Appendix E: Resources for Further Study

I need to make a candid admission that may seem unusual, perhaps even troubling to some readers. My personal library contains twenty commentaries on Isaiah, sixteen on the book of Revelation, and dozens more covering related prophetic subjects. I have read some of them all completely, but most only partially.

Yet when it comes to understanding the events of the last days, particularly the book of Revelation, I can no longer rely on these commentaries as I once did. This is an extraordinarily difficult statement to make. I recognize how it sounds. There is a real danger here of appearing to set myself above these brilliant, faithful servants of God who devoted their lives to scripture study.

The explanation lies in a principle taught by Moroni:

The timing matters profoundly. When John's prophecies begin to unfold before our eyes, then we can truly understand his words. Our wonderful leaders and scholars of earlier generations did their best with what they had. Their work laid essential foundation. I am indebted to every one of them.

But now that these events are actually happening, we can see them with clarity because we stand in the right timeframe. The fulfillment itself becomes the key to understanding the prophecy.

So I find myself in the awkward position of being unable to recommend a list of books beyond the scriptures themselves. That is where I received my understanding, by pondering those marvelous words of living prophets and ancient seers through the power of the Holy Ghost.

That said, there are other resources that will help us prepare for what lies ahead.

Appendix E: General Conference

One of the most vital ongoing resources available to us is the General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held every April and October. These addresses from living prophets and apostles constitute inspired counsel for our specific moment in history.

General Conference addresses can be accessed at churchofjesuschrist.org, where you can read, watch, or listen to talks from current and past conferences.

Appendix E: The Standard Works

My primary recommendation is simply this: study the scriptures themselves with real intent and sincere prayer. Read Isaiah with patience and faith. Study Revelation not as a cryptic puzzle but as God's love letter to the last generation, written in a code that the Spirit will decode for the sincere seeker.

Appendix E: Preparation Resources

For practical preparation, the following Church resources provide guidance and tools:

Provident Living resources from the Church, available at churchofjesuschrist.org, which provide guidance on food storage, emergency preparedness, financial stability, and self-reliance.

Emergency Preparedness guides from your local church leadership, including stake and ward emergency preparedness specialists who can provide location-specific guidance.

Self-Reliance Courses offered through the Church, covering topics such as employment, education, financial management, and starting a business.

Family Preparedness Plans that you develop with your own family, tailored to your specific circumstances, location, and needs.

Appendix E: Additional Recommended Reading

While the scriptures themselves remain my primary resource, there are a few books that have shaped my understanding and may benefit readers who wish to explore certain topics more deeply.

Isaiah: Prophet, Seer, and Poet by Victor L. Ludlow (Deseret Book, 1982). This comprehensive work opened my eyes to the chiastic structures in Isaiah and Christ's prophecy in 3 Nephi 20–23. Brother Ludlow's identification of those structures laid groundwork that has proven invaluable.

The President Makers by Don Fotheringham. This eye-opening work documents how American presidents have been selected by powerful elites rather than chosen by the people. Understanding this history illuminates much of what is happening politically in our day.

Appendix E: A Word About Discernment

As you seek additional resources beyond what I've mentioned here, I encourage you to exercise careful discernment. There is no shortage of books, podcasts, videos, and websites discussing last days prophecy. Much of it is speculative, some of it is contradictory, and some of it is simply wrong.

The most reliable guide you have is the combination of scripture, living prophets, and the personal revelation available to every member through the gift of the Holy Ghost.

May God bless you in your study and preparation. May you find peace in understanding His plan and confidence in His promises. And may you always remember that while the times ahead may be challenging, the God who planned them has also prepared a way through them for every soul who turns to Him.

Kelly Smith is the author of The First Horseman, Donald Trump and Biblical Prophecy. He is a lifelong student of biblical prophecy and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.