Dear Brothers & Sisters,
This week your post should come from 1 Nephi 17-22. Nothing out of the usual for this week's post, please simply share an scripture and insight you gleaned as you studied these chapters from the Book of Mormon. Here is a thought, however, to guide your reading: President Ezra Taft Benson said of the authors of the
Book of Mormon, “If they saw our day and chose those things which would be
of greatest worth to us, is not that how we should study the Book of Mormon? We
should constantly ask ourselves, ‘Why did the Lord inspire Mormon (or Moroni or
Alma) to include that in his record? What lesson can I learn from that to help
me live in this day and age?’” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 5; or Ensign,
Nov. 1986, 6).
Similarly, Elder L. Tom Perry said, "“Each time we read the book we should probably ask
ourselves: ‘Why did these writers choose these particular stories or events to
include in the record? What value are they for us today?’” (in Conference
Report, Oct. 2005, 5; or Ensign, Nov. 2005, 8).
What was written in the Book of Mormon readings from 1 Nephi 17-22 for you this week?
Be sure to keep up in your readings and posts!
Thanks, Bro Palmer
I am always impressed with Nephi's foresight. He predicted the Diaspora after the last crusade and the return of the Jews to Israel after World War II in 1 Nephi 19. It always strengthens my testimony when fulfilled prophecies are right before your eyes.
ReplyDeleteI also like Nephi's diligence in 1 Nephi 17 to build the ship. If I apply this to my life, living righteously is like building a ship where a lot of people tell you to do what's popular or fun, but you just have to stay true and build your own ship.
Sorry it took so long to get onto the blog site. The VPN is working now and we should be able to get on every week.
Love, Bill and Austin
Great to have you guys with us! Thanks for the great comments and I look forward to hearing more from you two!
DeleteBroP
There are many great scriptures which have called my attention. I love 1 Nephi 19:9. However I am going to comment on a couple related scriptures found in 1Ne 19:7 and 1Ne 22:23. I believe Nephi wrote these things specifically for our day. While writing these verses, Nephi couldn't have really been worried about the creation of many churches like he describes in chapter 22. Instead, he knew that in these latter days, there would be thousands of churches. Many people from every church, yes, every church would esteem the words of the prophets and the words of our Savior as something of naught. This doesn't always mean that the many churches and members thereof don't believe in Jesus Christ, but that, as Nephi says, they "hearken not to the voice of his [God's] counsels" (1Ne 19:7). This helps me understand what I must do everyday; listen to God's counsels and follow them. These verses also help me avoid the evil things in this world that are disguised as something holy or dedicated to God. These things are very prevalent these days.
ReplyDeleteGreat, relevant insight. Thank you!
DeleteMy favorite scripture from this section is 1 Nephi 17: 2 which says that Nephi did not work the timers after the manner of men, but he did build it after the manner which the Lord had shown unto him; "wherefore, it was not after the manner of men." I think this scripture is very applicable to us in this day and age. I've seen so many people lower their standards or succumb to temptation out of desire to be accepted by the world. The world is so loud and is always trying to tell us who we should be. But my father taught me an important principle growing up that relates to this. He always said "Don't follow the crowd." I know that Heavenly Father will show us the way to live our lives. I'm so grateful to know that I don't have to rely on the teachings of man; I have the gift of the Holy Ghost, and through this Gift, Heavenly Father can show me the way to build my life. Living the Gospel truly gives us confidence, confidence to stand out and do the things the Lord would have us do.
ReplyDeleteYour Father is a wise man, and you are a wise man for listening to him. Great insights, thank you.
DeleteThe scripture that stood out to me the most this week is 1 Nephi 17: 37 where is says that "He raiseth up a righteous nation, and destroyeth the nations of the wicked." Looking at the recent events in the world such as the issues overseas and the flooding here in Colorado, we all must make sure that we are doing all we can and working hard to be the righteous people. We know of all the stories of destruction in the scriptures, but I don't think that it could happen to us here and now, in this day and age. We can't be like the world be that we are destroyed with it. Now is the time when we have to be strong in our faith. The verse is a warning to me, but it's also a light in the dark. Whatever happens to the nation, we as members can withstand the hardships as long as we are being faithful and living a righteous life.
ReplyDeleteWell said. Thank you!
DeleteThe accounts in chapters 17 through 19 are a testimony to me of the need to always be consistent in following the Lord. Again and again, Laman and Lemuel are rebuked, repent, and then when things turn for the worse or in some cases start to go well, they rebel again. To me, this shows that we need to always, no matter the circumstances, endure well the situation. When times are tough, remember the Lord and be humble and patient. When all is going well, also remember the Lord, be humble and help others find that happiness. But we cannot turn to the 'dancing and much rudeness' as they were doing on the ship in 1 Nephi 17:9, so to speak. It is one thing to be happy, it is another to forget the Lord. We just always need to be faithful.
ReplyDeleteThank you, great thoughts.
Delete1Ne 19: 7-8
ReplyDeleteThese verses area prophecy of Christ. He will come and be rejected. It is actually very specific saying it will occur in 600 years. Earlier in the Chapter Nephi makes a point to say he is writing this record of only sacred things for the benefit of future generations. What benefit do I or we in this day find from a prophecy such as this? I think it is to magnify the importance of the savior, and the importance of prophets. At that time the prophecy was he will come. The prophecy now is he will come again. Just as Nephi and ancient prophets wrote to prepare future generations of what is to come, Prophets and church leaders in our day do the same. IT may not seem impotant at the time, but everything written and everything said by those called of God is for a "sacred" purpose.
I know God has once again called a prophet on the earth.
Thank you for your thoughts. You are right, the Savior will return, He really will come again, just as He really did come some 2,000 years ago. Thank you for your testimony of our Latter-day prophet, Pres. Monson.
Delete1 Nep 17: 23-47
ReplyDeleteI guess I could copy and paste the whole section in here and fill a good block right? no I wont do that.
the reason this impressed me is how Nephi uses examples from the scriptures to help his brothers understand. I have often struggled to help people understand things and as I have searched for ways to help them examples from the scriptures has worked the best. Nephi tells how Moses was able to work many might miracles for the Lord (26, 28, 29,& 31). If the Lord worked for those people why not the family of Lehi, why not us. We know that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. If he can lead an entire people out a bondage, help a young man build a ship capable of crossing oceans then why not help us in the bondages and seas of our own lives?
I know he can I know that he does help us and like Nephi we need to put our faith in the Lord. let him come and help us unto the consuming of our flesh! the Lord of Israel lives, and miracles are being worked today.
Thank you, and I agree, things are often best taught by the scriptures. What a great principle. Thank you!
DeleteThis week I really liked the scripture found in 1Nephi 17:13, because it relates to today’s world and our lives. It says, “and I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments; wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led."
ReplyDeleteThe world is like the wilderness that we all have to get through. I like how God basically says, "Don't worry, for I will lead you if ye just obey." It really is that simple. We don't have to worry about how every little thing is going to work out in life, we just need to obey the commandments and God will lead us to the promised land.
Well said, thank you!
DeleteOne of my favorite verses in the scriptures, which is found in both Isaiah and in 1 Nephi 21:16 is "Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me." This scripture has brought me great comfort in times of distress and trial because I know that, even though the Savior is a perfect being, he as kept a lasting mark, a symbol, of what He suffered for me.
ReplyDelete