President Uchtdorf talks about who we really are. This was intended for the youth, but I think that it is applicable to everyone. If everyone understood this, the world would be a much different place from what we know about it now. I hope you enjoy his message.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
The Book of Mormon, Testimonies of Prophets and Apostles
A testimony from the modern day prophets and apostles. Please listen to them and feel the spirit testify of what they say is true.
Behind all of the writings in the Book of Mormon lie a primary purpose upon which we should focus our studies, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles teaches. “Study of the Book of Mormon is most rewarding when one focuses on its primary purpose—to testify of Jesus Christ.” He reminds us that the Book of Mormon is the “only book that the Lord Himself has testified to be true,” and that we can receive our own testimonies of its divinity when we prayerfully study it. “It will bring you closer to the Lord and His loving power,” he says. “[The Lord] has promised that those who live by the precepts of this book ‘shall receive a crown of eternal life.’”
Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles says that a testimony of the Book of Mormon leads to a testimony of the Savior and His work. “There has to be an explanation of that book you can hold in your hand. I know that you can receive a spiritual confirmation that it is true. You will then know that Jesus Christ lives, that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s Church. You will confirm that the Savior guides His Church through a living prophet.” This knowledge, he says, will be the foundation for a productive life.
“The Book of Mormon is the most correct of any book on earth because it centers upon the Truth, even Jesus Christ,” says Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “The Book of Mormon speaks to the spirit and to the heart of the reader like no other volume of scripture.”
“If you have not read the Book of Mormon, read it,” President Thomas S. Monson urges. “If you do so prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifest its truth to you.”
Jesus Christ lives. His Atonement blesses all people. Those are the central themes of the Book of Mormon, according to prophets and apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who bear witness of the book’s divinity. They promise that those who read this scripture “with a sincere heart, with real intent,” will receive a witness that the Savior lives and that His Atonement applies to them (see Moroni 10:3-5).
“The central purpose of the Book of Mormon is its testament of Jesus Christ,” President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles says. “Of more than 6,000 verses in the Book of Mormon, far more than half refer directly to Him.” Describing his first time reading the entire Book of Mormon, he says, “That was a life-changing event. After that, I never set the book aside.”Plain and Precious Truths
The Book of Mormon “tells us of the plain and precious truths of the gospel,” says Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In its pages we learn of “the reality and divinity of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice for all mankind.”Behind all of the writings in the Book of Mormon lie a primary purpose upon which we should focus our studies, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles teaches. “Study of the Book of Mormon is most rewarding when one focuses on its primary purpose—to testify of Jesus Christ.” He reminds us that the Book of Mormon is the “only book that the Lord Himself has testified to be true,” and that we can receive our own testimonies of its divinity when we prayerfully study it. “It will bring you closer to the Lord and His loving power,” he says. “[The Lord] has promised that those who live by the precepts of this book ‘shall receive a crown of eternal life.’”
Expand Vision, Enlarge Understanding
“[The] teachings of the Book of Mormon expand our vision and enlarge our understanding of the all-encompassing love of God and the universal effect of His Atonement for all men everywhere,” Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles declares. “The Book of Mormon has come forth to remind us of the covenants of the Lord, to the convincing of all ‘that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations.’”Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles says that a testimony of the Book of Mormon leads to a testimony of the Savior and His work. “There has to be an explanation of that book you can hold in your hand. I know that you can receive a spiritual confirmation that it is true. You will then know that Jesus Christ lives, that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s Church. You will confirm that the Savior guides His Church through a living prophet.” This knowledge, he says, will be the foundation for a productive life.
Calling All to Come unto Christ
The Book of Mormon offers a safe harbor from despair, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles teaches, through the “power of Christ to counter all troubles in all times. ... That is the message with which the Book of Mormon begins, and that is the message with which it ends, calling all to ‘come unto Christ, and be perfected in him.’” For us to receive the “fullest measure of peace and comfort,” he says, we must embrace “the divinity of the Book of Mormon and the Lord Jesus Christ, of whom it testifies.”“The Book of Mormon is the most correct of any book on earth because it centers upon the Truth, even Jesus Christ,” says Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “The Book of Mormon speaks to the spirit and to the heart of the reader like no other volume of scripture.”
“If you have not read the Book of Mormon, read it,” President Thomas S. Monson urges. “If you do so prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifest its truth to you.”
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
We Need Builders
This is what President Uchtdorf told the LA World Affairs Council. I read it and it is good! It is truley meant for the entire world and to help each other build each other up. This can help communities, states, countries, and nations build more unity. Not only among themselves, but with others around the world.
The World Needs Builders, President Uchtdorf Tells Los Angeles World Affairs Council
The World Needs Builders, President Uchtdorf Tells Los Angeles World Affairs Council
The world needs builders, not destroyers, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, told 800 community, business, and religious leaders attending the Los Angeles World Affairs Council on May 26, 2011.
“It takes courage … and humility to put away old hatred, divisions and traditions that constrict and confine people into a blind succession of destructive behavior toward others,” President Uchtdorf said. “It is within our reach to breach barriers of hate and build bridges of brotherhood and understanding between opposing cultures, beliefs, religion, and world views.”
The Los Angeles World Affairs Council is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to furthering global understanding. The group invites people from many backgrounds and religions to speak; former Church President Gordon B. Hinckley addressed the Los Angeles World Affairs Council while President of the Church.
President Uchtdorf talked about the growth of the Church from six members in 1830 to today, when there are more than 14 million Latter-day Saints around the world.
“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a global church. The principles and doctrines it teaches have the power to benefit and uplift the people of every nation, race, and culture,” he said.
President Uchtdorf shared Church membership and building statistics that reflect the growth of the Church, but said such numbers are not the point.
“It is important to recognize that the growth of the Church is not merely about numbers of members, languages and buildings; our mission is to bring souls unto Christ—that is the important part—and thereby improve the lives of our fellow men. We teach, support and encourage all men, women, and children to draw near to God and live charitable and honorable lives,” he said.
President Uchtdorf also talked about the Church’s efforts in education, welfare and humanitarian aid.
“Being continuously engaged in improving the lives of our fellow men is not just theological theory, which it easily may become, but rather an application of the gospel’s core doctrines. The more our hearts are inclined to God, the more we desire to relieve suffering and help others become self-reliant,” he said.
President Uchtdorf said that in this time of uncertainty and fear there is still hope for virtue, moderation and divine moral principles. He called on the audience to join with the Church in “strengthening families, building righteous societies, and helping our brothers and sisters improve their lives the world over, regardless of culture, language, or religious beliefs. I believe these are worthy and righteous goals.”
“It takes courage … and humility to put away old hatred, divisions and traditions that constrict and confine people into a blind succession of destructive behavior toward others,” President Uchtdorf said. “It is within our reach to breach barriers of hate and build bridges of brotherhood and understanding between opposing cultures, beliefs, religion, and world views.”
The Los Angeles World Affairs Council is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to furthering global understanding. The group invites people from many backgrounds and religions to speak; former Church President Gordon B. Hinckley addressed the Los Angeles World Affairs Council while President of the Church.
President Uchtdorf talked about the growth of the Church from six members in 1830 to today, when there are more than 14 million Latter-day Saints around the world.
“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a global church. The principles and doctrines it teaches have the power to benefit and uplift the people of every nation, race, and culture,” he said.
President Uchtdorf shared Church membership and building statistics that reflect the growth of the Church, but said such numbers are not the point.
“It is important to recognize that the growth of the Church is not merely about numbers of members, languages and buildings; our mission is to bring souls unto Christ—that is the important part—and thereby improve the lives of our fellow men. We teach, support and encourage all men, women, and children to draw near to God and live charitable and honorable lives,” he said.
President Uchtdorf also talked about the Church’s efforts in education, welfare and humanitarian aid.
“Being continuously engaged in improving the lives of our fellow men is not just theological theory, which it easily may become, but rather an application of the gospel’s core doctrines. The more our hearts are inclined to God, the more we desire to relieve suffering and help others become self-reliant,” he said.
President Uchtdorf said that in this time of uncertainty and fear there is still hope for virtue, moderation and divine moral principles. He called on the audience to join with the Church in “strengthening families, building righteous societies, and helping our brothers and sisters improve their lives the world over, regardless of culture, language, or religious beliefs. I believe these are worthy and righteous goals.”
Contributed By newsroom.LDS.org
Friday, June 10, 2011
A Different Approach
So, if you noticed, I'm starting to take messages from lds.org. I want to take the words of the prophets and apostles and give them to you. I want you to find out if they build your faith in Christ, encourage you to live better lives, and also help your family's life increase! You will see that they are men of God. They are who they say they are! Please take time to also see mormon.org! You can see millions of testimonies of how people's lives have been blessed.
Saints in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka Are “Near Our Hearts”.
Elder Holland in a meeting with the saints in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Please read this! It is good to take into our lives, regardless if we are members or not.
I have come to say to all of you that you are known, you are loved, you are appreciated. You may be a long way from us physically and geographically, but you are not more than a prayer and a heartbeat away from our affection and our admiration,” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles told participants in a priesthood leadership conference held in New Delhi, India. The conference was telecast to several other locations in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. “Thank you for serving,” he said. “Thank your wives and children—thank everybody. We know your sacrifices.”
Accompanied by several members of the Seventy and the two mission presidents for India, Elder Holland presided over a four-hour meeting that included instruction from the visiting authorities and a question-and-answer session.
During the question-and-answer session, Elder Holland and the other visiting Church leaders took turns answering questions posed by priesthood leaders from India and Pakistan. Among the topics Elder Holland addressed were the law of consecration, the responsibility of the family to set expectations for young people to serve missions, and the issue of prospective elders.
Elder Holland offered an apostolic blessing on the members in India and Pakistan, blessing them with strength, health, and safety; with food to eat and clothing to wear; shelter for themselves and their loved ones; and strength to face challenges hopefully and cheerfully. He instructed the brethren to “tell the Saints that we prayed for them and we blessed them.”
I have come to say to all of you that you are known, you are loved, you are appreciated. You may be a long way from us physically and geographically, but you are not more than a prayer and a heartbeat away from our affection and our admiration,” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles told participants in a priesthood leadership conference held in New Delhi, India. The conference was telecast to several other locations in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. “Thank you for serving,” he said. “Thank your wives and children—thank everybody. We know your sacrifices.”
Accompanied by several members of the Seventy and the two mission presidents for India, Elder Holland presided over a four-hour meeting that included instruction from the visiting authorities and a question-and-answer session.
A Parable about a Pearl
During the instruction period, Elder Holland shared a modern-day parable about a pearl and a box, in which a man finds a beautiful pearl and wants to share his discovery with the world. He commissions a stunningly beautiful box to hold the pearl, then puts the pearl on display only to realize that viewers are more appreciative of the display box than the pearl itself. Similarly, Elder Holland said, we can fall into the trap of making Church programs and activities a greater focus than the gospel itself.Strengthen Faith in Christ
He offered two suggestions to strengthen faith in Jesus Christ. First, he said, we need to improve our sacrament meetings. “If we’re going to worry about a meeting, let’s worry a little more about that one.” He emphasized the need to center sacrament meeting around the sacrament and the Savior’s Atonement, reminding leaders that there are people coming to church needing the sacrament to help them get through the week. “Teach Aaronic Priesthood holders what they’re doing when they pass, prepare, and bless the sacrament of the Lord Jesus Christ,” he directed.Improve Sacrament Meetings
Along with heightened emphasis on the sacrament, we should try to raise the quality of the talks given in sacrament meeting. “A pretty sobering question, brethren, is this: if all the gospel we knew were the gospel we heard in sacrament meeting, how much gospel would we know?” Pondering this question can help us improve sacrament meeting, he said. “I just want to believe that something built around the Atonement might add to the protection and safety and salvation of somebody on any given Sunday.”Improve Teaching
His second suggestion was that we improve our teaching. “What we have for motivation in the Church is spiritually informed and empowered words. And that, one way or another, means teaching.” Making the point that our primary method of conveying the Spirit is to testify, he urged priesthood leaders to see themselves as teachers first and foremost. “I would ask that you see [your call to serve] as a call to teach much more than a call to manage or to administer,” he said. “We want you to be reasonably good administrators. But we really, really want you to be good teachers.” He described good teaching as “strong, faithful, inspired teaching that has the Spirit of the Lord with it, teaching that concludes with a testimony and moves people to live a better life and to reach a little higher. . . . That’s the way, in effect, lives are changed.”During the question-and-answer session, Elder Holland and the other visiting Church leaders took turns answering questions posed by priesthood leaders from India and Pakistan. Among the topics Elder Holland addressed were the law of consecration, the responsibility of the family to set expectations for young people to serve missions, and the issue of prospective elders.
Consecration Is a Covenant
“One of the covenants we make in the temple is to consecrate,” Elder Holland told the priesthood leaders, most of whom have received their endowments. “Part of the implication and invitation of the law of consecration is to build up the kingdom of God on earth and to establish Zion. . . . Where do we [do this]? In the Latter-day Saint home. Zion starts with an LDS family—parents who love each other and sacrifice for each other and tell children that they love each other and sacrifice for each other.” He mentioned that he had never heard of wards or stakes in heaven, saying, “The only [organization] that I know that exists in heaven is families. We are going to be practicing here what it’s going to be like there. . . . The invitation spiritually is to start that right now in our homes.”What Will the Family Do?
When asked how to encourage more young people to serve missions, he responded, “Isn’t it interesting that the first impulse from all of us is ‘What’s the Church going to do?’ There’s a more fundamental question than that, and that is ‘What is the family going to do?’ What is the father going to expect? What is the brother going to expect of his sister? What is the sister going to expect of her brother?”Help Prospective Elders
The topic of prospective elders was particularly tender to Elder Holland. Explaining that he had been the son of an “inactive, cigarette-smoking, coffee-drinking, prospective-elder father,” he told the brethren, “If you’ll get specific about the men involved—their names, their faces, and their families—you will work miracles. . . . I get to be here today, in one generation, because somebody stopped talking about the big problem of prospective elders and they talked about Frank Holland.” He added that we need to be preventive as well as redemptive in this matter. “The best thing you can do about prospective elders is prevent them getting there.”What Next?
At the end of the session, Elder Holland offered a question of his own. “What happens when this meeting is over?” he asked. Answering the question, he said, “When we walk out of here and you go home, you still have the gospel. You have the scriptures. You have revelation. You have prayer, mighty prayer. . . . You have the Holy Spirit. You have a member of the Godhead commissioned and committed to being your companion and going where you go, doing what you do, and helping you succeed.” Reminding the leaders that they are “chosen, ordained, set apart, commissioned agents of the Lord,” he quoted a saying of President Monson: “‘When you’re on the Lord’s errand, you are entitled to ask for the Lord’s help.’”Elder Holland offered an apostolic blessing on the members in India and Pakistan, blessing them with strength, health, and safety; with food to eat and clothing to wear; shelter for themselves and their loved ones; and strength to face challenges hopefully and cheerfully. He instructed the brethren to “tell the Saints that we prayed for them and we blessed them.”
A Sure Witness
In conclusion, he bore his testimony. “I’ve borne witness since I was a little boy in Primary, but now I am a witness, and I testify that this is God’s truth. I know that more certainly than I know any other thing in this world. I know, actually more certain than that you are actually sitting there and I am actually standing here. I would question that sooner than I could question that God is our Eternal Father and Jesus is the Christ and They appeared to a fourteen-year-old boy, and as a result we’re in New Delhi today. . . . I’m more certain of that than anything I know. And it’s not only that of which I bear witness; it is that of which I am a witness. I love you and will never forget you, and I’ll pray for you long after I’ve gotten on that plane and gone somewhere else in the world.”Thursday, June 9, 2011
Forgiveness: A miracle in of it self
Please watch this video before continuing on.
As we learn to forgive, we allow the healing power of the Atonement into our lives, and also the lives of those who wronged us, if they so choose to do so. I know that people are a lot happier when they learn to let go of that which binds them down in the past. Not allowing them to move forward with their life. I can tell you right now, that if everyone would forgive everyone that may have offended them, the world would be a completely different place. The miracle of forgiveness is available to us all. We can also look to the Lord and see how he forgave those that nailed Him to the cross. He had and still has the right to hold a grudge, but he doesn't because He knows what good will it do for Him and for those. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
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