A Journey of Obedience and Blessing

Posted on July 31, 2024 by latterdays

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” (Joshua 1:8)

This verse, delivered to Joshua as he prepared to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, emphasises the centrality of God’s Law in the life of the faithful. It is a powerful reminder of the blessings that come from diligent study and adherence to the Commandments.

The phrase “this book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth” shows the necessity of continual engagement with the Scriptures. It is not enough to merely possess the Law; we must actively speak of it, ponder its precepts, and incorporate its teachings into our daily conversations and actions. The injunction to “meditate therein day and night” calls for a constant reflection on God’s word. This meditation is not a passive activity but an active engagement that shapes our thoughts, influences our decisions, and transforms our character.
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Bringing Souls unto Christ—Lessons from Alma the Younger

Posted on July 30, 2024 by latterdays

“Yea, and from that time even until now, I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste; that they might also be born of God, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.” (Alma 36:24)

This verse from the Book of Mormon captures the deep transformation and dedication of Alma the Younger, a man who, after experiencing a miraculous conversion, devoted his life to the service of the Lord. His words resonate with deep commitment and an earnest desire to share the joy of the Gospel with others.
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Reflections on Revelation – Chapter 2

Posted on July 30, 2024 by latterdays

The second chapter of the book of Revelation contains messages to four of the seven churches in Asia Minor: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira. These messages, delivered by Christ through John, offer commendation, rebuke, exhortation, and promises to each church, reflecting their specific circumstances and spiritual conditions. These messages emphasises the importance of faithfulness, repentance, and overcoming trials in the journey towards exaltation. Continue reading →

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Reflections on Revelation – Chapter 1

Posted on July 29, 2024 by latterdays

Revelation Chapter 1 introduces the revelation of Jesus Christ given to John, often called John the Revelator, which is a critical text in the theology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Latter Day Saint Movement as a whole. The chapter sets the stage for the visions and prophecies that follow, revealing key doctrinal elements and symbolic representations. Continue reading →

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The Importance of Keeping Promises

Posted on July 28, 2024 by latterdays

Promises are more than mere words; they are commitments that define our character and integrity. In the Bible, we find numerous references that help us gain a better understanding of the significance of keeping our promises. One of the most compelling is found in Ecclesiastes 5:4-5, which states: “When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.” This passage clearly indicates the seriousness with which we should regard our promises, especially those made to the Lord. It is better not to make a promise than to make one and fail to fulfil it. Our covenants to God and our commitments to one another are sacred and should be honoured with the utmost sincerity and effort.
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Valuing the Wisdom of Older Generations

Posted on July 14, 2024 by latterdays

In today’s rapidly evolving society, the contributions of older generations are often overlooked. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that every individual, regardless of age, holds intrinsic value and purpose. Ignoring the wisdom and guidance of older generations not only devalues their experiences but also places younger generations in a precarious position, risking the loss of invaluable knowledge and insight.
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Lessons from the Prophets of Old

Posted on April 20, 2024 by latterdays

Today I was thinking about an important principle found in the Book of Mormon, specifically in the words of Jarom, a prophet who lived among the Nephites many centuries ago. In Jarom 1:11, we read of the dedication of the prophets, priests, and teachers who laboured diligently among the people, exhorting them with patience and teaching them the Law of Moses. However, their efforts went beyond instruction alone; they sought to instil in the hearts of the people a strong anticipation of the coming of the Messiah, persuading them to believe in Him as though He were already among them.

Contained within this verse is a timeless truth that connects with us today: the importance of looking forward to Christ with unwavering faith and belief, even among all the challenges and trials of our mortal existence. There are three key lessons we can learn from the example of these ancient prophets.
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Truth in Christ’s Words

Posted on March 24, 2024 by latterdays

“And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye—for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness.” (2 Nephi 33:11)

Our verse today presents a deep sense of conviction and responsibility regarding the words being spoken. Nephi is certain that the words he is sharing are directly from Jesus Christ. This conviction is so strong that he encourages the listeners to judge for themselves, indicating a confidence in the truth and origin of the message. In fact, it is stated that Christ will demonstrate “with power and great glory” that these words are indeed His. This helps us have a better appreciation of the divine vindication and validation concerning Nephi’s message. Even if there are doubts or uncertainties in the present, there will be a definitive confirmation in the future.
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By Divine Design – The Book of Mormon

Posted on March 24, 2024 by latterdays

Why was the Book of Mormon written?

The Book of Mormon stands as a testament to the divine purpose and intricate design of God’s dealings with His children. As we look into the question of why the Book of Mormon was written, we uncover some insights into God’s love, His eternal plan of salvation, and His desire to guide and bless all who seek Him.

First, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we already understand that the Book of Mormon is not only a historical record of ancient peoples in the Americas, but more importantly, it is a sacred testament of Jesus Christ, revealed as part of the Restoration of the Gospel in these latter days. In the very introduction of the Book of Mormon, we find its primary purpose: “The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains the fullness of the everlasting gospel.” (Introduction to the Book of Mormon*)
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A Hebraic Analysis of Moroni 10:4

Posted on March 19, 2024 by latterdays

In this scripture note, I wanted to look a little closer at the often quoted verse, Moroni 10:4, where it says: “And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.” (Moroni 10:4) When I look at the Hebrew background of this verse, and compare it with relevant verses from the Old and New Testament, it seems to take on a whole new light.

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