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Blood sacrifices seemed messy. Life is messy. (Exodus 35-40, Leviticus 1, 4, 16, 19)
35:2 The sabbath was a pretty big deal back in the day. “Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the Lord: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death.” This sounds serious. Why was so much importance put on honoring the sabbath? The Lord doesn’t need us to remember the sabbath. As Jesus said, “The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath.” The sabbath is a weekly event that recenters us.
Marci & Eric
Apr 2613 min read
It's also easy to murmur when things get tough. (Exodus 14-18)
14:5 Have you ever committed to doing a good deed and then, when the time comes to do it, your lazy side wonders what you were thinking? I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve done this many times. I’ll volunteer for a service project for a Saturday morning and then hate that I did that when I wake up on Saturday morning. I think it’s the “natural man,” lazy, self-centered Eric. It sounds like a similar event happened with the Egyptians. “And it was told the king of Egypt that the
Marci & Eric
Apr 1511 min read
It's easy to forget God when life is easy. (Genesis 7-13)
Come Follow Me Exodus 7-13 7:22-23 Moses stretched his staff across the waters of Egypt and all water turned to blood. This seems to be a pretty compelling move. If I were a Pharaoh, I would really be impressed with this. I think most humans would be. However, like most humans, if we can rationalize something away that we don’t want to do or even think about, we’ll jump on the chance. In this case, the Pharaoh’s magicians were able to duplicate this to some degree. “And the m
Marci & Eric
Apr 95 min read
What does it mean to prosper anyway? (Genesis 37-41)
37:3-5 It’s human nature to be envious. When someone is elevated, it makes us feel lower. This happened with Joseph’s brothers. “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him . And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet t
Marci & Eric
Mar 148 min read
The Tower of Babel was a symptom of a greater problem. (Genesis 6-11, Moses 8)
6:3 “And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man , for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.” The Spirit is meant to influence us. It is meant to work upon us to help us choose the right. However, there is a limit to how long God’s Spirit will continue to press people towards repentance when they harden themselves. Clearly, this was a time when the people we’re being wicked. They were rejecting The Spirit’s purposes of te
Marci & Eric
Feb 108 min read
This is a complicated world full of distractions that can confuse us and push us away from the plan of salvation. (Moses 7)
7:1 Enoch is giving this speech shortly before he and his city is translated. This is about 50-60 years after Adam had died and is around 985 years since the Garden of Eden. It’s interesting to me that, when Enoch is giving this speech, Adam had been alive to most who were hearing this speech. Adam wasn’t a historical figure but the actual patriarch of everyone who was then living. So, when Enoch says, “our father Adam taught these things,” he’s not talking about someone long
Marci & Eric
Feb 612 min read
We all suffer from imposter syndrome. Even Enoch did. (Genesis 5, Moses 6)
We get a highlight reel of the first several generations from Adam and Eve. Over a thousand years is represented in this chapter. Because these patriarchs lived 900+ years, they lived to see multiple generations of theirs. It’s wild to think that Adam lived to see his great, great, great, great, great, great grandchildren! 6:3 Seth was Adam and Eve’s third son. Cain was the firstborn and Abel was born second. “And God revealed himself unto Seth, and he rebelled not, but offe
Marci & Eric
Jan 2616 min read
We can learn a lot from the pride of Satan and Cain. (Genesis 3-4, Moses 4-5)
Moses 4:1-2 “And I, the Lord God , spake unto Moses, saying: That Satan , whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten, is the same which was from the beginning , and he came before me, saying— Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor .” We learn a lot about Satan in this verse. We know he was “from the beginning.” I’m sure Satan was on
Marci & Eric
Jan 2218 min read
There are some interesting principles learned from comparing creation stories. (Genesis, Moses, Abraham)
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
Marci & Eric
Jan 1110 min read
The great irony that we are nothing but have infinite potential as a children of God. (Moses 1, Abraham 3)
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
Marci & Eric
Jan 314 min read
Our families are eternal. (Family Proclamation)
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
Marci & Eric
Dec 16, 202516 min read
What did Christ do during those three days? (D&C 137-138)
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
Marci & Eric
Nov 30, 20259 min read
I'm happy to hear that the sociality that we enjoy in this life will continue. (D&C 129-132)
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
Marci & Eric
Nov 15, 202515 min read
We can feel gladness and joy in the middle of crisis. (D&C 125-128)
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
Marci & Eric
Nov 7, 20258 min read
Why do we need to perform ordinances in the temple? (D&C 124)
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
Marci & Eric
Nov 1, 202510 min read
Challenges build our spiritual foundation and prepare us for something greater. (D&C 115-120)
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
Marci & Eric
Oct 19, 20256 min read
Our challenges come at a pace that we can handle. (D&C 111-114)
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
Marci & Eric
Oct 18, 20257 min read
What are the blessings of the temple? (D&C 109-110)
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...
Marci & Eric
Oct 6, 202511 min read
Christ lifts us but we must let him. (D&C 106-108)
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...
Marci & Eric
Sep 30, 20257 min read
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12
102:17-21 The church conducts disciplinary councils. There are three purposes for these councils: To save the soul of the transgressor....
Marci & Eric
Sep 15, 202519 min read
The temple is a place of instruction. (D&C 94-97)
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...
Marci & Eric
Sep 4, 20258 min read
Knowing stuff makes us more powerful. (D&C 93)
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...
Marci & Eric
Sep 2, 20259 min read
What are the four promises of the Word of Wisdom? (D&C 89-92)
89:2 The scriptures are written for our spiritual salvation. Their purpose is not for our temporal salvation. Earlier in the D&C, we...
Marci & Eric
Aug 24, 202510 min read
In the Information Age, our testimonies should be built on STUDY and FAITH. (D&C 88)
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...
Marci & Eric
Aug 16, 202523 min read
Trust is a vital part of the plan of salvation. (D&C 81-83)
81:3-4 The Lord appears to give an “if…then” statement through Joseph Smith to Frederick Williams (eventually). IF Frederick does certain...
Marci & Eric
Jul 27, 20256 min read
Jesus will lead us along. (D&C 77-80)
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...
Marci & Eric
Jul 17, 20255 min read
What is heaven? (D&C 76)
76:7-10 How much true and lasting wisdom and understanding do we earn? Humans are discovering worldly scientific principles at an...
Marci & Eric
Jul 13, 202514 min read
We are called to defend the church. (71-75)
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...
Marci & Eric
Jul 4, 202510 min read
When we seek to "counsel in our own ways," we aren't disciples. (D&C 51-57)
51:1-2 How smart are we? Are we good at organizing churches? I don’t think we are. Consider what happened to the Jews and what they built...
Marci & Eric
Jun 10, 202512 min read
Living the gospel shouldn't be a doctrine buffet. (D&C 49-50)
49:2 How much of the gospel do you like? Which principles do you most agree with? Which parts do not just not follow? Of course, all of...
Marci & Eric
May 31, 20259 min read
Prayer and thanksgiving can be protective armor. (D&C 46-48)
46:7 What are the benefits of being thankful? How good is it truly? Does being thankful simply make us more pleasant to be around or more...
Marci & Eric
May 11, 20257 min read
This life is custom-designed for our progression. We should make the most of it. (D&C 45)
45:2-4 What’s the problem with waiting to repent? The biggest problem is that this mortal life is the time to repent. We read in Alma...
Marci & Eric
May 7, 202510 min read
The mysteries of God don't need to remain mysteries. (D&C 41-44)
41:1 The gospel of Jesus Christ is taught in its most complete form in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We have modern...
Marci & Eric
Apr 27, 202515 min read
What if a dollar had the same value as Monopoly money. Eventually, it does. (D&C 37-40)
37:1; 38:2 It’s hard to get away from our individual perspective on the events and conditions of our lives. We see things from one point...
Marci & Eric
Apr 20, 202513 min read
We read the scriptures but do we heed them? (D&C 30-36)
30:1-2 Have you ever been chastened? Have you been chastened in front of others? Have you been chastened by the Lord himself? Has someone...
Marci & Eric
Apr 6, 202513 min read
What does it mean to be chosen? (D&C 29)
29:4-5 We believe that members of the church are “chosen.” But what does that mean? Does “chosen” mean “awesome” or “better than?” It, of...
Marci & Eric
Mar 30, 202515 min read
The battle over your soul is more important than any other worldly battle in history. (D&C 27-28)
27:2 Why is remembering the past such a power influence on our present lives? I don’t know but consider remembering how: Your parents...
Marci & Eric
Mar 23, 20256 min read
This world offers so many great choices that we should definitely lay aside and "seek for the things of a better." (D&C 23-26)
23:1 What does it mean to be condemned? To me, to be condemned is to be damned. Condemnation seems more severe than punishment. There is...
Marci & Eric
Mar 16, 20258 min read
The truth of the Book of Mormon helps me know many other spiritual truths. (D&C 20-22)
(D&C 20-22) 20:5 Prophets are perfect right? Especially Joseph Smith since he was the first prophets of the restoration! Actually no....
Marci & Eric
Mar 9, 202513 min read
"Endless punishment" isn't about time. (D&C 19)
19:1 “I am Alpha and Omega, Christ the Lord; yea, even I am he, the beginning and the end , the Redeemer of the world.“ Why is Christ the...
Marci & Eric
Mar 2, 202511 min read
At the end of our lives, what will be the thing that we did that will be of most worth? (D&C 18)
D&C 18:2-4 Do we need to continue to reevaluate what we know to be true? Do we need to relitigate our beliefs regularly? Do we need to...
Marci & Eric
Feb 23, 202514 min read
What qualifies us to assist in this work? (D&C 12-17)
12 : 8 What does it take to contribute to the church in a significant way? What qualifications must I have? The Lord answers in verse...
Marci & Eric
Feb 16, 20259 min read
Who is the greatest ally we can have in this life? (D&C 10-11)
10:2 For those of us who have experienced life living close to the Spirit and, at other times, further away - this verse resonates. “And...
Marci & Eric
Feb 4, 202514 min read
How is it possible to think of Jesus in EVERY thought? (D&C 6-9)
6:1 The work of this church is a great and marvelous work. “A great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men.”...
Marci & Eric
Feb 1, 202513 min read
We can learn from good and bad examples. (D&C 3-5)
3:1-3 God is infallible. He is perfect. He doesn’t make mistakes. He doesn’t course-correct. He doesn’t need refinement. No mulligans or...
Marci & Eric
Jan 26, 202512 min read
Heavenly visitors often quote scripture. I guess we can just read the scriptures... (JSH 1:27-65)
1:28-29, 33 He was one of the greatest prophets the world has known, but he was still human. “ I was left to all kinds of temptations ;...
Marci & Eric
Jan 19, 202510 min read
Joseph discovers opposition. (Joseph Smith History 1:1-26)
1:6 Is it possible to be a mean Christian? Yes and no. Yes. We have seen others, who claim to be Christian, be unkind. We see ourselves,...
Marci & Eric
Jan 12, 202511 min read
Every decision has a consequence. (D&C 1)
1:10 All of our actions have consequences - both in the present and eternally. There is no action I take today that won’t have some...
Marci & Eric
Jan 5, 20259 min read
YM/YW Lesson 1/5/25
The Restoration Proclamation In April 2020, it marked the 200th anniversary of the restoration of Christ’s church on earth. The church...
Marci & Eric
Dec 28, 20243 min read
Moroni finishes strong. (Moroni 10)
10:3 Moroni is alone. He’s being hunted. He’ll be put to death. He’s wandering in the wilderness carrying golden plates. He understands...
Marci & Eric
Dec 18, 202410 min read
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Marci & Eric
May 20, 202310 min read
There is little upside to comparing ourselves to others. (Matthew 19-20; Mark 10: Luke 18)
19:16-17 I love compliments. I love praise. It’s a problem. “And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall...
Marci & Eric
May 10, 202322 min read
Jesus taught so much that I can't even think of a title... (Luke 12-17; John 11)
Luke 12:1-3 Hypocrisy is a problem. It's a bigger problem than we may realize. The definition of hypocrisy is: "the practice of claiming...
Marci & Eric
Apr 27, 202323 min read
People show you who they are by what they do. Jesus did. (John 7-10)
7:2-5 Jesus has an interesting family dynamic. "Now the Jews’ feast of tabernacles was at hand. His brethren therefore said unto him,...
Marci & Eric
Apr 21, 202314 min read
The two great commandments are great. (Matthew 18; Luke 10)
18:1-4 I'm a children's photographer. I have spent a lot of time with all ages of children - from newborns to teenagers. I have developed...
Marci & Eric
Apr 15, 202312 min read
Jesus taught really, really well. (Matthew 15-17; Mark 7-9)
15:1-9 "Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the...
Marci & Eric
Apr 1, 202324 min read
There are no obstacles to being healed by Jesus. (Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5-6)
Matthew 14:4-9 It's hard to say unpopular things. No one loves to be ridiculed because of something he or she said. Try posting something...
Marci & Eric
Mar 23, 202313 min read
Parables have purpose. (Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13)
13:10-11 Jesus is a genius. Of course we know that. One example of his wisdom is how he taught in parables. “And the disciples came, and...
Marci & Eric
Mar 13, 202313 min read
Life can be hard. Who needs a rest? Take Christ's yoke upon you. (Matthew 11-12, Luke 11)
Matthew 11:16-17 Jesus is good at simile. To take a complex concept and connect it to something that people can relate to is very...
Marci & Eric
Mar 5, 202317 min read
Life isn't about gaining independence, it's about learning to submit. (Matthew 9-10; Mark 5; Luke 9)
9:2 Can a group's faith affect the condition of someone? In this chapter, we read that those who carried the sick man had the faith...
Marci & Eric
Feb 26, 202319 min read
Critics find criticisms. (Matthew 8; Mark 2-4; Luke 7 )
Matthew 8:2 "And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean." How did this...
Marci & Eric
Feb 21, 202314 min read
It's easy to care about the things of this world. (Matthew 6-7)
6:1-4 Why is giving for public recognition bad? Jesus explained. "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them:...
Marci & Eric
Feb 16, 202319 min read
Jesus taught us how to BE. (Matthew 5; Luke 6)
Matthew 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." To be poor in spirit is to be "poor in pride, humble...
Marci & Eric
Feb 11, 202315 min read
How is being born of the Spirit is like the wind. (John 2-4)
2:1-2 I believe that this marriage was a relative of Jesus. "And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of...
Marci & Eric
Feb 4, 202319 min read
Jesus lived with rejection. (Matthew 4: Luke 4-5)
Matthew 4:2-3 Satan is the master tempter. "And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the...
Marci & Eric
Jan 29, 202310 min read
What does "at hand" mean? (Matthew 3: Mark 1; Luke 3)
Matthew 3:2 What does it mean if the kingdom of heaven is “at hand.” John the Baptist said, “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at...
Marci & Eric
Jan 14, 20239 min read
There was no competition between John the Baptist and Jesus. (John 1)
1:4 "In him was life; and the life was the light of men." What does this mean? In him was two things: Life. Without Christ, we are...
Marci & Eric
Jan 7, 202313 min read
No event in history was so great yet so humble. (Matthew 2, Luke 2)
Matthew 2:2 Why were there only three wise men who were seeking Jesus? Only three noticed the star? Or were there only three who were...
Marci & Eric
Jan 1, 202311 min read
We can learn from Mary. (Matthew 1, Luke 1)
Matthew 1:19-20, 25 Joseph, Mary's husband, was a good man. "Joseph her husband, being a just man..." I've often put myself in his shoes....
Marci & Eric
Dec 18, 202210 min read
What does our offering look like? (Malachi)
1:8, 10, 13 There was obviously a problem with the Israelites sacrificing impure, lame, sick animals to the Lord. "And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the Lord of hosts." For us, we do not offer animal sacrifices. What do we sacrifice? Here's a few: A broken heart and contrite spirit. Time and energy and effort. Mon
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