Faith in God can begin with a sense of wonder at His creations. Nephi, Benjamin, Ammon and Aaron, Jesus, and Moroni all emphasized the Creation as a basis for belief in God.
Land of Promise, Land of Liberty
Lehi told his sons that their new land of promise was a land of liberty, and that they would be free as long as they remained righteous. Freedom doesn't mean absolution from accountability. It means autonomy within the constraints of the law.
Seed
After studying the brass plates, Lehi's thoughts turned to his "seed." His invitation to Ishmael and his tree of life dream were both related to this focus. Like Lehi, we can think about the impact of our current decisions on future generations.
The Mysteries of God
Nephi proactively sought knowledge through prayer. His brothers also had a spiritual experience, as their father taught them with spiritual power. But Nephi's experience was more durable. Why? Because it came as a result of his own efforts and desire.
The Promise and the Law
Abraham received promises long before God gave the Law of Moses to his descendants. Here's the lesson for us: God makes promises to us when we believe in Him. Then, He teaches us how to receive those blessings.
The Eleventh Hour
One message of the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard is that it's never too late for us. God is not only willing to bless us, He is eager to do so. He loves us and delights in extending grace to us, especially when we don't think we deserve it.
Crumbs
When Jesus declined a Phoenician woman's request with an unflattering metaphor, she cleverly found a way to insert her request into His imagery: "The dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." The Savior rewarded this humble persistence.
Family Revelation
Raising children is too hard to do alone and requires more knowledge than any parents have. Like Joseph and Mary or Lehi and Sariah, we can receive revelation from God about how to lead our families "in love and righteousness."
Dreams and Visions
The prophet Joel foretold a time when people of all ages and economic statuses would receive revelation in abundance: I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my... Continue Reading →
Hardened Hearts
Why would the leader of a nation continue to pursue a harmful course of action in the face of increasing punishments? I'm not talking about Vladimir Putin's ongoing invasion of Ukraine in spite of severe international sanctions; I'm talking about Pharaoh's unwillingness to let the Israelites go free while his country was pummeled by plagues.... Continue Reading →