Come Follow Me- Daily Dose
Get that extra boost of scripture power in your day with Come Follow Me- Daily Dose. In 10 minutes or less everyday I talk about a verse or 2 from this week’s Come Follow Me block!
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June 16- Doctrine and Covenants 64:2
Christ's great compassion
June 15- Doctrine and Covenants 63:64
The importance of having a sense of the sacred.
June 14- Doctrine and Covenants 62:1
Jesus Christ is our advocate WITH the Father.
June 13- Doctrine and Covenants 61:36
Considering the cost of the atonement, Christ won't forsake us now .
Doctrine and Covenants 61:1-2
What do these verses teach us about repentance and forgiveness
June 11- Doctrine and Covenants 60:14, 16
Not being too rushed to minister and the principle of having enough knowledge to start.
June 10- Doctrine and Covenants 60:5 Again
Being sanctified in Christ
Doctrine and Covenants 60:5
It mattereth not
June 8- Doctrine and Covenants 60:1-3
Receiving and maintaining testimony
June 7- Doctrine and Covenants 59:21
The gift of gratitude.
June 6- Doctrine and Covenants 59:14
Fasting and rejoicing
June 5- Doctrine and Covenants 59:9
Sabbath day observance
June 4- Doctrine and Covenants 59
Changing our hearts through obedience to God
June 3- Doctrine and Covenants 58:26-27
Being quick to observe and anxiously engaged.
June 2- Doctrine and Covenants 58:3
Understanding what God is trying to do for us in times of trial.
June 1- Doctrine and Covenants 58:2-4
God can be with us in our trials
May 31- Doctrine and Covenants 56:4-5
The Lord's ability to give and revoke.
May 30- Doctrine & Covenants 56:1-2
Grace to change us and make us more.
May 29- Doctrine and Covenants 54
The rewards that our Father in Heaven wants to give.
May 28- Doctrine & Covenants 52:40
We are to be different from the world if we are to be like Christ.
May 27- Doctrine & Covenants 52
God promises blessings as we remain faithful, but He doesn't tell us that the blessings will be of our choosing, we can trust that His blessings will be best for us.
May 26- Doctrine & Covenants 51:13-20
What are your stewardships?
May 25- Doctrine & Covenants 51:1
God is willing to reach out and give us direction, but sometimes He wants us to learn and grow through studying it out and making decisions on our own.
May 24- Doctrine and Covenants 50:23-24, 40-44
This life is a time of learning and growth, and because of Christ we can have hope even when the growth is slower than we hoped.
May 23- Doctrine & Covenants 50:13-14, 17-18
Teach and learning Spirit to Spirit
May 22- Doctrine & Covenants 50:10
Counseling with our councils.
May 21- Doctrine & Covenants 50:1-3
A source of safety against the deceptions of our day
May 20- Doctrine & Covenants 49 Foundations of Faith
When we teach, let's always teach starting with the doctrine
May 19- Doctrine & Covenants 49:5
Progress is made as we accept gospel truths
May 18- Doctrine and Covenants 49:2
Seeking all truth.
May 16- Doctrine and Covenants 46:30
Our spiritual gifts help us practice virtue.
May 15- Doctrine and Covenants 46:21
How do we get spiritual gifts?
May 14- Doctrine and Covenants 46:15-20
More spiritual gifts
May 13- Doctrine and Covenants 46:11-14
The gift to know and the gift to believe are both beautiful gifts and have the same end result if we remain faithful.
May 12- Doctrine and Covenants 46:8-11
The reason why gifts are given.
May 11- Doctrine and Covenants 46:1-5
Inviting all to come to His church.
May 10- Doctrine and Covenants 45:58-59
Protecting ourselves from deception.
May 9- Doctrine and Covenants 56-57
Are we prepared?
May 8- Doctrine and Covenants 45
Preparing for the 2nd coming
May 7- Doctrine and Covenants 45:25-32
knowing that hard times do and will come, where to we find peace and light?
May 6- Doctrine and Covenants 45:16-17
Redemption through Jesus Christ.
May 5- Doctrine and Covenants 45:4-9
Christ is light
May 4- Doctrine and Covenants 45:3
Listen to Him who is YOUR ADVOCATE!
May 3- Doctrine and Covenants 42:43-45
Our faith is not dependent on outcomes.
May 1- Doctrine and Covenants 42:30-31
What is the law of consecration actually?
May 1- Doctrine and Covenants 42:14
Teaching by the Spirit with the prayer of faith.
Apr 30- Doctrine and Covenants 42:3
Today we talk about divine authority in the church
Apr 29: Doctrine and Covenants 41:2-12
Using the gospel as our rutter by which to steer
Apr 28- Doctrine and Covenants 41:1
Faith to move mountains
Apr 27- Doctrine and Covenants 39
The blessings of God that CAN be ours.
Apr 26- Doctrine and Covenants 39:4-6
The power of God in our lives.
Apr 25- Doctrine and Covenants 39:1-3
Thank you for the heads up that today's episode wasn't out. I got distracted as I was uploading the podcast last night and never hit publish!
Apr 24- Doctrine and Covenants 38:24-27
Coming together as one.
Apr 23- Doctrine and Covenants 38:16
Salvation and obedience
Apr 22- Doctrine and Covenants 38:11-12
The Lord is hastening His gathering.
Apr 21- Doctrine and Covenants 37
God cares more about our growth than our comfort.
Apr 20- Easter Morning
Oh sweet the joy this sentence gives! I know that my Redeemer lives!
April 19- Sunday will come
No matter how hard today is, Sunday will Come.
Apr 18- He changes Hearts
Try as we might we can't change our hearts, but we can turn them over to Him and He will change our hearts.
Apr 17- I have engraven thee
Our salvation is always before Christ.
Apr 16- None Were With Him
Because Christ suffered all, we don't have to suffer alone.
Apr 15- The Living Christ
What a gift to worship a living God who can be active in our lives
Apr 14- Savior Redeemer of My Soul
Coming to better understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Apr 13- Christ has power to redeem and reclaim.
He can redeem and reclaim even you.
Apr 12- Doctrine and Covenants 33:16-17
Today we look at the much spoken of Parable of the 10 Virgins.
Apr 11- Doctrine and Covenants 35:8-9
The faith required to move the mountains in our lives requires effort on our part to develop.
Apr 10- Doctrine and Covenants 35:1-2
What work has the Lord prepared for you to do?
Apr 9 Doctrine and Covenants 31
Living with meekness
Apr 8- Doctrine and Covenants 31:3-5
Missionary work is a converting experience.
Apr 7- Doctrine and Covenants 30:6 & 31:2
God's promise to faithful parents.
Apr 6- Doctrine and Covenants 30:1-2
Beware of getting too caught up in the opinions of the world.
Apr 5- Doctrine and Covenants 29:36-41
Today we take a deeper look at agency and Adam and Eve
Apr 4- Doctrine and Covenants 29:34-35
All laws are spiritual.
Apr 3- Doctrine and Covenants 29:11-15
The 2nd coming and the millennial reign.
Apr 2- Doctrine and Covenants 29:7-8
Why are we admonished to gather?
Apr 1- Doctrine and Covenants 29:5
Today we talk about the Savior being our advocate and unity in prayer
Mar 31- Doctrine and Covenants 29:3-4
Forgiveness and Missionary Work.
Mar 30- Doctrine and Covenants 29:1-2
The Savior promises to gather us.
Mar 29- Doctrine and Covenants 28:2
Heeding a modern day prophet.
Mar 28- Doctrine and Covenants 28:15-16
Learning to recognize truth.
Mar 27- Doctrine and Covenants 27:15-18 Part 3
Armor of God Part 3
Mar 26- Doctrine and Covenants 27:15-18
What does the armor of God protect?
Mar 25- Doctrine and Covenants 27:15-18
The amour of God.
Mar 24- Doctrine and Covenants 27:2
What is our most important part of the sacrament?
Mar 23- Doctrine and Covenants 27:1-2
Sometimes change in practices in the church can be hard, which is why it is important to remember that Christ's word is living.
Mar 22- Doctrine and Covenants 25:10
Today we talk about how to set aside the things of this world and search for the best.
Mar 21- Doctrine and Covenants 25:4-5, 9
Mutually supporting and sustaining one another in marriage.
Mar 20- Doctrine and Covenants 25:1
Today we talk a little bit about Emma Smith and the incredible woman she was.
Mar 19- Doctrine and Covenants 24:3, 9
Looking outside ourselves in times of trial.
Mar 18- Doctrine and Covenants 24:8
Finding faith in trials
Mar 17- Doctrine and Covenants 23:2-3
Today we talk about the power of our stewardships, and ministering to the one.
Mar 16- Doctrine and Covenants 23:1
The Lord's counsel to Oliver is His counsel to us all: Beware of Pride.
Mar 15- Doctrine and Covenants 21
Today we talk about prophets and personal revelation.
Mar 14- Doctrine and Covenants 20:79
The words of the sacrament prayer make it personal
Mar 13- Doctrine and Covenants 20:77-79
Today we talk about some of the specific words used in the sacrament prayers.
Mar 12- Doctrine and Covenants 20:38
Today we talk about why we serve.
Mar 11: Doctrine and Covenants 20:37
A broken heart and a contrite spirit.
Mar 10- Doctrine and Covenants 20:29-31
Today we talk about the Savior's ability not just to suffer our sins but to change our natures.
Mar 9- Doctrine and Covenants 20:11-12, 17
God organized the CHURCH perfectly which houses imperfect people.
Mar 8- Doctrine and Covenants 19:38
Today we explore the command to Pray Always.
Mar 7- Doctrine and Covenants 19:23
Today we talk about the Savior's promised way to find peace.
Mar 6- Doctrine and Covenants 19:18-19
Today we talk more about the Savior's description of Gethsemane.
Mar 5- Doctrine and Covenants 19:17
Today we talk about the great mercy of God made available through Christ.
Mar 4- Doctrine and Covenants 19:15-19
The incomprehensible gift of the atonement of Jesus Christ.
Mar 3- Doctrine and covenants 19:3-4
Grace vs Works
Mar 2- Doctrine and Covenants 19:1-3
What did the Savior mean when He told Martin Harris He was his Redeemer?
Mar 1- Doctrine and Covenants 18:36
How can we hear Him? How can we hear His voice and know His words?
Feb 28- Doctrine and Covenants 18:25-28
The call of the Apostles to set everything else aside to testify of Christ.
Feb 27- Doctrine and Covenants 18:21-24
Taking upon us the name of Christ.
Feb 25- Doctrine and Covenants 18:10
Today we talk about God's great love.
Feb 25- Doctrine and Covenants 18:10-13
Today my husband joins me to talk about the worth of souls!
Feb 24- Doctrine and Covenants 18:4-6
Building our lives on Christ.
Feb 23- Doctrine and Covenants 18:1-2
Rely on the testimony you have already gained.
Feb 22- Doctrine and Covenants 14:11
Today we talk about better understanding the blessings of God.
Feb 21- Doctrine and Covenants 14:7
Today we talk more about the grace the Savior offers us.
Feb 20- Doctrine and Covenants 14:6
Today we look at a subtle difference in a common phrase.
Feb 19- Doctrine and Covenants 13
Today we talk more about the Aaronic Priesthood.
Feb 18- Doctrine and Covenants 12:3-9
Today we talk about striving to be more like Christ as we work in His work.
Feb 17- Doctrine and Covenants 12:1-2
Today we talk about the power of the word of God!
Feb 16- Doctrine and Covenants 12
Today we talk about Joseph Knight and the difference he made in the restoration through his support of Joseph.
Feb 15- Doctrine and Covenants 11:20-22
Finishing up section 11
Feb 14- Doctrine and Covenants 11:15-16
Today we talk about the difficulty when the Lord asks us to wait...and what we should do as we are waiting.
Feb 13- Doctrine and Covenants 11:10-14
Feb 12- Doctrine and Covenants 11:3
Today we learn more about Hyrum and our command to begin the work.
Feb 11- Doctrine and Covenants 10:67-70
Feb 10- Doctrine and Covenants 10:5
The blessings and promises given when we pray always.
Feb 9- Doctrine and Covenants 10:1-4
Today we talk about wise diligence.
Feb 8- Doctrine and Covenants 9:7-9
Today we talk a little more about the work of revelation.
Feb 7- Doctrine and Covenants 9:5-7
Today we talk about the work of revelation.
Feb 6- Doctrine and Covenants 8:2-3
Feb 5- Doctrine and Covenants 8:1
Faith to seek revelation to know and understand God's will for us.
Feb 4- Doctrine and Covenants 6:33-37
Feb 3- Doctrine and Covenants 6:16-20
Feb 2- Doctrine and Covenants 6:3-5
Today we talk about God's desire for us to use our agency to choose His will for us.
Feb 1- Doctrine and Covenants 5
Jan 30- Doctrine and Covenants 4:2
Jan 29- Doctrine and Covenants 4:1
Jan 28- Doctrine and Covenants 3:13-16
Jan 27- Doctrine and Covenants 3:5-10
Jan 26- Doctrine and Covenants 3:1-4
The works of God will not be frustrated.
Jan 25- JSH 46, 56
Today we talk about the knowledge of God's Plan of Salvation
Jan 24- JSH 1:40
Today we talk about a prophecy that Moroni gave to Joseph and how it corresponds to ancient Jewish tradition.
Jan 23- Doctrine and Covenants 2
Jan 22- JSH 1:37-39
Jan 21- JSH 1:34-35
Jan 20- JSH 1:33
Moroni told Joseph that his name would be had for good and for evil, it shouldn't surprise us when people try to speak ill of him in an effort to destroy testimony, it was prophesied of.
Jan 19- JSH 1:28
Jan 17- JSH 1:16-17
Jan 18- JSH 1:25
Being firm in the testimony we've gained.
Jan 16- JSH 1:13-16
Today we talk about the attempt of the adversary to stop the first vision.
Jan 15- JSH 1:11-13
Jan 14- JSH 1:8-10
Sometimes when thinking about the first vision we imagine Joseph having a question, immediately praying and receiving the vision. We do ourselves a disservice when we skip over the time he spent wrestling with his questions.
Jan 13- JSH God Was In The Details
Jan 12- JSH 1:1
Jan 11- D&C 1:37-38
Today we learn the power of the continuing restoration.
Jan 10- D&C 1:30-32
Jan 9- D&C 1:23
Today we talk about what the Lord can do with us.
Jan 8- D&C 1:17
God, understanding all that is coming, has blessed us with prophets who can warn us.
Jan 7- D&C 1:4
The Doctrine and Covenants is a voice of warning to the world, but we are also told that it is our job as disciples of Christ to share with others.
Jan 6- D&C 1:1
The voice of the Lord is for ALL of us!
Jan 5- Doctrine and Covenants 1
Today we begin with the promise that we can hear the Lord through the Doctrine and Covenants.
Jan 4- The Book of Mormon
Jan 3- The First Vision
Jan 2- Different Versions of the 1st Vision
Today we talk about the different versions of the first vision and why it makes sense that there is some variations in the story.
Jan 1- Apostacy and Restoration
Today we look at the apostacy and the need for a restoration.
Dec 31- The Restoration started with a Question
Questions can lead us to greater faith.
Dec 30- The Restoration Testifies of Love
The restoration is a testimony of God's love to all His children.
Dec 29- An Introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants
Today before we jump into the Come Follow Me block about the restoration of the gospel lets talk about the bridge between the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants.
Dec 28- The Babe in Bethlehem
The Christ baby.
Dec 27- Joseph
What to do when your life doesn't turn out like you expected.
Dec 26- Mary
What do we learn from the Mother of Christ?
Dec 25- Because He Came
What are the gifts you have in your life Because He Came?
Dec 24- The Wisemen
Dec 23- The Shepherds
What can we learn as the shepherds ran towards the opportunity to know Christ?
Dec 22- The Innkeeper
What kept the Innkeeper from having a personal experience with the Savior? And do we sometimes make the same mistake?
Dec 21- Moroni 10:32-34
Today we learn of the Book of Mormon's final message about the Grace of Christ.
Dec 20- Moroni 10:32
Dec 19- Moroni 10:8-18 Again
Today we talk about what to do with the gifts God has given us
Dec 18- Moroni 10:8-18
Moroni teaches us about gifts of the Spirit.
Dec 17- Moroni 10:5
Dec 16- Moroni 10:4
Dec 15- Moroni 10:3
Moroni bookends the Book of Mormon by telling us that one of the purposes of the book is to help us see the mercies of God more.
Dec 14- Moroni 9
No matter our calling in the church, we have a labor to perform, and doing it to the best of our abilities will change our hearts.
Dec 13- Moroni 8
Perfect love casteth out all fear.
Dec 12- Moroni 7:45-48
Today we talk about the 3rd leg of the 3 legged stool that Elder Uchtdorf taught about.
Dec 11- Moroni 7:30,34
Today we learn about the differences between faith and hope, and how both work to point us to Christ.
Dec 10- Moroni 10:20-22
We learn more about who Christ is to us.
Dec 9- Moroni 7:13,16-17
These verses teach us about how to discern.
Dec 6- Moroni 6:4
Today we talk about our role as members of the church, to bring others to Christ.
Dec 8- Moroni 7:2-4
Today we learn more about the importance of a peaceable walk.
Dec 7- Moroni 6:5-6
Today we talk about the power of gathering together.
Moroni 4-5
Today we talk about the sacrament and sacrifice.
Dec 4- Moroni 4-5
Dec 3- Moroni 2:2-3
Drawing the power of God into our lives.
Dec 2- Moroni 1:4
What does the Book of Mormon mean to you?
Dec 1- Moroni 1
Being all in on our faith.
Nov 30- Ether 15:1-3
Nov 29- Ether 12:38-41
Mormon bids farewell and invites us to seek Jesus
Nov 28- THANKSGIVING
Today we talk about the attribute of Gratitude.
Nov 27- Ether 12:34,37
Nov 26- Ether 12:27
Nov 25- Ether 12:5-6
Today we learn about the differences between hope and faith.
Nov 24- Ether 12:4
The HOPE of the gospel and Jesus Christ.
Nov 23- Ether 11
Today we talk about the safety of following the prophet
Nov 22- Ether 10:10-11
Today we talk about the grace of Jesus Christ which turns our discipline into discipleship
Nov 21- Ether 10:1-2
Remembering gives us strength to do hard things.
Nov 20- Ether 9:21-22
Today we learn that we don't need the fame or accolades of the world to be close to and know the Savior.
Nov 19- Ether 9:1-3
Today we learn that trial and hardship come to all, even those who are striving to follow God.
Nov 18- Ether 8
This chapter is hard to read. It is hard to see the wicked actions of the people, its hard to see them ripening for destruction. But this chapter can teach us so much about how to avoid the tricks of the adversary.
Nov 17- Ether 7
Today we talk about the importance of heeding the prophet.
Nov 16- Ether 6:9
Praising God in the hard times
Nov 15- Ether 6:4-5
Making our families tight, so that no evil can enter in.
Nov 14- Ether 6:4-5
Just as the difficult wind and waves took the Jaredites where they needed to be, the trials that we pass through can work together for our good, if we will let them.
Nov 13- Ether 4-5
What does the Brother of Jared seeing the Lord teach us about the law of the witnesses?
Nov 12- Ether 3:9, 15
Activating the blessings of God in our lives through our faith to action.
Nov 11- Ether 3:1-5
Today we talk about the clear stones and what we can learn as we try our best to serve in our callings.
Nov 10- Ether
Today we are going to look at a little background to set up the rest of the week.
Nov 9- Mormon 9:21
What does it mean to pray in the name of Jesus Christ? Could it mean more than simply closing our prayers in His name? How can understanding it change how we pray?
Nov 8- Mormon 9:9-10, 20
Today we talk about belief in a consistent, miracle working God.
Nov 7- Mormon 8:21-22
Again we are taught about the role of the Book of Mormon in the restoration.
Nov 6- Mormon 8:12-16
Today we talk about the miracle of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.
Nov 5- Mormon 8:2-5
Moroni talks about his difficulty and hardships.
Nov 4: Mormon 7:5-10
Today we see Mormon testifying of the importance of the Book of Mormon.
Nov 3- Mormon 7:1-4
Learning to let God prevail in our lives.
Nov 2- Mormon 5:22-23
Nov 1- Mormon 5
Repentance leads us to being wrapped in the Savior's love.
Oct 31- Mormon 4
Learning to trust God
Oct 30- Mormon 3
Today we talk about God's encompassing love.
Oct 29- Mormon 2 FIXED AUDIO
Fixed Audio, I'm so sorry, I am not sure what happened.
Oct 28- Mormon 1:15
Today we look at some of the similarities between Mormon and Joseph Smith, and Mormon's testimony of the Savior.
Oct 27- Mormon 1:2-5
Quick to observe
Oct 26- 4 Nephi 1:17-18
There were no -ites among them.
Oct 25- 4 Nephi 1:15
A lack of contention leads to greater JOY
Oct 24- 4 Nephi 1:11
As we read 4 Nephi and learn about what made these people the happiest people we will see what they did to help them be happy.
Oct 23- 2 Nephi 28-29
Today we talk a little bit about the signs of Christ's return.
Oct 22- 3 Nephi 27:27-29
Today we learn more about the Savior's expectations for us.
Oct 21- 3 Nephi 27:11,17
Today we talk about the Saviors ability to change us and make us more.
Oct 20- 3 Nephi 27
The Lord gives His church HIS name.
Oct 19- 3 Nephi 25
Today we talk more about the gift of the sealing power.
Oct 18- 3 Nephi 24:1-3
Today we talk about the refiner's fire and drawing nearer to God in our trials.
Oct 17- 3 Nephi 23
The Savior reminds us of the importance of remembering and recording sacred experiences.
Oct 16- 3 Nephi 22:2&10
The Lord asks us to make a place for all to come unto Him
Oct 15- 2 Nephi 21
Oct 14- 3 Nephi 20:38-39
Today we talk about the redemption that comes only in and through the grace of Jesus Christ.
3 Nephi 20:29
God's promises are sure, even when we are in the space of waiting.
Oct 12- 3 Nephi 19
Today we talk about giving our best to the Savior.
Oct 11- 3 Nephi 19:3-9
Today we talk about the control we have to keep the Savior with us always.
Oct 10- 3 Nephi 18:15-20
Today we talk about making our prayers more sincere.
Oct 9- 3 Nephi 18:7-11
Today we talk about always remembering the Savior.
Oct 8- 3 Nephi 17:7-9
The invitation to come and be healed by Christ is also an invitation to bring others to be healed by Him.
Oct 7- 3 Nephi 17:4-6
Today we talk about the essence of true discipleship.
Oct 6- 3 Nephi 17
Preparing to learn the Savior's way
Oct 5- 3 Nephi 15
Christ visits His other sheep, He will come to all who believe in HIm.
Oct 4- Alma 14:14
How our actions determine who we become.
Oct 3- 3 Nephi 14:1-3
When the Savior teaches us to Judge Not, what does that really mean. Living in this world means that we will have to make judgements in order to make choices. Today we will talk about it.
Oct 2- 3 Nephi 13:24
Using our agency to choose God and His plan
Oct 1- 3 Nephi 13:14-15,22
Focusing on Christ and eliminating all other distractions.
Sept 30- 3 Nephi 12:14-16, 44
Today we learn more about the Savior's sermon in America
Sept 29- 3 Nephi 12
Today we will talk about the sermon on mount...moved to the Americas
Sept 28- 3 Nephi 11:21&29
Today we talk about the covenants and contention
Sept 27- 3 Nephi 11:14-15
The Savior invites each of us to have a personal experience with Him.
Sept 26- 3 Nephi 11:7-11
While introducing His son, God the Father invited us to hear His Son. Prophets today extend that same invitation.
Sept 25- 3 Nephi 11:1-3
Today we talk about taking the opportunities to be near Christ.
Sept 24- 3 Nephi 9:17-20
Today we talk about what the Savior wants when He asks for our broken hearts.
Sept 23- 3 Nephi 9:13-15
Today we look at the Savior's invitation to "Come" so that He can heal us.
Sept 22- 3 Nephi 9:2
Regaining our power by understanding our agency.
Sept 21- 3 Nephi 5:20-26
Being steadfast and immoveable and enduring to the end.
Sept 20- 3 Nephi 5:13
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Sept 19- 3 Nephi 3,4
The Book of Mormon teaches us about temporal readiness.
Sept 18- 3 Nephi 2:2&12
Spiritual strength through unity.
Sept 17- 3 Nephi 1:22&29
Today we talk about lasting conversion and how selfishness leads to destruction.
Sept 16- 3 Nephi 1:13
Today we look at the Savior's call to "Be of good cheer." This statement is more than just a "cheer up pal." Because He is our Savior, that statement promises us hope.
Sept 15- 3 Nephi 1:10-13
The work of Personal Revelation.
Sept 14- Helaman 16
Finishing out the book of Helaman
Sept 13- Helaman 15:3-4
The call to repentance is evidence of God's immense love.
Sept 12- Helaman 15:2-3
Samuel teaches the path to sin, understanding this will help us understand the path to repentance.
Sept 11- Helaman 14:28-31
Faith to see the miracles.
Sept 10- Helaman 14:12-17
Today we talk about how repentance and grace come together perfectly.
Sept 9- Helaman 14:2-5
Christ is LIGHT
Sept 8: Helaman 13:3-4
Today we talk about diligence in heeding the voice of the Lord.
Sept 7- Helaman 11;19
Today we talk about the power of those who quietly go about doing good.
Sept 6- Helaman 11:4-18
Today we talk about Christ's role as the Mediator.
Sept 5 Helaman 10:6-10
Today we learn about building trust with the Lord.
Sept 4- Helaman 10:2-5
Today we talk about the blessing of Nephi and how that is the same blessing God want's to give each of us.
Sept 3- Helaman 9
Today we talk about the small things that we do that ignite greater faith.
Sept 2- Helaman 7:29 8:22
Today we learn about the role of the Holy Ghost
Sept 1- Helaman 7:4-5, 20
Staying firm and committed until the end.
Aug 31- Helaman 5:45-50
Aug 30- Helaman 5:10-11
What does it mean that Christ will not save us IN our sins?
Aug 29- Helaman 5:12-15
We can be steadfast and immovable on the Rock of Jesus Christ.
Aug 28- Helaman 5:8-9
Why do we do what we do?
Aug 27- Helaman 4:12-15
Today we talk about the dangers of pride and the importance of making humility an attribute, not just something that we scramble for in times of trial.
Aug 26- Helaman 3:29-35
Today we talk about imperfect people in a perfect gospel as well as the power of conversion and action.
Aug 25- Helaman 3:25-28
Today we talk about secret combinations and how the atonement of Jesus Christ is for all.
Aug 24- The Epistles
How do we respond when we have reason to take offense?
Aug 23- Alma 58:10-12
How does faith move us forward?
Aug 22- Faith of the Mothers
Today we talk about the incredible faith of the mothers of the Stripling Warriors.
Aug 21- Alma 56:10 & 47
Today we talk about the power of love and faith.
Aug 20- Alma 55:2
Today we talk about the power that we have over the adversary.
Aug 19- Alma 53:20-23
Today we talk about the strength of our conversion in aiding in the conversion of our kids.
Aug 18- Alma 53
How do we view our covenants?
Aug 17- Alma 49:20 & 50:23
The people of the day teach us that even in difficult times there is joy to be found!
Aug 16- Alma 48 (Part 2)
Aug 15- Alma 48
Today we talk about being a peacemaker.
Aug 14- Alma 47
We can't afford to give the adversary even a little ground in our battle against evil.
Aug 13- Alma 46
Our lives and actions should act as the banner and symbol of our belief in Christ.
Aug 12- Alma 44
How do we get through the hard and difficult things?
Aug 11- Alma 43
What is the "Better Cause" that inspires you to stay on the covenant path?
Aug 10- Alma 42:15-31
Today we look at how God's perfect plans allows for mercy while still allowing justice to take it's full course.
Aug 9- Alma 42:1-4
Today we look at something that keeps Alma's son from repenting.
Aug 8- Alma 41:7-10
Today we talk about the doctrine of the judgement and how that day might not go as we imagine it.
Aug 7- Alma 40:12-14
What would your life be if you didn't know about God's plan of salvation?
Aug 6- Alma 40:11-12
The incredibly comforting doctrine of life after death!
Aug 5: Alma 40:1-3
Today we talk about the resurrection and the importance of paying the price for testimony,
Aug 4- Alma 39
Corianton shows us that often it is the small things that take us step by step away from the Lord.
Aug 3: Alma 37:35
Today we learn about the commandments of God.
Aug 2: Alma 37:33-34
The prophets and apostles have always been commanded to teach the things that bring us to Christ.
Aug 1- Alma 37:6-7
Today we talk about the power of the simple things.
July 31: Modern Day Alma Story
Today, with permission from my dear friend Tammy, I share a modern day Alma conversion.
July 30- Alma 36:16-27
Today we talk about Alma experiences, and how even though our converting experiences might not be as dramatic, they act as the same evidence that God is aware of us and loves us.
July 29- Alma 36:4-7 & 26
Today we talk about the little things that bring lasting conversion.
July 28- Alma 36:1-3
Alma reassures his son of the blessings promised to those who will be faithful...but sometimes those blessings look differently than we expect.
July 27- Alma 34:17-27
Today we learn about how to draw nearer to God through prayer.
July 26- Alma 34:15-16
Today we examine how justice and mercy come together in God's perfect plan.
July 25- Alma 34
Today we learn from Amulek about not just believing in God, but believing Him, believing His promises.
July 24- Alma 33
Alma, with the help of an Old Testament story, teaches us about our individual worth.
July 23- Alma 32:38-39
In order for our faith to grow, our efforts must be consistent.
July 22- Alma 32:21-28
Today we talk about the cycle of belief, faith and conviction.
Alma 32
Today we talk about the importance of being humble, and worshiping God wherever we are!
July 20- Alma 31:12-18
Today we talk about the sin of pride and why it is so destructive.
July 19- Alma 31
Today we look at what we can learn about why we obey.
July 18- Alma 31:9-11
Try out the word of God, see what it can do for you.
July 17- Alma 31:5
Today we learn that all things testify of God.
July 16- Alma 30:37-44
When questions arise, what we do with our questions matters, who we go to with our questions matters.
July 15- Alma 30:12-13
Today we see one of the lies that the adversary tries to tell us today. He wants us to believe that our covenants will place a heavy yoke around us...and he is right, just not in the way he would have us believe.
July 14- Alma 30:8
Today we talk about being intentional in our worship.
July 13- Alma 29
The righteous desires of Alma help us understand the importance of that which we desire.
July 12- Alma 27
Today we look at the example of faith in the Anti Nephi Lehies and the example of forgiveness in the Nephites.
July 11- Alma 26:16-37
Today we talk about the mysteries of God and His work and Glory.
July 10- Alma 26:11-13
Today we talk about the strength that the Lord gives us to do hard things.
July 9- Alma 26:1-3
Today we talk about the great blessing that it is to serve God's children.
July 8- Alma 24
Today we look at the faith of the Anti Nephi Lehi's
July 7- Alma 23
Today we talk about religious freedom and laying down our weapons of rebellion.
July 6- Alma 22
More on the missionary efforts among the Laminites
July 5- Alma 21
Today we talk about avoiding contention
July 4- Alma 20
Today we see the great example of how LOVE changes hearts.
July 3- Alma 19 Part 2
More verses in Alma 19 to teach us about the character of God.
July 2- Alma 19
Today we talk about Lamoni's incredible conversion, and the power of Abish in her testimony.
July 1- Alma 18:1-5
What we do matters, the way we live matters.
June 30- Alma 17
Alma meets up again with the sons of Mosiah and rejoices in their faith.
June 29- Alma 15:18
Today we learn about ministering the Savior's way.
June 28- Alma 15
Today we talk about the incredible forgiveness that Alma and Amulek show.
June 27- Alma 14 (Part 2)
Today we continue our discussion on why bad things happen to good people.
June 26- Alma 14
Today we dive into a really difficult chapter of the Book of Mormon as we explore the often asked question, "why do bad things happen to good people?"
June 25: Alma 13:12-13
Today we talk about sanctification and the promise of God's rest.
June 24- Alma 13:3
Today we talk about the character of the Savior which allows for the preparatory redemption.
June 23- Alma 13:1-3
Today we talk about priesthood and foreordination. What exactly does it mean to be foreordained and how does that play into our agency? And how can we know what God wants us to do?
June 22- Alma 12
Having a perfect recollection of all our guilt is a gift of God's mercy!
June 21- Alma 11:21-30
Today we talk about the temptation to give up what we really want long term, for what we want right now.
June 20: Alma 11:1-20
Today we talk are going to talk something that certainly won't lead to our conversion, but is REALLY cool!
June 19- Alma 10
Today Amulek gets tag teamed in to teach the people. We learn an important lesson about the importance of hearing when the Lord tries to reach us.
June 18- Alma 9
Today we learn about the power of remembering.
June 17- Alma 8 (Part 2)
Here, as Alma is feeling like a failure, an angel of the Lord comes and tells him to rejoice! The Lord wasn't concerned that Alma's time in Ammonihah hadn't yielded immediate or measurable success, he was rejoicing in the fact that Alma had been obedient to what the Lord asked of him. Can you and I get ourselves to believe that the Lord is pleased with our efforts? Even on days when we feel like we've failed?
June 16- Alma 8
Heavenly Father asks us to do hard things, we all get discouraged, we feel like failures at times. But we can take heart and trust in the Lord, knowing that if He commanded us, then He will find a way.
June 15- Alma 7
I love Alma 7, I wish we could spend the week in it! Alma teaches the people of Gideon, who were righteous, and whereas he taught the people of Zarahemla important doctrines, here he teaches the people of Gideon HOLY doctrines because of their righteousness.
June 14- Alma 6
Alma gave a special invitation to the members on behalf of those who didn't yet know God, and it would be so powerful for us in our day as well!
June 13- Alma 5:38-48
Sometimes we over complicate the commandments, Alma teaches us that the commandments are plain and simple. He also teaches that testimonies don't come by vision or miracles, but by fasting, prayer and the Holy Ghost.
June 12- Alma 5:38
The voice of the Good Shepherd calls to each of us, how can we learn to hear Him better?
June 11- Alma 5:16-28
Today we sit down for a personal priesthood interview with Alma!
June 10- Alma 5:12-14
Alma gives us the recipe for salvation, and we talk about what it means to have Christ's image in our countenances.
June 9- Amla 5:6-7
Alma teaches the importance of remembering and of allowing the Savior to change our hearts.
June 8- Alma 4:15-20
Alma gives himself wholly to the work of salvation, he is ALL IN! What are we giving ourselves wholly to?
June 7- Alma 4:12-14
We are warned again against the sin of pride!
June 6- Alma 3:13-14
The Amlicites marked themselves with red on their heads, now, I know they are the bad guys in this story...but I think we can learn a lot about making ourselves distinct and different from the world by how we are.
June 5- Alma 1:12 2:28
Alma accuses Nahor of Priestcraft and of setting himself up as a light. As teachers and parents and in our callings we must make an effort not to be like Nahor, we have to always strive to point others to Christ and then get out of the way of His glorious message.
June 4- Alma 1:6-12
GIDEON!!!! That amazing, rock solid disciple of Jesus Christ shows us what it means to be a defender of truth.
June 3- Alma 1:2-5
Nehor the Anti-Christ taught the people all sorts of half truths, and he was effective because it is so much easier to believe a half truth than a bold faced lie. This is the same strategy that satan uses in our day. He flatters and spreads half truths trying to lull us into carnal security.
June 2- Mosiah 29
Today we look at concerns that Mosiah had as he was trying to establish a new government, and they are concerns that we should have as we elect our nations leaders.
June 1- Mosiah 28
What happens to Alma and the sons of Mosiah after this conversion experience? There action shows the depth of their conversion!
May 31- Mosiah 27:24-26
What do we believe as members of the church, about being born again? In these verses the Lord makes it pretty clear.
May 30- Mosiah 27:10-14
Today we talk about the rebellion of Alma the Younger and the prayers that his father and the people offered up, which were the catalyst for his change.
May 29- Mosiah 26:10-38
Have you ever come across something that you just didn't know how to do? Alma is going to give us a pattern how to move forward in those situations.
May 28- Mosiah 26:1-3
Mosiah 26 starts out by explaining that the rising generation didn't have the same conversion as their parents because they were just little during the time of King Benjamin. It made me think, we can't count on our kids being converted because we are, we have to help them have opportunities to have the gospel sink deep in their hearts.
May 27- Mosiah 25:16
As we go through hard times, let's not forget that we worship a God who delivers. And even when that deliverance might not come as we hoped, lets take comfort in the deliverer.
May 26- Mosiah 25:10
When have you seen the immediate goodness of God in your life?
May 25- Mosiah 24
How did the Lord bear the burdens of Alma and his people? It has something to do with the covenants that they had made.
May 24- Mosiah 23
Mosiah 23 helps us better understand the age old question: Why do bad things happen to good people?
May 23- Mosiah 21
This chapter says that the Lord was slow to hear the prayers of the people. Have you ever felt that way? Today we talk about what we can do and learn when the answers to our prayers is no.
May 22- Mosiah 20
Today we talk about the spiritual gift of temperance.
May 21- Mosiah 19
Who are your favorite unsung heroes of the scriptures? One of my favorites is found in this chapter.
May 20 - Mosiah 18:13-30
Today we talk about the difference between priesthood power and priesthood authority, the command to be knit together, and our own personal waters of Mormon.
May 19- Mosiah 18:1-10
Today we talk about the process of conversion and how when we come to understand who Christ is, it leads us to repentance and to be more like Him. And to love as He would love.
May 18- Mosiah 17
Often times when we talk about the martyrdom of Abinadi we say that he was killed for teaching about Christ...that isn't necessarily true. Today we look at WHY Noah was so angry and what we can do to keep from falling into the same trap.
May 17- Mosiah 16
Today we look at the comparison we get for Mormon between a righteous leader and a wicked one.
May 16- Mosiah 16:8
Abinadi teaches that the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ. Today we talk about the different ways that is true.
May 15- Mosiah 15:8-11
Justice, Love and Mercy meet in a perfect harmony divine!
May 14- Mosiah 14
Abinadi teaches the wicked priests that the law is ALL about Jesus!
May 13- Mosiah 12-13
Abinadi tells the priests of Noah that they don't understand with their hearts. What is the role of our hearts in gospel learning? We'll talk about it today!
May 12- Mosiah 11
Sometimes in the scriptures we get so focused on the incredible wickedness of the people that we overlook the incredible mercies of God. Rather than writing the people off and walking away, He sends a prophet to invite the people to repent and change. God is always inviting us to change through prophets and through the Holy Ghost.
May 11- Mosiah 10
Today as we see the war hungry Lamanites come against Zeniff and his people we are struck with how the anger of the Lamanites poisoned their spirits and made them unfeeling.
May 10- Mosiah 10:1-2
As Zeniff prepares his people for war, we can learn a lot about the things we can do to strengthen and fortify our homes and lives against the adversary.
May 9- Mosiah 9
Today we learn a principle from Zeniff's life that can help us be more diligent on the covenant path.
May 8- Mosiah 9:3
The scriptures talk about the sin of "vain ambition." Is that what lead to the downfall of Zeniff and his people?
May 7- Mosiah 8:15-18
Ammon is going to teach Limhi the difference between a prophet, a seer and a revelator, and what a blessing it is that we have 15 of them on the Earth today!
May 6- Mosiah 7:25-33
Today we talk about the often asked question, "why do bad things happen to good people?"
May 5- Mosiah 7:19
Today we go over the timeline of the book of Mosiah (it can get a little bit confusing) And we talk about the God of deliverance!
May 4- Mosiah 7-10
Such a small detail, but it says that the people returned from this conversion experience to their homes and families. Conversion is fostered best in our homes.
May 3- Mosiah 5:15
Today we learn from King Benjamin how we can better come to know the Lord.
May 2- Mosiah 5:12
What does it mean to have the name of Christ written in our hearts, and why is it so important?
May 1- Mosiah 5:7-8
Today we talk about the importance of bearing the name of Christ, and bearing it well.
Apr 30- Mosiah 5:2-5
Here again in Mosiah 5 we see the pattern of conversion, we also get a clearer picture on how to have that mighty change of heart and rely on "He who is mighty to save."
Apr 29- Mosiah 4:9-12
Today we talk about our CHOICE to believe, and how that choice should always lead us to change.
Apr 28- Mosiah 4:2-3, 5-6, 9
Today we talk about peace of Conscious, and how we can have peace of mind by trusting in who God is.
Apr 27- Mosiah 3:19
Today we look at this iconic verse and find hope that God doesn't expect us to do it alone.
Apr 26- Mosiah 3:2-5
An angel came to King Benjamin to deliver a message of peace and joy, it should come as no surprise that the message of peace and joy was centered in Christ.
Apr 25- Mosiah 2:41
Today we hear about the blessings of living a life trying to follow the Lord.
Apr 24- Mosiah 2:21-22
We are told in this scripture that we will always be unprofitable servants, so why do we serve? Join me today as we talk about why there is no such thing as evening the score with Heavenly Father.
Apr 23- Mosiah 2:9
As King Benjamin begins his sermon he invites the people to treat sacred things sacred. Our attitude toward the sacred can determine how we receive communication from our Heavenly Father.
Apr 22- Mosiah 1:10-11
Here we see a covenant being associated with a name change. It is a familiar doctrine from the Old Testament.
Apr 21- Mos 1:2-5
Have you ever noticed that prophets of the Book of Mormon make a point to say that their dad taught them the language of their fathers. Really what that is saying is that their parents taught them how to read the scriptures.
Apr 20- Words of Mormon
Today we talk about how we are blessed today because Mormon was willing to follow a prompting years ago.
Apr 19- Omni
Have you ever done something hard, and not known why until later? Here in the book of Omni, nearly 300 years after the fact, we see so clearly why it was so important that Nephi and his brothers get the brass plates.
Apr 18- Jarom
Today we talk about family history, and how everything we do in the gospel is centered on Jesus Christ.
Apr 17- Enos 1:9-10
"A man filled with the love of God is not content with blessing his family alone, but is anxious to bless the whole human race." Today we see that the conversion of Enos lead him to want others to experience conversion as well.
Apr 16- Enos 1:5-6
Today we look at the aspect of Enos' conversion where he learns to receive and believe personal revelation.
Apr 15- Enos 1:4
Have you ever been super hungry? Enos was...after all that is why he was out hunting. But once the testimony of the words his father had taught him sunk into his heart, his hunger for the spiritual far outweighed the hunger for the physical.
Apr 14- Enos 1:1-3
Enos teaches us the process of conversion as he goes from hearing the word of his father, to believing them to living by them.
Apr 13- Jacob 7:6-14
Today we talk about how to guard our testimonies and keep them safe.
Apr 12- Jacob 7:1-5
Jacob 6 seemed to be the end of Jacob's writing. He had said his goodbyes! What was so important that it caused him to write one last chapter? It was a warning to us!
Apr 11: Jacob 6:12
Today we talk about one of the greatest sermons ever taught in just 3 words: OH BE WISE!
Apr 6: 2-5
God has enlisted us in His work, and has promised us certain blessings as we make His work and glory our work and glory.
Apr 9- Jacob 5 A God Who Weeps
Today we talk about what it means that we worship a God who weeps, and the blessing that it is to be part of His work.
Apr 8- Jacob 5:11
Sometimes the master's pruning hurts in the moment. But if we can remember that the mater of the vineyard wants nothing more than for us to return to Him, we can have faith to submit to His will.
Someone asked for the talk where yesterday's Uchtdorf quote came from, since I can't respond individually to those responses, I thought I would post it here.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2014/10/living-the-gospel-joyful?lang=eng
Apr 7- Jacob 5: 4-14
To better understand this allegory, we will take a look at the symbols and what they mean.
Apr 6- Jacob 4:10
Seek not to counsel the Lord, trust Him enough to receive counsel from His hand.
Apr 5- Jacob 4:5-7
Today we talk about how revelation comes through the scriptures, and God's desires for us to use the atonement in our weaknesses.
Apr 4- Jacob 3
If you've ever suffered because of the choices of someone else, then the words of Jacob 3 are for you!
Apr 3- Jacob 2
Today we talk about the sin of pride, and Jacob's warning that it will destroy our souls.
Apr 2- Jacob 1:5-18
Jacob teaches us the attributes of a good leader, and the dangers of "Somewhat."
Apr 1- Jacob 1:2-4
Today we see what the scriptures teach us about who Jacob was, and we see that he prefaces his writings explaining that everything we will read are things he considers most precious!
Mar 31- He Is Risen
How sweet the joy this sentence gives, I know that my Redeemer lives!
Mar 30- Christ Heals the Broken
All of us are broken in someway, either by our own choices or the choices of others, we all need some healing. Christ heals the broken.
Mar 29- There is HOPE in the Immediate Goodness of Christ
Today we talk about the hope that Christ offers us for the someday, and the immediate goodness we can experience now.
Mar 28- Wrapped in the Savior's Love
As we better come to know Christ and deepen our relationship with Him we can be wrapped in His love.
Mar 27- The Savior's ability to make us holier
Yesterday we talked about justification through Christ. Today we talk about our opportunity for Sanctification through Christ.
Mar 26- Where Justice, Love and Mercy Meet
Today we talk about how Christ satisfies the demands of justice through His divine offering of mercy.
Mar 25- None Were With Him
Today we continue our study of Jesus Christ in preparation for Easter Sunday
Mar 24- The Living Christ
Today we look at the Proclamation The Living Christ, and rejoice that we believe in a resurrected Lord.
Mar 23- 2 Nephi 33:7, 15
Today we learn more about who Nephi was by studying his final testimony.
Mar 22- 2 Nephi 33:1-4
Today we talk about the first part of Nephi's final testimony.
Mar 21- 2 Nephi 32:8-9
Today we talk about part 2 of how Nephi teaches us to receive personal revelation.
Mar 20- 2nd Nephi 32:1-7
In this chapter Nephi wants to teach his people how to obtain revelation for themselves. But they don't seem to understand. Today we will talk about the first of 2 ways that Nephi teaches them to obtain revelation.
Mar 19- 2 Nephi 31:17, 20
Today we talk about the final Doctrines of Christ as we learn more about the Holy Ghost and Enduring.
Mar 18- 2 Nephi 31:4-12
Today we learn more about the phrase "to fulfill all righteousness." What does it mean, and how can we follow the Savior in righteousness?
Mar 17- 2 Nephi 31:1-2
The gospel is so simple, it really just boils down to the doctrines of Christ.
Mar 16- 2 Nephi 30
Today we learn about the power of truth to overcome the adversary.
Mar 15- 2 Nephi 29
Today we learn more about the nature of God through the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.
Mar 14 2 Nephi 28:7-8
Today we talk more about the tactics of the adversary and how we can withstand.
Mar 13- 2 Nephi 28
Today we examine the tools of the adversary to be better equipped to withstand temptations in the last days.
Mar 12- 2 Nephi 27:20
God is able to do His own work, and as a testimony of that He placed His marvelous work and wonder in the hands of an unlearned farm boy from upstate New York.
Mar 11- 2 Nephi 27:12-14
Today we talk about the prophecy of the witnesses found in the Book of Mormon.
Mar 10- 2 Nephi 26:22-24
Just as Satan binds us little by little, often times repentance works in the same way, overcoming temptation by temptation piece by piece until through Christ we are made strong.
Mar 9- 2 Nephi 25:24-30
All that we say, and all that we do should point others to Christ.
Mar 8- 2 Nephi 25:23
By grace we are saved AFTER all we can do, but what is all we can do? The answer might surprise you.
Mar 7- 2nd Nephi 25:13
Christ is risen with healing in His wings, He is an active God who desires to bless us and make us whole.
Mar 6- 2nd Nephi 25:1-10
The key to better understanding the scriptures, and knowing that our God is a God who warns.
Mar 5- 2nd Nephi 24:1-4
As Isaiah is teaching about Israel returning to Jerusalem, we get to see the dualistic prophecy of how God feels about us as we return home to Him.
Mar 4- 2 Nephi 22
How do we find joy in the Lord? And how do we praise Him?
Mar 3- 2nd Nephi 21
Today we see a latter-day prophecy and our work in it.
Mar 2- 2 Nephi 19
Today we look at some titles of the Savior, and reflect, how has He been these things for us!
Mar 1- 2nd Nephi 15:26-30
Even when His children turn their back on Him, our loving Heavenly Father has a plan to reach out and save as many of His children as will come to Him.
Feb 29- 2nd Nephi 15
What can the parable of the vineyard teach us about raising kids? Today we will find out!
Feb 28- 2 Nephi 14
Here in 2nd Nephi 14 Isaiah is going to teach us how to protect ourselves and our families against the temptations of the world.
Feb 27- 2nd Nephi 13
Today the Lord gives us warnings about types of apostacy that we will face in the latter-days.
Feb 26- 2 Nephi 12:2-5
In 2 Nephi 12 we take a look at a couple of Isaiah prophecies, 1 about the latter-days and the second, a millennial prophecy, and how we can begin to experience the promised peace of the millennium in our lives today.
Feb 25- 2 Nephi 11
In this chapter, Nephi delights in the 3 purposes of the Book of Mormon.
Feb 24- 2nd Nephi 10:23-25
We can learn powerful truths as we discover what it means to be reconciled to God's will.
Feb 23- 2nd Nephi 9:39
The Book of Mormon tells us that to be spiritually minded is life eternal, which is a BoM way to say what Pres. Nelson has taught, and that is to Think Celestial.
2 Nephi 9:28-29
Today we look at the difference between how the scriptures talk about knowledge vs wisdom. Is there a difference? If so, what is it?
Feb 21- 2nd Nephi 9:3-8
Today we begin 2 Nephi 9!!! This, I believe is one of the greatest sermons on the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how the Atonement has the power to truly deliver us!
Feb 20- 2 Nephi 8:1-13
How do we find comfort in times of hardship? We look to what the Lord has done, to find greater trust in what He will do.
Feb 19- 2 Nephi 7:1-5
Today Isaiah teaches us that no matter how far we go, the Lord is always there, waiting to pour out love and redemption.
Feb 18- Tips and Tricks to Understand Isaiah
As we start into the Isaiah chapters of the Book of Mormon, I thought I would begin by giving a few tips to better understand the words of Isaiah.
2 Nephi 5:16-27
Today we see that the Lord's priority for temple worship has always been a focus.
Feb 16- 2 Nephi 5:3-10
What can Nephi taking the believers away teach us about maintaining our spiritual safety?
Feb 15 2 Nephi 4:16-23
Today we see that knowing who the Lord is gives us strength to trust Him when things are hard.
Feb 14- 2 Nephi 2:13-16
What does it mean to have our "souls delight in the scriptures?" and how can we get there in our studies?
Feb 13- 2 Nephi 4:11
Today we learn from the diligent and humble example of Sam.
Feb 12- 2 Nephi 4:4-5
The hope we find in the gospel for the sheep who have wandered.
Feb 11- 2 Nephi 3:7-15
Today Lehi teaches his youngest son about prophecy from Joseph of Egypt. But how can this prophecy teach us about the restoration of the gospel through the prophet Joseph Smith?
More info on the Messiah Ben Joseph prophecy:
https://rsc-legacy.byu.edu/archived/selections-2007-religious-education-student-symposium/ancient-studies/messiah-ben-joseph
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1972/12/the-old-testament-speaks-today?lang=eng
Feb 10- 2 Nephi 2:26-27, 30
Thinking Celestial helps us choose the good part.
Feb 9- 2 Nephi 2:25-26
Learning to chase JOY in mortality, not merely happiness.
Feb 8- 2 Nephi 2:11, 14
Today we talk opposition and agency.
Feb 7- 2 Nephi 2:1-6
Today we talk about trials that result from the choices of others, and how the fall and the atonement fit together in God's plan.
Feb 6: 2 Nephi 1:14-15
Today we look at the word redeemed in a new way, and learn that the atonement is literally an embrace.
Feb 5: 2 Nephi 1:13
Today we talk about having the strength to shake off the chains which bind.
Feb 4- 2 Nephi 1:1-3
Today we begin Lehi's final testimony.
Feb 3- 1 Nephi 21:13-16
The Savior invites us to remember Him as He always remembers US!
Feb 2- 1 Nephi 19
Nephi's instructions to build the boat teach us an important principle about seeking revelation.
Feb 1: 1 Nephi 17:6-7
Where do you go to commune with the Lord?
Jan 31- 1 Nephi 16:23, 17:9
More cool evidences of the Book of Mormon. Plus (and more importantly) we see the power of faith to act and not be acted upon.
https://evidencecentral.org/recency/evidence/ishmaels-burial
Jan 30- 1 Nephi 16:10-11 26-29
Our modern day Liahona
Jan 29- 1 Nephi 16:1-2
The guilty taketh the truth to be hard!
Jan 28- 1 Nephi 15
If we focus on God and His love we can block out the filthiness of the world.
Jan 27- 1 Nephi 14:12-17
God's whole work and glory centers around your eternal joy, peace and happiness.
Jan 26- 1 Nephi 13:33-35
After everything that Nephi sees that were lost, we can rejoice that we worship a God who restores.
Jan 25- 1 Nephi 13
As Nephi is seeing events of the world in his vision. I don't think it is a coincidence that he is show events that were central to the restoration of the gospel.
Jan 24- 1 Nephi 12:11
Today we talk about the Savior's earthy ministry and our responsibility to use His Atonement.
1 Nephi 11:16-17
Do we truly understand what it meant that Christ descended below all things to become our Savior and our Advocate with the Father?
Jan 22- 1 Nephi 11:2-10
In order to show Nephi the meaning of the tree, in order to show him how the tree represented the Love of God, the angel showed Nephi the life of Christ. Jesus Christ is the greatest evidence that God loves His children!
Jan 21- 1 Nephi 10
What does it mean to RELY on Christ? What does that look like in our every day lives?
Jan 20- 1 Nephi 8:39 9:3-6
If God can prepare a way 2,400 years before Martin Harris lost the 116 pages of manuscript. What can He design in your life?
Jan 19- 1 Nephi 8:21-32
Today we talk about the 4 different groups of people in Lehi's vision, and what we can learn about each of them.
Jan 18- 1 Nephi 8:8,14,19
Today we learn that righteous living doesn't make us immune to hard things. In fact, sometimes the mist of darkness is directly over the iron rod.
Jan 17- 1 Nephi 7:16-21
Nephi teaches us about trusting in the arm of the Lord and not the arm of flesh, he also shows us what forgiveness really looks like.
Jan 16- 1 Nephi 7:9-12
Remembering gives us strength to obey God and power to draw nearer to Him.
Jan 15- 1 Nephi 7:1-5
Ishmael teaches us for a second time that approaching the Lord for revelation can soften our hearts.
Jan 14- 1 Nephi 6:4-5
Today we discuss Nephi's main goal in writing and is warning that we might not always like what we hear.
Jan 13- 1 Nephi 4:6-13
Counseling with the Lord
Jan 12- 1 Nephi 4:6-7
Trusting in God even when we don't see the end from the beginning.
Jan 11- 1 Nephi 3:2-7
What can the promise of God's help teach us about the principle of self reliance?
Jan 10- 1 Nephi 2:15-17
Today we talk about the Lord's love for all of His children no matter who we are or where we live.
Jan 9- 1 Nephi 2:12-16
How do we respond when we don't quite understand God's will for us?
Jan 8- 1 Nephi 1:4,20
There is strength that flow to us when we reflect upon and remember the tender mercies of the Lord!
Jan 7- 1 Nephi 1:1
The afflictions of our day are not a sign of the disfavor of God, in fact, if we will look to Him we will see that we are HIGHLY favored of the Lord, even in our hardest days!
Jan 6- The Testimony of the Witnesses
God has always used the testimony of witnesses to establish truth. This was true in the Savior's day, it was true in the early days of the restoration, and God invites us to receive a testimony of truth so that we can share it as well.
Jan 5- The Keystone of Our Religion
What does it mean that the Book of Mormon is the Keystone of our religion?
Jan 4- The Crowning Event and the Gift of Peace
Today we dive into the third paragraph of the Introduction and learn that the crowning event of the Book of Mormon can be the crowning even of our lives as well.
Jan 3- The Most Correct Book
Why does Moroni warn us to be careful about fault finding in the Book of Mormon?
Jan 2- To See Christ and His Covenants
Today we study the 2nd and 3rd reason that Moroni gives us for the Book of Mormon.
Jan 1- The Great Things The Lord Hath Done
An often overlooked purpose of the Book of Mormon is to prove to us that God is a God of miracles, mercies and deliverance.
Dec 31- The Title of the Book of Mormon
In all things, The Book of Mormon IS Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
Dec 30- FIXED Rev 20:1-3
How to overcome satan in our homes and in our lives.
Dec 29- Rev 19
Today we talk about the "woman's" preparation for the Lamb.
Dec 28- Rev 17
Today we see the Harlot fighting, but those who fight with the lamb come off triumphant.
Dec 27- Rev 16
Overcoming the trials of this life.
Dec 26- Rev 15:1-2
Even with the difficulties of the world swirling around us, we have the promise of peace.
The Real Joy of Christmas
Pres Monson reminds up of where the joy of Christmas can be found.
4 Gifts that Jesus Christ Offers You
Pres. Nelson teaches us about the gifts of Christ.
Dec 23- Because He Came
President Monson teaches us about the infinite blessings that come to us because Christ was born.
Dec 22- Knowest Thou the Condescension of God?
Do we really understand what it means that Christ willingly came down as a babe in Bethlehem?
Dec 21- Behold Thy Disciple
What does Mary teach us about becoming a true disciple?
Dec 20- When things don't go how we expect...
What does Joseph teach us about what to do when things don't turn out quite the way we are expecting.
Dec 18- Wisemen still seek Him
So many lessons that we can learn from the diligent seeking wisemen.
Running to Know Christ
What can the shepherds teach us about our opportunity to come to know the Savior?
Dec 17- Making Room For the Savior
This week, as we look at the Nativity story, there is a lot we can learn from the Innkeeper.
Dec 16- Rev 12:7-11
The war in heaven would be better named, the war that began in heaven. The war is still raging, it just changed battlegrounds! But the way we overcame satan in the premortal existence is the same way we can overcome him today!
Dec 15- Rev 11
What can we learn from the 2 witnesses who are killed, and how can it apply to our lives?
Dev 14- Rev 7:4-9
The number 144,000 teaches us about God's radical inclusivity.
Dec 13- Rev 6:12-7:2
God, knowing the difficulties of the last day, restored His Kingdom to the earth.
Dec 12- Rev 6:3-11
Today we look at the 2nd- 5th seals, 4 thousand years of history summed up in 8 verses!
Dec 11- Rev 6:2
Today we look at the symbolism of the white horseman.
Dec 10- Rev 6:1
As the Savior opens the seals he authorizes those who worship him to invite everyone to "Come and See."
Dec 9- Rev 5:3-13
What does it mean to truly worship? And how can we make our sacred moments moments of true worship?
Dec 8- Rev 4:6-8
Today we talk about the symbolism behind the sea of glass and the beasts covered in eyes and wings.
Dec 7- Rev 3:15-16
Here we see the dangers of being in the middle.
Dec 6- Rev 2-3
Today we look at a pattern when the Lord is speaking to the 7 churches. As we understand the pattern we can better understand what the Lord expects and the promises He gives.
Dec 5- Rev 1:15-18
We finish up the symbolic description of the Savior and see what we can learn from John's reaction to Him.
Dec 4- Rev 1:11-14
Today we look at the highly symbolic description of the Savior.
Dec 3- Revelation
Today we talk about the historical and symbolic significance of the book of Revelation.
Dec 2- Jude 1
What do you do to fight for your faith everyday?
Dec 1- 1 John 5
Today we talk about being born of God and learning to pray Celestially
Nov 30- 1 John 4:8
God is love, and the greatest evidence of that love is the gift of His Son.
Nov 29- James 4:7-8
Our discipleship is defined by the love we show others.
Nov 28- 1 John 2:3-5
Today we continue with the theme of God's love as we look at the commandments He gives us.
Nov 27- 1 John 1:5-7
Time and focus on the Light of the world, naturally will bring greater light into our lives.
Nov 26- 1 John 1:1-3
Today we get some background on the books of John, we see how he mimics his teachings in the gospel of John, and we learn about the law of the witnesses.
Nov 25- 2 Peter 1
Peter gives us a greater understanding on how to draw nearer to Christ.
Nov 24- 1 Peter 4:6-8
Today we see God's mercy as Peter teaches about work for the dead. And He invites us to have mercy on others as we develop the attribute of charity.
Nov 23- 1 Peter 3
Peter reminds us of our responsibility to always be prepared to testify.
Nov 22- 1 Peter 1:21-25
Today we talk about Christ as our Shepherd and our Bishop
Nov 21- 1 Peter 2:9
Today we learn more about our worth to the Lord
Nov 20- 1 Peter 1:7-9
If we turn to Christ in hardship He can refine our souls.
Nov 19- Peter 1:1-3
We have hope smiling brightly before us because of our faith in Christ.
Nov 18- James 5:7-11
James beautifully bookends his epistle with another teaching about patience.
Nov 17- James 3:16 4:11
Our Father in Heaven would have us be the kind of people who build up everyone they meet. In word, and in deed.
Nov 16- James 3:1-10
James cautions us to be cautious with our words.
Nov 15- James 2
Faith without works is dead, but works without faith is deader.
Nov 14
Today we learn that pure religion is found in the things that we DO
Nov 13- James 1:5-6
As we seek for wisdom from our Father in Heaven, what can we learn from these scriptures about opening the windows of heaven for revelation?
Nov 12- James 1:1-3
Today we get a little bit of background into who James was
Nov 11- Heb 12:1-2
Christ is cheering us on and helping us along our race of life.
Nov 10- Heb 11
Here as Paul is trying to show all the examples of faith, he gives example after example of someone sacrificing something, even if it is just the sacrifice of their will. In our lives as we seek to go faith. One of the first things we can do, is increase our obedience.
Nov 9- Heb 10:35 11:1
Today we see how faith, action and evidence work together to build our solid testimonies!
Nov 8- Heb 10:1-4
Today we learn about the trustworthiness of the Savior and how we can come unto Him first in all that we do.
Nov 7- Hebrews 9
Because Christ gave all to rescue us, He now stands as the Great High Priest, our own Holy of Holies.
Nov 6- Heb 8:6-10
What is the new covenant, and through it, what is Christ offering us?
Nov 5- Heb 7:3-12
Teachings about the Melchizedek priesthood.
Nov 4- Heb 5:1-9
Today we learn about how one of our purposes in life is to learn to trust God enough to bend our will to His.
Nov 3- Heb 4
When we better understand who Christ is, and what He wants for us, we gain confidence to approach is mercy boldly.
Nov 2- Heb 3:13-14
Paul teaches us how to maintain our strong faith, and sometimes that means we just hold on for dear life to the experiences we have already had.
Nov 1- Heb 2:13-17
Christ took it all upon Himself so that He would know exactly how to run to us and lift us up in our hardest moments.
Oct 31- Heb 2:10
Allowing the Savior to captain our souls, and being refined in suffering.
Oct 30- Heb 1:3, 14
Today we talk about how Jesus Christ teaches us about a loving and merciful Heavenly Father!
Oct 29- Heb 1:1-2
Today we get a background of the book of Hebrews as well as Paul's desire that we understand that Christ is greater than the prophets.
Oct 28- Philemon
What can we learn about turning judgement and justice over to God and forgiving and loving with our whole souls?
2 Tim 3:1-7
Paul warns Timothy in 3 different places about the dangers of the latter-days. It is easy to see the truthfulness of his prophecies as we look around at the world we live in.
Oct 26- 2 Tim 1:3-5
When Paul commends the mother and grandmother of Timothy for their faith, he credits their faith for the strength of Timothy's faith. How can we use our faith to build up the testimonies of those we love?
Oct 25 1 Tim 4:12
Be thou an example of the believers!
Oct 24- 1 Tim 2:5-6
Jesus Christ lives! He is our Savior, or Redeemer, our Mediator.
Oct 23- 1 Tim 1:11-14
How has the atonement of Jesus Christ changed or enabled you?
Oct 22- 1 Tim 1:1-3
Today we learn more about Timothy and Paul's first piece of advice to Timothy as a leader.
Oct 21- 2 Thes 2:1-3
Today we talk about the 2nd coming prophesies of the apostacy and the restoration.
Oct 20- 2 Thes 1:7
If Christ is the source of rest, what can we do to find it?
Oct 19- Thes 5:1-5
Paul warns us that the Savior will come as a thief in the night, but for those who follow him, we will be awake and aware.
Oct 18- 1 Thes 3
How can out faith be made perfect?
Oct 17- 1 Thes 2:4 & 8
The call for prophets an apostles and the true sense of what it means to minister.
Oct 16- 1 Thes 1:6-9
The Thessalonians teach us, through powerful examples, about member missionary work!
Oct 15- 1 Thes 1:1-5
Today we learn that when Paul taught he did so with power and authority because of the way he lived his life.
Oct 14- Colo 2:7
in order to survive our world today we have to have our feet rooted deeply in Christ and be willing to do whatever it takes to grow towards Him.
Oct 13- Phil 4:8-13
The admonition of Paul is the capstone of our faith an testimony, as we believe in Jesus Christ, His doctrines and the restoration of His Gospel, it should lead us to seek out the good virtues that Paul teaches.
Oct 12- Phil 3:13-14
Paul teaches us that success comes by pressing towards the mark.
Oct 11- Phil 3:2,8
Today we talk about true conversion going beyond doing the external to be seen by our fellow man.
Oct 10- Phil 2:12-16
Today Paul teaches us about how the things we do matter, and the attitude with which we do them matters as well.
Oct 9- Phil 2:1-8
Today Paul teaches us through the example of Christ about the love and care we should have for others.
Oct 8- Phil 1:2-6
Today we learn about the Philippians, and we see that Paul is grateful and joyful whenever he thinks of the Philippian saints.
Oct 7- Eph 6:11-18
We need to examine our whole armor and make sure that we haven't left any vulnerable places.
Oct 6- Eph 4:5-14
The purpose of the structure of the church is laid out by Paul
Oct 5- 17-21
As we root ourselves in Christ we will be taken back in awe with the magnitude of His love for us!
Oct 4- Eph 2:20, 3:6
Paul teaches us that if we are willing to follow Christ as our cornerstone then we can be joint heirs with him!
Oct 3- Eph 2:12-21
When we are told to be one in Christ, Paul makes it clear that it is BECAUSE of Christ that we can be one.
Oct 2- Eph 2:8
Today we see how faith plays into grace.
Oct 1- Eph 1:4-5
Today we talk about the doctrine of foreordination. This can be hard at times to wrap out minds around, but hopefully we can learn a lot from what prophets an apostles have said about it.
Sept 30- Gal 6
We know that bearing one another's burdens are part of our covenants. But how do they apply to the covenant to take the name of Christ upon ourselves?
Sept 29- Gal 5:16-25
Today we talk about the power that comes into our lives as we walk by the Spirit, and how to learn to recognize the Spirit in our lives.
Sept 28- Gal 5:1, 13
Every commandment that our Father in Heaven gives us, is given to us for the purpose of helping us retain our agency.
Sept 27- Gal 3:1-2
The Spirit is key in our discernment and understanding truth from error.
Sept 26- Gal 2:16-20
If we are saved by grace (which we absolutely are!) Then what is the purpose of our works?
Sept 25- Gal 1:6-12
Prophets help us see Jesus Christ more clearly as they point us to Him.
Sept 24- Gal 1:4-5
Today we get an introduction into the boo of Galatians, as well as an understanding of Jesus Christ as our deliverer.
Sept 23- 2 Cor 13:5
Here Paul teaches us that if we are finding faults with our leaders, that perhaps that is when we should look inward and check where we stand in our faith in Jesus Christ.
Sept 22- 2 Cor 12:7-9
Our weaknesses are not a kink in God's plan for his children, they are PART of His plan for us!
Sept 21- 2 Cor 11
Paul warns us about listening to false teachers who preach anything other than Christ and His gospel.
Sept 20- 2 Cor 10:12-13
Paul talks about the foolishness of comparing ourselves to others, or holding our selves to a higher measure than what God expects of us.
Sept 19- 2 Cor 10:1
Today we talk about meekness and how it's okay to be bold within our stewardships as long as we have the balm available to bind up the broken heart.
Sept 18- 2 Cor 8:9 9:7-8
Today we talk about Paul's invitation to give. We talk about abundance and how sometimes our abundance isn't monetary, but we can be willing to give of anything that we have in excess, be it joy, time, faith etc.
Sept 17- 2 Cor 8:1-7
Paul reminds us that God doesn't just expect to give of our abundance, but the responsibility to care for the poor extends to every one of His followers.
Sept 16- 2 Cor 7:10
Today we talk about the difference between godly sorrow or sadness for sin differs from worldly sorrow, or the shame that the adversary tries to make us feel.
Sept 15- 2 Cor 4:6-7
As we strive t come unto Christ, we are better able to reflect the light of Christ
Sept 14- 2 Cor 2:11 3:2-3
God doesn't just want our rote obedience, he wants our discipleship written upon our hearts.
Sept 13= 2 Cor 2:7-8
Forgiving those who have hurt us is one of the greatest ways we can testify of our belief in Christ.
Sept 12- 2 Cor 1:20-21
Since God had invested so much into us, he is not going to turn His back on us now.
Sept 11- 2 Cor 1:3-4
Today we learn about what it means that God is a God of ALL comfort, and how we can learn from Him to be a greater comfort to others.
Sept 10- 2 Cor 1:1-3
God is a God of mercies, and the more we recognize His mercies the more we can experience His love.
Sept 9- 1 Cor 15:40-58
We have HOPE in this life because of Jesus Christ!
Sept 8- 1 Cor 15:29
Paul uses baptisms for the dead as an evidence of the truthfulness of the literal resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Sept 7- 1 Cor 15:8-11
It is because of Christ and His grace that we can be made new, that we can be made alive in Christ.
Sept 6- 1 Cor 15:1-8
In these verses Paul shares his gift of prophecy and bears powerful testimony of the resurrection of Christ.
Sept 5- 1 Cor 14:10, 33
There are so many voices in the world today screaming for our attention. But God is not the author of confusion. As we learn to tune into His truth we will experience peace.
Sept 4- 1 Cor 14:1-3
Paul teaches us that one of the most important gifts that we can see is the gift to know Jesus Christ.
Sept 3- 1 Cor 13
Today we learn about what it does for us when we learn to see ourselves as God sees us.
Sept 2- 1 Cor 12
Paul teaches us about how all the many gifts that God gives is a way of bringing us together.
Sept 1- 1 Cor 11:26-28
Paul teaches us how we should approach the sacrament each week.
Aug 31- 1 Cor 11:5 & 11
Today we talk about gender roles and what God wants for us as far as unity between men and women.
Aug 30- 1st Cor 10:13-14
Today we talk about the tools that God has given us to escape our temptations.
Aug 29- 1 Cor 10:11-13
Paul teaches us, not that God WON'T tempt us, but that He will give us ways to be stronger than the temptations!
Aug 28- 1 Cor 9:1 & 16
As Paul responds to the criticisms of the Corinthians, it can remind us hw important it is to refrain from criticizing our leaders and giving them the benefit of the doubt.
Aug 27- 1 Cor 8:2-6
Today we talk about guarding the testimonies of all who might be young in the faith.
Aug 26- 1 Cor 4:7
When God gives us a gift it is so important to remember that the gift was given for the purpose of building God's kingdom.
Aug 25- 1 Cor 4:2-7
Paul teaches us about refraining from judgement, either of ourselves or of others.
Aug 24- 1 Cor 3:16-17 6:19-20
What does God want us to know about our bodies? Paul makes it pretty clear.
Aug 23- 1 Cor 3:1-9
The work of God is the same whether we are planting, watering or harvesting. And we are blessed to be a part of it.
Aug 22- 1 Cor 2:9-15
In our world of instant answers, we can't go to sources like Google for spiritual truth. When seeking an understanding of the spiritual, we need to learn Spirit to spirit.
Aug 21- 1 Cor 2:1-2 3:10-11
Paul teaches that the only way to remain steadfast in faith is to build our testimonies firmly on Jesus Christ.
Aug 20- 1st Cor 1:11-12
Do we sometimes get so caught us in the principles of the gospel that we lose sight that those principles are given to us to point us to Christ?
Aug 19- Rom 12, 14, 15
Today we look at Paul's theme of Unity and what it means to come together as God's people
Aug 18- Rom 8:18, 28, 32, 35-39
Paul teaches us about how our trials can point us to God's love.
Link to elder Holland's quote.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRLDdNk5G4Y
Aug 17- Rom 8:16-17
Today we talk about the divine truth that God is anxious to teach us.
Aug 16- Rom 14-15
Today we talk about how being led by the Spirit leads us to becoming the children of the Lord.
Aug 15- Rom 8:5-6
The quickest way to life and peace in this life is to live a ife filled with the things of the Spirit.
Aug 14- Romans 8:1
Coming off the heels of Romans 7 where Paul teaches us about our fallen natures, he immediately tells us that we are under no condemnation if we follow Christ in spirit. What beautiful love, what amazing grace, that because of the atonement of Jesus Christ we can continue to try and continue to repent.
Aug 13- Rom 7:14-15
Paul helps us see that it is only though the grace of Jesus Christ that we are able to overcome the natural man.
Aug 12- Rom 5:1-5 6:1-4
Today we talk about the peace we find in tribulation because of our faith in Jesus Christ. And how when we catch a vision of what the atonement means for us, we can become born again.
Aug 11- Rom 3:3-4 4:2-3
Today we talk about believing even when we are the only ones who do.
Aug 10- Rom 2:28-29 3:23
Today we talk about what it means to be a saint with our WHOLE selves.
Aug 9- Rom 2:6-13
Today we talk about Paul's invitation to ACT to DO the gospel, and we talk about how grace and works come together beautifully.
Aug 8- Rom 2:1-4
Today we talk about Paul's condemnation of judgement, and God's loving nature that draws us to Him in repentance.
Aug 7- Rom 1:17
The just live by faith, what does that mean and what can we do to develop more faith.
Aug 6- Romans 1:16-17
Today we set up the context behind the book of Romans, as well as talk about one of the most famous declarations of Paul.
Aug 5- Acts 27:9-12
There is safety that comes as we heed the words of the prophets and apostles.
Aug 4- Acts 26:22-29
In a world where faith is challenged and tested on all sides, ALMOST converted isn't enough. We have to be willing to dive in and be committed to Christ.
Aug 3- Acts 26:18
Paul explains the purposes to which the Lord calls Him.
Aug 2- Acts 24:15
As we continue looking at the things that gave Paul strength and courage in times of hardship it is hard to ignore his firm and repeated testimony of the hope found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Aug 1- Acts 22:6-16
Paul had strength and courage to continue on in difficult times because of his deep and abiding testimony of Jesus Christ.
July 31- Acts 22:1-3
Today we talk about the importance of learning how to maintain our zeal for the gospel without alienating those who may believe differently than us.
July 30- Acts 21 Introduction
Today we wander back into last week's CFM block to better set the stage for this week. We get the chance to see that the thing that motivates all that Paul does is a burning testimony of Jesus Christ.
July 29- Acts 19:1-6
Paul's question to this group of disciples in Ephesus is a fabulous question to ask ourselves. Are you having experiences with the Spirit regularly to keep your faith alive?
July 28- Acts 17:30 18:9
Today we talk about the merciful nature of God and His desire for us to open our mouths.
July 27- Acts 17:24-29
If we come to know God, then we need to acknowledge that we are all His family and we will treat one another accordingly.
July 26- Acts 17:22-23
It is so vitally important to understand who we are as children of God, but understanding who God is as well gives power to our understanding that we are His children.
July 25: Acts 17:1-11
Today we discuss the power of the scriptures in conversion and in finding Truth.
July 24- Acts 16:6-24
Christianity is comforting but it is rarely comfortable.
July 23- Acts 16:1-3
Timothy shows us what it means to be "all in" on your covenants.
July 22- Acts 12
Sometimes deliverance happens just as we hope for, other times it does not. The key is maintaining faith in Jesus Christ through the hard times.
July 21- Acts 11:1-3
The people of the day questioned the revelation that Peter received until they had a confirmation from the Spirit. Do we sometimes do the same thing as we receive from our modern day prophets and apostles? Can we do a better job at seeking and receiving confirmation for ourselves?
Acts 10- Revelation
Today we take one last look at Acts chapter 10 to learn about the patterns of revelation that Heavenly Father uses to guide His children.
July 29- Acts 10:34-39
If we are going to truly believe in the atonement of Jesus Christ, then we have to be willing to accept that it applies to ALL of God's children.
July 18- Acts 10:15
When God tells us we are clean, let's trust Him enough to believe it!
July 17- Acts 10:5-16
If we are willing to see, we will be able to witness all the times that God is orchestrating our lives "by divine design."
July 16- Acts 10:1-4
Today as we meet Cornelius, the gentile, we are reminded of the immense love that God has for ALL of His children.
July 15- Acts 9:10-16
We can take a lesson from Ananias about receiving strength to forgive, and the imporatance of doing so.
July 14- Acts 6-9
Being a disciple means being prepared to change and to grow. The path to growth isn't always easy, but the outcome is always better than we can imagine.
July 13- Acts 9:1-6
Are we willing to be humble enough to change when the Lord reaches out to us?
July 12- Acts 7:51-60
Today we talk about Stephen's final testimony of Christ, and the description of his death being "sleep." because of Jesus Christ, we will wake again.
July 11- Acts 6:15-7:1
When others try to tell us what we do and don't believe, we can be like Stephen and testify of the truths we know.
July 10- Acts 6:8-13
Stephen begins to do a great work, and comes against great resistance. The Jews try to tell Stephen what he is preaching and what he said and he is called upon to defend it. In our day and age often times people try to tell us what we believe, and we will be called upon in word and action to show that in all things we are true Christians.
July 9- Acts 6:1-3
Today we talk about the difference between ministering and administering, and what was the priority of the 12.
July 8- Acts 3:19-21
Today we talk about the purpose of the ongoing restoration.
July 7- Acts 3:1-11
The same power that Christ had to heal carried on with His apostles, and carries on today.
July 6- Acts 2:41-47
True conversion leads us to want to DO something. Lasting conversion will lead to us continuing in that action.
July 5- Acts 2:22-37
Peter shows us by example that masterful teaching should center on Jesus Christ and lead to a desire to change.
July 4- Acts 2:1-8
Today we talk about the day of Pentecost and the gift of tongues. The way we see it more commonly in our day may not be as grand spectacular, but it is every bit as spirit driven and miraculous.
July 3- Acts 1:14
The early disciples show us that if we are to build the kingdom of God on Earth, we must do so in unity and "with one accord."
July 2- Acts
Today we discuss the Book of Acts and what it should teach us as Latter-Day Saints about how Christ leads His church through prophets and apostles.
July 1- John 21:15-17
As Christ cares for us, let us care for others.
June 30- John 21:1-7
Do we allow our spiritual experiences to change us long term?
June 29- John 20:25-31
The Savior, though the experience of Thomas struggling to believe, teaches us 3 different ways to have faith in Him.
June 28- John 20:17-23
What can we learn about the restoration of the gospel through these verses? Where exactly was Christ between the time of the crucifixion and resurrection. The good news of the gospel shares that hope with us.
June 27- John 1-16
How do we approach opportunities to come unto Christ? Do we run to them, or do we look at them more passively?
June 26- Luke 28:7-9
No matter the depths of our sorrows we can have faith in the promises that Sunday will come.
Luke 24: 1-8
Today we take a look at the glorious announcement, "He is not here, He is risen."
June 24
June 23- Luke 23:34-38
Today we talk about the temptation of Satan to forget who we are, and Christ's greatest lesson on forgiveness.
June 22- Luke 23:26-33
Today we talk about Calvary and what took place there.
June 21- Matt 27:21-26
Barabbas in some ways represents us, a sinner who is freed because Christ summited to Calvary.
June 20- Luke 23:4-17
Pilate fell into the trap of caring more about what man thinks than what God thinks, if we are not careful that is a trap that we can fall into as well.
June 19- John 18:38
Pilate asks the Savior the heartbreaking question, "What is truth?" But then, ironically, he doesn't stick around for the answer from the Truth Himself. He turns outward and seeks opinion from others. In our search for truth, let's remember to seek truth from the source of all truth.
June 18- John 18:37
You and I are the cause for which Christ came into the world.
June 17: John 18:1-11
When we understand our purpose, why we are here, the choices that we make in this life become easier.
June 16- Luke 22:44
Verse 44 very simply describes the Savior's experience in Gethsemane and "agony." Such a central part of God's plan for His children summed up in such a small verse. What has Christ done for you? This verse explains it all!
June 15- Luke 22:42-43
When earnestly seeking blessings in prayer, what are the ways you have been blessed and strengthened, when Heavenly Father's answer has been no?
June 14: Matt 26:37-39
Today we discuss what we can learn from the Savior's sorrow in Gethsemane.
June 13- Matt 26:36-37
Today we talk about the significance of Gethsemane, and the beginning of what happened there.
June 12- Luke 22:33-34
Today we talk about the Savior telling Peter that he will deny Him. There are 2 different ways this verse can be interpreted and there are beautiful lessons we can learn from each way.
June 11- Luke 22:31-32
Today we talk about the difference between testimony and conversion and how conversion will draw people to Christ.
June 10- John 17:21
The Savior prays that we, as His disciples can become one, with the purpose of bringing others to Him. Are we one? Are we unified? Have we allowed the love of God to rid us of contention, envy or strife? If not, then we have more work to do.
June 9- John 17:3
Today we use a Spanish lesson (the difference between saber and conocer) to better understand "Life Eternal."
June 8- John 16
Today we learn how even in the darkest of times, we can find hope in and because of Jesus Christ.
June 7- John 15
The Savior teaches us about the power that comes into our lives as we cling to Him and how to love as He did.
June 6- John 14:16-26
The Savior teaches us about the important role of the Holy Ghost in helping us know the way.
June 5- John 14:8-15
Our way to show love to our Father in Heaven is by trusting Him enough to follow what He asks of us.
June 4- John 14:1-6
In His last earthly sermon the Savior starts out by teaching that He is the way to experience peace in this life and in the next.
June 3- John 13:6-17 & 34
In these verses we learn that love, in word and deed are the truest attributes of a disciple of Jesus Christ.
June 2- John 13:1-4
The Savior was willing to stoop below His station to cleanse the feet of His disciples. He has stooped below all things to cleanse you and I.
June 1- Luke 22:19-20
Today we take a closer look at the words the Savior used to give His disciples the ordinance of the sacrament, and what we can learn about our preparations to take the sacrament from them.
May 31- Matt 26:20-22
When confronted with our own weaknesses or imperfections it is important to remember that our salvation is between us and the Lord.
May 30- Matt 26:17-19
It wasn't a coincidence that the Last Supper took place the same day as the Passover feast. The Passover was rich in symbolism of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and just as the Passover was meant to point the children of Israel to Christ, the sacrament should be pointing us to Christ as well.
May 29- Matt 26:14-16
Today we talk about how Judas betrayed the Savior because he was offended. But when we become offended do we sometimes betray ourselves because of self deception? It can be a dangerous thing.
May 28- John 12:1-8
Mary teaches us about sacrifice as she anoints the Savior with Spikenard.
May 27- Mark 12:41-44
Goin right along with the Saviors parable of the sheep and the goats, we learn from the poor widow to give of our lack, not just of our abundance.
May 26- Matt 25:31-40
The Savior teaches us that loving our fellowman, will prepare our hearts to stand before the Lord in the last day.
May 25- Matt 25:14-25
The Savior continues to teach us about preparing for the second coming by teaching us the importance of using our gifts to build His kingdom.
May 24- Matt 25:1-13
In an effort to help His disciples better understand about preparing for His second coming, He taught them about the 10 virgins.
Luke 21:26
The conditions of the hearts of men and women are a sign of the times.
May 22- JS Matt 1:22 & 37
Today we talk about the Saviors warning of deception as a sign of the times.
May 21- JS Matt 1:4-11
The Savior reminds us that despite the conditions of the world before His second coming, we can be safe as we remain true to our testimonies.
May 20- Matt 23:25-28
The Savior calls out the hypocrites and helps us see that we need to strive to make our inner selves be cleansed and not focus so much on the outer selves.
May 19- Matt 22:34-40
In these verses Christ teaches us that the Gospel of Jesus Christ at its very core centers around LOVE.
May 18- Matt 22:15-30
Today we see the skillful answers of the Savior as the Pharisees and the Sadducees try to ensnare Him in His words, and we see how the Savior's teachings on marriage in the resurrection teaches us the importance of Proxy temple work.
May 17- Mark 11:11-15
The Savior teaches us in a perfect way, how to respond to negative emotions we may experience.
May 16- Matt 21:7-11
We invite Christ into our lives and homes as we seek out His salvation.
May 15- Matt 21:1-6
Today we talk about consecration and how we can give our hearts willingly to the Savior.
May 14- Luke 19:1-8
Today we learn a lesson about discipleship from the publican Zacchaeus.
May 13- Luke 18:1-8
We are commanded to pray continually and faint not, but how can we continue to progress and develop in out faith when we are praying and receiving the answer, "not yet."
May 12- Parable of the Laborers Part 2
Instead of complaining that God is merciful and kind to others we may not feel deserve it, let us thank Him and praise Him that life isn't fair and that He extends that same mercy to us.
May 11- Matt 20:1-13
Elder Holland teaches us an important principle from the parable of the laborers of the vineyard, comparison is the thief of joy. We can be more like Christ as we learn to rejoice with others in their good fortune
May 10- Matt 19:16-26
Today we talk about the humility it takes to ask, "What lack I yet?" Heavenly Father will respond, He will teach us about the changes we need to make. But because of the atonement of Jesus Christ, we don't have to make those changes alone.
May 9- Matt 18:13-15
Yesterday the Savior teaches us about marriage, today He teaches us about loving children as He does.
May 8-- Matt 19:2-8
Today we see the Savior speak about marriage relationships. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ, we understand in a unique way the gift of marriage. And with that understanding it becomes our responsibility to treat our marriages as a covenant and not a contract.
May 7- John 11
The story of Christ raising Lazarus reminds us that trials and difficulties are not evidence that God doesn't care. In fact, if we are willing to turn to Him trials can be evidence of God's great love
May 6- Luke 17:11-19
In the story of the 10 lepers we get a chance to see that although 10 lepers were cleansed by Christ, one received a higher blessing, a spiritual wholeness that came by recognizing the Savior for who He was rejoicing in Him and worshipping Him.
May 5- The Prodigal Son Part 3
Sometimes we get so focused on the younger son in this story, we forget that the Savior was trying to teach the scribes and pharisees about loving the sinner through the reaction of the older brother.
May 4- The Prodigal Son Part 2
The father, filled with love and anxious to show mercy, is ever watching for his son to return.
May 3- Prodigal Son Part 1
How we treat others when they decide to leave might set the scene for how comfortable the feel with us if they choose to return.
May 2- Luke 14:28 15:1-10
Today we talk about the importance of counting the cost of our choices, making sure that our choices lead to greater discipleship. And we talk about how no one who is lost is lost to God.
May 1- Luke 1:1-5
The Savior teaches about the importance of coming to him through the Sabbath Day
Apr 30- Luke 12:13-21
The Savior, through the parable of the rich man, teaches us to be more concerned about the things of eternity.
Apr 29: John 10:10-16
As the Savior shepherds us, He invites us to be undershepherds ourselves, and as we do, we experience His promise of live more abundantly.
Apr 28: John 9:21 & 10:4
Today we talk about defending our testimonies at all cost and learning to hear the voice of the Shepherd.
Apr 27- John 8:12-19
Today we talk about Christ being our light in times of darkness, as well as what the Savior teaches us about the law of the witnesses and what that means specifically for us as members of the church regarding our belief in the Godhead.
Apr 26- John 8:7-11
In the second half of the story about the woman taken in adultery, we get the opportunity to see the boundless love and mercy of the Savior and how He balances it perfectly with justice.
Apr 25- John 8:1-6
In part one of the story of the woman taken in adultery we talk about how the love, mercy and grace that the Lord extends to us is not influenced by the thoughts, words or opinions of anyone else.
John 7:37-39
As we come to the Living Water, and really come to know Him, there can be, within us a source of living water as the Spirit testifies to our souls of the reality of Jesus Christ.
Apr 23- John 7:17
After being mocked by His half brothers, the Savior teaches a doctrine privately in Jerusalem about how we are converted to truth
Luke 10:38-42
The Savior's words to Martha help us understand that the things that matter most are the things that lead us to Christ.
Apr 21- Luke 10:29-37
The second question answered by the parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us who is our neighbor and how to love more like the Savior.
Apr 20- Luke 10:25
The Parable of the Good Samaritan done 2 ways! Sometimes we get so focused on the scribes second question, "who is my neighbor?" That we forget his first question was "what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Today we talk about The Savior's answer to the first question.
Apr 19- Matthew 20-27
Using a sum that was unimaginable, Christ teaches us about the importance of forgiveness.
Apr 18th- Matt 18:11
Have you ever been lost and scared? Have you ever lost something or someone that you love? In those moments you know that you would give anything for someone to help. The beauty of this scripture is that it reminds us that Jesus Christ is a loves the lost and has the power to bring them home safely!
Apr 17- Matt 18:2-4 & 9
LESSONS ON FAITH FROM A 9 YEAR OLD: We had a rough day over here. I'm sure it's never happened in your house but my kids were fighting all day and having a hard time listening. At some point during the day as a consequence for some choices, they were told that I couldn't sit with them in their room while they fell asleep. Well, as unluck would have it, about 3 minutes before bed, Michael started talking about a movie that they saw about 3 minutes of which terrified Millie to the core. So now, right as she was supposed to go to sleep (without me in the room mind you) she is scared and whimpering in her room. Feeling bad, but resolute to be consistent with my consequence, I called to her to ask why she was scared. I gave her a hug, reminded her she was safe, told her to say a prayer and think about things that make her happy. It seemed to work...she went to sleep. Before bed I went into the kids room to feed their fish like I do every night. But tonight when I turned from the fish tank I saw Millie, asleep calmly on her bed with a picture of Jesus propped up right in front of her face. That sweet girl, in an effort to think happy things and not be afraid placed her focus on Jesus Christ! In our lives we will all experience times of fear and distress. But as we place the Savior squarely in our sights everything else will come into greater focus and we can experience peace! Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me
Apr 16- Matt 18:1 Mark 9:33-35
In the past 10-15 years or so the concept of "Servant Leadership" has really taken over the business world. It is something that companies shell out big money for trainings and a buzz word on resumes. Little does the business world know or understand that Servant Leadership is a leadership skill that the Savior taught over 2000 years ago!
Apr 15- Matt 16:24-27
The Savior teaches His disciples that what they do matters! It doesn't matter because we are saved by our works. We know that isn't the case, we are saved by Christ and His grace. But He still emphasizes the importance of our WORKS, because what we DO how we live, as we focus on Christ, change our hearts and lead us to who we become!
Apr 14- Matt 16:18-19
What s the Rock upon which Christ built His church? He answers it in these verses, and with understanding the context and with a nice Book of Mormon cross reference we can see that the same rock is the foundation of our faith today!
Apr 13- Matt 16:13-17
Today we learn that the best source of truth and testimony is the Holy Ghost, which can be renewed every time we feel like it may be diminishing.
Apr 12- Mark 8:11-12 & 22-25
Pres Nelson has taught that in the coming days we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior's power that the world has ever seen. How can we be sure to avoid the pitfall of the Pharisees and have eyes to see the miracles around us?
Apr 11- Matt 15:32-36
Today we see again the tremendous compassion of the Savior as well as how our focus allows us to experience gratitude.
Apr 10- Matt 15:1-2
The Pharisees teach us an important (what not to do) lesson about obsessing over culture or traditions more than doctrine.
Apr 9- HE IS RISEN
HE LIVES! And because He is a living God, He is able to bless strengthen and heal you in very real ways.
Apr 8- He Heals the Broken
All of us at some point of our lives are broken in some way. Either by our own choices or the choices of others we experience that hurt, disappointment or sorrow. The atonement of Jesus Christ is able to take the broken, repair it and give it back to us more beautiful and stronger than ever before.
Apr 7- There is HOPE in Christ
In our moments of devastation, pain, or heartbreak there is hope in Christ that in the end all will be made well, but lets get real here for a minute. Sometimes when we are in the middle of our grief or broken dreams, that promise seems so far off when our current pain is so real. The beauty of the atonement of Jesus Christ is that it gives us both hope for eventual deliverance, but also knowledge of the immediate goodness of God.
Apr 6- Sanctification through the Atonement of Christ
It isn't enough to simply be justified, our Savior doesn't just want to return us to status quo. He wants us to become higher and holier. He wants to sanctify us and make us holy.
Apr 5- Jesus Christ Satisfies the Demands of Justice
The scriptures teach us that no unclean thing can dwell with God, that is the law of Heaven, but we all sin and fall short of the glory of God. How grateful I am that in His everlasting knowledge, love and mercy, our Heavenly Father sent His Son to satisfy the demands of justice and make it possible for us to return to Him again someday.
Apr 4- Being Wrapped in the the Savior's Love
As we better come to know the Savior, as we deepen our relationship with Him, we can feel His love and be wrapped in His warm embrace.
Apr 3- The Sting of Death is Swallowed up in Christ
Today we do a conference recap as well has dive into our Easter Prep by talking about how the sting of death can be swallowed up in Christ.
Apr 2- John 5:31-32
In John 5 the Savior teaches us about the law of the witnesses. As we listen to conference, listen for that law to be used. Repetition should rivet our attention.
Apr 1- John 5:1-8
"Wilt thou be made clean?" The question to the sick man at the pools of Bethesda is the question that He, in His infinite "Hased" or loving kindness asks us.
Mar 31- John 6:61-68
Sometimes belief is a choice. When we hear something that is hard to hear or we struggle with doubt, belief means turning back to the things we know, the experiences we have had. Belief means remembering the miracle of the loaves in our lives.
Mar 30- Matt 14:26-30
In these verses we learn that the way to find core, lasting joy is through the hope with find in our testimonies of Christ, and if we are to overcome the fears of this life, we have to do it by focusing our faith in Him.
Mar 29- Mark 45-48
Today we learn some principles of adversity from the disciples struggling in the storm that we can remember when we face challenges in our own lives.
Mar 28- Mark 6:38-44
Yoked with Christ, you are more than enough.
Mar 27- Mark 34-38
The Savior teaches us about true compassion, and shows us how we need to look for the hungry and find ways to feed them.
Mar 26- Mark 6:17-30
Today we learn the dangers of not accepting correction from our Father in Heaven with humility.
Mar 25- Matt 13:47-49
The Savior asks us to cast our net as wide as we possibly can, to gather in everyone we can, and he will worry about the rest.
Mar 24- Matt 13:30
It's intriguing to me the Lord's command to let the wheat and the tares grow together. If we are going to live in a wheat and tares world we better become some strong wheat! By focusing our efforts on strengthening our roots, the strength of the tares diminishes from our lives!
Mar 23- Matt 13:26-30
Today we talk about the wheat and the tares and how one modern day apostle has taught us to be wheat in a tares world.
Mar 22 Mark 4:8
As we seek to cultivate the word of God in our hearts, we need to give ourselves and others grace, recognizing that improvement and repentance are part of this mortal experience.
Mar 21- Matt 13:21-22
Today we talk about how we can root ourselves deeply and firmly in the gospel as well has what it takes to wee out the negative things of the world that would seek to destroy our faith.
Mar 20- Matt 13 3-9
Keeping deep roots in the gospel requires daily dilligence in the things that deepen our testimonies.
Mar 19- Matt 13:10-13
Today we talk a little bit about parables and how the Savior's parables are just one more piece of evidence of His great love and mercy on us.
Mar 18- Luke 11:1
Lord teach us to pray. It is my belief that as we ask Him to teach us individually how to pray His answer to each of us will be different and catered to what we need.
Mar 17- Mark 2:27
What does it mean that the Sabbath was made for us? Are me making the most of that precious gift?
Mar 16- Matt 11:29 12:1
Today we talk about the judgement of the Pharisees. And how in judging the Savior's disciples they were actually breaking a higher law.
Mar 15- Matt 11:29
As we dive a little deeper into what a yoke is, we can feel more of our Savior's love and protective care for us!
Mar 14- Matt 11:28
How do we come unto Christ? And what is the rest that He promises?
Mar 13- Matt 11:7-9
What do we come to see? The Savior asks His followers to consider that question, and we should consider it as well. When we come to the sacrament table, to the temple, to hear the words of the prophets, what are we coming to see? If we come to see the Savior, it is my testimony that we can experience His love.
Mar 12- Matt 11:2-6
Today we learn the importance of seeking out a testimony for ourselves, and of not being offended.
Mar 11- Matt 10:37-40
As we finish out the Savior's advice to the 12 about how to better follow Him, we can see invitations to us as His followers in the Latter-days.
Mar 10- Matt 10:6-10
The Savior gives His apostles certain responsibilities, and not surprising, they are the same responsibilities the 12 have in our day, and he teaches us that we are safe to trust Him, even when we can't see the end from the beginning.
Mar 9- Matthew 10:1
Today we ask the question what helps us follow Christ. What guides do we have to come to Him? Just as we see Christ call and give power to the 12 in His day to point others to Christ, the prophets and apostles today will point us to the Savior as we heed their messages.
Mar 8- Mark 5:30-34
When the Savior turns and asks, "who touched my clothes?" I don't think He was cared that He was touched, or that strength had left Him. I think that He knew that someone needed Him. That there was someone in that crowd who needed His one on one ministry.
Mar 7- Mar 5:24-29
When we reach out for the Savior with all our faith and all our hearts then we can draw His power into our lives!
Mar 6- Mark 5:21-36
As we face the things of mortality that scare us or cause us to face our challenges the Savior reminds us that we can counteract that by focusing on our faith in Him.
Mar 5- Matthew 9:10-13
The Savior loves you and invites you to come unto Him no matter where you are or what you have done. He isn't concerned with others opinion of you. He sees your heart and who you can become.
Mar 4- Luke 7:12-22
As we come to know Christ in the New Testament and we see His power to deliver spiritually and physically and we see the compassion that He has, we can take heart knowing that the loving and compassionate Christ of the New Testament is the Savior that worship today.
Mar 3- Mark 2:1-5
Do we have the kind of friends that bring us to Christ? More importantly, are we the kind of friends that bring others to Christ? If we will strive to point others to the Savior, naturally we will come closer to Him ourselves.
Mar 2- Mark 4:35-41
There are times in our lives where the waves and winds of live throw us around like a boat on the sea. It can be terrifying and devastating. As we turn our attention to Christ, He can calm the winds, or at the very least, calm our hearts.
Mar 1- Matt 8:19-21
Do we sometimes get comfortable in our discipleship and we forget that following Christ will always come with a cost, we need to sacrifice to be better able to follow Christ.
Feb 28- Mark 1:29-31
In 3 very different ways, we get the chance to see the divine attribute of being "quick to observe" in action. May we make every effort to see the needs of those around us and spring to action to bless the lives of others.
Feb 27- Luke 7:1-6
Comparing the miracle of the leper to the healing of the centurion's servant shows us that at the center of all miracles is faith to be healed, humility to approach the Savior in our "uncleanliness" and trust in the Lord's will over our own.
Feb 26- Matt 8:1-3
Today we begin to see the Savior's ministry of miracles. In our lives the Savior is showing forth His power and His miracles if only we will have eyes to see them and faith to call them miracles.
Feb 25- Matt 7:7-17
Have you ever thought about how our all loving Father in Heaven probably DELIGHTS in blessing you and answering your prayers? When we understand His desire to bless us, it makes us anxious to ask, seek and knock!
Feb 24- Matt 7:1-4
What does proximity teach us about righteous judgment? The Savior will teach us beautifully!
Feb 23- Matt 6:24-34
The Lord wants to provide for His children. He loves us, He cares about our needs. But part of trusting Him means trusting in the ways that He chooses to bless and provide.
Feb 22- Matt 6:16-22
What is my motivation? It seems that is the question that the Savior is trying to get us to consider as he teaches us about living righteously.
Feb 21- Matt 6:11-13
The second half of the Lords prayer teaches us about our daily reliance on God.
Feb 20- Matt 6:5-10
Today the Savior teaches us in word and example how to pray and how to better connect with our Heavenly Father.
Feb 19- Matt 6:1-4
Today we talk about our motivations with a little help from Pres. Monson and Henry VanDyke.
Feb 18- Matt 5:48
Be ye therefore PERFECT?!? That feels daunting and overwhelming! Until you cross reference it to Moroni 10:32. We can be perfect in some things in this life...but infinite perfection doesn't happen by our own willpower. It happens as we allow ourselves to be PERFECTED.
Feb 17- Matt 5:23-24
The Savior teaches us a way that we can better approach the sacrament each week.
Feb 16- Matt 5:18-22
Today we talk about the Telestial, Terrestrial and Celestial laws!
Feb 15- Matt 5:13-16
Today we talk about Christ's mandate for us to preserve the covenant and reflect His light in our lives for all to see.
Feb 14- Matt 5:8-12
Today we learn about purity over perfection and disagreeing better instead of disagreeing less.
Feb 13- Matt 5:4-7
Today we continue talking about the Beatitudes and what we can learn from them as we approach them from a foundation of faith in Jesus Christ.
Feb 12- Matt 5:1-3
The Savior starts His great sermon by helping us understand that all faith should be centered on Him to help us gain power and strength sufficient to follow Him.
Feb 11- John 4:4-8
Water is critical to our lives, without it we can't survive. We need a consistent source of water and we need to drink it everyday. Christ teaches the woman at the well that He is the Living Water. Without Him, we cannot survive spiritually. We need to find consistent ways to infuse our lives with His spirit.
Feb 10- John 4:1-5
Are there people in our lives that we look at as Samaritans? Whether consciously or subconsciously? What can we learn from Christ about meeting people where they are and loving them for who they are?
Feb 9- John 3:16-17
Today we talk about Jesus Christ being the greatest evidence we have of the absolute love that our Father in Heaven has for us.
Feb 8- John 3:1-7
Today we talk about the command to be born again, and how it is more of a lifetime process rather than a one and done event.
Christofferson- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2008/04/born-again?lang=eng
Feb 7- John 2:12-15
When Jesus threw the money changers out of the temple, what can we learn about controlling anger from that situation?
Feb 6- John 2:9-10
Christ didn't just take the water and transform it into the same quality of wine that there was before, he made it better. He can do the same thing for us through His enabling power. He doesn't just take us and return us sinless, through the enabling power he sanctifies us and makes us higher and holier.
Feb 5- John 2:1-5
Because Mary KNEW her son and had total faith in Him, she had power to say, "Whatsoever He saith unto you, DO IT." Do we know and trust the Savior enough to do anything that is asked of us?
Feb 4- Luke 5:12-16
What does it mean to you that the Savior wants to make you clean? And where do you go when you want to reconnect with your Heavenly Father?
Feb 3- Luke 5:1-11
As we learn about Christ beginning to call His disciples, what can we learn from their willingness to immediately leave behind all that they knew in order to follow Him.
Feb 2- Luke 4:18-19
Christ was anointed to heal, bless and strengthen the weak, the broken, the bruised, the poor in spirit. He can do all that for us, and more. But we have to be willing to let Him in.
Feb 1- Luke 4:13-15
Christ left His experience and time of temptation with power of the Spirit. What did He do to obtain that kind of power? And what can we do to receive it as well?
Jan 31- Matt 4:3-10
Today we learn about the specific temptations of Christ and what we learn about overcoming the adversary from the Savior's example.
Jan 30- Matt 3:3
Here we get the chance to see one of the most common attacks of the adversary. He comes to the Savior and says, "IF thou be the Son of God..." IF??? He is trying to attack the Savior's identity, and he does the same thing to us. Because he knows that if he can get us to forget who we really are, he can get us to forget our purpose here on this Earth. But all we need in order to overcome his attacks is a firm understanding of our relationship with God.
Jan 29- Matthew 4:1-2
As we begin this week's study, we get the opportunity to see the Savior of the world come face to face with temptation, but we also get the chance to se how He overcomes it. Learning how Christ overcame temptation can give us strength and power to overcome as well.
Jan 28th- Luke 3:21-22
Today we talk about Christ's complete obedience and why that matters, as well as what we can learn from Luke's detail that Christ was the last to be baptized.
Jan 27th- Matt 3:13-15
Today we see Christ's humility and submissiveness as He shows us by example to follow ALL of God's commands.
Jan 26th- Matt 3:12
Today we use the analogy that John teaches about wheat and chaff to help us learn about separating what matters most from the fluff that sometimes fills our lives.
Jan 25- Luke 3:8-10
Luke gives us a chance to step back and ask ourselves how and if our actions match our faith.
Jan 24- Matt 3:7-8
My friends, I apologize! I had some technical trouble today and the sound quality is bad. I will have it fixed for tomorrow, but hopefully you can hear well enough to learn about how how Christ can lift us from the toxic situations we find ourselves in.
Jan 23- John Cries Repentance
What do the similarities in today's verses teach us about the gospel writers desires for us to know and understand?
Jan 22- The Book of Mark
We FINALLY get to jump into the book of Mark! So today we will talk a bit about who Mark (John Mark) was and the significance of his gospel, as well as the authority of John.
Jan 21- John 1:40-48
In those moments of loneliness, when you feel unseen, unknown or unappreciated, take heart in knowing that the Savior knows you, He sees you and He absolutely LOVES you!
Jan 20- John 1:35-38
Christ asked his disciples, "What seekest thou," essentially He was asking, "what do you want?" The beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ is we know what we want, we know where we ultimately want to be, we know that we want to dwell where He is. And as we've seen multiple times so far this year, the answer to do that is to SEEK Him!
Jan 19- John 1:15-36
Here John shows us an attribute of Christian discipleship. He shows us that disciples point people and lead people back to Christ.
Jan 18- John 1:6-11
Both John the Beloved and John the Baptist make a point to teach us that there will be many who will not be able to see Christ for who He is. Even among believers. If we are not careful and intentional about our worship we may fall into the trap of not seeing or understanding or even believing all that Christ can do for us.
Jan 17- John 1:4-5
If one of the titles for Christ is the light, what can we do to ensure that light is always with us?
Jan 16- John 1:3
How does understanding the Savior's role as the creator strengthen your relationship with Him?
Jan 15- John 1:1
An understanding of who Christ was before this Earth life, gives us faith to follow Him during this Earth life.
Jan 14- Matt 2:9-11
Heavenly Father orchestrated a new star in the heavens to guide the wise men to the Savior. What stars has He given you to lead you to Christ?
Jan 13- Matt 2:1-3
Jacob exhorts us to "Be Wise." As we seek to be wise in God's way we must start first like the wisemen of old, and seek Christ.
Jan 12- Luke 2:30-37
True to his testimony, Luke uses the testimony of Simeon to remind us that Christ is the Savior of ALL mankind and that He is waiting for us in our brokenness.
Jan 11- Luke 2:23-30
Sometimes, in order to obtain the blessing that we most desire, we have to continue to put ourselves in the places where God can reach us.
Jan 10- Luke 2:17-19
Today we talk about sacred experiences and how we need to treat them as personal stewardships. Sometimes that stewardship will compel you to share your experiences, other times it will compel you to hold sacred things sacred.
Jan 9- Luke 2:8-16
Are we running to every opportunity we have to better come to know Christ?
Jan 8- Luke 2:1-7
How can we do better at making room for all who are seeking to come unto Christ?
Jan 7- Luke 1:38
When Mary said "Behold the handmaid of the Lord," she was declaring that she would follow God, no matter what that meant for her. Can we have the faith of Mary to do the same? Even when it is hard?
Jan 6- Luke 1:15-37
Is there something in your life that feels or seems impossible? Take heart in knowing that God has a great track record of making the seemingly impossible things happen.
Jan 5- Luke 1:5-15
Today we find hope that God knows the prayers of our hearts, even the prayers that we haven't dared hope for in years. He hears them, He remembers them, and He knows the right time to bless you with them.
Jan 4- Luke
Today we talk about our core beliefs as Christians and we learn more about Luke and his purpose in writing.
Jan 3- Matt 1:19-25
When things are made know to us through promptings from the Holy Spirit, do we act like Joseph and respond the very first time?
Jan 2- Matt 1:17-20
Today we talk about a unique testimony that Matthew offers about Christ. And a practical example about temperance that we can learn from Joseph.
Jan 1- Matt 1:1
Today we talk about the significance of Matthew's job and his purpose of including genealogy.
Dec 31- Historical Background of the New Testament
Today we discuss a few more interesting points about the life and times of Jesus Christ.
Dec 30- The Time Between the Testaments
Today we talk about the political climate that happened between the Old and New Testaments and how that shaped the culture and climate that Christ was born into.
Dec 29- Seeing the Spirit in Learning
As we use our agency in learning, we should seek the Holy Ghost. The Spirit has the ability to translate the things that you are reading and learning and help apply them into your life.
Dec 28- Asking Inspired Questions
Ask we seek to ponder on the scriptures that we read, there is power in asking ourselves inspired questions.
Dec 27- Pulling Principles and Pondering
Today we learn about active gospel learning by searching for principles in the scriptures and taking time to ponder them.
Dec 26- Agency in Learning
Today we talk about using our agency in gospel learning.
Dec 25- 4 Gifts that Jesus Christ Offers You
Pres. Nelson Christmas Devo 2018
Dec 24- Because He Came
Because He Came Pres Monson 2011
Dec 23- A King became a baby.
What does it mean to you that the King of King and Lord of Lords came down as a babe in Bethlehem to show you the profound love of your Father in Heaven?
Dec 22- Behold, thy disciple.
When we are called to testify of God and serve Him, will we say as Mary did, Behold thy servant?
Dec 21- What Joseph Teaches Us
We all have experiences where things don't go exactly how we expect them. Joseph is an example of looking to God for understanding.
Dec 20- Bringing Christ Our Best
Like the Wisemen of old we can offer Christ the gift of our broken and contrite hearts. Which means sometimes giving Christ the best gift means offering Him the very worst of ourselves.
Dec- 19- Make Haste To Find Him
When we get the opportunity to come to know Christ, do we run to that chance?
Dec 18- Making Room For Christ
Today we talk about the innkeeper and we discuss how we can be more intentional about making room for Christ each day.
Dec 17- Malachi 4 (Part 2)
Today we talk about the purpose of the Earth, and how it might be different that what we normally think.
Dec 16- Malachi 4 (Part 1)
Today we talk about the significance of Elijah's return and the blessing that it is to us.
Dec 15- Malachi 3:7-10
Today we talk about the blessings that come as we trust God enough to obey His commandments.
Dec 14- Malachi 3:2-3
Today we talk about the refining process and how, if we will turn to Him, the Lord can use our afflictions to make us more prepared for His coming.
Dec 13- Malachi 3:1
Today we talk about becoming messengers and preparing the way for the Savior's 2nd coming.
Dec 12- Malachi 1:2-7
Today we use the example of polluted bread on the temple altar to help us learn about obeying God's commandments God's way.
Dec 11- Malachi 1:1-2
Today we see that God sends prophets to cry repentance because of His abundant LOVE that He has for His children.
Dec 10- Zechariah 9-13
Today we take a loo at some of the Messianic prophecies of Zechariah.
Dec 9- Zechariah 1:15
Today we talk about the Lord's feelings on those who exercised judgement on God's people. Do we sometimes displease the Lord with how we treat those who believe differently that we do?
Dec 8- Zechariah 1:2-4
Today we talk about the Lord's invitation to us all to return to Him.
Dec 7- Haggai 1-2
Today we talk about choosing good, better or best as we try to figure where our time will go each day.
Dec 6- Haggai 1:9
When we act in faith, God can add His power to our faith and miracles can happen.
Dec 5- Haggai 1:6-8
Today we talk about trusting that the Lord can take what you can give and make it enough.
Dec 4- Haggai 1:4-5
Today we learn from Haggai about the importance of Prioritizing the building or rebuilding of our faith.
Dec 3- Zephaniah 3
Today we talk about the Hope found in the Savior's 2nd coming
Dec 2- Zephaniah 1:2-3
Today Zephaniah prophecies about the consuming of the wicked before the 2nd coming. But we also should seek to be consumed by Christ. To turn our hearts and wills to Him and be consumed by Christianity and discipleship.
Dec 1- Habakkuk 1:5-6
Today we talk about how God can use our deepest trials so help us learn and grow and become more lie Him.
Nov 30- Habakkuk 1:2-4
Today we see Habakkuk the prophet struggle as he waits on the Lord to fulfill His promises. What a familiar feeling that I think we can all relate to. The pleading and the wondering as we wait for answers or miracles. But it is my belief and testimony that often times the greatest growth and faith can come to us in times of waiting.
Nov 29- Nahum 1:7
Today we talk about the flip side of our discussion yesterday. Yesterday we talked about the justice of God, but Nahum makes it clear that God isn't just a god of Justice but that He is a God of Mercy as well. And it is imperative that we understand how God is both, a just God but filled with mercy, and that it is possible through the atonement of Jesus Christ.
Nov 28- Nahum 1
Today we talk about the harsh way that God speaks to the Ninevites. Sometimes when God speaks to us in a way we don't want to hear it is evidence of just how much He loves us!
Nov 27- Micah 6
Today we extend our stay in the book of Micah to see what God expects of us.
Nov 26- Micah 5
Today we turn the corner into the Christmas season by looking at a prophecy about the Savior being born in Bethlehem.
Nov 25- Jonah 4
Today we talk about the final lesson that the Lord uses to teach Jonah that he is a God of redemption, of deliverance and of mercy.
Nov 24- Jonah 3-4
Today we see the example of choosing to be humble and we see what happens when Jonah chooses not to .
Nov 23- Jonah 2:8
Today we talk about lying vanities, the stories we tell ourselves or allow the adversary to tell us, which keep us from the mercies of God.
Nov 22- Jonah 1:13-2:4
Today we tal about where to find peace amid the darkness of the world.
Nov 21- Jonah 1:3-12
Today we learn that God's call for Jonah to go to the Nineveh may have been more personal and more difficult for Jonah that maybe we originally understood.
Nov 20- Jonah 1:1-2
Today we talk about Jonah and what his call to preach teaches us about God.
Nov 19- Obadiah
What makes Obadiah unique? And how can we join in God's work and glory to bring His children back to Him.
Nov 18- Amos 8:11-12
As we study the words of the prophet Amos we see that his words to Israel weren't so different from the words our prophet speaks to us today!
Nov 17- Amos 3:7 & 6:1
Today we talk a little more about what it means to trust and hear the prophets, and putting our faith in God to be our protection, our peace and our joy.
Nov 16- Amos 3:7
Come listen to a prophets voice and hear the word of God!
Nov 15- Amos 3:1-6
Today we see how God's deep love for His children leads to his calling them to repent.
Amos 2:12-16
Today we talk about the generations of Israelites who suffered because of those who commanded the prophets to "prophecy not."
Nov 13- Amos 1-2
In what small and subtitle ways are we sometimes guilty on a personal level of asking our prophets to "prophecy not?"
Nov 12- Joel 2:30-31
Today we talk about the 2nd coming of the Savior and how in a time of fear and despair, followers of Christ will be able to experience joy and peace.
Nov 11- Joel 2:25-32
Today we see a prophecy of Joel fulfilled 3 ways...HINT: We are fulfilling it today!
Nov 10- Joel 2:11-13
Today we talk about changing our outward manifestations of faith into full submission to the Lord.
Nov 9- Hosea 2:19-20 & 3:2
The Lord never tires of offering love and mercy and He never tires of trying to bring us home to Him.
Nov 8- Hosea 2:14-16
Today we see that when we truly come to see and understand God's great love and mercy towards us, then we will be able to more fully see our relationship to Him.
Nov 7- Hosea 2:5-8
Why does it sometimes seem that the people who have turned their backs on God enjoy the most blessings? Today we talk about it.
Nov 6- Hosea 1
Today we take an overview of the book of Hosea, who he was and how he teaches. When we do we see that God is filled with love and mercy towards His children.
Nov 5- Daniel 6
Can we say boldly like Daniel and like Paul, that we are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ?
Nov 4- Daniel 3
BUT IF NOT... Some of the most faith filled words that have ever been spoken. Today we learn through Elder Simmons that true faith must accompany faith in the "But if not" moments.
Nov 3- Daniel 2:22-34
Today we talk about the stone cut without hands and how we are a part of it.
Nov 2- Daniel 2:1-19
Today we see how the Lord laid out Daniel's blessings before Daniel even knew he needed them. It really makes it clear that God really is in the details of our lives!
Nov 1- Daniel 1:8-17
Oct 31- Daniel 1:5
What do we do when God's commands don't necessarily make sense to the world, or align with the worlds ways? We continue to trust in God and follow Him. I have been accused of blind obedience when I have stated that I will follow God, even when I don't understand. But it is my testimony that it is never blind obedience when you can clearly see who you are following.
Oct 30- Daniel 1:2
Today we talk about the importance of studying the book of Daniel and some of the similarities between how he lived and our day!
Oct 29- Ezekiel 37
What is the correlation between a vision about bones coming to life and two sticks becoming one? Well, like most of Ezekiel's teaching it is all about the mercy of the gathering.
Oct 28- Ezekiel 36
Today we talk about conversion, the type of conversion that happens when the Lord places within us, a new heart and a new spirit.
Oct 27- Ezekiel 3
Today we talk about the Lord's command to serve as an under-shepherd with Him in gathering and taking care of His sheep.
Oct 26- Ezekiel 3
Before Ezekiel goes to preach, the Lord wants to give him something to strengthen him. He gives him the word. As the word of God becomes delicious to us it will give us strength and power to overcome.
Oct 25- Ezekiel 2
God called Ezekiel to be a prophet knowing that his words may not be popular or accepted by the people, still He continued to reach out to them in love and mercy. Giving them every opportunity to repent and return.
Oct 24- Ezekiel 2
Today we talk briefly about the vision that Ezekiel has in chapter 1 and then we talk about his calling as a prophet and a unique name that the Lord calls him.
Oct 23- Ezekiel 1:1
Today we talk about who Ezekiel was, and what we can learn from his beautiful experience communing with God, even in the midst of Babylon.
Lamentations 3
When Jeremiah's heart groans and his soul is troubled by the sins of Judah, he finds hope and faith in Christ.
Oct 21- Lamentations 1:1-2
Today we learn about Israel turning it's back on God using a really cool symbol.
Oct 20th Jeremiah 32:16-19
From the depth of a prison, Jeremiah praises God and speaks of His power and love. In a moment when Jeremiah could have questioned if God was aware of Him or wonder why He wasn't intervening. Jeremiah testified of Him.
Oct 19th Jeremiah 31:34
Today we talk about God's beautiful promise that He will remember our sins no more. Notice He doesn't promise us that WE will remember our sins no more. Memory of our sins is important so that we don't fall into the same mistakes, however, HOW we remember previous mistakes makes all the difference in the world.
Oct 18- Jeremiah 31
Today we learn about God's absolute love for His children as Jeremiah teaches us about the Lord's hased, the covenant love which He has for His people.
Oct 27th- Jeremiah 30:8-13
Today we talk about the Savior's ability to free us from bondage and heal us.
Oct 16th- Jeremiah 30:1-2
Today we talk about God's command to Jeremiah to write down all the revelation he had received and what it can do for us in our lives.
Oct 15- Jeremiah 18:3-4
Today we take a second look at the analogy of the potter, this time learning about what it teaches us about the patience and love of the Lord.
Oct 14- Jeremiah 18:5-6
Today we see a repeat of a scripture we saw in Isaiah last week, and we come to a greater understanding of why it is so important to trust God and turst that He might understand some things that we can't wrap our minds around.
Oct 13- Jeremiah 16:14-16
When it comes to missionary work, what is the net that God has given you?
Oct 12- Jeremiah 7:1-3
Obedience is more than going through the motions. Obedience paired with faith and reliance on the Savior leads to deep conversion.
Oct 11- Jeremiah 2
Today Jeremiah teaches the children of Israel about the faith of their youth. And we discuss about holding tight to that faith.
Oct 10- Jeremiah 1:5-6 Part 2
Today we take a deeper look at the power that comes into our lives as we understand, not just who we are, but WHOSE we are, and we talk about the doctrine of foreordination and how it applies to YOU!
Oct 9- Jeremiah 1:5-6
Today we tal about what we know about Jeremiah's day and why it made Jeremiah known for being a lamenting prophet.
Oct 8- Isaiah 61:3 64:4-8
Today we talk about the atonement of Jesus Christ and how, as we turn to Christ He can turn our ashes to beauty.
Oct 7- Isaiah 59-1-2
They beauty of the atonement of Jesus Christ is that even though, through our own choices, we distance ourselves from God. Christ's at-one-ment, brings us back together again with Him.
Oct 6- Isaiah 58:13-14
Isaiah 58 might as well be called "the real way to sacrifice." Here Isaiah talks about two different laws of sacrifice, the fast and the Sabbath day. And he teaches us that maybe there is a right way to make and acceptable offering before the Lord when it comes to these two laws.
Oct 5- Isaiah 58:8-12
Today we talk about the promises to those who observe the proper fast.
Oct 4- Isaiah 58:4-7
Today we learn about what a fast is and is not.
Oct 3- Isaiah 58:3
Today we talk about Sunday's sessions of conference and something that Isaiah's people misunderstood about the law f the fast.
Oct 2- Isaiah 55:8-9
Today we talk about conference and I am going to rob Peter to pay Paul by talking about one more verse in last week's block.
Oct 1- Isaiah 54:7-13
Today, a dive into the Hebrew translations of a few words, and some added insight from President Nelson help us feel the immense love that our Father in Heaven has for His children who have strayed.
Sept 30- Isaiah 54:2
This verse upon first glance might be confusing, it is filled with symbolism. But when we look at how the Savior used this verse to teach the people of the Americas, those symbols come into clear focus and His expectation of us to love and make room for all of His children become clear.
Sept 29- Isaiah 53:6-10
Why is it so important to understand that Christ was bruised that it says it 3 times? We find the answer in the Garden of Eden. Plus a better understanding of why it pleased God that Christ should suffer.
Sept 28- Isaiah 53:4-5
Today we talk more about the "awful arithmetic of the atonement," as Elder Maxwell used to call it. And how because of all that He experienced, if we turn to Him, we can be healed.
Sept 27- Isaiah 53:1-3
Christ is acquainted with grief. Not just grief in general. In a very real, very personal way He is acutely aware of YOUR grief, YOUR sorrows, YOUR pain! He experienced it all so that in your moment of sorrow He can run to you to raise you up and strengthen you!
Sept 26- Isaiah 51:11-13
Today we talk about the promises to the redeemed. Notice the promise is to the redeemed...not to the perfect.
Sept 25- Isaiah 50:1
Judah believes that the Lord has abandoned them. He gently lets the know that He hasn't sold them of to a creditor, but that they have sold themselves. What beautiful imagery! And it fit so perfectly. The adversary tries to ensnare us, tries to hold us in bondage, but the only way he can do that is if we turn our agency over to him through our sin, and our choices. But just as satan seeks to keep us in bondage. Christ can break those bands and make us free!
Sept 24- Isaiah 49
Today we talk about the servant song, directed to you and I. And we get the reminder that we are ever present in the Lords mind.
Sept 23- Isaiah 43:1-4
What does it mean to you that the Savior would claim you as His own? How important is it that you can call Him yours? When we know that the Savior claims us as His, and when we know that He is our PERSONAL Savior, our relationship grows.
Sept 22- Isaiah 40 :31...Again
Yesterday we talked about waiting on the Lord in faith, today we tal about trusting Him and the promised blessings.
Sept 21- Isaiah 40:28-31
What does it mean to "wait upon the Lord?" In what ways are you "Waiting" in your life right now? Waiting on the Lord doesn't mean a passive passing of time, but rather a chance to grow and reflect. And we are not expected or required to slap on a happy smile through the waiting process either. It is ok to be sad, it is ok to hurt. Waiting means turning to the Lord to comfort your hurt as you are hoping for your miracle.
Sept 20- Isaiah 40:10-15
Today we learn from the Lord's example about what real strength is, and when we really understand that, it makes it easier for us to completely trust Him
Isaiah 40 3:8
In this dualistic prophecy about preparing the way for Christ we get to see John the Baptist, a modern-day prophet...and maybe even ourselves!
Sept 18- Isaiah 38:20 & 40:1-2
Ok, I'll admit it, maybe comparing the Lord to a tag team wrestler is a bit irreverent but I love the image of Him standing on the sideline reaching to us, ready willing and able to save.
Sept 17- Isaiah 29:14
What makes God's work wo marvelous and wonderful? Today we discuss it and the promised blessing that because it is God's work, "No unhallowed hand can stop [it] from progressing.
Benson- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1980/04/a-marvelous-work-and-a-wonder?lang=eng
Sept 16- Isaiah 29
Today we get the opportunity to see church history in the Old Testament!
Sept 15- Isaiah 26&28
Heavenly Father knew perfectly that our experience on Earth would include mistakes and sins. Because of that He prepared a way to "lay in Zion a stone" and a sure foundation. That by His grace and His enabling power we can little by little, become more like HIm.
Sept 14- Isaiah 24-25
When Isaiah teaches us that the Lord wants to prepare for us a feast of fat things, it is an opportunity for us to reflect on what we feast on. Do we feast upon the things that will nourish and build our souls, or are we content to feast upon that which will never satisfy.
Sept 13- Isaiah 22
Today I am going to go just a touch outside the block to emphasize a vital principle of Isaiah. These first chapters in Isaiah can be tough. There is a lot of wickedness a lot of evil, and subsequently a lot of destruction. But the beautiful part about Isaiah is that he ALWAYS points up back to Christ as a source of hope!
Sept 12- Isaiah 14
Today we talk about our duty to gather Israel, and the power we have to bind Satan in our lives. We did it once by the power of our testimonies and we can do it again!
Sept 11 Isaiah 13
Today we take a look at this dualistic prophecy of Isaiah about the doom or fall of Babylon. Yes, it would be true for the Babylon of old. But it is true for modern day Babylon as well! It may seem sometimes like the adversary is winning. It may seem like Babylon is too strong and too wide spread. But this book has already been written, the end is already determined. The forces of righteousness will come out on top. But where will you and I stand in that fight?
Sept 10- Isaiah 11-12
What in the world is Isaiah talking about when he refers to the Stem of Jessie, and the branch and the roots and rod. Let's figure it out. Plus let's look at how this prophecy corresponds perfectly with another tradition of ancient Jews.
More information about Messiah Ben Joseph.
https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1972/12/the-old-testament-speaks-today?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1972/12/the-old-testament-speaks-today?lang=eng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID=604613F42AE339F0-15AD51FA49C7AA6E|MCORGID=66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%40AdobeOrg|TS=1662781217
https://latterdaysaintsqa.com/messiah-ben-joseph-evidences/
Sept 9- Isaiah 5
Here, in a few different verses we see just how anxiously engaged the Lord is in us. His love for us guides and motivates all He does and if we will have eyes to see, we will see His hand in all things.
Sept 8- Isaiah 4
Yesterday we talked about the Daughters of Zion and their pride and vanity. Today in chapter 4 the Lord will teach us 3 things we can do to stand strong and firm in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Sept 7- Isaiah 3
Who are the Daughters of Zion and what is Isaiah talking about here? The answer might surprise you! Lets take a look at a few other scriptures and figure out these daughters and their tinkling sounds!
Sept 6th Isaiah 2
Isaiah 2 offers us a beautiful example of Hebrew poetry as Isaiah teaches us about the temple and what time spent there with the Lord can do for us.
Sept 5- Isaiah 1
I love this chapter. We get the opportunity to see the depths of the Lord's love for us as He invites us to come and to be healed and cleansed by Him.
Sept 4- Intro to Isaiah (Tips and Tricks)
Today we talk about why Isaiah is so important to study and understand, and we discuss a few things that we can do to understand Isaiah better.
Sept 3- Proverbs 31 Eccle 12
Today we go back a little bit because I just felt strongly that I needed to clarify some meanings in Proverbs 31. I grew up hating verse 10. It didn't sit well, it didn't feel right. But as a young seminary teacher Armed with my Hebrew dictionary this verse changed for me. The word virtuous in this scripture is ONLY translated as virtuous in the Bible when it is speaking about women...Don't get me started on why that was...Which was why I wasn't going to share this scripture at all. What this original Hebrew word REALLY means is CORAGEOUS, STRONG, VALIANT, POWERFUL. Changes things doesn't it! Valiant, strong and powerful women are needed. Valiant and strong women will change the world!
Sept 2- Eccle 1:1-3
Today we talk about the book of Ecclesiastes. What it is, why it has a different tone than the rest f the Bible and what that can teach us about why it is important to live our lives close to God.
Sept 1- Parenting and Loving
Today we talk about our responsibility as parents and our responsibility as God's children.
Aug 31- Correction From The Lord
Today we talk about correction from the Lord. It shouldn't surprise us to receive correction. After all, the Lord has invested everything in us, and he loves us too much to see us fail.
Aug 30- PRIDE
Today we take a look at the proverbs warning us about pride. What is pride and how do we rid ourselves of it?
Aug 29- Proverbs 3:5-7
What does it mean to fully trust the Lord, and how do we increase that trust?
Aug 28- Knowledge, Wisdom and Understanding
You know that old saying, "knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad." Today we talk about the difference between knowledge, wisdom and understanding.
Aug 27- 138-139
Today we discuss intentional praise and worship. What do you do to be intentional about your worship? We also talk about our wonderfully made bodies!
Aug 26- Psalms 122 & 124
Today we talk about the gift it is that life just isn't fair!
Aug 25- Psalm 119:10-24
Today it is a about the scriptures and what God can teach us as we spend time with Him there everyday!
Aug 24- Psalms 117 & 119
Today we talk about absolute truth and the WHY of gospel living.
Aug 23- Psalm 113
Today's Psalm is about about praising the Lord. How do you praise Him? How do you keep that prayer or praise in your heart always.
Bednar https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2008/10/pray-always?lang=eng
Aug 22- Psalm 103:8-14
Yesterday and throughout a lot of the Psalms we have talked about the love and mercy of the Lord. Today we discuss why it is that He can be so merciful on us.
Aug 21- Psalms 102&103
I love the opportunity we have in the Psalms to witness the true nature of the Lord as a loving and merciful God.
Aug 20- Psalm 89:30-34
Today we are reminded in new ways, that the Lord's love and mercy and grace are for ALL of His children.
Aug 19- Psalms 69-70
Today we talk about the necessity to ask God to increase our abilities. The need that we have to be strengthened and changed by Him.
Aug 18 Psalms 66,68,69
Today is kind of just a mixture of verses that I love. I hope you love them too!
Aug 17- Psalm 62
"My soul waiteth upon God." Is there something that your soul is waiting on God for? As David waited he praised. What do we do in the wait?
Aug 16- Psalm 61
How has Christ been a shelter, a strong tower, a tabernacle or gathered you to Him?
Aug 15- Psalm 51
Today we get the opportunity to see a repentant David. Each of us is more than the sum total of our mistakes. Here David show us what true repentance can do for the heart.
Aug 14- Psalm 49
It cracks me up that they Psalm dedicated to the musicians is the Psalm that talks about how it's ok to be poor! But in all seriousness, this Psalm reminds us not to get too caught up in the things of this world, because at the end of the day, there is only one who can afford the cost of redemption. And because the Savior has paid so much and invested in us, He is anxiously engaged in our salvation.
Aug 13- Psalms 24:3-4
What does it mean to have clean hands and a pure heart? How do we get them? Is it by our own grit and willpower, or does God expect something more of us. Today we discuss the Savior's atonement as we strive for those 2 things.
Aug 12- Psalms 23
The 23rd Psalm is arguably the most famous Psalm in the Bible. "The Lord is my shepherd." But do we fully understand what the Lord means when He calls Himself the Good Shepherd?
Aug 11- Psalm 19&22
Today we talk about how all of God's creations testify of the creator, as His creations shouldn't all our works testify of Him as well? We also talk about some of the Savior's last words on the cross, and how with that one sentence He preached a sermon.
Aug 10- Psalms 9
Today we talk about what praising God looks like. Here in this Psalm, this "prayer of the heart" David's words become a form of worship and praise. It made me reflect and think about my prayers. Is my gratitude a form of vain repetition? I feel like maybe I am expressing things that I am truly grateful for, but I am forgetting the miracles and love of God behind each of those things. Are my prayers a form of praise and worship? I need to do better.
Aug 9- Psalms 3,4,8
Today we talk about 3 titles that David gives the Savior: Glory, a Shield and a Lifter of Heads! I love those titles! When we understand His glory and when we witness the fortifying strength of a testimony built firmly in Christ, then, come what may, we can lift our heads and feel hope in Him.
Aug 8- Psalms 3:1-2
Something that I love about Psalms is that we get to see the words and feelings of a redeemed David. So often we think of David the warrior, or David the sinner, but do we remember David the repentant sinner? The Psalms of David show me that no one is beyond the redemptive power of Jesus Christ.
Bowen
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2006/10/the-atonement-can-clean-reclaim-and-sanctify-our-lives?lang=eng
Aug 7- Psalms 2
Today we get to talk Psalms. The hymnbook of ancient Israel. Music just hits me different, and if we look closely at the Psalms and the testimony of Christ found there. The Psalms can be a powerful book of scripture for us.
Aug 6- Job 23
Here, we get the opportunity to see one of Job's lesser talked about trials, the trial of not feeling God close. I think we can all relate on some level. Sometimes it is by our choices, other times, like a parent teaching a kid to ride a bike, God's steps back to see how we will endure. Either way, as we continue in faith we can trust that we will come out better for it.
Aug 5- Job 14 & 19
Today we see how all the fear and loneliness we may feel can be relieved as we remember Christ.
Aug 4- Job 3
I love what we see in these chapters. I love how we see Job ebb and flow a little bit. Not in his faith, but in his optimism. Maybe that sounds bad...or mean? But I love that we see Job's humanity. As faithful and hopeful as he was, he had moments of struggle. Moments when he cursed the day he was born. But never God. He always held fast to his faith in, and love for God.
Aug 3- Job 2
Today we talk about Job's friends, who later on would become some of his difficult trials, but who responded initially the very best way they could.
Aug 2- Job 1:14-22
Today we talk about Jobs reaction to the first 4 unthinkable trials. In his grief he mourned and he turned to God! In our trials, our only way through them is for the Savior to lift us and give us rest.
Aug 1- Job 1:2-11
Here as God and the adversary speak, the adversary bets that if Jobs blessings were taken away, that Job would no longer love God. It leads me to question myself, "Why do I love God? Why do I trust Him?" Is that love and trust based on my blessings or does it go deeper. It is my belief that a love of God based in a knowledge of who He is will endure our hard times when we need Him the most.
July 31- Job 1:1
Job helps us understand that trail and hardship are in no way shape or form a sign of sin.
Esther 5
Today we are going to flip things on it's head. We have talked about the king all week like a bad guy or a follower. Today as he extends love and grace to Esther we see him as a type of Christ.
July 29- Esther 4:15-17
Often time we talk about faith to be healed, or faith to move mountains. But in these verses we see that Esther had faith to be delivered, or faith to die. Do we have faith to not be healed? Do we have faith for the mountains of our trials not to be removed? Do we have faith that God will work all things together for our good, even when His answers to our prayers is no?
July 28- Esther 3
Today we talk about how we have been saved "for such a time as this." Do you know your purpose? Do you know why God sent you here now? If not, it is my belief that Heavenly Father is anxious to reveal that to you.
July 27- Ester 2:21-23
Today we talk about a small little detail in the story of Esther that we often overlook and we discuss why it isn't insignificant at all!
July 26- Esther 2
Today we learn more about the qualities of Esther through small details found in chapter 2.
July 25- Esther 1-2
Today we talk a little more about what happened to Vashti, and the difficult circumstances of Esther's life.
July 24- Esther 1
Today we learn about the other strong female in the story of Esther. Queen Vashti knew her worth and was willing to stand for it!
Nehemiah 6:3
Nehemiah refused to be distracted from his work. In our lives, with distractions all around us, it can be easy to get caught up in the thick of thin things. To get distracted by good things but to loose sight of the best things.
July 22- Ezra 3 and Nehemiah 3
Today we see how ordinary people banded together to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. And they are successful because God is with them.
For me, one of the most beautiful things about the Church of Jesus Christ, is watching average ordinary people come together to fill needs and to serve where they are called. Ready and willing to do all they can to build the kingdom of God in their own piece of it!
July 21st- Ezra 3
Today we see that the first thing that the children of Israel do in an effort to restore the temple is to restore the altar for sacrifice! Sacrifice was their priority. In our lives we have been asked to sacrifice as well. Our sacrifice looks different than theirs, but can change our hearts and make us holy.
July 20- Ezra 1
Today we talk about King Cyrus' decree to go UP to the temple. When we attend the temple are we going up? Do we allow our time there to elevate us and raise us up? If not, we learn in Ezra 1, that God can place with in us the spirit of the temple.
July 19- Ezra & Nehemiah Take 2
Ok lets try this introduction into Ezra and Nehemiah again! HA!
As we approach this week, we get the opportunity to see the children of Israel begin to return to Jerusalem. In many ways the scattering and the return of Israel is symbolic of our wickedness and our repentance.
We are never beyond the reaches of God. He knows where we are and He can lead us safely home!
Scott- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1986/04/we-love-you-please-come-back?lang=eng
July 18- Correcting my Mistakes
I made 2 big mistakes! First of all, when I was exporting and uploading yesterdays podcast I accidently had my commentary on mute. So the music and the talk that I played at the end of the podcast all uploaded...but my thoughts about why that was actually relevant didn't! SO SORRY! I will correct that and re upload it on Tuesday!
Today I am correcting a mistake I made a few weeks ago! Remember how I said a few days ago that I didn't realize that the books of Chronicles weren't going to be covered. I should have gone back then to cover an important story that I missed in Chronicles. But I didn't. So I am doing it today, because this is a HUGELY overlooked story in the Old Testament and I love it! So Chronologically today, we are going back to the time of Elijah to study King Jehoshaphat. I hope you love this story as much as I do, and that our side step here will be worth it to you!
July 17- Intro to Ezra and Nehemiah
As we approach this week we get the opportunity to see the children of Israel begin to return to Jerusalem. In many ways, the scattering and the return of Israel is symbolic of our wickedness and repentance. We are never beyond the reaches of God. He knows where we are and He can lead us safely home!
Scott- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1986/04/we-love-you-please-come-back?lang=eng
July 16- 2 Kings 22-23
Today we talk about the power that the word of God had on Josiah and on the people of Judah, and what the power of the word can do for you and I.
July 15- 2 Kings 20 & 2 Chron
Today we talk about God's blessings to us even when it isn't the blessing we seek, and what it means when we don't feel God is with us.
July 14- 2 Kings 19:35
Today we see how the Lord shows, in a BIG WAY. That He is a God of deliverance. It is my belief and my testimony, that God delights to show us that He is mighty to save!
July 13- 2 Kings 19:1-16
We live in a world that teaches us that when we are up against hardship, or trial, to kick against God, to blame Him or to distance ourselves from Him. When we do that, we are distancing ourselves from the one true and sure source of real peace and understanding. Here in these verses, Hezekiah shows us an example of drawing nearer to the Lord in times of tribulation.
July 12- 2 Kings 18:11-20
Who do you put your trust in? With the world clamoring so loudly for our attention, sometimes we slip into the downfall of placing our trust in ourselves or the arm of the flesh. Hezekiah reminds us that even in the most dire of circumstances, we can always place our faith in God.
July 11- 2 Kings 18:3-7
Today we meet the most righteous king that Judah ever had! Even though Hezekiah was raised by an incredibly wicked man, he chose the Lord and was blessed and prospered for his choice.
July 10- 2 Kings 17
Today we talk about the protection we receive from the Lord when we seek to keep His commandments and stay true to our covenants.
July 9- 2 Kings 6
This chapter shows us that in the big things and in the small things, the Lord is aware of us and is involved in our lives. He delights to bless us!
July 8- 2 Kings 5:8-14
When Naaman was asked to dip himself in the Jordan river, he wasn't mad because it was a dirty river, he wasn't even mad about the simple instruction. What really made him frustrated was that he had an expectation that wasn't met. Sometimes, maybe even subconsciously, we place expectations or timelines on Heavenly Father. And if/when they aren't met we get frustrated. But when we approach God in faith and approach our disappointments in faith we can learn and grow and gain a better understanding of who God is.
July 7- 2 Kings 5: 1-3
Today we learn from the conviction and testimony of the little maid of Naaman.
July 6- 2 Kings 4:8-10
Today we learn that service is sometimes in the being there, not in the waiting. And we learn that we are better able to experience the holy when we are intentional about making time for the holy!
July 5- 2 Kings 4
Today we look at the principle of self reliance as we learn it through a miracle of Elisha.
July 4- 2 Kings 2 16-24
Happy 4th of July! Today we talk a little bit about why the celebration of America's freedom is something to be grateful for for ALL members of the church. Also we discuss how to gain testimonies of new leadership.
July 3- 2 Kings 2:1-15
Today we talk about the mantle of a prophet and how we have been given the direction on how that mantle passes in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Stevenson- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/04/the-heart-of-a-prophet?lang=eng
July- 2 1 Kings 19
After showing the Israelites the great things the Lord can do, after showing them a miracle. He is disheartened when it seems that conversion won't be a lasting thing for them. The Lord calls him to Mount Saini where He reminds him that the Lord's voice isn't found in the miracles, it is found in the spirit that, if we are listening, will testify of those things to our hearts.
July 1- 1 Kings 18:22-39
Today we talk about seeing God's miracles in our lives
June 30- 1 Kings 18:18-22
How long halt ye between two opinions? That can be a really hard question to really look into our lives and evaluate, but are there ways in our lives where we try to straddle two opinions, or walk both sides of the line?
June 29- 1 Kings 17:17-24
We rejoice and understand in the physical life that the Savior offers us, but far too often we overlook that as we approach the Lord and plead on behalf of our spiritually struggling children, he an raise them up spiritually as well.
June 28- 1 Kings 17:10-16
Today we see that sacrifice truly brings forth the blessings of heaven.
June 27- 1 Kings 17: 2-9
Today we learn how the Lord often requires movement, requires effort on our part so that He can offer us the fullness of what we need and desire.
June 26- 1 Kings 17:1
Today we talk Elijah and the sealing keys of the priesthood.
June 25- 1 Kings 3
Today we talk about the desire of young Soloman's heart, which was the gift of discernment. A gift that we should all be seeking out and striving to develop.
June 24- 2 Sam 12
Today we are reminded of the revelation that comes to the prophets of God, as well as God's consistent love for His kids, even knowing the mistakes we will make, are making, or have made.
June 23- 2 Sam 11:5-14
It is so sad, and honestly so hard to read about the fall of David. And it is painful to watch how, rather than repent he continues to dig himself in, deeper and deeper by attempting to cover his sins. If only he would have allowed God to be his true king, imagine the heartache that could have been avoided.
Jones- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/04/overcoming-the-stench-of-sin?lang=eng
June 22- 2 Samuel 11:2-4
Yesterday we talked about switch points. The first being his decision to not go to war. But this is a story of switch points. At any point David could have stopped the trajectory of his choices. But he just kept moving forward. As we talk about switch points it is easy to feel like there is a point where the train is too far gone. But my friends, there is no "point of no return." We can always return, we can always repent, and we can always experience the joys of redemption as the Savior stands anxious to bring us to His loving embrace.
Gong- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/10/our-campfire-of-faith?lang=eng
June 21- 2 Sam 11:1
President Hinckley once spoke about the switch points in our lives. How the small everyday choices that we make set our lives into motion to where we will end up. Today we talk about David's 1st switch point. The 1st choice that he made to set him on his path.
Hinckley- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1972/10/watch-the-switches-in-your-life?lang=eng
Nelson- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/10/decisions-for-eternity?lang=eng
June 20- 2 Sam 6
Today we learn from Uzzah and the danger of looking outside of our stewardships to "steady the ark."
June 19- 2 Sam 5
David helps us learn in this chapter that no matter what, in our successes and in our failures, Gd is with us to strengthen us and to make us whole
June 18- 1 Sam 18
Today we learn some true principles of friendship through the example of Jonathan.
June 17- David and Goliath Part 2
Through David's experience fighting Goliath, we can gain insights that we can apply into our lives to help us learn how to overcome the modern day Goliath's in our lives.
June 16- David and Goliath Part 1
Today we talk about the Goliaths in our lives and how they aren't overcome by waiting or wishing, but by going head to head and working.
Monson- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1987/01/meeting-your-goliath?lang=eng
June 15- Sam 16:7
Today we talk about the Lord's measuring stick and how different it is from the world's!
Ashton- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1988/10/the-measure-of-our-hearts?lang=eng
June 14- 1 Sam 13
Today Samuel is going to teach us a lesson about patience and waiting on the Lord.
June 13- 1 Sam 9:20 & 10
Today is all about the Saviors ability to place within up a new heart and to make us new!
June 12- 1 Sam 8-9
Today we blow through 2 chapters and learn 2 important principles.
June 11- Samuel 3
Today we talk about our sacred responsibility to learn to recognize the voice of the Spirit in our lives, and to teach the children in our lives to learn to hear as well.
Rasband- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/04/let-the-holy-spirit-guide?lang=eng
June 10- Sam 1:26-28 2:6-8
Today we talk about Hannah's incredible integrity! And we talk about her faith in and praise for the Lord both before and after her deliverance. Praising the Lord can be easy once we see the miracle, faith is praising the Lord in that space in between.
Simmons- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04/but-if-not?lang=eng
June 9- 1 Sam 1:11-17
Today we talk about how to respond when someone assumes the worst about us, and how to trust in God's promises.
June 8- 1 Sam. 1:2-8
There is a great deal we can learn from Hannah about how to navigate trial and difficulty!
June 7- Ruth 2:1-17
I love Boaz! I love the shadow of Christ that he shows us! I love that he doesn't just offer Ruth grace one time, to glean his fields, but he tells her to come back everyday, that she could go to him whenever she was in need. In a similar way, the Savior offers us CONTINUOUS grace. He doesn't just give us one shot at it, but invites us to come to Him whenever we are in need. He never turns us away, He never tires of extending grace, He offers it continually!
Nelson- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/broadcasts/worldwide-devotional-for-young-adults/2022/05/12nelson?lang=eng
Hallstrom- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/04/i-am-a-child-of-god?lang=eng
Renlund- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/04/that-i-might-draw-all-men-unto-me?lang=eng
Ruth 1:16-17
Yesterday we talked about the selflessness of Naomi, today we talk about the loyalty of Ruth. If "the crowning characteristic of love is always loyalty," then here in these verses we see Ruth's great love. Her love for Naomi led to her loyalty to her. And her love for the God of Israel led her to stay loyal to him and travel back to Bethlehem Judah with Naomi. When it would have been easier to go bac to her old life, it was her love and loyalty the pushed her forward.
June 5- Ruth 1:1-11
Today we begin the book of Ruth by talking about the wonderfully selfless Naomi.
June 4- Samson
Today we talk about Samson, and the desires that his parents had to raise him up to the Lord. Even though Samson used his agency to make some really bad choices there are promises made to righteous parents.
June 3- Gideon
Today we talk about the Lord strengthening the faith of Gideon and the children of Israel, and how He is anxious to do the same for us if we will have eyes to see.
June 2nd- Judges 5 & 14-15
Today we discuss the miracle that the army of the Israelites experienced in battle and we see that the Lord continues to fight our battles in the Latter-Days.
June 1- Judges 2:3 & 4:4
Today we talk about the thorn in the children of Israel's side and why the Lord chose not to remove it, as well as Deborah, who she is and what we can come to know about her as we dig into the Hebrew! Spoiler alert, IT'S AWESOME!
May 31- Judges 2:10
After the death of Joshua and the rest of the generation that crossed the Jordan, there arose a generation that knew not the Lord. How vital it is that we remind ourselves of who God is and our relationship with Him on a daily basis.
May 30- Judges 2:2
Part of the Law of Moses for the children of Israel was to drive out those who worshipped differently than them. It is so vital that we understand that this is not our law. We are not to isolate ourselves from those who think or worship differently from us. Instead we are commanded to drive out the sin from within ourselves.
May 29- Judges 1
Today we talk about the significance of the Book of Judges, and about the importance of driving sin out completely.
May 28- Joshua 24:13-15
Joshua teaches the children of Israel that they are to go forward remembering the blessings that they have been given and serving the Lord in sincerity and truth. When you and I remember the great blessings that we receive from our Father in Heaven, our ability to continue on His path and serve Him greatly increases.
Holland- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2006/10/what-i-wish-every-new-member-knew-and-every-longtime-member-remembered?lang=eng
May 27- Joshua 6:2-5
When the Lord tells Joshua that they have been given the city of Jericho, the were still outside it's walls. Yet for the Lord it was done, it was complete, the children of Israel just needed to exercise faith to receive it. We have been told that our redemption has already been made. That's it, the gift of Eternal life has already been given, but what remains to be seen is if we will be willing to exercise faith in Jesus Christ so that we can receive?
May 26- Joshua 4-5
Today we learn that God wants us to create opportunities to testify to the children in our lives, and to trust Him that he is fighting or battles with us.
Pearson- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2009/04/faith-in-the-lord-jesus-christ?lang=eng
May 25- Joshua 3:13-17
In our lives it is so easy to sit back and wait for God to start working. To sit back and think, "I will have faith to do A, B and C, when I see X, Y and Z happen." It is a natural man approach to faith. But it isn't God's approach to faith! He would have us show faith and act first, with the belief that God's actions and blessings will follow.
May 24- Joshua 3:5
In preparation to do something hard, the Lord has Joshua command the people to sanctify themselves. I love that the best way to prepare for something physically difficult was a spiritual preparation. So what does it mean to sanctify ourselves? How do we do it and where does the sanctification really come from?
Stapley- https://emp.byui.edu/satterfieldb/quotes/Gift%20of%20Holy%20Ghost/Sanctifies%20From%20All%20Sin.html
Zivic- https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2007/10/after-all-we-can-do?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F2007%2F10%2Fafter-all-we-can-do%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D055809CB0D56F4F9-603C84C81DFD123B%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1653280269
May 23- Joshua 1:5-9
Here, when the Lord tells Joshua to be strong and have courage 3 different times, He is actually giving us 3 different ways that we can find strength and courage when things are hard.
Christofferson- https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2009/04/the-power-of-covenants?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F2009%2F04%2Fthe-power-of-covenants%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D052667A766D93CEF-3ED94F8E80521227%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1653279777
Benson as quoted bu Staheli- https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1998/04/obedience-lifes-great-challenge?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F1998%2F04%2Fobedience-lifes-great-challenge%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D58857BE68E9604F6-3E77E543BE6130E3%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1653279806
May 22- Joshua 1
As we enter the book of Joshua, how can Joshua act as a type or shadow of Christ? Today we talk about the name Joshua and how he points us to the Savior.
May 21- Deut 30
Today, as the Lord promises to gather a scattered Israel, we learn that God is a God who seeks. He is a God who can find His lost children and bring them home. And one of the great blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ, is that He invites us to be a part of that great work.
Banks- https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1999/10/feed-my-sheep?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F1999%2F10%2Ffeed-my-sheep%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D33129B0D5FBF82E3-32EA27BF52EE9ABE%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1653107082
Uchtdorf- https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/10/three-sisters?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F2017%2F10%2Fthree-sisters%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D1618B414A51B82A4-7CEF2BCDA0EE4271%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1653107179
May 20- Deut 15:11
In Deut 15 the children of Israel are commanded to take care of the poor among them, a commandment that remains in place for us today. But when we think of the poor are we thinking only of the poor financially? Or are we remembering to help the poor in spirit? The poor in faith? The poor in time? The poor in health? The poor in testimony? The poor in energy? A consecrated life is a life that looks for the poor and steps in to fill the gaps when possible.
Christofferson- https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/10/reflections-on-a-consecrated-life?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F2010%2F10%2Freflections-on-a-consecrated-life%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D41235B398D56D834-44D11AB5F2BF17B6%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1653016564
Maxwell- https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1995/10/swallowed-up-in-the-will-of-the-father?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F1995%2F10%2Fswallowed-up-in-the-will-of-the-father%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D0402D636B9890A65-6739AF36BABBC46B%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1653016602
May 19- Deut 15
The children of Israel had a day every 7 years called the day of release, or the day of pardon. It was given to them to act as a type or shadow of the grace and mercy that Christ so freely offers us. But is is also given to remind us the importance of freely forgiving all the people in our lives. To recognize on allow the atonement of Jesus Christ to work for others and not just ourselves
Packer- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1977/04/the-mediator?lang=eng
May 18- Deut 8
In chapter 7, Moses wants the children of Israel to understand that the Lord will never forget them, in chapter 8 he wants the children of Israel to understand the importance of never forgetting Him.
May 17- Deut 7:3-9
Today the Lord is going to teach the children of Israel what it means to be in a covenant with Him.
May 16- Deut 6:4-9
The Lord makes clear His commandment to remember, and that is a commandment that is still in play for us today.
May 15- Deut 6:3
Here, after Moses teaches the children of Israel about the law, he reminds them that it's not enough just to know the law, we have to be willing to live it as well.
May 14- Number 21 again
TOday we talk about some reasons why the children of Israel refused to look and live. Do we sometimes make the same mistake?
May 13- Numbers 21
Today we talk about the brass serpent and what really healed the Children of Israel.
May 12- Numbers 12:3 & 20:8
Today we discuss the Christlike attribute of humility and the symbolism of water from a rock.
Bednar- https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/04/meek-and-lowly-of-heart?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F2018%2F04%2Fmeek-and-lowly-of-heart%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D586036EBE98A69EB-502DD72054AA3D3D%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1652248801
Soares- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/10/be-meek-and-lowly-of-heart?lang=eng
May 11- Numbers 12:1-2
Today we talk about revelation and the importance of heeding the prophet!
Costa- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/10/obedience-to-the-prophets?lang=eng
May 10- Numbers 11:16-32
Today we talk about God's desire to provide for us daily and how He desires us to bless and take care of others.
May 9- Numbers 11:1
Today we talk about the complaints of the children of Israel and what God expects of us when things are hard.
May 8- Numbers
Today we talk about the book of Numbers and why it is important to study. We also discuss the symbolism of how the children of Israel camped.
May 7- Exodus 19
Today I give a pre mother's day pep talk, and we talk about learning to obey God because we have come to know Him and trust Him.
May 6- Exodus 16:4-10
Today we learn more about vicarious sacrifice and they need we have to let our sins go!
May 5- Exodus 1:3-4
Today we talk about a burnt offering and what the symbol of complete consumption can teach us!
May 4- Exodus 39:30
Today we talk symbolism. The Lord taught in symbols in His day, and in His holy temples He continues to teach us with symbols.
May 3- Exodus 35:21
When we are willing to show up, they Lord can take our efforts and multiply them.
May 2- Exodus 35:1-10
As Moses teaches the children of Israel 2 ways that they can more fully consecrate themselves to the Lord, we can learn what consecration is and how we live it today.
May 1- The Tabernacle
Today we get on overview of the tabernacle of Moses.
Apr 30- Exodus 34
Today we see that even though through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we receive mercy and forgiveness of sin, that doesn't always remove the natural consequences of sin.
Apr 29- Exodus 32:29-32
Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we do not have to be defined by our mistakes. Instead we get the chance to be refined by our repentance!
Apr 28: Exodus 32:15-24
Today we learn a powerful lesson from Aaron about the dangers of rationalization.
Apr 27: Exodus 32:1
What do the children of Israel do when they have to wait? They turn away! Are we sometimes guilty of the same thing?
Uchtdorf- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/04/continue-in-patience?lang=eng
Holland- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/57holland?lang=eng
Apr 26: Exodus 31:13
What sign are we giving God by our observance of the Sabbath Day?
Nelson- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2015/04/the-sabbath-is-a-delight?lang=eng
Apr 25- Exodus 25:10-15
As we deviate into chapter 25 a bit, we learn about the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark was built to carry the things that were most sacred to the children of Israel. If you were building your own personal ark...what would you place inside? What do you consider to be most sacred and holy?
Christofferson- https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/d-todd-christofferson/sense-sacred/
Pieper- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/04/to-hold-sacred?lang=eng
Apr 24- Exodus 24:1-8
Today we see how Moses uses the ordinances of the gospel to try and bring the children of Israel closer to God.
Bednar- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2012/04/the-atonement-and-the-journey-of-mortality?lang=eng
Apr 23- Exodus 20:3-20
Today we talk about the Savior's teaching that all the commandments hang on our ability to love God and love our fellow man!
Monson- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2014/04/love-the-essence-of-the-gospel?lang=eng
Apr 22: Exodus 20:1-4
Today, as we being our study of the 10 commandments, remember what the Savior taught us about the law. There are higher and holier ways to live the 10 commandments. While we believe in and live the 10 commandments, we would do well to ask ourselves, "is there a higher and holier way to live this law?"
Benson- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1988/04/the-great-commandment-love-the-lord?lang=eng
Apr 21- Exodus 19:9-12
The Lord invites the children of Israel to have a special experience with Him, but asks them to sanctify themselves in preparation for all that the Lord wanted to give them. In our lives the Lord wants us to have powerful manifestations of His power and love as well, but He likewise expects something from us.
Apr 20: Exodus 19:6-9
When the people understood the blessings that the Lord wanted to pour out upon them, they were anxious to do anything that was asked of them. Of course they would fall short, as we all do. But God was requiring their efforts and repentance, not their perfection.
Benson (As quoted in a talk by Elder Staheli) https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1998/04/obedience-lifes-great-challenge?lang=eng
Apr 19- Exodus 19:3-5
What does it mean to be a "peculiar treasure?" And how can that understanding help us better understand our covenants?
Christofferson- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2009/04/the-power-of-covenants?lang=eng
Apr 18- Exodus 18
Moses learns a lesson about true leadership from his father in law.
Hinckley- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1999/08/with-a-grateful-heart?lang=eng
Eyring- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1985/04/ears-to-hear?lang=eng
Apr 17- He is Risen
My friends, HE LIVES! And because He lives, we will again too.
Apr 16- The Miracle of the Atonement
Is there something you are needing in your life? I testify that as you come first to the atonement of Christ, He can heal, strengthen, bless, pour out peace, offer forgiveness, enable you to forgive or whatever else you seek.
Apr 15- A Warm Embrace
The word ATONEMENT translates into Arabic as a warm embrace. Are we doing all things to draw near enough to the Savior to feel His warm embrace regularly in our lives?
Apr 14- 2nd Nephi 4
Often times we are well aware that the Savior's atonement can cleanse us from sin, but do we truly understand how He can reclaim us from the effects that sin has on our lives and hearts?
Bowen- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2006/10/the-atonement-can-clean-reclaim-and-sanctify-our-lives?lang=eng
Apr 13- Sunday Will Come
I think that for the most part we understand that if we can hold out faithful, all will be well in the end. But let me get real for a second, sometimes in the middle f trial or pain, it is hard to remember or even care. However, Christ's atonement is there for us ALWAYS! We can and well experience the "immediate goodness of God" as we wait for the Sunday's of life. I testify that we can experience the grace of Christ in our final day yes, but also in our everyday!
Apr 12- Isaiah 49:16
Often times when we think of the Lord's work we think of what He has already done. His life, atonement, death and resurrection. But Isaiah helps us understand that His work continues with each of us today. Our salvation is continuously before Him and He delights in bringing to pass our eternal life.
Apr 11- None Were With Him
The scriptures teach us that the Savior took upon Himself all of our pains, afflictions, temptations, weaknesses, sicknesses and sins so that He could know how we fee land run to us in those moments. Elder Holland explains that it goes even one step further. Jesus Christ while on the cross lost the companionship of the Spirit of His Father and for a moment was entirely alone. And He experienced that feeling of being alone so that we would never have to!
Holland- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2009/04/none-were-with-him?lang=eng
Apr 10- Elder Packer The Mediator
Today we start out our Easter week with an oldie but a goodie. The Mediator by Elder Packer
Packer- https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1977/04/the-mediator?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F1977%2F04%2Fthe-mediator%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D6239BA9C77D24142-5E2AD566789A9D3E%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1649563340
Benson- https://www.thechurchnews.com/archives/1996-10-05/great-plan-of-eternal-god-132624#:~:text=9%3A12).%22Just,its%20effect%20upon%20all%20mankind.
Apr 9- Exodus 16:22-29 & 17
Today we talk about what the manna can teach us about the Sabbath, and hw we can better sustain our leaders.
Faust- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1991/10/the-lords-day?lang=eng
Gibson- https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2014/01/i-do-always-remember-him?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fnew-era%2F2014%2F01%2Fi-do-always-remember-him%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D21283C3B38CF16C6-6279F5750A530B35%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1649481728
Apr 8: Exodus 16:2-4
What did the Lord want the Children of Israel to learn by providing the manna (almost) everyday rather than weekly? I believe He was teaching them and us that we need to rely on God everyday of our lives. To trust that He can help us through the good days and the bad.
Hinckley- https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04/stay-on-the-high-road?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F2004%2F04%2Fstay-on-the-high-road%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D2973399D59C6BD9A-67D78529F2B9AC78%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1649394214
Apr 7- Exodus 15
The Children of Israel went from praising God in one breath to murmuring in the next? How is this possible? How were they so quick to forget? What do you do to remember the blessings, mercies and miracles of the Lord so that you can keep your eye focused firmly on Him?
Apr 6- Exodus 14:16
Have you ever wondered how Moses knew exactly what to do? How he possibly could have mustered the faith to actually part the Red Sea? We talk about that today!
Nelson- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/04/revelation-for-the-church-revelation-for-our-lives?lang=eng
Packer- https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/04/these-things-i-know?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F2013%2F04%2Fthese-things-i-know%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D4937D368C1F4FD19-7BC6ED8C3CF32A93%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1649224148
Faust- https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/james-e-faust/patriarchal-blessings/
Apr 5- Exodus 14:13-20
As they we up against the Red Sea and afraid, Moses calls upon God for deliverance. But the Lord taught the children of Israel to have faith to use their agency and put one foot in front of the other and act.
Packer- https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/boyd-k-packer/the-edge-of-the-light/
Apr 4- Exodus 14:1-12
Today we learn from the Egyptians and the Children of Israel how when your forget to look to the Lord in every thought it is easy to forget all the great things that He has done for you, and will do for you!
Apr 3- Exodus 13:17-22
Today we review some of my favorite Conference quotes and tie up some loose ends from Exodus 13.
Apr 2- Exodus 12:7-11
All things testify of Christ. The passover in its entirety testifies of Christ, and if we have eyes to see, all things in our lives testify of him as well.
Nelson- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/04/drawing-the-power-of-jesus-christ-into-our-lives?lang=eng
Apr 1- Exodus 12
Is it any wonder that the Savior, who taught so much in symbols, would fill the Old Testament with symbols of His atonement? Today we are going to talk symbolism and how we can apply it to us.
Mar 31- Plagues 3-9
Maybe even more importantly that looking at plagues 3-9 is seeing the repetition of God through His authorized servants! As we approach conference weekend may we look for and be riveted by the law of the witnesses that is invoked through the mouths of God's servants.
Mar 30- Exodus 8:1-15
Today we discuss God's show of power over the Egyptian gods, and we discuss our natural man tendencies to dismiss the miracles of God as coincidence or luck
Mar 29- Exodus 7:19-20
As we begin studying the plagues of Egypt we can better see that God is not a God of coincidence, but a God of divine design.
Mar 28- Exodus 7:8-12
When Moses and Aaron first went before the Pharaoh, Pharaoh told them that he didn't know God. Knowing God means following Him more closely. In the next few attempts we see God showing Pharaoh who He really is.
Mar 27- Exodus 7:1
Today we see God declare Moses as His prophet and Aaron as the spokesman, it makes me wonder, in our day, do we see and truly accept the prophets as God's mouthpiece? Or do we look to other sources to act as God's spokespeople?
Mar 26- Exodus 4:10-11
Who are the Aarons that God has sent into your life?
Mar 25- Exodus 3:7-8
Today we talk about God's promise of deliverance and how it applies to us as we go through difficult things.
McKay- https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/04/55mckay?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F2019%2F04%2F55mckay%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D4069365C97420104-7F3CA84811A63CE1%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1648183760
Bednar- https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2014/04/bear-up-their-burdens-with-ease?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F2014%2F04%2Fbear-up-their-burdens-with-ease%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D0197E2EE03BB9968-2E251AAD24D1CB8E%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1648183938
Mar 24- Exodus 6-14
Today we earn about the God of the Old Testament as He introduces Himself to Moses.
Grow- https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/04/and-this-is-life-eternal?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F2017%2F04%2Fand-this-is-life-eternal%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D4489400CCE4B6398-64F8A3F58C63623E%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1648091841
Mar 23- Exodus 2:11-3:5
Today we talk true consecration and our need to turn, to face God and to remove anything necessary to draw dearer to Him.
Kimball- https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1980/03/give-the-lord-your-loyalty?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fensign%2F1980%2F03%2Fgive-the-lord-your-loyalty%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D21589ECE3EB04666-7C8FAA2B3180BD0F%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1648011999
Mar 22- Exodus 2:3-10
Today we talk about the power of righteous parents.
Hales- https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04/with-all-the-feeling-of-a-tender-parent-a-message-of-hope-to-families?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F2004%2F04%2Fwith-all-the-feeling-of-a-tender-parent-a-message-of-hope-to-families%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D4113B997882B0258-1474060C9E0F46A7%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1647924984
Mar 21- Exodus 1:20-2:3
Today we talk about how to gain courage to put God first, as well as some cool types and symbols of Christ in this story.
Hales- https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/04/13hales?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F2019%2F04%2F13hales%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D2380BA4809ED89FF-417B59E900D8EAB5%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1647838641
Packer- https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/10/the-atonement?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F2012%2F10%2Fthe-atonement%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D33293DFDFCD3A6A0-2B1E46F8158FC85D%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1647838599
Stevenson- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/10/be-valiant-in-courage-strength-and-activity?lang=eng
Mar 20- Exodus 6-17
Today we talk about the themes that we can find in the book of exodus as well as the power of unsung saints.
Oaks
https://www.deseret.com/1989/10/7/20761497/modern-pioneers-give-momentum-to-the-lord-s-work
March 19- JST Genesis 50
Today we talk about the Joseph Smith Translation of Genesis 50 and how closely it relates to a prophecy passed down through Jewish oral tradition.
Info on the Messiah Ben Joseph prophecy:
https://rsc-legacy.byu.edu/archived/selections-2007-religious-education-student-symposium/ancient-studies/messiah-ben-joseph
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1972/12/the-old-testament-speaks-today?lang=eng
Mar 18- Genesis 46-47
Today we talk about the principle of using our agency to be intentional in our covenants and in our spiritual experiences.
Ballard Quote
https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1987/04/keeping-lifes-demands-in-balance?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F1987%2F04%2Fkeeping-lifes-demands-in-balance%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D7856276313678FB0-6AD6337E119BF71C%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1647576037
Mar 17- Genesis 45:16-19
Today we learn from Pharaoh of all people! We learn about his willingness to love and serve despite any differences that might exist.
Mar 16: Genesis 45:1-5
Joseph again, teaches us about the nature of the Savior when he tells his brothers not to be grieved or angry with themselves because of their past mistakes. The Savior wants us to understand this truth as well, that part of repentance is letting go and forgiving ourselves.
Mar 15- Genesis 42:22-24
Today we learn about the great atoning sacrifice of the Savior and how His suffering allows us to freely come and partake of His goodness.
Mar 14- Genesis 42:9-11
Today we talk about Joseph's display of the attribute of forgiveness.
Mar 13- Genesis 42:1-8
Today we talk about how God expects us to act for ourselves, and about the symbol of Christ that Joseph's own brothers "knew him not."
Mar 12- Genesis 40 & 41
Just as Joseph was placed on the right hand of Pharaoh to save his people, the Savior sits on the right hand of God so that He can offer us salvation.
Mar 11- Genesis 39:21
We can be good, we can choose right, and that won't spare us from the pains and trials of life.
Hales Quote
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1983/11/your-sorrow-shall-be-turned-to-joy?lang=eng
Monson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/10/i-will-not-fail-thee-nor-forsake-thee?lang=eng
Mar 10- Genesis 39:7-12
Today we learn from Joseph some principles of overcoming temptation.
Mar 9- Genesis 39:1-5
Today we look at the comforting doctrine that God can bless those closest to us for our sake.
Mar 8- Genesis 37:27-28
Today we talk about Joseph as a type and shadow of Christ, and how God is in the details of our lives to bless us for our good.
Mar 7- Genesis 37:18-22
Often times the paths to promised blessings pass through the pits of trial and despair. But take heart! God is the master gardener!
Mar 6- Genesis 37:1-11
Today we begin looking at the life of Joseph of Egypt, and how the sin of envy, once it worms its way into the the lives of Joseph's brothers, begins to destroy them and their relationships.
Mar 5- Genesis 32
Today as we see Jacobs wrestle before his name was changed to Israel, we can learn more about our own wrestle before God as we seek to let Him prevail in our lives.
Mar 4- Rachel and Leah
Today we talk more about the relationship between Rachel and Leah and the compensatory blessings that the Lord had in store for Leah!
March 3- Genesis 29
Today we look at the love triangle of Jacob Rachel and Leah, and the lessons we can learn from them.
Mar 2- Genesis 28:15-21
At the end of his dream the Lord commits to Jacob that He will always be there to bring Jacob up.
REAL March 1- Genesis 28:10-15
Today we learn about how God can teach up and lift us up, even in the hard times.
Feb 28- Genesis 28:5-9
Here, as we see Esau's reaction to the blessing Isaac gives Jacob, we learn a couple of very important parenting principles.
Feb 27: Genesis 28:1-4
Today we talk about the renewing of the covenants with Jacob.
Feb 26- Genesis 25:29-34
Today we talk about birthrights and what it really means when the scriptures tell us that Esau despised his birthright.
Feb 25- Genesis 25:21-22
Today we learn about the phrase, "If it be so, why is it thus?" In different ways and for different reasons, we have all asked ourselves something similar in our lives.
Feb 24- Genesis 24:29-58
Today we study the faith of Rebekah, who was willing to give up all in order to follow the Lord. As we seek for greater discipleship, are we willing to do the same?
Genesis 24:26
Today we talk about how God asks us to do hard things, but in the midst of those hard things He is able to show us His desire to be with us and bless us.
Feb 22- Genesis 24:12-19
What can we learn about charity, faith and love from the example of Rebekah.
Feb 21- Genesis 24 1-11
Yesterday we talked about the joy of marriage, today we discuss the principles of dating that we learn in the story of Eliezer searching for a spouse for Isaac.
Genesis 23
Today we are going to talk a bit about the wonderful woman and matriarch that Sarah was, and the lessons we can learn from her!
Feb 19- Genesis 22:5-13
Because there was no Ram in the thicket for Christ, there is ALWAYS a ram in the thicket for US!
Feb 18- Genesis 22:1-4
Today we begin the story of Abraham and Isaac, and we look at some of the rich symbolism of the Savior found there.
Feb 17- Genesis 21:23-27
Today we talk about the Christlike quality of peacemaking, and the true power that giving up contention can bring into our lives.
Feb 16- Genesis 20
Today we discuss the second sacrifice of Sarah, and what we can learn by example of our attitudes towards the messengers of God.
Feb 15- Genesis 19
Elder Maxwell warned of the dangers of trying to keep a summer home in Babylon. Here in this chapters we see the danger of trying to do just that!
Feb 14- Genesis 18:24-32
Most of the time when we hear the words Sodom and Gomorrah we think of destruction and wickedness. But I want to reframe that a little. Because here in this chapter as Abraham talks to the Lord about Sodom and Gomorrah we see a God that is filled with mercy and ready to offer mercy as often as we ask.
Feb 13- Genesis 18:1-11
God has not ceased to be a God of miracles, but sometimes we cease being a people who are able to see them
Feb 12- Gen 15&17
Today we talk about the the Lord's timing in fulfilling His promises and the gift that He gives us every week to become new.
Feb 11- Genesis 13:14-17
In the promises that God makes to Abraham, we can see the resounding principle that God can take us and take our efforts and make them more than we could ever be on our own!
Feb 10- Genesis 13:8-12
Today we learn about the humility of Abraham and we learn about how we can stay safely on the Lord's side of the line as we learn to point our lives toward Christ.
Feb 9- Genesis 12
Often we talk about the sacrifice of Abraham. But could this story today in Genesis 12 be the sacrifice of Sarah?
Feb 8- Abraham 2:6-13
Today we discuss the 3 P's of the Abrahamic Covenant. And we learn from Abraham how to have faith and courage to move forward in hard things.
Feb 7- Abraham 1 5-16
Today we talk about what I am sure will be a running theme throughout the Old Testament, and that is the Deliverance of God. We worship a God who delivers. Whether He is delivering us from death, pain or sickness or whether He is delivering us from heartache or hurt, God delivers and we can see His deliverance as we have faith in Him.
Feb 6- Abraham 1:1-2
Today we talk about the righteous desires of our heart, and how our righteous desires are God's desires for us!
Feb 5- Genesis 11:1-3
Today we discuss the counterfeits of Satan in his efforts to deceive us and loose our focus on Christ.
Feb 4- Genesis 8:13-16
God invites us to make covenants with Him for the purpose of blessing and strengthening us. Covenants allow us to enter into a special relationship with God and to seal our hearts to Him.
Christofferson- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2009/04/the-power-of-covenants?lang=eng
Feb 3- 3 Random principles from the flood
Today we talk about 3 random principles that can be learned from the flood. I love these principles and they either didn't fit in anywhere else, or I ran out of time on days they fit! HAHA so I am putting them together today!
Feb 2- Genesis 6:17
Today we talk about the love and mercy of God that we can see even and perhaps especially in the story of the flood.
Feb 1- Genesis 6:14-16
Today we learn how even though we are often asked to face tasks that seem beyond our ability, God is able to direct us line upon line.
Jan 31- Moses 8:17-21
Here we see God's great mercy on His children and His desire to give them every chance possible to choose Him.
Jan 30- Moses 8:13-15
The grand daughters of Noah, even though they had been taught differently, chose to turn their backs on their covenants to follow the world. As the scripture says, "they sold themselves." How do we sometimes do the same?
Jan 29- Moses 7:43-53
When Enoch is finally able to see the inhabitants of the Earth through God's eyes he weeps for the lost as well. But God, in order to comfort and teach Enoch tells him to "be glad and look." When we struggle, when we hurt, when we mourn and weep, we can find peace and comfort and we can even be glad as we look to the Prince of Peace.
Jan 28- Moses 7:32-33
God gave us knowledge and He gave us our agency even though He knew that would mean some would choose to not follow Him. But He weeps and He mourns when we use that agency to hurt and judge one another.
Jan 27- Moses 7:28-31
What can we learn about God as we come to understand that He is a God who weeps.
Maxwell https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1987/10/yet-thou-art-there?lang=eng
Jan 26- Moses 7 21-26
Today we talk about what it means that the city of Enoch came to be "in the process of time." And we learn about the jerk-face nature of the adversary.
Jan 25- Moses 7:13&18
We talked the other day about Zion and what it means to be of one heart and of one mind. But what does it mean to have no poor among us? Can it mean more than we maybe sometimes think? I believe so!
Holland- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2006/04/broken-things-to-mend?lang=eng
Jan 24- Moses 7:1-4
Standing in holy places may mean that we have to change directions, may have to mean that we set aside our ideas, thoughts or desires in order to listen to the Lord and become closer to Him.
Jan 23- Moses 7:18
As we begin a chapter al about how Enoch built his Zion society, let talk today about Zion. What is it? And why is it closer to us that we sometimes imagine?
Jan 22: Moses 6:57
We do our best to teach and testify of Christ in all things so that when our children go out into the world on their own, they will always know the source to look for peace and for redemption.
Jan 21- Moses 6:32-35
Today we learn about the promises the Lord makes Enoch as Enoch trusts Him and obeys Him. As you and I follow the Lord in our lives we can experience His promised blessings as well.
Jan 20- Moses 6:31
When Enoch was called to be a prophet, he wondered why God would choose him, with his weaknesses he asked God if he was actually needed in His work. God has always used imperfect people to further His work along. YES, he needed Enoch. And YES He needs YOU!
Jan 19- Moses 25-28
Today we learn about Enoch's command to Prophecy and call repentance, and how those two things go hand in hand!
Jan 18- Moses 6:3
What does it mean to make an acceptable sacrifice to the Lord? Are we sometimes like Cain and believe that we can throw any effort onto the altar of God that that it will be deemed acceptable? Or do we understand that true sacrifice isn't about the item sacrificed, but about the state of our hearts.
Jan 17- Moses 6:1-2
Today we talk about proper stewardship and how, even though their trial was fierce, Adam and Eve were able to carry on.
Jan 16- Moses 5:10-11
Before we jump head first into this weeks CFM block I had to look at one final principle that we learn from Adam and Eve and the Joy they find in their mortal experience.
Jan 15- Moses 5
What an incredible lesson we see on obedience when we compare the obedience of Adam and Eve to the obedience of Cain and Able.
Packer- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1983/04/agency-and-control?lang=eng
Jan 14- Gen 3:20-21
After the transgression of Adam and Eve the Lord makes clothes for them, to cover them. Here we see the second symbol of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Kippur the Hebrew word for Atonement literally means to cover. When we compare what the Lord could do for them to the meager covering of fig leaves they tried to make for themselves, it becomes glaringly obvious how much we need the Savior.
Marriott- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/04/what-shall-we-do?lang=eng
Bednar- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2014/04/bear-up-their-burdens-with-ease?lang=eng
Jan 13- Gen 3:14-17
Today we get to see the very first reference we have of the atonement of Jesus Christ in the Old Testament! Also we use Hebrew translations to better understand the Lord's words to Eve.
Jan 12- Gen 3:8-13
God asks Adam, "Where art thou?" Now let's not pretend for a second that God didn't know where Adam was. He knew where he was, he knew what he had done. But he was giving Adam the opportunity to come to Him with it. In our lives as we ebb and flow, I feel like this would be an important question to ask ourselves every now and then. "Where art thou?"
Jan 11:Gen 3:2-5
Today we learn that one of the purposes of this experience is to experience JOY. That joy can come to us BECAUSE of Jesus Christ.
Jan 10- Gen 3:1 Moses 4:6
Today we will talk a little bit about the serpent, and lessons we can learn as the serpent "knew not the plan of God."
Jan 9- Moses 4:1-2
Today we talk a little bit about the cheap salvation that satan tried to offer us. His offer of salvation was worth exactly what he was willing to pay for it. Contrast that to the Savior, who was willing to pay the ultimate price for our salvation and because of the price He was willing to pay, He was able to offer us enduring Salvation.
McConkie- https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/bruce-r-mcconkie/three-pillars-eternity/
Wilcox- Book: The Continuous Atonement
Jan 8- Gen 2:18-22
The Lord teaches us beautiful lessons about marriage as He joins Adam and Eve together.
Jan 7- Genesis 2
What a blessing it is to know and to understand that our spirit didn't begin at the "breath of life." But rather that our spirits combined with our bodies create our soul.
Jan 6- Moses 3 and Abraham 4
As we study the creation in the books of Moses and Abraham we see that God watched to see that the elements obeyed before moving on to the next thing. Meaning the creation only progressed as the creations obeyed God. You and I can progress and change and become better as we obey God and rely on the grace of Christ!
Kimball- Teachings of Spencer W Kimball Pg 215
Wilcox- Continuous Conversion pg 52
Jan 5- Gen 2:2
Understanding God's definition of rest can give us a clearer picture of what our Sabbath Day should look like.
Holland- Book- On Earth As It Is In Heaven pg 71
Faust- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1991/10/the-lords-day?lang=eng
Jan 4- Gen 1:25-26
We are made in God's image yes, but also His likeness. And that is even more important!
Jan 3- The Creation
Today we talk a little more about creating our days spiritually before we create them temporally. And we listen to a portion of a talk by Pres Nelson about each phase of the creation.
Bednar- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2008/10/pray-always?lang=eng
Nelson- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2000/04/the-creation?lang=eng
Jan 2- Gen 1:1 Moses 2:1 Abraham 3:5
How does fully understanding the Who of creation help us appreciate the creation more? And how does it fuel our fire of creation?
Uchtdorf- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2008/10/happiness-your-heritage?lang=eng
Jan 1- Moses 1:25 & 39
God delights to save us and exalt us! His love for us makes that work a glory to Him! I think someday when we return to Him we will be astonished to see how nearly everything that He orchestrated in our lives was for that exact purpose!
Dec 31- Moses 1:15-21
When Moses combined his faith with the power of calling upon the name of Christ, he obtained strength beyond his own. We too, when we pray in the name of Jesus Christ are calling upon that same power to add strength to our faith as well.
Dec 30- Moses 1:12-13
When we come to a greater understanding of Who we are and Whose we are, it gives us greater power over Satan's "Son of Man" moments.
Dec 29- Moses 1:3-7
I always marvel how, in this moment, when God could have told or taught Moses anything, the first thing that God wants Moses to know is Who he is, and whose he is.
Dec 28- Moses 1:1-2
What can we learn about our Heavenly Father's desire for us from the mention here that He brings Moses into His Glory?
Dec 27- Abraham 3:22-23
I love that Abraham teaches us that there were MANY noble and great ones. It's my belief that we were among the noble and great and that our Father in Heaven sent us here with a divine mission and purpose to fulfil. If we let Him, He can teach us our purpose as we go throughout life.
Benson
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/ezra-taft-benson/in-christs-steps/
Dec 26- The Old Testament
Today we talk a little bit about the Old Testament and why we should be super excited to learn the doctrines and principles there this year!
Dec 25th- The 4 Gifts Jesus Christ Offers Us
As we give and receive gifts from those we love today, let's pause for a moment to reflect on the sacred gifts that the Savior offers us.
Dec 24- Because He Came
Today I share one of my favorite talks on Christmas given by Pres Monson in 2011. Hope you enjoy it!
Dec 23- The Baby Jesus
Because of Christ, we have hope, we have joy, we have light.
Dec 22- Mary
As we study the reaction of Mary when the angel comes to her, we can learn more about how to say to the Lord, "Here I am Lord."
Dec 21- The Wisemen
As we approach the Savior, this Christmas and always, may we be like the Wisemen, and present to Him a worthy gift.
Dec 20- The Shepherds
As we learn about the shepherds, what can we learn about their desire to "make haste" to find Christ.
Dec 19- The Innkeeper
Every single day, multiple times a day, we make choices that determine if we will have room for the Savior. As we become intentional about the things that invite Him in, we will always have room for Christ.
Monson
https://www.thechurchnews.com/archives/2008-12-13/room-for-savior-in-lives-and-hearts-74124
Maxwell
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1992/10/settle-this-in-your-hearts?lang=eng
Dec 18- Family Proclamation (Last paragraphs)
Although we are called upon to defend the doctrines of the family, I think it is vital to understand the difference between defending doctrine and weaponizing doctrine. And in defending truth, kindness, charity and love should always be our guides.
Dec 17- Family Proclamation- Paragraph 7
I love that this paragraph tells us how we can have a family that not only CAN be together forever, but that WANTS to!
Dec 16- Family Proclamation 6
Today we talk about the difference between a contractual marriage vs a covenant marriage. And how the way we treat that marriage will teach and influence our children.
Howard
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/04/eternal-marriage?lang=eng
Hunter
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1994/10/being-a-righteous-husband-and-father?lang=eng
Benson
https://emp.byui.edu/SATTERFIELDB/Quotes/Marriage%20and%20Child-Bearing%20ETB.htm
Dec 15- Family Proclamation 4
God gave Adam and Eve the command to multiply and replenish the Earth, in part, to help him carry forth His Plan of Salvation. We have the same commandment today, and what a blessing for God to have given us that special opportunity to become more like Him, a co-creator with Him.
Holland Talk
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/jeffrey-r-holland/souls-symbols-sacraments/
Dec 14- Family Proclamation (3)
I feel like this paragraph could just be titled, Heaven would not be heaven without our families! And as a loving and merciful father in heaven, any plan of happiness that He creates for us would have to involve the opportunity to be with those we have grown to love most in this life forever!
Holland (about 30 seconds into the video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mbv0TCTXvNQ
Benson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1988/12/jesus-christ-gifts-and-expectations?lang=eng
Sabin
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2017/05/saturday-afternoon-session/stand-up-inside-and-be-all-in?lang=eng
Dec 13- Family Proclamation (2)
The very first thing that we are taught in this proclamation, after the thesis statement about marriage and family, is the truth about our divine identities! The more we learn about who we are, and WHOSE we are, the better we will be able to navigate this life and the temptations of the adversary!
Dew
https://womensconference.byu.edu/sites/womensconference.ce.byu.edu/files/dew_sheri_2.pdf
Dec 12- Proclamation on the Family 1
Our families are central to God's plan for us. Our families allow us to to learn the structure of God's family in a safe environment.
Dec 11- Official Declarations 1-2
Although we are given the promise that a prophet of God will never lead us astray, that doesn't mean that a prophet will never say or do anything that we don't like or don't understand. Taking those things back to God is critically important. And trusting that "we believe that [God] will YET reveal many great and important things" is vital!
Sources for understanding
Be One Celebration
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52-y98r2ZYs
Brother Corbitt
https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/personal-essay-on-race-and-the-priesthood?lang=eng
Dec 10- Articles of Faith 7-8
God has not ceased to be God. He is still a God of miracles, of revelation, of gifts, of healing. As long as we don't cease to be His faithful followers able to see it.
Ballard
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2007/04/the-miracle-of-the-holy-bible?lang=eng
Dec 9- Articles of Faith 5-6
We can recognize the true church of Jesus Christ when we se how God's power in given to the earth today, and as we see the same organization on the earth today.
17 points of the True Church
https://ldsminds.com/seventeen-points-of-the-true-church/
Orson Whitney Story: Book- A Marvelous Work and a Wonder pg 3
Dec 8- Articles of Faith 4
Today we talk about the first principles and ordinances of the gospel and how they are to be lifelong principles, not one time events!
Dec 7- Article of Faith 3
The Atonement of Jesus Christ is YOU-niversal!
Dec 6- Article of Faith 2
Today we explore the differences between a sin and a transgression as well as how the natural consequences of the fall are not the same thing as us being "punished" for the choices of Adam and Eve.
Cook
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/04/foundations-of-faith?lang=eng
Dec 5 Article of Faith 1
In a world where not believing in a higher power has almost become trendy. How can we know and maintain faith in our Heavenly Father?
Dec 4- Doctrine & Covenants 138
The Plan of Salvation is know by a few other names, the Plan of Happiness and the Plan of Redemption. No where, ever, is it called the Plan of Perfection. Part of our Father in Heaven's plan was the need for us to be humbled and faithful and to call on the REDEMPTION of Jesus Christ.
Dec 3- Doctrine & Covenants 138:23
Today we learn what the Lord can do for us through His titles of Redeemer and Deliverer.
Dec 2- Doctrine & Covenants 138:12-17
We hear all the time that that "He is risen" is the most joyous and hopeful phrase ever spoken, but have you really stopped to wonder why? If our spirits are eternal, why do we actually NEED our bodies for the eternity?
Johnson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/04/and-there-shall-be-no-more-death?lang=eng
Dec 1- Doctrine & Covenants 138:7-10
What can we learn about vicarious work for the dead from Noah and the Ark? Today we find out!
Nov 30- Doctrine & Covenants 138:1-4
Today we talk about the power that comes into our lives as we take the time and effort to really ponder the atonement of Jesus Christ and the Love of God!
Nov 29- Doctrine & Covenants 137:5-9
In this revelation I believe that Joseph is beginning to see the inclusivity of God's plan for His children. He sees that Heavenly Father isn't looking for reasons to keep people out, but for ways to bring them in!
Nov 28- Doctrine & Covenants 137:1-4
In this vision that Joseph Smith has of the Celestial Kingdom we get the opportunity to get a glimpse into the eternal glory that God has in store for those who are willing to be refined by Christ.
Nov 27- Doctrine & Covenants 136
Imagine what it must have been like for the saints as they waited to see what would happened to the church after the prophet Joseph was killed. 3 years later a new revelation is given, what a joyous event it would have been to know that the heavens were still open and that God was still leading things!
Nov 26- Doctrine & Covenants 135:7
Joseph Smiths innocent blood was shed by conspiracies and those who would seek to destroy Joseph. And even though they killed him, they continue today, the adversary continues to conspire and try to tear down truth at every turn.
Nov 25- Doctrine & Covenants 135:6
If you wanted to buy a Book of Mormon today, what would it cost you? $3-$4? How much would it cost in 1844? Today we will talk about the true cost of the Book of Mormon.
Nov 24- Doctrine & Covenants 135:2-3
Salvation comes in and through Jesus Christ alone, but how has Joseph aided in helping us come to better understand salvation? Today we talk about it!
Hinckley
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2005/12/joseph-smith-jr-prophet-of-god-mighty-servant?lang=eng
Nov 23- Doctrine & Covenants 135:1(again)
What does it mean that the martyrdom sealed the testimony of the Book of Mormon? Today we will find out.
Link to Carthage Jail virtual tour
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/historic-sites/illinois/carthage-jail-virtual-tour?lang=eng
Holland
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2009/10/safety-for-the-soul?lang=eng
Nov 22- Doctrine & Covenants 135:1
We have spent the year coming to know Joseph Smith more, but what about his brother Hyrum that was killed along side of him? Today we learn more about who he was and the characteristics that made him "as firm as the pillars of heaven."
Ballard
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1995/10/hyrum-smith-firm-as-the-pillars-of-heaven?lang=eng
Nov 21- Doctrine & Covenants 135
Before we jump into the announcement of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum, I think it is important to understand how we got there. Things in Illinois had been relatively peaceful up until this point. Today we talk about how things took a turn in Nauvoo that lead to the martyrdom of Joseph.
Nov 20- Doctrine & Covenants 134:7
Today we talk about what God expects as we try to bring government and religion together.
Nov 19- Doctrine & Covenants 134:1-4
In these verses Oliver Cowdery is going to teach us about the divine design of government.
Nov 18- Doctrine & Covenants 133:33
Sometimes when we talk about the Savior's 2nd coming, we focus way to much on the difficulties that precede it and not nearly enough onthe absolute JOY that will accompany it!
Nelson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/10/the-book-of-mormon-what-would-your-life-be-like-without-it?lang=eng
Benson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-ezra-taft-benson/chapter-10-flooding-the-earth-and-our-lives-with-the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng
Romney
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1980/04/the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng
Nov 17- Doctrine & Covenants 133:16-18
As the Lord continues to teach us about how to prepare for His coming he focuses on CHANGE! Repentance, letting go of the world and holding tight to our covenants.
Renlund
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2016/11/sunday-afternoon-session/repentance-a-joyful-choice?lang=eng
Bednar
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2013/10/missionary-preparation/becoming-a-preach-my-gospel-missionary?lang=eng
Holland
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2006/04/broken-things-to-mend?lang=eng
Nov 16- Doctrine & Covenants 133:5-15
As we continue looking for what the Lord would have us do to prepare for His coming we see His counsel to be made clean, (notice the word there is clean not perfect.) And to leave Babylon behind and "look not back." I love the emphasis on not looking back to our sins and lamenting what we feel like they can offer us, rather we look forward to the future with faith in what the Lord can make of us!
Holland
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/jeffrey-r-holland/remember-lots-wife/
Christofferson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2008/10/come-to-zion?lang=eng
Nov 15- Doctrine & Covenants 133:4
Remember, the Lord is asking His saints to Hearken and to hear and understand the things that they can do to prepare for the Savior's 2nd coming. And here, in verse 4, they Lord tells them that they need to gather together. My friends it is important to be spiritual... but it is insufficient to be spiritual alone! The Lord makes it clear that we need the strength from gathering and worshiping together. And let us not forget the promised blessing that where 2 or 3 are gathered together in His name, there will He be also! We need that blessing!
Oaks
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/10/18oaks?lang=eng
Nov 14- Doctrine & Covenants 133:1-4
The Lord starts out the revelation in section 133 by telling us all to hearken, to LISTEN UP! And then he goes on to teach us about His second coming and what we can do to be prepared. Out of everything that the Savior teaches us in the Doctrine and Covenants, these things might be the most important!
Monson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/04/in-search-of-treasure?lang=eng
Christofferson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04/when-thou-art-converted?lang=eng
Nov 13- Doctrine & Covenants 132:5-7
The Lord is giving the saints a new covenant to follow. But here in these verses He gives very specific conditions we are to follow if we are to obtain God's full blessing as we enter into any covenant with God.
Nelson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/10/47nelson?lang=eng
Joseph Fielding Smith- Doctrines of Salvation vol 1 pg 158
Nov 12- Doctrine & Covenants 132
Today as we begin section 132 and the revelation on plural marriage, I offer some of my thoughts on the history of plural marriage in the church. I talk a little bit about some of the possible why's of this practice. As I do so I do not mean to approach it as an apologist but rather to share some thoughts I have had over the years as I have done my best to understand.
Nov 11- Doctrine & Covenants 131
The blessings promised for celestial marriage are available to ALL of God's children, whether they obtain that in this life or not.
Nelson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2008/10/celestial-marriage?lang=eng
Nov 10- Doctrine & Covenants 130:14-21
Here again as Joseph is teaching different doctrines, he addresses a common buzz topic of the year and teaches about the second coming of the Savior. But in those teachings he manages to help us understand that because we don't know exactly when it will happen, we have the responsibility to gain knowledge and intelligence so that we will be prepared when the day comes.
Hinckley
https://www.thechurchnews.com/archives/1999-01-02/messages-of-inspiration-from-pres-hinckley-2-125137
Nov 9- Doctrine & Covenants 130:7-13
First Joseph gives us a glimpse of the blessings that can be ours, followed by a preview of the difficulties that we will need to overcome it in order to obtain it!
Nov 8- Doctrine & Covenants 130:1-3
When Orson Hyde taught a false doctrine about the nature of God, Joseph Smith had to correct him. I'm so glad that is the case, because of that, we now have the beautiful doctrines of section 130. And the beautiful reassurances that our relationships from this life can carry into the next and can improve in the next as our relationships are coupled with glory.
Uchtdorf
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/10/of-things-that-matter-most?lang=eng
Nov 7- Doctrine & Covenants 129
I'm not going to lie...I remember learning about this section as an 11 or 12 year old thinking it would be vital that I learn how to tell the difference between an angel, a spirit and the adversary pretending to be an angel...Turns out I haven't had to use that knowledge as frequently and my 11 year self thought I would. However, we do have the chance, every day of our lives, to witness the angels on earth as they try to bless and share the love of God with those around them.
Holland
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2008/10/the-ministry-of-angels?lang=eng
Nov 6- Doctrine & Covenants 128:17-19
The gospel offers a "voice of gladness" to all those who have lived and who ever will live on the earth. Because of the restoration of the priesthood and the temple ordinances God's mercy is available to ALL.
Eyring
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/04/gathering-the-family-of-god?lang=eng
Nov 5- Doctrine & Covenants 128:15 & 18
I think it is pretty clear what is meant by the phrase that our dead can't be made perfect with us. They need us to preform vicarious work for them so that they can receive the works of salvation...But what on earth does it mean that we can't be made perfect without them. What can they possibly do for us? Well...a lot more than you may think!
Cook
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2014/04/roots-and-branches?lang=eng
Smith- Book Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith pg. 475
Renlund
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/04/family-history-and-temple-work-sealing-and-healing?lang=eng
Nov 4- Doctrine & Covenants 128
The fact that the Lord was still instructing the saints even a year after they initially learned about baptisms for the dead is an incredible reminder to me that often times God reveals things to us little by little. And just because we may not have the beginning to the end revealed, we are still expected to move forward in faith, trusting in God.
Nov 3- Doctrine & Covenants 127:2-3
I absolutely love these scriptures, because in them Joseph Smith makes reference to the deliverance of God! In fact, he goes so far as to say that the God of Israel is their God. Israel's God is a God of deliverance! Nearly ever scripture story is a story of God delivering someone from something. Heavenly Father wants us to understand the theme of deliverance, because as we trust that He will deliver us we are more ready to let Him prevail in our lives!
Nov 2- Doctrine & Covenants 127:1
Here, as the Lord warns Joseph that he needs to leave Nauvoo, we can draw a parallel in our life as well. Often times for our own safety or good, the Lord will tell us to move, sometimes physically, but more often he asks us to move spiritually. To do something that will help us progress on our path towards Him. As we heed those promptings we can have faith and hope that God is working all things together for our good.
Scott
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/04/how-to-obtain-revelation-and-inspiration-for-your-personal-life?lang=eng
Nov 1- Doctrine & Covenants 126
The Lord, through His counsel to Brigham Young, is going to teach us a very important principle. When we are diligent in our efforts the Lord accepts our efforts, but when it is time to focus on our families, that should be our absolute priority.
Benson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1987/10/to-the-fathers-in-israel?lang=eng
Oct 31- Doctrine & Covenants 125
Here the Lord is telling the saints that if they want to follow Him they need to make an effort to be where He would have them be. Even though there is no longer a physical Zion, we can draw nearer to the Lord and follow Him closer as we strive to stand in holy places in our lives and make the spaces around us sacred.
Neuenschwander
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/04/holy-place-sacred-space?lang=eng
Oct 30- Doctrine & Covenants 124:75
The Lord teaches us here about one of our primary purposes as His saints, to care for the poor and the needy. And then He teaches us about what true sacrifice is.
Uchtdorf
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/10/43uchtdorf?lang=eng
Davies
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2014/10/the-law-of-the-fast-a-personal-responsibility-to-care-for-the-poor-and-needy?lang=eng
Maxwell
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1995/04/deny-yourselves-of-all-ungodliness?lang=eng
Oct 29- Doctrine & Covenants 124:60
God commanded the saints of Nauvoo to create a place where people would come and rest. In our day our churches, our quorums and classes and even our lives should be a place where people feel safe, welcomed and where they can feel peace.
Gong
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/04/16gong?lang=eng
McConkie
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/same-sex-attraction-family-and-friends/what-are-the-best-ways-to-show-christ-like-love?lang=eng
Oct 28- Doctrine & Covenants 124:40-47
In these verses the Lord teaches us that one of the reasons for the temple is to receive all His blessings, but then He warns us that we have to continue on in diligence. It isn't enough to simply go through the temple. We have to be anxious to have the temple go through us!
Monson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2011/04/the-holy-temple-a-beacon-to-the-world?lang=eng
Joseph Fielding Smith
Doctrines of Salvation vol 3 pg 132-133
Bednar
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/news/elder-david-a-bednar-teaches-about-the-spiritual-pattern-of-small-and-simple-things?lang=eng#:~:text=%E2%80%9CBrothers%20and%20sisters%2C%20we%20should,will%20bring%20forth%20extraordinary%20results.%E2%80%9D
Oct 27- Doctrine & Covenants 124:28-29
In these verses as the Lord talks about the redemption of the dead, we get a glimpse into the wholeness...the completeness of the redemption of Jesus Christ.
Elder Christofferson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2000/10/the-redemption-of-the-dead-and-the-testimony-of-jesus?lang=eng
Doctrine & Covenants 124:15-20
In these verses the Lord points out Christlike attributes of His followers, by studying and understanding these attributes we can better adopt those attributes into our lives.
Wirthlin
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1988/04/without-guile?lang=eng
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2015/02/true-love?lang=eng
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1990/04/personal-integrity?lang=eng
Bednar
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2005/10/be-honest?lang=eng
Uchtdorf
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/04/you-are-my-hands?lang=eng
Doctrine & Covenants 124:1-7
The name Nauvoo itself can teach us the most beautiful lesson about how God sees us as His children and about how He desires us to see those around us!
Hinckley
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1989/10/rise-to-the-stature-of-the-divine-within-you?lang=eng
Stephens
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2015/10/if-ye-love-me-keep-my-commandments?lang=eng
Uchtdorf
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/10/of-regrets-and-resolutions?lang=eng
Renlund
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2015/10/through-gods-eyes?lang=eng
Doctrine & Covenants 124:1
Today we talk about the extermination order and how the saints ended up in Illinois. As well as how the Lord in verse one calls Joseph weak. It's interesting that sometimes we put more expectation on the prophet to be perfect than the Lord ever put on him. The Lord didn't want a perfect prophet, He wanted a weak person so that He could so HIS ultimate power in bringing forth truth through imperfect people!
Oct 23- Doctrine & Covenants 123
Sometimes we can be guilty of forgetting the small and simple things of the gospel, but I testify that it is by the daily diligence to the small and simple things, that God is able to bring lasting and powerful conversion to our lives.
Ballard
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2008/07/sharing-the-gospel-using-the-internet?lang=eng
Bednar
https://womensconference.byu.edu/sites/womensconference.ce.byu.edu/files/elder_david_a._bednar.pdf
Oct 22- Doctrine & Covenants 122
No matter what we go through, what trial comes our way, we can take comfort in knowing that the Savior of the world has descended below it all so that he could meet us where we are and lift us up to higher ground.
Holland
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/10/12holland?lang=eng
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2001/03/missionary-work-and-the-atonement?lang=eng
Maxwell
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1991/04/lest-ye-be-wearied-and-faint-in-your-minds?lang=eng
Benson (as quoted by Oaks)
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1998/07/adversity?lang=eng
Oct 21- Doctrine & Covenants 121:45-46
If we want generations of posterity to "flow unto [us]" without compulsory means, what are the things we have to do? What changes need to be made in our homes?
Oct 20- Doctrine & Covenants 121:33-35
Many are called but few are chosen. When the Lord says He has called many, could He mean that He calls out to many? That He invites many? If so then maybe it's not that God only chooses a few...but that few will choose God.
Oct 19- Doctrine & Covenants 121:9-14
I love that the Lord reassures Joseph of something that I imagine was probably in his heart, even though it appears he didn't say it out loud, and that was that his friends would stand by him. The Lord also speaks of the loss of hope that comes from rejecting the gospel and the prophets.
Ballard
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/10/to-whom-shall-we-go?lang=eng
Oct 18- Doctrine & Covenants 121:7-8
What can these verses teach us about God's willingness to deliver, and about His timing? More importantly, what can it teach us about His immediate goodness?
Elder McKay
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/04/55mckay?lang=eng
Oct 17- Doctrine & Covenants 121:1-3
As Joseph was in the depths of despair he looked to the heaven and asked God where He was, not doubting His existence, but just wondering when He would intervene. When we struggle, when we go through hard things, it is ok to has God how long we have to go through hard, but it is important that we continue to trust Him and His timetable.
Holland
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/jeffrey-r-holland/lessons-liberty-jail/
Oct 16- Doctrine & Covenants 119
In this section the Lord reiterates the law of consecration, and gives the saints the new (to them) law of tithing. Understanding the purpose behind these laws is critical to us understanding that God grows and strengthens us as we give Him our all.
Joseph Smith quote- Lectures on Faith page 58
Oct 15- Doctrine & Covenants 117:12-13
Today as we learn about the little heard of saint, Oliver Granger, we will talk about the impact of our small, everyday sacrifices to build God's kingdom.
Elder Packer- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/10/the-least-of-these?lang=eng
Oct 14- Doctrine & Covenants 116-117
Today we discuss how completely amazing the coming of Christ at Adam-ondi-ahman will be, and the Lord's reminder that things carry no value to Him, only worship.
McConkie- Book: The Millennial Messiah
Maxwell
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1986/10/god-will-yet-reveal?lang=eng
Oct 13- Doctrine &Covenants 115:16
When ever the Lord commands His followers to build something, He gives them a pattern to follow. The same is true as He tries to build US! The gospel of Jesus Christ serves as a pattern for our lives.
Marvin J Ashton
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1990/10/a-pattern-in-all-things?lang=eng
Oct 12- Doctrine & Covenants 115:8
Today we discuss the Kirtland Safety Society and why in the darkest times the Lord wanted the saints to worship in a temple.
Oct 11- Doctrine & Covenants 115:5-6
Just like the sun rises every morning to chase away the darkness of night, the SON will share His light with all who seek Him. And when we feel it, when we experience it, it is us to us to arise and to share that light with others.
Kimball
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1979/10/the-role-of-righteous-women?lang=eng
Grow
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2005/10/the-book-of-mormon-the-instrument-to-gather-scattered-israel?lang=eng
Uchtdorf
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/04/the-hope-of-gods-light?lang=eng
Oct 10- Doctrine & Covenants 115:3
With everything that the saints were going through and struggling with, the Lord took the time to teach them that the proper name of the church was The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In our day, the Lord has chastened us and reminded us that we need to use the full name of His church as well. Both in 1838 and today there were probably those who wondered why, with everything else that is happening in the world today, why the Lord emphasized this? Perhaps this, both then and now, is trying to remind us whose church it is and that we are in His hands.
Pres. Nelson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/10/the-correct-name-of-the-church?lang=eng
Oct 9- Doctrine & Covenants 113:7-8
The restoration of the priesthood was KEY to you and I obtaining power in this life and strength to return to our Father in Heaven again someday!
Nelson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2006/10/the-gathering-of-scattered-israel?lang=eng
Rasband
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/04/behold-a-royal-army?lang=eng
Oct 8- Doctrine & Covenants 113:1-4
What can 2 ancient Jewish prophecies teach us about Christ and the restoration of the gospel? We will talk about it today!
Pres. Benson Quote
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/ezra-taft-benson/in-christs-steps/
More Information about Messiah Ben Joseph
https://rsc-legacy.byu.edu/archived/selections-2007-religious-education-student-symposium/ancient-studies/messiah-ben-joseph
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1972/12/the-old-testament-speaks-today?lang=eng
Oct 7- Doctrine & Covenants 112:13
Is there something in your life that feels broken? Maybe a relationship? Your spirit? Your heart? The promise from the Lord is that if we come to Him, if we allow Him into our lives, He can heal all wounds.
Elder Bednar
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/10/converted-unto-the-lord?lang=eng
Elder Gonzalez
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/10/learning-with-our-hearts?lang=eng
Sheri L Dew
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1999/04/our-only-chance?lang=eng
Oct 6- Doctrine & Covenants 112:10-13
As the Lord continues to teach Thomas Marsh, he also teaches us true principles of Christ like leadership.
Bednar
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2008/10/pray-always?lang=eng
Soares
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/10/be-meek-and-lowly-of-heart?lang=eng
Benson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1989/04/beware-of-pride?lang=eng
Oct 5- Doctrine & Covenants 112:1-3
Elder Sikahema taught us this weekend that all things have their proper sequence for God. He also advised us to watch for patterns of sequence in the scriptures. Here in section 112, the Lord is going to teach us an important sequence about receiving forgiveness for sin through Thomas Marsh.
Elder Snow
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/04/be-thou-humble?lang=eng
Oct 4- Doctrine & Covenants 111:2-11
Here the Lord is going to teach Joseph what the truest treasure is. **Spoiler Alert** It's his children!
Elder Robbins
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/news/knowledge-vs-wisdom-elder-robbins-speaks-on-developing-a-christlike-character?lang=eng#:~:text=%E2%80%9CWisdom%20is%20more%20than%20knowledge,isn't%20all%20that%20common.&text=Wisdom%20is%20a%20gift%20of,true%20wisdom%2C%E2%80%9D%20he%20said.
Oct 3- Doctrine & Covenants 111
Have you ever had an experience where you did what you thought Heavenly Father wanted you to do, only to have it not work out? Does that mean Heavenly Father lead you wrong? Does it mean that He doesn't care or isn't involved? OF COURSE NOT! But our Father in Heaven loves effort, and sometimes He asks us to try. To put forth our own efforts in solving our problem before He reaches His hand into our lives to bless us in different ways.
Oct 2- Doctrine & Covenants 110:1-5
In these verses Joseph sees and describes his vision of the Savior. Although our experience won't be the same, you and I can have experiences with the Savior and feel His forgiveness and mercy in our lives.
Elder Ballard
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1998/04/marvelous-are-the-revelations-of-the-lord?lang=eng
Elder Scott
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2007/04/using-the-supernal-gift-of-prayer?lang=eng
Elder Hales
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/10/receiving-a-testimony-of-the-restored-gospel-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng
Oct 1- Doctrine & Covenants 110:13-16
Malachi taught that without the sealing keys of the priesthood the whole earth would be wasted. And now, April 3, 1836, the day for those keys to be restored has arrived! This was the culmination of the restoration of the gospel up until that point!
Joseph Fielding Smith- Doctrines of Salvation, vol 2 page 100-101
Elder Tuttle
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1982/05/the-first-and-the-last-words?lang=eng
Sept 30- Doctrine & Covenants 109:23-24
What does it mean to "honorably hold a name and a standing" in the temple? And what are the promised blessing from the Lord when we do?
Elder Bednar
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2009/04/honorably-hold-a-name-and-standing?lang=eng
Sept 29- Doctrine & Covenants 109:13 & 22
The temple is a place of power because God is anxious to bestow his greatest gifts upon His children.
Sept 28- Doctrine & Covenants 109:10
The believers in the Savior's day shouted Hosanna to welcome the Savior into Jerusalem and to testify of Him. The early saints perform a Solemn Assembly, including a Hosanna Shout, to dedicate the Kirtland temple. What can you and I do to "dedicate" ourselves to the Lord and invite Him into our lives?
Pres. Nelson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/04/drawing-the-power-of-jesus-christ-into-our-lives?lang=eng
Elder Renlund
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/10/repentance-a-joyful-choice?lang=eng
Sept 27- Doctrine & Covenants 109:7
Here in verse 7 Joseph Smith gives us a nice recipe for what to do to build up our faith. 1st, we become diligent seekers 2nd, We make sure that as we seek we are doing so out of the best books. And 3rd, we bring all the faith we can muster to our studies. We should always study in a way that is seeking to confirm faith.
Elder Richard Hinckley
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/richard-g-hinckley/prophetic-priorities/
Elder Uchtdorf
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2009/10/two-principles-for-any-economy?lang=eng
Sept 26- Doctrine & Covenants 109:1-5
1,000 saints packed the walls of the Kirtland temple for the dedication March 27, 1836, and even more waited outside, unable to fit indoors. They did it because they had sacrificed everything to build God a house on earth, and that sacrifice lead to deep conversion. They did it because they understood the impact that these priesthood ordinances and these covenants with God would have.
Pres. Hunter
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1994/10/the-great-symbol-of-our-membership?lang=eng
Sis. Nelson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2019/03/president-and-sister-nelsons-devotional-for-youth/make-a-weekly-sacrifice-of-time-to-the-lord-for-three-weeks?lang=eng
Sept 25- Doctrine & Covenants 108
When Lyman Sherman was obedient to a prompting and approached Joseph Smith for a prompting, the Lord blesses him with forgiveness and "rest concerning [his] spiritual state." This blessing can be ours as well through the Saviors atonement as we strive to obey God's commands.
Elder Scott
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/10/peace-of-conscience-and-peace-of-mind?lang=eng
Sept 24- Doctrine & Covenants 107:23 & 99
The first presidency and quorum of the 12 are called and set apart to be special witnesses of Jesus Christ. They have been from the beginning of time and they continue to be today.
Elder Bednar
https://rsc.byu.edu/vol-12-no-2-2011/special-witnesses-name-christ
Elder Uchtdorf
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2008/10/lift-where-you-stand?lang=eng
Sept 23- Doctrine & Covenants 107:20-22
Today we take a look at the powers and responsibilities of Aaronic priesthood holders and we ask, what does it really mean to sustain the first presidency of the church?
Eyring
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2008/04/the-true-and-living-church?lang=eng
Sept 22- Doctrine & Covenants 107:18-19
One thing that has really stood out to me as I have studies the Doctrine & Covenants this year is that EVERY SINGLE PART of the restoration was given to us in the later days for the purpose of God's work and glory, to bring us back to Him. The priesthood, as we learn in these verses is KEY to that work!
Joseph Smith
https://rsc.byu.edu/words-joseph-smith/5-october-1840-monday-morning
Bishop Causse
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/04/prepare-the-way?lang=eng
Sept 21- Doctrine & Covenants 107:1-8
Today we talk about the rights, authority and POWER of the priesthood, and who's priesthood it is!
Uchtdorf
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/10/the-joy-of-the-priesthood?lang=eng
Nelson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/04/the-price-of-priesthood-power?lang=eng
Stephens
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/10/do-we-know-what-we-have?lang=eng
Sept 20- Doctrine & Covenants 107
As we begin a week of talking about the priesthood from the section 107, I thought it would be great to share a portion of one of my favorite talks of the topic! Hope you enjoy!
Elder Oaks
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/04/the-powers-of-the-priesthood?lang=eng
Sept 19- Doctrine & Covenants 106
The Lord warns Warren Cowdery about holding onto vanity in his heart. We are promised incredible blessings here as we learn to humble ourselves and bend our will to God's.
Sept 18- Doctrine & Covenants 105
When the Lord disbanded Zion's Camp there were many who didn't understand. The assumed that the Lord had commanded them to redeem Zion the place by military force. Today we learn that the Lord had something better in store. He wanted to endow Zion, the people by priesthood ordinances.
Sept 17- Doctrine & Covenants 104:11-16
The Lord tells us that it is His purpose to provide for His children but that it needs to be done in His way. Today we learn that His way involves our agency and stewardships!
Benson
Book- The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, page 645.
Uchtdorf
https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2011/10/providing-in-the-lords-way?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F2011%2F10%2Fproviding-in-the-lords-way%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D0BB5E09350CBD2FB-67B991D87FCB57A1%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1631853380
Sept 16- Doctrine & Covenants 104:27-28
Many say that they are willing to die for Christ, but will they live everyday for Him. We are sure that we would pick up and move to Missouri if the prophet called us to do it, but are we willing to do the small and simple things that he asks of us.
Elder Faust
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2006/10/discipleship?lang=eng
Pres. Hinckley
https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1976/10/everything-to-gain-nothing-to-lose?lang=eng
Sept 15- Doctrine & Covenants 103:9-10
Part of our purpose, our "savor" is to be a light and an under-shepherd with Christ.
Elder Gibbons
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2006/10/wherefore-settle-this-in-your-hearts?lang=eng
Pres. Monson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/become-a-light-for-all-to-see?lang=eng
Pres. Benson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1978/04/may-the-kingdom-of-god-go-forth?lang=eng
Sept 14- Doctrine & Covenants 103:1-4
God isn't orchestrating bad things to happen in our lives, but sometimes He may step back and allow the consequences of our own choices to play out.
Holland Quotes
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2001/03/missionary-work-and-the-atonement?lang=eng
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2018/12/making-your-life-a-soul-stirring-journey-of-personal-growth?lang=eng
Sept 13- Doctrine & Covenants 102
Section 102 consists of the minutes from the very first high council meeting, which centered on church discipline and how to use it to help people repent and come to Christ. The purpose of church discipline today is the same: to help the transgressor repent, come unto Christ and receive all that the Father has for them.
Elder Ballard
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1990/09/a-chance-to-start-over-church-disciplinary-councils-and-the-restoration-of-blessings?lang=eng
Doctrine & Covenants 101:48
Today before starting this weeks come follow me block I wanted to cover a scripture that was lost in the uploading mishap from yesterday. Today we discuss the dangers of consulting with ourselves rather than consulting with the Lord.
Sept 10- Doctrine & Covenants 101:12-16
Here the Lord is making promises for those who He calls Israel. From President Nelson we have learned that Israel are those who are willing to let God prevail in our lives. So how do we get there. How do we turn ourselves and lives over to God and let Him prevail in our lives? It starts with this commandment from the Lord in verse 16, "Be still and know that I am God."
Pres Nelson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/46nelson?lang=eng
Joseph Smith
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2005/03/all-your-losses?lang=eng
Elder Andersen
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/04/what-thinks-christ-of-me?lang=eng
Sept 9- Doctrine & Covenants 101:6-9
The Lord desires us to seek after Him, to be close to Him. But often times when things are going well we forget how much we need Him, and only seek after Him in times of trial. Alma taught us that we are far more blessed to humble ourselves and turn to God rather than waiting to be humbled.
Talmage- Conference Report October 1921
Brigham Young
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2002/04/questions-and-answers?lang=eng
Holland
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/04/the-laborers-in-the-vineyard?lang=eng
Sept 8- Doctrine & Covenants 101:4-5
This scripture teaches us that we will be tried, even as Abraham. Now obviously we aren't all going to be commanded to sacrifice our sons. But Abraham's trial was catered to him. To be something that would be especially trying of his soul.
You and I are going to experience trial and hardship in this life. Hard things that are catered to us to be difficult. But God tries us so that he can refine us. And the Lord chose to experience it not so that he could remove the suffering, but so that He could share in it.
Elder Andersen
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/10/wounded?lang=eng
Sept 7- Doctrine & Covenants 100:1-6
The Lord tells Joseph and Sydney that it was expedient they had come unto "this place." or like Mordecai told Esther "who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this."
What "place" are we in? Perhaps we are where we are and are experiencing what we are, "for such a time as this." So that we can be an instrument in the salvation of souls.
Elder Christofferson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2009/04/the-power-of-covenants?lang=eng
Sept 6- Doctrine & Covenants 98:3&6
Why do bad things happen to good people? It is a question we have all either asked or been asked. Here we learn that, although He doesn't orchestrate bad things in our lives, the Lord is able to use the hard things to help us grow and to make us more like Him.
Elder Uchtdorf
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2014/04/grateful-in-any-circumstances?lang=eng
Elder Martino
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/04/all-things-work-together-for-good?lang=eng
Sept 5- Doctrine & Covenants 98:1-2
After severe persecution in Missouri, the Lord is going to reveal to the saints how to endure. His words to them in hard times are true for us as well when we go through trial, tribulation and even persecution in our lives!
Elder Uchtdorf Quote
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2014/04/grateful-in-any-circumstances?lang=eng
Sept 4- Doctrine & Covenants 97:2-8
In these verses the Lord teaches us about how "justice, love and mercy meet, in harmony divine."
Elder Maxwell
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1995/04/deny-yourselves-of-all-ungodliness?lang=eng
Elder Ballard
https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1998/10/the-law-of-sacrifice?lang=eng
Elder Wickman
https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2000/06/friends-again-at-last-justice-and-mercy-in-the-warming-glow-of-charity?lang=eng
Sept 3- Doctrine & Covenants 96:5
I love that the Lord teaches us here that one of the main purposes of teaching His word is to subdue the hearts of men! Does His word have that effect on us? When we hear His word, either through the scriptures or prophets and apostles, do they cause us to humble ourselves? They should. According to this scripture that is one of the reasons for them.
The REAL Sept 2!
Sorry everyone! I accidently uploaded Aug 31st again rather than Sept 2! All fixed now!
Sept 1- Doctrine & Covenants 95:4
In Section 95 the Lord is chastising Joseph for not having started on the temple that he had been commanded to build 6 months earlier. When you read about the blessings in verse 4 that the Lord wanted to give them, it is easy to see why He was so anxious for it to be built! What blessings do you receive from the temple?
Aug 31- Doctrine & Covenants 95:1
Because our Father in Heaven loves us so fiercely He has a deep desire for us to return to His presence and receive all that He has. But in order for us to get there He commands us to repent. In our efforts to become more like Him, we can grow as we ask Him for counsel and correction. It's not necessarily fun, but as we heed His counsel we become more like Him.
Aug 30- Doctrine & Covenants 94:6 & 95:1
When we build a building to the Lord we dedicate it to His purposes. But the Lord is also building us, and wants us to be dedicated to Him as well.
Aug 29- Doctrine & Covenants 94:1-2
In our lives we probably won't have a time when the Lord commands us personally to build a couple of buildings, but He does say here in this section that He wants us to follow His pattern. If we are to do that we have to build His church, build up Zion, build His PEOPLE the same whay He does. By meeting them where they are, raising them up, and carrying them forward.
Aug 28- Doctrine & Covenants 93:31
This verse teaches us an interesting aspect of agency. I think we all understand that agency is a central aspect of God's plan of salvation. But do we understand that our mistakes are also pat of that plan?
Aug 27- Doctrine & Covenants 93:29
One doctrine that really distinguishes us from the resto of the Christian world is this doctrine of a universal pre-mortal existence! Just as we believe that our spirits will go on living after our death we believe that they lived before we were born.
Aug 26- Doctrine & Covenants 93:19-23
What does it mean to really KNOW Christ? And what are the promises made to us when we do?
Aug 25- Grace for Grace
I promised yesterday that we would talk more today about grace, and what it means to grow grace TO grace and grace FOR grace.
Aug 24- Doctrine & Covenants 93:10-14
John the Baptist seems to want to make it VERY clear here that Jesus wasn't born with a fullness at first, but that it came little by little throughout His life. Why is that so important to understand? How does it help us know Christ better when we better understand His progression? We talk about that today.
Aug 23- Doctrine & Covenants 93:3-4 8-9
As we approach this section remembering that it was given to us to better understand WHO Christ is and how to better worship Him, verses 3-4 teach us a powerful truth about the condescension of Christ and what it really means that He received power and authority from God, but mortality and a mortal experience from Mary. Do we understand the condescension of Christ and what it really means?
Aug 22- Doctrine & Covenants 93:1-2
When it comes down to it, the gospel of Jesus Christ is so simple. It is just following His plan to try and become more like Him. And when we put forth our efforts, the promised blessings are immense!
Aug 21- Doctrine & Covenants 91-92
In these sections we learn that in order to distinguish truth from misinformation we can rely on the Holy Ghost to teach us and testify to us, also we are given another example of God's promise to bless and take care of those who follow Him.
Aug 20- Doctrine & Covenants 90:24
In this verse our Father in Heaven asks a few things of us, and in return promised us that all things can work together for our good. It is my testimony that when we are living the gospel, even when things don't go right, the Lord's peace that comes from us drawing near to Him can make all things good.
Aug 19- Doctrine & Covenants 90:11-17
In these verses the Lord is teaching the first presidency what they need to do and continue to do to lead the church. But His advice to these leaders 200 years ago is also important counsel for us today!
Aug 18- Doctrine & Covenants 90:2-3
Peter, James and John received the keys of the gospel under the hands of Jesus Christ Himself. When they had all passed away from this earth the keys of the priesthood passed from this earth with them, until Joseph received those same keys and was able again to lead and propel the gospel of Jesus Christ forward, with His authority to do so.
Aug 17- Doctrine & Covenants 89:18-19
We talked yesterday about hw the Word of Wisdom is principle based, but today we will talk about how is is a principle with a promise. What are the promises of the Word of Wisdom and how can we better recognize the blessings we are being given.
Aug 16- Doctrine & Covenants 89:3
"Principles are concentrated truths packaged for application." Rather than focusing on the practices of the Word of Wisdom as often times we do, we can make the Word of Wisdom more meaningful to us in our lives as we focus on the principle of the divine creation of our bodies.
Aug 15- Doctrine & Covenants 89:1-3
The Word of Wisdom is a law and a principle that, much like the Mosaic law for the children of Israel was given to the capacity of the weak. Yes there are specific practices given here as part of the law that we need to follow, but what is even more important is understanding the principle behind it and adding to the law as needed for our lives.
Aug 14- Doctrine & Covenants 88:81
Here the Savior is asking all those who have been warned, to warn His neighbor. Today I share an experience I had recently that helped me understand a portion of how desperately Heavenly Father wants us to seek out and find His children.
Aug 13- Doctrine & Covenants 88:74-77
I love what we can learn here as the Savior is asking us to DO! To prepare, to assemble, to organize and sanctify ourselves, to know and teach the doctrine and then he reminds us that ultimately it is HIM that really cleanses and sanctifies our hearts.
Aug 12- Doctrine & Covenants 88:63,67-68
As we make our eye single to the glory of God through sacrifice and though the ordinances of the gospel, we prepare ourselves to be in the presence of God!
Aug 110 Doctrine & Covenants 88:33 & 40
As we read this section we are filled with the knowledge of all the amazing things our Father in Heaven has in store for us. But verse 33 helps us realize, it doesn't matter what all God has for us if we are unwilling to receive it. Which made me ask myself today, Does Heavenly Father have more for me that I am not ready or somehow willing to receive. Like in most things, we are probably living far beneath our privileges.
Aug 10- Doctrine & Covenants 88:22-28
The Earth will receive its celestial glory as it has fulfilled the measure of its creation. The same, I believe, can be true for us! As we fulfill the measure of our creation and learn to turn our hearts to God, as we invite Grace to change our hearts as we strive to obey God's commandments we too can become "celestial spirits."
Doctrine & Covenants 88:7
Christ is light, that is one of His titles. But just as important to understand is that He is the light of TRUTH. Meaning that it is by Him that we can know truth, and as we come nearer to Him truth becomes more clear to us!
Aug 8- Doctrine & Covenants 88:6
Christ descended below all things so that he can comprehend all things. Do we really understand the depth of that statement? There is nothing that we are going through, no pain or sickness or grief that we experience that He can't understand. And because of that He can offer us His perfect grace and mercy to make us strong and to heal our broken hearts.
Aug 7- Doctrine & Covenants 87:8
Section 87 can be pretty heavy, it is a revelation and prophecy of death and destruction, but at he very end, the Lord has one piece of advise for us despite anything that may be going on in the world around us and that is for us to "Stand in holy places and be not moved!"
Aug 6- Doctrine & Covenants 87
When this prophecy was given in Dec of 1832 there was unrest between the north and the south over the issue of tariffs. And I am sure many of the early saints heard this prophecy and thought, "yup, war is coming any day now." But then it didn't come...not for nearly 20 years. Often times in our lives we have things that we are waiting for, blessings that we are wanting or even expecting to be ours. When they don't come on our timetable it can sometimes be hard to maintain our faith and continue to praise and have faith in God. And even though having faith in the Lord's timetable doesn't make it easier when we are desperately waiting on a blessing, living our lives close to Him can bring us the peace we need in moments we need it the most.
Aug 5- Doctrine & Covenants 85:4-6
There is so much to learn as the Lord commands the wheat and tares to grow side by side. We see His grand love for ALL of His children and His desire to give His children every possible chance to repent and change. But as we try to follow Christ it becomes our responsibility to strengthen and build the tares rather than being pulled down by them. In order to do that our roots have to be planted deep in gospel soil. We have to change, to become and to do in order to be converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Aug 4- Doctrine & Covenants 86:1-3
When we can clearly see the apostacy and what took place, they restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ through the prophet Joseph Smith, not only becomes logical but it becomes miraculous!
Aug 3- Doctrine & Covenants 85:7-8
Here, the Lord is going to use a story from the Old Testament to illustrate what type of saints we can be as we strive to create Zion. We can ignore commandments from our Father in Heaven and put ourselves at risk for spiritual death, we can criticize our leaders and try to "steady the ark" when we perceive problems or we can be the kind of saints who go to work and do what s necessary to build the kingdom.
Aug 2- Doctrine & Covenants 85:6
The voice of the Spirit, often times is referred to as a still small voice. If the Lord wants to speak to us, why not shake us and yell? It all goes back to agency! Part of the Lord's plan is for us as His children to learn to hear Him and block out the noise of the world.
Aug 1- Doctrine & Covenants 85:3-5
What does God want from us? Honestly, he wants it all! He wants our time and efforts, in essence, He wants our heart! But as part of our covenants relationship with Him, as we consecrate our hearts and our lives to Him, He is in a position to multiply and bless our efforts and to give us all He has!
July 31- Doctrine & Covenants 84:81-85
Our Savior is completely worthy of our trust, He has proven that time and time again. As we put our trust in Him and trust that He can make more f us, then we are liften built and supported in times of growth and trail.
July 30- Doctrine & Covenants 84:61-62
Elder Ballard taught that the priesthood isn't about status but about service. Today we discuss that there is no greater service than bringing others unto Christ!
July 29- Doctrine & Covenants 84:43-48
Here in these scriptures the Lord invites us to "beware concerning yourselves." I absolutely love this phrase and the invitation to our Father in Heaven yo always know where we are and try to progress towards Him in all that we do.
July 28- Doctrine & Covenants 84:33, 35-38
As we follow the gospel plan and receive strength and power through the ordinances of the priesthood our Father in Heaven promises us strength to the spirit and body and trust to help bring His children back to Him.
July 27- Doctrine & Covenants 84:3&19-21
When we look at verse 3 symbolically and see the Lord's command to place the temple at the center of our hearts then verses 19 and 20 become even richer and more beautiful in the ordinates of the priesthood do we learn about who God is and how we gain the power to become more like Him.
Doctrine & Covenants 84:1-2
What is the purpose of the priesthood. Here we learn 2 reasons, 1 it teaches us more about who Jesus Christ is, and 2 it is given for the purpose of bringing God's people back to Him.
July 25- Doctrine & Covenants 84
As we begin this week's Come Follow Me block I wanted to start it out with a disclaimer to all women everywhere. Don't tune out for the week! We often far underestimate how much the priesthood has to do with us. How much power and authority God has blessed us with.
July 24- Doctrine & Covenants 82:14 & 83:6
What would happen if as children in Zion, we built ourselves up and became a representation of the temple? What would that look like? How would be behave? What would we do? I believe, since Zion is the pure in heart and those who are of one heart and one mind, becoming a Zion people can be an individual thing and our pursuit to be an individual symbol of the temple can be the work of a lifetime.
July 23- Doctrine & Covenants 82:10
I absolutely love this verse, but I also believe we have to be careful with our interpretation of it. I have heard it said that if we just do XY & Z then we will bind the Lord and obtain the blessings that we are seeking. But what we are missing here is that the Lord sets the conditions of this covenant, not us. We don't get to dictate what the Lord will and won't do on our whim, rather through our obedience He seals (binds) Himself to us and our covenant relationship is strengthened. We do obtain blessings by obedience, but we do not force or manipulate God into those blessings rather He gives them willingly on the basis of covenants that He Himself has established.
July 22- Doctrine & Covenants 82:7
This verse can be difficult to navigate. It can cause unnecessary feelings of guilt. However, I think it is important that we understand that Heavenly Father is only talking about 1 side of the redemption coin. The other side is grace and mercy.
July 21- Doctrine & Covenants 82:3
The scripture says that where much is given much is required, but I have found in my life that the opposite is also true, maybe even more often. That Heavenly Father requires something of us, and as we do our best we are often amazed as we watch His tremendous blessings poured out on us!
July 20- Doctrine & Covenants 82:1
Less than a month after a mob drug Joseph from his home, tried to kill him and left him for dead tarred and feathered, an incident that left one of his twins dead from the exposure to the cold, and some of the churches top leaders of the day butting heads, and struggling to get along the Lord begins this revelation by teaching them the importance of forgiveness.
July 19- Doctrine & Covenants 81:5-7
Yester we covered these same verses talking about how important it is to reach out and bless and strengthen those around us. Today we will talk about the importance of blessing and strengthening our leaders through sustaining them in faith.
July 18 Doctrine and Covenants 81
In our lives, in our stewardships, and in our relationships God would have us love, strengthen succor and bless His children.
July 17 Doctrine & Covenants 79-80
Today we talk about what true gratitude is. If you wok up tomorrow and everything you thanked Heavenly Father for in your prayer tonight was gone, would you still thank and praise God? Elder Uchtdorf tells us that true gratitude is about being grateful in any circumstance.
July 16- Doctrine & Covenants 78:17-19
In these verses I feel like Heavenly Father is desperately trying to reach us and show us all the things that He has in store for us as we are willing to follow Him. We are "little children." We can't know or begin to comprehend all the things of eternity. But He does, because it is all in His hands, and as we let go and follow Him, all that He has will be ours.
Doctrine & Covenant 78:8-10
The Lord commanded His saints to organize a storehouse clear back in section 42, and it still hasn't happened yet. So here when giving Joseph the command to organize the storehouse as well as the printing press he also gives Him the command to counsel with the saints on how to accomplish it! I love this pattern in the Lord's church. It is never supposed to be one person doing it all alone, rather the Lord has organized us into counsels so that we can share and lead together!
July 14- Doctrine & Covenants 78:2
After being knee deep in John's revelation and all the second coming, not quite feel good symbols that he studies there, it would seem that Joseph's mind has gone to the preparedness of his people. Temporally, he gets specific on how to set up the bishop's storehouse, but then, even more importantly, he is concerned with how to get the doctrine into the hands of the believers. When it comes to our preparation, we have to be as intently focused on our spiritual preparation as we sometimes get on our physical.
July 13- Doctrine & Covenants 77:2-4
In Revelations John sees 4 beasts each with 7 eyes and wings before the throne of God worshipping Him. Joseph wanted to understand why they had the eyes and wings and the Lord let him know that the eyes represent the light and knowledge the animals had and the wings represented their agency to choose. I love what this teaches us. These animals with all the wisdom and knowledge and with the ability to be anywhere else, they choose to be with God worshipping Him. You and I don't have to wait until we are before the throne of God to worship Him. We can worship Him and show our love for Him as we reach out and love His children.
Doctrine & Covenants 77:1
Today we learn even more about revelation! What the "Sea of Glass" teaches about revelation in the eternities, and what we can learn from the fact that Joseph pondered on this scripture for 11 years before finally gaining the bigger revelation and understanding.
Doctrine & Covenants 77
One of the greatest lessons that we can learn from the Doctrine and Covenants, especially in this section and in section 76, is that scripture study and pondering can lead to revelation! As we study the scripture and ask questions as we go, we can receive revelation for our lives and our challenges.
July 10- Doctrine & Covenants 76:70&79
If we remember nothing else about section 76, I hope we can remember that it reflects the love of a merciful God more than any other teaching in Christianity! A loving Father in Heaven who is anxious to bless all His children with glory and to bestow upon them resurrected vessels of light, glory and joy!
July 9- Doctrine & Covenants 76:67-69
I love verse 67, it makes me feel like when we enter the Celestial Kingdom there will be no shortage of people who have made it. Sometimes I think we loose sight of the idea that God created this plan to exalt His children, and that means to exalt you as well. It isn't just a perfect plan to redeem others, it is a perfect plan to redeem you!
Doctrine & Covenants 76:51-53
Yesterday we talked about a universal salvation. God's desire to grant resurrection and immortality to ALL of His children. But today we talk about exaltation. His desire to give us all that He has. God preparing 3 degrees of GLORY for His children teaches us that Heavenly Father is a loving and merciful God. The fact that those glories differ in light and blessings teaches us that He is not an indifferent God.
July 7- Doctrine & Covenants 76:32-42
As a little girl I remember thinking, "I don't know if I have felt the Holy Ghost." and then panicking that I had just "denied the Holy Ghost." Years later I was relieved to learn that the "unpardonable sin" was more than I would ever be able to do in this life. The amount of light and knowledge you need to have before you deny it was not something I am even capable of. Now the beauty and the mercy in these verses is that with the exception of a handful of people, salvation is a gift to EVERYONE of God's children. His love for us is so encompassing that no matter who we are or where we have been He has prepared a place of glory for us!
July 6- Doctrine & Covenants 76:25-29
While these verses that teach us about the adversary aren't the happiest verses of this section, they serve to teach us something really important. Satan is real, his attacks are real. But just as we overcame him in the premortal world through the blood of the Lamb and the power of our testimony, we can overcome him and his attacks today in the very same way!
July 5- Doctrine & Covenants 76:1-5 & 22-24
Every aspect of the Plan of Salvation is amazing. I love the principle of the resurrection, I feel amazed by the promise of 3 degrees of glory, the principles of agency and judgement are so vital to understand. However, standing at the center of the plan of salvation is the Savior Jesus Christ it is BY HIM and THROUGH HIM and OF HIM that we have the blessings and promises of the eternities and the peace we need for the everyday!
July 4- Doctrine & Covenants 76
Happy 4th of July! Today we think about the freedom we receive from brave men and women who have fought for our liberty, and the freedom that has been offered us by a loving Savior.
July 3- Doctrine & Covenants 75:1:3
The Lord commands the Elders in these verses to go for than to preach and prune the vineyard. Often times we talk about the vineyard as being the church or the world. But what if we made it more personal? What if to most effectively teach the gospel of Jesus Christ we are being ased to cut the things from our lives that don't serve or help us be better.
July 2- Doctrine & Covenants 72:15
When the Lord commands us to lay all things in the Lord's storehouse, it can be easy to assume that isn't relevant to us today. However, the more we come to understand the law of consecration the more we understand the full scope of the Lord's storehouse.
July 1 Doctrine & Covenants 71:9
Today we took a step back into section 71 because I forgot to talk about my favorite verse in that section! I love the promise that no weapon forged against us will prosper. However, if we overlook the caveat that the Lord gives in verse, 10 we could be sorely disappointed. No weapon forged against us will prosper IN THE LORD'S DUE TIME. In the end the forces of righteousness will win, but sometimes that promise doesn't help when we feel entrenched in struggle. If you are there if things look and feel bleak, if it feels like all the weapons are prospering against us, well then my friend, it isn't the end yet. And for now in the midst of the struggle we can rely on "the immediate goodness of God."
June 30- Doctrine & Covenants 72:2-4
Here in section 72 the Lord is calling Newell K Whitney to serve as the 2nd bishop in the church. But he didn't feel capable of the calling, he said that he couldn't see a bishop in himself. I think we can all relate to Newell a little bit here. Today we talk about not just what Heavenly Father expects of us as we serve Him, but the promises He makes to us as well.
Doctrine & Covenants 71:4-6
In these scriptures the Lord teaches us so much about continuing revelation! When he talks about "revelations to come" it is amazing to remember that we believe that God will "yet reveal many great and important things." What a blessing it is to live in the time of the ongoing restoration and to witness the LIVING church!
June 28- Doctrine & Covenants 71:1 (Part 2)
Here as Joseph and Sydney were being called upon to go and do difficult things the Lord makes a promise that they can receive an added measure of the Spirit and His Power. The same promises are given to you and I in our lives. We have access to power from our Father in Heaven in our lives. But it isn't a power we can take for ourselves, it is a power that is given to us as we do things to draw it into our lives.
June 27- Doctrine & Covenants 71:1
We learn an incredible lesson as the Lord asks Joseph and Sydney to pause the work of the translation of the Bible. As falsehoods and exaggerations were being published all around, the Lord didn't command them to go and defend their name, He commanded them to go teach truth. True doctrine is the best antidote for people who would see to destroy faith.
June 26- Doctrine & Covenants 68:33
In this verse the Lord gives us a commandment to pray. Of all the commandments that have been repeated in the scriptures, the command to communicate with our Father in Heaven might be one of the most repeated. Today we talk about the gift of prayer.
June 25- Doctrine & Covenants 68:28-30
Yesterday we talked about the importance of teaching our children. Today we talk about why each of those things are so important for kids to understand if they are going to stay close to their Father in Heaven.
June 24- Doctrine & Covenants 68:25
The Lord is extremely clear: it is our duty to teach the children in our lives the principles of the gospel. That responsibility can often feel super daunting and overwhelming. But verse 25 as well as the Savior teachings in 3 Nephi 11 are clear. His doctrine, the most important things we can teach, are actually pretty simple, and its all found in the 4th Article of Faith.
June 23- Doctrine & Covenants 68:6
When the Lord tells us to "Be of good cheer," I think sometimes it is easy to misinterpret that command as Him telling us to cheer up. But the true meaning of "Be of good cheer" is an invitation to experience the hope that comes as we feel Him near, and the core and lasting joy that we develop as we follow Him.
June 22- Doctrine & Covenants 68:1-4
Here in the beginning of section 68 the Lord tells Orson Hyde that he is ordained "to proclaim the everlasting gospel." It is sometimes easy to read a scripture like that and disconnect and not see how it relates to us. However, each of us as members of the church, by way of our covenant relationship with our Heavenly Father has the same responsibility given to us! We may not have hands placed on our heads to set us apart as a missionary, but our responsibility is just as real.
June 21- Doctrine & Covenants 67:5
This may sound super weird, but one of my favorite things about the gospel of Jesus Christ is watching the miracle of the perfect gospel going forward on the backs of imperfect people! I think it is so vital that we allow our leaders; whether it's Joseph Smith, President Nelson or our bishops the grace to be imperfect. Because heaven knows that when its our turn to make mistakes, we will want that same grace extended to us!
June 20- Doctrine & Covenants 67
Here in these verses we can learn the role that faith and patience can have in our prayers and in our perfection.
June 19- Doctrine and Covenants 66:3&8
The lord makes us 2 promises that go hand in hand in these verses. The first, is that if we approach Him he will show us our faults and weaknesses. Which sounds pretty depressing, until you combine it with the promise made in verse 8. That if we are faithful and turn to Him, He, through His grace, can help us find strength!
June 18- Doctrine & Covenants 65
When the Lord teaches the saints that His gospel is the stone cut out f the mountain without hands, He wants them to understand that this is HIS work. He invites us to participate in His work so that He, in turn, can shape us into His people.
June 17- Doctrine & Covenants 64:33-34
It is my sincere belief that God's greatest desire is to perfect us daily little by little. But I also truly believe that He can best perfect us by working through us, not on us. No wonder we are to give him ALL our hearts. To do what we do without wearying. Everyday as we give it all to Him, He is better able to perfect and cleanse our hearts!
June 16- Doctrine & Covenants 64:25 & 33
Far too often we get so caught up in feeling like we can't do enough, that we give up and do nothing instead. I am MAJORLY guilty of that. But because that is a natural human tendency, I love this command from the Lord, "Be not weary in well doing." The big things or the small things don't get weary, don't give up. Because all that you do, whether big or small is laying a foundation in God's kingdom. And the choice you make everyday to DO, lays the foundation within ourselves for God's great work to be achieved in us!
June 15- Doctrine & Covenants 64:13
2 days ago we talked about the Saviors role in offering us forgiveness, yesterday we talked about his commandment to offer forgiveness to others. Today we talk about his role in how we can forgive others, especially when it is hard.
June 14- Doctrine & Covenants 64:9-11
Doctrine & Covenants 93 teaches us that we obtain grace FOR grace. When we understand that principle the order of teachings here in section 64 makes better sense! Yesterday we talked about the compassion and grace He is willing to offer us and today these verses teach us about the compassion and grace we are expected to give to others! GRACE FOR GRACE!
June 13- Doctrine & Covenants 64:2-4
In these verses, the Savior shows us in beautiful simplicity who He is, and what he desires to do for us.
June 12- Doctrine & Covenants 63:60-64
In these verses I feel like the Lord is trying to help us understand a sense of the sacred. How sacred things need to be kept holy, and included in those sacred things is his name. How we speaking it and how we represent it.
June 11- Doctrine & Covenants 63:47
The promise that "He that is faithful and endureth shall overcome the world," has more meaning than I think we can even comprehend. Overcoming the world is more than just overcoming temptation and being righteous. Overcoming the world means gaining and becoming all that God desires to offer us. But it requires us to be faithful, and if we are to be a faith filled people, it starts with action!
June 10- Doctrine & Covenants 63
As I was studying today I just couldn't shake the theme of obedience to God's commandments. More than once in my life, when people have heard that I am a member of the church I have ben accused of "blind obedience." My message to them was the same as my message to you. Obedience is never blind when you know who you are following.
June 9- Doctrine & Covenants 63:22-23
At a time when many of the early saint were struggling to understand and keep God's commandments, the Lord is going to give revelation to teach them what revelation can do for them. How when we follow His will we can obtain continuous revelation in our lives.
June 8- Doctrine & Covenants 63:13-16
For every good and righteous thing that God has given us, Satan has created a counterfeit to deceive and sway us. Here in these verses the Lord warns us about counterfeits for love and intimacy. He also teaches us that Christ is the only way to overcome the adversaries attacks and stay planted firmly on the Lord's side of the line.
June 7- Doctrine and Covenants 63:7-9
The scriptures teach us that signs and wonders follow them that believe. That doesn't mean tat God is only blessing those with faith, rather it means that those with faith, those who are converted will always be able to see God's hand in the blessings that come.
June 6- Doctrine & Covenants 63:1-5
In these verses you can really tell that the Lord is not happy with the actions of some of the saints! But His anger helps us understand and identify an important false doctrine that is being spread in the world today. The world would have us believe that our behavior and actions don't matter to God, that right and wrong is based on what feels right and wrong to us. This simple isn't true. God gives us commandments because he is interested in our growth. However, His commandments are given for us to live by, not as a standard to judge others by.
June 5- Doctrine & Covenants 62:1
In 62:1 and in 61:39 the Lord teaches us that in moments of temptation or weakness we can call upon Him as our Savior because He is our Advocate and our Redeemer! By virtue of His suffering and atonement, in ANY circumstance we can call upon Him for relief!
June 4- Doctrine & Covenants 61:36
Here in the middle of massive struggles and trials, the Lord tells the saints to "Be of good cheer." This statement in times of heartbreak is not the Saviors way of telling us to buck up and be glad. Rather it is an invitation to turn to Him and find peace.
June 3- Doctrine & Covenants 61:1-2
In times of trial and despair it is my belief that if we will take time to turn to the Lord and Hear Him, we can hear and know just as Joseph Smith and these elders knew, that Christ "has all power," is "from everlasting to everlasting, even Alpha and Omega."
June 2- Doctrine Covenants 60:14 & 16
In these verses we learn about 2 distinct patterns of the Lord. A pattern of Christ-like ministering, and His pattern of revelation. The more we seek to understand His patterns the more we are able to turn our hearts to Him and become more like Him.
June 1- Doctrine & Covenants 60:7
I love the last sentence of this verse! "For I am able to make your holy, and your sins are forgiven you." Do we sometimes underestimate or underappreciate all that the Lord is able to do for us by virtue of His grace? His atonement isn't just about helping us to return to God's presence clean, we were clean before we left! His atonement, His grace is able to return us clean yes, but also holy, more like Him!
May 31- Doctrine & Covenants 60:5
I love this principle SO MUCH! At least 5 times in the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord tells His people, "it mattereth not." This doesn't mean that God is apathetic to our questions, rather it means that God is far more interested in growing His people through allowing them to use their agency than He is on making sure we all make the absolute perfect decision every time. The Lord's response "it mattereth not," Doesn't show God's disinterest, rather, it shows how intent He is on making us celestial.
May 30- Doctrine & Covenants 60:1-3
I absolutely love what these verses can teach us about testimonies. 1st that they are a gift that comes from God in combination with our efforts. But that if we aren't continuously doin the work of testimony, that we are in risk of losing what we have ben given. I love this because so often we think that the efforts that someone makes 10 or 20 years ago, like serving a mission or getting married in the temple should fortify them and keep their testimonies burning bright. What these verses teach us is that is is far more about what we are doing in the gospel of Jesus Christ, than it is about what we have done.
May 29- Doctrine & Covenants 59:21-22
God's ultimate concern is for our well being and our growth. By asking something of us and asking our obedience to His commandments he can fulfill both of those desires for us. As we surrender our agency to Him to obey His commandments our hearts are changed AND He is able to bless us as a result. Really when it comes down to it there are very few things we have to give God that are really our own. Our agency, and our gratitude. As we humble ourselves and show our gratitude to Him, we draw closer to Him.
May 28- Doctrine & Covenants 59:15-16
As the Lord is continuing to give us commandments in section 59, I am continuing to see how most of His commandments are means to bless us and help us draw nearer to Him. In these verses the Lord commands that the saints live the law of the fast, but if we understand the blessing that are promised as we live the law of the fast, then missing out on a few meals can hardly be considered a sacrifice.
May 27- Doctrine & Covenants 59:5
The running theme this week is God trying to create a Zion people. Because He wants us to change and grow He gives us commandments and things we can do to draw nearer to Him. The first commandment given in section 59 is to love God, but as I have been reading this week I have noticed that all the commandments He gives after are principles that, if lived, will draw us closer to God and help us love Him with all our heart, might, mind and strength.
May 26- Doctrine & Covenants 59:5
In section 59 the Lord continues to teach the saints about building Zion (the people) As part of that building process He reiterates some commandments to them. Just like in the days of Moses and the Savior, the first commandment He gives is to love God. But why? Why is a love of God the first of all His commandments. If we have a deep and abiding love for our Father in Heaven, then trusting Him enough to obey follows naturally. If we love God fiercely and loyally, that love begins to change who we are.
May 25- Doctrine & Covenants 58:26-29
What does it mean to be anxiously engaged in a good cause? Today we will talk about what it means to do good of our own free will, and how we can be anxiously engaged rather than sporadically engaged.
May 24- Doctrine & Covenants 58:3-4
In section 57 the Lord tells the early saints that they are to settle in Missouri and build Zion there. Let's remember though that Zion isn't just a name of a city or a geographic spot on a map, it is also a title that God gives to His people, "And the Lord called His PEOPLE Zion." So when the saints get to Missouri and so much trial and struggles follow, perhaps, through difficulty, through hardship, the Lord really was building Zion. His people.
May 23- Doctrine & Covenants 58:1-3
Here, the Lord, having just commanded the saints to gather in Missouri, tells them that they can't possibly see or understand what is coming down the turnpike for them. I guess that is a blessing. If they could have looked ahead and seen how incredibly difficult the next 8 years were going to be, perhaps they never would have made the journey in the first place. However, there was a blessing in store for them, as there often is when the Lord asks hard things of us. If in difficulty or trial we hold tight to God's commands the glory to follow will be sure.
May 22- Doctrine & Covenants 26:3:5
There are some lesser understood doctrines here in these verses, but I think the one that is most important for us to understand as the world continues to get farther from Christ is what is says in verse 4 where we are told that the Lord will command and REVOKE according to His knowledge of what will be best. We are used to and understand that God gives continuous revelation to command us, but do we truly understand that that continuous revelation also is in place for Him to revoke certain things? The restoration of the gospel continues today, and continuous revelation is part of it!
May 21- Doctrine & Covenants 56:1-2
The deeper and deeper I study the scriptures the more I realize that the Lord is very intentional about His word choices. Here in verse 1 He says that He is speaking to those who profess His name. Perhaps He is teaching us that there is a difference between professing His name and really believing in Him. Once our faith in Him goes beyond a declaration and becomes a way of life, it becomes easier for us to do as He says in verse 2 and take up our crosses.
May 20- Doctrine & Covenants 54
In this section the. Lord talks about the seriousness of breaking covenants. The language used sounds super harsh. But I think it only sounds harsh when we don't understand the purpose of a covenant. Through covenants Heavenly Father is inviting us to have a special relationship with Him. He asks us for change as we live certain laws and He blesses us for our obedience. He isn't trying to bind us or remove our agency, that would be a contract. As a father who wants more than anything to bless His children, I would imagine it is devastating for Him when we don't live His laws and He can't pour out His blessings
May 19- Doctrine & Covenants 52:40 53:2
In these verses the Lord is going to teach us hw to be more fully His disciples. We love as He loves, we bless as He blesses. And then as it teaches us in 53:2 we learn to leave behind the values of the world, for the virtues of Christ.
May 18- Doctrine & Covenants 52:4 & 34
In this section the Lord is asking hard things of some of the early saints, with the promise that for the faithful they will be blessed with much fruit. God fulfills his promises and if we are promised blessings we can count on them. However, in our covenant relationship with our Father in Heaven it is important for us to realize that He sets the conditions of the covenant, meaning He promises blessings, but it is also up to Him to determine what those blessings will be. As our loving Father in Heaven, we can trust that He will bless us with exactly what we need, even if it isn't necessarily what we want.
May 17- Doctrine & Covenants 51:13 & 19
Our stewardships are the things that God has given to us for a time to take care of and nurture, not something that we are given ownership of. With that said, what have you been given to take care of? Our callings and children yes, but what about your talents? Your gifts? Your relationships? Your body? Your experiences? The Lord tells us here and in Mathew 25, that how we take care of our stewardships matters!
May 16- Doctrine & Covenants 51:1
Here the Lord promises to give Bishop Partridge direction as he seeks to move forward in his stewardship to bless the saints. I love the promise that the Lord, who is ever aware of us, can step in and give us directions in our time of need. However, I don't believe that being worthy of the Spirit means that we will have a 24/7 step by step instruction on what we should and should not do. Our Heavenly Father is intent on our growth and learning, and so, especially in times of little consequence, I believe He steps back to let us learn to choose for ourselves, He let's us make mistakes, knowing that those mistakes can be turned to wisdom.
May 15- Doctrine & Covenants 50:24 & 40-44
There is so much hope and peace and love in these verses. If we really understood verses 24 and 40 we would never again fall into the hopeless feelings of perfectionism. And if we really understood verses 41 and 43 we would do everything in our powers to ensure that we were as like the Savior as possible.
May 14- Doctrine & Covenants 50:13-20
Here, the Lord is speaking to the leaders of the church, those who were given the task to teach. Each of us in our callings, either our callings in the church or our callings as parents, we are also given the responsibility to teach. Here we are taught that God's way of teaching is only done by the Spirit, but also, that true Godly learning must be done by the Spirit as well!
May 13- Doctrine & Covenants 50:10-11
Here the Lord is giving us some incredible instruction followed by a very powerful promise. He is inviting leaders to come together WITH Him to reason together, to COUNSEL together. With the promise that as they joined together they would be blessed with greater understanding. Is there a problem that you are having in your personal life. Counsel together, with a parent, spouse or trusted friend. A problem in your calling, Counsel together within your stewardship. The promise from the Lord is a better ability to move forward with understanding!
May 12- Doctrine & Covenants 50:1-3
Often times, when it comes to church history, it is easy to judge history through the lens of modern understanding. When we do that we are doing a disservice to the history. Here in this section we are entering a period of church history where the church is growing and, being new and not having someone in their midst to correct or guide them, they sometimes went a little awry. This was one of those times. However, in this revelation we see that the way to see truth for truth and error for error is by listening to a LIVING God who can speak to us today!
May 11- Doctrine & Covenants 49:12-14
There is such an amazing example given in these verses. Here the Lord is preparing missionaries to go preach to the Shakers. Sending them into preach the way He was, it could have turned into a big old Bible bashing session. But the Lord instructs them right off the bat to preach the basic doctrines of the gospel. In our day when we come across those who would seek to destroy our faith or bring us down, it is so important to remember to respond and to fortify our faith with the basic doctrine and principles of the gospel.
May 10- Doctrine & Covenants 49:5
Here we are told that we need to receive Christ. But what does that mean? Often when we think of receiving, we think of receiving something. But what does it mean to receive someone? If I were to receive someone into my home it would mean that I am welcoming them. So how do we welcome the Savior into our lives? And almost more importantly...how do we make Him FEEL welcome there?
May 9- Doctrine & Covenants 49:1-4
I am going to say something that might blow your mind...ready? The gospel of Jesus Christ is not trail mix! Crazy I know! Because sometimes we treat the doctrines and commandments as if it is! We pick and choose what pieces we want and what pieces we don't. We "Desire to know the truth IN PART." The church of Jesus Christ contains the FULLNESS of the gospel. And as we seek truth we must seek it in fullness.
May 8- Doctrine & Covenants 47
In this section the Lord calls John Whitmer to replace Oliver Cowdery as church historian. The Lords emphasis on keeping the churches history and writing it down should serve as a testimony to us of the importance of preserving our own histories for the generations who will follow. He also tells John Whitmer that as he is faithful it will be given him to do this calling. As we are faithful in our history writing and in our callings, God can take our efforts and make them more!
May 7- Doctrine & Covenants 46:30-33
As we finish learning gifts in this section the Lord teaches us one final important principle; in all things, in all gifts, in all action we act in the name of Christ and glorify Him in the process. That is one of the reasons gifts were given, that others may see our good works and glorify Him. That though the use of our gifts we can bring others to Christ.
May 6- Doctrine & Covenants 46:21-30
May 5- Doctrine & Covenants 46:15-20
May 4- Doctrine & Covenants 46:11-14
May 3- Doctrine & Covenants 46:8-11
May 2- Doctrine & Covenants 46:1-5
May 1- Doctrine & Covenants 45:58-59
Here in these verses the Lord is going to talk about some of the conditions of His millennial reign. The peace and principle of true worship that He describes makes me so excited to be there. But just as President Kimball explains, as we, through our choices begin to bind Satan in our homes and lives, that aspect of the millennium can begin for us!
April 30- Doctrine & Covenants 45:56-57
In these verses the Lord teaches us a little more about the signs of His coming and then makes reference to the 10 virgins. AGAIN, He is trying to teach us preparedness. In the parable of the 10 virgins I think it is so important to recognize that there were 5 wise and 5 foolish, not 5 righteous and 5 wicked. ALL 10 virgins were good people ALL 10 knew the Savior and were watching and waiting for Him. But the foolish were those who were content with what they had. They felt their preparation was enough and didn't bother accumulating more. As we prepare for the Savior, it isn't a one and done deal. Every day, every choice we are adding oil to our lamps, drop by drop.
April 29- Doctrine & Covenants 45
Earlier this week we talked about a President Hinckley quote saying that the best way to prepare for the second coming is to prepare to be in His presence. Yesterday I explained that these verses in 45 mirror the sermon Christ gave on the the Mount of Olives. We know that we need to know the signs of the time so that we can prepare, but as we continue reading the sermon given on the Mount of Olives, the Savior is going to teach us how. How we prepare, how we become ready to be with Him.
April 28- Doctrine & Covenants 45:25-32
When the Savior told His disciples about the signs of the 2nd coming in Matthew 24-25, He says that they were troubled. Often times as we ponder the events that will lead up to His coming it can feel that way. However, they Savior then commands, "be not troubled." Today we will talk about how we can "be not troubled" in a world of increasing evil.
April 27- Doctrine & Covenants 45:16-17
Here, as the Savior begins to talk about the signs of His second coming he helps us see 3 distinct and important things that His atonement can do for us. The gifts of resurrection, redemption, and the restoration.
April 26- Doctrine & Covenants 45:4-9
The gospel of Jesus Christ is a is a light to the world because that Light of the world stands at its head. And as we do more to follow Him, we can reflect that light to all those that we meet!
April 25- Doctrine & Covenants 45:1-6
In this period of church history, much like today, there were groups of people who sought to destroy the church and the faith of the people. Joseph Smith explains that in effort to drive the church out of Ohio, the people began to print false and defamatory information in the newspapers. Information that is often still circulated today as if it were fact. Because of all this false information I love that the Lord invites the saints to hearken to HIM. The source of all truth.
April 24- Doctrine & Covenants 42:61
Here, as the Lord is teaching the saints new laws and principles, He also takes a moment to teach them another vitally important principle. He teaches them about revelation. He teaches them that they can know and have a testimony of this law for themselves. The Lord wants us to know and understand that He is the source of knowledge and truth, and that as we approach Him, He will reveal all things to us.
April 23- Doctrine & Covenants 42:43-45
In these verses the Lord is giving the saints some really interesting direction. Referring to the sick He tells them to use all the medicine available to them AND faith and priesthood blessings. It wasn't an either/or. Healings sometimes require both. And, often times, as much as we have the faith to be healed, we also need to develop the faith necessary when it is not part of God's plan.
April 22- Doctrine & Covenants 42:30-31
The Lord promised the saints that He would give them His law when they were gathered in Ohio. In section 42 He does. Often times we tend to confuse the Law of Consecration with the United Order. They are indeed tied together but they aren't the same thing. That is important to recognize because while we aren't currently asked to live the United Order, we have covenanted and are asked to live the Law of Consecration. So what exactly is it, and how do we begin?
April 21- Doctrine & Covenants 42:14
Every single one of us, whether we are set apart as teacher are not, act as teachers in our lives. Here in this verse the Lord commands that if we don't have the Spirit with us we "shall not teach." Why is the Spirit so vital in teaching the gospel, and what can we do to teach with more power from the Spirit?
April 20- Doctrine & Covenants 42:3 & 11
It is all about authority! And I love it! Authority to act and preach in God's name is what separates us from any other organization. But think how new and foreign this must have been to these original 12. There was no shortage of religion at the time. No shortage of people preaching. But they were about to do something different. Something no one had done in nearly 1800 years. They were going to preach the gospel of Christ by the authority of Christ!
April 19- Doctrine & Covenants 41:2-12
The Lord is teaching the early saints how to become true disciples, and it goes way beyond sitting in the chapel on Sundays. He says in verse 5 that it isn't enough just to receive the law, we have to be willing to live it. That is discipleship. That is conversion.
April 18- Doctrine & Covenants 41:1
I couldn't possibly love this scripture more! I love what we learn about our Savior as He declares that He "delights" to bless those that hear Him! Everything that He is and everything that He does is centered around that joy. It is however, important to recognize that His blessings don't always look the way we want them, or come exactly as we expect. But as we do our best to hear and follow Him, we can be reassured that they will come!
April 17- Doctrine & Covenants 39:7&11
In these scriptures the Lord reassures James Covel that He has seen his works and knows him. The same is true for us. He knows our works and our desires and who we are. Because He knows us and our works He promises us certain blessings, but something that I think often times we misunderstand is that those blessings that he mentions to us aren't a fortune of what our future holds, rather is is a promises of the blessings that CAN be ours as we follow His divine guidance.
April 16- Doctrine and Covenants 39:4-6
In these verses, the Lord invites James Covel to become His son through covenants with Him. Which raises the question, "Aren't we all son's and daughters of God? Why do we need to make covenants to receive that distinction?" Today we will talk about what that means to be the Lord's son or daughter and what blessings are promised to us as we enter into that relationship with Him.
April 15- Doctrine & Covenants 39:1-3
Today as we start into section 39 we learn about a man who we never would have heard about if it weren't for this section. James Covel was a Methodist minister who covenanted that he would follow whatever revelation was given to him by the prophet Joseph. However, when the Lord told him to be baptized and preach the gospel James' conviction faltered, and by the net day he had returned to the Methodist faith and had broken his covenant. Are we sometimes guilty of the same thing? Of over promising and under delivering for the Lord? How can we develop faith sufficient to follow the Lord, even when we don't understand?
April 14- Doctrine & Covenants 38:24-27
Yesterday we talked about the scripture "for your salvation I give unto you a commandment," and how it applies generally with all of God's commandments. Today we take a look at the specific commandments that the Lord was giving the saints. The commandments to come together, to love one another and to be one. Why is our unity important to the Lord, and how can we develop greater unity as saints today?
April 13- Doctrine & Covenants 38:16
This scripture says that for our salvation God gives us commandments. This is absolutely true. The commandments protect us and as we live them they change our hearts. However I think, when talking about obedience, it is important to remember that we are not saved BY our obedience to the commandments. We obey, and that obedience makes us more like the Savior, but in all things we are saved by Christ and through Christ and because of Christ.
April 12- Doctrine & Covenants 38:11-12
In section 38, as the Lord is again commanding the saints to gather in Ohio, He makes reference to a parable the Savior taught in Matthew 13. He talks about gathering to Ohio because the world was corrupt and that the tares would be gathered in and destroyed. In the Savior's parable he talks about gathering the wheat and bringing them to safety first. It made me think about how invested the Lord is in our lives. We live in a mixed wheat and tares world, but it is my belief that our Heavenly Father is anxious to protect and bless us. Even gather us into the safe places so that we can be made strong.
Doctrine & Covenants 37
This section is the first time we hear about the saints move to Ohio. He asks them to do a really hard thing. Often times in our lives the Lord asks us to move, or to change or to grow. He asks hard things of us for the purpose of growing us or making us better. But I love what we can learn in verse 4 where the Lord says, "Here is wisdom, and let everyman choose for himself." The Lord will never force His will on us, he will never make us change. But He invites us to move so that He can make us more.
April 10- Doctrine & Covenants 35:8-11
"My arm is not shortened." This is such a comforting doctrine to me, to know that the Lord is still reaching into our lives and the lives of those we love, to bless and strengthen and help us. But what the Lord teaches Sydney Rigdon here is so similar to what President Nelson taught us a week ago It is BY FAITH that we can seen those miracles and BY FAITH that we can work those miracles.
April 9- Doctrine & Covenants 35:1-4
Sydney Rigdon is told that he was prepared to assist in this great work in the same way that John was sent to prepare the way for the Savior. In like manner President Nelson has told the youth of the church that they have been sent to Earth at this time to prepare the world for the Saviors 2nd coming. Are we doing all we can do to help them fulfill this foreordained mission?
April 8- Doctrine & Covenants 31:9
Often times I think we use the words humility and meekness as synonyms, but they don't mean the same thing. I am a giant word nerd, and when two words are found together I LOVE to study what they each mean. And often times in the scriptures meekness and humility are right next to each other. So I studied them... a lot! And here is what I have discovered. Humility is more often the attitude with which we govern ourselves before God, whereas meekness is more often the attitude with which we govern ourselves with our fellow man. Meekness is all about how we react and respond to others.
Doctrine & Covenants 31:3-5
In this verse it talks about something that I think often times we misunderstand. Sometimes we believe that just the act of doing missionary work cleanses us from sin. I don't think that it true. Saying it that way turns missionary work into a contract. Rather, and I believe this is true with all the commandments, as we DO the gospel, as we are obedient, conversion happens within our hearts. And as we are converted we experience what the people of King Benjamin experienced. "We have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually." When we are converted the conditions are made right in our hearts to seek out a remission of our sins, but we still have to repent, we still have to come unto Christ.
April 6- Doctrine & Covenants 30:6 & 31:2
Both verses that we talk about today are about affliction, the first is about the sorrows ad afflictions of others and how we can better bear them. The second is about the sorrow that we feel as our loved ones reject our beliefs. But the beautiful thing is that the Lord has beautiful promises for us in both types of affliction.
April 5- Doctrine & Covenants 30:1-2
These verses are given to David Whitmer, who, as we know is a pretty great guy. But here the Lord is giving him a strict call to repentance. That is a huge reminder to me that repentance isn't just for the monumental sins in our lives but for the everyday ones as well. Today we will take a look at these 6 smalls sins and see have the adversary tries to use them in our day and age to pull us down.
April 4- I Know That My Redeemer Lives!
"But there IS a resurrection, therefore, the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ."
April 3- Sunday Will Come
I think that for the most part we understand that if we can hold out faithful, all will be well in the end. But let me get real for a second, sometimes in the middle of trail or pain, it is hard to remember or even care. However, Christ's atonement is there for us ALWAYS. We can and will experience the "Immediate Goodness of God" as we wait for the Sunday's of life. I testify that we can experience the grace of Christ in our today's and in our somedays.
April 2- Alma 5:7
I often times am woefully stubborn and independent. It is who I have always been. But I love the principle taught here in this verse, it says that HE (meaning Christ) will change our hearts. This isn't something we can do on our own, through our grit and willpower. Our hearts are changed as we come unto Christ and turn our hearts over to Him, trusting completely, that He can make more of us than we can on our own.
April 1- Isaiah 49:16
Often times when we think of the Lord's work, we think of what He has already done, His life, atonement, death and resurrection. But Isaiah helps us understand that His work continues with each of us today. Our salvation is continuously before Him and He delights in bringing to pass our eternal life.
March 31- None Were With Him
The scriptures teach us that the Savior took upon himself all of our pains, afflictions, temptations weaknesses, sicknesses and sins so that He could know how we feel and run to us in those moments. Elder Holland explains that it goes even one step further. Jesus Christ while on the cross lost the companionship of the Spirit of His Father and for a moment was entirely alone. And He experienced that feeling of being alone so that we will never have to.
March 30- 3rd Nephi 9:13-15
The word for the atonement in Arabic actually means "A warm embrace." Can you think of a more perfect description of what the atonement can do in our lives? The Savior invites ALL to come unto His arms of mercy.
March 29- 2nd Nephi 4:19
Nephi declares that despite his weaknesses and sins, he TRUSTS the Lord. What does it mean to trust the Lord? What does it mean to really believe Him when he says we have been redeemed? One of my favorite conference talks holds the answer!
March 28- The Living Christ
Because of the atonement of Jesus Christ and His glorious resurrection, He can play an actual role in our lives. He is the Savior of ALL mankind. To those that love Him and those who despise Him. To those who believe in Him and those who have never heard of Him. He is became the Savior of all, so that He could invite ALL to come unto him and be partakers in His glory.
March 27- Doctrine & Covenants 29:36-41
Section 29 finishes up with the Lord clarifying other aspect of the Plan of Salvation. And in verse 36 we learn about Satan's "I" problem. His focus inward caused him to be cast out and miserable, and since he seeks to make us miserable like unto himself, it makes sense that one of his great tools on us it to make us focus inward as well.
March 26- Doctrine & Covenants 29:34-35
There are commandments that seem purely temporal. Tithing, the word of wisdom, the law of chastity. But here the Lord explains that there is no such thing as a temporal law in the gospel. ALL things are spiritual at there core. How much power and strength would come into our lives as we focused on the spiritual aspects of the seemingly temporal laws.
March 25- Doctrine & Covenants 29:11-15
Today we talk about the glorious doctrines of the second coming, the resurrection and the millennium.
March 24- Doctrine & Covenants 29:7-8
Several times throughout this section the Lord makes reference to "the elect." I think that often times it is easy to believe that just because we are baptized members of the church that we must be considered the elect. But I don't think that is necessarily true. These scripture define who the elect are, and it goes beyond just being baptized. The elect Hear Him, they stay teachable and they are willing to be gathered in. As we do those 3 things we are better able to "let God prevail" in our lives.
March 23- Doctrine & Covenants 29:5-6
In verse 5 the Lord says that He is our advocate with the Father, but what does that really mean? An advocate is someone who pleads on someone else's behalf. I love this visual, but I think it is important that we don't think of our Savior as standing between us and the big bad father. That is not the case at all. Rather he is working with the Father to shield us from the effects of justice, by taking the effects of justice upon Himself. In that way he really is like the hen gathering and protecting her chicks!
March 22- Doctrine & Covenants 29:3-5
Often times I say that I am really good at doing what I am supposed to do...as long as I KNOW what I am supposed to do. Here the Lord gives his clarion call to those in the church who are repenting and coming to Him. We are to declare His gospel. So there is the WHAT we are supposed to do...but HOW is sometimes a harder thing. It may actually be easier than we think.
March 21- Doctrine & Covenants 29:1-2
One of my favorite parts of these scriptures is the visual we get when the Lord refers to Himself as a hen gathering her chicks. Through this comparison, He is inviting us to come and be protected by Him, and He is showing us the absolute love that he has for us.
Doctrine & Covenants 28:2
As we learn in this section what it means to have a prophet of God on the earth, a mouthpiece for the Lord, it is important to really understand what that means. As I pondered what it means to have a prophet on the earth today I couldn't help but think of a talk given by Pres. Benson years ago about the 14 fundamentals about living prophets. That talk was an hour long, so I couldn't share it, but today I share a talk by Elder Costa as he summarized President Benson's talk from 41 years ago.
March 19- Doctrine & Covenants 28:12-13
One thing that is reassuring to me in this day and age where it seems like the adversary rages in the hearts of the children of man, is that he hasn't seemed to change is tactic much in the thousands of years he has been at it. One of his tools has been counterfeiting truth in efforts to deceive. He did it with Moses as he stood in front of the pharaoh, he did it with Hyrum Page and the "revelations" from his seer stone, and he tries to do it in our time as well. But as we study truth, we are better able to recognize the lies for what they are.
March 18 Doctrine & Covenants 27:15-18 Part 3
The last couple of days as we have talked about putting on the whole armor of God, we have spent our time focus on what we wear to protect us. But today we are going to shift our focus on the weapons we are given to fight the "fiery darts of the wicked." These weapons are part of the armor of God and as we learn to use them, we can be protected.
March 17- Doctrine & Covenants 15-18
I work as a Medicare broker for a living. In doing that I am constantly worried about making sure people are fully covered, leaving no gaps or weaknesses in their insurance, because I know that the smallest gap in coverage can leave someone totally exposed. So when the Lord commands us to take upon ourselves the WHOLE armor of God, I picture a similar concern. A loving God asking us to do everything in our power to make sure we are fully covered, totally protected against anything that the adversary throws out way.
March 16- Doctrine & Covenants 27:15-18
Here, as the Lord commands us to take upon us the whole armor of God, it really stood out to me that we need the WHOLE armor! When David slew Goliath, armed only with righteousness and the armor of God, he was able to find and exposed area of Goliath and bring him down. We would all do well to examine our armor often to make sure we are well covered.
March 15- Doctrine & Covenants 27:2
Yesterday we talked about the process of the sacrament, today we talk about the purpose. No, it doesn't matter what we eat and drink, but what does matter is our focus on the Savior's glory, and what that glory can offer us every week as we approach the sacramental altar.
March 14- Doctrine & Covenants 27:1-2
The Lord, in section 27, is about to seriously shake up long standing Christian doctrine on the sacrament! So before He does that, I LOVE how he reminds Joseph that His work is "quick," meaning LIVING. The Lord's reminder to Joseph that His word is living is a reminder to us as well that modern day revelation is again on the earth.
March 13- Doctrine & Covenants 25:10
In this verse we are asked to "set aside the things of this world and seek for the things of a better." But what are the things of this world? Elder Johnson explained in the talk, "Power to Overcome" that the 3 things we need to set aside are: Deception, Distraction and Discouragement. How do we do this more effectively? We will talk about that today!
March 12- Doctrine & Covenants 25:4-5, 9
March 11- Doctrine & Covenants 25:1
In this section we get the opportunity to learn more about Emma Smith and the wonderful woman that she is. But here in this verse we get the opportunity to learn more about her relationship with the Lord, and how we can develop one too.
March 10- Doctrine & Covenants 24:3, 9
Here in section 24, as the Lord is trying to instruct Joseph and Oliver how to have strength and courage in their hardships, the Lord instructs them to magnify their callings. Not just once, but twice! As we find ways to look outward, even when things are hard, we can find peace and strength.
March 9- Doctrine & Covenants 24:8
In the summer of 1830 persecution around the church was increasing. In an effort to "strengthen, encourage and instruct" Joseph and Oliver, the Lord sent a series of 3 revelations that are found in section 24. Most notably the instruction to "be patient in your afflictions." But much easier said than done. SO how can we increase in patience in time of trial?
March 8- Doctrine & Covenants 23:2-7
Here, the Lord declares to Oliver that he should make known his calling, and to others that they need to strengthen the church. But how do those commandments apply to each of us and how can we do the same in our own spheres of influence?
March 7- Doctrine & Covenants 23:1
In a short, 2 verse revelation to Oliver Cowdrey the Lord reassures Oliver of his standing before Him. Which is something I think we can all use from time to time. But the Lord also warns Oliver of a particular weakness and tells him to "Beware of Pride." This is a warning to Oliver, yes, but it is and should be a warning to each of us. So how can we make humility one of our divine attributes and become more like our Savior?
March 6- Doctrine & Covenants 21
Can you imagine what it must have been like April 6, 1830? In a small cabin in upstate New York, nearly 60 people gathered together to witness a new church be formed. New churches popping up certainly wasn't strange for the time, but this was different. This was a church with prophets and apostles, a church with the restored priesthood and revelations from God to the Earth again. But I don't think there was a soul among those 60 who could have imagined what the church would become, and just how far the gospel would be spread.
March 5- Doctrine & Covenants 20:79
I think it is monumentally significant that the sacrament prayer for the water doesn't just say, "that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son," but that it goes on to make the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the sanctification of the sacrament personal by adding "which was shed for them." Understanding the personal nature of the Atonement of Christ, I believe, is the first step in approaching the sacramental altar hungry for redemption.
March 4- Doctrine & Covenants 20:77
We hear it ever single Sunday, but are we really internalizing what the sacrament prayer says, and what it means. Today we explore the prayer on the bread and what it means for us!
March 3- Doctrine & Covenants 20:38
Section 20 outlines all the duties of the different offices of the church, but in reading them there are 2 very important things to understand. 1st, according to verse 38, yes these duties are given to the offices of the priesthood, much of these things are thins expected of ALL members of the church. And second, although doing things out of duty is good, building the God's kingdom and His people because we love Him is the highest reason of all.
March 2- Doctrine & Covenants 20:37
I remember looking at my husband during the sacrament when my kids were younger and my husband was new in our bishopric. He was so peaceful, with his eyes closed pondering on the sacred ordinance. Meanwhile, I was wrestling one kid off the floor and trying to keep the other from shoving Cheerios up his nose. I felt so jealous that my husband got to approach the sacrament so prepared while I was just trying to keep it together in my pew. However, reading this verse today about the preparations for baptism, and by extension, for the sacrament, I realized that my preparations for renewing my covenants should start long before I enter that chapel.
March 1- Doctrine & Covenants 20:25-31
Justification vs. Sanctification. The Lord tells us we need both, but what exactly is the difference between them, and how can we access that power?
Feb 28- Doctrine & Covenants 20:11-12, 17
Section 20 is a very unique section of the Doctrine & Covenants, where as the majority of the sections in the Doctrine and Covenants focus on the GOSPEL of Jesus Christ, this is one of a few sections that focuses on the organization of the CHURCH of Jesus Christ. Gospel and church are often used as synonyms, however, although they are quite different things, they are both divinely given.
Feb 27- Doctrine & Covenants 19:18-24
Often times I think we feel like we have to be happy and optimistic in the face of all our challenges and trials. Sometimes that is probably true and often times that optimism can sure help. But I love what we can learn as we see the Savior in Gethsemane say, "would that I might not drink the bitter cup," or ""if possible let this cup pass from me." From the Savior I learn that it is ok to acknowledge hard things, it's ok to even say, "I would really rather not." But POWER and PEACE come as we trust the Lord and turn our will over to Him.
Feb 26 Doctrine & Covenants 19:15-19
The Savior's suffering was so exquisite, so sore and so hard to bear that we can neither fully comprehend or even imagine it. But the beautiful thing about the atonement of Jesus Christ is that we don't have to be able to understand it, for it to take effect in our lives. We just need to repent and come unto Christ.
Feb 25- Doctrine & Covenants 19:1-3
In section 19 the Lord is going to preach repentance to Martin Harris. But before he does that He makes sure that Martin understands who He is as the Savior and Redeemer, and exactly why it is that He has the power to redeem. Understanding who the Savior is gives us strength and resolve to lean upon Him and His grace.
Feb 24- Doctrine & Covenants 18:21-25
The names we bear have incredible significance. To me, it means something to be a Hale, and to be a Hansen. So what does it mean to really take upon ourselves the name of Christ? We are told in these verses that if we don't come to know the name by which we are called, which is Christ, then we can't have place in our Father's kingdom. So what does it really mean to know Him, and how to we do it?
Feb 23- Doctrine & Covenants 18:10-15
In sections 15 and 16 the Lord tells John and Peter Whitmer that the best things that they can do for their own souls, is to preach repentance to others. Here in these verses, He tells us why.
Feb 22- Doctrine & Covenants 18:4-6
I love the promise that if we build on the gospel and the Rock that we can withstand the difficulties that come our way. It doesn't mean that life will be perfect, but as we focus on the basic principles of the gospel and center our faith in Jesus Christ, we can be strengthened in whatever comes our way.
Feb 21- Doctrine & Covenants 18:1-3
This is one of my favorite sections of the Doctrine and Covenants, and I think it is so cool to see in verse one, that this incredible doctrine is part of our scriptures today because of a righteous desire that Oliver had! Our loving Father in Heaven can give us revelation in accordance with our desires! I also think it is neat to see that in verse 3 the Lord tells Oliver to rely on the Book of Mormon. As much as I think it is important for each of us to rely on the word of God, I think this verse goes beyond that, I think the Lord is commanding us to rely on the testimonies that we have gained. Because when the world gets tough, we can always look back and find peace in the knowledge that we already have.
Feb 20- Doctrine & Covenants 17
In the revelation given for the 3 witnesses, the Lord tells them how they can obtain the witness they seek, He says that as they rely on His word and that by their faith in Him, they can receive a witness. As we go throughout a world that would have us look to anything but the Lord and believe in anything but His word, let us always remember that we can obtain a greater witness of Him as we Have faith in Him and rely on His word, just as the original 3 witnesses did.
Feb 19- Doctrine & Covenants 15 & 16
What are the desires of your heart? Often times I don't share them with my Heavenly Father because I incorrectly feel like I should be content with what I have been given. But I love in these chapters that the Lord tells the Whitmer brothers that they are blessed because of their desires. I love the idea that our righteous desires bring joy to the Lord.
Feb 18- Doctrine & Covenants 14:11
The Whitmer family was one of the great families of the early church with many incredible promises given to them based on their faithfulness. But when one of these blessings wasn't fulfilled in the way in the way they thought it should be, their faith struggled. How can we develop, not only a faith in God, but faith in His will and faith in His timing?
Feb 17- Doctrine & Covenants 14:7
Verse 7 of section 14 contains a doctrine that it is vitally important for each of us to understand, it says that if we will obey the commandments and endure to the end we can obtain the gift of eternal life. Some people read that verse and think, "well which is it? Either we obtain eternal life because we were obedient and endured or eternal life was a gift that is given to us." I think it is vitally important that we understand that we obtain salvation and eternal life by grace. HOWEVER, we are still given commandments to obey. That is because Eternal life is about more than having our sins wiped clean, it is about who we become. And what we do determines who we are.
Feb 16- Doctrine & Covenants 14:6
I love how personal it feels when the Lord talks to David Whitmer about "MY Zion." Often times we think of Zion as a place or a thing, but in Moses 7:18 it says that the Lord called His PEOPLE Zion. My Zion is the Lord's way of saying "my people." So if we are to assist in blessing and raising up the Lords people, we have to remember to do His work, His way!
Feb 15- Doctrine and Covenants 14
Here, in the early days of the restoration, Joseph had many people coming to him seeking to assist somehow in the work. The message from the Lord to each of them is very similar. On the surface that can seem pretty repetitive. But what can we learn from the repetition? Today we explore the incredible principles found in repetition.
Feb 14- David Whitmer
I am starting to notice a pretty need theme here in early church history. God is ever mindful of Joseph and his needs, and is consistently preparing a way for those needs to be met. More often than not those needs are met by earthly angels, stepping into Joseph's life in the exact moment he needs them. I believe that we all have earthly angels. People that God has sent to us in our moment of need. And, if we are sensitive and attentive to the Spirit, we can be that blessing to others.
Feb 13- Doctrine & Covenants 13 (Part 3)
Often times the Aaronic Priesthood is referred to as a preparatory priesthood. The Lord confers the priesthood upon men on the Earth today with the purpose of bringing them together. And truly the Aaronic Priesthood prepares us for greater covenants and ordinances to bring us together with God. However, holding and worthily using the Aaronic Priesthood prepares those who hold it to do the same.
Feb 12- Doctrine & Covenants 13 (Part 2)
Have you ever thought about the significance of the wording we use with the priesthood? Here, when John the Baptist gives Joseph and Oliver the Aaronic priesthood he says he confers it. We use that same word with the priesthood today. But what does that word really mean, and why is it so significant? And how does it show us Heavenly Father's desire to come together with us in His work?
Feb 11- JSH 1:66-67
Did you know that Joseph Smith had prayed for a scribe 2 days before Oliver Cowdery showed up at his house? When God commands us we can have faith that he has already prepared a way for us to do what He has asked. Knowing this can give us to go forward and serve, even when it is hard.
Feb 10 Doctrine & Covenants 13 (Part 1)
It has always boggled my mind the incredible trust that the Lord has in young men. It started in the sacred grove when God reveled himself to a 14 year old boy, and continues today as God places a portion of His power and authority in the hands of boys as young as 11! Such power and such trust!
Feb 9- Doctrine & Covenants 12:3-9
I am beginning to see a theme in the word that the Lord speaks to those who are wanting to build His kingdom. He has similar verbiage to those who are being called, but the sentiment is the same. If you are going to teach of Christ, it is important that we become more like Christ. It His work, done His way, by His people.
Feb 8- Doctrine & Covenants 12:1-2
Here in this revelation to Joseph Knight, the Lord compares His word to a 2 edge sword. But what the heck does that mean? And how can that help us understand the value of the word of God in our lives?
Feb 7- Doctrine & Covenants 12
As we begin Section 12, let's look at the man section 12 was revealed for. Joseph knight is another unsung hero of the early church.
Feb 6- Doctrine & Covenants 11:20-22
I absolutely love section 11! I feel like it is a guide book of what to do if the Lord asks us to wait for the blessings that we are seeking.
1st- Learn to recognize, trust and respond to the Holy Ghost.
2nd- Cleave unto Him.
3rd- Obey the commandments.
4th- Obtain the word. Study it out!
Basically, when we are asked to wait, as Hyrum was, the Lord wants us to take that time to strengthen our relationship with Him and to build our testimonies deeply in our hearts.
Feb 5- Doctrine & Covenants 11:15-16
As Hyrum sought understanding of what he should do to further the work, he probably was expecting any answer but the one he received. He was told to wait, and to obtain the Lord's word, rock, church, gospel and doctrine. I feel like we can all relate to this a little. The feeling of going to the Lord with a righteous desire and being told, "not yet." It can be hard and even frustrating. But like Hyrum, what we do while we wait, and the attitude we have while waiting, might make all the difference.
Feb 4- Doctrine & Covenants 11:10-14
In these verses, Hyrum Smith is promised a gift that can be ours as well. However, there were certain things that the Lord told him he needed to do in order to obtain truth from the Spirit. As we seek the blessings of God it is important that we are doing the things that He would have us do, in order to obtained the desired blessings that He has promised.
Feb 3- Doctrine & Covenants 11:3
Today, as we look at the first revelation given for Hyrum Smith, we will take a closer look at who he was, and what the Lord told him as he desired to join in the work.
Feb 2- Doctrine & Covenants 10:67-70
As we go throughout a world where it seems that evil is on every side and the forces of the adversary are seeking to destroy, there is a lot of peace that we can find in this story from church history. Although Satan put it into the hearts of men to try and destroy the Book of Mormon, God had prepared a way 2400 years before for His works to be accomplished. As you and I step into the world everyday, let us always remember that as we seek God and His power we can overcome anything that may come our way.
Feb 1- Doctrine & Covenants 10:5
This scripture commands us to pray always with the promise that if we do, we can come off conqueror. But what does it even mean to pray always, and what can the promise of conquering Satan do for you each day?
Jan 31- Doctrine & Covenants 10:1-4
In this chapter the Lord returns to Joseph the plates and the gift to translate. But as he is being called again translate, he is given a warning that is important for us to understand as well. God warns him to not do more or go faster than he is able, but he also tells Joseph to be diligent in the work. Often I think we mistake diligence for burning the candle at both ends. But we can see her that diligence isn't overdoing it, it's intelligence in how we do it!
Jan 30- Doctrine & Covenants 9:7-9
I truly believe that God delights in revealing His truths and His will to us, however, because we get so used to that communication, I think sometimes we forget the process that Heavenly Father expects us to follow. Maybe sometimes we feel a little entitled to the revelation without putting in the work to receive it. These verse give us a better idea of what God expects from us, and what we can expect from Him.
Jan 29- Doctrine & Covenants 9:5-7
In section 9 the Lord tells Oliver that he didn't receive what he had prayed for because he did nothing to receive it except to ask for it. I believe that the Lord delights in blessing His children, HOWEVER, I also believe that the Lord's primary purpose is to GROW His children. The Lord loves effort, and as we put forth all we can do to obtain blessings from the Lord, we aren't just blessed, but we are also strengthened.
Jan 28- Doctrine & Covenants 8:2-3
The classic question that I think every latter-day saint ever has asked, "how can I know if a thought is the Holy Ghost, or it it is just me?" is answered in these verses. The Lord teaches us that the Spirit of revelation is a multifaceted thing. He tells us in our minds AND in our thoughts. It doesn't have to be an either/or scenario. We can receive the spirit of revelation and we can have our hearts confirm what we think in our minds. And as we do, we can have greater access to the revelation our Father in Heaven wants to give to us.
Jan 27- Doctrine & Covenants 8:1
Even though section 7 is packed with amazing doctrines, I believe that one of the greatest things we can learn from from it is that God reveals his doctrines to the prophet. That men no longer have to speculate, debate and vote upon important doctrines, but that God can and will reveal it. As we pray to our Father in Heaven, it is my belief, that God delights in hearing and answering our prayers!
Jan 26- Doctrine & Covenants 6:33-37
FEAR NOT! That is the message that the Lord has for us. In fact, it is given 3 times in these 5 verses. However, the Lord isn't just dismissing our fears, rather He is giving us instructions on how to turn our fears into faith!
Jan 25 Doctrine & Covenants 6:16-20
God revealed so many things to Oliver in the revelation. He revealed that he had the gift of revelation and that he would give him the gift of translation. And as wonderful as those gifts are, I think the most important thing that God revealed to Oliver here was the revelation of who He was and His relationship to Oliver. He told him that He knew him, that He knew the thoughts and desires of his heart. But most importantly God shared His love. I believe that as we approach God humbly and with gratitude and love, he can reveal Himself to us as well, and we can know of the divine love He has for us as well!
Jan 24- Doctrine & Covenants 6:3-5
I think Oliver Cowdery is one of the most important people in early church history. Think of all he did. Think of all the revelation that he was a key part of! Today we will talk a little bit about how Oliver Cowdery came into Joseph Smith life, and ne of the first things that God asked of him.
Jan 23 Doctrine & Covenants 5:1
After 9 months of not seeing one another, Martin Harris comes to Joseph Smith and asks him to ask the Lord if he can see the plates and receive that added witness. The fact alone that Joseph complied and went to the Lord on behalf of Martin speaks volumes of Joseph's character and forgiveness. And the Lord's response to Martin speaks volumes of His!
Jan 22- Doctrine and Covenants 4:5-7
As I studied section 4 again today I thought it was interesting that our desire makes us called to the work, but our Christlike attributes qualify us for the work. It reminded me of the difference between being ordained to the priesthood vs the POWER of the priesthood. However, God doesn't want us to wait until we have received some level of perfection before jumping into His service. Rather, He wants to raise our level of perfection THROUGH His service.
Jan 21- Doctrine and Covenants 4:2-3
I absolutely love that the call to service that we see in section 4 isn't a call to serve our fellow man. In verse 2 it declares that we "embark in the service of God." What does it mean to serve God? And to serve Him with all our heart, might, mind and strength?
Jan 20- Doctrine and Covenants 4:1
When the Lord told Joseph Smith Sr, through the prophet Joseph Smith, that a marvelous work was about to come forth, I don't think they could have even imagined how marvelous that work would become.
Jan 19- Doctrine and Covenants 3:13-16
It seems silly to think that we would ever know more than God. I don't think anyone would ever outright say that. But what messages do we send to Him when we disregard His counsels or His commandments? I believe that one of the most important skills we can develop in our day is the ability to hear God's counsel, and act quickly on it.
Jan 18- Doctrine & Covenants 3:5-10
Verse 5 of section 3 says, "Behold you have been entrusted with these things." In the margin next to that scripture I have the question, "What has God entrusted you with?" I have always answered that question by thinking about my calling or my kids, but today, as I was pondering that question my mind went to a different answer. God has entrusted me with my testimony and my talents. And although at times I fear man more than God, the Lord invites us to remember how merciful He is, and He invites us to change. As we turn to Him and rely on the atonement of Jesus Christ, He can strengthen our abilities to do this great work.
Jan 17: Doctrine and Covenants 3:1-4
There are times as we live God's great plan for us that we may feel like we have completely failed and spoiled the plan. In those moments of perceived failure, I take great comfort in the words the Lord spoke to Joseph Smith, "The works, and designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated." God, who knows the beginning from the end has prepared away for his plan to move forward. So take heart in the work that God has given you. He entrusted you, so you can trust Him.
Jan 16- JSH1:46&56
How grateful I am for the restored knowledge of temple work and the blessing of being sealed to my family forever because of the restoration of the gospel and priesthood. I testify that because of Elijah and the revealing of the priesthood in the Kirtland temple, because of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ through a modern day prophet, we can now find peace and comfort at the knowledge that we can be with our families in the eternities!
Jan 15- JSH 1:40
There are so many cool scriptures that Moroni quoted to Joseph Smith, but one of the most profound ones is the prophecy found in Isaiah 11. Today we will take a look at this prophecy and what it meant for the restoration of the gospel.
Jan 14 Doctrine and Covenants 2
I find it so interesting that, besides telling Joseph about the gold plates, the first thing that Moroni begins to teach Joseph is about Elijah, and the concept of family history work. I am sure that a lot of the significance of Moroni's message went over Joseph's head at the time. But Moroni still began Joseph's tutelage with that great doctrine.
Jan 13- JSH 1:37-39
Often times when asked what the purpose of this life is we are quick to think and respond, "To be tested!" Yes, that IS true, but what if there is more? Moroni taught Joseph Smith that without the coming of the priesthood by the hand of Elijah, AND the hearts of the children being turned to the fathers, the entire earth will be wasted. I truly believe that one of the reasons we are on the earth, is to play our part in the work of salvation. To do our part to bind our ancestors and our posterity to us so that we ALL, together as a family, can return to the presence of God.
Jan 12- JSH 1:34-35
When Moroni told Joseph that there was a book made of gold plates that were buried, I wonder what he thought? In Joseph's day, it was all but unheard of that ancient records would be engraved on metal. I wonder if that struck him as odd. We know that several of his persecutors thought it was strange, in fact, that was one thing he was often harassed about. But just because we may not understand something, doesn't mean that God doesn't. And as time went on and more and more things were discovered, we find that engraving history on metal was actually a pretty common practice! In a similar manner, as we come nearer to God and as for understanding, we can better understand God's ways in our lives.
JSH 1:33
When Moroni came to Joseph he told the boy prophet that there was a work for him to do. After the 1st vision it says that he went back to his regular vocation. I imagine that was hard, after such a glorious experience, knowing that God had a work for you to do, but not knowing the next step, I can imagine returning to regular life was difficult. I imagine the joy that Joseph must have felt as he received the visitation from Moroni and his tutelage began.
JSH 1:28
I have wondered so often about this verse in Joseph Smith History. Joseph feels the need to repent for being too jovial and light hearted. If those things are sins, I am in BIG trouble. Today we will talk a little bit about Joseph's feelings and how as soon as he turned to the Lord in repentance, the Lord was quick to forgive and pour out love!
Jan 9- JSH 1:25
The years following the first vision were not easy for the young Joseph Smith. He was mocked and reviled for speaking about what he saw. But his statement, "I knew it, and I knew that God knew it," can be a powerful lesson to us in the latter-days. Truth is truth, regardless of who believes it.
Jan 8- JSH 1:16-17
Today we discuss the one moment that changed the world, that changed all understanding, that changed everything we know about who God is. Has that moment changed you?
Jan 7- JSH 1:13-16
Joseph teaches us so many great things about receiving personal revelation. The time involved, being determined to act, but I love the power that comes as Joseph determines to pray vocally. We are commanded to have a prayer in our heart always. But Doctrine and Covenants 19:28 also tells us that we must "pray vocally." As we do, as we say the desires of our hearts out loud, there is an extra measure of faith and devotion to our prayers.
Jan 6 JSH 1:11-13
When Joseph went to the scriptures for clarity and understanding he didn't read a scripture that told him that the true church of Jesus Christ wasn't on the earth. He read a scripture that gave him his next step. And through the power of the Holy Ghost that accompanies the scriptures he was lead to do that which would ultimately give him his answer. They same is true for us. We can receive answers for our confusions, doubts and problems in the scriptures. God, though the power of the Holy Ghost can teach us "all things that we should do."
Jan 5- JSH 1:8-10
Often we think of Joseph's time of searching and confusion as a brief period in his life, when in fact, it was over 2 years. Why did the Lord let him sit lost in confusion for so long? The answer can be helpful for us to understand as we have moments in our lives when we feel lost and confused as well.
Jan 4- Joseph Smith History 1
Sometimes it is easy to think that God's involvement in the Restoration of the gospel began that spring morning in the upstate New York Grove in 1830. However, "God is in the details," and as we take a closer look we can see that God truly was preparing the restoration for centuries.
Jan 3- JSH 1:1
In order to understand any type of history, I am truly believe that you have to look at the context of that history. To read and try to understand history through the lens of our modern day understanding would cheapen the things that we can learn from that history. Understanding what was happening in the church in 1838 can change the way we read verse 1 of Joseph Smith History.
Jan 2- D&C 1:37-38
In the Bible we have the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Book of Mormon is given to us as Another Testament. But the Doctrine and Covenants is OUR Testament! And the best part about it is that our testament continues today! As prophets and apostles continue to receive revelation and as you and I receive personal revelation for our lives and our families, OUR testament continues!
Jan 1- D&C 1:30-32
The scriptures tell us that the Lord can't look upon sin with the least degree of allowance, but because of everything that I know about the nature of God, I believe wholeheartedly, that He will look upon the sinner with the greatest degree of mercy possible!
Dec 31- D&C 1:23
As part of the restoration, the Lord often makes a point to say that He uses the weak and simple. Certainly Joseph Smith was part of that, an unlearned school boy used to bring God's kingdom back to the earth. However, God also needs you and I in His great work. Often times we don't feel like enough. But never forget that we worship a God who is the great multiplier! He can take our weak and simple efforts and make them more. Who we are and our efforts combined with God's power is more than enough!
Dec 30- D&C 1:17
We live in a pretty unprecedented day and age. It would be strange to expect the prophets of the Old Testament to warn us about perils in our day that were completely unheard of in theirs. Which is why I am so grateful that revelation is not a thing of the past. That we have modern day prophets and apostles who can warn of of the calamities in our day and guide us to safety.
Dec 29- D&C 1:4
The Lord starts the Doctrine and Covenants by asking all people to hearken, but what does He want to tell us? Just a few verses later he says, "The voice of warning shall be unto all my people." One of the purposes of this great latter-day work is to warn the inhabitants of the Earth, to teach and testify to those without the good news. Without the stewardship and the little black nametag however, it could get pretty awkward if we went around and started knocking on doors. So what can you and I do to begin "warning" our neighbors in normal and natural ways?
Dec 28- D&C 1:1
Hearken is the very first word of the Doctrine and Covenants. The Lord invites us right away to hear His voice and listen, but that is a pattern that is repeated throughout the entire book. It is an invitation that the Lord is still giving us today though His living Prophet. This year, as we study the Doctrine and Covenants we have the opportunity to become better acquainted with the voice of the Lord, and hopefully better able to hear Him.
Dec 27- Doctrine and Covenants 1
It is pretty astonishing to think about the fact that the rest of the Christian world uses the Bible, which we love and revere, but that as members of the church we have 3 extra books of scripture. It is made clear in the title page of the Book of Mormon the purposes of it being brought forth. But what about the Doctrine and Covenants? What is the purpose? Why was it given and recorded and what was the process of it coming to be?
Dec 26- Doctrine and Covenants Preview
I am so incredibly excited to jump into the Doctrine and Covenants this year. On today's podcast I play a portion of a talk by President Benson that kind of bridges the gap between the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants. He calls the Bok of Mormon the Keystone to our religion, but then he refers to the Doctrine and Covenants as the CAPSTONE of our religion and helps me understand why both books are vital to the restoration of the gospel.
Dec 25- Because He Came
Today I wanted to share with you one of my favorite talks ever given at a First Presidency Christmas Devotional. This talk is from 2011, from President Monson, entitled, "Because He Came." I hope you enjoy!
Dec 24- Baby Jesus
Knowest thou the condescension of God? Nothing to me helps me think about Christ's great condescension more than thinking about the Savior as a helpless babe. The Savior, God and creator of this world chose to come to Earth as we all do, a tiny baby. Dependent on His mother for everything, He would go through this life experiencing pain, affliction, temptations and sickness all so He would know how to help and bless us when we need HIm most. I don't even pretend to understand it, but when I consider it, truly, I stand all amazed!
Dec 23- Mary
By looking at how Mary responds to the angel who teaches her about God's will for her life, we can better understand what is expected as we strive to become true disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Dec 22- The Wise men
Wise men (and women) still seek Him. The Wise men of the nativity story teach us 3 ways that we can continue to seek the Savior in our lives.
Dec 21- The Shepherds
As we ponder why the angels announced the birth of Christ to the shepherds we can learn a principle of personal revelation. And as we watch the shepherds reactions to the announcement of the birth of Christ, we learn how we can approach opportunities to come to know the Savior.
Dec 20- The Innkeeper
Every single day, multiple times a day, we make choices that determine if we will have room for the Savior. As we become intentional about the things that invite Him in, we will always have room for Christ.
Dec 19- Moroni 10:32-34
Elder Renlund once said, "The greater the distance between the giver and the receiver, the more the receiver develops a sense of entitlement." I was just thinking this morning about how true that is of the atonement of Jesus Christ. The closer I am to Him, through prayer, scripture study, temple worship, etc the more I am struck with wonder and awe at the Savior's goodness and mercy and grace and love for a "soul so rebellious and proud as mine." On the other hand when I let those thing slip a little I find myself taking that incredible gift for granted.
I once heard that for gratitude to be true gratitude then we have to feel undeserving of the thing we received.
I feel so undeserving of the Savior's sacrifice for me. In all my imperfection and through my mistakes and my weaknesses, I don't deserve His sacrifice for me. But I know that God loves His children, and because of that He has given me the gift of His Son, and I am SO grateful for His grace!
Dec 18- Moroni 10:32
Every single day we accept invitations, they may be big or small...we may not even recognize them as invitations. But among all these invitations, Elder Eyring taught that the most important invitation we can ever accept is the invitation to come unto Christ. But how do we do it? It seems so easy when we say it, but how do we accomplish it? Today we will talk about how to come unto Christ so that we can be perfected in Him and receive of His grace.
Dec 17- 8-17...Again
It's easy sometimes to look at other's gifts and compare them to our weaknesses. To wonder why we aren't blessed with a gift or talent that we really want. But I love the idea that we explore today, that we don't all have every good gift, because we aren't meant to do it all by ourselves. We were meant to need each other. Meant to rely on each other. So as you consider the gifts that you have been given, ask yourself, "How can I use this gift to bless others and strengthen the kingdom of God?" As we make that our focus, I believe that we will be filled with God's love and lead to those that we can bless.
Moroni 10:8-18
I think we have all been there, comparing someone's very visible gift, to our lesser seen, possibly even unknown gift. I think we are all guilt at some point in our lives of thinking, "I wish I could do...or be..." But Moroni teaches us that God gives all of us good gifts. Some may be visible. Others may be completely unknown even to ourselves. However, each of us have the responsibility to discover our gifts so that we can bless and build others through them.
Dec 15- Moroni 10:5
Today we are going to talk about the 3rd aspect of "Moroni's Promise." The past two days we have talked about what we have to do, today we are going to talk about what the Lord can do for us. SPOILER ALERT: It's A LOT!
Dec 14- Moroni 10:4
Today we continue to look at "Moroni's Promise." Here in these verses it seems that Moroni is giving us homework in order to know truth. If God wants us to all know the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, why not just say, "Hey when you read this I am going to knock you off your feet with revelation that it is true." Why does He as us to put the effort in so that we can know, "the truth of all things." It is because we were created to ACT and not to be acted upon. We are asked to DO things because our ACTIONS activate the Spirit in our lives. Our actions allow the Holy Ghost to touch our hearts in new and powerful ways.
Moroni 10:3
Often, when we talk about Moroni's Promise found in chapter 10 we place our focus on verses 4-5, and for good reason, they are wonderfully powerful verses. But if we jump straight to those verses we miss out on the opportunity to strengthen our testimonies of who God is and one of His most defining characteristics.
Dec 12- Moroni 9:6
Moroni 9 is kind of a hard chapter to read. It is filled with all the difficult things that Mormon encountered as he tried to preach to the wicked people of his day. However, amid all the hard things, Mormon teaches us a really important lesson in verse 6. In our callings both in the church and in our families, one of the most difficult things we can go through is when our efforts and teachings are rejected. But here, Mormon emphasized that, despite the outcome, whether our efforts are received or not, it is our responsibility to labor diligently and do all we can do. Our calling, our responsibility is to do our part, not to make sure that others do theirs.
Dec 11- Moroni 8
Is it possible to love someone that you don't know? I think so. I have felt love for people I have never met, and people that I have just met. But I think that is different from the "perfect love" that Mormon writes about. I think that in order to love God perfectly, we need to know Him. And as we come to know Him and Love Him then we begin to place our trust completely in Him. With our trust in Him we need not fear, because we know that He loves us perfectly and will work all things together for our good.
Dec 10- Moroni 7:45-48
I love the 3 main points of this chapter! Faith IN Christ, Hope BECAUSE OF Christ, and Love LIKE Christ! Today we will take a look at what Charity is, how we can better recognize if we have developed this attribute, but we will also discuss what the pure love of Christ is, and how it can change us.
Dec 9 Moroni 7:30&41
Elder Uchtdorf teaches that faith hope and charity are like a 3 legged stool. As we study the teachings of Mormon here in chapter 7 we see that that is true. However, Mormon points all 3 virtues to Christ. Faith IN Christ. Hope BECAUSE OF Christ. And love LIKE Christ. As we strive for all three virtues we are changed BY Christ.
Dec 8- Moroni 7:20-22
This time of year can be tricky. All the toy catalogues that get mailed to the house, all the commercials for every fun toy ever made, my kiddos get a little wanty. And I, as their mom want to give them their hearts desires. I have to really hold myself back! In verse 20 Mormon wants to teach us how to lay ahold upon every good thing. Meaning he wants to teach us how to hold tight to everything that our Father in Heaven wants to give us. And, SPOILER ALERT, He wants to give us all the good things! As a God of abundance He desires to give abundantly!
Dec 7- Moroni 6:13,16-17
In my 12 years teaching the youth in various capacities, HANDS DOWN the number 1 question I have been asked is, "How can I tell if it is my thoughts or the Spirit?" President Hinckley once said that the answer to that question can be found in Moroni 7:13,16&17. Today we will look at Moroni's answer, and we will also dig deeper and see what Elder Bednar says about how to discern the spirit when our question isn't so black and white.
Dec 6- Moroni 7:2-4
Mormon talks about the salvation of those who walk peaceably among their fellow man. That peaceable walk, that meekness and love that they showed in a time when the world was falling apart all around them was a requisite that Mormon observed for their returning to our Father in Heaven. In a world of increasing contention and anger, let us show that we follow Christ in everything as we walk peaceably with our fellow man.
Dec 5- Moroni 6:5-6
Growing up we joked that we were ALWAYS the last ones out of the building on Sundays because my amazingly social and friendly parents talked to everyone they saw, and sought out those they didn't see. I didn't understand it then but how I understand and love it now. One phrase in today's verses says that we get together often in the church to, among other things, "Speak one with another concerning the welfare of [our] souls." One of the key purposes of meeting together is to strengthen and build each other! Some weeks we feel weak, and we need that strengthening from our friends and ward family. Some weeks we are strong and our responsibility is to strengthen and build others. Even if that means your family is the last one out of the building!
Dec 4- Moroni 6:4
I love the phrase where it says that Christ is the "author and finisher of our faith." Our testimony of the Savior should be the beginning and the end of our testimonies. In the scriptures when something is finished or complete, it means that it is whole. Without faith in Christ, without a testimony of who He is and His divinity our testimonies cannot be made whole. It doesn't matter what other principle we believe in, Christ HAS TO be the foundations of our testimonies for all other principles to stand. Without him, we have nothing, but with Him, we have it all!
Dec 3- Moroni 4-5
The words sacrifice and sacrament have the same root, SACER, which means to make holy. Just as they used the law of sacrifice in the old testament to become holy, we can use the sacrament each week to become more like the Savior. As we approach the sacramental altar each week with the sacrifice of a broken heart and contrite spirit we can better take His name upon us.
Dec 2- Moroni 4-5
Have you ever wondered why the 2 sacrament prayers are different? If it was the same covenant and same promise being made with each prayer you would think they would be worded the same, right? But they aren't, they are different. And I think the differences in the prayers can teach us a lot about Heavenly Father's intentions.
Dec 1- Moroni 2:2-3
As Moroni clarifies some of the teachings of the Savior from 3rd Nephi, there is a really cool principle that is taught between the lines. In verse 2 the Savior gives His disciples the authority to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost, however, He makes a point of telling them that they have to do something to obtain the POWER to do it. SO it becomes clear that the authority comes from the ordaining to the priesthood, but the power comes based on the righteous desires of the disciples. The same is true for you an I. Every single one of us can obtain priesthood power in our lives as we live righteously and draw near to Christ.
Nov 30- Moroni 1:4
Moroni, surprised that he is still around tells us that he will continue to write with the hopes that it will be of worth. Which begs the question, what is the Book of Mormon worth to you?
Nov 29- Moroni 1
Moroni shows us his "ALL IN" attitude here in this chapter. He has been wandering for 36 years, not knowing if the next day was the day he would be discovered by the Lamanites and killed because he had made the determination that he would never deny his faith. In little ways, you and I make decisions everyday that determine where our allegiance lies. Let us always choose the cause of Christ.
Ether 15:1-3
There are several times in the book of Ether where Ether asks Coriantumr to repent, and to call his people to repentance. I am sure that never, in any of those moments, did Coriantumr think, "this is it. This is the decision that will lead to millions of my people being killed." Our choices don't work like that. Usually the choices that will determine the big outcomes are made in the small moments. And Coriantumr's decisions in those small moments determined the destiny of millions. The same can be true (on a smaller scale) in our lives. It's what we do in the little moments, that determine the big picture.
Nov 27- Ether 12:38-41
We are lucky! Because Moroni didn't know how long he would live before he was killed we get a few different farewell talks from him. Verses 38-41 are one of those farewells and they are PHENOMENAL! His testimony of the personal ministry of Jesus Christ is amazing, but it makes me wonder. We know that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Which means the Savior can still minister in a very personalized way. Are we seeing it? Are we recognizing it when it happens in our lives?
Nov 26- THANKSGIVING
Today we are going to step away from Ether to reflect on the virtue of gratitude! I will share some of my favorite quotes and talks!
Nov 25- Ether 12:34&37
Here, Moroni teaches us about the love that the Lord has for us, and how imperative it is for us to gain that same love for our fellow man. He placed no conditions on that love. He didn't say, have charity and love unless they are different. We are to love, without judgement.
Nov 24- Ether 12:27
This is one of my all time FAVORITE scriptures! "IF men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness." I think sometimes we are willing to do anytime to avoid seeing our weaknesses under a microscope. We want to believe that we have no weakness, because maybe we feel like by admitting them we have somehow failed in God's grand design. This simply isn't true. In fact I would go so far as to say that our weaknesses don't fail God's great plan, they are PART of His great plan.
Nov 23- Ether 12:5-6
Despite all of Ether's diligence in teaching the Jaredites and prophesying great and marvelous things to them, they still wouldn't believe, because they couldn't see. But they really missed the boat on what faith is and isn't. Seeing isn't faith. If we could see it and prove it then we would have no need for faith. But Moroni steps in and promises us that as we act on our faith, as we live it and take steps of faith THEN we receive a witness, THEN we receive a confirmation of what we believe.
Nov 22- Ether 12:4
I love the doctrine of hope! I love the joy and the optimism that is found in hope. As we come to know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and develop a greater faith in them, we will gain a surer and surer hope that their promises will all be fulfilled. We will hope for a better world.
Ether 11:1-3
Every time in the scriptures you see a people who cast out and try to destroy the prophets, they are a people ripe for destruction. That is the state of the people here in Ether chapter 11. As we think about the Jaredites rejecting the prophets of their day, et us reflect on and strive to live the counsel of the prophet in ours.
Nov 20- Ether 10:10-11
The verses today describe a little talked about king in the history of the Jaredite people named Morianton. He did everything right as a king, he lessened the burden for his people and helped them. But the scriptures say he didn't do justice for himself because of his own wickedness. He was able to govern the multitudes, but not able to govern the one. As we go throughout a morally decaying world it is more important than ever to learn how to govern the one.
Nov 19- Ether 10:1-2
We learn 2 very important things about Shez in these verses that we can apply into our lives. 1st, He "built up a broken people." What a beautiful thing to be said of someone. I hope that is something that can also be said of me!!! 2nd, by remembering the past mercies and blessings of the Lord Shez was able to make changes and experience righteousness in his kingdom. There is power in remembering what the Lord has done. And when we keep those thing in our remembrance it gives us strength to follow Him!
Nov 18- Ether 9:15&22
This chapter is packed full of wickedness and evil, however, it is also filled with a ton of light and goodness. Omer was a righteous good man and the scriptures specifically say that he lived most of his days in sorrow. It is possible to live righteously amid an increasingly wicked world. It is possible to find peace when there is a war raging all around you. And it is possible to choose the Savior, even when, at times, it feels like you are the only one!
Nov 17- Ether 9:1-3
I am starting to see a theme here in the Book of Mormon. And it's a theme I think it is important for us all to understand. Bad things happen, even when you are doing everything right. Life is not free from sorrow and loss even for the righteous. But for those who draw near to the Lord you will be able to see His love, His deliverance and His mercies even, and especially in the hard times.
Nov 16- Ether 8
I'm not gonna lie to ya, this is a hard chapter to read and a hard chapter to study. It can be depressing as we see the wickedness unfold through the verses. But remember, Moroni hand picked everything in the book of Ether for our day. Clearly he wants us to understand the strategies and works of the adversary so that we can better resist his attacks!
Ether 7
In Ether 6 the brother of Jared gave pretty clear instructions to the people that having a king would cause their eventual captivity. In Chapter 7 we see that prophecy fulfilled. Watching that play out gave me a good opportunity to reflect on how I treat the words of the prophets. Do I truly see their words as the words of the Lord, or do I often place my own will above the counsel of the Lord?
Nov 14 Ether 6:9
I think I have made it abundantly clear that I would not have fared well as a Jaredite on those tight boats. And judging by how not exactly joyful and upbeat I am when I am sick, I imagine I wouldn't have made the journey a time of joy for everyone aboard! I love the example of the Jaredites that is given to us here in verse 9. Despite the difficulties they never ceased their songs of praise, both day and night! It was their total faith in God that got them on the ships and their absolute faith in God that helped them find joy in the hardships. And it is our faith in God that will allow us to keep our joy and optimism even when things get tough.
Nov 13- Ether 6:6-7
I am going to level with you, today's principle might be a stretch. But as I was reading the scriptures I couldn't help but relate our families to the ships on the sea. They often times get thrown around by the waves and winds of this world, but they can find peace and safety as we create families that are "tight like unto a dish," and who "cry unto the Lord" for deliverance.
Nov 12- Ether 6:4-5
You guys, the journey of the Jaredites to the Promised Land sounds HORRIBLE! For almost an entire year the people were tossed around on the sea by fierce waves and crazy storms. I get seasick anytime I am on the ocean, so I can't even fathom how awful this must have been. But there is a tiny phrase in verse 5 that changes our perspective on the trials of the rough passage. It says that the furious winds were blowing "towards the promised land." There was an important purpose behind the struggle. God was taking them from where they were, to where He wanted them to be. As we trust Him we can look back on our trials and see His all knowing hand in them.
Nov 11- Ether 5:2-5
"By the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." The pattern of witnesses is a pattern that our Father in Heaven has always used to establish His word. So why should His word found in the Book of Mormon be any different? In these verses Moroni prophecies of the 3 witnesses to the Book of Mormon. And today we will talk about the testimonies that those witnesses bore.
Nov10- Ether 3:9&15
The brother of Jared was a man of incredible faith, the kind of faith that lead him to act. The fascinating thing here in this chapter is that it would appear that the faith of the brother of Jared was so great that it bound the Lord to reveal Himself to him. The brother of Jared didn't ask for that blessing, it was given to him strictly by and because of His faith. Through our faith and our obedience we are able to bind the Lord for our blessings, not in a manipulative way, but our faith is what allows the Lord to pour out the blessings that He is already ready and anxious to give us!
Nov 9- Ether 3:1-5
I love this principle! The Lord doesn't just give the brother of Jared the solution, He allows for his agency and asks him to come up with solutions and to put forth his effort. I feel like often times that is the case for us as well. In everything we do, our callings, our professions and in our families the Lord asks for our best efforts. And knowing that we can't do things perfectly on our own, he then multiplies our offerings and blesses our efforts.
Nov 8- Ether 2:16&23
Here as the Jaredites begin their journey to the promised land, the Lord has incredible blessings that He wants to give them. However, to receive those blessings the Lord commands the brother of Jared to, "Go to work!" How often do we wait upon blessings from the Lord, when the Lord, eager to bless us, wants us to "Go to work!"
Nov 7- Mormon 9:21
There is such an important principle in this verse that I feel like sometimes we overlook far too often. The scripture tells us that if we will believe in Christ and not doubt and ask in His name that our prayers will be answered. But equally important is the knowledge that the purpose of prayer is to align our will with God's will. Asking in the name of Christ doesn't simply mean praying in His name, it means asking for His will. When we truly understand that, it changes the way we pray.
Nov 6- Mormon 9:9-10 &20
In these verses Mormon teaches us that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. God is and has always been a God of miracles. Then in verse 20 he explains that in order to see His miracles we have to have faith, let our faith lead us to action, and our actions lead us to know God. I know that God is a God of miracles, and if we have eyes to see we can see His miracles in our lives everyday!
Nov 5- Mormon 8:21-22
In these verses Moroni teaches us that "the eternal purposes of the Lord shall roll on." I find so much comfort and hope in that simple statement. In a world of increasing evil and abounding wickedness, God's purposes are not thwarted. His plan moves forward and all his promises shall be fulfilled.
Nov 4- Mormon 12-16
In these verses Mormon talks about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon in the latter day. He explains that the it will be brought forth by the gift and power of God. Today we will look at some quotes from those who knew the prophet Joseph best to see why truly, the Book of Mormon came to be by the power of God and not by man.
Mormon 8:2-5
The devastation of Moroni watching the last of his people killed, and the death of Moron himself teaches us an extremely important truth: Sadness, trials and despair come to the just and the unjust, the obedient and the disobedient. Part of this life is experiencing hard things. We don't choose righteousness because we are trying to earn good favor and avoid difficulties. We choose righteousness, we choose obedience because we love God and we know that by so doing we are strengthened, blessed and lifted up when those hard things come.
Nov 2- Mormon 7:5-10
Here, Mormon is writing his last words in the Book of Mormon, we hear more from him later but that is Moroni sharing the words of his father. Really Mormon chapter 7 is Mormon's goodbye, and in it he provides us with a beautiful bookend to the words he wrote in the Title Page of the Book of Mormon by echoing the purposes of the Book of Mormon that we find there. But then Mormon helps us see that in the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, Heavenly Father invokes the law of the witnesses to testify that Jesus is the Christ.
Nov 1- Mormon 7:1-4
In chapter 6 of Mormon, he witnesses the utter destruction of the majority of his people. He watches their absolute slaughter by the hand of the Laminites. However, here at the beginning of Mormon chapter 7 Mormon begins to speak to the Laminites who are left, and out of an absolute love that he has for them, the people who just destroyed his own people, Mormon teaches the Laminites about who they are and the blessings that can be theirs as they come to repent. These are blessings that can come to us as well as we follow Mormon's counsel.
Oct 31- Mormon 5:22-23
Yesterday, Mormon taught us about being clasped in the arms of Jesus as we repent. Today, he talks about being in the Savior's hands. Hands are a Hebrew symbol of Power and protection. So Mormon is really showing us in this chapter the love that comes to us as we come unto Him, but also the Protection the power and the strength that comes in Him as well.
Oct 30th- Mormon 5:10-11
Mormon, in these verses describes the atonement in probably my favorite way ever. He says that to repent and use the atonement is to be "clasped in the arms of Jesus." I can't imagine a more beautiful feeling or a better reason to life a life of continuous repentance.
Oct 29- Mormon 4-5
Here, Mormon tells us that the Lord had told him, that the people of his day were the most wicked group there had ever been! That is HUGE! They were more wicked than those who crucified Christ. More wicked than any previous generation of Nephites. How did they get there? A couple scriptures in chapters 4 and 5 give us one clue. Their reliance on themselves left no room for them to have any faith or hope in Heavenly Father. But as you an I come to know Heavenly Father more, the better able we are to rely on Him.
Oct 28 Mormon 3:3&12
Here, Mormon sets a perfect example of the Savior and our Father in Heaven. Mormon has a up close and personal view of the wickedness of his people, but despite that wickedness, Mormon's heart is filled with love for them. I feel like sometimes when we are less than we want to be, we impose limits on the love that Heavenly Father has for us. The scriptures are filled with witnesses that no matter how far we are from Him He is always near to us, and always loves us with a perfect love.
Oct 27- Mormon 2:12-15
In these verses Mormon teaches us about 2 types of sorrow. A selfish sorrow for our own losses, or a godly sorrow that leads to lasting change. But even more importantly, he teaches us that when things are hard, that when the world is feeling pretty bleak, that when the trials of life feel crushing, we can find joy and our hearts can rejoice as we place our focus on the mercy and long-suffering of the Lord.
Oct 26- Mormon 1:15
When Mormon was 15 years old he was visited by the Savior. After coming to know the Savior in such a close personal way he said the he "tasted and knew of the goodness of Jesus." I love that phrase so much! What better way to describe the feeling of redemption, the feeling of grace, the feeling of the Savior's all encompassing love. As you go throughout your day today I challenge you to ask yourself when you have tasted and knew of the goodness of Jesus. I testify of His grace, I testify of His love, I testify of His goodness, because I have tasted it and felt it as I have come to know Him better.
Oct 25- Mormon 1:2-5
I have always been so impressed of the description given of 10 year old Mormon here! Sober, and quick to observe. But what do those things really mean? And why is it so important for us to try and receive those same gifts of the Spirit?
Oct 24- 4th Nephi 17-18
This is one of my favorite verses in 4th Nephi. There were no -ites among them! What a powerful lesson we can learn from that small phrase. This last week I saw one of my youth leaders and dear friends. As she was introducing me to her friend she described me as a teenager as always being inclusive. I was grateful she saw fit to describe me that way instead of with all of my not quite so desirable teenage traits! But I was even more grateful that that was a way she felt I could be described. I hope that same thing can be said of me now! If at my funeral I am eulogized and nothing can be said of me other than, "She was kind and inclusive," I will consider that a life well lived.
Oct 23- 4th Nephi 1:15
Oct 22- 4th Nephi 1:11
The book of 4th Nephi is INCREDIBLE! The people were incredible, the society they built was incredible and the joy of the people was incredible! As we study the book of 4th Nephi I wanted to focus our attention on the things that the people did and didn't do to make them such a happy and righteous people. One of those things is found in verse 11. "They were married and given in marriage." Now I am sure that their marriages weren't an automatic ticket to joy, just as marriage isn't an automatic ticket to joy now. But the quality of our marriages and the work we put into them, can certainly add to the joy we feel.
Oct 21- 3rd Nephi 28-29
I love so much that the Lord asks His disciples what they desired of Him. I love that the Lord is anxious for us to express our desires to Him and anxious to bless us with the righteous desires of our hearts.
Oct 20- 3rd Nephi 27:19, 27-29
When the Savior commands that we ought to be as He is, it can feel a bit overwhelming and impossible. I am nowhere near there. However, even though becoming like Him is a lifelong pursuit, we can follow the charge he gives in the very next verses. We can ask for the Christlike gifts we are seeking. And we can have faith that God will bless us with the righteous desires of our hearts.
Oct 19- 3rd Nephi 27:11, 17
I feel like we, as a church, either didn't really talk about "enduring to the end" until I was in high school, or maybe that I just never noticed it until then, but either way, I remember hearing it and thinking, "What a depressing phrase!" Endure to the end felt like a commandment to just keep plowing through the misery of our lives until it is all over. So I started saying enjoy to the end. HOW WRONG I WAS!!!! Enduring to the end isn't miserable or sad at all. In fact, I made a connection in the scriptures today that really helped me understand that enduring is one of the most joyful opportunities we have!
Oct 18- 3rd Nephi 27:1-8
Here in the beginning of this chapter we see the power of unity and mighty prayer. We also see the fulfillment of the promise the Savior made to the disciples in the old world in Matthew 18:20. Where 2 or 3 are gathered together, in unity and mighty prayer, the Savior promises to be in the midst of them. I believe in the promises of God, and I believe also in the promises given by God through President Nelson that if we will call the church by His name as we are commanded to do here in chapter 27, that we will experience blessings unlike any blessings ever to have been given.
Oct 17- 3rd Nephi 25
Understanding the Spirit of Elijah was so incredibly important to our Heavenly Father that He commanded the Savior to teach the Nephites about it, and he commanded Moroni to teach Joseph Smith about it as an essential part of the restoration. Why is the Spirit of Elijah and the keys of the sealing power so essential to our exaltation? And how can we be a part of God's work of salvation?
Oct 16- 3rd Nephi 24:1-3
Here, using the words of Malachi, the Savior teaches us about the important role He can have in our trials and hardships as we turn to Him. As the Hymn "How Firm a Foundation" says, "When through fiery trials the pathway shall lie, My grace, all sufficient, shall be they supply. The flame shall not hurt thee, I only design thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine." As we rely on the Lord and His grace in times of distress, and have faith in His love for us, we can use our trials to become better and not bitter.
Oct 15- 3rd Nephi 23
Man this chapter was like a giant call to repentance for me! First the Savior commands us to be diligent in searching the words of Isaiah. Now in all honestly I really do love Isaiah...but it's not my go to book in the scriptures...but maybe it should be. Isaiah teaches us about Christ and His relationship with covenant Israel maybe better than any other scripture. Then the Savior commands the Nephites that the should have written down spiritual experiences. I desperately need to be better at that. I want to be better at that, and I believe with my whole soul that as we record those spiritual experiences it is a signal to Heavenly Father that He can entrust us with more.
Oct 14- 3rd Nephi 22:2&10
In the end of chapter 21 the Lord is teaching the Nephites about hw he will establish His church in the latter days and gather the people in. Here in chapter 22 the Lord quotes Isaiah to give us a commandment to enlarge our tent's and strengthen our cords...which is confusing. But when you consider that the Lord was just talking about establishing His church and gathering people to it, it becomes clear that the Savior is giving us a charge to make room for all in His kingdom. To love, to bless and to welcome all who should enter in.
Oct 13- 3rd Nephi 21:1-2
I always knew that the Book of Mormon was incredible and powerful. Here in these verses the Savior is going to teach us that the coming forth of the Book of Mormon will also serve as a sign to His people that the gathering of Israel is about to begin. The Book of Mormon however, isn't just a sign of the gathering, it is also the most powerful tool we have to assist in that gathering. God calls us to the work of the gathering. He is anxious for us to be a part. So no matter how you feel like you can join the cause, the important thing is that we join in in this great and marvelous work.
Oct 12- 3rd Nephi 20:38-39
The Lord, through the words of Isaiah, teaches us that, though we often bind ourselves to sin though our choices, the Savior though His atonement, has the ability to redeem us, to buy us back and to free us. How grateful I am for the atonement of Jesus Christ and His ability to free me and change me though His grace.
Oct 11 3rd Nephi 20:29
In chapter 20, the Savior is teaching the people about the covenants and promises that God had made with His people. The Savior was trying to show the people the pattern that God has of making and keeping promises. As we study the scriptures and see how God blesses His people and keeps the promises He makes with them, it can give us faith and hope that all the promises he makes with us will also be fulfilled.
Oct 10- Peace, Be Still
As did the disciples of old, I think at one time or another we have all looked to the heavens and in some way asked, "Carest thou not that we perish?" Our storms of life all look different, but one thing is consistent through them all. The Savior has the ability to look upon us and our struggles and say, "Peace, be still."
Oct 9- Let God Prevail
I'm going to be perfectly honest with you. The whole time I was listening to President Nelson's talk about Let God Prevail I thought, "This is a really good talk, but I think that there is a lot more to this that what I am understanding." After all, President Nelson said that when he heard that the translation for Israel was let God prevail it stirred his soul. I wanted my soul stirred by those 3 words too! So I knew I had to study them more. Today we talk about what the word prevail means, and what it looks like as we let God prevail in our lives.
Oct 8- Elder Holland...Jr
I loved this talk, I loved even just the title of this talk! The Exquisite Gift of the Son. Exquisite means extreme beauty or unparalleled magnificence. Truly, when I catch a glimpse of the personal nature of the atonement of Jesus Christ, I see how beautiful and magnificent it really is!
Oct 7- Elder Bednar
I LOVED Elder Bednar's talk so much! But I especially loved the part where he quoted Elder Holland about the lack of a middle ground. It is so true! I have seen it so clearly over the last few years. So what do we do? How do we stay rooted firmly on the Lord's side? And how do we go "all in?"
Oct 6- Elder Renlund
In Elder Renlund's talk on Mercy he said, "Loving mercy means that we do not just love the mercy God extends to us, we delight that God extends that same mercy to others." As I was pondering this talk and this quote I kept thinking of the lyrics from the hymn "How Great the Wisdom and the Love" where it says that the plan of God is where, "justice, love and mercy meet." As I was thinking about that lyric I thought how grateful I am that in the plan of God, justice is met with love and mercy. However, my role and my responsibility to my fellow man is to extend love and mercy, and how grateful I am that justice and judgement is God's and His alone.
Oct 5- Becoming Like Him
I really loved Elder Whiting's talk Becoming like Him. His story about having a priesthood leader point out a Christ-like attribute he needed to work on and then having his wife confirm that hard to hear truth, reminded me of the rich man who was vulnerable enough to ask the Savior, "what lack I yet?" It takes courage to ask that question, and even more courage to make the changes and rely on the Savior for His help and Grace. But as we are willing to ask the question and follow the answer, our focus shifts from just keeping the commandants to really Becoming like Him!
Oct 4th- General Conference
HAPPY GENERAL CONFERENCE EVERYONE!!!!! Such a great conference yesterday. I felt hit over the head with the theme of being prepared, so today we will talk a little bit more about all the talks that pointed us toward being prepared for the future, and how we can better do it!
Oct 3- 3rd Nephi 19:17-24
Maybe it is because I am seeing so many of my imperfections under a magnifying glass right now, but what really stood out to me in these verses today is how much the Savior and our loving Father in Heaven want to bless us amid our imperfections. As the Lord prayed for His disciples He didn't say, "Bless them because of their perfections." He said, "Bless them because of their faith." There are some days where our faith and our meager actions are all we have to give. But I believe that even, or perhaps especially on those days, God delights in blessing His children.
Oct 2- 3rd Nephi 19:3-9
After the Savior left, the people prayed for the thing they wanted more than anything else, the gift of the Holy Ghost. They had experienced what it felt like to be in the presence of a member of the Godhead, and when the Savior was no longer there, I think they could feel that void. So they wanted the Holy Ghost, and they wanted it more than anything else. You and I have the gift to be able to have the Spirit with us at all times. But whether or not He will be is entirely up to us. We can have the Holy Ghost in our live to as great a degree as we want, as long as there is nothing that we want more.
Oct 1- 3rd Nephi 18:15-20
In these verses the Savior teaches us about the power of prayer. As we make prayer more meaningful, as we treat it like a 2 way conversation instead of like ordering from a menu, then Heavenly Father can teach us about all the blessings he wants to give us, if only we would ask.
Sept 30- 3rd Nephi 18:7-11
The act of remembering is an active, intentional thing. If we are not intentional in our remembering we will unintentionally forget. The Savior commands us to always remember Him. This is not an ego driven demand. This is an invitation to come to Him and to be filled with the peace and love that only He can offer.
Sept 29- 3rd Nephi 7-9
I think sometimes I limit what I am willing to let the Savior do for me in my life. I try to fix or solve or heal things on my own and only reach out when I have exhausted other options. Why do I do that? Here in these verses the Savior invites ALL with ANY affliction to be brought to Him. He doesn't say, "only these types of struggles," or "your affliction has to be this bad for me to intervene." He invites ALL with ANY affliction, and He wants to heal us of all our afflictions too!
Sept 28- 3rd Nephi 17:4-6
Yesterday in Relief Society, the teacher asked, "What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ?" I thought about that question all day yesterday, and then, as I was re-reading these verses it hit me. This! This is what it means to me to be a disciple of Christ. He sets a perfect example for us to follow here in these 3 verses!
Sept 27- 3rd Nephi 17:1-3
Despite the joy the people felt from the Savior's visit, despite their love for Him and their enthusiasm to learn from Him, they still didn't fully understand His teachings. We have all been there when we don't quite totally understand a doctrine, a scripture, something spoken by one of the brethren, or a policy. The Savior doesn't condemn the people for their lack of understanding. Instead, He invites them to come to know and understand for themselves, and gives them some steps they can take to get there.
Sept 26- 3rd Nephi 15:21-24
We often speak about the Savior manifesting Himself to His "other sheep." But Abinadi taught that Christ would manifest Himself unto all His seed. Qualifying ourselves as being counted among His seed can qualify us for the blessing of coming to know Christ in a very real, very personal way.
Sept 25- 3rd Nephi 14:14 & 15:1
"Whoso remembereth these sayings of mine and DOETH them, him will I raise up at the last day."
Do what you do with ALL your heart, well done is always better than well said.
Sept 24- 3rd Nephi 14:1-3
The Savior teaches with powerful imagery here in these verses when he talks about the mote and the beam. Because a mote is a tiny sliver and a beam is a log, the Savior is teaching us that the only thing that matters about the size of a sin is it's proximity to us. As we do our best to repent and draw closer to Christ, we will also be able to approach our fellow man with greater love and compassion.
Sept 23- 3rd Nephi 13:24
The Savior teaches us that there comes a point where we have to decide whose team we are on, but that is not a choice that we make only once. Every single day we make a million little choices that determine who we are going to serve. We will never be perfect, at least not in this life, but everyday we can be a little better as we rely on the grace of Christ to strengthen us.
Sept 22- 3rd Nephi 13:14-15 &22
I absolutely love the idea that if our eye is single to God then our whole bodies are filled with light. Our eyes are so small and often times overlooked, however, they are so powerful to our minds. If everyday we can conscientiously focus our minds on the Savior and His gospel, then we can partake of His glorious light.
Sept 21- 3rd Nephi 12:14-16 & 44
Today we will take a look at the charge that the Savior gives us to be a light. As you and I are obedient to our covenants and repentant we will naturally shine bright in an ever increasingly dark world.
Sept 20-3rd Nephi 12
Here in 3rd Nephi 12, the Savior is teaching us how to become more like Him. The "Beatitudes" are like a stairway. Starting at the bottom as a broken and fallen person we change piece by piece and attribute by attribute until we are more like the Savior. Christ finishes this chapter by then commanding us to be perfect! I know, daunting right? But as we come to understand more fully what that word means we can feel more at peace with who we are and our efforts.
Sept 19- 3rd Nephi 11:21&29
This chapter tells me so much about the priorities of the Lord. The 1st thing He did with the people at Bountiful was to invite them to have a personal experience with Him. The very second thing He did was to reestablish covenants so that we could obtain the promised blessings of God. Everything that the Savior does revolves around loving, teaching and saving US!
Sept 18- 3rd Nephi 11:14-15
I feel like very few things in this life matter more than understanding how much the Savior wants to have an individual relationship with us. The atonement of Jesus Christ wasn't a sacrifice made for the masses, it was a sacrifice done individually for each of us as individuals. Jesus Christ invites us, individually, to come to Him, and invites us, individually, to know Him.
Sept 17- 3rd Nephi 11:7-11
Very few times in the history of all mankind does God the Father speak directly to His children on Earth, but almost all of those times He does so to invite His children to hear Jesus Christ. Have you ever thought about why? Why invite us to hear Christ rather than just deliver the message himself? Today we will talk about some reasons why that might be, as well as look at what this chapter reinforces about who Christ is.
Sept 16- 3rd Nephi 11:1-3
We speak so often about the 2,500 who were at the temple in Bountiful to greet the Savior. What it must have been like for them, but have you ever wondered about all the people who weren't there that day, and how devastating it would have been to realize the closeness they could have experienced with the Savior if only they had made the effort that day to be there? In our lives we have opportunities everyday to draw nearer to the Savior and come to know Him better, do we use those opportunities to the fullest?
Sept 15- 3rd Nephi 9:17-20
The Savior asks that we offer to Him our broken hearts and contrite spirits. But what does that mean? What does He want from us, and how can we turn it all over to Him?
Sept 14- 3rd Nephi 9:13-15
Jesus Christ wants nothing more than for us to turn to Him so that He can heal us. Just has he caused the deaf to hear, the blind to see and rose the dead to life, He can heal our spiritual blindness and let us see His love, He can help us hear His word, and He can raise us to life eternal.
Sept 13- 3rd Nephi 9:2
This verse talks about the joy that the adversary feels as he is successful in luring us away from the path of Christ. But the truth is, you and I have everything we need to overcome the temptations of the adversary, and as we rely on the grace of Christ, we will be victorious.
Sept 12- 3rd Nephi 5:20-26
In these verses Mormon speaks of things to come as if they are a guarantee. He has so much faith hope and assurance in the Lord's word that there is zero doubt of what will be. Mormon has that kind of confidence because he has had experiences with the Lord. What experiences have you had that make you confident in God's promises?
Sept 11- 3rd Nephi 5:13
What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and how can we pay the price of discipleship?
Sept 10- 3rd Nephi 3-4
To prepare for battle the converted Lamanites and Nephites gathered everything together and were prepared temporally, and it sustained them and that was important. But what they did SPIRITUALLY is what ultimately SAVED them.
Sept 9- 3rd Nephi 2:2&12
The Laminites and the Nephites joined together for physical safety and survival, but the Lord also commands us in our day to be one. Our unity and our oneness is just as vital to our spiritual survival as the Nephites and Laminites unity was to their physical survival.
Sept 8- 3rd Nephi 1:22&29
Heavenly Father is actively involved in our lives. We each experience miracles and tender mercies, but as it says in this chapter, Satan is anxious to lie to us about those experiences, so that our hearts will be hardened and we will see them as coincidences rather than miracles. As we recognize the miracles and show our Father in Heaven that we see them and value them our conversion becomes cemented in our hearts.
Sept 7- 3rd Nephi 1:13
In the mist of Nephi's biggest trial the Lord's response was to "Be of good cheer." This wasn't a trite, "Keep your chin up pal," It was the knowledge that in, and through and because of Christ, we can find joy and hope even in the hard things.
Sept 6- 3rd Nephi 1:10-13
Have you ever wondered why the process of receiving revelation wasn't quicker or easier??? Take comfort my friends, it wasn't easy for most of the Book of Mormon prophets either. But while receiving revelation can require work on our part, it is one of the greatest gifts of God to His children.
Sept 5- Helaman 16:13-16
Samuel talked until he was blue in the face about the signs and wonders that would proceed Christ's birth, but even still only "most believing part of them" were paying attention and believed. We must learn from this chapter to be vigilant in watching for the signs of Christ's coming and diligent in hearing and heeding God's word.
Sept 4- Helaman 15:2-5
Helaman first commands the Nephites to repent, THEN he exhorts them to obey. Is there a reason for that order? I think so! Today we will talk about the importance of a true change of heart as we seek to repent and come closer to Christ.
Sept 3rd- Helaman 15:3-4
Samuel tells the Nephites that a call to repentance is pretty much just a love letter from the Lord. How can we learn to see it that way? It's all about our humility.
Sept. 2- Helaman 14:28-31
Samuel is still calling the Nephites to repentance, begging them to remember their heritage of faith. He tells them that in the end, whatever happens to them will happen because of their own agency and choice.
Sept 1- Helaman 14:12-17
Samuel testifies to the wicked Nephites about the power of redemption that comes in and through Jesus Christ and his atonement.
Aug 31- Helaman 14:2-5
Jesus Christ is the Light and Life of this world, so it is so incredibly fitting that the sign of his birth was light and the sign of his death was darkness.
Aug 30- Helaman 13:3-4
I love the example that Samuel the Lamanite gives us here of diligence! He was thrown out of a city and even thought the people wouldn't let him come back in he didn't give up and found a new way to accomplish the Lord's will.
Aug 29- Helaman 11:19
We don't hear much about Nephi's brother Lehi after chapter 5, but there is one small verse in chapter 11 that tells us everything we need to know about him. And it teaches us something important about how we serve in the church.
Aug 28- Helaman 11:4-18
Here in Helaman 11 we see a really neat type and shadow of Jesus Christ which helps us understand one of His roles in our lives.
Aug 27- Helaman 10:6-10
Today we talk about the blessing God gave to Nephi because of the 100% confidence and trust that He had in him.
Aug 26- Helaman 10:2-5
In the stillness the Lord is able to speak to Nephi, and He gives him a blessing that I believe is a blessing that He can, and wants to give each one of us.
Aug 25- Helaman 9
When Nephi prophesied of the murder of the chief judge the wicked didn't believe him. For them it was easier to make up a complicated lie than to believe and easy truth. But 5 men believed and were converted today we will talk about why.
Aug 24- Helaman 7:29 8:22
Nephi knew of the evils of his people because God told him though the Spirit. We to ca be warned of the evils around us as we heed the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Also, Nephi testifies that all the prophets have testified of Christ. Today we will listen to some of the powerful testimonies of modern-day prophets about Christ.
Aug 23- Helaman 7:4-5, 20
President Benson taught that if we want to know what life will be like before the 2nd coming of Christ, that we could look to the Book of Mormon and see what it was like before the 1st coming of Christ. In these chapters as the righteous get better and the wicked get worse, I can totally see that that is true. Today we will discuss it, along with one thing that people did throughout the scriptures to stay strong.
Aug 22- Helaman 45-50
As Nephi and Lehi go out to preach the are confronted by an angry mob of Laminites. God sent fire, and earthquakes, and darkness, but none of those things changed their hearts. The change came for the Laminites when they heard God's message of peace and love.
Aug 21- Helaman 5:10-11
IN and FROM, 2 tiny words that totally change the way we see and use the atonement. Today, we discuss agency and the atonement.
Aug 20- Helaman 5:12
In Helaman 5 the word remember is used 15 times. How can we remember? And how can building our lives on Christ help us in times when we need it most?
Aug 19- Helaman 5:8-9
Helaman teaches his sons that all good things come because of Jesus Christ, and all good things that we do, draw us nearer to Him so that we can become more like Him.
Aug 18- Helaman 4:12-15
Here we begin to see the beginnings of a Nephite pride cycle. How can we learn from the Nephites? What can we do to help make humility a core attribute and not just something we reach for in moments of repentance?
Aug 17- Helaman 3:29-35
Verse 29 gives us a promise that the confusion and the evils of our day can be brought into focus as we lay hold on the word of God. Then in 35 we are shown that as we do the things that the Lord would have us do, we begin to change and have a greater desire to yield our hearts to God.
Aug 16- Helaman 3:25-28
Today we take a look at some of the characteristics of secret combinations, and some prophecies about secret combinations in our day. We also read about tens of thousands who repent and are baptized.
Aug 15- The Epistles
I love these chapters because we have 3 different people, all of whom had the right to be offended, but all 3 reacted so differently and made different choices. But that is just it...they were CHOICES. When we are in similar situations let us not forget we have agency in how we respond!
Aug 14- Alma 58:10-12
When the provisions they were expecting didn't come, the army of Helaman prayed for deliverance. I am sure they were expecting a huge miracle to come and deliver them. Instead, the miracle that came was more subtle, but FAR more powerful.
Aug 13- The Mothers
Have you ever wondered how these wonderful, and faithful mothers had the strength of conviction that their sons would be delivered? Especially after seeing their husbands and fathers killed? Today we will talk about the incredible faith of the Mothers of the Stripling Warriors.
Aug-12 Alma 56:10&47
The army of Helaman were able to maintain their courage because of their faith. But how were they able to maintain their faith? We will talk about that today!
Aug 11- Alma 55:2
Just as Moroni knew that he couldn't afford to give the Laminites any more power than what they already had, we cannot afford to make any choices in our lives that will turn our power, our agency over to the adversary.
Aug 10- Alma 53:20-21
Today we look at the stripling warriors; their amazing characteristics and how in the world ALL the youth of that generation became so stellar!
Aug 9- Alma 53
Does the Lord cause bad things to happen to us? It's a question I have heard many times as I have taught the gospel. The answer is no. However, we see in this chapter that God can use the agency of others, and those bad things to help us draw nearer unto Him.
Aug 8- Alma 49:20 & 50:23
Moroni place extra protection at the entry points, what are the entry points of our homes and how do we keep them safe. Also, it is said that the time of Moroni was one of the happiest times of the Book of Mormon. We also know that it was a time filled with war and other trials. How did the Nephites find that joy among the trials?
Aug 7- Alma 48:7-10
In a time of such worldly upheaval, it is more important than ever to follow the example of Moroni and prepare early and prepare well.
Aug 6- Alma 48:3-17
I learned a lot today as I pondered on the phrase "Stir up to anger." What does that look like, and how can we avoid it. Also we take a look at the attributes of Moroni, and what lead him to those attributes.
Aug 5- Alma 47:12-18
Today we are looking at Lehonti, how he gave a little and was poisoned by degrees. Now compare that to Nehemiah, he was so busy doing a great work that he refused to come down off the walls of Jerusalem.
Aug 4- Alma 46:15-21
For Moroni, the Title of Liberty became a symbol of his beliefs and his core values. His people GLADLY took upon themselves the name of Christians. As Christians in our day, our lives and our actions can be our Titles of Liberty, they become the symbols of our faith.
Aug 3- Alma 44:3-4
One thing we can learn from the war chapters is how to maintain faith in Jesus Christ, even and especially when life gets tough!
Aug 2- Alma 43:23&45
Moroni, in an effort to protect his family, friends and home from the enemy asked for and heeded the counsel of the prophet. Following the Lord's servants in our days will give us and our families protection as well.
Aug. 1- Alma 42:15-31
The law of Justice is eternal and unchanging, for God to pardon our sins would result in Him ceasing to be God. Knowing that no unclean thing can return to Him, and knowing that we would all become unclean, God in His love an mercy allowed for Christ to come to our aid as a mediator. Not to bridge our sins, but to pay, completely, for them.
July 31- Alma 42:1-4
Alma answers the question on Corianton's mind, "why would God punish me for my sins?" by teaching him about the Fall, and ultimately about repentance.
July 30- Alma 41:7-10
Today we talk about what Alma means when he tells his son that we will stand as our own judges, and that wickedness never was happiness.
July 29- Alma 40:12-14
Alma is an AWESOME parent! In this moment where his son SERIOUSLY screwed up, Alma understood what Corianton needed most. He needed eternal perspective.
July 28- Alma 40:11-12
What sweet comfort the doctrine of the resurrection gives us! Today we talk about the joy we know, and finding joy in the things we don't!
July 27- Alma 40:1-3
Today we see some of the things that make Alma an awesome dad and prophet, but BOTH of these things are things that we can do too!!!
July 26- Alma 39:1-4
As Alma begins his serious conversation with Corianton we see 2 things; 1st, that parent child relationships never change, and 2nd that sin starts small, and if we leave it unchecked can grow into devastating choices.
July 25- Alma 37:35
Alma talks to Helaman about the importance of learning to follow God in His youth. Every now and then while teaching seminary I heard a student talk about living outside of God's commandments now but repenting and cleaning up later. How I wish all youth could understand, it doesn't work that way! Today we will talk about the counsel that Alma gives Helaman.
July 24 Alma 37:33-34
I love reading this chapter as if it were an instruction manual to the prophets. After all, Alma was teaching and preparing Helaman for that very role. When I think of it like that verses 33 and 34 take on a deeper richer meaning to me.
July 23- Alma 37:6-7
Alma teaches that its the small and simple things that make the biggest difference. Imagine the power we could have if we started each day pondering what small things we could do that day.
July 22_ Alma 36 A Modern Day Story.
Today, with permission from my friend Tammy, I share a modern day Alma the Younger conversion experience. Scott's testimony, although I have never been blessed to meet him, has been a part of my own conversion. It has made me aware of the Lord's constant outstretched hand, and His desire to run to us, when we let Him.
July 21- Alma 36:16-21
Today we talk about the Lord's pattern when He calls us to repentance, and how it differs from the adversary trying to make us miserable, (spoiler alert) It's all about the Hope!
July 20- Alma 36:4-7 &26
What really converted Alma...was it the angel? We will talk about true conversion and where to find it today!
July 19- Alma 36:1-3
If you were to guess one of the most repeated phrases of the Book of Mormon, what would you guess? Today we will talk about my guess, as well as the promise Alma gives (that we all really need right now) If we put our trust in the Lord, he will lift us up in our troubles.
July 18- Alma 34:17-27
What I love about this chapter and the teachings of Amulek is he shows us an order to conversion. 1st, understand who Jesus Christ is and His atonement. 2nd, show your faith through repentance and begin that relationship with God. 3rd, deepen that relationship and be converted through consistent communication with Him. And do it now, because this life is the time.
July 17- Alma 34:15-16
Today we look at where Mercy, Love and Justice meet...I like to call it Grace.
July 16- Alma 34:8-9
Amulek says that he knows that Christ will come because God said it! I LOVE THAT FAITH. That isn't just believing in God, that is BELIEVING HIM!
July 15- Alma 33
Alma is going to explain one of my favorite scripture stories. Today the story of the Brass serpent will teach us about PERSONAL redemption.
July 14- Alma 32:38-39
After teaching about the importance of nourishing the seed he makes a disclaimer, DON"T STOP WORKING! We don't live in a world that allows us the luxury of ever stopping our efforts to build our faith!
July 13- Alma 32-21-28
I believe can be a powerful statement. The statement of belief is an invitation to act and obtain a witness of that belief.
July 12- Alma 32:1-10
The poorest of the Zoramites, who had been kicked out of their churches, embrace the gospel. But Alma helps them see that they can worship God anywhere, Amid this pandemic I am so grateful for the chance to worship God more fully in my home!
July 11- Alma 31:12-18
YOU GUYS! When Alma and the other missionaries hear the prayer of the Zoramites They. Are. Shook! Today we will talk about why the general attitude of the Zoramites was so dangerous!
July 10- Alma 31:9-11
Ever wonder where things went to wrong with the Zoramites??? It started with, as President Nelson says, a cafeteria approach to the commandments!
July 9- Alma 31:5
Elder Packer said, "True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior." Alma understood this, and he understood it well. He knew that if there were any chance for lasting change to come among the Zoramites, that it would only come as they understood the word of God.
July 8- Alma 30:37-44
To those who have hearts to believe, ALL things denote that there is a God!
July 7- Alma 30:20
Korihor pulls many of the Nephites away into unbelief. But when he goes to Jershon to try to pull the Anti Nephi Lehi's into disbelief they go to someone else for understanding. When we meet our own Anti-Christ's, no matter the form, we often have to reach up for help and understanding.
July 6- Alma 30:12-13
Korihor comes among the Nephites and teaches them all sorts of lies. One thing he says in particular is so fascinating to me. He calls the people "Yoked" by their beliefs. I want to tell him, "ABSOLUTELY! I am yoked by my belief in Christ!" Just not in the way that Korihor is meaning!
July 5- Alma 30:8
President Benson taught that the Book of Mormon brings us to Christ in 2 ways, by teaching about Him, and by identifying the enemy. Today we will talk about the teachings of the Anti-Christ's that we have seen so far. How do you see those same teachings in our day? We will also talk about how we can intentionally CHOOSE to worship God, this day, and everyday!
July 4- Alma 29
Oh That I were an angel!!!! I love Alma's desires. They truly show his conversion and his pure Christ-like character.
July 3- Alma 27
Today we look at 2 groups, the Nephites and the Anti Nephi Lehis. Both groups show us an incredible example of what it means to be a follower of Christ.
July 2- Alma 26:16-37
Have you ever felt the influence of the Savior and wanted to shout it from the rooftops? The Laminites did, Alma did, and we can too!
July 1- Alma 26:11-12
Ammon is so excited talking about all the wonderful things they have experienced, and he gives all the Glory to God. One of the greatest blessing of going through hard things is the chance that it gives us to look back and see how the hand of God was in our lives throughout it all.
June 30- Alma 26:1-3
What are the greatest blessings you have been given as you try to serve in God's kingdom? Today we talk about how we can be blessed as we try to love our fellow man
June 29- Alma 24
The Anti Nephi Lehis have so much they can teach us about what it means to truly repent. They help us understand that God's great gift of repentance can grant us lasting peace.
June 28- Alma 23
In this chapter the father of King Lamoni grants religious freedom to the Laminites. What can we learn about religious freedom based on this act?
June 27- Alma 22
This has got to be one of my FAVORITE scripture stories! I love what we can learn from the father of King Lamoni about how we can better come to know Heavenly Father.
June 26 - Alma 21
We live in a world that seriously feels addicted to outrage, what can you and I do to keep the contention from entering into our hearts?
June 25- Alma 20
The heart of the father of King Lamoni was changed all because he witnessed the unconditional love that Ammon had for Lamoni. Imagine how lives could be changed as we all learned to love the way Christ loves.
June 24- Alma 19:28, 34, and 36
Today these verses remind us of 2 extremely important things: 1st God keeps His promises, and 2nd Christ redeems all...even those who may not feel worthy of redemption.
June 23- Alma 19
Ammon says that "light had infused such joy" into Lamoni's soul! What a wonderful description of what the gospel does for us!
June 22- Alma 18:1-5
Mormon teaches us something interesting about the Laminite's belief system here in these verses. He teaches us that they believed in a Higher Power, but they believed that that Higher Power didn't care what they did. This is a lie that Satan told then...and it's a lie that he still tells today! God DOES care about what we do, today we will discuss why!
June 21- Alma 17:1-3
In today's chapters Alma is going to meet up with the son's of Mosiah, and he is overjoyed to see that they are still wonderful, faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. In verses 2 and 3 we get the chance to see what they did that helped them not just stay strong in the face of adversity...but to thrive in it.
June 20- Alma 15
Today we are going to real talk about the strength that can be found in meeting together with the saints often...I know funny timing since we haven't been able to gather in months. We will also see what we can learn from Alma as he ministers to a brokenhearted Amulek.
June 19- Alma 15
When Alma and Amulek enter into Sidom they are summoned to the bed of Zeezrom. They show us incredible examples of meekness and forgiveness and they go immediately to him. Also we find out the sacrifices Amulek makes to follow the word of God.
June 18- Alma 14
Part 2 of Alma chapter 14: Why bad things happen to good people.
June 17- Alma 14
This is part 1 or 2 for Alma chapter 14. So many people struggle to believe in God because they can't understand a God that would allow bad things to happen to good people. Today and tomorrow, through the story told in chapter 14 we will talk about Why bad things happen in our lives, how we can maintain our faith in God, and what we can learn.
June 16- Alma 13:12
3 different times in Alma chapter 13 it talks about entering into the Lord's rest! 3 times in just a few verses!!!!! Today we are going to take a look at things we can do to receive that rest, today and in the next life.
June 15- Alma 13:3 (Again)
Alma talks about the priests being made worthy through a preparatory redemption. We talk about Christ being "Mighty to Save," but He is so mighty to save that he began saving us before he ever stepped foot into Gethsemane! Talk about an infinite atonement!
June 14- Alma 13:1-3
In this chapter Alma teaches the people about the priesthood and foreordination. What exactly does it mean to be foreordained? How does that play in to our agency? And how can we know what God wants us to do?
June 13- Alma 12:14-15
After realizing that Amulek was discerning his thoughts by the power of God Zeezrom's attitude began to change. Now instead of asking questions to ensnare them, he was asking questions to understand who God is.
June 12- Alma 11:20-37
Here, Zeezrom asks Amulek to give up something of infinite worth, for something of little importance. When we see it in the scriptures it seems so silly that anyone would do that, yet often times in little ways we choose to sacrifice the things of the Spirit for that of little worth.
June 11- Alma 11:1-20
Today we are going to talk about the Nephite monetary system and how it compared to a system used in the old world at the Lehi...Ok I know that sounds super boring, but I promise IT IS SO COOL!!!! In fact, I nerd out in a huge way over stuff like this!
June 10- Alma 10
Today Amulek gets tag teamed in, to teach the people. We learn an important lesson about how important it is to hear the Lord when He is trying to speak to us!
June 9- Alma 9
Have you ever noticed that when a Book of Mormon prophet is calling a group of people to repentance one of the first things they say is, "how have you so easily forgotten?" What is it about remembering that preserves testimony? Today we will talk about it!
June 8- Alma 8 (Part 2)
Here, as Alma is feeling like a massive failure, an angel of the Lord comes and tells him to rejoice! The Lord wasn't concerned that Alma's time in Ammonihah hadn't yielded immediate or measurable success, he was rejoicing in the fact that Alma had been obedient to everything that the Lord had asked Him to do. Can you and I get ourselves to believe that the Lord is equally pleased with our efforts...even on those days that we feel like we have failed?
June 7- Alma 8
Heavenly Father asks us all to do hard things, we all get discouraged, we all feel like failures at times. But we can take heart and trust in the Lord, knowing that if He commanded us...then He will find a way.
June 6- Alma 7:10-13
The description of what the Savior does for us, and why, that is found in these verses, should be all we ever need to understand the pure love that He has for us!
June 5- Alma 6
Because of the power of the Spirit that came to the people as Alma preached most repented, and those who hadn't previously joined the church were baptized. Alma gave a special invitation to the members on behalf of those who didn't yet know God, and it would be so powerful for us in our day!
June 4- Alma 5:38-48
Sometimes we have the tendency to over complicate the commandments. Alma teaches us here that the commandments are plain and simple, he also teaches us that the testimony gained from a vision or a miracle doesn't outshine the testimony that comes from fasting, prayer and the Holy Ghost.
June 3- Alma 5:38
The voice of the Good Shepherd calls to each of us, how can we learn to hear Him better?
June 2- Alma 5:16-28
Today we sit down for a personal priesthood interview with Alma!
June 1- Alma 5:12-14
In these verses Alma gives us the recipe for salvation, and we talk about what it means to have Christ's image in our countenances.
May 31- Alma 5:6-7
Today Alma reminds us that the Savior doesn't just save us by His grace, He changes us with it as well!
May 30- Alma 4:15-20
Alma gave up his seat as chief judge and gave himself wholly to the work of salvation. He went all in! What are we giving ourselves wholly to?
May 29 Alma 4:12-14
The Book of Mormon warns us against costly apparel so many times I am starting to worry every time I buy new clothes! Not really, but does God really hate money? Sometimes it sounds that way in the scriptures. Today we are going to talk about how Heavenly Father feels about money, and how we can make sure that money doesn't make us fall into the sin of pride.
May 28- Alma 3:13-14
The Amlicites marked themselves with red on their foreheads. Now I know that they are the bad guys, but I think we can learn a lot about marking ourselves distinct and different from the world by the way we are.
May 27- Alma 1:12 & 2:28
Alma accuses Nahor of Priestcraft, and of setting himself up as a light. As teachers and parents and in our callings we must make an effort not to be like Nahor, we have to always strive to point others to Christ and then get out of the way of His glorious message.
May 26- Alma 1:6-12
Gideon, that amazing, rock-solid disciple of Jesus Christ shows us what it means to be a defender of truth.
May 25- Alma 1:2-5
Nehor the Anti-Christ taught the people all sorts of half truths, and he was effective because it is so much easier to believe a half truth than a bold faced lie! This is the same strategy that satan uses in our day. He flatters and spreads half truths trying to lull us into carnal security.
May 24- Mosiah 29
What does the establishment of the judges teach us about our own judgement? And what can we learn about what God expects us to demand from our leaders? King Mosiah has the answers!
Mosiah 28:1-3
It's not our mistakes that define who we are, it's what we choose to do after. The sons of Mosiah picked themselves up and became the reatest missionaries of the Book of Mormon! And all of that came because of the love of Christ!
May 22- Mosiah 27:24-26
As members of the Church of Jesus Christ do we believe in being born again? And really what does that mean? Today we talk about the Lord's commandment to be born again and how we can do it.
Mosiah 27: 10-14
Today we talk about the rebellion of Alma the Younger and the prayers that his father and people offered up which were the catalyst for His redemption.
May 20- Mosiah 26:10-38
Have you ever come up against something and not known how to move forward? I think we all have to some degree. In this chapter Alma is going to show us a pattern that we can follow to move forward with faith.
May 19- Mosiah 26:1-3
Mosiah 26 starts out by talking about the rising generation and how they didn't have the same conversion as their parents, because they were just little during the time of King Benjamin's sermon. It made me think. It is not enough to think that our children will be converted because we are. We must do all we can to help them have opportunities where the Spirit can sink deep within their hearts, so they can experience conversion for themselves.
Mosiah 25:16
The scriptures are replete with stories of deliverance, if fact, that is one of the 3 purposes of the Book of Mormon! But Alma asks us to remember that the power isn't in the miracle, it is in the great Deliverer.
May 17- Mosiah 25:10
When the people of Zarahemla learn about how the Lord blessed and delivered Alma and his people they praised God and were in awe of His power and His immediate goodness. When have you seen the immediate goodness of God in your life?
May 16- Mosiah 24
The Lord tells the people of Alma that he will "strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens.: Notice he didn't say, " strengthen them so they could bear up their OWN burdens." They people just years before had made a covenant to bear one another's burdens and I believe that when things got hard they did just that!
Mosiah 23
Chapter 23 epitomizes the classic question, why do bad things happen to good people. Today we will talk about why Heavenly Father chastens his children...the answer might surprise you.
May 14- Mosiah 21
This chapter says that the Lord was slow to hear the prayers of the people. Have you ever felt that way? Today we will talk about what to do and learn when it feels like the answer to our prayers is no.
May 13- Mosiah 20
Temperance is a Christ-like attribute that is used in the scriptures several times...but isn't talked about a lot. Today we will look at how a little temperance could have saved a lot of lives!
May 12- Mosiah 19
I love thinking about the unsung heroes of the scriptures. One of those, in my opinion, is Gideon. We don't know a ton about him except that he was a leader in Noah's army and he had courage in his convictions that what Noah was doing was wrong. There is a lot we can learn from him about how to stay strong in our beliefs even if it feels like we are standing alone.
May 11: Mosiah 18:13, 21, 30
As we become the Lord's covenant people who should we love? How should we set up our wards and families? We will talk about it today!
May 10- Mosiah 18:1-10
May 9- Mosiah 17
Often times when we talk about the martyrdom of Abinadi we say that he was killed for teaching about Christ...that isn't necessarily true! TOday we will look at why King Noah was so angry, and what we can do to keep from falling into the same trap.
May 8- Mosiah 16
Have you ever wondered why Mormon placed the plates of Zeniff where he did. Right after the sermon of King Benjamin he added these plates which contain the story of King Noah. I believe that Mormon did it on purpose to show us the contrast between righteous leadership and wicked leadership. The question is, what can you and I learn?
May 7- Mosiah 16
Abinadi teached that the "sting of death is swallowed up in Christ." In what ways has that been true in your life? There are several ways that Christ takes the sting our of death, and today we will talk about how.
May 6- Mosiah 15: 8-11
God obeys His laws, or He would cease to be God. Abinadi teaches that the Savior stands between us, and all our sins and mistakes, and the law of justice, and by so doing he frees us from suffering the demands of the law. So what is our part? We will talk about it today.
May 5- Mosiah 15:1-7
What can the submissiveness and condescension of Jesus Christ teach us about obtaining happiness in this life? We will talk about it today!
May 4- Mosiah 12-13
Mosiah tells the priests of Noah that they don't understand with their hearts. What is the role of our hearts in gospel learning? We will talk about tit today!
May 3- Mosiah 11
In this chapter we so often get focused on the incredible wickedness of the people that we overlook the overwhelming mercy of God. Rather than writing the people off and walking away, He sends them a prophet to invite them to repent, and to change. God is always inviting us to make changes in our lives, through prophets and through the Holy Ghost. Our receptiveness to those invitations will determine our closeness to the Lord.
May 2- Mosiah 10
Who were the Laminites and what was in their hearts? Today we talk about how anger and resentment distanced the Laminites for others and from God.
May 1- Mosiah 10:1-2
As Zeniff prepares his people for war, we can learn a lot about the things we can do to strengthen and fortify our homes and lives against the adversary.
April 30- Mosiah 9
What are some things that Zeniff did that could have led his family away from worshiping God? What our our responsibilities to the children in our lives? Today we will talk about some pitfalls of Zeniff and how to avoid them in our families.
April 29- Mosiah 9
The scriptures talk about the sin of "Vain Ambition." Is that what lead to the downfall of Zeniff and his people?
April 28- Mosiah 8:15-18
Ammon is going to teach Limhi the difference between a Prophet, a Seer and a Revelator, and we are going to talk about the blessing it is for us to have 15 of them on the Earth today!
April 27- Mosiah 7 25, 29 & 30
Limhi tells his people that God allowed these trials to come upon them because of their wickedness. Today we will talk a little bit about why God allows bad things to happen, and the blessings promised during times of trial for the righteous.
April 26- Mosiah 7:19
Today I am going to run through the timeline of Mosiah, because if you are anything like me, this timeline is a little hard to follow. Then we see how Limhi responds when he meets Ammon, he rejoices and asks his people to rejoice as they remember God's power to deliver.
April 25- Mosiah 6:3
After this INCREDIBLE conversion, the people went home with to their homes with their families. Maybe that seems like an obvious detail, but I don't think Mormon included anything by chance. I think there is an important lesson here about the importance of fostering conversion in our homes!
April 24- Mosiah 2:15
This is King Benjamin's mic drop! His desire is that we should be steadfast and immovable, so that Christ can SEAL us His. That is pretty much the greatest promise I can imagine...but what exactly does it mean? We will talk about it today!
April 23- Mosiah 2:12
What does it mean to write the name of Christ upon our hearts? Today we will talk about how the center of our hearts determines our identity, self worth, strength to act and our moral compass. When we keep Christ written at the center we stay grounded in ALL aspects of our lives!
April 22- Mosiah 5:7-8
What's in a name? Actually quite a lot...depending of the name you choose to bear. Today we will talk about what it means to take upon ourselves the name of Christ, and 3 things we can do to bear that name well.
April 21- Mosiah 5:2
Here again in Mosiah 5 we see the pattern of belief, to testimony, to conversion! We also get a clearer picture on how to have that mighty change of heart and to rely on He who is "mighty to save."
April 20- Mosiah 9-10, 12
King Benjamin tells the people that they can "always retain a remission of (their) sins." I don't know about you guys...but I WANT THAT! Today we will talk about what that means and how we obtain that blessing!
April 19- Mosiah 2-3, 5-6, 9
Today we will take a look at what it means to have peace of conscience vs having peace of mind. Also, multiple times in the scriptures someone says that man is nothing...Moses said it, now King Benjamin, what does that exactly mean? Maybe not what you've always thought!
April 18- Mosiah 3:19
Who is the natural man, and how do we rid ourselves of him so that we can become as a child? Today we will look at this iconic scripture and learn how to become a saint.
April 17- Mosiah 3:3-9
King Benjamin tells his people that an angel came to him to declare that which would "fill them with joy." What was it? What is the doctrine that, when understood will fill us with joy? We will look into that today!
April 16- Mosiah 2:41
King Benjamin lays side by side the consequences of unrepentant disobedience, vs repentant obedience. When you compare the 2 it is pretty motivating to stay on the covenant path!
April 15- Mosiah 2:21-22
We are told in this chapter that no matter what we do we will be unprofitable servants. Why? Join me today as we discover why there is no such thing as evening the score with Heavenly Father.
April 14- Mosiah 2:9, 14 &17
Right off the bat King Benjamin asks his people to trifle not with his words. Meaning, he asks them to treat sacred things sacred. You and I are blessed with protection and we trifle not with the sacred things in our lives. Also, King Benjamin's example of service!!! Today we will talk about how we show God our love as we love His kids!
April 13- Mosiah 1:10-11
We talk about King Benjamin being an amazing king, but one thing that I have always missed was that King Benjamin helped his people make higher covenants with Heavenly Father by giving them a new name! Today we look at the biblical significance of being given a new name, and what that means for us!
April 12- Mosiah 1:2-5
Have you ever noticed the theme in the scriptures of parents teaching there children the language of their fathers? The language that the scriptures are written in? The parents of the Book of Mormon teach us how VITAL it is that we teach our children to read and understand the scriptures!
April 11- Sunday will Come
When Peter understood the news that Christ had risen, he RAN to the sepulcher. He was so anxious to gain that testimony of the risen Lord that he ran. How do we approach our opportunities to know Him better? Do we run? Also, because Christ rose from the dead, you and I can take great comfort in our times of dificulty.
April 10- A Universal Resurrection
Joseph Smith once declared that ALL of our beliefs are appendages to our belief that Jesus Christ died and was resurrected. We believe in a universal resurrection. But why is it so important?
April 9- Isaiah 58 & Moses 4:2
Today I want to take just a minute and talk about the invitation to fast from President Nelson and what we can learn about fasting from Isaiah 58. Also, the lesson we learn about the Savior and his submission in Moses 4:2.
April 8- Isaiah 53
Christ told his disciples to "Be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world." This chapter helps us understand HOW we can be of good cheer.
April 7- The Enabling Power
What would your life look like and feel like if the Atonement of Jesus Christ suddenly disappeared? Where would you turn for peace? Where could you possibly find hope? The Atonement is real and because of it, we have hope and assurance of a glorious eternity.
April 6- Moroni 10:32
The Atonement of Jesus Christ is not an auto body shop, but so often we treat it that way and live well below our privileges! Grace is sufficient, not just to forgive you of sins, but to perfect you and to strengthen you to be better!
April 5- Alma 7:11-13
Christ chose to take upon himself everything that we would feel and experience so that he could run to us and lift and strengthen us. He did all of that so that we would never have to be alone in our suffering.
April 4- Living Prophets and Apostles
"We either have a prophet or we have nothing; and having a prophet, we have everything!" We are not left alone to try to figure out our modern times alone. We are given modern prophets for our modern world!
April 3- The Priesthood and the Temple
Without the priesthood and the ordinances of the temple what would have been the point of the Restoration? Heavenly Father said their would be a restoration of ALL things. That included a restoration of His power on the Earth and the ordinances that make exaltation possible.
April 2- The Book of Mormon
If we are pondering the blessings of the restoration then we HAVE to talk about the Book of Mormon. Modern day prophets and apostles have promised us that as we study the Book of Mormon we will be blessed and strengthened against the evils of the day!
April 1- "For I had seen a vision"
Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ. So what does that mean for you and I? Today we are going to talk about some of the things that the fist vision can teach us about our relationship with God.
March 31- Versions of the 1st Vision
There are 4 different firsthand versions of the 1st vision. Some people struggle with why these versions are a little different from one another. Today we are going to talk about why the different accounts don't discredit the vision at all. Also, what we can learn about what Joseph really wanted to know when we combine the different versions.
March 30- The Apostasy and Restoration
You guys, we are making a pretty big pivot today! I didn't realize (although I should have) That the Easter block is meant to last for 2 weeks because of Conference. So rather than cover it for 2 weeks, I thought we would dive into President Nelson's challenge to study the restoration before conference. I apologize, because today we are talking history and all the things that had to happen to prepare the way for the First Vision, but tomorrow we will jump into Joseph Smith History!
March 29- 2nd Nephi 2:6
Easter week! Which means its a week full of MY favorite scriptures on the atonement of Jesus Christ. Today is 2nd Nephi 2:6. I often talk about how to redeem means to buy back, but what does that actually mean??? Today we will dive in and look at what it means to be a "purchased people."
March 28- Words of Mormon
Why do we have a random chapter by a prophet who lived 385 years after Christ inserted here in the Book of Mormon??? The short answer is inspiration. Today, we will talk about the longer answer!
March 27- Omni
The book of Omni is different than any other book in the Book of Mormon, 5 different authors and it spans around 230 years! In Omni we learn about the people of Zarahemla and we hear the final admonition of Amaleki to offer our whole souls as an offering to Him.
March 26- Jarom
Have you ever considered that the way we treat the Sabbath day is a sign to Heavenly Father how much we value our covenants with Him? Jarom explains that the Nephite's treatment of the Sabbath day was something that made them distinct.
March 25- Enos (again!)
"A man filled with the love of God is not content with blessing his family alone, but is anxious to bless the whole human race." Today, as we study the conversion of Enos, we will look at how that conversion filled him with a desire to bless not just his family, but also his enemies!
March 24- Enos (Take 3)
Today we are going to look at the aspect of Enos' conversion where he learns to receive and perceive revelation. Each of us have to learn how to receive instructions from the Lord on our paths to becoming more like Him.
March 23- Enos (take 2)
Have you ever been super hungry? Enos was...after all that is why he was out hunting, but once the testimony of the words of his father sunk deep into his heart his hunger for the spiritual far outweighed the hunger for the spiritual.
March 22- Enos
What is the difference between testimony and conversion? And more importantly, how does one become converted? The next few days as we look at Enos we are going to look at how Enos takes his faith from knowledge, to testimony to conversion, and how we can do the same!
March 21- Jacob 7
Today, while reading Jacob 7 I noticed something I had never seen before. Sherem challenges Jacob and asks for a sign. Jacob responds that he didn't want to tempt God and ask for a sign of things that Sherem already knew! How did Sherem go from being a believer of Christ, to someone trying to destroy the faith of other? How can we protect and maintain our testimonies?
March 20- Jacob 7
Jacob 6 seemed to be the end of Jacob's writing, he had said his goodbyes! But what was so important that it caused him to write one last chapter? He wanted to teach us about Sherem the anti-christ, in hopes that by doing so, you and I could learn to recognize the lies of the adversary.
March 19- Jacob 6
The greatest sermon ever taught in 3 words! OH BE WISE! After spending his life teaching his people the doctrines of Christ, Jacob signs off by teaching them that it is time for them to take that knowledge that he has given them, and put it into action.
March 18- Jacob 6
God has enlisted us in His work, and he has promised us certain blessings when we work with all our might. Today we are going to talk about the promises of the Lord when we make His work and glory our work as well.
March 17- Jacob 5
Elder Holland taught that we can learn more about the nature of God from this allegory than almost any other piece of scripture! What did he mean by that? And what is our role in working the vineyard?
March 16- Jacob 5
Today as I was reading in Jacob 5 it became super personal to me and showed me how often times the Lord will treat me as he treats the tree in this allegory. He is ever present in our lives, even when we feel we can't see him there.
March 15- Jacob 5
Part 1 of the Allegory of the Olive Tree. I can't even tell you how many times I have read this chapter and then thought, "What did I just read?" Today I want to give you the symbols used and what they mean so that it can help us decipher this allegory.
March 14- Jacob 4
Seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand! Seems so simple, so obvious...but often times it is so hard to do. Today we are going to talk about some ways where we might be trying to counsel the Lord, and how we can try instead to take counsel from his hand.
March 13- Jacob 4
When is a time that you have received revelation from the scriptures? Jacob talked about receiving revelation from the words of the prophets, and that those witnesses filled him with hope and strength. Are we receiving those same blessings from the scriptures?
March 12- Jacob 4
Jacob talks about how he has taught his people many things but can only wrote a few of them because of how difficult it is to engrave on the plates. Today we are going to talk about why metal plates were necessary and how it actually wasn't uncommon to write on plates of metal in that day .
March 11- Jacob 3
Have you ever suffered because of the actions of someone else? In Jacob 3, Jacob talks to the women and children, because he knows that they are suffering from the poor choices of the men. He give us a few things we can do when our hearts hurt from the actions of others.
March 10- Jacob 2
Why does Jacob say that pride will "destroy your soul?" Is it really that bad? Today we will look at pride and how the sin of pride destroys our relationships with others and with God.
March 9- Jacob 1
Today in Jacob 1 we will look at what the words of Jacob teach us about being a good leader in the church, what attributes we can develop to help us serve better! Also, we will take a look at verses 15 and 16 and discuss the dangers of "somewhat."
March 8- Jacob 1
What do we actually know about the prophet Jacob? Today we will find out more about him by looking at what the scriptures have to say about him. Plus we will study what Jacob considers to be the "most precious" things that should be included in the small plates.
March 7- 2nd Nephi 33
I MUST OBEY!!!! Could any other 3 words sum up who Nephi was better???? I don't think so! Today we will look at Nephi's obedience, as well as his declaration that Christ has redeemed his soul from hell.
March 6- 2nd Nephi 33
The final testimony of Nephi! Today we will talk about the first part of his testimony, where he testifies of the power of the the Holy Ghost UNTO the hearts of the children of men, and his desires for his writings to be a strength and power to those who would read it! If only he knew then that his words would change millions of lives and hearts!
March 5- 2nd Nephi 32:8-9
Today we will look at the 2nd thing that Nephi teaches us that we can do to increase personal revelation in our lives!
March 4- 2nd Nephi 32:1-7
In this chapter Nephi wants to teach his people how to obtain revelation for themselves but they don't seem to understand. Today we will look at the 1st of 2 ways he teaches them to obtain revelation, with the promise that if they seek, and do these things, Christ can teach them ALL things!
March 3- 2nd Nephi 31:17&20
What does it mean that a remission of our sins comes by fire and by the Holy Ghost? Also, we will look more in depth at verse 20, what is a perfect brightness of hope, and how do we obtain it?
Mar 2- 2nd Nephi 31
Today, I LEARNED SOMETHING I NEVER REALIZED BEFORE!!!!! It was so exciting for me! So I'll share it with you! (You guys probably already knew it and will think, "DUH Lynzi!" But I was so excited!) Also, what does it really mean when the Savior said He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness? We will take a look!
Mar 1- 2nd Nephi 31:1-2
Nephi says that he is satisfied with the things which he had written, but that he still has a few more things of his heart that he wants to share. Considering these are his last words they were probably super important to him. Today we will be talking about "the doctrines of Christ." What are they? And why are they so important?
Feb 29 2nd Nephi 30
Nephi talks about the division that will happen between the righteous and the wicked before and at the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ, and the peace that will be found as Satan is bound during the Millennium. But did you know that Pres. Kimball promised that we could obtain that peace and bind Satan in our lives now? We will talk about how in today's Daily Dose.
Feb 28 2nd Nephi 29
2nd Nephi 29 teaches us some reasons why God brought forth the Book of Mormon in the latter-day. But the coming forth of the Book of Mormon also teaches us about 4 important characteristics of God. How have these attributes of God blessed your life?
Daily Dose Feb 27 2 Nephi 28:7-8
Today we talk about a warning given in 2nd Nephi 28:7-8, and we take a deeper look into how to protect ourselves from the lies of the adversary.
Daily Dose Feb 26 2 Nephi 28
Today we are going to to look at 2nd Nephi 28 where the Lord teaches about the tools that the adversary will use in the latter-days, and the promises given if we obey God's commandments.
Feb 25 2 Nephi 27:12-14
Nephi prophesied of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, and the testimony of the 3 witnesses, today we will look at each of those witnesses as well as a cool cross reference to the word "few" in verse 13 regarding the 8 witnesses. Also, who are the man witnesses spoken of in verse 14? The answer might surprise you!
Feb 24 2 Nephi 27:20
God is able to do His work, and as a testimony of that He put His great work in the hands of an unlearned farm boy in upstate New York.
Feb 23 2nd Nephi 26
Today we talk about flaxen cords. What are they? Why does the adversary use them, and how can we break those cords before they turn into chains? Also, we talk about practical ways to love as the Savior loved and to develop charity like He had.
Daily Dose Feb 22 2 Nephi 25:26
The Book of Mormon really IS Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Today we are going to take a look at some doctrines we know about Christ because we have the Book of Mormon as well as some stats that really show us that the prophets of the Books of Mormon talked, rejoiced, preached, and wrote all about Christ!
Daily Dose Feb 21 2 Nephi 25:23
After ALL we can do. Feels pretty daunting right? How are we supposed to know if we are doing enough??? After all, we can always be a little better, right? GREAT NEWS! This phrase may not mean what we often say it means. In today's episode we will examine the balance between Grace and Works, and what is all we can do.
Daily Dose Feb 20 2 Nephi 21
What the heck is Isaiah talking about when he refers to the Stem of Jesse, and the branch, and roots and rod???? Let's figure it out! Plus we will look at how this chapter corresponds perfectly with another oral tradition of the Jews! Also, we will take a peek in Chapter 22 at, what is often called, Isaiah's prayer. Hope you enjoy!
Daily Dose Feb 19 2 Nephi 15, 16, &19
Isaiah uses some familiar symbols in chapter 15 and also describes modern day machines with ancient knowledge. Also, in chapter 16 we see a pretty cool evidence of the translation of the Book of Mormon. And finally, in chapter 19 we look at the titles that Isaiah gave the Savior. How does he fulfill those roles in your life?
Daily Dose Feb 18 2nd Nephi 14
Yesterday we talked about the Daughters of Zion with their wanton eyes and pride and vanity. Today, in chapter 14 the Lord will teach us 3 things we can do to stand strong and and firm as a latter-day member.
Daily Dose February 17
Who are the Daughters of Zion and what is Isaiah talking about here??? The answer might surprise you! Let take a look at some other scripture and figure out these daughters and their wanton eyes!!!!
Daily Dose February 16
2nd Nephi 12, AKA Isaiah 2! Today we will look at 2 Isaiah prophecies, one is a latter-day prophecy about the temple, the second is a millennial prophecy. How we can begin to have the promised peace of the millennium in our lives today!
Daily Dose February 15
In 2nd Nephi 11 Nephi says that he delights in the covenants of God and in testifying of Christ to his people. 2000+ years later and modern day prophets still delight in those same things!
Daily Dose February 14
Today we look at the word "reconcile" What does it mean? And how does the act of being reconciled change us?
Daily Dose February 13
I'm a word nerd! Today I want to take a look at the difference between how the scriptures talk about knowledge vs wisdom. Is there a difference? If so, what is it???
Daily Dose February 12
2nd Nephi 9!!! You guys, 2nd Nephi 9 is one of the greatest sermons of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how Christ has the power to deliver us! Today we will talk a little bit about how God is constantly showing us that He has the power to deliver, and how He desperately want us to believe it.
Daily Dose February 11
Daily Dose February 10
As promised (I know you were awaiting it eagerly) Today we jump into Isaiah. We talk about how the Lord doesn't distance Himself from us, but because of our choices we often distance ourselves from Him
Daily Dose February 9
Have you ever read Isaiah and thought, "What the heck did I just read?" Me too! Until I learned 2 tricks that really helped me understand better! Today I will share those tricks and look at how Jacob establishes his authority to preach to the Nephites as he begins his sermon to them. Hope you enjoy!!!!
February 8
Today's Daily Dose comes from 2nd Nephi 4 and 5 (I just couldn't narrow it down). Today we will talk about letting the Lord redeem and reclaim us and not digging into past mistakes, also, what does it mean to sacrifice and leave things behind so that God can do something more with us. Thanks for listening!
Daily Dose February 7
Come Follow Me- Daily Dose: February 7th. Today we are going to dive back into 2nd Nephi 2, but today we are going to focus on verses 25 and 26, and what it means that we "might have joy." Hope you enjoy!
February 6: 2 Nephi 2
Daily Dose Introduction
Fler poddar
Podcasten Come Follow Me- Daily Dose är skapad av Lynzi H. Podcastens innehåll och bilderna på den här sidan hämtas med hjälp av det offentliga podcastflödet (RSS).
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.