Thursday, May 31, 2012

Quotes on Pornography:

We need to look at our lives and weed out problems and weaknesses.

"Like a fruit tree with an abundance of branches, and leaves, our lives need regular pruning to ensure that we use our energy and time to accomplish our real purpose-to bring forth good fruits". (President Utchdorf, General Conference,The Why of Priesthood Service,General Conference, April 2012) http://www.lds.org/liahona/2012/05/the-why-of-priesthood-service?lang=eng

Choices lead to actions.  We must make choices in advance to spare us hardships.

"All of our choices have consequences, some of which have little or nothing to do with our eternal salvation and others of which have everything to do with it. Whether you wear a green T-shirt or a blue one makes no difference in the long run. However, whether you decide to push a key on your computer which will take you to pornography can make all the difference in your life". (President Thomas S. Monson, How to make good Choices, General Conference, October 2012) http://www.lds.org/new-era/2011/10/how-to-make-good-decisions?lang=eng

The warnings of pornography.

"Whatever you read, listen to, or watch makes an impression on you. Pornography is especially dangerous and addictive". (President Thomas S. Monson, General Conference is for You, New Era, May 2010) http://www.lds.org/new-era/2010/05/general-conference-is-for-you/words-of-the-prophet?lang=eng

Pornography destroys families and marriages.
 
"Pornography is a plague that is detrimental not only to a person’s moral standing with God, but it can also destroy marriages and families and has an adverse impact on society. Internet addiction and pornography are both harming marriages". (Elder Quentin L. Cook, What E'er Thou Art, Act Well Thou Part, Mar. 2012) http://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/ces-devotionals/2012/01/what-e-er-thou-art-act-well-thy-part-avoid-wearing-masks-that-hide-identity?lang=eng

The severe dangers of pornography.

"For the most part it is simply a matter of self-discipline not to go where pornography is likely to be found—physically or electronically. We acknowledged, nevertheless, that because it is so tragically pervasive, pornography could assault a person minding his own business quite by surprise. “Yes,” observed Elder Maxwell, “but he can immediately reject it. He does not have to invite it to come in and offer it a chair to sit down.”(Elder Todd Christofferson, Recognizing God's Hand in our daily blessings, Ensign, Jan 2012) http://www.lds.org/liahona/2012/01/recognizing-gods-hand-in-our-daily-blessings?lang=eng

We need to keep our thoughts in check as well as our actions.

"Entering a strange and risky chat room on the Internet could lead you into the center of a raging storm. Putting a computer in a private room that the rest of the family cannot access could be the starting point for a deceitful and dangerous journey. But the Lord requires not only outward acts but also your inner thoughts and feelings to be close to the spirit of the law.  God “requires the heart and a willing mind". (President Dieter F.Uchtdorf , A matter of a few degrees, General Conference, April 2008) http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/04/a-matter-of-a-few-degrees?lang=eng

 The effects of pornography is like an infection.
 “In our day the dreadful influence of pornography is like unto a plague sweeping across the world, infecting one here and one there, relentlessly trying to invade every home, most frequently through the husband and father,” (Elder Boyd K. Packer, Cleansing the Inner Vessel, General Conference, Oct. 2010) http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/cleansing-the-inner-vessel?lang=eng

The priesthood can help to break the addiction of pornography.

“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".( Elder Boyd K. Packer, Cleansing the Inner Vessel, General Conference, Oct. 2010) http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/cleansing-the-inner-vessel?lang=eng

These are the steps to get away from pornography.

"There is a way out for anyone involved in such addictions "First, acknowledge the evil. Don’t defend it or try to justify yourself. Second, seek the help of the Lord and His servants.“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". (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Pornography, Ensign, May 2005) http://www.lds.org/study/prophets-speak-today/unto-all-the-world/power-to-overcome?lang=eng

"We cannot minimize the seriousness of pornography no matter what shape, form, or dosage it comes in" (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Pornography, Ensign, May 2005) http://www.lds.org/ensign/2005/05/pornography?lang=eng

Quotes on Agency:

Choices are part of the plan but they do require effort.

"You live in a time of great challenges and opportunities. As spirit sons of heavenly parents, you are free to make the right choices. This requires hard work, self-discipline, and an optimistic outlook, which will bring joy and freedom into your life now and in the future."
(Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "See the End from the Beginning," Ensign, May 2006,

Faith is required in making choice and exercising our agency.
"There are times when we have to step into the darkness in faith, confident that God will place solid ground beneath our feet once we do". (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, The Why of Priesthood Service, General Conference, April 2012) http://www.lds.org/liahona/2012/05/the-why-of-priesthood-service?lang=eng

Great Quote by President Monson.

"When we are on the Lords errand, we are entitled to the Lord's help."(President Thomas S. Monson, To Do, To Learn, To Be, General Conference, Oct 2008) http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/to-learn-to-do-to-be?lang=eng

This is a good model to base decisions on.
"Make every decision you contemplate pass this test: “What does it do to me? What does it do for me?” And let your code of conduct emphasize not “What will others think?” but rather “What will I think of myself?” Be influenced by that still, small voice". (President Thomas S. Monson, Believe, Obey and Endure, Liahona, May 2012) http://www.lds.org/liahona/2012/05/believe-obey-and-endure?lang=en

 Making good choices will bring great joy.

 "Agency used righteously allows light to dispel the darkness and enables us to live with joy and happiness". (Elder Robert D. Hales, To Act for Ourselves, General Conference, April 2006) http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/04/to-act-for-ourselves-the-gift-and-blessings-of-agency?lang=eng

If we don't make exercise our agency, Satan can have power of us.

 " In these latter days, as in the times of old, we must avoid being acted upon by acting for ourselves to avoid evil. The Holy Ghost will prompt us." (Elder Robert D. Hales, To Act for Ourselves, General Conference, April 2006) http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/04/to-act-for-ourselves-the-gift-and-blessings-of-agency?lang=eng

 “Agency—our power to choose—is fundamental to the gospel plan that brings us to earth. God does not intervene to forestall the consequences of some persons’ choices in order to protect the well-being of other persons—even when they kill, injure, or oppress one another—for this would destroy His plan for our eternal progress (compare Alma 42:8). He will bless us to endure the consequences of others’ choices, but He will not prevent those choices (compare Mosiah 24:14–15).” (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Eight Reasons for Revelation, Liahona, Sept. 2004) http://www.lds.org/liahona/2004/09/eight-reasons-for-revelation?lang=eng

"We tend to think of agency as a personal matter. If we ask someone to define 'moral agency,' the answer will probably be something like this: 'Moral agency means I am free to make choices for myself.' Often overlooked is the fact that choices have consequences; we forget also that agency offers the same privilege of choice to others. At times we will be affected adversely by the way other people choose to exercise their agency. Our Heavenly Father feels so strongly about protecting our agency that he allows his children to exercise it, either for good or for evil."

"Endowed with agency, you and I are agents, and we primarily are to act and not just be acted upon. To believe that someone or something can make us feel offended, angry, hurt, or bitter diminishes our moral agency and transforms us into objects to be acted upon. As agents, however, you and I have the power to act and to choose how we will respond to an offensive or hurtful situation."
David A. Bednar, "And Nothing Shall Offend Them," Ensign, Nov. 2006,


"The way to exaltation is not a freeway featuring unlimited vision, unrestricted speeds, and untested skills. Rather, it is known by many forks and turnings, sharp curves, and controlled speeds. Our driving ability is being put to the test. Are we ready? We’re driving. We haven’t passed this way before. Fortunately, the Master Highway Builder, even our Heavenly Father, has provided a road map showing the route to follow. He has placed markers along the way to guide us to our destination."
Thomas S. Monson, "Crisis at the Crossroads," New Era, Nov. 2002,

 



Personal Revelation Quotes:


We have a duty to seek revelation.

  "Our responsibility is to seek personal revelations for ourselves and for the responsibilities the Lord has given us". (Elder Robert D. Hales, Personal Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets, General Conference, Oct 2007) http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/personal-revelation-the-teachings-and-examples-of-the-prophets?lang=eng


We have to be prepared to receive revelation.

"We can tell when the speakers are moved upon by the Holy Ghost, only when we ourselves are moved upon by the Holy Ghost". (Elder J. Reuben Clark Jr.)

The importance of having the Holy Ghost as a companion.

"The key to the remembering that brings and maintains testimony is receiving the Holy Ghost as a companion.  It is the Holy Ghost who helps us see what God has done for us.  It is the Holy Ghost who can help those we serve to see what God has done for them". (President Henry B. Eyring, O, Remember, Remember, General Conference, Oct 2007) http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/o-remember-remember?lang=eng


Prayer is a large part of receiving revelation.

"No message in scripture is repeated more often than the invitation, even the command, to pray—to ask. Prayer is so essential a part of revelation that without it the veil may remain closed to you. Learn to pray. Pray often. Pray in your mind, in your heart. Pray on your knees". (Elder Boyd K. Packer, Personal Revelation: The Gift, The Test, and The Promise, General Conference, Oct 1994) http://www.lds.org/liahona/1997/06/personal-revelation-the-gift-the-test-and-the-promise?lang=eng

Feelings to look for when seeking personal revelation.

"Two indicators that a feeling or prompting comes from God are that it produces peace in your heart and a quiet, warm feeling. As you follow the principles I have discussed, you will be prepared to recognize revelation at critical times in your own life. (Elder Richard G. Scott, How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life, General Conference, April 2012) http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/how-to-obtain-revelation-and-inspiration-for-your-personal-life?lang=eng

How to know you are receiving revelation.

"The Holy Ghost communicates important information that we need to guide us in our mortal journey. When it is crisp and clear and essential, it warrants the title of revelation. When it is a series of promptings we often have to guide us step by step to a worthy objective, for the purpose of this message, it is inspiration".( Elder Richard G. Scoot, How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life, General Conference, April 2012) http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/how-to-obtain-revelation-and-inspiration-for-your-personal-life?lang=eng

Righteous living and revelation can lift us from depression.

 "At some time in our lives each of us needs to be lifted up from a depression, from a sense of foreboding or inadequacy, or just from a plateau of spiritual mediocrity. Because it raises our spirits and helps us resist evil and seek good, I believe that the feeling of uplift that is communicated by reading the scriptures or by enjoying wholesome music, art, or literature is a distinct purpose of revelation". (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Eight Ways God Can Speak to You, New Era, Sept 2004) http://www.lds.org/new-era/2004/09/eight-ways-god-can-speak-to-you?lang=eng

We must put effort of our own into receiving revelation, then rely on the Lord.

 “We’re expected to use the gifts and talents and abilities, the sense and judgment and agency with which we are endowed. … We’re expected to do everything in our power that we can, and then to seek an answer from the Lord, a confirming seal that we’ve reached the right conclusion". (Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Agency and Inspiration, BYU Address, Feb 1973) http://www.lds.org/liahona/2012/06/agency-and-inspiration?lang=eng

Revelation does not always come when we want it.  Revelation requires faith.

"We do not always receive inspiration or revelation when we request it. Sometimes we are delayed in the receipt of revelation, and sometimes we are left to our own judgment. We cannot force spiritual things. It must be so. Our life’s purpose to obtain experience and to develop faith would be frustrated if our Heavenly Father directed us in every act, even in every important act. We must make decisions and experience the consequences in order to develop self-reliance and faith". (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Eight Ways God Can Speak to You, New Era, Sept 2004) http://www.lds.org/new-era/2004/09/eight-ways-god-can-speak-to-you?lang=eng

Sometimes decisions need to be make without revelation.

"Even in decisions we think very important, we sometimes receive no answer to our prayers. This does not mean that our prayers have not been heard. It means only that we have prayed about a decision that, for one reason or another, we should make without guidance by revelation. Perhaps we have asked for guidance in choosing between alternatives that are equally acceptable or equally unacceptable". (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Eight Ways God Can Speak to You, New Era, Sept 2004) http://www.lds.org/new-era/2004/09/eight-ways-god-can-speak-to-you?lang=eng


The revelation that we have received needs to be cherished.

"We each have moments of spiritual power, moments of inspiration and revelation. We must sink them deep into the chambers of our souls. As we do, we prepare our spiritual home storage for moments of personal difficulty". (Elder Neil A. Anderson, You Know Enough, General Conference, Oct 2008) http://www.lds.org/liahona/2012/06/you-know-enough?lang=eng


Tuesday, May 29, 2012



My Inspirational Quote Topics

Family
Atonement
Agency
Pornography
Marriage
Temple Attendance
Receiving Personal Revelation
Overcoming addiction
Tithing
Finding  joy in the journey