Moses asked "Who am I?" — a question that sounds humble but is actually self-absorbed. God didn't offer a pep talk. He revealed himself: "I AM THAT I AM." Self-worth comes not from inflating our self-perception but from recognizing our relationship to a perfect Being.
No Immaterial Matter
Joseph Smith taught that spirit is matter. We can't see it, but it is just as real as the objects that we interact with each day. We should remember that there is more to life than what we can detect. We are constantly surrounded by heavenly help which we may not perceive.
Your Most Holy Places
Nephi, the brother of Jared, and Moses all climbed mountains to speak with God. Joseph Smith entered a grove of trees for the same purpose. We build temples to give us similar spaces, where our prayers may be more easily answered and where we can draw closer to God and be changed by Him.
Seeing the Face of God
The first verse of Doctrine and Covenants 93 lays out a simple formula: Those who follow Christ will come to know Him. He promises that we will "see [His] face and know that [He is]," which implies far more than being in His presence. It means that we will understand and recognize Him.
Being Bound
No one likes to have their agency curtailed, but some forms of "binding" actually increase our freedom, confidence, and joy. God sets the example, promising that He is bound when we follow His commandments. He invites us to bind ourselves in a similar way, by making and keeping covenants with Him.
“Behold, I Am Jesus Christ”
On ten occasions in scripture, the Savior introduces Himself with “Behold, I am Jesus Christ.” His self-descriptions emphasize (1) His identity as the Son of God, (2) His role as Creator and source of life, (3) His rejection by His own, (4) His power to save all who receive Him, and (5) His promised return.
Girt with Truth
Telling the truth isn’t always easy, but it beats the alternative. Paul taught that honesty is like a belt which holds our spiritual armor in place. God is perfectly truthful, and the Anti-Nephi-Lehies were distinguished by their honesty. Choose to be honest with yourself and others. Gird yourself with truth.
“The Rod of My Mouth”
In the scriptures, a rod represents correction, protection, and guidance. Nephi taught that the iron rod represents the word of God. Isaiah prophesied that God would smite the wicked with "the rod of his mouth." He always speaks the truth, and His words can prompt us to change and return to the path that leads to Him.
Great Power Which Looks Small
When something looks small, it may simply be that we have failed to recognize its significance. The brother of Jared said that God's great power looks small to us. We can ask Him to help us see the true grandeur of apparently ordinary things.
Being the Father and the Son
Jesus is both the Father and the Son in at least four ways: 1. He submits His will to His Father and He offers us new life. 2. He created the earth, then lived on it. 3. He is completely unified with HIs Father 4. His mortal body was subject to His spirit