From the earliest generations, people have kept books of remembrance—spiritual records which remind people of their ancestors and reinforce their faith in God. We can also feel a sense of belonging and build our faith by reviewing memories of our ancestors.
Two Trees: Lehi on Opposition and Agency
Lehi views the explusion of Eden not as a tragic loss but as a decision which enabled agency. Eve and Adam chose a bitter fruit which introduced sorrow and death, but which opened the door for the Mediator to offer happiness and life.
Scripture Searching
When Lehi received the brass plates, "He did search them from the beginning." We don't always have to know what we're looking for. Often, the best question is simply, "What does God want me to learn from the scriptures today?"
God Will Prepare a Way
God allows us to be tempted, but He also provides a way for us to overcome temptations. He gives us assignments, but He also prepares a way for us to fulfill them. The surprises in our lives don't surprise Him, and He's ready to help us through them.
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."
Nothing Shall Be Impossible
People who have faith have a healthy dose of skepticism when they are told that something can't be done. My son and I spent the morning yesterday moving furniture donated to Catholic Charities on behalf of refugees. We picked up the furniture at people's homes, loaded it onto a moving truck, and then unloaded it... Continue Reading →
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 →
Finding Favor
Luke tells us that as a young man, "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man" (Luke 2:52). He was following in the footsteps of his mother. The angel Gabriel had assured her, "Thou hast found favour with God" (Luke 1:28-30). What is God's favor, and how can we find... Continue Reading →
Your Birthright
Esau sold his birthright for a mess of pottage (Genesis 25:29-34). We all know this. We might have to be reminded that "pottage" is a soup or a stew and that the original meaning of "mess" was a meal. But what's a birthright? The word only appears ten times in the Bible, always referring to... Continue Reading →
The Raven, the Dove, and the Olive Leaf, or How Did Noah Know?
After being confined to the ark for many months, Noah and his family must have been anxious for freedom. About five months after they entered the ark, it rested on a mountaintop (Genesis 8:4). A little more than two months later, the tops of some nearby mountains became visible (Genesis 8:5). Noah now faced a... Continue Reading →