In 1833, the Lord instructed several church leaders to pay more attention to their families. He told them to teach their children "light and truth," to set in order their homes, and to be "more diligent and concerned at home" (Doctrine and Covenants 93:41-50). The prophet Alma explained to his son Corianton that one reason... Continue Reading →
Governed by Law
I've been thinking today about the role of law in establishing a peaceful society and a happy life. In the Book of Mormon, happy times are associated with obedience and unhappy times with disobedience. Consider the following contrasting examples: "We did observe to keep the judgments, and the statutes, and the commandments of the Lord in... Continue Reading →
Confounded
After prophesying of difficult days ahead, the prophet Isaiah foretold a time of prosperity and peace, when the children of Israel would be protected from both physical and verbal abuse: No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of... Continue Reading →
“The People That Walked in Darkness” – 2 Nephi 19:2
Even when we are surrounded by darkness, we can be filled with light. The ancient prophet Micah wrote, "Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me" (Micah 7:8). And King David affirmed, "The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness" (Psalm 18:28). Isaiah prophesied that the coming... Continue Reading →
“The Least Degree of Allowance” – Alma 45:16
At the end of Alma's life, he held a final interview with his son Helaman. He asked Helaman to reaffirm his belief in Jesus Christ and the words of the scriptures and to recommit to obey the commandments which Alma had taught. He prophesied of dark times ahead, including the complete destruction of the Nephite... Continue Reading →
“Their Easiness and Willingness to Believe” – Helaman 6:36
Mormon writes about a time in which "the Lord began to pour out his Spirit upon the Lamanites." He tells us that the reason they received this great blessing was "because of their easiness and willingness to believe his words" (Helaman 6:36). In contrast, "the Spirit of the Lord began to withdraw from the Nephites,... Continue Reading →
“The Rock of Our Redeemer” – Helaman 5:12
One of the scriptures most frequently referenced in general conference is Helaman 5:12: And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea,... Continue Reading →
“My Sons [and My Daughters], Remember, Remember” – Helaman 5:6-12
This morning, I studied Helaman's words to his sons, Nephi and Lehi. His message is that he wants them to remember some important truths. In fact, he uses the word "remember" thirteen times in just seven verses. I studied these words because I have several children going off to college this week, one of them... Continue Reading →
“A Still Voice of Perfect Mildness” – Helaman 5:30
The voice which spoke to the Lamanites who had cast two missionaries into prison "was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of a great tumultuous noise." The earth and the walls of the prison shook as the voice spoke, indicating that the speaker had great power. But the voice itself "was a still voice... Continue Reading →
How Does the Savior Bring Us Peace?
The angels who appeared to the shepherds expressed their hopes for us with these words: "On earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14). At the end of His life, the Savior said to His apostles: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto... Continue Reading →