Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do QUOTES

1 " ...[S]o many people look only to their bank balance for peace or to fellow human beings for models to follow. Clinicians, academicians, and politicians are often put to a test of faith. In pursuit of their goals, will their religion show or will it be hidden? Are they tied back to God or to man? I had such a test decades ago when one of my medical faculty colleagues chastised me for failing to separate my professional knowledge from my religious convictions. He demanded that I not combine the two. How could I do that? Truth is truth! It is not divisible, and any part of it cannot be set aside. Whether truth emerges from a scientific laboratory or through revelation, all truth emanates from God. "

― Russell M. Nelson , Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do

2 " For this reason, a policy to separate church and state completely could become completely counterproductive. The effect of erasing a theistic culture would allow atheistic forces to flourish unopposed in the public square. If that happens, the theistic and noble concept of “freedom of religion” could be twisted and turned to become an atheistic “freedom from religion.” Such an unbalanced policy could sweep out the theistic forces that have been responsible for our society’s success and leave the field wide open to atheistic ideology, secularism, and huge losses for each of us. "

― Russell M. Nelson , Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do

3 " In Hebrew, the word Sabbath means “rest.” The purpose of the Sabbath dates back to the Creation of the world, when after six days of labor the Lord rested from the work of creation. When He later revealed the Ten Commandments to Moses, God commanded that we “remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Later, the Sabbath was observed as a reminder of the deliverance of Israel from their bondage in Egypt. Perhaps most important, the Sabbath was given as a perpetual covenant, a constant reminder that the Lord may sanctify His people.
In addition, we now partake of the sacrament on the Sabbath day in remembrance of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Again, we covenant that we are willing to take upon us His holy name. "

― Russell M. Nelson , Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do

4 " As you move along life’s journey, you will also become acquainted with people who do not believe in God. Many of them have not yet found divine truth and don’t know where to look for it. You could be of help to them there. But as you mingle with nonbelievers, be aware that a few may not have your best interest at heart. As soon as you discern that, flee from them quickly and permanently. "

― Russell M. Nelson , Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do

5 " In addition to time with family, you can experience true delight on the Sabbath from family history work. Searching for and finding family members who have preceded you on earth—those who did not have an opportunity to accept the gospel while here—can bring immense joy. "

― Russell M. Nelson , Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do

6 " Your challenges in life are best understood in the light of divine perspective. Trials and tests are necessary for your education and refinement. This doctrine is stated in the 101st section of Doctrine and Covenants. Speaking of those who will be gathered into the fold of Christ. Jesus said, "Yet I will own them, and they shall be mine in that day when I shall come to make up my jewels. "

― Russell M. Nelson , Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do

7 " Dr. Patrick F. Fagan wrote: “The indispensable building block upon which the fortunes of the economy depends [is] the married-parent household—especially the child-rich family that worships weekly. …Every marriage creates a new household, an independent economic unit that generates income, spends, saves, and invests. "

― Russell M. Nelson , Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do

8 " While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” Avoid that bondage, my beloved friends. If you are currently viewing pornography, stop! Now! Seek help from your bishop. None are smart enough to outwit the adversary on their own, once they have been poisoned by pornography. "

― Russell M. Nelson , Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do

9 " Your freedom to choose is clearly explained in the Book of Mormon: “Men are free according to the flesh. … They are free to choose liberty and eternal life … or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.” What will you choose? "

― Russell M. Nelson , Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do

10 " Your choices will not all be between good and evil. Many will be choices between two good options. Not all truths are created equal, so you will need to establish priorities. "

― Russell M. Nelson , Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do

11 " Teach of faith to keep all the commandments of God, knowing that they are given to bless His children and bring them joy.4 Warn them that they will encounter people who pick which commandments they will keep and ignore others that they choose to break. I call this the cafeteria approach to obedience. This practice of picking and choosing will not work. It will lead to misery. To prepare to meet God, one keeps all of His commandments. It takes faith to obey them, and keeping His commandments will strengthen that faith. "

― Russell M. Nelson , Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do

12 " Make the Sabbath a delight by rendering service to others, especially those who are not feeling well or those who are lonely or in need. Lifting their spirits will lift yours as well. "

― Russell M. Nelson , Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do

13 " How do we hallow the Sabbath day? In my much younger years, I studied the work of others who had compiled lists of things to do and things not to do on the Sabbath. It wasn’t until later that I learned from the scriptures that my conduct and my attitude on the Sabbath constituted a sign between me and my Heavenly Father. With that understanding, I no longer needed lists of dos and don’ts. When I had to make a decision whether or not an activity was appropriate for the Sabbath, I simply asked myself, “What sign do I want to give to God?” That question made my choices about the Sabbath day crystal clear. "

― Russell M. Nelson , Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do

14 " Not pursuing your “own pleasure” on the Sabbath requires self-discipline. You may have to deny yourself of something you might like. If you choose to delight yourself in the Lord, you will not permit yourself to treat it as any other day. Routine and recreational activities can be done some other time. Think of this: In paying tithing, we return one-tenth of our increase to the Lord. In keeping the Sabbath holy, we reserve one day in seven as His. So it is our privilege to consecrate both money and time to Him who lends us life each day. "

― Russell M. Nelson , Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do

15 " Sadly, you will meet people whose desperate search for something that seems to them like happiness takes them down the slippery slopes of sin. Beware of that slimy slide! Any pleasure in sin is only fleeting, and its haunting memories are smeared by gnawing and grinding guilt. The sinful warping of the embrace divinely designed to unite husband and wife is but a hollow counterfeit. Each unlawful experience is stripped of deep meaning and sweet memory. "

― Russell M. Nelson , Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do

16 " Unfailing faith is fortified through prayer. Your heartfelt pleadings are important to Him. Think of the intense and impassioned prayers of the Prophet Joseph Smith during his dreadful days of incarceration in Liberty Jail. The Lord responded by changing the Prophet’s perspective. He said, “Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.” If we pray with an eternal perspective, we need not wonder if our most tearful and heartfelt pleadings are heard. This promise from the Lord is recorded in section 98 of the Doctrine and Covenants: “Your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord … and are recorded with this seal and testament—the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted. “Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name’s glory, saith the Lord.” The Lord chose His strongest words to reassure us! Seal! Testament! Sworn! Decreed! Immutable covenant! Brothers and sisters, believe Him! God will heed your sincere and heartfelt prayers, and your faith will be strengthened. "

― Russell M. Nelson , Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do

17 " To develop enduring faith, an enduring commitment to be a full-tithe payer is essential. Initially it takes faith to tithe. Then the tithe payer develops more faith to the point that tithing becomes a precious privilege. Tithing is an ancient law from God. He made a promise to His children that He would open “the windows of heaven, and pour … out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Not only that, tithing will keep your name enrolled among the people of God and protect you in “the day of vengeance and burning.” Why do we need such resilient faith? Because difficult days are ahead. Rarely in the future will it be easy or popular to be a faithful Latter-day Saint. Each of us will be tested. The Apostle Paul warned that in the latter days, those who diligently follow the Lord “shall suffer persecution.” That very persecution can either crush you into silent weakness or motivate you to be more exemplary and courageous in your daily lives. "

― Russell M. Nelson , Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do

18 " At stake is our ability to transmit to the next generation the life-giving and inseparable culture of marriage and the free exercise of religion. The theistic marriage of a man and a woman allows for the most holy of all human relationships-the begetting of childen-through the sacred marital embrace, enabled by the divine design of Almighty God. "

― Russell M. Nelson , Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do

19 " Obedience allows God’s blessings to flow without constraint. He will bless His obedient children with freedom from bondage and misery. And He will bless them with more light. For example, one keeps the Word of Wisdom knowing that obedience will not only bring freedom from addiction, but it will also add blessings of wisdom and treasures of knowledge. "

― Russell M. Nelson , Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do

20 " In all professional endeavors, rigorous standards of accuracy are required. Scholars cherish their freedom of expression. But full freedom cannot be experienced if part of one’s knowledge is ruled “out-of-bounds” by edicts of men. Spiritual truth cannot be ignored—especially divine commandments. "

― Russell M. Nelson , Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do