To consecrate something is to make it sacred, to set it apart for a holy purpose (Merriam-Webster's Dictionary). The opposite is to desecrate something, which means literally to "divest it of [its] sacred character," or to "treat it with sacrilege" (Online Etymology Dictionary). In the Book of Mormon, the word consecrate is used several ways: Priests... Continue Reading →
What Can We Learn About Prayer From Nephi?
Near the end of his second book, the prophet Nephi pleads with us to pray. He tells us that we should "pray always, and not faint." He counsels us not to do anything without asking God to consecrate our actions "for the welfare of [our souls]" (2 Nephi 32:9). Nephi's sincerity is credible because prayer... Continue Reading →
I Esteem It as of Great Worth – 2 Nephi 33:2-3
2 But behold, there are many that harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit, that it hath no place in them; wherefore, they cast many things away which are written and esteem them as things of naught. 3 But I, Nephi, have written what I have written, and I esteem it as of great worth,... Continue Reading →
If There Are Faults – Title Page
And now, if there are faults they are the mistakes of men; wherefore, condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the judgment-seat of Christ. (Title Page of the Book of Mormon) It's easy to criticize. Our brains seem to be wired to focus on things that aren't quite right... Continue Reading →
Mine Eyes Water My Pillow – 2 Nephi 33:2-3
2 But behold, there are many that harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit, that it hath no place in them; wherefore, they cast many things away which are written and esteem them as things of naught. 3 But I, Nephi, have written what I have written, and I esteem it as of great worth,... Continue Reading →
The Lord God Will Consecrate My Prayers – 2 Nephi 33:4
4 And I know that the Lord God will consecrate my prayers for the gain of my people. And the words which I have written in weakness will be made strong unto them; for it persuadeth them to do good; it maketh known unto them of their fathers; and it speaketh of Jesus, and persuadeth... Continue Reading →
Mine Eyes Water My Pillow by Night – 2 Nephi 33:3-4
3 But I, Nephi, have written what I have written, and I esteem it as of great worth, and especially unto my people. For I pray continually for them by day, and mine eyes water my pillow by night, because of them; and I cry unto my God in faith, and I know that he... Continue Reading →
I Pray Continually for Them – 2 Nephi 33:3
3 But I, Nephi, have written what I have written, and I esteem it as of great worth, and especially unto my people. For I pray continually for them by day, and mine eyes water my pillow by night, because of them; and I cry unto my God in faith, and I know that he... Continue Reading →
They Cast Many Things Away – 2 Nephi 33:2
2 But behold, there are many that harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit, that it hath no place in them; wherefore, they cast many things away which are written and esteem them as things of naught.(2 Nephi 33:2)In statistics, when you are evaluating the truth or falsehood of a statement, you can make two... Continue Reading →
The Words Which I Have Written in Weakness Shall Be Made Strong – 2 Nephi 33:4
4 And I know that the Lord God will consecrate my prayers for the gain of my people. And the words which I have written in weakness will be made strong unto them; for it persuadeth them to do good; it maketh known unto them of their fathers; and it speaketh of Jesus, and persuadeth... Continue Reading →