Why would a perfect God allow imperfect people to influence His decisions? Surely He knows the best course of action, and surely He wants what is best for each of us. Why tarnish impeccable decisions by accommodating our preferences? This question has been on my mind today as I pondered an unusual exchange between God... Continue Reading →
“I Will Make Thee Mighty” – Helaman 10:5
An awareness of our potential can energize us to action. After preaching to an unreceptive audience in Zarahemla, the prophet Nephi was discouraged. His listeners had heard his words and seen a miracle which they could not deny. But instead of changing their minds at that point and accepting his message, they "divided hither and... 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 →
“Behold, Thou Art Nephi” – Helaman 10:6
I've been thinking this week about a simple statement in an 1829 revelation directed to David Whitmer. After affirming who was speaking ("Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God"), the Lord affirmed whom He was talking to: And behold, thou art David, and thou art called to assist; which thing if... Continue Reading →
How Can I Recognize the Voice of the Lord?
In his first talk as president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Russell M. Nelson pleaded with us to "increase [our] spiritual capacity to receive revelation" ("Revelation for the Church, Revelation for our Lives," General Conference, April 2018). Two years later, he said, "I renew my plea for you to do whatever it takes... Continue Reading →
Famine
As Nephi walked dejectedly toward his home after being ignored by the people of his city, he heard the voice of God. The Lord was pleased with Nephi's unwearying efforts to spread the gospel, and now, because of his faithfulness over time, God was granting him additional power. "Ye shall...smite the earth with famine, and... Continue Reading →
What Is the Sealing Power?
About 20 years before the birth of Jesus Christ, a prophet on the American continent had a remarkable experience. His name was Nephi, and he had previously served as the chief judge—the highest political office in his nation. But he had resigned from this position to serve as a missionary with his brother Lehi (Helaman... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to Ponder?
Near the end of the first day of the Savior's ministry on the American continent, He announced that it was time for Him to leave. He promised to return the following day, and He gave them the following guidance about how to spend their time that evening: Go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon... Continue Reading →
Why Are We Blessed When We Are Reviled?
At the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus lists a number of unlikely scenarios in which we should consider ourselves fortunate. One of those goes like this: Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and... Continue Reading →
What Should I Do When I’m Worn Out?
Nephi had served as chief judge for about nine years, and he was absolutely exhausted. This wasn't physical fatigue. It was something harder. He "had become weary because of their iniquity" (Helaman 5:4). He had witnessed the deterioration of faith among his people with a consequent erosion of peace and prosperity. He saw them electing leaders... Continue Reading →
Book of Mormon Study Notes 