In some ways our world today is similar to Kirtland of the 1830s. We too live in times of financial distress. There are those who persecute and rail against the Church and its members. Individual and collective trials may sometimes seem overwhelming.That is when we need, more than ever, to draw near unto the Lord. As we do, we will come to know what it means to have the Lord draw near unto us. As we seek Him ever more diligently, we will surely find Him. We will see clearly that the Lord does not abandon His Church or His faithful Saints. Our eyes will be opened, and we will see Him open the windows of heaven and shower us with more of His light. We will find the spiritual strength to survive even during the darkest night. - Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Hold On a Little Longer,” Liahona, January 2010
Tag Archives: love of God
Instruments of God’s Love
God loves every one of his children--of that we are absolutely assured, we know it in our hearts--but God needs instruments of his love. He needs those who can carry his love and make it meaningful and personal in the lives of others. The shepherd's search for the lost sheep was a mission of grace and so was the joyful journey of the forgiving father when he ran to meet the penitent prodigal who had come to himself and had, with trepidation, started home. - Marion D. Hanks, “Gifts You Can’t Wrap,” New Era, December 1972
Getting Our Bearings Straight – Cook
I think the challenge for all of us--but perhaps particularly for young adults--is to try not to look sideways to see how others are viewing our lives but to look up to see how Heavenly Father sees us. He doesn't look on the outward appearance but on the heart (see 1 Samuel 16:7). And He knows, better than anyone else, what each one of us needs. - Carl B. Cook, “Look Up,” Liahona, January 2012
We Are Not Forgotten – Uchtdorf
Submitted by: Edina Heizerne Auer – Thanks!
Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught:
As a child, when I would look at the little forget-me-nots, I sometimes felt a little like that flower--small and insignificant. I wondered if I would be forgotten by my family or by my Heavenly Father.
Years later I can look back on that young boy with tenderness and compassion. And I do know now--I was never forgotten.
And I know something else: as an Apostle of our Master, Jesus Christ, I proclaim with all the certainty and conviction of my heart--neither are you!
You are not forgotten.
Sisters, wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love.
Just think of it: You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time!
Being Continually Blessed – Christoffersonbre
Jesus teaches us, His disciples, that we should look to God each day for the bread--the help and sustenance--we require that particular day. The Lord's invitation to seek our daily bread at our Heavenly Father's hand speaks of a loving God, aware of even the small, daily needs of His children and eager to assist them, one by one. He is saying that we can ask in faith of that Being "that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given" (James 1:5). That is, of course, tremendously reassuring, but there is something at work here that is more significant than just help in getting by day to day. As we seek and receive divine bread daily, our faith and trust in God and His Son grow. - D. Todd Christofferson, “Recognizing God’s Hand in Our Daily Blessings,” CES Fireside, 9 January 2011
Unseen Blessings – Cook
Sometimes, ...great blessings come to those who are faithful. We should be grateful for all the tender mercies that come into our lives. We are unaware of hosts of blessings that we receive from day to day. It is extremely important that we have a spirit of gratitude in our hearts. – Quentin L. Cook, “The Songs They Could Not Sing,” Ensign (CR) October 2011
We Are All Enlisted
Number one, Satan, or Lucifer, or the father of lies--call him what you will--is real, the very personification of evil. His motives are in every case malicious, and he convulses at the appearance of redeeming light, at the very thought of truth. Number two, he is eternally opposed to the love of God, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and the work of peace and salvation. He will fight against these whenever and wherever he can. He knows he will be defeated and cast out in the end, but he is determined to take down with him as many others as he possibly can.
…I ask for a stronger and more devoted voice, a voice not only against evil and him who is the personification of it, but a voice for good, a voice for the gospel, a voice for God. Brethren of all ages, unbind your tongues and watch your words work wonders in the lives of those "who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it."
October 2011 General Conference, JEFFREY R. HOLLAND, We Are All Enlisted
Sacred Names (Oaks)
Satan seeks to discredit the sacred names of God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ, the names through which their work is done. He succeeds in a measure whenever he is able to influence any man or woman, boy or girl, to make holy names common and to associate them with coarse thoughts and evil acts. Those who use sacred names in vain are, by that act, promoters of Satan's purposes. - Dallin H. Oaks, “Reverent and Clean,” Ensign (CR) April 1986
Reverent, Humble Prayer
Does it frighten you to speak with your Heavenly Father? It shouldn't. It's true that he is powerful, more than any of us can even understand. But he also loves us--much more than we can ever know. He knows all about you, knows all of your secrets, all the things you are afraid of, and even more--he knows what you are capable of doing. He knows you even better than you know yourself. He wants what is best for you, and he wants you to be successful and happy in your life. In order for him to help you, he wants you to talk with him often in reverent, humble prayer. - J. Thomas Fyans, “Draw Near to Him in Prayer,” Ensign (CR) October 1985
Love (Scott)
You will observe that the antidote for selfishness is love, especially love of the Lord. Love can overpower the undermining effect of selfishness. Love engenders faith in Christ's plan of happiness, provides courage to begin the process of repentance, strengthens the resolve to be obedient to His teachings, and opens the door of service, welcoming in the feelings of self-worth and of being loved and needed. - Richard G. Scott, “We Love You--Please Come Back,” Ensign (CR) April 1986