Prayer-President Thomas S. Monson

Stand in Holy Places

Thomas S. Monson, October 2011 General Conference

"Since that time of long ago, I have had countless prayers answered. Not a day has gone by that I have not communicated with my Father in Heaven through prayer. It is a relationship I cherish—one I would literally be lost without. If you do not now have such a relationship with your Father in Heaven, I urge you to work toward that goal. As you do so, you will be entitled to His inspiration and guidance in your life—necessities for each of us if we are to survive spiritually during our sojourn here on earth. Such inspiration and guidance are gifts He freely gives if we but seek them. What treasures they are!" (Ensign Nov. 2011 pg.)

Prayer-President Thomas S. Momson

Stand in Holy Places

 

Thomas S. Monson, October 2011 General Conference

"As a means of being in the world but not being of the world, it is necessary that we communicate with our Heavenly Father through prayer. He wants us to do so; He’ll answer our prayers. The Savior admonished us, as recorded in 3 Nephi 18, to “watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you. …

“Therefore ye must always pray unto the Father in my name;

“And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.” (Ensign November 2011)

Pornography-Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Commit to the Gospel and Repent 

“Whoever you are and whatever you have done, you can be forgiven. Every one of you young men can leave behind any transgression with which you may struggle. It is the miracle of forgiveness; it is the miracle of the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. But you cannot do it without an active commitment to the gospel, and you cannot do it without repentance where it is needed. I am asking you young men to be active and be clean. If required, I am asking you to get active and get clean” (Jeffrey R. Holland, “We Are All Enlisted,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2011, 4)

Pornography-Elder Dallin H. Oaks

*A Way to Escape

“The good news is that no one needs to follow the evil, downward descent to torment. Everyone caught on that terrible escalator has the key to reverse his course. He can escape. Through repentance he can be clean. … My brethren who are caught in this addiction or troubled by this temptation, there is a way.
“First, acknowledge the evil. Don’t defend it or try to justify yourself. …

“Second, seek the help of the Lord and His servants. Hear and heed President Hinckley’s words:

“‘Plead with the Lord out of the depths of your soul that He will remove from you the addiction which enslaves you. And may you have the courage to seek the loving guidance of your bishop and, if necessary, the counsel of caring professionals’” (“A Tragic Evil among Us,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2004, 62).
“Third, do all that you can to avoid pornography. If you ever find yourself in its presence—which can happen to anyone in the world in which we live—follow the example of Joseph of Egypt. When temptation caught him in her grip, he left temptation and 'got him out' (Gen. 39:12).
“Don’t accommodate any degree of temptation. Prevent sin and avoid having to deal with its inevitable destruction. So, turn it off! Look away! Avoid it at all costs. Direct your thoughts in wholesome paths. Remember your covenants and be faithful in temple attendance” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Pornography,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2005, 90).

Scripture Study-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Four Titles

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, April 2013 General Conference

"Study the word of God daily, pray to Heavenly Father every day, internalize the principles of the restored gospel, give thanks to God, and ask for His guidance. Then live what you learn, first in your family but also in all situations of your life."(May 2013 Ensign, pg 61)

Scripture Study-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

“Walking in Circles
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, June 2013 Ensign(first Presidency Message)))

The Landmark of General Conference

The instructions given at general conference are another landmark that can help us know if we are on course.

Occasionally I ask myself, “Did I listen to the words given by the men and women who spoke at the most recent general conference of the Church? Have I read and reread their words? Have I pondered them and applied them to my life? Or have I just enjoyed the fine talks and neglected to apply their inspired messages in my personal life?”

Maybe while you were listening or reading, you jotted down a note or two. Perhaps you made a commitment to do some things better or differently. Just think about the messages of last general conference. Many encouraged us to strengthen our families and improve our marriages. This issue of the Liahona also focuses on these eternal values, with many practical recommendations to bless our lives.

Are we noting and applying this worthwhile counsel? Are we recognizing and walking toward these real and valuable landmarks?

Pornography-Elder Boyd K. Packer

 

Employ Priesthood Power

“The priesthood holds consummate power. It can protect you from the plague of pornography—and it is a plague—if you are succumbing to its influence. If one is obedient, the priesthood can show how to break a habit and even erase an addiction. Holders of the priesthood have that authority and should employ it to combat evil influences.
“We raise an alarm and warn members of the Church to wake up and understand what is going on. Parents, be alert, ever watchful that this wickedness might threaten your family circle“ (Boyd K. Packer, “Cleansing the Inner Vessel,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2010, 75).