As Jacob traveled to Padan-aram to live with his uncle, he had a dream in which the Lord renewed the promise He had made to Jacob's father and grandfather. Waking the next morning, Jacob built a stone pillar and poured oil on it as a form of worship. (See Genesis 28:18.) Years later, after Jacob... Continue Reading →
Why Would God “Inflict” Things on Us?
This is the second of three posts in response to a question I received last week. Yesterday, I wrote that God's love is most clearly demonstrated in the life and suffering of Jesus Christ, that the Savior feels genuine empathy for us, and that when we experience God's love, we are filled with joy. Today,... Continue Reading →
What Is Authority?
authority The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. A person or organization having political or administrative power and control. The power to influence others, especially because of one's commanding manner or one's recognized knowledge about something. (Oxford English Dictionary) The Book of Mormon speaks about authority in multiple ways, some... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to Bear One Another’s Burdens?
After defending the words of Abinadi and being banished by King Noah, Alma preached to a growing group of followers in secret. One day, he challenged them to make their commitment to the gospel and to each other more formal: And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters... Continue Reading →
What Is “the Immediate Goodness of God?”
When the people of Alma miraculously escaped their captors and arrived in the land of Zarahemla, the people there "knew not what to think" (Mosiah 25:8). They were filled with mixed emotions: They were horrified at the treatment which the people of Alma had endured, but they were grateful for the goodness of God in... Continue Reading →
Why Is It Important to Lift Up Our Heads?
As he looked forward to the temple which his son would build, King David wrote a psalm about the joy of welcoming God's presence into that holy house. "Lift up your heads, O ye gates" he wrote; "and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in" (Psalm 24:7,... Continue Reading →
How Does the Lord Strengthen Us?
Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Nephi affirms that God will take care of the people who strive to obey Him. Nephi listed three ways that God does this: "He doth nourish them" - helps them maintain their physical and spiritual health "and strengthen them" - empowers them to do things they couldn't... Continue Reading →
Why Is It Good to Be Submissive?
King Benjamin taught that our natural state is contrary to God's will. He further explained that God is willing to help us overcome this state and become saints through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. However, in order to receive this gift, we must be "submissive." Specifically, we must be "willing to submit to all things... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Patience?
Today, I reviewed the passages in the Book of Mormon about patience. I learned the following principles: God is patient with us. King Benjamin wanted his people to understand that God has great power and wisdom, but that He is patient with us (Mosiah 4:6). Alma taught the people of Ammonihah that Jesus Christ is... Continue Reading →
What Should I Do When My Prayers Aren’t Answered?
After preaching the gospel, baptizing hundreds of people, and organizing the church in the land of Mormon, the prophet Alma led his people into the wilderness. They traveled for eight days, arriving at a beautiful place where they decided to settle (Mosiah 23:1-4). However, they soon fell into captivity, forced to labor under the supervision... Continue Reading →
