Like his sons, Jacob was bothered by Joseph's dreams. But after initially rebuking him, Jacob "observed the saying." Mary, similarly, pondered the words of twelve-year-old Jesus after initially being frustrated. We can follow their examples by thinking carefully about the things our children say, especially when those things hurt or seem wrong.
Abraham the Intercessor
God told Abimelech that Abraham was a prophet and would pray for him. Prophets pray for the people they serve. When Abraham prayed for Abimelech’s household, God healed them. In that moment, the covenant promise began to unfold: through Abraham, all families of the earth would be blessed.
“I Will Be in the Midst of You”
After the Savior's resurrection, He stood "in the midst" of His apostles in Jerusalem and later "in the midst" of a large multitude in the Americas. When He returns to the earth, He will be in our midst. We will not only know He has returned; we will feel close to Him.
“Take Especial Care of Your Family”
God told Brigham Young to “take especial care of your family.” That counsel still stands today. President Dallin H. Oaks recently reminded us that family work, recreation, and learning are sacred priorities. When we turn off distractions, we will find sufficient time to fulfill our family responsibilities.
They Without Us
The author of Hebrews taught that our ancestors can't be made perfect without us, and Joseph Smith added that we can't be made perfect without them. Jesus told the people at Bountiful that His joy was full as He saw their faith. Perfect joy is relational.
To Have the Heavens Opened
The Melchizedek Priesthood enables us to have the heavens opened to us. Numerous visions in the scriptures are described as the heavens being opened, but it can also happen in more quiet, personal ways, enabling us to receive knowledge, commune with God, and participate in His miraculous work.
Bringing Up Our Children in Light and Truth
God commanded us to bring up our children in light and truth. Children have a natural ability to receive light. We can help them continue to receive it by encouraging them to live with integrity, simplify their lives, and participate in activities which bring them closer to God.
The Lord Hath Brought Again Zion
The millenial hymn in Doctrine and Covenants 84:99-102 conveys the joy we will feel when the Savior returns. It acknowledges the roles of grace and covenants. It lists blessings which we will enjoy. It delights in the earth's triumph. And it praises God, listing nine of His divine attributes, including mercy.
Biblical References in Doctrine and Covenants 76
The revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 76 was prompted by meditation about a single Bible verse, but it contains an enormous number of biblical paraphrases and allusions. The revelation demonstrates the unity of God's word as revealed to many prophets and apostles throughout history.
My Advocate, My Accuser
John assures sinners that Jesus is our Advocate. Like a defense attorney, He highlights our strengths, while Satan, the Accuser, magnifies our flaws. Which voice do you listen to? Sister Tamara W. Runia suggests that we imagine Jesus praying for us. What would He say, and how does that help us see ourselves more accurately?