In 1831, the Lord promised church members in Missouri, "After much tribulation come the blessings." President Henry B. Eyring explained that this is partly because we change as we endure afflictions faithfully. The Lord uses difficult experiences to polish us and help us achieve our full potential.
That Ye May Not Be Deceived
How do you know whom to trust? Alma taught his people they they should not trust teachers who break God's commandments. God reinforced this teaching in 1831. We should trust gospel teachers whose behavior matches their message and whose message is consistent with the truths we have already received from God.
Esteeming Your Brother as Yourself
The Lord commands us to esteem others as ourselves. Book of Mormon prophets teach this principle and warn us against placing ourselves above others. Peer relationships may generate unhealthy competition, but when we see one another through God's eyes, we can overcome this temptation and recognize the infinite worth of each of His children.
Captivity and Deliverance: Limhi and Alma
Both Alma's and Limhi's people fell captive to the Lamanites and were both delivered by God. From their examples, we can learn to pray humbly, to recognize the blessings God provides immediately, and to look forward to the deliverance He will provide.
Her Perfect Work
"Let patience have her perfect work," says James. When you go through a trial, remember that it will end when its purpose is accomplished. Let the trial do its job, proving you and stretching you as part of God's plan for your happiness.
“Mark Them Which Cause Divisions”
Paul warned us to avoid people who cause contention or deceive people. The Savior taught that we should continue to love them, minister to them, and pray for them, but don't make them your mentor. Don't trust them to be your teacher. Be careful.
The Fear of the Lord
Throughout the scriptures, we are counseled to overcome our fears. God told Abraham, Hagar, and Jacob to "fear not" as they passed through troubling experiences (Genesis 15:1, Genesis 21:17, Genesis 46:3). Moses told the Israelites not to be afraid when they saw the glory of the Lord on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:20). Then, as they... Continue Reading →
The Book of Judges and the Book of Mormon
Did the authors of the Book of Mormon have access to the book of Judges? They did have the brass plates, which contained "the five books of Moses...and also a record of the Jews...and also the prophecies of the holy prophets" (1 Nephi 5:10-13). It seems reasonable to assume that some version of the book... Continue Reading →
God Remembered Rachel
Rachel was in love. At least, that's what I infer from the biblical text. We read that Jacob loved Rachel and that he worked seven years for the right to marry her, "and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her" (Genesis 29:20). But after her father tricked Jacob into also marrying... Continue Reading →
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
When God appeared to Moses in the burning bush, He didn't introduce Himself as the Creator of the Universe or as the Father of all people. He didn't say where He lives or what He is trying to accomplish. Instead, He introduced Himself in terms of three of Moses's ancestors: I am the God of thy father, the God... Continue Reading →