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Poll: Favorite Latter-day Prophet?

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:12:08 +0000

Because God communicates with us through His chosen prophets there have been prophets called in ancient times as well as in these modern days.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints there have been 16 prophets called of God, including Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and Thomas S. Monson, but as the poll tool will only allow up to 10 choices I wasn't able to list all of them. If your favorite Latter-day prophet is not listed here please post his name in the comments.

One of my favorite Latter-day prophets is Howard W. Hunter. Although he was only the president of the Church for a short period of time, he was the prophet when I personally came to know for myself that God had called a living prophet upon the Earth during these modern times. While listening to President Hunter speak at a General Conference broadcast I felt the Holy Ghost witness to me that this man was God's chosen prophet.

Previous poll: Who's Your Favorite New Testament Prophet?

Families Are Forever

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:28:32 +0000

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we are taught that families can be together forever. One way to help families be united is by holding regular family prayer. President Thomas S. Monson, when speaking about family prayer, said:

"As a people, aren't we grateful that family prayer is not an out-of-date practice with us? There is not a more beautiful sight in all this world than to see a family praying together. There is real meaning behind the oft-quoted adage: 'The family that prays together stays together.'

"The Lord directed that we have family prayer when He said: 'Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed.' (3 Ne. 18:21.)" ("Heavenly Homes, Forever Families," Ensign, Oct 1991, 2).

Through modern revelation the Lord has commanded:

"Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God" (D&C 88:119).

In addition to having family prayer another way to strengthen a family is by holding regular Family Home Evening (FHE). Family Home Evening isn't just for Mormon families but can be easily adapted for all families.

Learn more about Family Home Evening, browse through these Family Home Evening resources, and then plan your first FHE by using this Family Home Evening Outline.

Want to know more about God's plan for having an eternal family? Read The Family: A Proclamation to the World.

God's Plan for Financial Freedom

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:13:50 +0000

God knows us and loves us. He is aware of the hardship and troubles that come from unmanaged Family Finances, especially the ever increasing burden of consumer debt. The prophet Isaiah said:

"Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness" (Isaiah 55:2).

To achieve financial freedom God's inspired prophets have taught us to observe these five steps:

Pay Tithes and Offerings
Avoid Debt
Use a Budget
Build a Reserve
Teach Family Members

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has created a financial course, Peace in Your Hearts: Managing Household Finances Wisely which is an online video explaining each of these steps. The site explains that the "course will help you understand debt, and manage your finances to avoid or eliminate it in your life. These lessons will help you understand what you need to change, and the steps you need to take to be successful."

This financial information is also summarized in a simple, yet valuable pamphlet, "All is Safely Gathered In," which includes a blank budget on the back and is available in other languages. The Church has several financial calculators and other excellent resources for achieving financial freedom, including the booklet, "One for the Money," which shows how to use a budget and eliminate debt.

Lust, Adultery, and Marriage

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 06:52:52 +0000

During His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ said:

"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

"But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matt 5:27-28).

Committing adultery is one of the greatest sins. Only the sins of murder and denying of the Holy Ghost are greater. Being faithful in marriage includes keeping ones thoughts and words clean and is part of God's Law of Chastity.

Although adultery is a grave sin a person can repent and be cleansed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. In these Latter-days the Lord revealed the following:

"Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else.

"And he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith, and shall not have the Spirit; and if he repents not he shall be cast out.

"Thou shalt not commit adultery; and he that committeth adultery, and repenteth not, shall be cast out.

"But he that has committed adultery and repents with all his heart, and forsaketh it, and doeth it no more, thou shalt forgive." (D&C 42:22-25).

To cleave to one's spouse means to join together. In your family your spouse should be your first priority:

"The covenant between Adam and Eve is summarized in Genesis 2:24: 'Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.' [Gen. 2:24] Referring to this scripture, President Spencer W. Kimball commented, 'Do you note that? She, the woman, occupies the first place. She is preeminent, even above the parents who are so dear to all of us. Even the children must take their proper but significant place....' (Ensign, Mar. 1976, p. 72.)

"Marriage is not just a social contract between man and woman; it involves God as well. God is a witness to all marriage agreements and insists that couples should be devoted and completely faithful to each other." (James M. Harper, "'A Man � Shall Cleave unto His Wife': Marriage and Family Advice from the Old Testament," Ensign, Jan 1990, 28).

Marital infidelity is often the result of selfishness and can be the manifestation of a sexual addiction, but there is hope for those who humble themselves and turn to the Lord.

Learn how you can have an eternal family and increase the love in your marriage with these 12 Ways to Have a Happy Marriage.

Poll: Favorite New Testament Prophet?

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:54:22 +0000

Many ancient prophets are found in the New Testament of The Bible. Which New Testament prophet is your favorite? Why? I purposely did not include Jesus Christ in this poll, because, as the Son of God and Savior/Redeemer of all mankind he is the greatest prophet of them all. If your favorite isn't listed in the poll please post his name in the comments and share with us why he's your favorite.

One of my favorite New Testament prophets is Thomas. Thomas has forever been known as the apostle who doubted the resurrection of Jesus Christ until he saw the Savior with his own eyes. We often overlook the fact that although Christ reprimanded Thomas for his lack of faith He still forgave him. How strong is our own faith? Would we have believed and doubted not? Also, Thomas "strength of character made him willing to face persecution and death with his Lord" (Guide to the Scriptures: Thomas).

If you don't know what a prophet is read this article to find out, or request a free copy of The Bible.

Previous poll: Who's Your Favorite Old Testament Prophet?

FAQ: What is Pioneer Day?

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:21:24 +0000

Why do members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrate Pioneer Day and what is the purpose of this LDS holiday? Find out in this FAQ, including when Pioneer Day is celebrated and some of the ways in which Latter-day Saints remember the Mormon Pioneers.

New Video: Let Us Be Men

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:14:25 +0000

The latest Mormon Messages video from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "Let Us Be Men," is from Elder D. Todd Christofferson's General Conference talk of the same name. Elder Christofferson shares a personal experience of the example his father gave of true manhood.

Here's one of the quotes I really enjoyed:

"Though he will make some sacrifices and deny himself some pleasures in the course of honoring his commitments, the true man leads a rewarding life. He gives much, but he receives more, and he lives content in the approval of his Heavenly Father. The life of true manhood is the good life" ("Let Us Be Men," Ensign, Nov 2006, 46�48).

This touching video is perfect to watch in preparation for Father's Day.

Poll: Favorite Old Testament Prophet?

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 05:25:21 +0000

Many ancient prophets are found in the Old Testament of The Bible. Which Old Testament prophet is your favorite? Why? If your favorite isn't listed in the poll please post his name in the comments and share with us why he's your favorite.

One of my favorite Old Testament prophets is Enoch, but most of the information we know about him, including his ministry, prophecies, and City of Zion, comes from Latter-day revelation (see Bible Dictionary: Enoch). I especially enjoy reading how Enoch's City, because of the righteousness of the people, was taken into Heaven to be with God.

"And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.

"And Enoch continued his preaching in righteousness unto the people of God. And it came to pass in his days, that he built a city that was called the City of Holiness, even Zion....

"And it came to pass that the Lord showed unto Enoch all the inhabitants of the earth; and he beheld, and lo, Zion, in process of time, was taken up into heaven. And the Lord said unto Enoch: Behold mine abode forever" (Moses 7:18-19,21).

If you don't know what a prophet is read this article to find out, or request a free copy of The Bible.

Previous poll: Who's Your Favorite Book of Mormon Prophet?

Trail of the Mormon Pioneers

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 06:59:54 +0000

The Mormon trail is the trek that the pioneers traveled as they fled persecution by moving west across the United States. Learn how the pioneers traveled along their great trek west, how far they traveled, and where they eventually settled. Also read about Pioneer Day and when members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrate it.

Who Were the Mormon Pioneers?

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:31:03 +0000

A huge part of the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints involves the Mormon pioneers, but who were they? Find out where the Mormon pioneers came from and how they were persecuted for their beliefs.