Job frequently interrupts his speeches to his friends with prayers to God. His prayers are raw and candid, reflecting his feelings as he suffered. But when God finally speaks to him, Job answers humbly. We can speak openly to God, and we should be prepared to receive His guidance when it comes.
A Giving and Receiving Heart
During a severe famine, Elijah was sent to a widow who was unusually generous. Alma was similarly led to Amulek, who invited him into his home and fed him. Both the widow and Amulek were blessed abundantly. An open heart that is willing to give is also able to receive.
Responsive Remnants: Patterns of Righteousness in Sodom and Ammonihah
God promised to spare Sodom if He could find ten righteous people. What did He mean? Evil was rampant in the city, but surely not everyone was equally bad or good. The answer is surprisingly simple: Send messengers and see who is willing to listen. Responsiveness, not perfection, is the measure of righteousness.
The Savior’s Instructions to Missionaries, Ancient and Modern
The Lord's instructions to missionaries in Doctrine and Covenants 84 mirror His instructions to His ancient apostles: Avoid distractions. Trust me to provide the things you need. Those who receive you will be rewarded. If someone rejects you, move on and keep working.
“Sweet Evidence”
Mormon taught that we must be clean to experience miracles. Jacob testified that this is possible through God's grace. The Book of Mormon and modern revelation testify that assurance of God's favor often precedes new revelation. The companionship of the Holy Ghost is evidence that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is working in our lives.
Weeping for Zion
An essential characteristic of a Christlike leader is love for those they serve. God explained that He called Joseph Smith to establish His church because of his "weeping for Zion," praying with diligence and with deep desire for the eternal welfare of others.
Strengthen Them
A teacher in the restored Church of Jesus Christ has a responsibility to strengthen others. We do this by being with them, listening to them, expressing confidence in them, testifying of true principles, and inviting them to exercise faith in Jesus Christ.
Home
Three lessons about our homes from the Book of Mormon: 1. We need a place of peace and security for ourselves and for our families. 2. We ought to invite other people into our homes. 3. Sometimes, we need to leave our homes and serve people where they are
After the Holy Order of God
Alma and his sons preached "after the holy order of God." This conveys a sense of joint action, of collective effort. Jesus wants His disciples to be one because some needful things can only be accomplished through organized, collective effort.
Received or Cast Out
In the next life, we will either be received into a state of peace and joy called paradise, or we will be cast out into a state of sorrow and pain. To enter that state of paradise, we must be changed by the grace of God.