Moroni - Chapter 6

4And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost...

All my life I have been taught, and have thought that I was cleansed by the water of baptism.  This verse seems to indicate otherwise.  Here it seems that we are cleansed by the Holy Ghost after baptism.  In light of our discussion about the Sacrament for the past two days, this makes more sense to me.  We don't improve, grow or even approach goodness without the companionship of the Spirit.  Elder Henry B. Eyring of the Quorum of the Twelve put it this way:

"If you have felt the influence of the Holy Ghost during this day, or even this evening, you may take it as evidence that the Atonement is working in your life.  For that reason ...you would do well to put yourself in places and in tasks that invite the promptings of the Holy Ghost.  Feeling the influence of the Holy Ghost... cleanses us through the Atonement of Jesus Christ."  (Eyring, "Gifts of the Spirit for Hard Times," 4)

                                          ---                                  

...relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith.

How long and often I have relied upon my own merits, rather than those of Christ.  It is obvious that self reliance failed me.  I was 55 years old before I made this realization.  I had read this verse on repeated occasions over the years and still was trying to rely upon myself and my own power.  I can't imagine how I missed it.  As I was emerging from the bondage of addiction I read a book called He Did Deliver Me From Bondage by Colleen Harrison.  The book examined the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous in the light of The Book of Mormon.  I skipped the chapter on the Second Step:  Come to believe Jesus Christ can restore you to complete spiritual health.  I already believed that.  Later, when the 12 Steps seemed to have failed me, I went back and read that chapter.  In it Colleen described how she had, when reading the AA Big Book, skipped the chapter on step two as well.  It is entitled, to the agnostic.  I read both chapters and came to admit that I was indeed an agnostic.  I did not believe that the merits of Christ could save me.  I had been, therefore, attempting to save myself, having accepted no other recourse.  In fact there is no other recourse than to accept His merciful Atonement.  There is no other way.  He is the way!

Now quite often when I mention this to other members of the Church, I get resistance.  They take my claim to reliance upon the merits and mercy of Christ to mean that I no longer have to keep the commandments or serve in the church.  This is nonsense.  I still try with all my heart to keep His commandments because I love Him.  I know that the better I do that the happier I'll be; the more like Him I'll be.  I just understand that no matter how well I keep the commandments, it is not that effort that saves me.  Only Christ can do that.  Which takes me back to the first quote from verse four.  Keeping the commandments more perfectly involves the companionship of the Holy Ghost.  He will tell me all things that I should do.  Those, most personal and specific commandments, given of a daily, hourly, minute by minute basis are part of the process by which the Spirit works upon us and cleanses us.  The better I do that the more progress I make to emulating my Savior. I couldn't even begin such a process without the influence and meaning, the depth and scope, of His atoning sacrifice.

Moroni - Chapter 5

I grew up in the Church, thinking God expected me to be perfect.  I would go to Sacrament Meeting every week and examine myself for perfection.  If I considered myself not perfect I would refrain from partaking.  Now, my idea of perfection was pretty shallow.  Perfection meant not swearing, drinking coffee tea or alcohol, and not using tobacco.  Perfection meant paying a full tithe and keeping the Sabbath day holy.  And it mean not telling lies and not having sex out of wedlock.  That was about it.  Even that narrow view of perfection living kept me from partaking of the emblems of the Atonement many a Sunday.

How did it go right over my head that the very fact that the Sacrament was presented to me on a weekly basis for my entirely life meant that I would need to renew my Baptismal covenant for, yes, my entire life.  The Sacrament is the strongest indicator of all that we are not perfect and that we are not expected to attain perfection in our lifetimes.  It is also a prime indicator that we will not attain to perfection on our own.  We require the companionship of the Holy Ghost to gain access to the Atonement and only through continued repentance and repeated renewal of our covenants is that accomplished.

So, who is worthy to partake of the Sacrament?  I believe it is he who desires to keep the commandments, but fails and needs a way, through repentance, to carry on and continue to try.  The person who is unworthy to partake, is he who would have God rescind the commandments so he can live as he pleases.  He and those who've, by church action, have been denied the privilege.

Moroni - Chapter 4

It is comforting that the words of the Sacrament Prayer over the bread say, "that they are willing," not "that they do."  Clearly we don't - yet we may be willing; that is to take upon us the name of Christ, to always remember Him and to keep His commandments.  If we actually did we wouldn't need the Sacrament.  If we had to refrain from partaking of the Sacrament until we were perfect we would defeat the purpose.  The Sacrament prepares us, weekly, to receive the Holy Ghost, by whose constant companionship (implying we follow the Spirit's promptings and instruction) we can be made perfect, over time.  I presently am not able to be perfect, but I can say I am willing to be, with the help of the Atonement, repentance, and the Sanctification of the Holy Ghost.

Moroni - Chapter 3

I was hitch hiking back during my college days and was given a ride by a prominent TV evangelist.  I asked him about his calling to the ministry and he told me this story:

He'd been out camping and got lost in the woods.  It became dark and stumbling though the woods, he tripped and fell.  He put out his arms to catch himself but his arms never made contact with the ground, only his stomach and chest.  He'd fallen at the edge of a precipice and  had very nearly gone over.  I asked him what that had to do with his call to the ministry.  He was appalled at my question, like it was obvious that he'd been "tripped of Jesus."  Apparently he thought the Lord had tripped him in order to save his life and had interpreted that to mean he'd been called to deliver God's word.

The Lord may very well have tripped my friend to save his life.  But this chapter makes it plain that God calls his servants by a much less ambiguous means.  How grateful I am that the Priesthood is upon the earth and appropriately vested in worthy servants of the God.

Moroni - Chapter 2

I wonder if we underestimate what a privilege it is to have the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  I certainly have.  I remember reading the account in the Old Testament of Noah walking with God.  As I did so the Spirit whispered, so are you.  "What?" I thought.  It was then, finally then, for this wasn't so long ago, that I realized that the Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead.  A God.  One with the Father and the Son.  It was then that I realized that I had been promised His constant companionship; not just when I'm in the Temple or at church, not just now and then, but constantly.  I have spent my days since that realization trying to notice that blessing.  Each morning when I head out on my morning walk, which ordinarily takes an hour, I say to myself, "Via con Dios."  I then spend that hour, having already knelt in prayer, communing with God.  The practice sets the tone for the day, as I attempt to look across the crowded room of my busy life and keep an eye on my blessed companion through all the confusion.

Moroni - Chapter 1

It appears that at the end of The Book of Mormon, the distinction between Nephite and Lamanite may have less to do with blood lines and more to do with choices.  If that is true Nephi might not be bereft of of descendants in America today.  In fact the likelihood seems far greater than I expected.

Even prophetic Moroni was not shown the future as pertains to his own life.  Here he had supposed he'd be dead before an opportunity arose to write more.  I for one am thankful that I have no certain knowledge about what tomorrow might bring.  That lack of information is a far bigger blessing than it is a hindrance.  I remember reading my grandmother's journal.  One day I read of a family reunion during which my grandfather and his siblings had gathered from far and wide.  They had the most wonderful time.  Had they known that one of them would die the next day, their time together would have been one of mourning, rather than celebration.  There would be time enough to mourn.  Tomorrow.

Additionally, I think there is a special virtue in hope.  If we knew our own ends hope would be destroyed.  So would surprise!  What fun would life be without surprise?

Ether - Chapter 15

It appears that the demise of the Jaredites was as much about choosing up sides as anything.  Both sides were wicked.  Each side blamed the other.  You can be certain that in Shiz's camp you could hear angry murmuring to the effect that if it wasn't for Coriantumr and his cronies this wouldn't have to happen.  The same thing in reverse was happening over in Coriantumr's camp.  What would have happened if the people refused to choose up sides, refused to sustain either Shiz or Coriantumr?  The two may have gone on fighting, but the war would have ceased and order might have been restored.

From where I sit, both sides in America are wicked too.  I get "conservative" email forwards almost every day that are filled with inflammatory lies.  I my friend down the road complains of the same thing from among his more extreme liberal friends.  We are being torn apart by extremists who are trying to get us to choose up sides, make enemies of our fellow countrymen and in the end, I suspect, who will attempt to get us to destroy one another.

The only solution, individually and collectively is to serve the God of this land.  Otherwise, he has promised our destruction.  I think the supposition that one or other side of the political spectrum is more closely aligned with the gospel is false.  They are both wrong.  I suspect the time to enter the fray with the hopes of changing one of the sides, has passed.  In my view, the only hope we have lies in the preaching of the everlasting Gospel of Christ to every man woman and child in the land.  We can no longer hope to legislate ourselves out of our mess.  It has become time to change hearts by the word.  That's where I intend to focus my efforts.

America's problems are not confined to her leadership.  Our leadership only reflects the fabric of the selfish, materialistic and corrupt way in which we individually live our lives.

Ether - Chapter 14

When the Stock Market took it's most recent nose dive, I thought of this verse:

1 And now there began to be a great curse upon all the land because of the iniquity of the people, in which, if a man should lay his tool or his sword upon his shelf, or upon the place whither he would keep it, behold, upon the morrow, he could not find it, so great was the curse upon the land.

Lots of people lost much of what they supposed to be their possessions.  Parking lots filled up with expensive toys, being sold in attempt to stay afloat.  People lost homes, jobs, hope.  Meanwhile, people who had followed the counsel of the prophets, were relatively unscathed, because they had stayed out of debt, supplied themselves with food storage, had lived moderately and within their means.

The next verse seems to hint at the possibility of things getting worse:

 2 Wherefore every man did cleave unto that which was his own, with his hands, and would not borrow neither would he lend; and every man kept the hilt of his sword in his right hand, in the defence of his property and his own life and of his wives and children.

Quite a contrast to the promises of the New Jerusalem in the previous chapter.  I think part of the contrast may have a lot to do with what we value in this world.  I personally have no possessions really, I am merely a steward over that which God has entrusted me with.  I don't intend to sleep upon my sword in order to protect that which is God's,  He is quite capable of protecting it Himself.  If He sees fit that it be removed from me, that is quite fine.  He may do as He pleases with that which is His.  He has always provided me with enough to meet my needs.  If I remain faithful, I expect He will continue to so bless me.

The problem lies with those who in their wickedness think of their lives and property as their own.  The result is quite plain in the story of the Jaredites:

25 And thus we see that the Lord did visit them in the fulness of his wrath, and their wickedness and abominations had prepared a way for their everlasting destruction.

This verse makes it plain that they did it to themselves and looking at our current economic conditions, so have we.  Will we continue down that same well worn path of carnage?

Ether - Chapter 13

8 Wherefore, the remnant of the house of Joseph shall be built upon this land; and it shall be a land of their inheritance; and they shall build up a holy city unto the Lord, like unto the Jerusalem of old; and they shall no more be confounded, until the end come when the earth shall pass away.

Most of us in the Church, according to our Patriarchal Blessings, are the remnant of the house of Joseph spoken of.  We have been given the promised land for our inheritance.  The direct descendants of Lehi are also a remnant of Joseph.  I think that together we will build the New Jerusalem.  The thing I like best about this verse though is that we will not be confounded for the balance of the history of the world.  There will not be another great apostasy.  The Kingdom of God is here to stay.  Whether we each remain with it remains to be seen.  And I'm not talking about physical death, but spiritual death.  We each are free to remain in the Kingdom or reject it like the Jaredites did.  But unlike, in the time of the Jaredites, the Kingdom will remain.

   9 And there shall be a new heaven and a new earth; and they shall be like unto the old save the old have passed away, and all things have become new.

  10 And then cometh the New Jerusalem; and blessed are they who dwell therein, for it is they whose garments are white through the blood of the Lamb; and they are they who are numbered among the remnant of the seed of Joseph, who were of the house of Israel.

These verses seem to make it plain that the New Jerusalem will not be built until the Millennium has arrived.  Which also seems to make it unlikely that we'll be called upon to walk back to Missouri.  Now, I could be wrong but that is how it looks to me.   

Ether - Chapter 12

  27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

I read and loved this verse for a very long time before I noticed that God, who is speaking in this verse, points out that it is He who gives us our weakness.  I had always supposed that my weakness came from Satan.  Clearly God does nothing without purpose and so it is with giving us weakness.  We need to be humble and if we are allowed to suppose that we have sufficient strength to accomplish our spiritual goals by ourselves we will miss the whole point of the Plan of Salvation.  We need to learn to rely upon the merits and mercy of Christ and, at least in my case, nothing but a keen awareness of my weakness would have brought me to that realization and eventual intention.

It makes me think of Paul's thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).  His affliction or weakness was not removed from him because he was a better, stronger servant when he was humble and his weakness served to press him to rely upon God.  It is significant that we are not told what Paul's weakness was.  Had we been told we might not consider that his thorn could be our own.  Have you considered that your physical handicap, or same sex attraction, or addictive personality, or other affliction is actually a gift from God?  Have you considered that coming to God and having been shown that weakness, might be the thing that humbles you sufficiently to discover your great need for Him?  To do so is to discover your utter dependence upon God which, I think is the greatest discovery of all.  How thankful I am that my addiction drove me to my knees where I discovered how completely my Savior has prepared the way for me.

28 Behold, I will show unto the Gentiles their weakness, and I will show unto them that faith, hope and charity bringeth unto me—the fountain of all righteousness.

He gives us our weakness so we may be drawn to Him the Source of all that will bring us to the strength of our divine potential.

9 Wherefore, ye may also have hope, and be partakers of the gift, if ye will but have faith. 

Ether - Chapter 11

  8 And the people began to repent of their iniquity; and inasmuch as they did the Lord did have mercy on them.

Too often we think of repentance as a bad thing, or at least distasteful, rather than the great refreshing blessing that it is.  Too often we look at the prophets and "pains in the neck" who are trying to restrict or inconvenience our lives.  I guess it's because Satan is messing with our heads.  Repentance is a blessing beyond measure, a joy, a relief!  Still, if we persist in Satan's view of it, it is all too easy to become like the Jaredites.

I've discovered that the destruction promised and delivered to the Jaredites was a good thing.  It was an opportunity to, in their extremity, discover the blessed Atonement, which they otherwise seemed determined to ignore.

22 And they did reject all the words of the prophets, because of their secret society and wicked abominations.

That rejection of the prophets, most certainly led to their destruction, but even that wasn't necessarily a bad thing.  It stopped them from victimizing themselves and others.  I caused them to pass into that portion of the Spirit World we call prison or hell, but which Dr. John Lund calls "God's Alternative High School."  Many of them will according to the prophets, accept there, what they rejected here.

Read President Joseph F. Smith's account of that from the 138th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants:

  29 And as I wondered, my eyes were opened, and my understanding quickened, and I perceived that the Lord went not in person among the wicked and the disobedient who had rejected the truth, to teach them;

  30 But behold, from among the righteous, he organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead.

Note Jesus didn't go to those who had "rejected the truth."  But sent messengers to them as follows:

 31 And the chosen messengers went forth to declare the acceptable day of the Lord and proclaim liberty to the captives who were bound, even unto all who would repent of their sins and receive the gospel.

  32 Thus was the gospel preached to those who had died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets.

  33 These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands,

  34 And all other principles of the gospel that were necessary for them to know in order to qualify themselves that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 

Ether - Chapter 10

This chapter contains a neat manifestation of how the Lord anticipates and prepares all things for the benefit of His children.  The record states that the poisonous serpents in the Land Southward were destroyed and also that the Jaredites preserved that land as a hunting reserve.  It seems clear to me that God was preparing that land for the Lehites to arrive in an unspoiled land, kept separate from the Jaredites and for sometime, kept apart from the influence they would surely have had on them.

I believe that God is intimately involved in the process of our spiritual education here in the earth.  There is abundant evidence of this if we will but look.  This week my sweet, righteous Mother-in-law passed away.  Her ordeal seemed to go unreasonably long.  We prayed and prayed that she might pass more quickly, with less suffering.  Looking back though, we realize that had she passed even one hour sooner, we'd have missed out on some of the most wonderful blessings of our lives.  A loving Heavenly Father knew perfectly, what He needed for all of us, not just for Mom.  It is always better when we submit to His will, for he knows the end from the beginning.

Ether - Chapter 9

20 And thus the Lord did pour out his blessings upon this land, which was choice above all other lands; and he commanded that whoso should possess the land should possess it unto the Lord, or they should be destroyed when they were ripened in iniquity; for upon such, saith the Lord: I will pour out the fulness of my wrath.

I think we have a lot of progress to make as members of the church with regarding our property in light of the admonition to "possess it unto the Lord."  We don't quite yet embrace the Law of Consecration though most of us have made such a covenant.  It is clear what will happen if we don't get this concept.  I think this is a classic case of violating the principle spoken of in Doctrine and Covenants Section 58:

26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.

27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

28 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.

The mere payment of tithes is not, to my mind, an adequate indicator of possessing our stuff unto the Lord.  Most of us then assume that the rest is ours.  The Law of Consecration teaches to the contrary.  None of it is ours and all of it aught to be used to build the Kingdom and further the work of the Lord.  This does not mean that we give it all away.  The strength of the Kingdom we are trying to build lies right inside to doors of the homes in which we reside.

Ether - Chapter 8

And so again, the Secret Combinations of greed and murder begin again to destroy the peace and happiness of the people.

24 Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; or wo be unto it, because of the blood of them who have been slain; for they cry from the dust for vengeance upon it, and also upon those who built it up.

Clearly we see the havoc this is causing Mexico these days.  It thus becomes obvious the destructive power of such evil and also the courage it must take to root it out.  I suspect we have much the same problem here in the States, though it is a bit more subtle in most areas.  What about our homes families?  Is greed and dishonesty seeping into our own homes?  Are we sustaining such avarice and greed by viewing pornography on our computers and television screens?  When we conceal our misbehavior from a spouse or our children?  When we justify cheating on taxes or fudging on tithing to satisfy our personal greed?

Ether - Chapter 7

All my life I thought this was a nice story.  It was not until a likened the scripture to myself that I made an enormous discovery.  At least it was so for me.  As I imagined myself climbing into one of the barges I suddenly realized a few things:

• There's a year's supply of food in here!  How long is this journey going to take?
• There aren't any lifeboats!
• There isn't a helm or rudder with which to steer or change course!
• There are no sails or paddles or other means of propulsion!
• There will be no way to tell where we are or to know where we're going!
• Loved ones are in other barges.  Will we all arrive together - in the same place?
• There are cows and pigs and bees in here!
• Feel free to add to the list....

I was compelled to ask myself if I was going to be willing to actually get in, close the door and trust that God would do as He told uncle Mahonri.

I was comforted to consider that there were impossibly glowing lights faithfully shining in each of the barges.  A little shudder made me wonder if they'd hold out for the duration.  I considered sea sickness, sewage from man and beast, the weariness of being tossed about on the sea.  I weighed that against the goodness of God and His promise of a Promised Land.  I looked at the beach we'd called home for five or so years, with its fresh food and air and comfortable surroundings.  I considered again the futility of doing things our way back at Babel.  I spent time on my knees seeking faith, assurance and confirmation of my testimony.  And, I imagined myself stepping on in and closing the door.

4 And it came to pass that when they had prepared all manner of food, that thereby they might subsist upon the water, and also food for their flocks and herds, and whatsoever beast or animal or fowl that they should carry with them—and it came to pass that when they had done all these things they got aboard of their vessels or barges, and set forth into the sea, commending themselves unto the Lord their God. 

I think it is significant that this story is so closely tied to that of the Tower of Babel.  If we are willing to consider that Heaven and the Promised Land represent essentially the same thing we can see that God confounded their efforts to go there on their own terms.  His terms required some effort, but also a good deal of trust, faith and in the end willingness, to let God do the delivering.  It is just as the plan was intended.

It is no different than accepting the Plan of Salvation in the first place.  We were then, willing to climb aboard a vessel we had no control over.  We would be going for a ride fraught with affliction, tedium, peril and uncertainty.  We had the faith to climb aboard then, are we willing to stay aboard rather than abandoning ship and sinking to certain death?  I hope we are.  I hope I am. If we do the destination is sure.

Ether - Chapter 5

A teacher of mine once queried, "How long had the Lord be preparing the stones that David found in the brook, which he took to slay Goliath?"   Here we see, again, that the Lord had been preparing the restore the gospel in the Latter-days long before that blessed even took place.

I used to long to read the pages of the sealed portion of The Book of Mormon.  During this year of study, I realize that I'm just scratching the surface of what I have been given and that, for now, there is no need for more. We seem to undervalue this precious source of personal revelation, so why would the Lord give us more?

Ether - Chapter 4

How blessed we are to live in a day when we are able to enjoy the revelations of the Lord.  I wonder if I fully appreciate what I've been given.  Such things were withheld from so many and yet I have it in abundance and tend to take it all for granted.

I do think we live in the most blessed time in all the world.  I can conceive of no better time to have lived upon this earth.  I get a little hint of frustration from Moroni that seeing our time he may have also seen how complacent many of us are in the light of our rich rich blessings.

Today is Thanksgiving for our friends in Canada.  I can't help but pause a moment and express my great thanks, with them.

Ether - Chapter 3

A couple of thoughts about this chapter:

First it appears that the Brother of Jared did his very best in creating the sixteen small stones.  At least I would if I were going to present them before the Lord.  Still, they didn't shine in the darkness, not even a little.  How often do we take on a project that we intend to present before the Lord.  Of often does our best effort also fall short of the intended result.  Might our efforts shine with brilliant light if we asked the Lord to put forth his finger and touch them.  Could this work in our marriage, or the lessons we teach at church, or in our relationships with our children?

An important part of this process as shown in the Jaredite account is intention.  The Lord asked the Brother of Jared to tell Him what he would have Him do to provide light.  Jared's brother then set out to create a solution.  Critical to the process for him and for us was the up front realization that God would be a necessary partner in the process.  It was never Mahonri Moriancumer's intention to single handedly create stones that would shine.  From the beginning of the process, he knew that his part, though challenging, was small and God's part was vital.  He set out knowing that success depended upon God and not any effort he might make.  Without God, all of our efforts are literally, just as inert as were those untouched stones.  The key here is that we start out with the intention of God's participation rather than seeking it when all else fails.  This is a huge difference, in fact I suspect it is all the difference.

The second notion that I got from the chapter this morning is that Mahonri was unworthy, by his own admission, when he approached the Lord with his request.  This is significant considering the outcome of his venture.  Clearly, after acknowledging his weakness and evil nature, he proceeded anyway to keep God's commandment to call upon Him that he might receive "according to (his) desires."  How often do we hesitate to call upon God with the intent that He make up the difference in our deficiencies?  Even in our unworthiness?  Or do we doubt God because we doubt ourselves.  When Jesus conquered all by completing the infinite atonement the sole purpose of that monumental effort was so that He could compensate for our deficiencies.  If we have to wait until we are no longer deficient we will never accomplish His will.  I think this is a most priceless lesson for me.  I am one who hesitates.  I hope I can be more like the Brother of Jared, in that I will undertake my life and it's projects, knowing from the beginning that success lies in the touch of the Master's hand.  Knowing that in my weakness, if I will but humbly petition Him in faith, there is not thing we, together, cannot accomplish for His glory and honor.

 25 And when the Lord had said these words, he showed unto the brother of Jared all the inhabitants of the earth which had been, and also all that would be; and he withheld them not from his sight, even unto the ends of the earth.

  26 For he had said unto him in times before, that if he would believe in him that he could show unto him all things—it should be shown unto him; therefore the Lord could not withhold anything from him, for he knew that the Lord could show him all things.

The commandment is to believe, not to be perfect.  We can't be perfect, but we can believe and if we don't we can desire to, repent of our unbelief and ultimately enjoy the blessing of the touch of His finger in all we do and also in all we are. 

Ether - Chapter 2

The last chapter explained that the Brother of Jared was "highly favored of the Lord."  Yet this chapter tells us that he went four long years without remembering to "call upon the name of the Lord."  Now, each of us reads the scriptures through the "urim and thummim" of their own experience; and that is what I'm doing here.  I may not be right for my interpreters are not quite the same as the set given to Joseph Smith.  Still, I will venture to share my interpretation.

I am quite doubtful that the Brother of Jared failed to pray for for years.  I'll bet he said his prayers.  I'll bet they had family prayer.  I'll even wager that they blessed the food before meals.  What I suspect the Brother of Jared failed to do was ask a simple question in his prayers.  Before I reveal the question, let me explain what I think must have been going though this prophet's head.

The Brother of Jared and his people had traveled in the wilderness on what appears to be a precarious, arduous, lengthy journey already.  When they got to the beach and found it a nice place to rest, they rested.  I don't suppose they thought they had reached the Promised Land.  Rather, I suppose they had a pretty good idea they had not; which meant that crossing the enormous, frightening, uncertain sea must be the next objective.  That prospect became "the elephant in the room" for them.  The couldn't imagine surmounting such an enormous challenge, so the settled in and ignored it.

We've all done it.  Haven't we?  Haven't there been things in our lives that need attending to; but which we find so scary that we just try to ignore them?  Addiction was like that for me.  I knew it had to be dealt with sometime but the prospect of that frightening task was just too big to face.  Eventually, it became too big to ignore as well.  Like the Jaredites, I had to come to a point where I was willing to call upon the Lord and as the next question.  President Ezra Taft Benson called it a most important question when citing Paul on the road to Damascus when he asked, "Lord, what you Thou have me to do?"

I believe that is the cry the Brother of Jared failed to render to the Lord.  Why?  Because he was afraid of the answer.  If our prayers are spent directing God around the heavens and the universe they are far less effective than if they are spent asking Him what he'd have us do.  If we have elephants in the room of our lives and we fail to seek God's guidance regarding them, out of fear, we will miss out on the Promised Land just as surely as might the Jaredites have.

When I finally addressed my elephant, the Lord gave me scary instructions as well.  It took some courage and a great deal of trust, but the Lord provided a way for me to accomplish the tasks he set before me and the result was deliverance from addiction.  Always before that, I had asked Him to deliver me, but I had never asked what He'd have me do to reach that goal.  What would I have gained or learn had he just handed me my desire on a silver platter?  Nothing.

Now don't suppose that I take any credit unto myself.  God did the delivering.  But He did expect me to be willing to be delivered.  He expected me to go forth into this new life and stop languishing on the beach of fear.

Ether - Chapter 1

So, why were they building the Tower of Babel anyway?  The book of Jasher (which I realize is not canonized scripture) suggests there were three reasons.  Some people, like Nimrod wanted to assault Heaven, slay God and take over.  Other's wanted to go to Heaven but didn't want to keep the commandments - cheaters.  Then, there were those who seemed willing to keep the commandments but wanted an insurance policy in case God's plan didn't work.  Makes sense to me.  In other words, everybody wants to go to Heaven, but they want to do it on their own terms rather than God's.  How about us?  Do we want to set the terms and conditions of our salvation; or a we willing to utterly and completely trust God and His terms and conditions.

Now this chapter uses the word wrath to describe Heavenly Father's response.  Is it any wonder?  After all He has done, after all He has sacrificed, will we reject it in favor of some lame, senseless, ridiculous, artificial approach?  Still, he loves us and tries to change our direction because He wants us back, all of us.

He confounded their efforts.  What does it tell us when He confounds ours?

Mormon - Chapter 9

The chapter heading says:  Moroni calls upon those who do not believe in Christ to repent.  This and Moroni's word in the text seem to indicate that unbelief is a deliberate choice.  This fascinates me.


I once had a friend who declined my invitation to read The Book of Mormon with these words, "If I read it, I'll find out its true and if that happens I'll have to change the way I'm living and I'd rather not do that; so I think I'll pass."  In the end I guess we'll all be judged for our honesty.  I wonder how many people out there know they haven't got it right and are making no honest effort to make the changes, or seek the truth, or attempt to discover God.  Referring to Christ John wrote:

9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.  (John 1:9)

The light of Christ is given to every single one of us.  Can it be that Moroni is telling us that if we follow that light in honest, earnest effort it will always lead us to the Savior?  I think it will.  Now there are certainly those, who following that light in periods of darkness on the earth might not have found him in their life-time; but that honest pursuit of truth and righteous living, inspired by the Light of Christ will still lead him to Christ in the Spirit World. Consider this from Doctrine and Covenants 123:

 12 For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it— 

 13 Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—

 14 These should then be attended to with great earnestness.

 15 Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things.

Certainly, we need to work hard to help them find the truth and surely we can speed up the process for them. But this chapter seems to put more onus each individual to earnestly seek the Lord.  Naturally, I must now wonder if I too am too comfortable just where I am and still have some seeking to do.  I know I have found the true church.  I know I have discovered the true and living God.  I just wonder if I have sought to eliminate distractions and obstructions from my view of the truth and from my relationship with my Jesus.

Why not?

  21 Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth.

Mormon - Chapter 9

The chapter heading says:  Moroni calls upon those who do not believe in Christ to repent.  This and Moroni's word in the text seem to indicate that unbelief is a deliberate choice.  This fascinates me.


I once had a friend who declined my invitation to read The Book of Mormon with these words, "If I read it, I'll find out its true and if that happens I'll have to change the way I'm living and I'd rather not do that; so I think I'll pass."  In the end I guess we'll all be judged for our honesty.  I wonder how many people out there know they haven't got it right and are making no honest effort to make the changes, or seek the truth, or attempt to discover God.  Referring to Christ John wrote:

9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.  (John 1:9)

The light of Christ is given to every single one of us.  Can it be that Moroni is telling us that if we follow that light in honest, earnest effort it will always lead us to the Savior?  I think it will.  Now there are certainly those, who following that light in periods of darkness on the earth might not have found him in their life-time; but that honest pursuit of truth and righteous living, inspired by the Light of Christ will still lead him to Christ in the Spirit World. Consider this from Doctrine and Covenants 123:

 12 For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it— 

 13 Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—

 14 These should then be attended to with great earnestness.

 15 Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things.

Certainly, we need to work hard to help them find the truth and surely we can speed up the process for them. But this chapter seems to put more onus each individual to earnestly seek the Lord.  Naturally, I must now wonder if I too am too comfortable just where I am and still have some seeking to do.  I know I have found the true church.  I know I have discovered the true and living God.  I just wonder if I have sought to eliminate distractions and obstructions from my view of the truth and from my relationship with my Jesus.

Why not?

  21 Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth.

Mormon - Chapter 8

Moroni clearly did see our day and the pride, wickedness and calamity that would be so prevalent among us.  Too often, I have read this chapter and thought of everybody else; those wicked people who are not us.  Today, I noticed this important little verse:

 36 And I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts; and there are none save a few only who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel, unto envying, and strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities; and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts.

It seems pretty clear that Moroni includes even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a church that is polluted by pride.  He is not only speaking from the dust to those wicked other guys, he is clearly speaking to us.

Mormon - Chapter 7

Over and over again The Book of Mormon tells us the simple truth that the way to happiness is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and repentance.  It is plain and easy to understand and yet we so often fail to get it.  Endless happiness is a result of allowing the Atonement of Christ to work it's miracle in our lives.

Mormon tells us in this chapter that The Bible and The Book of Mormon support each other.

9 For behold, this is written for the intent that ye may believe that; and if ye believe that ye will believe this also; and if ye believe this ye will know concerning your fathers, and also the marvelous works which were wrought by the power of God among them.

It is interesting that he is so bold as to declare that if we believe the Bible we will also believe The Book of Mormon.  I've always looked at it the other way around, seeing that lots of folks seem to believe the Bible and yet reject "another testament of Jesus Christ."  It is not the Bible that teaches them to reject modern revelation, but rather the precepts of men.  I have never known a single person who honestly sought to know the truth of The Book of Mormon, who did not come to know of its truth.  If people who are honest believe the Bible, it will indeed affirm that the book Mormon here provides for us, is also of God.

Mormon - Chapter 6

The first time I read Mormon's cry, "O ye fair ones," I wept.  I was 14 and was approaching the end of my first reading of The Book of Mormon.  I had grown to love the Nephites.  Many had become my heroes.  I had been thrilled at the peace, love and prosperity they had experienced after giving their hearts to Christ upon his arrival on this continent.  My heart broke as I witnessed their destruction.  That process was blessed because that was also the moment that I knew The Book of Mormon was true.  I knew that their lives mattered.  I knew that their Father in Heaven loved them and wept as well.  I knew that the horrible price they paid was a result of their own choices.  I shuddered at their dread and hopelessness.

I have made a lot of poor choices since then.  I have spent years and years in the bondage of addiction.  I have struggled with my desires and my doubts and most of all my fears.  Even so, I have never doubted the verity of the experience I had on that day, which first affirmed to me that what I was reading was true and of God.  So many times I might have given up had it not been for that glorious affirmation.  I might have rejected some points of the gospel, but I could never deny that The Book of Mormon was true.  Through it all, the story of the Nephites, their travail and triumph, magnificence and tragedy were an anchor in the storms of my own life.  I have read it dozens and dozens of times since then and continued to learn and gain insight, but I am no more certain of its truthfulness today than I was all those years ago.

Thank God that despite my problems, sins and weakness, I was able to hear the voice of the Spirit whisper that sweet assurance to my heart, "It is true."

Mormon - Chapter 5

 10 And now behold, this I speak unto their seed, and also to the Gentiles who have care for the house of Israel, that realize and know from whence their blessings come.

  11 For I know that such will sorrow for the calamity of the house of Israel; yea, they will sorrow for the destruction of this people; they will sorrow that this people had not repented that they might have been clasped in the arms of Jesus.

Do we realize and know from whence our blessings come?  Do we have care for the house of Israel?  Do we sorrow for Israel's calamity?  If we do not, perhaps we have yet to have the experience of being clasped in the arms of Jesus.  If we have been clasped in His almighty, loving, forgiving arms, how can we not desire the same blessing for all of our brothers and sisters.

Mormon - Chapter 4

This chapter contains what I take to be a very important principle:

"...it is by the wicked that the wicked are punished..."

I believe it is generally safe to assume that fleeing to Zion will spare the vast majority of the righteous from direct physical conflict with their enemies.  Meanwhile, the enemies will quarrel, battle and destroy among themselves.  Satan does not support his own.  He'll destroy anybody, even those whose loyalty seems to be with him.

In the Book of Moses 7:14 we read of Enoch's Zion:

"...so great was the fear of the enemies of the people of God, that they fled and stood afar off..."

I expect that the Zion of the Latter-days will be similarly full of faith and similarly protected and cared for.  Pretty cool, until you consider how far we have to go, to be so prepared.