Shortly after convincing Ishmael and his family to join them in their journey, Laman and Lemuel decided that they wanted to return to Jerusalem. In response, Nephi reminded them of a fundamental principle of the gospel: How is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for... Continue Reading →
Unity
On the last full day of His mortal life, the Savior gathered His disciples for a meal. He washed their feet. He instituted the ordinance of the sacrament. He taught them and answered their questions. And then, He prayed for them and for all people who would believe their words: That they all may be one;... Continue Reading →
To My Readers: 2021 Plan
2020 has been a remarkable year! I know it's been difficult for many and tragic for some. We have all had to make some adjustments and have endured some unexpected challenges. But we have received amazing blessings along the way. I think Nephi's words in the first verse of the Book of Mormon are applicable... Continue Reading →
“A Still Voice of Perfect Mildness” – Helaman 5:30
The voice which spoke to the Lamanites who had cast two missionaries into prison "was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of a great tumultuous noise." The earth and the walls of the prison shook as the voice spoke, indicating that the speaker had great power. But the voice itself "was a still voice... Continue Reading →
Helaman 1-6: “The Rock of Our Redeemer” (August 17-23)
Over a thirty-year period, from about 52 B.C. to about 23 B.C., Nephite society deteriorated substantially. They had just won an extended war against their enemies, the Lamanites, but they were now losing an internal war. The rise of the Gadianton robbers, the decline of faith, and an increase in contention destabilized their government, eroded... Continue Reading →
“They Were Beloved” – Alma 53:2
What kind of relationships did Captain Moroni have with the people closest to him? We don't know much about his family, except that his son Moronihah succeeded him as commander of the Nephite armies (Alma 62:43). But we do see him interacting with other military leaders, particularly Lehi and Teancum. The following passage gives us... Continue Reading →
Alma 53-63: “Preserved by His Marvelous Power” (August 10-16)
The worst of times can bring out the best in us. That seems to be Mormon's message as he highlights the remarkable faith and courage of Captain Moroni, Teancum, and the sons of Helaman during the seven-year war between the Nephites and the Lamanites. This week, we are studying the following events: Helaman recruits 2,000 young... Continue Reading →
“A Wise Purpose” – Alma 37:2, 12, 14, 18
An important element of faith is trusting that God has good reasons for what He does, even when we don't understand those reasons. Nephi tells us that the Lord commanded him to create a record of his ministry "for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not" (1 Nephi 9:5). Later, he learned... Continue Reading →
Harrowed
After an angel called Alma to repentance, he "fell to the earth, and...did hear no more" (Alma 36:11). For three days, he was "racked, even with the pains of a damned soul" (Alma 36:16). During that time, he was "tormented with the pains of hell" (Alma 36:13). It was only when he remembered that his... Continue Reading →
Procrastination
Twice in the Book of Mormon, we are urged not to procrastinate. When Alma and Amulek teach the people of Ammonihah, Alma ends their joint sermon with a call to action: Now is the time to repent, for the day of salvation draweth nigh;... I wish from the inmost part of my heart, yea, with... Continue Reading →
