“On Earth”
It is essential to the exaltation of each and every one of us that we pass through this fallen condition. In this sense the Fall—with the pain, hardship, and uncertainty that define it—is in actuality a blessing.
Mortality
Finding Your Way
We can safely travel life’s journey by relying on the maps of the scriptures, the words of the living prophets, and the compass of the Holy Ghost. God’s plan and desire is that all be successful in reaching their destination.
The Return of the King
If we are prepared for His coming—if we are looking for it—that day will be a great time of reunion and rejoicing. Make your choice, brothers and sisters, to use your time in the cause that matters most—the one that leads to the millennial reign of Jesus Christ.
Our Journey Through Mortality
Our life’s journey is intended to be difficult, challenging, and ultimately refining. Otherwise we would not be pure enough to return and live with our Father in Heaven and receive His eternal blessings.
A Disciple’s Journey
We can’t develop a Christlike love by ourselves, but we can do all in our power to become a “true follower”—meek, lowly of heart, and submissive to correction and affliction. Then the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, “filleth” us “with hope and perfect love, which . . . endureth [forever], when all the saints shall dwell with God.”
How Do We Think about What Is Human?: C. S. Lewis and The Abolition of Man
Political philosophy professor Jean Bethke Elshtain, citing C.S. Lewis, warns against tampering with our definition of what is human and deserving of life.
"Look Forward with an Eye of Faith"
Remember the great gifts of mortality: the physical body, additional light, and the eternal family. These gifts are sacred. May the Lord bless you during this wonderful phase of life that is yours to live so that you may receive all three of these great promises in their fulness.
Para Morar en Esta Tierra Hemos Venido
The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.
“For to Sojourn in the Land”
Jesus has paid the price to redeem every one of us, so that we will not be left behind in a lesser sphere. He has made it possible for us . . . to return to the safety and the glory of our heavenly home, carrying with us our heavenly credentials stamped with the experiences we gained in this world.
Cairns on the Path of Mortality
Cairns are placed on trails to guide us across trail segments that are unclear and difficult to find. I have described three spiritual cairns today that can help guide you safely through mortality: scriptures, prophets, and temples.
Mortality and Our Eternal Journey
Who are we? We are the spirit offspring of an Eternal Being who has given us the opportunity to experience mortality—a brief but critical time in an eternal journey.
Timing
The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith means trust—trust in God’s will, trust in His way of doing things, and trust in His timetable. We should not try to impose our timetable on His.
Seeking for Solutions
No life is free of conflict or work. The process we go about when seeking for solutions will be the difference between our humble growth and stagnant pride.
Have No Regrets
I am deeply humbled to be in communication with you tonight. You are some of the most choice, righteous, and devoted of Father in Heaven’s children on earth. I have had the personal privilege of being with many of you in different locations throughout the world. I am most grateful for this opportunity to share another experience with you tonight. You represent the flower of the youth of the Church.…
Our Spiritual Eyeglasses: What You See Is What You Get
If your beliefs are based on gospel perspectives, your glasses or belief window will allow you to see eternity from a celestial kingdom perspective. On the other hand, if your belief lenses are made from a non-gospel or worldly prescription, you will see just the opposite and earn your place for eternity in one of the lower kingdoms. So, what you see is what you get—literally.
The Superhighway of Life
As you travel down the superhighway of life, do not forget to recognize the Spirit, your support system of loved ones, and God as they cheer you on.
Life: The Great Test
I have always wondered where the marvelous introductions for devotional and forum speakers came from—now I know. Thank you, President Bateman, for reading that introduction just like my mother wrote it! You have to be careful about believing everything in introductions. A speaker at a business conference was introduced as a man who had recently made $10 million in the oil fields of Texas. The man began his remarks by…
Finding Our Individual Path
Last week, on July 24, we honored the pioneers as we celebrated the 150th anniversary of their arrival in the Salt Lake Valley. “It is now 1997, and the future is ahead,” President Hinckley proclaimed last April in general conference. He noted that great things were expected of the pioneers and that great things are now expected of us. He said that we now have “an overwhelming challenge to go…
Steer a Steady Course
Success in life is built on small, consistent choices and the determination to work hard. Steer a steady course, and you will not be disappointed.
“Never Take No Cutoffs” or “You Have Nothing to Fear From the Journey”
We can learn from the mistakes of the Donner party's failed trek West and glean principles that assist us on our eternal journey back to Heavenly Father.
Enjoy Your Journey
How do you confront seemingly impossible tasks? Everyone faces challenges, but without any struggle we would not be able to appreciate the goodness in life.
That We May Prepare to Do Our Part
Sometimes we're in the spotlight, and other times we serve quietly. If we play our part, no matter the role, God will be proud of us as we exit the stage.
Cycle of Life
We all experience life's peaks and valleys—moments of spiritual highs and lows. How can we remain at the top rather than slide back into spiritual darkness?
The University of Mortality
We are here in this university of mortality to learn eternal values. Some courses might include self-worth, morality, integrity, and hard work.
Some Observations on the Law of the Harvest
I would like to share, for your prayerful consideration, some observations on the purpose of our mortal existence—on the point of our coming here to earth. According to scripture, that purpose is to permit us to pass through the death introduced by Adam unto fullness of life everlasting made possible by Jesus Christ. About this purpose, scripture is abundantly clear. Adam fell and introduced death into the world. In doing…
The Nature of Needs
There are three basic kinds of needs in the world: needs based on duty, needs due to a lack of something, and need for relief.
What Have You to Declare?
As we go through mortality, we must keep “valiant values” so that when we return to Heavenly Father, we can declare that we used our agency righteously.
“In the World”
May we determine this year to live "in the world," to be a part of it, to set the standard and example that we have learned.
The Art of Living
To master the "art of living" and be happy, we must be willing to do what will bring us happiness—live the commandments of God.
Our Trek Through the Wilderness
Richard H. Cracroft shares some of the twists, turns, and tools on our trek through the wilderness of life as we journey to a spiritual Canaan.
Taking up the Cross
The cross that we are each called to bear is unique and incomparable. The moment that we choose to take it up will be a defining moment in eternity.
What Shall We Do Then?
When the challenges of life inevitably come for us, what shall we do then? As we go through the rest of our lives, now is the time for decision making.
For the Health of the Saints
Thank you, President Oaks. Brothers and sisters, I stand before you in all humility. I am numbed by the knowledge of the stature of those who have preceded me in these devotional programs and by the knowledge of those who will follow. I have a son who formerly was a student at this University and is now serving in the mission field and a daughter who recently was accepted for…
Your Four Great Days
Elder Sill discusses the significance of our choices in preparing for significant times in our lives: birth, marriage, choosing our calling, and death.
The Game of Life
In some ways, life is like a sports game. You need to keep your eye on the prize, to play by the rules, and to help your teammates.
The Eternal Life of Man
Life neither begins at birth nor ends at death. The eternal life of man is like a three-act play, and we are doing our part now to determine the final act.
Tragedy or Destiny?
Suffering, death, and tragedy are sometimes part of God's plan and sometimes the result of human agency. Trust Him instead of blaming Him.