As millions around the world know, general conference weekend is a much-anticipated time for rejoicing, and the weekend of Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 was no exception.

In a day when the news is filled with reports of violence, war, natural disasters, abuse, corruption and sorrows of every type imaginable, it's hard to quantify the blessing of knowing God has not left the world alone. He speaks through His prophet. He leads His Church through inspiration and revelation, and He lets the world know what it needs to do to overcome trouble and achieve happiness and joy.

Through modern technology, including satellites and the Internet, as well as written reports both online and in the Liahona and Ensign, members of the Church worldwide have unprecedented access to the words of the prophet — an access that seems to grow in proportion to the need for spiritual guidance in an increasingly wicked world.

As President Gordon B. Hinckley noted in his opening address, 6,066 Church-owned satellite receiving sites were in operation for this conference in 83 separate countries. That compares with only 300 just 24 years ago.

And what was broadcast through those receivers during conference weekend was exactly what the world needs to hear in order to cope with perilous times.

Consider President Hinckley's address Saturday evening to holders of the priesthood. His admonishment for them to "Rise up, O men of God" was timely and up-to-date for the challenges faced by young men in today's world. He warned them against "dressing in a slouchy manner," and against profanity and taking the Lord's name in vain.

He spoke plainly against pornography and warned against spending time in Internet chat rooms. He referenced a trend in the United States in which more women than men are obtaining higher degrees and said to young men, "Rise up and discipline yourself to take advantage of educational opportunities." A study several years ago drew a connection between higher education and "greater faith and participation in religious activity," he said.

To the general membership, President Hinckley spoke of the need to live by faith, citing his own miraculous recovery after major surgery last January, as well as examples from the lives of early Church members.

To President Hinckley's inspired words were added many inspirational messages of comfort, admonition, encouragement and instruction from other General Authorities and officers of the Church. Underlying all that was said was the assurance that Jesus Christ lives and that He has established His kingdom on earth and is anxious to extend His hand to all who will come and partake of His mercy.

Church members worldwide are thankful for President Hinckley's recovery from physical ills, and for the blessing of being able to hear him speak. But the next step is up to them.

Unlike any previous dispensation, or even previous eras of this dispensation, today's Church members have instant access to the words of prophets and apostles. That is both a blessing and a tremendous responsibility.

The messages the Lord wants the world to hear have been delivered. Now it is up to Church members to listen, to study and to order their lives accordingly.

Modern revelation through prophets, seers and revelators is a blessing that not only touches lives, but that speaks volumes of God's love for His children. Church members should never take this blessing lightly. Rather, they should treat each word as a drop of rain in a parched desert.