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 →
“Meet Together Oft” – Moroni 6:5
Once you've started on the path of discipleship, how do you maintain your momentum? Believe it or not, part of the answer is meetings. As Nephi and his people organized a new city in the promised land, he consecrated his younger brothers, Jacob and Joseph, to be priests and teachers (2 Nephi 5:26). Their responsibility... Continue Reading →
“Never Speaking of Their God Again” – Alma 31:23
What is the role of church meetings in discipleship? I've been thinking about that question today, as I've pondered the religious observance of the wealthy Zoramites. According to Mormon, the Zoramites would gather at their house of worship one day each week and offer thanks to God. But after participating in this collective worship, they... Continue Reading →
Regulate – Mosiah 26:37
To "regulate" something is to govern it using rules (Merriam-Webster). The word comes from the Latin word regula, which refers to two kinds of rule: Literal: a straight piece of wood, used as a guide to draw a straight line Metaphorical: a standard of behavior, used as a standard to ensure consistent conduct While serving... Continue Reading →
“As Often as It Was in Their Power” – Mosiah 18:25
After baptizing hundreds of people at the waters of Mormon, Alma gave them some instructions about how to fulfill the covenants they had made. He told the priests to teach the words of the prophets and to preach repentance. He told the people to avoid contention and to strive for unity. He told them to... Continue Reading →