Four Old Testament prophecies quoted by Moroni to Joseph Smith teach us how to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ: 1. Strengthen families with priesthood power 2. Gather Israel and preach the gospel 3. Hear Him 4. Receive personal revelation
“The Lord Is Nigh”
In 1831, the Savior warned, "Prepare ye...for the Lord is nigh." If the Savior's return was "nigh" in 1831, it must be even more imminent today. President Russell M. Nelson has urged us to prepare by learning about the Atonement of Jesus Christ each week.
What Do You Delight In?
Mormon said his people "delighted in everything save that which is good." When we delight in something, we immerse ourselves in it and savor it. So what delights you, and how can you adjust your actions and attitudes to be more delighted by good things?
Chronicling My Life
When I was in high school, I discovered something about note-taking. When I write something down, I remember it. I retain new information better when I carefully record it, even if I never look at my notes again. We write for many reasons, including to connect with other people, to share important information, and to... Continue Reading →
The Zeal of Thine House
Jesus felt strongly about treating the temple with reverence. When He drove out the moneychangers, His apostles remembered the words of David, "The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up." Our reverence for the temple reflects our reverence for God.
How Did Jesus Use the Scriptures?
Jesus knew the scriptures. As a twelve-year-old boy, he impressed the experienced teachers in the temple at Jerusalem with his insight and understanding. (See Luke 2:46-47.) He publicly announced that He was the Messiah by quoting Isaiah 61:1-2 in the synagogue at Nazareth. (See Luke 4:18-19.) And at the end of His life, as He... Continue Reading →
“Ye Sons of Jacob”
Elder Dale G. Renlund taught, "When God directs us to do one thing, He often has many purposes in mind. Family history and temple work is not only for the dead but blesses the living as well" ("Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing," General Conference, April 2018). The prophet Malachi understood this principle.... Continue Reading →
One Father, One God
The prophet Malachi asks a rhetorical question: "Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us?" Most people would agree that we are all children of God. But Malachi's follow-up question is much more challenging: "Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother?" (Malachi 2:10). In the next chapter, Malachi declares that when... Continue Reading →
He Shall Purify
Malachi's people were guilty of negligence and carelessness in their religious observances. After calling the people to repentance, the prophet had some specific words of correction for the priests: "I have sent you this warning so that my covenant with Levi may continue,” says the Lord Almighty.“ My covenant was with him, a covenant of life and... Continue Reading →
The Sons of Jacob
Jacob had twelve sons. Each of them was unique, with his own strengths and weaknesses. In the Genesis narrative, as each son is born, we learn not only their name but also the significance of the name to Rachel or Leah (Genesis 29:32-35, Genesis 30:1-24, Genesis 35:18). Some of these boys were their literal children,... Continue Reading →