Eight of the 39 books in the Old Testament were definitely in the brass plates, and another 16 may have been included. For Book of Mormon prophets, the brass plates were an essential part of their identity: connecting them to intergenerational covenants, testifying of the Savior, and bringing them closer to God.
Unspotted
James urges us to keep ourselves unspotted from the world. In modern revelation, the Lord explains that regular worship enables us to "more fully" keep ourselves unspotted. Moroni describes a process in which we intentionally "deny [ourselves] of all ungodliness," inviting God's grace to sanctify us, so that we eventually "become holy, without spot."
Unclean Lips
When Isaiah saw God, he felt out of place because he was "a man of unclean lips" who lived among "people of unclean lips. We should strive to communicate in a way that invites the Spirit of the Lord to be with us. When we fall short, God can purify us.
The Throne of God
Isaiah, Lehi, and John all saw God sitting on a throne, surrounded by heavenly beings who were praising Him. These visions can help us worship more reverently. We can be grateful for His supremacy and for His empowering influence in our lives.
“I Shall Be Healed”
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 →