41. Consider the Poor 42 & 43. Why Art Thou Cast Down? 44. Why Sleepest Thou? 45. Thy Throne, O God 46. Be Still 47. O Clap Your Hands 48. The City of Our God 49. The Power of the Grave 50. If I Were Hungry
The Sealing Power – Part 2
Both the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon contain a prophecy by Malachi that Elijah will come to turn parents' and children's hearts toward one another. The same power by which Elijah closed and opened the heavens can plant ancient promises in the hearts of children, connecting them with their ancestors and with God.
The Sealing Power – Part 1
Elijah decreed a drought in Israel. How did he do this? The Book of Mormon explains that before the prophet Nephi did something similar, God conferred on him the authority to seal or loose the heavens. God expressed confidence that Nephi would use this power according to His will.
If the Lord Be God, Follow Him
Why weren't the Israelites permanently converted to God after seeing Elijah call down fire from heaven? For the same reason that Elijah didn't find God in the wind, earthquake, or fire. Miracles may show us God's power, but listening to the still small voice brings us closer to Him.
Enoch and the Power of Words
For a self-described slow speaker, Enoch became an extraordinary orator. He prophesied, and he performed miracles by commanding the elements. Words externalize our thoughts, representing commitment and therefore evidencing our faith. Maybe that's why Jesus promised that if we have faith, we can move mountains with our words.
How to Endure Well
God told Joseph Smith that if he endured well, he would be exalted. Enduring well includes (1) doing what we can within our constraints, (2) learning from the experience, (3) continuing to fulfill our duties and move toward eternal goals, (4) trusting God's timetable, and (5) being patient.
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.
“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.
Keys
Keys open doors. In two revelations received in 1830, the Lord described to Joseph Smith various keys he has given to people. Reflecting on those keys can increase our appreciation for the opportunities He has made available to us.
Serious Reflection
Joseph Smith's mother said that he was "given to reflection." His own history confirms that observation. He speaks about pondering, meditating, and engaging in "serious reflection." Thinking deeply about what we have learned can invite more revelation.