What Kind of Member?

I bear witness that when Christ comes, He needs to recognize us—not as nominal members listed on a faded baptismal record but as thoroughly committed, faithfully believing, covenant-keeping disciples. This is an urgent matter for all of us, lest we ever hear with devastating regret: “I never knew you,”26 or, as Joseph Smith translated that […]

Graspable

For me, the application of the first great commandment can sometimes feel abstract, even daunting. Gratefully, as I consider further words of Jesus, this commandment becomes much more graspable: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”5 This I can do. I can love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, which then leads to prayer, scripture study, and […]

Certainty and Motivation

The certainty of knowing that we are children of a loving and merciful Heavenly Father should be the motivation to “call” in devout prayer with an attitude of “pray[ing] always, and not faint[ing]; … that [our] performance may be for the welfare of [our] soul[s].”5 Imagine the feelings of Heavenly Father when in each prayer we […]

Valiant Testimonies

Being valiant in the testimony of Jesus surely includes nurturing and strengthening that testimony. True disciples do not ignore the seemingly small things that sustain and strengthen their testimony of Jesus, such as prayer, study of the scriptures, Sabbath observance, partaking of the sacrament, repentance, ministering, and worship in the house of the Lord. – […]

Avoiding Darkness of Discontent

To avoid the darkness of discontent and instead find greater peace, hope, and even joy during life’s difficult challenges, I share three divine principles as invitations. One—stronger faith comes by putting Jesus Christ first.19 … Two—brighter hope comes by envisioning our eternal destiny.25 … Three—greater power comes by focusing on joy.29 – Brian K. Taylor, […]