The prophet Amos asked the people in the kingdom of Israel a series of rhetorical questions to illustrate their lack of awareness: "Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?" "Does a lion ever roar in a thicket without first finding a victim?" "Does a young lion growl in its den without first... Continue Reading →
But If Not…
Faith isn't faith if it demands specific outcomes. Faith does invite miracles, but it does not guarantee that we will receive the exact miracles we want exactly when we want them. King Nebuchadnezzar was proud of a gold statue, about 90 feet tall, which he had commanded to be built. He wanted everyone in the... Continue Reading →
Investing for the Future in Troubled Times
Jeremiah bought land. If you're wondering about the significance of that transaction, consider the following: Prophets since Moses had foretold the captivity of the children of Israel and the destruction of Jerusalem. Jeremiah had told the people clearly that this event was no longer in the distant future. It was going to happen to them... Continue Reading →
Waiting Upon the Lord
At the end of Isaiah 40, the prophet draws a sharp contrast: The strongest among us will eventually fail. "Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall." Our strength and our endurance is limited, and we will all face challenges we cannot overcome on our own. But if... Continue Reading →
Cast Thy Bread Upon the Waters
The writer of Ecclesiastes teaches us an important principle through a vivid metaphor: Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Ecclesiastes 11:1 I don't have a lot of experience throwing bread into water (other than feeding ducks) but this metaphor rings true to me. There is something uncontrollable about water,... Continue Reading →
Trust in the Lord
One of the most frequently quoted scriptures in general conference is this one, from the book of Proverbs: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 The message is straightforward. It is also rich with implications. Consider some of the conclusions that general conference speakers... Continue Reading →
The Rock of Our Salvation
Based on: Psalm 89 Core message: When we focus more fully on Jesus Christ, we build on a secure foundation. Related Book of Mormon passages: 2 Nephi 4:30, 2 Nephi 9:45
My Fortress
Based on: Psalm 46 Core message: "God is our refuge...a very present help in time of trouble." He is not distant and detached. He is aware of us and willing to help.. Related Book of Mormon passages: Helaman 5:12, 2 Nephi 4:30
“I Uttered That I Understood Not”
We often think of the book of Job as a dialog between Job his friends, but perhaps the more important conversation is between Job and God. Elder D. Todd Christofferson highlighted this exchange, beginning with Job questioning why God allowed these terrible things to happen to him. For clarity, Elder Christofferson quoted from several different... Continue Reading →
Finding God in the Book of Esther
There is no mention of God in the book of Esther. None of His names appears in the book. The miraculous events of the book are shared with no attribution; it is up to the reader to recognize God's hand in these events. Perhaps this is appropriate for the story of a woman who had... Continue Reading →
Book of Mormon Study Notes 