Both John Whitmer and his brother Peter asked God many times what they could do which would be of the greatest worth. His response to both of them was the same: The thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with... Continue Reading →
The Work, the Sword, the Sickle, and the Prayer
In the first half of 1829, Joseph Smith received a number of revelations on behalf of other people. Four of those revelations begin almost identically, with a set of four biblical concepts, all of which also appear in the Book of Mormon. Why did those four concepts warrant such frequent repetition, and why did the... Continue Reading →
“And Thus We See…”
Periodically, as Mormon relates the history of his people, he interrupts the narrative to share a lesson he hopes we're learning. He often begins these editorial notes with the phrase, "and thus we see." Many of these editorial notes appear during the Lamanite mission of the sons of Mosiah. Here are some of them: "And... Continue Reading →
Finding Our Amuleks
After being forced to leave the city of Ammonihah, Alma saw an angel who commanded him to go back. The angel didn't explain how things would be different this time, just that he should return and preach to the people of Ammonihah again. In response, he returned "speedily" (Alma 8:8-18). Arriving at the city, Alma... Continue Reading →
Motivated by Love
When we experience a change of heart, we want others to have that experience too. After Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah were miraculously converted to the gospel, they got to work immediately: And now it came to pass that Alma began from this time forward to teach the people, and those who... Continue Reading →
“I Will Cause That My People Shall Rejoice” – Mosiah 7:14
When King Limhi learned who Ammon was and why he had come, he immediately recognized the significance of Ammon's arrival. Limhi and his people had been in bondage for years and had made multiple attempts to regain their freedom, with no success. But Limhi saw in Ammon's arrival a ray of hope, an indication that... Continue Reading →
“With a Voice of Singing” – 1 Nephi 20:20
Earlier this week, I discussed Isaiah's admonition to acknowledge the hand of the Lord in our lives and share with others what we know. Near the end of the same chapter, Isaiah underscores the importance of this admonition by making a series of commands: "Go ye forth of Babylon" "Flee ye from the Chaldeans" "With... Continue Reading →
Will Ye Not Declare Them? – 1 Nephi 20:6
The very first passage from Isaiah which Nephi quotes opens with an indictment. The prophet addresses himself to the people who claim to be the covenant people of God but who aren't acting like it: Hearken and hear this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth... Continue Reading →
How Can I Be a Better Missionary?
One of my daughters returned home last week from serving as a full-time missionary in Brazil. As we have heard about her experiences and seen first-hand her enthusiasm to continue sharing the gospel with others, I've asked myself this question: What can I do to be a better missionary? To answer this question, I've thought... Continue Reading →
What Can We Learn from the Women in the Book of Mormon?
Today, I have been pondering the lessons I have learned from some of the women in the Book of Mormon. Here are a few of those lessons: "Now I know of a surety..." Sariah trusted the revelations received by her husband, Lehi. She, along with the rest of the family, abandoned her home in Jerusalem... Continue Reading →
