Near the end of King David's life, he called together all the leaders of his people, announced that his son Solomon would be king, and urged them to build the temple under Solomon's leadership. The people willingly donated the materials required to construct it. While the congregation was still together, David offered a prayer which... Continue Reading →
“Thy Kingdom Come”
In the Sermon on the Mount, the Savior gave us an example of an effective prayer. Today, we refer to it as the Lord's Prayer. It was recorded by Matthew (Matthew 6:9–13) and by Luke (Luke 11:1–4), with some differences between the two versions. Jesus also delivered this sermon on the American continent, and so... Continue Reading →
“A Little Sin” – 2 Nephi 28:8
The prophet Nephi identified two common strategies the devil uses to tempt us: Strategy #1: Don't worry about the future. Yea, and there shall be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us.2 Nephi 28:7 (See also Isaiah 22:13, Luke 12:16-21.) It is good... Continue Reading →
“If Thine Eye Be Single” – 3 Nephi 13:22
Jesus said, "The light of the body is the eye." Therefore, He added, "if...thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light." But He added this warning: "If thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness" (Matthew 6:22-23, 3 Nephi 13:22-23). The Greek word translated as "single" in... Continue Reading →
Behold the Fowls, Consider the Lilies – 3 Nephi 13:28
In the middle of the Sermon on the Mount, the Savior teaches a principle using two examples from nature: "Behold the fowls of the air" (3 Nephi 13:26, Matthew 6:26)."Consider the lilies of the field" (3 Nephi 13:28, Matthew 6:28). What does He want us to notice about birds and flowers? They don't perform a... Continue Reading →
Would God Lead Us Into Temptation?
During the Lord's Prayer, which the Savior gave as an example of how we should pray, He makes the following request: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil (Matthew 6:13, Luke 11:4, 3 Nephi 13:12). The words are the same all three times this prayer appears in the scriptures: twice in... Continue Reading →
What Are the Purposes of Fasting?
Yesterday, I wrote about how the Savior's sacrifice sanctifies us—makes us holy. I also wrote that we receive the blessings of that sacrifice by offering our own sacrifices to him in a spirit of humility and contrition. Today, I've studied a specific kind of sacrifice which both predated the Savior's atonement and continues today: fasting.... Continue Reading →
How Can I Be More Forgiving?
Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Nephi's brothers treat him very badly. As they travel with the family of Ishmael to their camp in the wilderness, the brothers become angry with Nephi, tie him up, and threaten to leave him to die in the wilderness. Nephi prays for help, and God gives him... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to Seek the Kingdom of God?
King Benjamin taught his people an important principle which he learned from an angel: the only way to overcome the unrighteous tendencies of our mortal bodies is to be willing to submit to our Heavenly Father in all things. (See Mosiah 3:19). When Jesus Christ visited the American continent after His death and resurrection, He... Continue Reading →
What Can We Learn from the Lord’s Prayer?
During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave His disciples an example of a good prayer. "After this manner therefore pray ye," He said: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.... Continue Reading →