After delivering her son to Eli the priest, Hannah offers a psalm of praise which might sound self-congratulatory. The Book of Mormon missionary Ammon helps us recognize that she is boasting in God, not in herself. In her psalm, Hannah distinguishes between those who rely upon God and those who try to go it alone.
We Are Well Able: Caleb and Joshua
Twelve scouts saw the same promised land. Ten saw walled cities and said, "We can't do it." Two saw milk and honey and said, "We are well able." When challenges come, recognize the positive signs, keep the negative in perspective, and trust that God can help you achieve worthy goals.
Ammon’s Dayenu
The Hebrew song Dayenu helps us to recognize the cumulative nature of God's blessings. It also helps us develop a greater contentment and a deeper sense of being loved, as we recognize that many of the blessings we receive are wonderful but not essential. Ammon echoes this pattern at the end of his fourteen-year mission.
A Prayer of Praise and Thanksgiving
The Lord advised the early Saints to offer prayers of "praise and thanksgiving." Thanksgiving is informed joy, with an awareness of its source. Praise is generalized gratitude, directed to the Giver of joy. The two are complementary. We can thank God for specific blessings and acknowledge Him as the ultimate Giver of all good gifts.
Don’t Pollute Your Inheritance
Church members in Missouri lost their homes because "they polluted their inheritances." So many of the blessings we enjoy are unearned — bequeathed to us by other people or by God. We "pollute" those gifts when we neglect them or use them in a way that is contrary to the intent of the giver.
“My Strange Act”
Isaiah prophesied that God would perform a "strange act." The Lord reiterated this prophecy in modern revelation. Scriptures teach that being in unfamiliar places and working with people from different backgrounds can unlock God's blessings. The Savior invites us all into one covenant family and urges church members to welcome new converts with open hearts.
A More Exceeding and Eternal Weight of Glory
God's promised rewards are both greater (more exceeding) and longer-lasting (eternal) than our current sufferings. While it's hard to maintain perspective during difficult experiences, we can remember the faith of Ammon and his brothers, who found extraordinary joy after enduring significant suffering.
“The Laborer Is Worthy of His Hire”
God loves hard work. Jesus taught that the laborer is worthy of his hire. Missionaries like Alma and the sons of Mosiah received eternal rewards for their service. God promised two rewards to Thomas B. Marsh for his service: forgiveness of sins and joy with those whom he served.
Preface to Four Revelations, April-May 1829
Four revelations received by Joseph Smith on behalf of different people have nearly identical openings. These openings are derived from combinations of biblical passages, all of which appear in some form in the Book of Mormon. Here is how I would paraphrase the message of this recurring introduction: Big things are about to happen, so pay close attention to what I'm about to say: People are ready to hear the gospel and if you work hard, you will find success in sharing it. I will answer your prayers, so ask me for help.
A Job Description for Servants of God
Doctrine and Covenants 4 reads like a job description. It states the need, the expectations, the compensation, and two lists of qualifications. We don't need all of those qualifications to get started. With God's help, we can develop them as we serve.