How has Christmas changed you this year, and how durable is that change? The Nephites quickly forgot the signs they had seen. In contrast, Mary pondered her experiences in her heart. Take time to ponder what you've felt this Christmas season.
The Sealing Power
Nephi taught that we should focus on eternal treasures, not temporary ones. God promised that whatever he sealed on earth would be sealed in heaven. God has made it possible for us to enter into permanent covenants with Him and with other people.
On Seeing and Believing
The old adage "Seeing is believing" isn't always true. We are very good at rationalizing away inconvenient facts. We need to follow the example of the five Nephites who ran to the judgment seat to test Nephi's prophecy, and "when they saw they believed."
Home
Three lessons about our homes from the Book of Mormon: 1. We need a place of peace and security for ourselves and for our families. 2. We ought to invite other people into our homes. 3. Sometimes, we need to leave our homes and serve people where they are
“We Are Weary”
The Lamanites who were supposed to guard the prisoners in the city of Gid explained their decision to indulge in drinking by saying, "We are weary." We are expected to fulfill our duty even when we're tired, and when we do God's work, He renews our energy
Exquisite
Alma described his pain and his joy using the same word: exquisite, which means "in the highest degree." Lehi taught that we cannot feel joy if we feel no misery. Maybe our sorrows expand our hearts, making room for us to feel more joy.
“I Judge Not Mine Own Self”
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.
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 →