Today I've been thinking about the parallels between two kings: Josiah, who reigned over Judah just before the Babylonian captivity (640-609 BCE), and Benjamin, who reigned over the Nephites about 500 years later. Both kings led their people in a spiritual reawakening. Here are some of their common experiences: ExperienceJosiahBenjaminInspired by the scripturesWas horrified when... Continue Reading →
Overcoming Temptation: Lessons from David and Corianton
We are all tempted. Lehi taught that there is a devil and that he "seeketh that all men might become miserable like unto himself" (2 Nephi 2:27). Alma identified Zeezrom's combativeness as "a snare of the adversary, which he has laid to catch this people" (Alma 12:6). And King Benjamin warned his people, "beware lest... Continue Reading →
“I Will Build Thee an House”
Sometimes we need to be reminded just how unequal our relationship with God is. King Benjamin taught that if we serve God with all of our souls for the rest of our lives, we would still be "unprofitable servants." God has already given us far more than we could ever hope to repay, and the... Continue Reading →
Gleaning
The law which God gave to the Israelites included a provision for caring for the poor among them: When ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave... Continue Reading →
“Wells…Which Thou Diggedst Not”
It's easy to take the good things in our lives for granted. Gratitude helps us stay humble and reminds us of our obligation bless the lives of others. At the end of Moses' life, as his people prepared to enter the promised land, he warned them not to forget the source of their blessings: When... Continue Reading →
Segullah
God loved the children of Israel. He had heard their cries and had delivered them from slavery in Egypt. (See Exodus 3:7-8.) At Mount Sinai, after reminding them of all that He had done for them, He explained what kind of behavior would please Him: Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I... Continue Reading →
Beth-El
As Jacob followed his parents' guidance and traveled to Padan-Aram, he stopped for the night at a place called Luz. While he slept, he had a spiritual dream in which he saw angels ascending and descending on a ladder. The Lord Himself stood at the top and reaffirmed to Jacob the promises He had made... Continue Reading →
Machpelah: Paying Full Price
When Sarah died, Abraham wanted to give her a proper burial. Although he was wealthy and highly regarded among his neighbors, and although he had lived in Canaan for many years, he still felt like an immigrant. "I am a stranger and a sojourner among you," he said to his neighbors. "Give me a possession... Continue Reading →
Creation as Grace
King Benjamin wanted his people to recognize the extraordinary gifts they had received from God. It is impossible to be grateful enough, he said. God has given us far more than we can even adequately acknowledge: If you should render all the thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess, to that God who has created... Continue Reading →
The Living Christ and the Book of Mormon
The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles is a proclamation published by leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 1 January 2000. The document speaks of the Savior's mission before birth, during His mortal ministry, and after His death and resurrection, including in our day. It also testifies that He... Continue Reading →