Come, Follow Me

Psalms 1-2; 8; 19-33; 40; 46: “The Lord Is My Shepherd” (August 8-14)

“King David,” by Guercino (Giovanni Francesco Barbieri), 1651 You can learn a lot from sacred music. The book of Psalms, the hymnbook of the Israelites, is packed with powerful spiritual truths. Jesus quoted from the book of Psalms more than from any other book of scripture. (See Jeffrey R. Holland, For Times of Trouble :… Continue Reading →

Job: “Yet Will I Trust in Him” (August 1-7)

“Job and His Friends” (detail), by Ilya Repin One of the features of mortal life is that we experience suffering we don’t deserve. Why does God allow that to happen? The book of Job explores this question through an extreme example: a good man who loses nearly everything—wealth, family, and health—in a short period of… Continue Reading →

Esther: “Thou Art Come…for Such a Time as This” (July 25-31)

“Esther,” by Jean-François Portaels When I think of Queen Esther, I remember how little control we have over our circumstances, but how much control we have over our actions within those circumstances. Esther’s people were a minority ethnic and religious community scattered across the Persian Empire. Through a sequence of events that she could not… Continue Reading →

Ezra 1; 3-7; Nehemiah 2; 4-6; 8: “I Am Doing a Great Work” (July 18-24)

“Nehemiah Inspects The Walls of Jerusalem,” by Robert Theodore Barrett Seventy years after being taken captive by the Babylonians, the former inhabitants of Judah were permitted to return. Jeremiah had prophesied, “After seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place” (Jeremiah 29:10). About a… Continue Reading →

2 Kings 17-25: “He Trusted in the Lord God of Israel” (July 11-17)

“The Flight of the Prisoners,” by Jacques Joseph Tissot Even before the Israelites inherited their promised land, the Lord warned them that they would be scattered if they persistently rebelled against Him. (See Leviticus 26:33, Deuteronomy 4:27, Deuteronomy 28:25, 37, 64.) But God also promised that even after they were scattered, He would remember His… Continue Reading →

2 Kings 2-7: “There Is a Prophet in Israel” (July 4-10)

“The Prophet Elisha and the Woman of Shunem” (detail) by Gerbrand van den Eeckhout In a Whirlwind Elijah didn’t die. Instead, he was carried to heaven by a whirlwind in a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11). This places him in a unique category of prophets who were translated, changed into a state where they… Continue Reading →

1 Kings 17-19: “If the Lord Be God, Follow Him” (June 27-July 3)

“Widow of Zarephath,” by James Johnson “Jehovah is God.” That’s the meaning of the name Elijah (אֵלִיָּה) in Hebrew. His very name is a testimony. Elijah was a Tishbite, which might indicate where he is from, or it might be a variant of the Hebrew word toshab (תּוֹשָׁב), which means a stranger or a sojourner…. Continue Reading →

2 Samuel 5-7, 11-12; 1 Kings 3, 8, 11: “Thy Kingdom Shall Be Established Forever” (June 20-26)

“King David Playing the Harp,” by Gerard van Honthorst (1622) This week, we are studying the reigns of King David and King Solomon. Here are some of the major themes: The City of David (2 Samuel 5-7) Jerusalem has deep symbolic significance. Soon after David became king, he took possession of the city, made it… Continue Reading →

1 Samuel 8-10, 13, 15-18: “The Battle Is the Lord’s” (June 13-19)

“Samuel Anoints David,” by Antonio Gonzalez Velazquez The children of Israel wanted a king. Samuel tried to persuade them that it was a bad idea, but his own credibility had been diminished by the corruption of his sons, whom he had appointed as judges. (See 1 Samuel 8:1-5.) Under God’s direction, Samuel identified and anointed… Continue Reading →

Ruth; 1 Samuel 1-3: “My Heart Rejoiceth in the Lord” (June 6-12)

“Ruth and Naomi” (detail) by Ary Scheffer After the conquest of Canaan in the book of Joshua and the epic battles in the book of Judges, we read three personal stories: Ruth’s assimilation into Israel, Hannah pleading for a son and then dedicating him to God, and Samuel’s willingness to hearken to the voice of… Continue Reading →

Judges 2-4; 6-8; 13-16: “The Lord Raised Up a Deliverer” (May 30-June 5)

“Gideon’s Army” (detail) by Daniel A. Lewis The period between the death of Joshua and the establishment of a kingdom was a chaotic time for the Israelites. For more than 400 years, the people struggled to remain loyal to God. When they turned away from Him, they fell into captivity. When they prayed for help,… Continue Reading →

Joshua 1-8; 23-24: “Be Strong and of a Good Courage” (May 23-29)

“Joshua Commanding the Sun to Stand Still upon Gibeon,” by John Martin (1816) Crossing Jordan After the death of Moses, the Lord made it clear to the children of Israel that Joshua was his successor. How? By having Joshua replicate, on a smaller scale, the most impressive miracle Moses had performed. Moses had parted the… Continue Reading →

Deuteronomy 6-8; 15; 18; 29-30; 34: “Beware Lest Thou Forget the Lord” (May 16-22)

“Moses Sees the Promised Land from Afar,” by James Tissot The word “deuteronomy” comes from the Greek words deuteros (δεύτερος), which means “second,” and nomos (νόμος), which means “law.” At the end of Moses’ life, after wandering in the wilderness for forty years, he gave the children of Israel his final words of instruction to… Continue Reading →

Numbers 11-14; 20-24: “Rebel Not Ye against the Lord, Neither Fear” (May 9-15)

Relief of Israelite Scouts Returning from Canaan, parish church in Marazhofen, Germany In Hebrew, the book of Numbers is called Bemidbar (בְּמִדְבַּ֖ר), which means “In the Wilderness.” It tells the story of the children of Israel from the time they left Mount Sinai until they were ready to enter the promised land. Here are some… Continue Reading →

Exodus 35-40; Leviticus 1, 16, 19: “Holiness to the Lord” (May 2-8)

“Moses Calls Aaron to the Ministry,” (detail) by Harry Anderson The Tabernacle On Mount Sinai, God gave Moses detailed instructions about how to build an elaborate portable house of worship for the Israelites to use during their journey to the promised land. The Hebrew word shakan (שָׁכַן) means to settle or to dwell, so the… Continue Reading →

Exodus 24; 31-34: “My Presence Shall Go with Thee” (April 25-May 1)

“Moses with the Tablets,” detail from a stained glass window in the Temple De Hirsch Sinai, Seattle Washington What an unforgettable experience Israel had at Mount Sinai, near the beginning of their journey to the promised land! Like Nephi in the land of Bountiful, Moses ascended the mountain multiple times to receive knowledge from God… Continue Reading →

Exodus 18-20: “All That the Lord Hath Spoken We Will Do” (April 18-24)

Decalogue parchment by Jekuthiel Sofer (1768), Bibliotheca Rosenthaliana, Amsterdam “Thou wilt surely wear away.” Although Moses had been raised in Pharaoh’s court, and although he had led the children of Israel out of Egypt by the power of God, he still had a lot to learn about leadership. When his father-in-law, Jethro, visited him in… Continue Reading →

Easter: “He Will Swallow Up Death in Victory” (April 11-17)

“The Resurrected Christ” (detail) by Wilson J. Ong As we prepare to celebrate the Savior’s resurrection next Sunday, we will certainly review the accounts in the New Testament of His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, His crucifixion on Golgotha, and His interactions with multiple individuals and groups after His tomb was found empty. Here… Continue Reading →

Exodus 14-17: “Stand Still, and See the Salvation of the Lord” (April 4-10)

“Passage of the Jews through the Red Sea” (detail) by Ivan Aivazovsky Crossing the Red Sea One of the most dramatic miracles recorded in the scriptures is the passages of thousands of Israelites through the Red Sea on dry ground. The author of Exodus records that “the waters were a wall unto them on their… Continue Reading →

Exodus 7-13: “Remember This Day, in Which Ye Came Out from Egypt” (March 28-April 3)

“The Fifth Plague of Egypt” (detail) by Joseph Mallord William Turner The Plagues Blood, frogs, lice, flies, cattle dying, boils, hail, locusts, three days of darkness, death of the firstborn. As the plagues escalated, I wonder if I would have responded sooner, or if I would have continued to harden my heart like Pharaoh. (See… Continue Reading →

Exodus 1-6: “I Have Remembered My Covenant” (March 21-27)

“Moses Before the Burning Bush” by Domenico Fetti Why did God choose Moses to rescue the children of Israel from captivity? What characteristics qualified him for this assignment? We get a clue from three events immediately preceding his calling: Moses saw an Egyptian beating an Israelite. Although he might have been expected to side with… Continue Reading →

Genesis 42-50: “God Meant It Unto Good” (March 14-20)

“Joseph of Egypt,” by Michael T. Malm After reading last week about the adversity that Joseph endured, this week we get to experience the joy of his reunion with his family. We can all imagine his joy in seeing his brothers again and learning that they had changed, that they were no longer the men… Continue Reading →

Genesis 37-41: “The Lord Was With Joseph” (March 7-13)

“Pharaoh’s Dream,” by Owen Jones 1. “A Goodly Person” Young Joseph was naive to a fault: sharing dreams with his brothers which were bound to infuriate them and even drawing his father’s rebuke on one occasion. He seems to have been singularly focused on doing what was right and baffled that others didn’t share his… Continue Reading →

Genesis 28-33: “Surely the Lord Is in This Place” (February 28-March 6)

Jacob was ambitious. His name means “heel-catcher,” which is a metaphor for a supplanter, a person who takes a position or a set of privileges belonging to someone else. His (older) twin brother Esau, whose heel Jacob was holding as they were born, constantly felt that Jacob was claiming rights and blessings belonging to him. “Is… Continue Reading →

Genesis 24-27: The Covenant Is Renewed (February 21-27)

Marriage (Rebekah) How many times had Rebekah filled that pitcher with water from the well? It must have been part of her normal daily routine. And assisting a thirsty stranger must have been in character for her, as was volunteering to help with the camels without being asked. But this was not an ordinary day… Continue Reading →

Genesis 18-23: “Is Any Thing Too Hard for the Lord?” (February 14-20)

Faith looks upward and forward. Like Sarah, we may need to trust in promises which seem not only unlikely but impossible (Genesis 18:1-15). Like Lot and his family, we may need to let things go and step into the unknown (Genesis 19:1-29). Like Hagar, we may need to listen for God’s voice when we feel… Continue Reading →

Genesis 12-17; Abraham 1-2: “To Be a Greater Follower of Righteousness” (February 7-13)

God rewards those who diligently seek Him. (See Hebrews 11:6.) Abraham lived in an idolatrous society, but he somehow came into possession of sacred records kept by his ancestors, and he wanted the same blessings they had received: greater knowledge, greater righteousness, and the Priesthood. (See Abraham 1:1-4.) In response, God led Abraham and his… Continue Reading →

Genesis 6-11; Moses 8: “Noah Found Grace in the Eyes of the Lord” (January 31-February 6)

Noah (Rest) The Hebrew word noach (נֹחַ) means “rest.” In a time of wickedness and turmoil, a child was born, and his parents named him noach, or Noah, because they believed he would bring peace and comfort to a troubled world. (See Genesis 5:28-29, Moses 8:8-9.) Noah preserved his family and many animals during an… Continue Reading →

Moses 7: “The Lord Called His People Zion” (January 24-30)

Enoch saw the God of heaven weeping and wondered how it was possible. Could the Creator of the Universe feel so much pain for His children on earth? But God testified that it was so: Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and I gave unto them their knowledge, in the day… Continue Reading →

Genesis 5; Moses 6: “Teach These Things Freely Unto Your Children” (January 17-23)

Six generations after Adam, there was a remarkable seer named Enoch. He lived in a time when many people had turned their hearts away from God (Moses 6:27-30). He felt unqualified to teach (Moses 6:31). But the Bible tells us that he “walked with God” (Genesis 5:24). He saw amazing things, and he taught the… Continue Reading →

Genesis 3-4; Moses 4-5: The Fall of Adam and Eve (January 10-16)

Why would God give conflicting commandments to our first parents? Immediately after creating Adam and Eve in His image, He gave them the same commandment He had given to the animals: “Be fruitful, and multiply” (Genesis 1:28, Moses 2:28; see also Genesis 1:22, Moses 2:22). Yet Lehi tells us that everything in the Garden of… Continue Reading →

Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5: ““In the Beginning God Created the Heaven and the Earth” (January 3-9)

The beginning of a new year is a good time to contemplate the creation of the world. The Old Testament begins with the Creation story: God organizes heaven and earth in seven phases, called “days.” He divides light from darkness, water from land. He creates celestial bodies. He introduces life: plants, animals, and humans. At… Continue Reading →

Moses 1, Abraham 3: “This Is My Work and My Glory” (December 27-January 3)

About 2,000 years before the birth of Jesus Christ, the prophet Abraham saw God. (See Genesis 17:1, Abraham 3:11.) Several hundred years later, Moses also spoke with God “face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend” (Exodus 33:11, Moses 1:2, 31). Through modern revelation, we have learned more about what Abraham and Moses… Continue Reading →

Christmas: The Matchless Gift of God’s Divine Son (December 20-26)

As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ this week, let’s remember what He accomplished before, during, and after His mortal ministry. On January 1, 2000, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints published a brief document entitled “The Living Christ,” which emphasizes that the Savior’s life “neither began in Bethlehem nor… Continue Reading →

The Family: A Proclamation to the World: “The Family Is Central to the Creator’s Plan” (December 13-19)

In the October 1995 general conference, President Gordon B. Hinckley introduced “The Family: a Proclamation to the World,” which he described as “a declaration and reaffirmation of standards, doctrines, and practices relative to the family which the prophets, seers, and revelators of this church have repeatedly stated throughout its history.” After reading the proclamation, President… Continue Reading →

The Articles of Faith and Official Declarations 1 and 2: “We Believe” (December 6-12)

An article of faith is a foundational belief, a core assumption which forms the basis for other beliefs and practices. In 1842, Joseph Smith wrote a letter to John Wentworth, editor of the Chicago Democrat, summarizing the events associated with the establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (See Times and Seasons (Nauvoo,… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 137-138: “The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead” (November 29-December 5)

138 – “I saw the hosts of the dead.” Alma taught his son Corianton that there is a period of time between death and the resurrection, in which we will dwell as spirits. He further explained that we will be in one of two states: paradise, which is a state of rest and peace, or… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 135-136: “He Has Sealed His Mission and His Works with His Own Blood”

135 – The Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum What would you be willing to give your life for? The prophet Abinadi was offered the chance to avoid execution by recanting the message God had sent him to deliver. In response, he declared, “I will not recall the words which I have spoken unto you concerning this… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 133-134: “Prepare Ye for the Coming of the Bridegroom” (November 15-21)

133 – “Prepare Ye” Originally intended as an appendix (or epilogue) to the Book of Commandments, Doctrine and Covenants 133 is a patchwork of biblical quotations and paraphrases. This remarkable revelation blends Old and New Testament passages seamlessly as it declares the following messages: The Savior (the Bridegroom) will return to the earth suddenly, so… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 129-132: “When We Obtain Any Blessing from God, It Is by Obedience” (November 8-14)

In 1843, William Clayton, who served as secretary to Joseph Smith, recorded a number of truths taught by Joseph in a variety of settings. Some of his notes are now part of the Doctrine and Covenants: Instructions Joseph gave to Parley P. Pratt about how to distinguish heavenly visitors from Satan and his angels (Doctrine… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 125-128: “A Voice of Gladness for the Living and the Dead” (November 1-7)

125 – “Let them gather themselves together.” As church members began to establish the city of Nauvoo, Illinois, Joseph Smith contemplated the future for church members who had settled on the west side of the Mississippi River, in Iowa. In answer to his prayer, the Lord revealed that those people could remain in Iowa and… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 124: “A House unto My Name” (October 25-31)

After fleeing persecution in Missouri, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints rallied in Illinois. By January 1841, they had purchased a small town, renamed it Nauvoo, and begun turning it into a city. The state legislature had authorized them to pass their own laws, establish a militia, and build a university…. Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 121-123: “O God, Where Art Thou?”(October 18-24)

Sometimes the darkest circumstances can lead to the brightest inspiration. On March 20, 1839, after enduring 109 days in the inhumane environment of Liberty Jail, Joseph Smith wrote an epistle to the Church containing extraordinary gems of wisdom. Excerpts from that letter now appear as three sections in the Doctrine and Covenants. Here are some… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 115-120: “His Sacrifice Shall Be More Sacred unto Me Than His Increase” (October 11-17)

“Strengthen Thy Stakes” (Doctrine and Covenants 115-117) “Enlarge the place of thy tent,” said Isaiah, as he prophesied of the gathering of Israel. “Let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes” (Isaiah 54:2). The imagery is one of thrilling expansion and growth. When the Savior visited the… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 111-114: “I Will Order All Things for Your Good” (October 4-10)

111 – “More treasures than one” In August 1836, the Church faced serious financial challenges. Several church leaders, including Joseph Smith, traveled to Salem, Massachusetts, after hearing rumors of “hidden treasures” in the city. While they were there, Joseph Smith received a revelation in which the Lord reproved them for their “follies” but promised, “I… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 109-110: “It Is Thy House, a Place of Thy Holiness” (September 27-October 3)

On Sunday, March 27, 1836, about 1,000 people gathered in the newly constructed Kirtland Temple for the dedication of the building. They sang hymns, including “The Spirit of God,” which was composed for the occasion. They heard sermons and testimonies. They participated in the sacrament and in a Hosanna Shout. But the heart of the… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 106-108: “To Have the Heavens Opened” (September 20-26)

King David prophesied that God would confirm Jesus Christ’s authority with these words: “Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110:4). Melchizedek was the king of Salem during Abraham’s life. He blessed Abraham, and Abraham paid tithing to him. (See Genesis 14:18-20.) Alma later explained to the people of Ammonihah… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 102-105: “After Much Tribulation…Cometh the Blessing” (September 13-19)

The High Council (Doctrine and Covenants 102) In February 1834, a group of church members gathered at the home of Joseph Smith and organized a new governing organization called the high council. The group consisted of twelve high priests and operated under the direction of the First Presidency of the Church. Their purpose was to… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 98-101: “Be Still, and Know That I Am God” (September 6-12)

Trouble in Missouri During the summer of 1833, church members experienced severe persecution in Jackson County, Missouri. By July, some people in the community demanded that they leave and inflicted violence on members of the community and on their property. Their printing press was destroyed, and church leaders were tarred and feathered. On August 6,… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 94-97: “For the Salvation of Zion” (August 3 – September 5)

How do you build a house for God? As imperfect mortals, it seems presumptuous to build a dwelling place for the Creator of the Universe. Yet that is what the Lord commanded a small group of believers to do in the city of Kirtland, Ohio in 1833. In a series of revelations received in June… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 93: “Receive of His Fulness” (August 23-29)

The Savior is our source of light. He gives light to everyone. The tragedy is that, so often, we refuse to receive the light He offers us. We do this by turning away from the truth and by behaving in a way that is contrary to the truth. The good news is that if we… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 89-92: “A Principle with Promise” (August 16-22)

Wisdom is good judgment. It’s the ability to make reasonable decisions. Wisdom requires more than adherence to minimum standards of behavior. It requires striving toward ideals of behavior. That’s why Jacob concludes his counsel to his readers with the far-reaching admonition, “O be wise; what can I say more?” (Jacob 6:12). That’s why Alma counseled… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 88: “Establish…a House of God” (August 9-15)

Spiritual learning and growth don’t just happen. They require sustained effort over time, and they therefore require structure. We need to establish appropriate spaces, schedules, and habits in order to learn about God and grow closer to Him. In late 1832 and early 1833, when many church members had returned home from missionary service, Joseph… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 85-87: “Stand Ye in Holy Places” (August 2-8)

Between November and December 1832, Joseph Smith received specific revelation about multiple topics: CHURCH ADMINISTRATION (Doctrine and Covenants 85): How to manage inheritances for church members who refused to consecrate their properties. The Lord answered the question while clarifying the duties of the clerk, including the responsibility for accurate record-keeping. SCRIPTURAL INTERPRETATION (Doctrine and Covenants… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 84: “The Power of Godliness” (July 25-Aug 1)

Joseph Smith called Doctrine and Covenants 84 a revelation on priesthood. If you think of priesthood primarily in the context of roles, responsibilities, and official church actions, you may be puzzled by the topics addressed in this revelation, including temples, the scriptures (particularly the Book of Mormon), and missionary service. But if you think of… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 81-83: Where “Much Is Given Much Is Required” (July 19-25)

81 – Frederick G. Williams becomes a counselor to Joseph Smith The president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has two counselors. Together, they form the First Presidency of the Church. In March 1832, Jesse Gause was called to serve as a counselor in the First Presidency. A year later, he was… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 77-80: “I Will Lead You Along” (July 12-18)

77 As Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon produced an inspired translation of the Bible, they continually sought guidance from the Lord about the passages they were reading. Doctrine and Covenants 77 contains fifteen questions Joseph asked about the Book of Revelation, together with the answers he received. He asked questions about specific symbols (“What are… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 76: “Great Shall Be Their Reward and Eternal Shall Be Their Glory” (July 5-11)

As Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon worked on an inspired translation of the Bible, they had a number of questions about life after death. In particular, they wondered about a passage in which the Savior spoke of “the resurrection of life” and “the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29). In their version of this passage, the… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 71-75: “No Weapon That Is Formed Against You Shall Prosper” (June 28-July 4)

Between December 1831 and January 1832, Joseph Smith received revelations on at least three topics: missionary work, his translation of the Bible, and the role of a bishop. Here is a summary of these revelations, and some principles I’ve learned from them: December 1: The Lord instructed Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to set aside… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 67-70: “Worth…the Riches of the Whole Earth” (June 21-27)

In November 1831, church leaders in Kirtland decided to publish a collection of revelations received by Joseph Smith. This new publication would be called The Book of Commandments. During that month, church leaders met multiple times and Joseph received several new revelations related to the project: On Tuesday, November 1, the Lord provided a preface… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 64-66: “The Lord Requireth the Heart and a Willing Mind” (June 14-20)

Shortly after returning to Ohio from Missouri, Joseph Smith received a revelation (Doctrine and Covenants 64) which provided guidance for church members on building Zion. Among the principles taught in this revelation were the importance of forgiving one another (v. 1-14) and paying tithing (v. 23-24). The Lord also encouraged them to keep working hard,… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 63: “That Which Cometh from Above Is Sacred” (June 7-13)

After Joseph Smith and other church leaders returned to Ohio from Independence, Missouri, in August, 1831, he and other church members had many questions, most of them practical and immediate: How should they organize themselves to immigrate to Missouri? When should they move? How should they acquire land? How could they obtain sufficient resources to… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 60-62: “All Flesh Is in Mine Hand” (May 31 – June 6)

The journey from Missouri to Ohio was challenging. The problem wasn’t the weather or the terrain. It was the travelers themselves. They made some poor decisions, clashed with one another, and neglected their most important responsibility. After dedicating the land near Independence, Missouri, identifying the location for the future temple, and helping some newly arrived… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 58-59: “Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause” (May 24-30)

Agency doesn’t mean doing what you want. It means being proactive in doing good: making decisions, taking initiative, and acting for ourselves instead of being acted upon. Lehi taught this principle to his sons soon after arriving in their promised land. (See 2 Nephi 2:16, 26-30.) Likewise, as members of the church began arriving in… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 51-57: “A Faithful, a Just, and a Wise Steward” (May 17-23)

This week, we will study seven revelations on various topics received between May and July, 1831. For each revelation, here is a brief synopsis with key principles taught and relevant blog posts. Section 51 – The Bishop’s Storehouse The Lord instructs Edward Partridge, the bishop, to establish a “storehouse” consisting of everything the members possess… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 49-50: “That Which Is of God Is Light” (May 10-16)

God wants us to receive light. He wants to help us recognize truth and overcome false beliefs. In May, 1831, the Lord said to Leman Copley, a recent convert to the church: “Be not deceived, but continue in steadfastness” (Doctrine and Covenants 49:23). He corrected some inaccurate beliefs, and then promised to help Leman grow… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 46-48: “Seek Ye Earnestly the Best Gifts” (May 3-9)

Gifts of the Spirit On March 8, 1831, the Lord revealed an important principle to Joseph Smith: All are welcome in the meetings of His church. “Ye are commanded never to cast any one out from your public meetings,” He said (Doctrine and Covenants 46:3), echoing the guidance He had given anciently on the American continent. (See 3… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 45: “The Promises…Shall Be Fulfilled” (April 26-May 2)

How can we prepare for the Savior’s return to the earth? During His mortal ministry, Jesus provided some guidance to His disciples. As recorded in Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, and Luke 21, He foretold wars and rumors of wars, false prophets, and natural disasters preceding His glorious return. Like a careful observer who can detect… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 41-44: “My Law to Govern My Church” (April 19-25)

“I am the law and the light,” the Savior said to an ancient group of people on the American continent. “Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live” (3 Nephi 15:9). “I am your lawgiver,” He told members of His newly organized church in January 1831. He promised that if they… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 37-40: “If Ye Are Not One Ye Are Not Mine” (April 12-18)

Before the church was organized, Joseph Smith was engaged in work which could be performed in small groups: translating the Book of Mormon, receiving revelation on behalf of specific individuals, and obtaining authority under the hand of heavenly beings. But as the church grew, he needed to dedicate more time and energy to the needs… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 30-36: “You Are Called to Preach My Gospel” (April 5-11)

A successful businessman who built bridges and dams, a laborer in a type foundry (which produced typefaces for printing presses), a self-employed hatmaker, and a popular preacher—these were among the people who were called to serve in the newly organized church between October and December of 1830. What did they have in common? A willingness… Continue Reading →

Easter: “I Am He Who Liveth, I Am He Who Was Slain” (March 29-April 4)

This week, as we commemorate the final week of the Savior’s mortal life, I am going to structure my scripture study around the events of the week. Here are some thoughts and relevant blog posts about each day: Palm Sunday I will remember the people who lined the streets of Jerusalem to welcome Him as… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 29: “Jesus Christ Will Gather His People” (March 22-28)

In September 1830, a few days before the second conference of the church, a group of nine church members met with Joseph Smith to ask some doctrinal questions which had arisen from their study of the Book of Mormon. They wondered when and how Zion, or the New Jerusalem, would be established. They also wanted… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 27-28: “All Things Must Be Done in Order” (March 15-21)

In August of 1830, Newel and Sally Knight visited Joseph and Emma Smith at their home in Harmony, Pennsylvania. Both Sally and Emma had been baptized, but neither had yet been confirmed members of the Church, so they decided to partake of the sacrament and perform the confirmations during their visit. Joseph went to obtain… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 23-26: “Strengthen the Church” (March 8-14)

What was Emma’s role in the church of Jesus Christ? Soon after the church was organized, the Lord instructed her husband, Joseph, to prioritize his leadership role in the church. He was told to travel again after his crops were planted, and to visit the members of the church in Colesville, Fayette, and Manchester. The… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 20-22: “The Rise of the Church of Christ” (March 1-7)

On April 6, 1830, the Church of Jesus Christ was organized in the home of Peter Whitmer in Fayette, New York. In preparation for this event, Joseph Smith received a revelation with detailed instructions on how to administer the church. That revelation, which has been called “the Constitution of the Church,” contains information about: Church… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 18-19: “The Worth of Souls Is Great” (February 22-28)

People have infinite value. We may take others for granted at times, but God always recognizes their true worth, and He wants us to learn to see it too. Shortly after learning for themselves of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, the Three Witnesses received specific assignments: Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer were instructed… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 14-17: “Stand as a Witness” (February 15-21)

In May of 1829, David Whitmer helped Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery move from Harmony, Pennsylvania to Fayette, New York to stay with his family. Oliver was a friend of David and had written to him about the translation of the Book of Mormon. David wanted to help. “He proposed that we should have our… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 12–13; Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75: “Upon You My Fellow Servants” (February 8-14)

As Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery translated the account of Jesus visiting the American continent after His death and resurrection, they were filled with the desire to be baptized. “No men in their sober senses,” wrote Oliver, “could translate and write the directions given to the Nephites, from the mouth of the Savior…without desiring a… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 10-11: “That You May Come Off Conqueror” (February 1-7)

About 600 years before the coming of Christ, God commanded Nephi to make a second version of his record. Why did He command this? “For a wise purpose in him,” Nephi wrote, “which purpose I know not” (1 Nephi 9:5). (See also 1 Nephi 19:1-6.) Nearly 1,000 years later, as Mormon wrote a history of… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 6-9: “This Is the Spirit of Revelation” (January 25-31)

How can we prepare ourselves to receive revelation? How can we recognize it when we receive it? What is the relationship between personal revelation and the words of prophets? Oliver Cowdery was wrestling with these kinds of questions in April of 1829, as he assisted Joseph Smith with the translation of the Book of Mormon…. Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 3-5: “My Work Shall Go Forth” (January 18-24)

God’s work will not fail. We can rely on that. Furthermore, we can be part of it, if we’re willing to do things His way, instead of insisting on doing them our way. That’s the main message I get from three revelations Joseph Smith received in 1828 and 1829. Here is a brief overview of… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65: “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers” (January 11-17)

How do we react when we are called by God to assist Him in his work? Do we focus on our weaknesses and worry that we will not do well enough? Do we place too much confidence in our own abilities and fail to rely sufficiently on Him? Are we impatient to get started and… Continue Reading →

Joseph Smith—History 1:1-26: “I Saw a Pillar of Light” (January 4-10)

In the spring of 1820, a 14-year-old boy named Joseph Smith prayed to know which church he should join. In response to that prayer, God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to him, initiating the Restoration of the Gospel. Although he wrote four different accounts of this experience, each of which emphasized different… Continue Reading →

Doctrine and Covenants 1: “Hearken, O Ye People” (December 28 – January 3)

On Tuesday, November 1, 1831, a group of church leaders met in Hiram, Ohio and decided to publish a collection of revelations previously received by Joseph Smith. At the request of the group, three of those leaders drafted a preface for the book during the meeting. Their proposal was not well received, and the group… Continue Reading →

Christmas: “He Shall Come into the World to Redeem His People” (December 21-27)

The God of Israel, the Mighty One of Jacob was born as a vulnerable infant in the most humble of circumstances. “A tender plant,” Isaiah called Him, even “a root out of dry ground” (Isaiah 53:2, Mosiah 14:2). The angel who appeared to King Benjamin expressed the irony this way: The Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is… Continue Reading →

Moroni 10: “Come unto Christ, and Be Perfected in Him” (December 14-20)

“I exhort you.” Eight times in his final chapter, Moroni uses this phrase or the related phrase, “I would exhort you.” He introduces the chapter as “a few words…of exhortation unto you” (Moroni 10:2). To exhort is to “strongly encourage or urge someone to do something” (Oxford English Dictionary). So Moroni’s final order of business… Continue Reading →

Moroni 7-9: “May Christ Lift Thee Up” (December 7-13)

In chapters 7-9 of his book, Moroni recorded three messages from his father: a sermon and two letters. Here is what I have learned from each of these messages: How to receive “every good thing” (Moroni 7) Moroni tells us that his father’s sermon in the synagogue is about “faith, hope, and charity” (Moroni 7:1)…. Continue Reading →

Moroni 1-6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way” (November 30 – December 6)

Moroni thought he was done. He had appended his testimony to the end of his father’s book, as instructed (Mormon 8:1). He had subsequently added his own history of the Jaredite nation (Ether 1:1-2). Now, the book was complete, and his work was finished. “I had supposed not to have written more,” he tells us… Continue Reading →

Ether 12-15: “By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled” (November 23-29)

It’s not surprising that Moroni named his history of the Jaredites “the Book of Ether.” He must have felt a particular kinship with the last Jaredite prophet, who spent much of his life in hiding, and who witnessed the destruction of his people. As he introduces the prophet Ether to us, Moroni expounds on the… Continue Reading →

Ether 6-11: “That Evil May Be Done Away” (November 16-22)

For nearly a year, the first generation of Jaredites sat in eight small barges as storms and “mountain waves” moved them across the ocean. After arriving in the promised land, they and their descendants were afflicted by another kind of storm—political instability. Generation after generation of Jaredites lived under oppressive rulers, experienced coups and civil… Continue Reading →

Ether 1-5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief” (November 9-15)

President Russell M. Nelson said, “I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation, for the Lord has promised that ‘if thou shalt [seek], thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal’”… Continue Reading →

Mormon 7-9: “I Speak Unto You as if Ye Were Present” (November 2-8)

After experiencing the annihilation of his people. Mormon wrote a final message of testimony and admonition to the descendants of his enemies, the Lamanites. He wanted them to know four things: You are part of the house of Israel. You must repent in order to be saved. You must lay down your weapons of war…. Continue Reading →

Mormon 1-6: “I Would That I Could Persuade All…to Repent” (October 26-November 1)

Jesus stands with open arms to receive us. The tragedy is that we fail to receive so many of the blessings He offers us. One reason we fail to receive them is because we take too much credit for our own accomplishments. Another is because we are unwilling to change. A third is because we… Continue Reading →

3 Nephi 27-4 Nephi: “There Could Not Be a Happier People” (October 19-25)

Unity is important to the Savior. When He visited the American continent following His death and resurrection, He clarified how baptisms should be performed, “and there shall be no disputations among you,” He said (3 Nephi 11:22, 28). Sometime later, His twelve disciples were grappling with a question which had caused some disagreements: what to call the… Continue Reading →

3 Nephi 20-26: “Ye Are the Children of the Covenant” (October 12-18)

On the second day of the Savior’s visit to the American continent, after praying for the people and administering the sacrament for a second time, He began again to teach them, beginning where He had left off the prior day. (See 3 Nephi 16:17-20, 3 Nephi 20:10-12.) Quoting the words of Isaiah, Micah, Moses, and… Continue Reading →

3 Nephi 17-19: “Behold My Joy Is Full” (September 28-October 11)

During the Savior’s ministry on the American continent, He taught the people, but He also served them in other ways, including: Healing the sick (3 Nephi 17:6-10) Blessing their children (3 Nephi 17:11-12, 21-24) Praying with and for them (3 Nephi 17:13-20, 3 Nephi 19:15-36) Administering the sacrament (3 Nephi 18:1-16) He also gave His… Continue Reading →

3 Nephi 12-16: “I Am the Law, and the Light” (September 21-27)

“Hear ye him.” That is what our Heavenly Father said to a group of people just before Jesus Christ descended from heaven. They were therefore highly motivated to listen and receptive to His message. What was that message? After calling twelve disciples and teaching them how to baptize, He addressed the multitude. Here are the… Continue Reading →

3 Nephi 8-11: “Arise and Come Forth unto Me” (September 14-20)

Thunderings, lightnings, storms, tempests, and earthquakes, unlike anything they had ever seen before—that’s what the Nephites and the Lamanites experienced at the time of the Savior’s crucifixion. At least sixteen cities were destroyed by fire, or buried, or covered with water. Many other cities were partially destroyed, and many people died. All of this happened… Continue Reading →

3 Nephi 1-7: “Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer” (September 7-13)

How do you maintain hope during tumultuous times? In the years between the Savior’s birth, when the Nephites saw unmistakeable signs in the heavens, and His death, when natural disasters devastated the land, people of faith faced one crisis after another: The non-believers threatened to kill all believers if the sign of the Savior’s birth… Continue Reading →

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