Friday, August 21, 2009

Forgiveness

“Ever keep in exercise the principle of mercy, and be ready to forgive our brother on the first intimations of repentance, and asking forgiveness; and should we even forgive our brother, or even our enemy, before he repent or ask forgiveness, our heavenly Father would be equally as merciful unto us.”

--The Prophet Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 3:383.

Peace

"We are a warlike people, easily distracted from our assignment of preparing for the coming of the Lord.. When enemies rise up, we commit vast resources to the fabrication of gods of stone and steel –ships, planes, missiles, fortifications – and depend on them for protection and deliverance. When threatened, we become antienemy instead of pro-kingdom of God; we train a man in the art of war and call him a patriot, thus, in the manner of Satan's counterfeit of true patriotism, perverting the Savior's teaching: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:44-45.)
--President Spencer W. Kimball in a talk 1976 entitled “The False God's We Worship”.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Blessings of Obedience

"Because of Christ there is hope smiling brightly before you, and you need not worry too much about sickness, death, poverty, or other afflictions. The Lord will take care of you. Your responsibility is to keep the commandments, feast upon the words of Christ, and stay in the path to your heavenly home."


--Julie B. Beck, "There Is Hope Smiling Brightly before Us", Ensign, May 2003, 103

Quickening by the Holy Ghost

"When we invite the Holy Ghost to fill our minds with light and knowledge, He "quickens" us, that is to say, enlightens and enlivens the inner man or woman. As a result we notice a measurable difference in our soul. We feel strengthened, filled with peace and joy. We possess spiritual energy and enthusiasm, both of which enhance our natural abilities. We can accomplish more than we otherwise could do on our own. We yearn to become a holier person."


--Elder Keith K. Hilbig, "Quench Not the Spirit Which Quickens the Inner Man", October General Conference 2007