When it was time for Lehi and his family to begin their journey in the wilderness, God gave them a tool to help them steer a straight course toward their destination. Nephi refers to it as "a round ball of curious workmanship" (1 Nephi 16:10). Alma later explains to his son Helaman that it was... Continue Reading →
The Stem, the Rod, and the Root
After prophesying that Israel would be conquered, using a metaphor of a tree being chopped down or burned, Isaiah presents an image of rebirth: And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. Isaiah 11:1, 2 Nephi 21:1 As he does frequently, Isaiah gives us two parallel phrases... Continue Reading →
Demonstration of the Spirit
In his first epistle to church members in Corinth, the apostle Paul emphasized that God's wisdom is greater than human wisdom and that therefore preaching the gospel is about connecting people to God's Spirit, not just convincing them of truths by eloquence and reasoning. "My speech and my preaching," he said, "was not with enticing... Continue Reading →
The Still Small Voice
During a particularly discouraging time, the prophet Elijah traveled to Mount Horeb, the same place Moses had seen the burning bush. In a cave on that mountain, he prayed, expressing frustration for his lack of success. In response, God told him to step out of the cave onto the side of the mountain. Standing there,... Continue Reading →
Enlightened
God can not only reveal information to us; He can also help us improve our ability to acquire knowledge and to use it wisely. The prophet Mormon indicated that we already have these abilities: "The Spirit of Christ is given to every man [and woman], that he [or she] may know good from evil" (Moroni... Continue Reading →
“A Portion of His Spirit”
When the sons of Mosiah and a small number of their friends embarked on a mission among their enemies, the Lamanites, they knew they couldn't accomplish their objectives alone. They would need God's help. To that end, they "searched the scriptures diligently" and "[gave] themselves to much prayer, and fasting." As a result, "they had... Continue Reading →
Edify
How do you recognize God's influence in your life? How can you hear Him amongst the many other voices in the world? Here's how Alma described the impact of God's word: If ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed...it will begin to... Continue Reading →
“All Things” – 2 Nephi 32:3, 5; Moroni 10:5
Our continuing role is to receive continuing revelation.Joy D. Jones, "An Especially Noble Calling," General Conference, April 2020 Near the end of his writings, Nephi pleads with us, his readers, to learn to receive personal revelation. "I suppose," he said, "that ye ponder somewhat in your hearts concerning that which ye should do." Pondering might... Continue Reading →
How Can I Recognize the Voice of the Lord?
In his first talk as president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Russell M. Nelson pleaded with us to "increase [our] spiritual capacity to receive revelation" ("Revelation for the Church, Revelation for our Lives," General Conference, April 2018). Two years later, he said, "I renew my plea for you to do whatever it takes... Continue Reading →
“Another Way” – Alma 22:4
When Aaron visited the father of King Lamoni, who was "king over all the land" (Alma 20:8), the king was initially disappointed. He had invited Aaron's brother Ammon to visit him and to teach him the gospel (Alma 20:27). He was willing to speak with Aaron, but he asked why Ammon had not come with... Continue Reading →
