Isaiah prophesied that God would do "a marvellous work and a wonder" among His people. The NIV stays closer to the Hebrew, rendering it: "wonder upon wonder." One thing that makes God's work wonderful is that He allows ordinary people to carry it out.
A Marvellous Work and a Wonder
Isaiah pronounced a collection of "burdens," weighty prophecies of affliction, upon multiple nations. But among these burdens, he included messages of hope. Then he foretold a marvelous work which God would perform on behalf of all people. Nephi emphasized that work, seeing Isaiah's message as a hopeful assurance of God's blessings.
Psalm Themes in the Book of Mormon
After three weeks summarizing 150 psalms and finding 67 Book of Mormon connections, I discuss four overarching psalmic themes which also appear in the Book of Mormon: tender mercies, the hazards of pit-digging, the sorrows of death and pains of hell, and the importance of approaching God with broken hearts and contrite spirits.
Psalms 1-10
1. The Tree and the Chaff 2. The Begotten Son 3. David's Deliverance from Absalom 4. Gladness in My Heart 5. Morning Prayer 6. Watering the Couch with Tears 7. God Trieth the Hearts and Reins 8. A Little Lower than the Angels 9. Sunk in Their Own Pit 10. Why Standest Thou Afar Off?
“With Anxious Expectation”
The Lord told Joseph Smith that ancient prophets had looked forward with “anxious anticipation,” foreseeing a dramatic expansion of knowledge in our day. Since they had a particular interest in our time, we should rejoice to be alive today, and take full advantage of the tools and opportunities God has placed in our hands.
“Thus Shall My Church Be Called”
Jesus revealed the name of His church in 1838. He declared, "Thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." We honor Him and affirm our discipleship by using the full name of the Church.
Devouring Fire and Divine Mercy
In a revelation to Joseph Smith, the Lord warned that the “great and abominable church” would be cast down by "devouring fire." Echoing visions of Ezekiel and Nephi, this fire symbolizes both judgment and mercy—a pleading from God to the wayward. God loves all of His children and He defends those who follow Him.
“In Their Own Snare”
The Lord taught Joseph Smith that you can't justify dishonesty by arguing that your victim is also dishonest. He said that the devil causes us "to catch [ourselves] in [our] own snare." Those who attempt to deceive others only harm themselves in the end.
“Little Flock”
Jesus said that where two or three are gathered in His name, He is with them. He reiterated that promise to a "little flock" in Harmony, Pennsylvania, consisting of two people: Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. God's work is not a numbers game. Small groups can do great things with His power and guidance.
How to Recognize the Holy Ghost
God taught Oliver Cowdery four principles about personal revelation which can help us recognize messages from God: 1. Messages from God enlighten us. 2. Messages from God dispel fear and build faith. 3. God speaks to both our mind and our heart. 4. The Spirit of God confirms positive choices with positive feelings.