How do you recognize God's influence in your life? How can you hear Him amongst the many other voices in the world? Here's how Alma described the impact of God's word: If ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed...it will begin to... Continue Reading →
Family Financial Management and Section 48
As I studied section 48 of the Doctrine and Covenants today, I noticed that the Lord instructed members of the church to do three things in relation to their assets: give generously, save aggressively, and buy carefully. Joseph Smith received this revelation after asking the Lord what to do about the influx of members of... Continue Reading →
Sanctified
To ancient Israel, the Lord issued a challenge. "I am the Lord your God," He said. "Ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy" (Leviticus 11:44, see also Leviticus 20:7). In 1831, shortly after revealing "the law of the Church," the Lord reissued this challenge. By following this law, He said, "Ye shall...be sanctified by that which ye have... Continue Reading →
Love One Another and Serve One Another
During the last week of His life, the Savior reaffirmed the importance of service to others. Listing a number of basic needs—food and water, shelter, clothing, medical care, and emotional support—He instructed us to provide these resources to people in need, saying, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these... Continue Reading →
“In Wisdom and Order” – Mosiah 4:27
After instructing his people to give generously in order to retain a remission of their sins, King Benjamin adds a warning: "See that all these things are done in wisdom and order." Don't try to do more than you can; don't try to give more than you have. That's neither productive nor sustainable. For example,... Continue Reading →
“With One Voice”
When King Benjamin called his people together at the end of his life, he had a receptive audience. They loved and respected him because of the way he had served them for many years. That collective love and respect led to unity. After he reminded them of their need to have their sins forgiven, "they... Continue Reading →
Daughters of Christ
After King Benjamin taught his people about the Atonement of Jesus Christ, they fell to the ground and pleaded with the Lord to forgive their sins. In response, they received an assurance from the Holy Ghost that their sins were remitted, and they were filled with peace and joy (Mosiah 4:2-3). They subsequently turned their... Continue Reading →
“Whosoever…Borroweth” – Mosiah 4:28
I wrote a few days ago that temporal things have spiritual impacts. One of those temporal things is our financial well-being. After teaching his people to give generously to those in need, King Benjamin reminded them to do all things "in wisdom and in order." Then, perhaps as an example of the kind of "order"... Continue Reading →
“Temporal and Spiritual” – Mosiah 2:41
Don't underestimate the value of temporary things. On at least two occasions, Nephi's brothers, Laman and Lemuel, asked him whether the principles of the gospel related to temporal things or only to spiritual things. They seem to have wanted to keep different parts of their lives separates, with their daily decisions being disconnected with their... Continue Reading →
“Faster Than He Has Strength” – Mosiah 4:27
The first movement of Robert Schumann's Piano Sonata number 2 (Op. 22) is labeled "So rasch wie möglich" (as fast as possible). Near the end of the movement, he writes "Schneller" (faster), followed shortly after by "Noch schneller" (even faster). It's an exciting piece to listen to (I recommend this performance by pianist Tiffany Poon),... Continue Reading →
