When the prophet Samuel was old, he tried to appoint his sons to succeed him as leaders over Israel. But the Israelites were not willing to follow his sons, and they requested that he appoint a king. Samuel was troubled. He didn't think it wise to give one person that much power, and he thought... Continue Reading →
Jacob, Ammon, and the Prodigal Son
What could be more joyful than to be with loved ones? And when you've been separated for a time, how joyful is your reunion? After more than twenty years apart from his twin brother, Esau was enthusiastic to see him again. He had been angry the last time they were together, but his heart had... Continue Reading →
Finding Favor
Luke tells us that as a young man, "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man" (Luke 2:52). He was following in the footsteps of his mother. The angel Gabriel had assured her, "Thou hast found favour with God" (Luke 1:28-30). What is God's favor, and how can we find... Continue Reading →
“Whatsoever God Hath Said Unto Thee, Do.”
It takes faith to act on revelation we have received. It also takes faith to act on revelation received by someone else. When Jacob told Leah and Rachel that an angel had instructed them to move, they responded favorably. As difficult as it might have been to leave their home, they responded, "Whatsoever God hath... Continue Reading →
“Inquire of the Lord”
The Book of Mormon contains many stories of people taking questions to God in prayer and receiving answers. Here are some examples: Lehi prayed to know where his son Nephi should go to hunt for food for the family (1 Nephi 16:23-26).Jacob prayed to know what he should do about the "wicked practices" he began... Continue Reading →
“I Inquired of the Lord” – Moroni 8:7
When Mormon learned that there was some disputation in the church relating to baptism, he was concerned. When the Savior had visited the American continent, He had emphasized the importance of unity in the performance of baptisms. "Thus shall ye baptize," He had said. "And there shall be no disputations among you, as there have... Continue Reading →
“Swallowed Up” – Alma 27:28
Isaiah prophesied that God would "swallow up death in victory" (Isaiah 25:8). Aaron borrowed this terminology when he taught the king of the Lamanites that Christ would "[break] the bands of death,,,and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory" (Alma 22:14). This was more than a theoretical concept.... Continue Reading →
Burying My Weapons
The Anti-Nephi-Lehies, who were converted to the gospel by the preaching of the sons of Mosiah, decided as a group to renounce violence. Encouraged by their king, they buried their weapons as a symbol of their commitment to live differently (Alma 24:6-19). The buried weapons had a very literal consequence for them shortly afterward. They... Continue Reading →
“Swallowed Up in Christ” – Mosiah 16:8
I've been thinking today about Abinadi's testimony that "the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ" (Mosiah 16:8). Abinadi was likely familiar with Isaiah's prophecy that the Lord would one day "swallow up death in victory" (Isaiah 25:8). He knew that this passage referred to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because of His resurrection,... Continue Reading →
How Can I Be a Better Missionary?
One of my daughters returned home last week from serving as a full-time missionary in Brazil. As we have heard about her experiences and seen first-hand her enthusiasm to continue sharing the gospel with others, I've asked myself this question: What can I do to be a better missionary? To answer this question, I've thought... Continue Reading →
Book of Mormon Study Notes 