An Israelite woman named Naomi lived in Moab for many years. Both of her sons married Moabite women. After her husband and both sons died, Naomi decided to return home, and she encouraged both of her daughters-in-law to return to their families. One of them, Orpah, agreed and affectionately bid farewell to Naomi. But Ruth... Continue Reading →
Spirit
Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.Luke 24:39 Thousands of years before the birth of Jesus Christ, a prophet known as the brother of Jared saw and spoke with Him. After pointing out that He looked like a human being, Jesus explained: Behold, this body, which ye now behold, is the body of my spirit; and man... Continue Reading →
Angels
An angel is a messenger. The Greek word aggelos (ἄγγελος) is probably derived from the verb agó (ἄγω) which means "to bring," so an angel is someone who brings a message from God. Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Nephi sees an expansive vision narrated by an angel. (See 1 Nephi 11-14.) Jacob... Continue Reading →
“Let Them…Not Tarry”
I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.Psalm 119:60 There is power in doing what needs to be done as soon as possible, without unnecessary delay. When the Lord instructed Alma to return to the city of Ammonihah, “he returned speedily” (Alma 8:18). Sometime later, when Zeezrom asked Alma and Amulek to visit... Continue Reading →
“I Have Not Spoken in Secret”
Isaiah emphasized to his people that the Lord had communicated very clearly what they needed to know. "I have not spoken in secret," he said; "from the beginning, from the time that it was declared have I spoken; and the Lord God, and his Spirit, hath sent me" (Isaiah 48:16, 1 Nephi 20:16). Nephi added his own... Continue Reading →
Purse nor Scrip
It's good to be prepared and conscientious, but it's also important to make room for other people to serve. When Jesus called seventy missionaries and sent them out, two by two, to preach the gospel, He instructed them to travel lightly. "Carry neither purse, nor scrip," He said, "nor [extra pair of] shoes." He told... Continue Reading →
“Blessed Art Thou”
It is easy to be hard on ourselves. When we feel God's approval, anxiety can be replaced by confidence. When the Lord directed Lehi to take his family into the wilderness, He prefaced the commandment with the following words of reassurance: Blessed art thou Lehi, because of the things which thou hast done.1 Nephi 2:1... Continue Reading →
Finding Our Amuleks
After being forced to leave the city of Ammonihah, Alma saw an angel who commanded him to go back. The angel didn't explain how things would be different this time, just that he should return and preach to the people of Ammonihah again. In response, he returned "speedily" (Alma 8:8-18). Arriving at the city, Alma... Continue Reading →
What Should I Be Thankful For?
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the United States. In preparation for that holiday, I have been thinking about some of the things I am thankful for. Here are some ideas that occurred to me as I studied the Book of Mormon today: I'm grateful to be alive (Mosiah 2:20-21, Mosiah 7:12). I'm grateful for food and... Continue Reading →
What Should I Do When Prophetic Teachings Are Difficult to Understand or Accept?
Prophetic teachings are generally not intended to be soothing. A primary role of prophets is to call us to repentance, which means making course corrections or incremental improvements. Therefore, when we have the opportunity to hear messages from prophets, we should plan to be challenged. Samuel the Lamanite denounced the people of Zarahemla for supporting... Continue Reading →