God didn't just bless Abraham. He also empowered him to bless others. As we serve individuals and families within our sphere of influence, we contribute to God's work of uplifting all of His children, one individual and one family at a time.
Inheriting the Covenant, Part 2: Jacob’s Three-Stage Journey
Jacob received Abraham's covenant in stages. In a patriarchal blessing, his father promised posterity and divine advocacy. When he left home, his father added the promise of land. And God Himself provided the crowning blessing: "In thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed."
Numberless
Awe inspires humility. It can also build faith. God showed Abraham, Moses, Lehi, and Nephi the vastness of His creations and emphasized to Abraham and Nephi the enormity of their own posterity. This awareness can empower us to trust Him and do our work with greater confidence.
The Lord Hath Brought Again Zion
The millenial hymn in Doctrine and Covenants 84:99-102 conveys the joy we will feel when the Savior returns. It acknowledges the roles of grace and covenants. It lists blessings which we will enjoy. It delights in the earth's triumph. And it praises God, listing nine of His divine attributes, including mercy.
“What Are We to Understand?” – How Doctrine and Covenants 77 Helps Us Ask Better Questions
Doctrine and Covenants 77 consists of fifteen questions Joseph Smith asked about the book of Revelation and the answers he received from God. We can learn from the questions to discover what God wants to teach us today, to place insights in context, and to share our hypotheses with God.
New Testament References in Doctrine and Covenants 63
Seven references to New Testament passages in Doctrine and Covenants 38 send an important message: Sincere discipleship prepares us to be with the Savior. Don't seek signs, succumb to lust, or break the law. Trust that He will transfigure the world and glorify those who follow Him.
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.
Old Testament Prophecies of the Second Coming
Four Old Testament prophecies quoted by Moroni to Joseph Smith teach us how to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ: 1. Strengthen families with priesthood power 2. Gather Israel and preach the gospel 3. Hear Him 4. Receive personal revelation
A Book of Mormon Nativity
To celebrate Christmas Day, I created a nativity scene using Book of Mormon scriptures.