God's judgment is the only judgment that matters in the end. Therefore, we ought to be careful how we judge others and even how we judge ourselves. We ought to strive to understand how God sees us, and to act accordingly.
The Eleventh Hour
One message of the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard is that it's never too late for us. God is not only willing to bless us, He is eager to do so. He loves us and delights in extending grace to us, especially when we don't think we deserve it.
“I Only Remain”
Elijah was lonely. After initiating a famine, he went into hiding, living in the wilderness with ravens bringing him food (1 Kings 17:1-7), and then traveling to the Phoenician city of Zarephath and staying with a poor widow and her son (1 Kings 17:8-9). After three years evading the servants of King Ahab, who had... Continue Reading →
50, 45, 40, 30, 20, 10
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 →