Jesus said that when an unclean spirit is cast out of a man, it sometimes returns and is welcomed back. What are some ways to fill our lives with goodness so that sins we repent of don't come back?
The Ax Is Laid at the Root of the Tree
Maturity requires awareness and honesty. John the Baptist and Alma both used a metaphor of an ax resting beside a tree to help their listeners overcome complacency and choose to repent.
Chaff
A winnowing fan is a kind of basket used to throw chaff and grain into the air. The chaff blows away, and the heavier grain remains. Chaff can represent our sins. If we are willing to let them go, they will blow away as the Savior winnows us.
Repentance and Resolutions
January is a good time to repent. Setting resolutions can be part of a pattern of change which can lead to incremental improvement throughout the year. Here are some of my resolutions for 2023.
Return Unto Me | Malachi 3:7
In my previous role as a bishop, as each year ended, I was blessed to meet with families to discuss tithing. In those meetings I would share a brief thought, which typically included a reference to Malachi 3:8-12. One year, I focused my remarks on Malachi 3:10 wherein the Lord invites His people to “prove... Continue Reading →
“Consider Your Ways”
Sometimes we spend a lot of time and energy on activities which are not aligned with our goals and priorities. We can reduce that waste with a little self-reflection and self-discipline. "Consider your ways," said the prophet Haggai to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. "Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough;... Continue Reading →
We Have Sinned
It’s hard to admit when we’ve done something wrong. It's so easy to make excuses, to blame other people, or to imagine that our actions have been misinterpreted. It’s so hard to say, “I messed up. I shouldn’t have done that, and I won’t do it again.” That’s why I was impressed when I read... Continue Reading →
Why Will Ye Die?
The Lord assured the prophet Ezekiel that He wants what is best for His children. "As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live." As Elder D. Todd Christofferson has affirmed, "Far from being anxious to condemn, our Heavenly Father and our Savior... Continue Reading →
Past Performance Is Not Necessarily Indicative of Future Results
The Lord commanded Ezekiel to teach a challenging principle to the children of Israel: No matter what you have done in the past, what really matters is what you are doing today. When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be... Continue Reading →
“I Shall Be Turned”
Last week I wrote about Jeremiah's striking appeal: "Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed" (Jeremiah 17:14). I noted that God is willing to heal us, but that we must be willing to receive the gift. I also wrote that we must open our eyes to recognize the many ways God is healing... Continue Reading →
Book of Mormon Study Notes 