As Jesus approached a paralyzed man lying near the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem, He asked an unusual question: "Wilt thou be made whole?" (John 5:6). The answer seems obvious. People with physical ailments gathered at that pool specifically because they believed in its healing powers. But Jesus wanted to gauge the man's willingness and... Continue Reading →
“I Pray That He’ll Use Us”
In a video about the Church's efforts to provide training for neonatal medical professionals in developing countries, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, "Prayers are answered in great measure...by God using other people. Well, I pray that He'll use us. I pray that we'll be the answer to people's prayers." (See "Video: Saving Babies from Becoming... Continue Reading →
“Put Off Thy Shoes”
When God appeared to Moses "in the midst of a bush" on Mount Horeb, He said, "put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground" (Exodus 3:5). This action was a meaningful metaphor for the purity we seek as we approach God. By virtue of living in this world, we all pick... Continue Reading →
“Behold the Seer”
MUSTAFA: Do you know what you would like this evening, sir?EGO: Yes, I think I do.... You know what I'm craving? A little perspective.Ratatouille (2007), screenplay by Brad Bird There was a lot to be unhappy about in the time of Enoch. Just six generations after the Fall of Adam and Eve, people had largely... Continue Reading →
How Can I Recognize the Voice of the Lord?
In his first talk as president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Russell M. Nelson pleaded with us to "increase [our] spiritual capacity to receive revelation" ("Revelation for the Church, Revelation for our Lives," General Conference, April 2018). Two years later, he said, "I renew my plea for you to do whatever it takes... Continue Reading →
Words of Comfort and Encouragement from Isaiah
This morning, as I studied 2 Nephi 16-20 (Isaiah 6-10), a number of phrases caught my attention. Here they are and why they are meaningful to me: "Here am I; send me" (2 Nephi 16:8). When Isaiah heard that help was needed, he volunteered immediately and enthusiastically. I would like to be that quick to... Continue Reading →
How Can I Be Healed?
Jesus Christ is the Master Healer. After the destruction which coincided with His death and resurrection, while the people mourned their lost loved ones, they heard the Savior's voice announcing all of the cities which had been destroyed. After enumerating the losses, which indicated that He was fully aware of the scale of the calamity,... Continue Reading →
Which of Isaiah’s Writings Are Quoted in the Book of Mormon?
About a third of the book of Isaiah (21 out of 66 chapters) is quoted in the Book of Mormon. Here is a list of those chapters with a brief description of each: Isaiah 2 (2 Nephi 12) - There will be a great division in the last days: Many people will ascend to God's... Continue Reading →
Mine Eyes Have Seen the King – 2 Nephi 16:1, 5
1 In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.... 5 Then said I: Wo is unto me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips; and I dwell in the midst of a... Continue Reading →
Be Converted and Be Healed – 2 Nephi 16:9-10
9 And he said: Go and tell this people—Hear ye indeed, but they understood not; and see ye indeed, but they perceived not. 10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes—lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart,... Continue Reading →
Book of Mormon Study Notes 