opened to you? Do you wish to receive blessings so great there is not room enough to receive them? Always pay your tithing and leave the outcome in the hands of the Lord.”

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917–2008) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts,”Ensign, May 2004, 41.

I Can't Afford Not to Pay Tithing

 “Those who place their faith in the Lord’s promises say, ‘I can’t afford not to pay tithing.’”

Dallin H. Oaks, “Tithing,” Ensign, May 1994, 34.

Finding Purpose and Meaning

“Not long ago, one of my children said, ‘Dad, sometimes I wonder if I will ever make it.’ The answer I gave to her is the same as I would give to you if you have had similar feelings. Just do the very best you can each day. Do the basic things and, before you realize it, your life will be full of spiritual understanding that will confirm to you that your Heavenly Father loves you. When a person knows this, then life will be full of purpose and meaning, making balance easier to maintain.”

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Keeping Life’s Demands in Balance,” Ensign,May 1987, 16.

Use Time Wisely

“Time is one of our most valuable possessions. Use it wisely. Remind yourselves often that things that matter most should not be left to the mercy of things that matter the least.”

O. Leslie Stone, “Making Your Marriage Successful,”Ensign, May 1978, 57.

Put God First

“When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities.”

Ezra Taft Benson, “The Great Commandment—Love the Lord,” Ensign, May 1988, 4.

Condescension of Mortality

Another aspect of the Lord’s condescension that helps us exercise faith in Him is this: His mercy, grace, loving-kindness, and long-suffering bless us today, tomorrow, and forever. Because He experienced the condescension of mortality, He knows how to bless and succor us. “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:17–18; see also Alma 7:11–13).

Can we have faith enough in Him and in the inclusiveness of His love to believe He hears and answers and helps us, even us, in our lowly, dingy, feeble state? That He still reaches to those who are spiritually in-the-dust poor and spiritually dunghill-filthy?
The Lord continues to do for mankind the things He did during His earthly ministry that were part of His condescension. He, Himself—or by angels or authorized servants on earth—preaches the gospel, administers ordinances, performs miracles, and heals the afflictions of people today. He continues to be mindful of us. He is mindful of us as a people. But most miraculously He is still mindful of us individually. In some marvelous way, and though He is not physically present with each of us, He still feels the tug on the hem of His garment from a humble handmaiden in the midst of a multitude. He still hears the cry of the blind, perceives the longing of the sincere publican, calls common men to be His servants, tells the repentant sinner to go and sin no more. He still pleads our cause universally and individually before the Father. He still calls us by name and invites us to arise and come forth unto Him. He still condescends from His high and holy place to lift us.

David L. Frischknecht 

• PG 54DECEMBER 2011
• THE CONDESCENSION OF JESUS CHRIST

Descend Below All Things

President John Taylor (1808–87) said of the condescension of Christ, “It was further necessary that He should descend below all things, in order that He might raise others above all things; for if He could not raise Himself and be exalted through those principles brought about by the atonement, He could not raise others; He could not do for others what He could not do for Himself.”

John Taylor, The Mediation and Atonement (1892), 144.

Loving Attention

Loving Attention

“Although many single adult members are well-adjusted to life and its problems, they still need loving attention from the Church and its members to reaffirm their usefulness and the love that God has for each of them.”

President James E. Faust (1920–2007), Second Counselor in the First Presidency, “Welcoming Every Single One,” Liahona, Aug. 2007, 4; Ensign, Aug. 2007, 6.

Testimony of Jesus Christ

“The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.”

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith(2007), 49; emphasis added.

Listen For the Answer

Listen for the Answer

Photograph by David William Newman © IRI

“To those within the sound of my voice who are struggling with challenges and difficulties large and small, prayer is the provider of spiritual strength; it is the passport to peace. Prayer is the means by which we approach our Father in Heaven, who loves us. Speak to Him in prayer and then listen for the answer. Miracles are wrought through prayer.”

President Thomas S. Monson, “Be Your Best Self,”Liahona and Ensign, May 2009, 68.

Take Teaching Opportunities

Take Teaching Opportunities

“Besides showing youth the way by example, we lead them by understanding their hearts and walking alongside them on the gospel path. To truly understand their hearts, we must do more than just be in the same room or attend the same family and Church activities. We must plan and take advantage of teaching moments that make a deep and lasting impression upon their minds and hearts. …

“I would hope that we would have the opportunity of bearing our testimonies that we know that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ. I would hope that we would bear our testimonies so that our children will know where our hearts are and that we love them. The greatest love and the greatest teachings should be in our homes.”

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Our Duty to God: The Mission of Parents and Leaders to the Rising Generation,” Liahona and Ensign,May 2010, 95, 98.

How Does the Lord Strengthen Us?

How Does the Lord Strengthen Us?

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles helps answer this question in his general conference talk “In the Strength of the Lord” (Liahonaand Ensign, Nov. 2004, 76–78):

• • 
  “In the strength of the Lord we can do and endure and overcome all things.”
• • 
  “The enabling and strengthening aspect of the Atonement helps us to see and to do and to become good in ways that we could never recognize or accomplish with our limited mortal capacity.”
• • 
  “In the strength of the Lord and through His grace, I know that you and I can be blessed to accomplish all things.”

The Healing Power of the Atonement

“[Jesus Christ] knows of our anguish, and He is there for us. Like the good Samaritan in His parable, when He finds us wounded at the wayside, He binds up our wounds and cares for us (see Luke 10:34). Brothers and sisters, the healing power of His Atonement is for you, for us, for all.”

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “He Heals the Heavy Laden,” Liahona andEnsign, Nov. 2006, 7.

Diminish the Influence of Evil

To sisters who wonder if these seemingly quiet contributions make a difference, Elder Ballard affirms: “Every sister who stands for truth and righteousness diminishes the influence of evil. Every sister who strengthens and protects her family is doing the work of God. Every sister who lives as a woman of God becomes a beacon for others to follow and plants seeds of righteous influence that will be harvested for decades to come.”

M. Russell Ballard, Liahona, Dec. 2002, 39; Ensign, Mar. 2002, 70.

Deliberate and Consistent

And fortunately, our efforts as individuals and as Relief Societies need not be large and overwhelming, but they should be deliberate and consistent.

• PG 7DECEMBER 2011
• AN EXTENSIVE SPHERE OF ACTION

We Need the Influence of Righteous Women

The Lord, His Church, families, and communities need the influence of righteous women. In fact, Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that “every sister in this Church who has made covenants with the Lord has a divine mandate to help save souls, to lead the women of the world, to strengthen the homes of Zion, and to build the kingdom of God.”

M. Russell Ballard, “Women of Righteousness,”Liahona, Dec. 2002, 39; Ensign, Apr. 2002, 66.

Choose to Feel More Gratitude

With our Father’s help, all of us can choose to feel more gratitude. We can ask Him to help us see our blessings more clearly, whatever our circumstances. 

President Henry B. Eyring

• PG 4DECEMBER 2011
• THE CHOICE TO BE GRATEFUL

Direct Me to Someone I Can Help

What has helped me the most is to ask God in prayer, “Wouldst Thou please direct me to someone I can help for Thee?” It is in helping God bless others that I have seen my own blessings more closely.

President Henry B. Eyring

• PG 4DECEMBER 2011
• THE CHOICE TO BE GRATEFUL

Stuck Under the Smoggy Haze

There are times in our lives when we figuratively find ourselves stuck down in the valley, under the gloom of the dark, smoggy haze. Because of poor choices we have made, behaviors that offend the Spirit, or simply the painful and stretching decisions and challenges common to mortal life, we feel mired in thick, smothering fog. We can’t see clearly, we feel confused, and we sense that we have moved ourselves away from the light and warmth of our Heavenly Father’s love. We forget that the pure light of the Lord awaits us, beckons us, and is only a few steps of faith away. We must recognize that we have the power and capacity to take ourselves out of the filthy air of the valley and into the bright sunlight of the peace and hope that is found only by coming to the Savior.

Elder Patrick Kearon

• pg 30 EnsignDECEMBER 2011
• COME, LET US ADORE HIM