Moroni and Paul both explained that church services ought to include a variety of content provided by a variety of people. As we share what we have to contribute and learn from others, under the guidance of the Spirit, we are all edified.
Room in the Inn
In contrast with the inn which turned away Mary and Joseph, the wounded traveler in the parable of the Good Samaritan was welcomed into a place of comfort and healing. The Savior invites us to make His Inn (the Church) a welcoming place for wounded and weary travelers.
Roots Deeply Planted
How did Esther find the strength to risk her life on behalf of her people? She found it partly by broadening her perspective, remembering that God had given her specific missions to perform. Mordecai reminded her that she was in a unique position to help: "Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as... Continue Reading →
Preparing My Heart
Samuel spoke to the Israelites before a significant battle against the Philistines. "Prepare your hearts unto the Lord," he said, "and he will deliver you" (1 Samuel 7:3). When King David's people donated materials to build a temple, he asked God to help them remember that day and "prepare their heart unto thee" (1 Chronicles... Continue Reading →
A Solemn Assembly
Today is the Jewish holiday Shemini Atzeret, which falls the day after the seven-day festival of Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles. The word shemini (שמיני) means eighth, and atzeret (עצרת) is a "solemn assembly." The Lord commanded ancient Israel twice to observe this day: "Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto... Continue Reading →
“Ye Shall Not Cast Him Out” – 3 Nephi 18:22-32
Our Heavenly Father loves all of His children, and His Church is meant to be a welcoming place for all people. On the first day of the Savior's ministry on the American continent, He taught this principle clearly to the people gathered at the temple in the land of Bountiful: Ye shall meet together oft; and ye... Continue Reading →
“In Wisdom and Order” – Mosiah 4:27
After instructing his people to give generously in order to retain a remission of their sins, King Benjamin adds a warning: "See that all these things are done in wisdom and order." Don't try to do more than you can; don't try to give more than you have. That's neither productive nor sustainable. For example,... Continue Reading →
Expound and Exhort
I've been thinking today about two verbs that appear repeatedly in section 20 of the Doctrine and Covenants: "expound" and "exhort." Elders, priests, teachers, and deacons are all instructed to do both. (See Doctrine and Covenants 20:42, 46, 50, 59.) Several sections later, the Lord directs Emma Smith to "expound scriptures, and to exhort the... Continue Reading →
“Out of Obscurity and Out of Darkness”
Isaiah prophesied that God would do a marvelous work among His children in response to widespread hypocrisy and cynicism. An important element of that work would be a book which would enable people to overcome confusion and see clearly: In that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind... Continue Reading →
“Cut Off from Among the People”
Relationships are essential for happiness. When Nephi's brothers trivialized his spiritual experiences, the Lord explained to him that those who keep His commandments will prosper, while those who rebel will be "cut off from the presence of the Lord" (1 Nephi 2:18-21). Later, Nephi quoted a prophecy of Moses to his brothers to emphasize the... Continue Reading →