Protection from the Adversary

Protection from the Adversary

“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 for the sacred vicarious ordinances available in the temple, and then go to the temple to stand as proxy for them to receive the ordinances of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. As you grow older, you will be able to participate in receiving the other ordinances as well. I can think of no greater protection from the influence of the adversary in your life.”

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

Forgiveness Heals Your Wounds

"Forgiveness . . . can be hard to understand, even more difficult to give. Begin by withholding judgment. . . . Leave the handling of aggressors to others. As you experience an easing of your own pain, full forgiveness will come more easily. 

"You cannot erase what has been done, but you can forgive. Forgiveness heals terrible, tragic wounds, for it allows the love of God to purge your heart and mind of the poison of hate. It cleanses your consciousness of the desire for revenge. It makes place for the purifying, healing, restoring love of the Lord.

"The Master counseled, 'Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you'. 

"Bitterness and hatred are harmful. They produce much that is destructive. They postpone the relief and healing you yearn for. Through rationalization and self-pity, they can transform a victim into an abuser. Let God be the judge - you cannot do it as well as he can."

Richard G. Scott, "Healing the Tragic Scars of Abuse," Ensign, May 1992, 32-33.

#stemit

Flashing, Blaring Stimulation

How to Live Well amid Increasing Evil

Elder Richard G. Scott

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Have you noticed how Satan works to capture the mind and emotions with flashing images, blaring music, and the stimulation of every physical sense to excess? He diligently strives to fill life with action, entertainment, and stimulation so that one cannot ponder the consequences of his tempting invitations.

Write Down Impressions

"You will find that as you write down precious impressions, often more will come. Also, the knowledge you gain will be available throughout your life. Always, day or night, wherever you are, whatever you are doing, seek to recognize and respond to the direction of the Spirit. Express gratitude for the help received and obey it. This practice will reinforce your capacity to learn by the spirit. It will permit the Lord to guide your life and to enrich the use of every other capacity latent in your being."

Richard G. Scott

Distraction

"When things of the world crowd in, all too often the wrong things take highest priority. Then it is easy to forget the fundamental purpose of life. Satan has a powerful tool to use against good people. It is distraction. He would have good people fill life with 'good things' so there is no room for the essential ones. have you unconsciously been caught in that trap?"

Richard G. Scott

Creativity Fosters Gratitude

Our Campfire of Faith

By Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Elder Scott said painting helped him observe and create. He has written: “Attempt to be creative, even if the results are modest. … Creativity can engender a spirit of gratitude for life and for what the Lord has woven into your being. … If you choose wisely, it doesn’t have to absorb a lot of time.”

Richard G. Scott, Finding Peace, Happiness, and Joy (2007), 162–63; quoted in Elder Richard G. Scott Art Exhibit: A Self-Guided Tour (pamphlet, 2010).

Don't paraphrase scriptures

"When scriptures are used as the Lord has caused them to be recorded, they have intrinsic power that is not communicated when paraphrased."

Richard G. Scott, "He Lives," Ensign, Nov 1999, 88.

Peace in forgiveness

Peace in Forgiveness

“You may be carrying a heavy burden of feeling injured by another who has seriously offended you. Your response to that offense may have distorted your understanding so that you feel justified in waiting for that individual to ask forgiveness so that the pain can leave. The Savior dispelled any such thought when He commanded:

“‘Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.

“‘I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men’ (D&C 64:9–10).

“Don’t carry the burden of offense any longer. Genuinely ask forgiveness of one that has offended you, even when you consider you have done no wrong. That effort will assuredly bring you peace and will likely begin the healing of serious misunderstandings.”

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “To Be Free of Heavy Burdens,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 88.

Experiences to Stimulate Growth

“Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more (see Proverbs 3:11–12). He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain. … This life is an experience in profound trust—trust in Jesus Christ.”

Richard G. Scott, “Trust in the Lord,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 16–17.

A Christ-Centered Home

A Christ-centered home provides the greatest opportunities for success. Elder Richard G. Scott (1928–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles describes it as a place “where the gospel is taught, covenants are kept, and love abounds,” where families can live “an obedient life” and become “firmly rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Richard G. Scott, “For Peace at Home,” Ensign, May 2013, 30, 31.

Express Gratitude For Your Spouse

Express gratitude for what your spouse does for you. Express that love and gratitude often. That will make life far richer and more pleasant and purposeful.

Richard G. Scott, Apr 2011 General Conference

Do What Is Right

You will have challenges and hard decisions to make throughout your life. But determine now to always do what is right and let the consequence follow. The consequence will always be for your best good.

Richard G. Scott, "Do What is Right," Ensign, June 1997, 53. 

After the Trial

As Elder Scott explained, the “packets of spiritual sunlight” the Lord provides “often come after the trial has been the greatest, as evidence of the compassion and love of an all-knowing Father. They point the way to greater happiness, more understanding, and strengthen [our] determination to accept and be obedient to His will."

Richard G. Scott, “Trust in the Lord,” 17.

A Source of Inspiration and Power

A Source of Inspiration and Power

“What does the Book of Mormon mean to you? Has it been a source of inspiration and power in your life? Will it continue to be?

“If you have not yet drunk deeply from this fountain of pure truth, with all of my soul I encourage you to do so now. Don’t let the consistent study of the Book of Mormon be one of the things that you intend to do but never quite accomplish. Begin today.”

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “The Power of the Book of Mormon in My Life,” Ensign, Oct. 1984, 11.

Raise our Hands

Elder Richard G. Scott (1928–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that when we raise our hands during a gospel discussion, we “signify to the Holy Ghost [our] willingness to learn.” 
 “Participation allows individuals to experience being led by the Spirit” (“To Learn and to Teach More Effectively” [Brigham Young University Education Week devotional, Aug. 21, 2007], 5,speeches.byu.edu).

Scriptures can calm an agitated soul

“Scriptures can calm an agitated soul, giving peace, hope, and a restoration of confidence in one’s ability to overcome the challenges of life. They have potent power to heal emotional challenges when there is faith in the Savior” (Richard G. Scott, “The Power of Scripture,” Ensign, Nov. 2011, 6).

Memorizing Scriptures

“Great power can come from memorizing scriptures,” taught Elder Richard G. Scott (1928–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “To memorize a scripture is to forge a new friendship. It is like discovering a new individual who can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort, and be a source of motivation for needed change.”

Richard G. Scott, “The Power of Scripture,” Ensign, Nov. 2011, 6.

How can I make family home evening a priority?

“While you are working to strengthen your family and cultivate peace, remember … weekly family home evening. Be cautious not to make your family home evening just an afterthought of a busy day. Decide that on Monday night your family will be together at home for the evening. Do not let employment demands, sports, extracurricular activities, homework, or anything else become more important than that time you spend together at home with your family. The structure of your evening is not as important as the time invested. The gospel should be taught both formally and informally. Make it a meaningful experience for each member of the family.”

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority,”Ensign, Nov. 2014, 94.

Compensatory Blessings

Find the compensatory blessings in your life when, in the wisdom of the Lord, He deprives you of something you very much want. . . .
You will discover compensatory blessings when you willingly accept the will of the Lord and exercise faith in Him.

Richard G. Scott, "Finding Joy in Life," Ensign, May 1996, 25 

When Prayers Seem to Go Unanswered

It is so hard when sincere prayer about something you desire very much is not answered the way you want. It is difficult to understand why your exercise of deep and sincere faith from an obedient life does not grant the desired result. The Savior taught, “Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you.” ⁴ At times it is difficult to recognize what is best or expedientfor you over time. Your life will be easier when you accept that what God does in your life is for youreternal good.

Richard G. Scott, "Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer," Ensign, May 2007, 9.