1:1-2 We actually learn a lot from these first few sentences of the Bible. We get additional clarification in Moses 2 and Abraham 4. I’m going to do my best to glean what valuable information is given to us through three accounts. In Genesis, we read, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” The earth was formed from u

Moses 1:4-5, 11 There are a lot of deep principles being taught in these sections of the Pearl of Great Price. I won’t pretend to understand much of it. I guess I understand what I’m supposed to understand for now. It’s this way for all of us really. Moses was given an amazing revelation - but it didn’t include ALL of God’s works. “And, behold, thou art my son; wherefore look, and I will show thee the workmanship of mine hands; but not all , for my works are without end, and

This week’s Come Follow Me lesson is about the Family Proclamation given by the LDS church’s leaders in 1995. At the time it was presented, it was not controversial. It seemed obvious. Admittedly, it seemed so simple and straightforward at that time that I didn’t actually study it. I gave it a surface reading. As I read it now, I see that every paragraph teaches important principles and reveals key information about the plan of salvation. I don’t think I’ve had ears that hear

137:7-8 What happens to the billions of people who have died without knowing the name of Jesus? These people never had an OPPORTUNITY! It isn’t fair that these billions of people will be destined for damnation in the next life - because they were simply uninformed. The good news is that this isn’t the case. Everyone will get the opportunity to hear the gospel and accept it or reject it. This is clarified in these two chapters in plain language. “Thus came the voice of the Lor

129:1-3 There is a lot of interesting doctrine in these chapters. We could spend a long time trying to fully understand it. First, we learn about different types of beings in heaven. “There are two kinds of beings in heaven, namely: Angels, who are resurrected personages, having bodies of flesh and bones — For instance, Jesus said: Handle me and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. Secondly: the spirits of just men made perfect, they who are not resu

126:2 Many of us have callings that aren’t visible to large groups of people. It may be that we are a primary teacher or activities committee member or ward missionary or facilities manager. It could be that very few are even aware that we have our calling. That doesn’t mean that there isn’t a lot of work. In fact, your low-visibility calling could require a lot of effort and no one really knows. This verse is suggesting that the most important person is fully aware. The Lord

124:1 Why didn’t the Lord choose someone smarter than Joseph Smith? Why wouldn’t the Lord select a more educated man? Why not someone who was already a political or religious leader? Why, out of all the people of the world, did He choose a 14 year old, uneducated, poor boy in Palmyra? I’ve thought about this question and usually my answer is that he needed someone who was young and untainted by life. He needed to pour his “wine in new bottles.” Only a young, inexperienced per

115:5 When Marci and I built our home in the middle of the forest, the idea was that we would become hermits. We loved being in nature and the peace and quiet we find here. We thought we would stay up on the property and come down only a few times a month. We didn’t really think it through. In the year before we moved in, we decided to serve a church mission in Florida. This changed our perspective. After that, we began working for the church’s Missionary Department. We found

111:1 There are many parts of my life that I could describe as “follies.” The dictionary defines folly as “lack of good sense; foolishness.” I’ve made some senseless decisions. I’ve had foolish priorities. I have been irresponsible. Many days have been filled with thoughtlessness where I haven’t considered what I’m doing and have wasted my time. It would be very comforting to hear the Lord say, “I, the Lord your God, am not displeased with your coming this journey, notwithsta

109:7 How do we help each other develop faith? There are a bunch of ways but this verse suggests a primarily two: diligent learning and...

106:3 We’ve had some changes recently in our financial situation. I’ve had to get back to working full time. Making money has become a...

102:17-21 The church conducts disciplinary councils. There are three purposes for these councils: To save the soul of the transgressor....

9 4 :6 The Lord gave direction about how the temple should be built. “And it shall be dedicated unto the Lord from the foundation thereof...

93:1 God is no respecter of persons. He is willing to appear to anyone. “Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every...

89:2 The scriptures are written for our spiritual salvation. Their purpose is not for our temporal salvation. Earlier in the D&C, we...

88:3-4 “Wherefore, I now send upon you another Comforter, even upon you my friends, that it may abide in your hearts, even the Holy...

81:3-4 The Lord appears to give an “if…then” statement through Joseph Smith to Frederick Williams (eventually). IF Frederick does certain...

77:2 Section 77 is a little unique in that it’s a literal Q&A where Joseph is asking questions and the Lord is answering. Obviously, most...

76:7-10 How much true and lasting wisdom and understanding do we earn? Humans are discovering worldly scientific principles at an...

71:1 In this verse, the Lord is giving Joseph Smith directions about WHAT to do and HOW to do it. “Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you...