The Hebrew word mauz (מָעוֹז) means a place of safety or protection. In the King James Version of the Bible, it is usually translated "strength," sometimes "rock," "fortress" or "fort," and once, in the book of Nahum, it is translated "strong hold:" The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them... Continue Reading →
Building a Wall
Walls are useful. I spend most days in a room surrounded by four walls and a ceiling, which shields me from adverse weather while eliminating (I think) a lot of distractions. Walls and fences can delineate land that is intended for a specific use. Walls can also serve a decorative function, allowing us to hang... Continue Reading →
King-Men and Freedom of Speech
Words matter. Words have an impact, for good or for evil. Jesus said, "Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give an account thereof in the day of judgment" (Matthew 12:36). And Alma warned the people of Ammonihah, some of whom were guilty of deceiving others, "Our words will condemn us" (Alma 12:24).... Continue Reading →
“Prepare Ye, Prepare Ye”
In the first section of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord speaks of "the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth," and He foretells a time when "peace shall be taken from the earth" (Doctrine and Covenants 1:17, 35). But in the same chapter, He provides the following counsel: "Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is... Continue Reading →
“There Never Was a Happier Time…” – Alma 50:23
After successfully fending off an attempted invasion by the Lamanites, Moroni and his people immediately got busy fortifying their cities further and preparing for the next attack. During this time of uncertainty and hard work, Mormon tells us that their emotional state was unexpectedly positive: But behold there never was a happier time among the... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Provident Living?
Shortly after the death of Lehi, the first prophet in the Book of Mormon, the animosity between his children became more severe. One of the sons, Nephi, was warned by the Lord to take his family and anyone who wanted to go with him and depart into the wilderness because his life was in danger... Continue Reading →
What Is the Significance of God’s Promise to Nephi?
Like the prophet Abraham, Nephi received a conditional promise from the Lord with an intergenerational impact. After the Lord commanded his father, Lehi, to abandon their home in Jerusalem and "depart into the wilderness" with his family, Nephi's brothers were angry. Nephi must have also been unhappy about the sudden change, but he prayed, and... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Self-Reliance?
A core message of the Book of Mormon is that we are nothing compared with God. King Benjamin reminded his people that God created them, and that he preserves them from day to day "by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you... Continue Reading →
Being a Man of Much Passion – Alma 50:29-31
29 Therefore, Morianton put it into their hearts that they should flee to the land which was northward, which was covered with large bodies of water, and take possession of the land which was northward. 30 And behold, they would have carried this plan into effect, (which would have been a cause to have been... Continue Reading →
How Merciful and Just Are All the Dealings of the Lord – Alma 50:19-23
19 And thus we see how merciful and just are all the dealings of the Lord, to the fulfilling of all his words unto the children of men; yea, we can behold that his words are verified, even at this time, which he spake unto Lehi, saying:20 Blessed art thou and thy children; and they... Continue Reading →