In 2 Nephi, we learn that God will consecrate our afflictions, our performances, and our prayers for our benefit. We usually think of consecration as something we do, but we know that God can turn our offerings into something of far greater value.
The Title Page and Nephi
Although Moroni wrote the Title Page of the Book of Mormon, he was heavily influenced by Nephi. In this post, I show many parallel phrases between the Title Page and Nephi's words. From start to end, the Book of Mormon has a consistent message and purpose
Think Celestial!
Paul urged the Colossians to prioritize heavenly goals over earthly desires. This message is echoed in the teachings of Jesus and the Book of Mormon. President Russell M. Nelson has invited us to "think celestial," framing decisions in an eternal context.
Learning from General Conference
Twice a year, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gather for a global two-day conference. Here are some principles from the apostle Paul to help us prepare to participate in general conference.
Charity
Charity means recognizing things that are valuable and treating them accordingly. Jesus gave His life for us because He had charity for us: He recognized our value. We must emulate Him in that way to receive the blessings He has prepared for us.
Out of the Dust
What do you do when you feel like you're not being heard or understood? In the middle of a prophecy about the restoration of the gospel, just before introducing the symbolism of a sealed book, the prophet Isaiah shared an image which became meaningful to the writers of the Book of Mormon: Thou shalt be... Continue Reading →
“Faithful in All My House”
What exactly was Moses' role? The people saw him performing miracles on their behalf. He gave them laws to govern their behavior, and he prescribed specific patterns of worship. Yet his goal was always to bring them closer to God, not to stand between them and God. "Enviest thou for my sake?" he asked when... Continue Reading →
Affection
When Enoch saw God weeping, he asked how it was possible for a perfect Being to feel sorrow. God explained by emphasizing the gap between His hopes for His children and their actual behavior: Unto thy brethren have I said, and also given commandment, that they should love one another, and that they should choose me, their... Continue Reading →
“Slow of Speech”
Enoch was shocked when God called him to preach the gospel. "Why is it," he asked, "that I have found favor in thy sight, and am but a lad, and all the people hate me; for I am slow of speech; wherefore am I thy servant?" (Moses 6:31). Communication effectiveness can't be measured, and it's easy to be hypercritical as... Continue Reading →
Glory
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory.Psalm 24:9-10 What is glory? The word appears 225 times in the King James Version of the Old Testament,... Continue Reading →