General Conference: Sunday Morning 3 April 2011
Saul was so hostile in pursuing the saints and destroying the church until he was visited by the Lord on the road to Damascus. This event changed Saul forever; indeed it changed the world.
Some hesitate to receive the blessings of the gospel. Those who seek to learn about Christ will eventually come to know Him. Usually comes in the form of a puzzle, one piece at a time. Each piece helps us to see the big picture one piece at a time. The Savior will come to be with us quietly. Our Father in Heaven loves His children. Often He speaks to us in ways that we can only hear with our hearts. Turn down the worldly noise in our lives. Hearken to the promptings of the Spirit. Be eager to heed them.
“Suffer the little children to come unto me…for such is the kingdom of God.”
Let us be among those that the Lord can rely on to hear his whisperings and respond.
We must study it out in our minds first, then we can seek the Lord’s inspiration. If we are thinking only of ourselves, we may miss some powerful revelations. “It is usually through another person that He meets our needs. Therefore it is vital that we watch over each other.” Selfish acts of service and consecration refines our spirits. The Lord expects the members of His church to open their mouths. Some would rather pull a handcart across the valley than open their mouths. We have a glad message; we have a message of joy. We can make our conversations more faith centered. Share things that are inspirational, uplifting, or humorous. Sharing the good news of the gospel is easier and the effects more far reaching than ever before. Sometimes a single phrase of testimony can stir emotion that will affect lives for eternity. If we are joyful and at peace with the world, people will want to know why. Preach the gospel at all times, and, if necessary, use words. Accept your road to Damascus and now move on! Move forward in faith, hope, and charity.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is on course; we have a living prophet.
Elder Johnson
Earth life includes test, trials, and temptations. Afflictions are part of our mortal experience. Trial of our faith, to see if we will do all that the Lord has commanded. These trials are not just to test us. They are the process of putting on the divine nature; they can be consecrated to our gain. It is through sorrow and suffering, trials and temptation that we gain the experience and knowledge that we came here to get. We will not be the same; we will be better; we will be awesome. Personal growth is the attended outcome of opposition. The furnace of affliction is meant for even the very better of saints.
The darkest and most dangerous attempts often bring the greatest of blessings. Nephi dealt with many trials with his brothers before receiving brass plates. Joseph Smith was about to sink into despair before the First Vision took place.
His mother had an extreme illness at 19. She studied the gospel and became converted. Many times a particular challenge helps prepare us for future blessings. Paul suffered many afflictions. Compared to our blessings and growth, our afflictions truly are light.
The Lord’s suffering was a prerequisite to His resurrection on Easter morning and to our future resurrection. We should not seek to escape the very things that will help us put on our divine nature.
Purifying process and testing will be in the Lord’s time and in the Lord’s way. (Elder Hales)
Whosoever puts their trust in God shall be supported in their trials…
“Well done, thou God and faithful servant.” “Who shall separate us from the love of God…in all these things we are conquerors through Him that loves us.” (Paul)
Bishop Burton
“Will this buy me any bread?” I had a deeper revelation that the Church of Christ is interested in the temporal salvation of man. Those in need of temporal help must have their needs met before they may be ready to receive the gospel.
President Grant wanted a system that would reach out to people no matter what the cost. He was willing to do this at the cost of closing seminaries and temples. He did not want to let the people go hungry. “We will not let you go hungry, without clothing, or without shelter.” Emphasis on personal responsibility and self-reliance. Other well-meaning programs are short sighted. They may help people without helping people learn how to help themselves. Each generation is required to learn anew the principles of self-reliance. The commission to help those in need goes far beyond the bounds of mortality. Through caring for others, we learn the celestial principles of sacrifice and consecration. These things help us retain a remission of our sins and to walk humbly before God.
We are under condemnation and cannot please the Lord if we are not willing to serve those in need of our help. Fly to the relief of a stranger…make the widows heart to rejoice, etc. We must love and care for our neighbors.
Willie Handcart Company. Snow deep and very cold. So cold that we could not move…people could not travel. Despite all that the rescuers could do, many were left by the wayside. Man gave his coat to wrap a cold baby in. Robert Burton was called as the presiding bishop of the church. “Be kind to the poor.” Feed the hungry; clothe the naked; visit the sick; release the captive. 75 years ago the welfare system rose from humble beginnings. The principles of the welfare program defines who we are as a people. The work of caring for one another and caring for the poor is a sanctifying work. “Go and do thou likewise.”
Sister Alred
Be of one heart and of one mind. Two great commandments: love the Lord and your neighbor as thyself. The essence of discipleship is to love one another. Help members become self-reliant, to care for the poor and needy, one more thing.
RS has always been at the heart of welfare. Exercising of all benevolent purposes. This society might provoke the brethren to good works. Strengthen the virtues of the community.
Inspired home teachers and visiting teachers are so needed. They are often the first response to immediate needs. Our combined efforts bring relief. Contribute to Lord’s storehouse through the payment of fast offerings. Self-reliance is the ability to supply temporal and spiritual necessities for self and family. Go about doing good. Story of the widow’s mite.
Who could I fulfill my calling when I was struggling with just being a wife and mother? Follow promptings of Holy Ghost and being willing to serve; you will help others in their responsibilities and help them fulfill their callings.
Elder Bednar
“Have I done any Good?”
Experiences with light
First: entering dark room and switching on a light. Immediate and intense recognition of light. Direct and in full.
Second: watching night turning to morning. Gradually and steadily the intensity of light increased. Line upon line, precept upon precept.
The Spirit of Revelation and Basic
Communication from God to His children on earth through companionship of Holy Ghost. Spirit of Revelation is available to every person who is baptized and confirmed and is acting in faith to be able to receive the Holy Ghost. Available to all of age, accountability, and desire.
Asked in faith, believing that they would receive.
Thoughts and feelings come into our hearts and minds through the power of the Holy Ghost. This is the spirit of revelation. Apply unto it.
Shun inappropriate material. Reject the devil’s enticements, and apply unto the spirit of revelation.
Restored church revelation did not come to Joseph Smith all at once, but line upon line as he was ready to receive it.
Do not overlook the customary pattern through which the Holy Ghost does His work. You do not need to receive frequent, miraculous, or constant impressions. Press forward, be obedient, have faith in the Savior. As you do so, you cannot go amiss.
We often receive revelation without recognize how or when we are receiving revelation. Pay attention. Oliver Cowdery received a revelation informing him that he had received revelation. Honor covenants and keep the commandments, do good and strive to become better; God will guide our steps and inspire our utterances. Our confidence will wax strong in the presence of God.
President Monson
57th anniversary of inspired welfare program. The welfare program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is inspired of Almighty God.
Temples: 26 temples in construction or in pre-construction stages. Make the temple as accessible as possible. Temples bring joy to our members wherever they are built.
Temples are more that stone and mortar; they are built of faith and fasting…Sanctified with sacrifice and service.
The saints were forced to leave Ohio and their beloved temple. In Nauvoo Illinois they built another temple, and then when driven from their homes again. The SL Temple took 40 years to build.
Why are so many willing to give so much to receive the blessings of the temple? No sacrifice is too great, no price too heavy, no struggle too difficult to receive those blessings.
My brothers and sisters, the work is ours to do. Your sacrifice may be bringing your life into compliance so that you can qualify. Until you’ve been to the House of the Lord and received the ordinances there, you have not received all that the Church has to offer. Do nothing that will prevent you to enter the temple’s doors.
“It would be a fine thing if parents would have in every bedroom of their house a picture of the temple.” (President McKay) Teach your children of the temple’s importance. In this sacred sanctuary we will find peace; we will be renewed; one more thing.
Rome, Italy. The Rome temple uniquely is being built in one of the most historical locations in the world. Apostles preached there and were martyred. As the Spirit of God was sung, heaven and earth were joined. Each of our temples is a testimony that life beyond the grave is as real as life is here. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice that we might all have eternal life and exaltation in our Father’s kingdom.
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