Come Follow Me: Mental Health Insights with Dr. David T. Morgan

In this episode we'll talk about John chapters 2-4. These chapters contain some notable stories from the life of the Savior, including turning water into wine, his visit with Nicodemus, and meeting the woman at the well. We'll discuss the example of John the Baptist and his reaction to the Savior's increasing popularity. This teaches an important lesson that thinking about the needs of others, in...

In this episode we'll talk about Matthew 4 and Luke 4-5. We'll cover three separate insights. First, we'll discuss Jesus' experiences with Satan's temptations and how yielding to temptations will never bring ultimate happiness. Second, we'll review the example of Jesus' first interaction with Simon Peter. We'll talk about the importance of following the promptings of the Spirit, regardless of how...

In this episode we'll talk about the chapters Matthew 3, Luke 3, and Mark 1. We'll discuss some of the truths taught by John the Baptist, including the emphasis on bringing forth good works. We'll talk about how our heavenly heritage is a great blessing, but it does not excuse us from trying to become better through obedience to commandments. We'll also discuss some of the Savior's healing miracle...

In this episode we'll talk about the first chapter of John. We'll review the callings of some of the apostles of Jesus Christ, in addition to get an introduction to John the Baptist and his mission. We'll talk about how John the Baptist is a good example of one who understood both his identity and purpose. We'll review some of the calls to action that are mentioned, such as "follow me" and "come a...

In this episode we'll talk about the seconds chapter of Matthew and Luke, with an emphasis on the story of Herod and the wise men. We'll consider a pattern that emerges throughout the chapter. Information is sought and received, action is taken, but it only gets them so far. The process is repeated over and over until the destination is finally realized. We'll talk about how this process of receiv...

In this episode we'll talk about the first chapter of Matthew and Luke, which contains stories related to the Savior's nativity. We'll talk specifically about the visit of the angel Gabriel to Mary, Joseph, and Zacharias. Each of them had questions associated with the angel's message, and each of them found different ways to deal with the answer. We'll talk about the importance of asking questions...

Welcome to season two of Come Follow Me, Mental Health Insights. I'm very excited to discuss the New Testament this year. As we learn more about the life and character of Jesus Christ, we can learn how to improve our lives and become more like him. In this episode we'll talk about the importance of personal responsibility in learning and change. We'll discuss the emotional resilience concept of pe...

Merry Christmas! There's no specific set of readings for this week in Come, Follow Me, and we've reached the end of our Old Testament lessons. I've truly enjoyed doings these podcasts this year and look forward to the New Testament in 2023. For this Christmas episode, I've shared a Christmas story from my youth. I've also gone outside of my comfort zone and made a recording of myself singing, O Co...

In this episode we'll talk about the Book of Malachi, the last of the books in the Old Testament. Malachi lived about 500 years B.C. and during a time when the Jews were struggling to stay on the covenant path. We'll talk about the power of remembering, and how remembering our past can help us avoid future pitfalls. We'll also talk about the importance of giving ourselves grace for past mistakes a...

In this episode we'll talk about the Books of Haggai and Zechariah. These were prophets who lived in Jerusalem after the Jews returned from their Babylonian captivity. The people were charged with rebuilding their city and the temple of Solomon. However, they lagged in their reconstruction of the temple, and these prophets helped them see the error in their ways. We'll talk about how progress towa...

In this episode we'll talk about the Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah. All of these prophets seemed to have lived around the same time and were possibly contemporaries of Jeremiah and Lehi. We'll talk about how our relationship with God is dependent upon our obedience to His commandments; either good or troubling consequences result based on our choices. We'll also discuss the question of "...

In this episode we'll talk about the Books of Micah and Jonah. The Book of Micah appears to be written in the first person, containing Micah's prophecies and warnings. The Book of Jonah is more story-like, essentially a cautionary tale of how not to act when the Lord commands something. We'll talk about how Micah's background may have helped him better understand the people he served. We'll furthe...

In this episode we'll talk about the Books of Amos and Obadiah. They were both prophets but preached to different populations and also lived about two hundred years apart from one another. We'll talk about the importance of prophets, how their counsel can help us avoid difficult, and how we can find answers to our personal problems by following their teachings. We'll also talk about the concept of...

In this episode we'll talk about the Books of Hosea and Joel. They were both prophets but Hosea preached to the northern kingdom of Israel and Joel preached to the southern kingdom of Israel. We focus on the writings of Joel and two specific concepts. The first is how change, although uncomfortable, is a key element in our eternal progression and should be feared or avoided. The second is how that...

In this episode we'll talk about the book of Daniel. Some of the most beloved stories of the Old Testament are found in this book, including Daniel's interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, Daniel in the lion's den, and the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednago. We'll discuss the idea that faith has to come before the miracle, as this is the only way faith can increase. We'll also discus...

In this episode we'll review the Book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel was a prophet called to preach to the captive Jews in Babylon. We'll talk about the Lord's mercies as He continues to support us regardless of the choices we make. We will discuss the idea of watchmen on the tower, or prophets, and how they warned people anciently and still warn us today. We'll talk about warnings and guidance that modern d...

In this episode we'll talk about the last half of the Book of Jeremiah in addition to the Book of Lamentations. We'll discuss how the people of Israel did not heed Jeremiah's warnings, which ultimately led to their destruction. Yet after they continued in their wickedness and absolutely rejected the Lord, they were yet promised forgiveness if they repented. We'll talk about the power of forgivenes...

In this episode we'll talk about the first half of the Book of Jeremiah. We'll discuss a little of Jeremiah's history, why his particular calling was so difficult, and how he struggled at times to stay positive. We will review how many righteous women and men throughout scripture have been called to pass through difficulty, and how righteousness does not guarantee an absence of life's struggles. W...

In this episode we'll finish our study of the book of Isaiah. We'll talk about the law of the fast and the blessings that can come from diligent fasting and contributing a generous past offering. We'll discuss specifically about how some of these blessings can help improve our mental health. We will also talk about the idea of redemption and forgiveness, including the role of guilt in this process...

In this episode we'll continue our study of the book of Isaiah. We'll discuss the concept of hope and how it can help with mental health concerns. We will discuss some of the promises made to the house of Israel and to us individually. We will further explore the enabling portion of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, what it is, and how it can specifically apply to us in our struggles and trials. We'l...

In this episode we'll continue our study of the book of Isaiah. We'll discuss the concept of redemption, how it applied to the ancient house of Israel, and how it applies to us today. We'll also talk about the concept of hope and the role this plays in managing mental health trials. We will address the truth that life is difficult by design, a "furnace of affliction", and talk about the Savior's p...

In this episode we'll continue our study of the book of Isaiah. We'll talk about three different principles from the recommended reading. First, we'll discuss how effective change happens little by little over time; we have to be patient with ourselves and with our process of improvement. Second, we'll talk about how we need to choose activities that will help build our emotional and spiritual fou...

In this episode we'll start our study of the book of Isaiah. No other book of scripture has been more quoted by other prophets, including Jesus Christ. We'll discuss some of Isaiah's history and why this information is important today. We'll review two key principles. First, we'll discuss how we need to reach out for help from other people in order to effectively manage mental health issues. Secon...

In this episode we'll review the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, which are full of wisdom and maxims to help with effective living. We'll discuss one particular piece of wisdom in Proverbs 3, where we are counseled to trust the Lord and not rely on our own understanding. We'll talk about the importance of faith in Jesus Christ as we strive to understand His plan for us. We'll also discuss how...

In this episode we'll review the last portion of the book of Psalms, which is a collection of inspired poetry and music. We'll continue our discussion of gospel truths found in these chapters that can help improve mental health functioning. This week we'll specifically review principles related to the value of keeping an eternal perspective, understanding mercy and self-compassion, and how keeping...