It's easy to become discouraged when we try to share the gospel and encounter resistance. But God knows the hearts of His children, and He has repeatedly assured His representatives that He has "much people" who will be receptive to their message.
Where You Want Me to Go
Missionaries adapt to new assignments regularly. Paul and Barnabas traveled to many cities and quickly began serving the people as they arrived. Alma did the same. We can follow their example by being willing to adapt to guidance we receive from God.
“Come and See”
Jesus and Philip both answered questions with an invitation: "Come and see." Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf has suggested two similar invitations: "come and help," and "come and belong." Like Lehi, we can help other people learn and grow by inviting them to act.
Moses, Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu
When I think of Moses ascending Mount Sinai, I always envision him alone. So I've been struck recently by these descriptions of him ascending the mountain with other people: "And the Lord said unto him,... thou shalt come up, thou, and Aaron with thee" (Exodus 19:24)."And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the Lord, thou, and Aaron, Nadab,... Continue Reading →
“Sweep the Earth as with a Flood”
God explained to Enoch that a great flood would one day destroy the wicked, and only Enoch's great-grandson, Noah, and his family would be spared (Moses 7:32-38, 42-43). Enoch pleaded that this flooding might be a one-time event, never to be repeated. In response, God "covenanted with Enoch, and sware unto him with an oath, that... Continue Reading →
Shine Forth
The Hebrew word or (אוֹר) means light. When used as a verb, it means to be light or to become light. Speaking to a future generation of Israelites who would be gathered home, Isaiah said: Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.Isaiah 60:1 They could share light with... Continue Reading →
“None Shall Slumber”
In 1837, Thomas B. Marsh was concerned about the state of the Church. In Missouri, church members had been driven from their homes. In Ohio, many members and even church leaders were becoming disaffected. As president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Thomas must have felt a deep desire to help curb the chaos... Continue Reading →
Three Covenants
One of the purposes of the Book of Mormon is for us to "know the covenants of the Lord" (Title Page). The Savior emphasized three of those covenants during His visit to the American continent, following His death and resurrection: Israel will be gathered: "Then will I gather them in from the four quarters of the earth;... 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 →
Spare Not
The Lord told Isaiah to preach the gospel whole-heartedly, holding nothing back. "Cry aloud," He said, "spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet" (Isaiah 58:1). In another passage, he instructs the children of Israel to prepare for massive growth and prosperity: Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the... Continue Reading →