The Old Testament speaks of an object called Urim and Thummim which the high priest used to receive revelation from God. The Book of Mormon describes a similar object, used to translate languages. Joseph Smith used a Urim and Thummim to translate the Book of Mormon. God provides tools to help His children receive revelation.
Prophets and Seers
Ammon taught King Limhi that a seer is also a prophet and a revelator. In other words, they don't just learn things for their own benefit; they communicate those truths to others. Samuel was a seer and also a prophet. He shared difficult messages from God with Eli, Saul, and others.
If There Be a Prophet
Ammon explained to Limhi that prophetic gifts come from God. Numbers illustrates that fact. We see Moses leading, revealing divine truths, and praying for his people. He makes mistakes, but he represents God, and the people's response to him indicates their orientation toward God.
Home
Three lessons about our homes from the Book of Mormon: 1. We need a place of peace and security for ourselves and for our families. 2. We ought to invite other people into our homes. 3. Sometimes, we need to leave our homes and serve people where they are
In the Wilderness
We can learn a lot about navigating our wildernesses from Zeniff and Limhi. 1. Wandering is expected. 2. You may find unexpected treasures along the way. 3. You may be better off than you were before. 4. You will be motivated to put your trust in God.
Limhi’s Psalm
When a search party arrived from Zarahemla, Limhi declared his faith in the form of a psalm. The psalm echoes the prophecies of Abinadi, explaining the consequences of rejecting God. But Limhi's people now trusted in God and were led to safety and freedom
“Would God My Lord Were With the Prophet!”
She was a young Israelite woman, who had been captured by the Syrian army and was now a slave in the house of Naaman. She felt empathy toward her master, who was captain of the Syrian army but who was afflicted with leprosy. She said to Naaman's wife, "Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in... Continue Reading →
The Raven, the Dove, and the Olive Leaf, or How Did Noah Know?
After being confined to the ark for many months, Noah and his family must have been anxious for freedom. About five months after they entered the ark, it rested on a mountaintop (Genesis 8:4). A little more than two months later, the tops of some nearby mountains became visible (Genesis 8:5). Noah now faced a... Continue Reading →
“Behold the Seer”
MUSTAFA: Do you know what you would like this evening, sir?EGO: Yes, I think I do.... You know what I'm craving? A little perspective.Ratatouille (2007), screenplay by Brad Bird There was a lot to be unhappy about in the time of Enoch. Just six generations after the Fall of Adam and Eve, people had largely... Continue Reading →
An Effectual Door
In his first epistle to the Corinthian saints, Paul promises to spend some time with them in the future, but not right away. "I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost," he says. "For a great door and effectual is opened unto me" (1 Corinthians 16:9). The word effectual means "successful in producing a desired or... Continue Reading →