101: No Wicked Thing 102: Thou Art the Same 103: As a Father 104: How Manifold Are Thy Works! 105: He Hath Remembered His Covenant 106: They Soon Forgat His Works 107: Oh That Men Would Praise the Lord! 108: My Heart Is Fixed 109: Let Them Curse, but Bless Thou 110:The Order of Melchizedek
Ezra Had Prepared His Heart
Ezra prepared his heart to lead his people in renewing their relationship with God by (1) seeking to understand God's law, (2) following it, and (3) teaching what he learned. Book of Mormon prophets, including Nephi, Enos, and Alma, followed the same pattern: Learn, Act, Share.
If the Lord Be God, Follow Him
Why weren't the Israelites permanently converted to God after seeing Elijah call down fire from heaven? For the same reason that Elijah didn't find God in the wind, earthquake, or fire. Miracles may show us God's power, but listening to the still small voice brings us closer to Him.
As for Me and My House…
When the Young Women theme was revised in 2019, strengthening home and family was rephrased as something to do now instead of something to prepare to do. A footnote referenced Joshua's pledge, "as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Regardless of our role in our family, we can strengthen one another.
Rahab: Favored of God
Nephi taught that God destroyed the Canaanites because of their wickedness but that He is fair to all of His children: "He that is righteous is favored of God." Rahab is a case in point. A harlot living in Jericho, she was delivered from destruction after demonstrating courageous faith in the God of the Israelites.
The Brass Serpent
Book of Mormon prophets derived multiple lessons from the story of the brass serpent. Nephi taught that we shouldn't reject simple solutions. Alma added that we shouldn't be too sure of our doubts. And another prophet named Nephi emphasized that we too can be healed by looking up to Christ.
A Peculiar Treasure
After delivering the Israelites from slavery, leading them through the Red Sea, and providing food and water in the wilderness, God invited them to deepen their relationship with Him. Nephi explained that God delivered them in response to His covenants with their ancestors. Now, He invited them to enter their own covenant relationship with Him.
Bread from Heaven
God promised Israel "bread from heaven." The Israelites called it "manna," which means "what is it?" It sustained them for forty years, but as Jesus explained, this bread was symbolic of the true Bread, which offers us eternal life. Each week, as we partake of the sacrament, we remember Him, our Bread from heaven.
A Way for Moses, a Way for Nephi, and a Way for the Jaredites
God helped Moses, Nephi, and the Jaredites all to cross large bodies of water. He helped them each in a different way, tailored to their needs and circumstances. God will always provide a way for us to accomplish His purposes, but it isn't always the same way, so we need to be adaptable.
Stand Still, and See the Salvation of the Lord
Nephi strengthened his brothers' faith by reminding them of multiple miracles God performed on behalf of their ancestors: parting the Red Sea, providing manna, and bringing water from a rock. As we remember these events, our faith can also be strengthened, so that we can invite miracles into our lives.