YM Lesson 8: Spirituality

Ezra Taft Benson, "Seek the Spirit of the Lord," Ensign, Apr 1988, 2 - February 20, 2007

One sure way we can determine whether we are on the strait and narrow path is that we will possess the Spirit of the Lord in our lives. Ezra Taft Benson, "Seek the Spirit of the Lord," Ensign, Apr 1988, 2 One sure way we can determine whether we are on the strait and narrow path is that we...

YM Lesson 7: The Eternal Importance of Families

M. Russell Ballard, "What Matters Most Is What Lasts Longest," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 41 - February 13, 2007

As your leaders, we call upon members of the Church everywhere to put family first and to identify specific ways to strengthen their individual families. Several of the Brethren and I recently visited a few of the refugee centers in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas where devastated and...

YM Lesson 6: Christlike Service

Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Need for Greater Kindness," Ensign, May 2006, 58 - February 06, 2007

Why do any of us have to be so mean and unkind to others? Why can't all of us reach out in friendship to everyone about us? Thank you, my brethren, for your faith and prayers. I deeply appreciate them. When a man grows old he develops a softer touch, a kindlier manner. I have thought of...

YM Lesson 5: Agency

Wolfgang H. Paul, "The Gift of Agency," Ensign, May 2006, 34 - January 30, 2007

As we obey our Heavenly Father's commandments, our faith increases, we grow in wisdom and spiritual strength, and it becomes easier for us to make right choices. Some time ago, as I was driving, I had to stop at a red light. The vehicle in front of me caught my attention. A sticker read, "I...

YM Lesson 4: Companionship of the Holy Ghost

David A. Bednar, "That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be with Us," Ensign, May 2006, 28 - January 23, 2007

We should endeavor to discern when we "withdraw [ourselves] from the Spirit of the Lord" ... [and] attend to and learn from the choices and influences that separate us from the Holy Spirit. Today, I speak by way of reminder and admonition to those of us who are members of The Church of Jesus...

YM Lesson 3: Faith in Jesus Christ

Gordon B. Hinckley, "In These Three I Believe," Ensign, July 2006, 3 - January 16, 2007

The first article of faith is surely familiar to all members of the Church. It is the pivotal position of our religion. It is significant that in setting forth the primary elements of our doctrine, the Prophet Joseph put this number one. The first article of faith is surely familiar to all...

YM Lesson 2: Knowing Our Father in Heaven

James E. Faust, "That We Might Know Thee," Ensign, Jan. 1999, 2 - January 09, 2007

There is great humility and timidity in my soul as I presume to discuss coming to a personal knowledge of God, the Eternal Father, and Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of the world and the Son of God. There is great humility and timidity in my soul as I presume to discuss coming to a personal...

YM Lesson 49: Using Time Wisely

Dallin H. Oaks, "Focus and Priorities," Ensign, May 2001, 82 - December 12, 2006

Available information wisely used is far more valuable than multiplied information allowed to lie fallow. As we approach the conclusion of this wonderful conference, it is timely to ask ourselves what we are going to strive to become because of what we have heard from the Lord's servants. We are...

YM Lesson 48: The Power to Baptize

Robert D. Hales, "The Covenant of Baptism: To Be in the Kingdom and of the Kingdom," Ensign, Nov. 2000, 6 - December 05, 2006

Our Baptism and confirmation is the gateway into His kingdom. When we enter, we covenant to be of His kingdom--forever! After recovering from three major surgeries which have prevented me from speaking in the past two general conferences, what a joy it is to be able to stand in this...

YM Lesson 46: Decision Making

L. Tom Perry, "Decisions, Decisions," New Era, Jan. 2002, 40 - November 21, 2006

When I received an assignment to speak in the priesthood session, I called Elder Robert L. Backman, who was, at the time, director of the Young Men program, and asked for suggestions on a subject needing the special attention of those holding the Aaronic Priesthood. Within a few days I received a memo back from Elder Backman, and his response was, "The youth are at a most interesting time in their lives. They will soon be making major decisions which will shape their future, such as going on missions, college, a profession, marriage, etc." His counsel was to speak on making right decisions.

YM Lesson 45: The Sacred Power of Procreation

Bruce C. Hafen, "The Gospel and Romantic Love," New Era, Feb. 2002, 10 - November 14, 2006

Gospel teachings about romantic love are full of hope, peace, and joy. The idea of romantic love, so commonplace that it is touched upon in virtually every book or movie or magazine, is also at the very center of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As President Boyd K. Packer put it, "Romantic love...

YM Lesson 44: Becoming a Better Home Teacher

John L. Haueter, "Junior Companion," New Era, Jan. 2001, 36 - November 07, 2006

I wanted to be a good home teacher, but my companion, well ... What possible effect can a 14-year-old have on home teaching? I'm just a kid. Who am I to be telling an elder to do his home teaching? Not just an elder, but an elder that I have never met or even seen at church. The only thing...

YM Lesson 43: Tools for Searching the Scriptures

"Idea List: Scripture Study Suggestions," New Era, Mar. 2001, 15 - October 31, 2006

Studying the scriptures will bring you closer to Heavenly Father and help you become more like Him. President Ezra Taft Benson said the Book of Mormon brings great strength to the lives of those who diligently study it. "You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path" (Ensign, Nov. 1986, 7).

YM Lesson 42: Honesty

David A. Bednar, "Be Honest," New Era, Oct. 2005, 4 - October 24, 2006

"A young man came to me not long ago and said, `I made an agreement with a man that requires me to make certain payments each year. I am in debt, and I can't make those payments, for if I do, it is going to cause me to lose my home. What shall I do?' I want to begin with a brief test and a...

YM Lesson 41: Sexual Purity

Gordon B. Hinckley, "A Tragic Evil among Us," Ensign, Nov. 2004, 59 - October 17, 2006

[Pornography] is like a raging storm, destroying individuals and families, utterly ruining what was once wholesome and beautiful. My dear brethren, it is good to be with you in this very large priesthood meeting. I suppose this is the largest such gathering of priesthood ever assembled....

Young Men