I have had a terrible time the past few days. I do not have the flu but am in extreme pain and discomfort. I hurt everywhere. I am starting to worry.
1 Nephi 18
• Vs 1-3 Nephi is being taught daily by the Lord on how to build this ship yet that was not enough communication for him. He retired to the mount oft to pray and the Lord showed him more. It seems that if it were me I would be sufficed with the revelations on the boat. Maybe that is the problem with us all we only want a little. We do not really hunger and thirst after these things as we are commanded.
• Vs 11 The question is always asked “why do bad things happen to good people?” Nephi answers it here. So that his word may be fulfilled concerning the wicked. As soon as they are ripe in inequity they will be removed from his presence.
• Vs 16 Nephi never murmurs. He never doubts here that the Lord will rescue him. This must have been very difficult for his brothers. No wonder they wanted to kill him he was a constant reminder of their wickedness. This is in essence why they murdered Our Savior, He was the ultimate example of goodness and they could not in a sense look him in the face. What an example Nephi was.
• Vs 17-20 The brothers did not repent even though family and children with their tears of sorrow for their dad would not soften they hearts. It took the absolute wrath of God and the threat of death to move them to repentance. Is this true repentance?
• Vs21 The power of prayer will remove the storms of life so long as you are innocent and have the compass to lead you.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
(Reading Journal) June 25, 2009
1 Nephi 16
This is a pretty wild ride in this chapter. Things really begin to pick up for the group. The Lord really does test them throughout this journey. Feelings are deep: hatred, gladness, love, depression. You see it all in these 39 verses.
• Vs 1 – 2 For a while I sat and wondered what do they feel is so hard. Then it dawned on me before I read vs 2 that they felt guilty. They new that they were separated from the Lord spiritually at the time and would be so physically if they would not change their ways. Nephi explains it so well when he says in essence, yes it is hard to hear for those on the wrong side of the gulf. For the righteous however this was sweet nectar for the hungry soul.
• Up to Vs 20 Nephi is painting a delightful picture and it may have been for those who were in his tent at night, but for the rest of the family it seemed to be very hard. So hard in fact that even Lehi begins to doubt and murmur against the Lord. I would imagine that Lehi’s version that was lost painted a different picture. We learn from this that it is all about perspective. Nephi seemed to be the only one with eyes set on an eternal one.
• Vs 23 - 27 Nephi was very careful not to try to go over his father’s head if you will. He accomplished a lot with the words, “Whither shall I go to obtain food?” Nephi, in fact was calling Lehi to repentance and it worked. He also knew that the Lord could be his only help at that point. They were helpless without Him.
• Vs 28 – 29 the Liahona has been likened to the scriptures and here I will do the same. Do the scriptures not “point the way” and does not your “understanding” change from time to time when you take a serious study of the word? I would say so, in fact I testify to this!
• Vs 35 Ishmael never sees the Promised Land or even the vessel which would get them there. The lord did use his death as a testing experience. The family took is so hard in fact death threats emerged from the blindness of hate.
• Vs 37 – 38 how does Laman and the group allow themselves to be so overcome with hate that they wanted to kill their Father and Brother? Satan must have truly been amongst this family watching their every move plotting their destruction so as to not have this record come forth. He uses the same old Rhetoric we hear throughout the word. Rhetoric is one of Satan’s most powerful tools. He is very cunning with his words.
• Vs 39 I really learned a lot and gained a lot of confidence in this verse. We hear it all the time that the Lord’s Spirit departs when one sins, but here I learned that the Lord may speak and go where he pleases. In the midst of the vilest of circumstances and words, the Lord’s Voice is heard. He can reach and speak to us in the darkest of places. His voice can penetrate the darkness and show us the light. We are never too far away to hear his voice. That is special and everyone should understand this truth.
This is a pretty wild ride in this chapter. Things really begin to pick up for the group. The Lord really does test them throughout this journey. Feelings are deep: hatred, gladness, love, depression. You see it all in these 39 verses.
• Vs 1 – 2 For a while I sat and wondered what do they feel is so hard. Then it dawned on me before I read vs 2 that they felt guilty. They new that they were separated from the Lord spiritually at the time and would be so physically if they would not change their ways. Nephi explains it so well when he says in essence, yes it is hard to hear for those on the wrong side of the gulf. For the righteous however this was sweet nectar for the hungry soul.
• Up to Vs 20 Nephi is painting a delightful picture and it may have been for those who were in his tent at night, but for the rest of the family it seemed to be very hard. So hard in fact that even Lehi begins to doubt and murmur against the Lord. I would imagine that Lehi’s version that was lost painted a different picture. We learn from this that it is all about perspective. Nephi seemed to be the only one with eyes set on an eternal one.
• Vs 23 - 27 Nephi was very careful not to try to go over his father’s head if you will. He accomplished a lot with the words, “Whither shall I go to obtain food?” Nephi, in fact was calling Lehi to repentance and it worked. He also knew that the Lord could be his only help at that point. They were helpless without Him.
• Vs 28 – 29 the Liahona has been likened to the scriptures and here I will do the same. Do the scriptures not “point the way” and does not your “understanding” change from time to time when you take a serious study of the word? I would say so, in fact I testify to this!
• Vs 35 Ishmael never sees the Promised Land or even the vessel which would get them there. The lord did use his death as a testing experience. The family took is so hard in fact death threats emerged from the blindness of hate.
• Vs 37 – 38 how does Laman and the group allow themselves to be so overcome with hate that they wanted to kill their Father and Brother? Satan must have truly been amongst this family watching their every move plotting their destruction so as to not have this record come forth. He uses the same old Rhetoric we hear throughout the word. Rhetoric is one of Satan’s most powerful tools. He is very cunning with his words.
• Vs 39 I really learned a lot and gained a lot of confidence in this verse. We hear it all the time that the Lord’s Spirit departs when one sins, but here I learned that the Lord may speak and go where he pleases. In the midst of the vilest of circumstances and words, the Lord’s Voice is heard. He can reach and speak to us in the darkest of places. His voice can penetrate the darkness and show us the light. We are never too far away to hear his voice. That is special and everyone should understand this truth.
(Reading Journal) June 24, 2009
It is actually 12:30am on the 25th. I just got back home from Brad Sullivan’s Bachelor party. I had to drive him home!
1 Nephi 15
• Vs 5 – 6 Nephi is so overwhelmed by the sin of his seed that he is overcome in weakness in body. Not to place him on the same level, but this is what happened to our Savior. He was so overwhelmed with his creation’s sins that he too fell face first onto the ground. Nephi must have felt only a taste of what He would taste. Physical pain because of sin. Very interesting…
• Vs 14 Nephi uses the word “how” to come unto Christ instead of “to” come… There is only one way and the Fathers were taught that way by Him personally. Nephi here uses very deliberate words to show us that there is but one way. I have never seen that before tonight. It seems as though every trip around I find something new and powerful.
• Vs 20 – 33 The brothers are moved by Nephi’s testimony and then they humble themselves. We can see the fruit of humility is that one becomes teachable. They begin to ask deep and thoughtful questions.
• Vs 24 Hold to the rod of iron and the promise is that you will not fall. That is a serious promise. You will not be overcome by Satan. That is not to say you will not stumble but you will not be “overcome” by him.
1 Nephi 15
• Vs 5 – 6 Nephi is so overwhelmed by the sin of his seed that he is overcome in weakness in body. Not to place him on the same level, but this is what happened to our Savior. He was so overwhelmed with his creation’s sins that he too fell face first onto the ground. Nephi must have felt only a taste of what He would taste. Physical pain because of sin. Very interesting…
• Vs 14 Nephi uses the word “how” to come unto Christ instead of “to” come… There is only one way and the Fathers were taught that way by Him personally. Nephi here uses very deliberate words to show us that there is but one way. I have never seen that before tonight. It seems as though every trip around I find something new and powerful.
• Vs 20 – 33 The brothers are moved by Nephi’s testimony and then they humble themselves. We can see the fruit of humility is that one becomes teachable. They begin to ask deep and thoughtful questions.
• Vs 24 Hold to the rod of iron and the promise is that you will not fall. That is a serious promise. You will not be overcome by Satan. That is not to say you will not stumble but you will not be “overcome” by him.
(Reading Journal) June 23, 2009
Yes it has been that long since I have attempted serious study of the word. I actually started last night at the asking of my companion and Queen. I hope that is what we are when we rise from the grave! I read chapters 5, 6, & 11 -12 of 1st Nephi last night. What stuck out the most was the importance of having the scriptures. It was exactly what was needed. I had a good session. After which I felt the Lord state to me that I am dealing with so many issues in my life because of a request. I felt him say that I wanted to know physically what it is like to deal with the issues I have. I will get to those issues at a later time. That was a great start to a new life for me. So here are my thoughts on 1 Nephi 13: 11-16 The angel is showing Nephi the future of the American continent. What sticks out drastically is that the Lord does not favor the covenant but the humble. He says so in vs. 16, because they were humble the “Lord was with them”. Vs. 20 we again see the importance of scripture. It is interesting that with every recorded mass migration where the Spirit is involved, scripture is brought. The scriptures have the power to preserve a soul and an entire nation!
We are speaking about the “Great Church” throughout this chapter but for me it is a moot point as far as the word goes. The Lord has held his promise to restore what was lost now all we have to do is what it states in vs. 13 - 14 of the Doctrine and Covenants chapter 123, “ bringing to light the hidden things…These should be attended to with great earnestness”.
Vs. 37 The imagery is so powerful, “how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be”. Those that help with the work. Can you see it? When the faithful descend with the Savior all as if they are standing upon mountains draped in the robes of the Holy Priesthood.
1 Nephi 14
• Vs. 7: I have never noticed this before though I have read it many times… The lord states here that this is it. It is the last call. Either you are in or you are out. He does not cast you out but leave you to your own blindness and hardness of heart. Wow… The last call!
• Vs 12 – 14 I have more questions than commentary here. There is so much war going on right now especially at the fore front is with Islamic Nations in particular fringe groups and extremists. Are we speaking about them because there is over 1 billion of them or are we speaking about mere Christianity? I need these questions answered.
• Vs 16 sounds like the beginning of the end like 9/11???
• Vs 30 Nephi ends with a witness that he has not written all but what he has wrote will surely come to pass and that it is all truth!
We are speaking about the “Great Church” throughout this chapter but for me it is a moot point as far as the word goes. The Lord has held his promise to restore what was lost now all we have to do is what it states in vs. 13 - 14 of the Doctrine and Covenants chapter 123, “ bringing to light the hidden things…These should be attended to with great earnestness”.
Vs. 37 The imagery is so powerful, “how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be”. Those that help with the work. Can you see it? When the faithful descend with the Savior all as if they are standing upon mountains draped in the robes of the Holy Priesthood.
1 Nephi 14
• Vs. 7: I have never noticed this before though I have read it many times… The lord states here that this is it. It is the last call. Either you are in or you are out. He does not cast you out but leave you to your own blindness and hardness of heart. Wow… The last call!
• Vs 12 – 14 I have more questions than commentary here. There is so much war going on right now especially at the fore front is with Islamic Nations in particular fringe groups and extremists. Are we speaking about them because there is over 1 billion of them or are we speaking about mere Christianity? I need these questions answered.
• Vs 16 sounds like the beginning of the end like 9/11???
• Vs 30 Nephi ends with a witness that he has not written all but what he has wrote will surely come to pass and that it is all truth!
(Reading Journal 2) Wednesday February 6, 2008
• 2 Nephi 26: 29
Monday night I spent about 15 mins looking for the definition of “priestcraft” but no one had any idea what it meant. Webster’s has it as something good that priests do now or the order of priesthood. It is clear that they knew it would not be had the same so they let us know what is meant by it. I assume no one else in all of Christendom would see it the same. When you think about it I guess Webster’s does use it correctly. They have set them selves up for gain. That is how most churches are run.
• 2 Nephi 27:33-35
These are beautiful words and promises to Jacob. The Lord has promised him that when he sees his seed surrounding him, Glorified and Righteous, he shall rejoice. Can you imagine your joy, to see your kin glorified? I can not fathom the peace, honor and glory one would feel, and also the glory one would give to God for such a blessing.
Is this not the crown? Think of it. God’s children returning to Him sanctified and purged of all filth, returning to perpetuate the species of Gods, Worlds without end. It gladdens my soul! If only I could keep this with me in my daily walk. One must find the way to do this. This is surely the great secret that our Savior had. He found a way to always remember the true meaning of this life.
• 2 Nephi 28
This chapter is hard to swallow. It truly portrays what dire circumstances my children and dear friends find themselves in. We live in a time when there are so many competing voices that one is compelled to say, “We are all right, right?” Everyone has their “way” to heaven. I hate the argument that, “I am a good person.” President Hinckley has stated that being good is not enough we must be better than good. We have to do something with our lives leave the world a better place when we are gone.
I have lately been so critical of myself because I don’t consider my self “good.” I want to do something in this life, something worthwhile. I would like to make a difference. I like to think my smile to everyone or my wave hello helps, but I want to do more. I want to bring souls to Christ. I want to teach people that life is worth living, teach them how to manage their finances and help them learn to be self sufficient. I feel a great call but I am not moving towards the goal because of lack of preparation. You must be prepared when the call comes or He will call another in your stead. The work must go on!
Monday night I spent about 15 mins looking for the definition of “priestcraft” but no one had any idea what it meant. Webster’s has it as something good that priests do now or the order of priesthood. It is clear that they knew it would not be had the same so they let us know what is meant by it. I assume no one else in all of Christendom would see it the same. When you think about it I guess Webster’s does use it correctly. They have set them selves up for gain. That is how most churches are run.
• 2 Nephi 27:33-35
These are beautiful words and promises to Jacob. The Lord has promised him that when he sees his seed surrounding him, Glorified and Righteous, he shall rejoice. Can you imagine your joy, to see your kin glorified? I can not fathom the peace, honor and glory one would feel, and also the glory one would give to God for such a blessing.
Is this not the crown? Think of it. God’s children returning to Him sanctified and purged of all filth, returning to perpetuate the species of Gods, Worlds without end. It gladdens my soul! If only I could keep this with me in my daily walk. One must find the way to do this. This is surely the great secret that our Savior had. He found a way to always remember the true meaning of this life.
• 2 Nephi 28
This chapter is hard to swallow. It truly portrays what dire circumstances my children and dear friends find themselves in. We live in a time when there are so many competing voices that one is compelled to say, “We are all right, right?” Everyone has their “way” to heaven. I hate the argument that, “I am a good person.” President Hinckley has stated that being good is not enough we must be better than good. We have to do something with our lives leave the world a better place when we are gone.
I have lately been so critical of myself because I don’t consider my self “good.” I want to do something in this life, something worthwhile. I would like to make a difference. I like to think my smile to everyone or my wave hello helps, but I want to do more. I want to bring souls to Christ. I want to teach people that life is worth living, teach them how to manage their finances and help them learn to be self sufficient. I feel a great call but I am not moving towards the goal because of lack of preparation. You must be prepared when the call comes or He will call another in your stead. The work must go on!
(Reading Journal) Monday February 4, 2008
• 2 Nephi 25:25 states that the law is dead unto us but, “we keep the law because of the commandments.”
I wonder if there has been any commandments like this in this dispensation that were dead but kept because of the command, i.e. Plural Marriage. I would assume this was the case. There seems to be no other strong reason for doing so outside of pure necessity and command. Vs. 30 states that we must keep the performances and ordinances until the law shall be fulfilled.
• The whole of this chapter is pretty intriguing due to the fact that Nephi states how much he wants his children to know the prophesies, but is resigned to accept that they probably wont because these things are meant for us today. I ask myself often if I know how important it is for us to have an understanding these things.
• 2 Nephi 26:10-11 we “sell themselves for naught” when the “Spirit ceaseth to strive with man then cometh a speedy destruction”
It is no wonder that when we cease to attend to our spirituality we fall so quickly. Falling comes easier and faster than climbing. It is as if we are worse off than had we never known. It is crucial that we retain those who have accepted the restored gospel. In a recent article I have read on the web, I found disturbing figures that have failed to leave my mind. According to the article the church has approximately 12 mil members but only about 4 mil attend regularly. 1/4! We have serious retention problem. I can see that here in Roy, UT at the Country Lane Ward. We have maybe less. I know this is at the forefront to the mind of the Savior and Leaders but I wonder what I can do more.
Melissa and I discuss this often. We both have come to the conclusion that it probably has a lot to do with the basic needs for humans, i.e. Food and Shelter. It is hard for you to see past those needs at times. I guess in times of extreme need it is easier to give up paying tithing in order to buy grocery. Once tithing is gone so goes Temple attendance and then Sacrament. I think it is understandable but also lacking faith, that true faith that sacrifice brings.
• 2 Nephi 26:15 this is a call to the Faithful to remain vigilant in their prayers and fasting for those they love. It took about 1400 years before these prayers were answered.
Being “low to the dust” is as far as you can go before you reach the point of no return. It will take some to hit rock bottom before they will awaken and shake of the dust and chains. Do not give up on Souls, for they are precious.
• The scientist in me loves Vs 18. It speaks of speed destruction, “in an instant, suddenly” When I read of mass extinction it is always quick. The Dinosaurs were here one day and the next thing you know…Gone! This is how it works. The build up is slow but then you are gone. We can see the history of this continent no trace of the peoples who made the pyramids. That is all the Mayans left. Gone! No reason but pride. It shows you how much of a fine line we walk in this world. HE will only tolerate it for so long.
• Vs 27-28 He indeed invites all and he commandeth his people to persuade all men to come unto him. All are alike unto him. This is the most beautiful statement, “all are alike”
I wonder if there has been any commandments like this in this dispensation that were dead but kept because of the command, i.e. Plural Marriage. I would assume this was the case. There seems to be no other strong reason for doing so outside of pure necessity and command. Vs. 30 states that we must keep the performances and ordinances until the law shall be fulfilled.
• The whole of this chapter is pretty intriguing due to the fact that Nephi states how much he wants his children to know the prophesies, but is resigned to accept that they probably wont because these things are meant for us today. I ask myself often if I know how important it is for us to have an understanding these things.
• 2 Nephi 26:10-11 we “sell themselves for naught” when the “Spirit ceaseth to strive with man then cometh a speedy destruction”
It is no wonder that when we cease to attend to our spirituality we fall so quickly. Falling comes easier and faster than climbing. It is as if we are worse off than had we never known. It is crucial that we retain those who have accepted the restored gospel. In a recent article I have read on the web, I found disturbing figures that have failed to leave my mind. According to the article the church has approximately 12 mil members but only about 4 mil attend regularly. 1/4! We have serious retention problem. I can see that here in Roy, UT at the Country Lane Ward. We have maybe less. I know this is at the forefront to the mind of the Savior and Leaders but I wonder what I can do more.
Melissa and I discuss this often. We both have come to the conclusion that it probably has a lot to do with the basic needs for humans, i.e. Food and Shelter. It is hard for you to see past those needs at times. I guess in times of extreme need it is easier to give up paying tithing in order to buy grocery. Once tithing is gone so goes Temple attendance and then Sacrament. I think it is understandable but also lacking faith, that true faith that sacrifice brings.
• 2 Nephi 26:15 this is a call to the Faithful to remain vigilant in their prayers and fasting for those they love. It took about 1400 years before these prayers were answered.
Being “low to the dust” is as far as you can go before you reach the point of no return. It will take some to hit rock bottom before they will awaken and shake of the dust and chains. Do not give up on Souls, for they are precious.
• The scientist in me loves Vs 18. It speaks of speed destruction, “in an instant, suddenly” When I read of mass extinction it is always quick. The Dinosaurs were here one day and the next thing you know…Gone! This is how it works. The build up is slow but then you are gone. We can see the history of this continent no trace of the peoples who made the pyramids. That is all the Mayans left. Gone! No reason but pride. It shows you how much of a fine line we walk in this world. HE will only tolerate it for so long.
• Vs 27-28 He indeed invites all and he commandeth his people to persuade all men to come unto him. All are alike unto him. This is the most beautiful statement, “all are alike”
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