It's Christmastime, and there is a large tree in my house covered with lights. I'm sure many of you have one of those as well. As I've observed our tree, I've thought about the symbolism of trees in the scriptures, particularly in the Book of Mormon. Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, a... Continue Reading →
One Father, One God
The prophet Malachi asks a rhetorical question: "Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us?" Most people would agree that we are all children of God. But Malachi's follow-up question is much more challenging: "Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother?" (Malachi 2:10). In the next chapter, Malachi declares that when... Continue Reading →
These Wounds
Zechariah prophesied that someone would ask a prophet, "What are these wounds in thine hands?" He will answer, "Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends" (Zechariah 13:6). In an 1831 revelation, the Lord expanded on this prophecy. When Jesus Christ returns to the earth, people will ask Him, "What are these wounds in thine hands and in thy feet?" He... Continue Reading →
He Will Save
At the end of his book, the prophet Zephaniah paints a picture of what it will be like for modern Israel to be gathered and delivered. Here is part of his description: The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love,... Continue Reading →
Rain
As the children of Israel prepared to enter the promised land, Moses promised them that God would bless them in their new home, including providing the moisture needed to grow crops: It shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the Lord your God, and to serve him with... Continue Reading →
“I Am for You”
It's a good feeling to have someone on your team, someone rooting for you and supporting you. Two years ago, when I ran a marathon, it was incredibly motivating to see my wife and two of my daughters at various points along the race, cheering me on. I thought about that kind of support as... Continue Reading →
Beauty for Ashes
A key characteristic of the Savior's ministry was that He responded to evil with good. He expects the same from His disciples: "If ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?"... Continue Reading →
“I…Will Hold Thine Hand”
Yesterday, I wrote about the importance of acknowledging our vulnerability and recognizing God's supremacy. While it is true that God is infinitely more powerful than us, that truth is balanced by His boundless love for us. Here are a few expressions of God's love found in Isaiah 40-49: "Fear not; I will help thee" (Isaiah... Continue Reading →
Tzedakah/Tze’akah
One of the hard things about being a parent or a teacher is when your children or students fall short of their potential. You can give them guidance, you can help them find opportunities, and you can provide encouragement and support. But the decision of whether to follow that guidance, take advantage of those opportunities,... Continue Reading →
The Book of Psalms and the Book of Mormon
The brass plates which Lehi and his family carried from Jerusalem contained a lot of content which overlaps with the Old Testament. Nephi describes three categories of writings, which correspond with three of the four groupings of books in the Old Testament: "The five books of Moses" - The Law (Genesis through Deuteronomy)"A record of... Continue Reading →