When King Mosiah introduced a new form of government, he distinguished between the law and the people who administer it. The problem with monarchy is that it is too easy for the king to change the law (Mosiah 29:22-23). But when leaders are chosen by "the voice of the people," they can be held accountable... Continue Reading →
What Should I Do When I Feel Guilty?
Today, I spent some time looking at the passages in the Book of Mormon that talk about guilt. Here is what I learned: There is a human tendency to suppress feelings of guilt. We know intuitively when we have done something wrong, but because feelings of guilt are unpleasant, we often ignore or deny them... Continue Reading →
What Can We Learn from the Prayers Recorded in the Book of Mormon?
Today, I reviewed all of the prayers I could find in the Book of Mormon. I specifically looked at actual prayers which are quoted word for word, not prayers which are merely mentioned, and not sample prayers given for teaching purposes. I also excluded very short statements directed to God, such as Enos's question,"Lord, how... Continue Reading →
Our Work Is Not Yet Finished – Alma 14:12-13
12 Now Amulek said unto Alma: Behold, perhaps they will burn us also.13 And Alma said: Be it according to the will of the Lord. But, behold, our work is not finished; therefore they burn us not.(Alma 14:12-13)We all know that we have limited control over our lives. King Benjamin taught his people that God... Continue Reading →
Even Until the Last – Alma 14:24-25
24 And the chief judge stood before them, and smote them again, and said unto them: If ye have the power of God deliver yourselves from these bands, and then we will believe that the Lord will destroy this people according to your words.25 And it came to pass that they all went forth and... Continue Reading →
Alma 14:11 The Spirit Constraineth Me That I Must Not Stretch Forth Mine Hand
11 But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their... Continue Reading →