Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Chapter 32


We’ve all heard of “show and tell.”  Nephi tells us that if we read the scriptures the Lord will “tell you all things what ye should do.”  Likewise, he says “if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.”  This is gospel “show and tell” in its clearest formula.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Chapter 31


Nephi records the doctrine of Christ.  Faith in God the Father and The Son; Repentance; Baptism by Immersion; Laying on of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost; Endure to the End.  The respective ordinances are: faith and repentance—baptism; the Gift of the Holy Ghost—Confirmation; endure to the end—the endowment and sealing ordinances of the temple.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Chapter 30


The Book of Mormon goes forth as we speak to the world.  It will have a profound effect upon the earth’s inhabitants.  The “scales of darkness” will start to fall away from those who do not know about Jesus.  This second witness of Christ changes everything.  When the Savior returns again, as prophesied, “Satan shall have power over the hearts of the children of men no more, for a long time.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Chapter 29


The Lord has caused his word to be written by whomever he has spoken to.  Therefore, we have the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, and the words of the living prophets from General Conference and other times when they speak by the power of the Spirit.  There is much scripture yet to be written.  There is also much scripture that has already been written but is yet to come forth, for example, the words the Lord has spoken to the Lost Tribes of Israel.  Reading scriptures fortifies us.  The act of faith involved in opening the scriptures signifies to the Spirit that we want to be taught in much the same way raising our hands in class signals to the teacher we are ready to learn.  The Lord smiles down on us when we read his words.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Chapter 28


Nephi reveals Satan’s tactics in the latter-days.  Satan will say that miracles can’t happen because God has done his work already.  He will tell us to “Eat, drink, and be merry” and that there will be no consequences for unrighteous living.  Satan will encourage us to “rage” in our hearts towards our fellow beings.  He will also pacify us and use flattery to slowly convert us to his way of using and abusing others.  Nephi makes us aware of these tactics and warns us to turn away for Satan’s plan.


Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Chapter 27


We have the Book of Mormon.  It is true.  Joseph Smith translated it by the gift and power of God.  Part of the book was sealed so Joseph didn’t translate it, but it will come forth someday and we will learn from its pages all of the works of the Lord from the beginning.  The Book of Mormon has been the cornerstone of my religion.  Jesus is on almost every page.  Through the Book of Mormon I have come to know the doctrine of Christ.  I have come to love him.  Because of the book, my children and grandchildren know to whom they can turn for remission of sins.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Chapter 26


With his prophetic mantle, Nephi is able to see the future and bear the sorrow of the loss of his people.  This destruction in about 400 A.D. comes as the Nephites reject Christ.  Yet, Nephi acknowledges that God is just.  He is also privileged to see Christ’s visit to America after his resurrection.  If I were able to see the future of my own family, would I be able to see the good and the bad with Nephi’s eye, understanding that God will take care of my family with mercy and justice?  It is my prayer that my family will remain true and faithful and be able to come unto Christ and partake of his goodness.  Meanwhile, I need to remain faithful myself, enduring to the end with dignity, patience, and cheerfulness. 

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Chapter 25


I am grateful for the Plan of Happiness.  I am grateful for my family.  Had we not been created male and female from the beginning we could not have had children.  I have empathy for those who believe in same sex relationships.  I don’t condone or condemn their actions.  But for “me and my house we will serve the Lord.”  Nephi teaches that “we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.”  God loves all of his children.  Children are the key to discerning his purposes.  He has them; and he wants us to have them for eternity.  Any plan to the contrary is not of God.  

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Chapter 24


I like this one line regarding the millennial rest, “The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet; they break forth into singing.”  I liken this unto retirement.