tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636788476791101412024-03-14T09:25:29.528-04:00Shawn Brodericksdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.comBlogger228125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263678847679110141.post-42040704976665929672011-04-06T09:31:00.000-04:002011-04-06T09:42:11.686-04:00The Book of Mormon Challenge - Enos, Jarom, Omni, Words of MormonHere is the chart for the books of Enos, Jarom, Omni, and the Words of Mormon. Each book has one chapter.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTH9ud6Ap5LaXqAPX1-snAvqgmn5MwsOFwEZ4JcEzDgI71zUWcFaF7WJnnOGkyyYORJwuNmvWNbSAjZaFRfNewvnqjCmDxHCV0RcTGl84bhjOj27R9uXRr87je9gcyii23Ov2zRahGKnM/s1600/Enos_Jarom_Omni_WofM_Analysis.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTH9ud6Ap5LaXqAPX1-snAvqgmn5MwsOFwEZ4JcEzDgI71zUWcFaF7WJnnOGkyyYORJwuNmvWNbSAjZaFRfNewvnqjCmDxHCV0RcTGl84bhjOj27R9uXRr87je9gcyii23Ov2zRahGKnM/s400/Enos_Jarom_Omni_WofM_Analysis.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592462437701824850" border="0" /></a><br /><br />(Click on image to enlarge. Click on Back button to return to post.)<br /><br />Here are the Excel files with all the details:<br /><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/Enos_Analysis.xls">Enos Analysis</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/Jarom_Analysis.xls">Jarom Analysis</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/Omni_Analysis.xls">Omni Analysis</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/Words_of_Mormon_Analysis.xls">Words of Mormon Analysis</a><br /><br />Here are files that have the highlighted PDF chapters:<br /><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/Enos_1_23.pdf">Enos Highlighted Chapter</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/Jarom_1_9.pdf">Jarom Highlighted Chapter</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/Omni_1_22.pdf">Omni Highlighted Chapter</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/Words_of_Mormon_1_14.pdf">Words of Mormon Highlighted Chapter</a><br /><br />These books cover many years of history. There are also multiple authors among them. They also feature good testimonies of Christ. They are great!sdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263678847679110141.post-13329936014627187402011-03-29T09:36:00.003-04:002011-03-29T10:03:50.628-04:00A Thought from the Book of JacobIn my analysis post, I see that Jacob chapter 4 merits further investigation. (Again, not that the others don't, but the chart peaks my curiosity.)<br /><br />Upon further investigation, I notice that Jacob 4 begins with one of my favorite sets of verses in the Book of Mormon. Here they are with comments:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">1 Now behold, it came to pass that I, Jacob, having ministered much unto my people in word, (and I cannot write but a little of my words, because of the difficulty of engraving our words upon plates) and we know that the things which we write upon plates must remain;</span><br /><br />Here we see that it is difficult for Jacob, and probably the other prophets in the Book of Mormon, to engrave their prophesies on plates. Because they knew that the engravings they made would stand for all time, they had to chose their words carefully and probably couldn't erase them if they made a mistake.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">2 But whatsoever things we write upon anything save it be upon plates must perish and vanish away; but we can write a few words upon plates, which will give our children, and also our beloved brethren, a small degree of knowledge concerning us, or concerning their fathers—</span><br /><br />Jacob and the other prophets knew that using other media at the time to record their prophesies would just disintegrate and become unreadable, so they used what they knew would last. I believe that this verse also reveals who the Book of Mormon was written to. To their children. I also believe that we are included in that category. They wanted us, the peoples of the latter-days to know about them, to have a small degree of knowledge concerning them. Think of all the peoples that have lived on the Americas that we don't know about their names, families, lives, or God's dealings with them. We are blessed to have these records in our hands. So, what was their purpose for all of the hard work, labor, and sacrifice to write down these passages? And how did they feel about it? Let's read on...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">3 Now in this thing we do rejoice; and we labor diligently to engraven these words upon plates, hoping that our beloved brethren and our children will receive them with thankful hearts, and look upon them that they may learn with joy and not with sorrow, neither with contempt, concerning their first parents.</span><br /><br />So, when I read this scripture for my personal scripture study one day, it really hit me. How do we receive the product of their words and scrifice? Do we receive them with thankful hearts? Do we look to them to learn about their testimonies of Christ with joy? Do we look on them with sorrow or contempt to read and learn about them? Now this latter question may seem to be extreme, but those were the words Jacob used. He hoped, and probably prayed, that we could have his words and receive them with thankful hearts. So, this is how I feel about daily scripture study. My goal is to always have a good attitude about the commandment and think of the new things that I can learn and opening up the conduit to feel of the Spirit that day. He will come when we do this because we read of truth about Christ and the prophets' testimonies of Him. So, what was their intent?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">4 For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming; and not only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us.</span><br /><br />They wanted us to know that they knew that Christ would come. Jacob knew that the words of all the prophets before him were about the fact that He would come. They had a hope of His glory. What does that mean? I think that, in part, it means that He would be the Savior and fulfill all the words He, as Jehovah, revealed to them--to live again after death, and to live with Heavenly Father again. That is what they felt. How much of a blessing it is for us to know it. So, have you read your scriptures yet today? : )sdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263678847679110141.post-23287584216927185742011-03-15T10:29:00.003-04:002011-03-15T10:42:42.239-04:00The Book of Mormon Challenge - JacobHere is the chart for the book of Jacob:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDcmLj2VtwPUOMPgHpbm3KLFhcJHnm0kQtMWKfoHgO1yChlFKs7R_pKcTgQlD9dM2WfPIe75r8u8qEJV2uGUYi77ix6QSgYvKKhGrKArx2oLgob_Nd8JHtFLIzNskrgZmaAlQt7dio1s/s1600/Jacob+Analysis.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDcmLj2VtwPUOMPgHpbm3KLFhcJHnm0kQtMWKfoHgO1yChlFKs7R_pKcTgQlD9dM2WfPIe75r8u8qEJV2uGUYi77ix6QSgYvKKhGrKArx2oLgob_Nd8JHtFLIzNskrgZmaAlQt7dio1s/s400/Jacob+Analysis.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584314953568413890" border="0" /></a><br /><br />(Click on image to enlarge. Click on Back button to return to post.)<br /><br />Here is the Excel file with all the details:<br /><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/Jacob%20Analysis.xls">Jacob Analysis</a><br /><br />Here is the .zip file with all the highlighted PDF chapters:<br /><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/Jacob%20Highlighted%20Chapters.zip">Jacob Highlighted Chapters</a><br /><br />Jacob is a wonderful book. He has some good practical sermons to the people. But more on that later.sdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263678847679110141.post-22452830511440615082011-03-11T10:33:00.002-05:002011-03-11T10:55:08.574-05:00Thoughts on 2nd Nephi AnalysisThe first thought that comes to mind how often the Jesus Christ is mentioned in the Isaiah chapters in 2nd Nephi. There seems to be a little slump there compared to the beginning and the end of the book. However, I want to remind you of Jesus's own commandment to the Nephites (and us) about the writings of Isaiah in 3 Nephi 23:1.<br /><br />"And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for <span class="highlight">great</span> are the <span class="highlight">words</span> of <span class="highlight">Isaiah</span>."<br /><br />This selection in the book of 2nd Nephi is not easy to read at times, but as I skimmed the chapter headings, I found that in 2nd Nephi, Isaiah prophesies a lot about the latter-days, which are our days, and the Millennium. They help us to be righteous and describe the fate of the wicked.<br /><br />The end of the book of 2nd Nephi (i.e., chapters 25-33) is special, I believe, because of the number of times each member of the Godhead is mentioned, especially in chapters 31-33. <br /><br />Chapter 31 is where Nephi testifies of the baptism of Christ and the reason He was baptized. He testifies of the need for keeping the commandments and if we do so, we'll obtain eternal life.<br /><br />I believe chapter 32 is mainly about prayer. How are you doing with your prayers? With prayer we can obtain a knowledge of spiritual (and more) things. We receive our answers through scripture study and the Holy Ghost.<br /><br />In chapter 33, Nephi testifies that his words are the words of Christ. It reminds me of people that say they've read the Book of Mormon and don't believe it. I'm not sure if they've truly read. I believe Nephi when he says that he (and the other prophets in the Book of Mormon) teach the words of Christ. They are His words.<br /><br />I love the ending of Nephi's writings, which are also in chapter 33, "<span class="verse"></span>For what I seal on earth, shall be brought against you at the judgement bar; for thus hath the Lord commanded me, and I must obey. Amen." He says that his words will be brought before us at the judgment and that he must obey the commandments of God. So must we and if we do, we will rejoice when the words are brought before us.sdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263678847679110141.post-49660666438598945872011-03-09T11:06:00.003-05:002011-03-09T11:22:26.317-05:00The Book of Mormon Challenge - 2nd NephiHere are the results for the analysis of the book of 2nd Nephi:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mtgXZRYwbi-dtWgGdNjGoQSSvcF-DpuGlVzU4ZVMqJPAFM0fJ3B13UgZwv-NHowK6mqxEo4sEismQCNTFezIVYKAWDlLe2JoTTlrRFpeXOXEdfO7bxC9g9E5j4zdBa3xQcajxpLxthw/s1600/2+Nephi+Chart.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mtgXZRYwbi-dtWgGdNjGoQSSvcF-DpuGlVzU4ZVMqJPAFM0fJ3B13UgZwv-NHowK6mqxEo4sEismQCNTFezIVYKAWDlLe2JoTTlrRFpeXOXEdfO7bxC9g9E5j4zdBa3xQcajxpLxthw/s400/2+Nephi+Chart.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582113203396085650" border="0" /></a><br /><br />(Click on image to enlarge. Click on Back button to return to this post.)<br /><br />Here is the Excel file with all the details:<br /><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/2%20Nephi%20Analysis.xls">2 Nephi Analysis</a><br /><br />In order to save time on creating individual links to the highlighted PDF chapters for the book of 2nd Nephi, I have used the .zip format to archive each PDF into one file. In order to see the PDFs, just download the file and click on it. Whether on Mac or PC you should be able to just save the files in their own folder. Let me know if there are problems.<br /><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/2%20Nephi%20Highlighted%20Chapters.zip">2 Nephi Higlighted Chapters</a><br /><br />Have a great day!sdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263678847679110141.post-50407154966970013492011-03-03T09:15:00.003-05:002011-03-09T11:08:26.664-05:00Thoughts on 1st Nephi AnalysisSo, if you look at the chart of the number of times each member of the Godhead is mentioned (as a percentage per verse) you will notice that chapters 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 particularly stand out. They have more times when Nephi mentions Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost along with Jesus Christ. If we recall, the events portrayed in those chapters was a special vision that Nephi had where he saw his father's vision of the Tree of Life along with details of the future with the birth of Christ, the fate of his people, the last days, and every important event leading up to the second coming. (See 1 Nephi 6 for Nephi's description of how special these chapters (and all others) are that are in his book.)<br /><br />So, by noting these special chapters, do we say that the others, like 1 Nephi 1-9, and 15-22 are not as special because they don't mention the members of the Godhead as much? I submit that they are as special. They might have a different focus or purpose, but I believe that when Mormon compiled the gold plates, he selected the accounts that were special for our day. Both authors of Helaman and Ether (which I believe are Mormon and Moroni, respectively) say that they couldn't include a hundredth part of the proceedings of the people, I believe temporally or spiritually. But they include something, all of it being their most precious accounts. Nephi and Jacob also mention this. I believe it is true for the whole book.<br /><br />So how do we value it? The Nephites had a 1000-year history, and the Jaredites, even longer. The Book of Mormon is most precious. So, as I post more analyses, we need to keep these things in mind. Those are my thoughts for today. Thanks for reading!sdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263678847679110141.post-70841780878936815202011-03-02T09:49:00.012-05:002011-03-09T11:09:04.053-05:00The Book of Mormon Challenge - 1st NephiI had finished the Book of Mormon Challenge a while ago, but haven't posted any results or thoughts about it. I did the challenge using PDF versions of each chapter of the Book of Mormon. I highlighted each time the name of the Savior appeared in the text and reflected on His role in that chapter.<br /><br />Then I thought that a good extension would be to see how much Heavenly Father is mentioned and the Holy Ghost, the two remaining members of the Godhead. I feel that I must be careful in doing this because of the sacred nature of Their names. I hope that through this analysis, I have still maintained that.<br /><br />First of all, I want to say that I know that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. In this small way of seeing how He is mentioned and about whom testimonies are given, the Book of Mormon is so powerful. There are only a few chapters where He isn't mentioned, but some chapters mention Him 50-70 times. We will find out how this plays out.<br /><br />The first book in the Book of Mormon is 1st Nephi. Each chapter has a percentage of verses where each member of the Godhead is mentioned. Notice that Jesus Christ is by far the center figure. This is true in all the chapters of the Book of Mormon.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Kguxre7JJKqZj20qMyCkXeMpw1mYSEfMF5akaakhIT9jM6qAg15xeRKYfouyKFgMc6MkgYrdwk-QFPVDOKwmGhlM7f2nWsD3fiaeqeLdaiqVBw7Ukyw_Vybzafikni7prcnHK_GZTVI/s1600/1+Nephi+Chart.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Kguxre7JJKqZj20qMyCkXeMpw1mYSEfMF5akaakhIT9jM6qAg15xeRKYfouyKFgMc6MkgYrdwk-QFPVDOKwmGhlM7f2nWsD3fiaeqeLdaiqVBw7Ukyw_Vybzafikni7prcnHK_GZTVI/s400/1+Nephi+Chart.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579500610021977602" border="0" /></a></div><br />(Click on image to enlarge. Click on Back button to return to this post.)<br /><br />Here is the Excel file with all the details of how the above chart was created:<br /><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/1%20Nephi%20Analysis.xls">1 Nephi Analysis</a><br /><br />1 Nephi highlighted PDFs:<br /><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/1%20Nephi%201_17_20.pdf">1 Nephi 1</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/1%20Nephi%202_17_24.pdf">1 Nephi 2</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/1%20Nephi%203_18_31.pdf">1 Nephi 3</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/1%20Nephi%204_14_38.pdf">1 Nephi 4</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/1%20Nephi%205_15_22.pdf">1 Nephi 5</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/1%20Nephi%206_7_6.pdf">1 Nephi 6</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/1%20Nephi%207_21_22.pdf">1 Nephi 7</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/1%20Nephi%208_6_38.pdf">1 Nephi 8</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/1%20Nephi%209_3_6.pdf">1 Nephi 9</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/1%20Nephi%2010_33_22.pdf">1 Nephi 10</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/1%20Nephi%2011_36_36.pdf">1 Nephi 11</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/1%20Nephi%2012_10_33.pdf">1 Nephi 12</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/1%20Nephi%2013_52_42.pdf">1 Nephi 13</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/1%20Nephi%2014_30_30.pdf">1 Nephi 14</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/1%20Nephi%2015_33_36.pdf">1 Nephi 15</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/1%20Nephi%2016_25_39.pdf">1 Nephi 16</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/1%20Nephi%2017_59_55.pdf">1 Nephi 17</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/1%20Nephi%2018_17_25.pdf">1 Nephi 18</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/1%20Nephi%2019_26_24.pdf">1 Nephi 19</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/1%20Nephi%2020_17_22.pdf">1 Nephi 20</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/1%20Nephi%2021_23_26.pdf">1 Nephi 21</a><br /><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10312427/1%20Nephi%2022_24_31.pdf">1 Nephi 22</a>sdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263678847679110141.post-55507562953293379622009-09-16T12:13:00.002-04:002009-09-16T12:15:13.181-04:00A little breakMy family and I are taking on a challenge to read the Book of Mormon and mark every time we come across certain things like Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, or other doctrines. So, to this blog, I will say goodbye for a while. Thanks for reading, friend!sdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263678847679110141.post-72431324600313273162009-09-14T08:27:00.002-04:002009-09-14T08:43:48.509-04:002 Nephi 1:21-22"21 And now that my soul might have joy in you, and that my heart might leave this world with gladness because of you, that I might not be brought down with grief and sorrow to the grave, arise from the dust, my sons, and be <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/21a" mark="a" type="A" title="1 Sam. 4: 9; 1 Kgs. 2: 2.">men</a>, and be determined in <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/21b" mark="b" type="A" title="Moses 7: 18.">one</a> mind and in one heart, united in all things, that ye may not come down into captivity; <div class="verse"><a name="22"></a> <div id="2_ne/1/22" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"22 That ye may not be <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/22a" mark="a" type="B" title="TG Curse.">cursed</a> with a sore cursing; and also, that ye may not incur the displeasure of a <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/22b" mark="b" type="C" title="D&C 3: 4; TG Justice.">just</a> God upon you, unto the destruction, yea, the eternal destruction of both soul and body."<br /><br />I have heard the middle part of verse 21 quoted a number of times before. However, I didn't remember who said it and why. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lehi</span> continues his discussion about life with his family. He is speaking to his sons, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Laman</span> and Lemuel. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lehi</span> is about to die and he is worried about their disobedience. He says that in order that his soul might have joy for them, and that he might pass away with happiness with them, and not sorrow, he tells them to arise from the dust and be men. Arise from being idol with works of righteousness and to take on the challenge to follow the commandments and work hard to implement them in their lives. He challenges them to accomplish this by being of one heart and one mind, united in all things, so that they would not be held captive by the devil because they would be cut off from the presence of the Lord for not following the commandments.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lehi</span> feels that a sore cursing is imminent. This is not the first time he has mentioned it, I believe. He asks them to do things that would not incur the displeasure of a just God. God must be just with the wicked and the righteous. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Lehi</span> does not want his sons to receive the eternal destruction of both soul and body. This is a pretty heavy statement. Later we learn that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Lehi</span> blesses <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Laman</span> and Lemuel's posterity so that the sin of the children and their posterity fall upon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Laman</span> and Lemuel (see <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/4#6">2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Nephi</span> 4:6</a>). With this in mind, it seems to be more realistic now and not so heavy. <br /><br />I wonder if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Lehi</span> has felt these things all along or has just realized that this would happen recently, little by little. In any case, it is a testimony to us that we need to always follow the Lord.<br /></div> </div>sdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263678847679110141.post-54631034600887243762009-09-11T11:51:00.002-04:002009-09-11T12:15:12.329-04:002 Nephi 1:19-20"19 O my sons, that these things might not come upon you, but that ye might be a choice and a <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/19a" mark="a" type="B" title="TG Peculiar People.">favored</a> people of the Lord. But behold, his will be done; for his <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/19b" mark="b" type="A" title="Hosea 14: 9.">ways</a> are righteousness forever. <div class="verse"><a name="20"></a> <div id="2_ne/1/20" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"20 And he hath said that: <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/20a" mark="a" type="A" title="Jarom 1: 9; Omni 1: 6; Mosiah 1: 7; Alma 9: 13 (13-14); Alma 36: 30; Alma 37: 13; 3 Ne. 5: 22.">Inasmuch</a> as ye shall keep my <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/20b" mark="b" type="A" title="Lev. 26: 3 (3-14); Joel 2: 25 (23-26); Amos 5: 4 (4-8); Mosiah 26: 30.">commandments</a> ye shall <sup>c</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/20c" mark="c" type="A" title="Ps. 67: 6; Prov. 22: 4 (4-5); Mosiah 2: 24 (21-25)">prosper</a> in the land; but inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from my presence."<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lehi</span> does not want his sons and their posterity to be cursed and led by the devil for generations. He wishes them to be a choice and favored people of the Lord. These desires mirror what he has thought for many years. He has even dreamed about it. It is a part of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lehi's</span> dream. <br /><br />We turn for a moment to <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/8">1 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nephi</span> 8</a>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lehi</span> has seen his dream and is about to share it with his family. He begins by saying that he is happy for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Nephi</span> and Sam and has reason to believe that they and their posterity will be saved. In <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/8#4">verse 4</a> we read, "4 But behold, <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/8/4a" mark="a" type="A" title="1 Ne. 8: 35."><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Laman</span></a> and Lemuel, I fear exceedingly because of you..." He does not think this is the case for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Laman</span> and Lemuel. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Lehi</span> then sees the tree with the precious fruit, walks along the path to it, and partakes of the fruit. He wants to share it with his family. They all come and eat, except <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Laman</span> and Lemuel. He does not find them at first. In <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/8#17">verse 17</a>, we read:<br /><div id="1_ne/8/17" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)"><br />"17 And it came to pass that I was desirous that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Laman</span> and Lemuel should come and partake of the fruit also; wherefore, I cast mine eyes towards the head of the river, that perhaps I might see them. </div> <div class="verse"><a name="18"></a> <div id="1_ne/8/18" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"18 And it came to pass that I saw them, but they would <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/8/18a" mark="a" type="A" title="2 Ne. 5: 20 (20-25)">not</a> come unto me and partake of the fruit."<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Laman</span> and Lemuel are discussed at the end of the chapter. In <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/8#35">verses 35-38</a>, we read:<br /><br />"35 And <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/8/35a" mark="a" type="A" title="1 Ne. 8: 4 (4, 17-18); 2 Ne. 5: 20 (19-24)"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Laman</span></a> and Lemuel partook not of the fruit, said my father. <div class="verse"><a name="36"></a> <div id="1_ne/8/36" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"36 And it came to pass after my father had spoken all the words of his dream or vision, which were many, he said unto us, because of these things which he saw in a vision, he exceedingly feared for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Laman</span> and Lemuel; yea, he feared lest they should be cast off from the presence of the Lord. </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="37"></a> <div id="1_ne/8/37" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"37 And he did <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/8/37a" mark="a" type="B" title="TG Family, Children, Responsibilities toward.">exhort</a> them then with all the feeling of a tender parent, that they would hearken to his words, that perhaps the Lord would be merciful to them, and not cast them off; yea, my father did preach unto them. </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="38"></a>"38 And after he had preached unto them, and also prophesied unto them of many things, he bade them to keep the commandments of the Lord; and he did cease speaking unto them." </div><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Lehi</span> has spoken with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Laman</span> and Lemuel many times like this. Such exhortation and prophesies require and are much labor in the Spirit. If we know someone is not following the commandments, how much do we testify to them and exhort them to follow the commandments?<br /><br />We know that the fruit of the tree is the gospel and the love of God. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Laman</span> and Lemuel did not want to be a part of that. This is what worries <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Lehi</span>. Their behavior indicates that they are not converted and won't anytime soon. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Lehi</span> is about to die and is pleading desperately with them to follow the commandments and be a part of the gospel. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Lehi</span> is pulling the last card in his deck. The ace. The clincher. However, it is still up to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Laman</span> and Lemuel to follow.<br /><br />In <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1#20">verse 20</a> (of <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1">2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Nephi</span> 1</a>), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Lehi</span> again quotes the Lord. Inasmuch as you follow the commandments you will prosper. If you do not, you will be cut off from His presence. I wonder if we are like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Laman</span> and Lemuel, in that the Lord has to sometimes tell is straight out and several times. We have Stake Conference this week. What messages will we hear?<br /></div> </div></div> </div>sdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263678847679110141.post-20221231739038289412009-09-10T09:12:00.002-04:002009-09-10T09:29:01.076-04:002 Nephi 1:17-18" 17 My heart hath been weighed down with sorrow from time to time, for I have feared, lest for the hardness of your hearts the Lord your God should come out in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">fulness</span> of his <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/17a" mark="a" type="C" title="1 Ne. 2: 23; 2 Ne. 5: 21 (21-24); Alma 3: 6 (6-19); TG God, Indignation of.">wrath</a> upon you, that ye be <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/17b" mark="b" type="A" title="Gen. 6: 13; 1 Ne. 17: 31; Mosiah 12: 8; 3 Ne. 9: 9.">cut</a> off and destroyed forever; <div class="verse"><a name="18"></a>"18 Or, that a <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/18a" mark="a" type="B" title="TG Curse.">cursing</a> should come upon you for the space of <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/18b" mark="b" type="A" title="1 Ne. 12: 21 (20-23).">many</a> generations; and ye are visited by sword, and by famine, and are hated, and are led according to the will and captivity of the <sup>c</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/18c" mark="c" type="C" title="Rev. 12: 9 (7-9); Moses 1: 12; TG Devil.">devil</a>."<br /><div id="2_ne/1/18" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)"><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lehi</span> continues his laments and worries about his two oldest sons. He states that from time to time his heart has been weighed down with sorrow. In the beginning of their journey to the promised land, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lehi</span> preached to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Laman</span> and Lemuel. He even named geological features after them to help them to remember to be steadfast (see <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/2#10">1 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Nephi</span> 2:10</a> and on). He was really sad at their behavior on the ship across the ocean so much so that he was brought to bed rest (see <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/18#17">1 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Nephi</span> 18:17</a>).<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Lehi</span> also noticed that they have been neglecting the commandments for such a long time and they didn't seem about to start. He knew that the judgments of God will come upon the unrepentant whether in this life or the next. Thus, he feared that the Lord would cut them off. Imagine that you had two wayward sons. I think that it would pain me beyond anything I could imagine to watch them be cut off from the presence of the Lord and destroyed. Then, to see their lives be cursed for many generations, visited by sword and famine, hated, and led according to the will and captivity of the devil. Thus, their example being the means whereby many live in this world without the knowledge of the gospel and then sent unprepared to meet their Maker (see <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/alma/48#23">Alma 48:23</a>).<br /><br />So, how does this apply to us? Let us follow the Lord and not be cut off from His influence by following the commandments.<br /></div> </div>sdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263678847679110141.post-37857859671174796022009-09-09T09:31:00.002-04:002009-09-09T09:55:37.592-04:002 Nephi 1:16"16 And I desire that ye should remember to observe the <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/16a" mark="a" type="A" title="Deut. 4: 6 (5-8); Ezek. 20: 11; 2 Ne. 5: 10 (10-11).">statutes</a> and the judgments of the Lord; behold, this hath been the anxiety of my soul from the beginning."<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lehi</span> desires for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Laman</span> and Lemuel (and others whose actions have been questionable up to this point) that they observe the statutes and judgments of the Lord. A statute is a law decreed by God, or in other words, the commandments. He also wants them to observe the judgments of the Lord. What does that exactly mean? Is it saying the same as observing statutes or commandments? What do you think?<br /><br />I find it interesting that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lehi</span> states that he has been anxious about the behavior of his sons from the beginning. It seems then that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Laman</span> and Lemuel have always been a problem. Or, they started to be a problem when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Lehi</span> first told them that they were going to leave Jerusalem. It seems to me that it all depends on when "the beginning" was. However, the important point is that the current direction on the road to the Celestial Kingdom for those two is not in the right direction. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Lehi</span> is very worried about this. We shall see more in the upcoming verses.sdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263678847679110141.post-21400640355001578762009-09-03T09:15:00.002-04:002009-09-03T09:33:05.760-04:002 Nephi 1:15"15 But behold, the Lord hath <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/15a" mark="a" type="C" title="Alma 36: 28; TG Jesus Christ, Atonement through.">redeemed</a> my soul from hell; I have beheld his <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/15b" mark="b" type="C" title="Ex. 24: 16; Lev. 9: 6 (6, 23); Ether 12: 6 (6-18); TG Jesus Christ, Glory of.">glory</a>, and I am encircled about eternally in the <sup>c</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/15c" mark="c" type="A" title="Isa. 59: 16; Jacob 6: 5; Alma 5: 33; 3 Ne. 9: 14.">arms</a> of his <sup>d</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/15d" mark="d" type="C" title="Rom. 8: 39; TG God, Love of.">love</a>."<br /><br />As we continue with our scripture study, we come back into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nephi's</span> record of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lehi's</span> final discussion of the most important gospel topics with his entire family. I am inferring that they are the most important things because if you think about it, what would you say, and to whom would you speak, when you know that you are going to pass on from this life.<br /><br />It is a blessing for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lehi</span> for him to know, and as such testify, that the Lord has redeemed his soul. He has saved him from the depths of hell. It is a blessing for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lehi</span> to have seen the glory of the Lord. It is possible that he has seen the glory of the Lord on a number of occasions. If we remember back to the first chapter of 1 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Nephi</span>, we have an account of a time, most likely the first, when he beheld His glory (<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/1#5">1 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Nephi</span> 1:5-15</a>):<br /><br />"5 Wherefore it came to pass that my father, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Lehi</span>, as he went forth prayed unto the Lord, yea, even with all his <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/1/5a" mark="a" type="A" title="Jer. 29: 13; James 5: 16; 2 Ne. 4: 24 (23-25).">heart</a>, in behalf of his people [the Jews at Jerusalem]. <div class="verse"><a name="6"></a> <div id="1_ne/1/6" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"6 And it came to pass as he prayed unto the Lord, there came a <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/1/6a" mark="a" type="A" title="Ex. 14: 24; Hel. 5: 24 (24, 43); D&C 29: 12; JS-H 1: 16, 30.">pillar</a> of fire and dwelt upon a rock before him; and he saw and heard much; and because of the things which he saw and heard he did <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/1/6b" mark="b" type="A" title="Isa. 6: 5 (1-5).">quake</a> and tremble exceedingly. </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="7"></a> <div id="1_ne/1/7" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"7 And it came to pass that he returned to his own house at Jerusalem; and he cast himself upon his bed, being <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/1/7a" mark="a" type="A" title="Dan. 8: 27 (26-27); Dan. 10: 8 (8-12); 1 Ne. 17: 47; Alma 27: 17; Moses 1: 10 (9-10).">overcome</a> with the Spirit and the things which he had seen. </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="8"></a> <div id="1_ne/1/8" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"8 And being thus overcome with the Spirit, he was carried away in a <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/1/8a" mark="a" type="C" title="1 Ne. 3: 18 (17-18); 1 Ne. 5: 4; TG Vision.">vision</a>, even that he saw the <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/1/8b" mark="b" type="A" title="Ezek. 1: 1; Acts 7: 56 (55-56); 1 Ne. 11: 14; Alma 36: 22; Hel. 5: 48 (45-49); D&C 137: 1.">heavens</a> open, and he thought he <sup>c</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/1/8c" mark="c" type="B" title="TG God, Manifestations of; TG God, Privilege of Seeing.">saw</a> God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels in the attitude of singing and praising their God. </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="9"></a> <div id="1_ne/1/9" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"9 And it came to pass that he saw One descending out of the midst of heaven, and he beheld that his <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/1/9a" mark="a" type="A" title="JS-H 1: 17 (16-17), 30 (30-32).">luster</a> was above that of the sun at noon-day. </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="10"></a> <div id="1_ne/1/10" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"10 And he also saw <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/1/10a" mark="a" type="B" title="TG Apostles.">twelve</a> others following him, and their brightness did exceed that of the stars in the firmament. </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="11"></a> <div id="1_ne/1/11" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"11 And they came down and went forth upon the face of the earth; and the first came and <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/1/11a" mark="a" type="A" title="1 Sam. 3: 10; D&C 110: 2 (2-3).">stood</a> before my father, and gave unto him a <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/1/11b" mark="b" type="A" title="Ezek. 2: 9 (9-10); Rev. 10: 9 (2-11).">book</a>, and bade him that he should read. </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="12"></a> <div id="1_ne/1/12" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"12 And it came to pass that as he read, he was filled with the <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/1/12a" mark="a" type="A" title="Gen. 41: 38; Mosiah 27: 24; Alma 18: 16.">Spirit</a> of the Lord. </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="13"></a> <div id="1_ne/1/13" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"13 And he read, saying: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Wo</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">wo</span>, unto Jerusalem, for I have seen thine <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/1/13a" mark="a" type="A" title="2 Kgs. 24: 19; 2 Chr. 36: 14; Jer. 13: 27.">abominations</a>! Yea, and many things did my father read concerning <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/1/13b" mark="b" type="A" title="2 Kgs. 23: 27; 2 Kgs. 24: 2; Jer. 13: 14; Ezek. 15: 6 (6-8); 1 Ne. 2: 13; 1 Ne. 3: 17.">Jerusalem</a>—that it should be destroyed, and the inhabitants thereof; many should perish by the sword, and many should be <sup>c</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/1/13c" mark="c" type="C" title="2 Kgs. 20: 17 (17-18); Jer. 52: 15 (3-15); 2 Ne. 25: 10; Omni 1: 15; TG Babylon.">carried</a> away captive into Babylon. </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="14"></a> <div id="1_ne/1/14" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"14 And it came to pass that when my father had read and seen many great and marvelous things, he did exclaim many things unto the Lord; such as: Great and marvelous are thy works, O Lord God Almighty! Thy throne is high in the heavens, and thy <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/1/14a" mark="a" type="B" title="TG God, Power of.">power</a>, and goodness, and mercy are over all the inhabitants of the earth; and, because thou art merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/1/14b" mark="b" type="A" title="2 Ne. 26: 25 (24-28); Alma 5: 34 (33-36); 3 Ne. 9: 14 (13-14).">come</a> unto thee that they shall perish! </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="15"></a> <div id="1_ne/1/15" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"15 And after this manner was the language of my father in the praising of his God; for his soul did rejoice, and his whole heart was filled, because of the things which he had seen, yea, which the Lord had shown unto him."<br /><br />I am particularly touched by the last part of this verse. He is encircled eternally in the arms of His love. I know that we can have an inkling of what that is in this life. There have been many times in which I have been sad, hurt, or frustrated. I have prayed for such love, calmness, and peace and have received it.<br /></div> </div>sdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263678847679110141.post-30338947524227732462009-09-02T08:34:00.002-04:002009-09-02T08:53:13.071-04:002 Nephi 1:13-14"13 O that ye would awake; awake from a deep <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/13a" mark="a" type="B" title="TG Sleep.">sleep</a>, yea, even from the sleep of <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/13b" mark="b" type="B" title="TG Damnation.">hell</a>, and shake off the awful <sup>c</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/13c" mark="c" type="C" title="Isa. 58: 6; Alma 12: 11 (9-11); TG Bondage, Spiritual.">chains</a> by which ye are bound, which are the chains which bind the children of men, that they are carried away captive down to the eternal <sup>d</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/13d" mark="d" type="A" title="1 Ne. 12: 18; 1 Ne. 15: 28 (28-30); Alma 26: 20 (19-20); Hel. 3: 29.">gulf</a> of misery and woe. <div class="verse"><a name="14"></a> <div id="2_ne/1/14" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"14 Awake! and arise from the dust, and hear the words of a trembling <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/14a" mark="a" type="B" title="TG Family, Love within.">parent</a>, whose limbs ye must soon lay down in the cold and silent <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/14b" mark="b" type="B" title="TG Death.">grave</a>, from whence no traveler can <sup>c</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/14c" mark="c" type="A" title="Job 10: 21.">return</a>; a few more <sup>d</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/14d" mark="d" type="A" title="Gen. 47: 29 (28-29); Jacob 1: 9.">days</a> and I go the <sup>e</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/14e" mark="e" type="A" title="Josh. 23: 14; 1 Kgs. 2: 2.">way</a> of all the earth."<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lehi</span> calls to his oldest sons, and probably the sons of Ishmael, too, for them to awaken out of their deep sleep of hell. What a great metaphor. I have seen people in my life who are "sleeping." It saddens me so much that they don't realize how they sound when they talk of their ideas or plans. You know in your heart that they are not seeking what they should and are blinded by things they really want, but you realize that they aren't going to work and you feel for them. Later, when what has happened happens and they are sad and in worse shape than they were before, it is like they are in a gulf of misery and woe. There are extreme versions of this which come to pass for the few truly wicked, but I think that this scripture can apply for those righteous who are deceived. <br /><br />He uses another wonderful metaphor for the reality of being ensnared by the devil. He says that those people are bound by chains. A good cross reference to this is <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/26#22">2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Nephi</span> 26:22</a>, which says:<br /><br />"22 And there are also secret <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/26/22a" mark="a" type="B" title="TG Secret Combinations.">combinations</a>, even as in times of old, according to the combinations of the <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/26/22b" mark="b" type="A" title="2 Ne. 28: 21.">devil</a>, for he is the founder of all these things; yea, the founder of murder, and <sup>c</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/26/22c" mark="c" type="A" title="Lev. 19: 26.">works</a> of darkness; yea, and he <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">leadeth</span> them by the neck with a <span class="searchword">flaxen</span> <span class="searchword">cord</span>, until he <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">bindeth</span> them with his strong <span class="searchword">cords</span> forever."<br /><br />If you follow the temptations of the devil, he will first bind you with a flaxen cord, by having you do little things that seem to not be really bad or forbidden, but that are not good, too. You could break free of it when you choose and the bondage is not strong. But, when we "like" it we follow those temptations more and more, thus binding ourselves further until we are bound with strong cords and chains. We are bound by the consequences of our decisions. They may be temporal or spiritual, but most likely both.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Lehi</span> then calls again to them to awake and hear the words of your trembling parent. Who in a few days will die. It reminds me of missionaries that leave their area. They make one more effort to try and convince those they have taught and loved to get baptized or come to church. In a few days they will be gone. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Lehi</span> loves his sons very much and has pleaded with them to follow the commandments and prosper.<br /><br />We must think of ourselves first here. Could it be possible that we are bound and not know it? How does our family feel about our spirituality? It is likely that if they are following the commandments, they can be a good source of advice or perspective. What do our spiritual leaders say? Think about and read from General Conference talks. Are we following their counsel?<br /></div> </div>sdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263678847679110141.post-48338112975383105992009-09-01T07:13:00.002-04:002009-09-01T07:26:20.597-04:002 Nephi 1:11-12<div id="2_ne/1/11" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"11 Yea, he will bring <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/11a" mark="a" type="A" title="1 Ne. 13: 14 (12-20); Morm. 5: 19 (19-20).">other</a> nations unto them, and he will give unto them power, and he will take away from them the lands of their possessions, and he will cause them to be <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/11b" mark="b" type="A" title="1 Ne. 22: 7.">scattered</a> and smitten.</div> <div class="verse"><a name="12"></a> <div id="2_ne/1/12" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"12 Yea, as one generation <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">passeth</span> to another there shall be <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/12a" mark="a" type="A" title="Morm. 1: 11 (11-19); Morm. 4: 1 (1-23); D&C 87: 6 (1-6)."><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">bloodsheds</span></a>, and great visitations among them; wherefore, my sons, I would that ye would remember; yea, I would that ye would hearken unto my words."<br /><br />We continue with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lehi</span> and his prophesies concerning the land of the Americas. In <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1#11">verse 11</a>, he is referring to his descendants and those that choose not to follow the commandments. He says that the Lord will bring other nations to this land and it is from the Lord their power will come. This has happened. Nations from Europe have come to colonize America. The natives were pushed out of their lands and possessions. Remember that this did not just happen in North America, but South America, too. They were scattered and smitten.<br /><br />In <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1#12">verse 12</a> we see that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lehi</span> prophesies wars and destruction for the Americas in his time and onward if the people do not repent. An interesting cross-reference given in this verse is <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/87#6">Doctrine and Covenants 87:6</a>. Really the entire section talks about the fact that the Civil War would take place. It counsels that the people should stand in holy places and be not moved. This is what we should do always, for more troubled times are still ahead, I believe.<br /></div> </div>sdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263678847679110141.post-84960248637412032822009-08-31T09:44:00.002-04:002009-08-31T10:01:01.235-04:002 Nephi 1:10<div class="verse"><a name="10"></a> <div id="2_ne/1/10" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"10 But behold, when the time <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">cometh</span> that they shall dwindle in <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/10a" mark="a" type="B" title="TG Unbelief, Unbelievers.">unbelief</a>, after they have received so great blessings from the hand of the Lord—having a knowledge of the creation of the earth, and all men, knowing the great and marvelous works of the Lord from the creation of the world; having power given them to do all things by faith; having all the commandments from the beginning, and having been brought by his infinite goodness into this precious land of promise—behold, I say, if the day shall come that they will reject the Holy One of Israel, the true <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/10b" mark="b" type="B" title="TG Jesus Christ, Messiah.">Messiah</a>, their Redeemer and their God, behold, the judgments of him that is <sup>c</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/10c" mark="c" type="B" title="TG Justice.">just</a> shall rest upon them."<br /><br />I believe that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lehi</span> is prophesying through this whole chapter. He continues prophesying about his seed and all those that inherit this land. So, that means us, too. In the beginning of <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1#10">verse 10</a>, the comment that "when the time <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cometh</span> that they shall dwindle in unbelief" struck me. It doesn't say <span style="font-style: italic;">if</span>, it says <span style="font-style: italic;">when</span>. This leads me to the question, did every people that came to the Americas eventually fall into a state of unbelief (in God)? Will every people, including the ones here now, fall into a state of unbelief? Well, we do know that there were many civilizations that have lived here and all of them have suffered the consequences of their unbelief. I believe that will be so in this time, too. We are given the same promises and the same prophesies of destruction are foretold to us, in the last days (from all scriptures), as they are for the groups that have lived here. We also know that the Lord has established His church and work and they won't be destroyed any more, as they had in the past. So, I am led to think that this promise applies to all, but will be fulfilled for those who do not follow the commandments.<br /><br />So, it seems that serious consequences come for those who have a certain level of knowledge and testimony and then reject the Lord. I believe that relatively only a few of us have such knowledge. However, the saying still goes, if you follow the commandments you'll be blessed. If you don't you won't.<br /></div> </div>sdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263678847679110141.post-50103844067601745402009-08-28T09:12:00.002-04:002009-08-28T09:39:36.426-04:002 Nephi 1:9"9 Wherefore, I, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lehi</span>, have obtained a <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/9a" mark="a" type="A" title="Jacob 1: 5.">promise</a>, that <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/9b" mark="b" type="A" title="2 Ne. 4: 4; Alma 9: 13.">inasmuch</a> as those whom the Lord God shall bring out of the land of Jerusalem shall keep his commandments, they shall <sup>c</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/9c" mark="c" type="A" title="Deut. 29: 9; Deut. 30: 9.">prosper</a> upon the face of this land; and they shall be kept from all other nations, that they may possess this land unto themselves. And if it so be that they shall <sup>d</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/9d" mark="d" type="B" title="TG Obedience.">keep</a> his commandments they shall be blessed upon the face of this land, and there shall be none to molest them, nor to take away the land of their <sup>e</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/9e" mark="e" type="B" title="TG Inheritance.">inheritance</a>; and they shall dwell safely forever."<br /><br />This verse is a very insightful verse. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lehi</span> obtains a promise from the Lord regarding his people and all others who will come to possess the land of the Americas. The promise is this: inasmuch as those who are led out of the land of Jerusalem to the Americas shall keep the commandment, they shall prosper. They shall be kept from all other nations, that being all other peoples in Europe, Africa, and Asia. They shall possess the land by themselves and live off the fruits thereof. The promise is reiterated, if they keep the commandments they shall be blessed in this land and there shall be none to molest them or take away their land. They shall live safely forever.<br /><br />As we will see, this is a promise of the Lord and was fulfilled to the very letter. When the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nephites</span> were good, they prospered and lived in peace with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lamanites</span>. When they let pride and disobedience come into their lives, which happened on frequent intervals, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Lamanites</span> were stirred up to war against them. So, I am led to think about when the time came that other nations came over to the Americas, for example <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Pilgrims</span> from England, had the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">descendants</span> of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Lehi</span> fallen into a state of wickedness so that the promise of having nations come to molest them be fulfilled? I believe so. The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">indigenous</span> people of the Americas were oppressed and pushed inland, mostly by England on the north and Spain and Portugal on the south. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Nephi</span> had foreseen this (see <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/13">1 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Nephi</span> 13</a>, specifically <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/13#14">verse 14</a>). Some wonder why such bad things happened to the people when Columbus and others came to the Americas. Many people nowadays blame him for it. We see from scripture that they had broken their promise with the Lord. It seems, however, that there were good pockets, too. Think of the story of the first Thanksgiving. However, generally speaking we cannot judge what happened to them as many do. The Lord has His ways and purposes. <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/isa/55#8">Isaiah 55:8-9</a> says:<br /><br />"8 ¶ For <span class="searchword">my</span> <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/isa/55/8a" mark="a" type="B" title="TG God, Intelligence of; TG God, Will of; TG God, Wisdom of; TG Intelligence; TG Motivations."><span class="searchword">thoughts</span></a> <i>are</i> not <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/isa/55/8b" mark="b" type="A" title="1 Sam. 16: 7; Ezek. 28: 2."><span class="searchword">your</span></a> <span class="searchword">thoughts</span>, <span class="searchword">neither</span> <i>are</i> <span class="searchword">your</span> <sup>c</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/isa/55/8c" mark="c" type="A" title="Prov. 14: 12.">ways</a> <span class="searchword">my</span> <sup>d</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/isa/55/8d" mark="d" type="A" title="Jacob 4: 8.">ways</a>, saith the <span class="smallcaps">Lord</span>. <div class="verse"><a name="9"></a> <div id="isa/55/9" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"9 For <i>as</i> the heavens are higher than the earth, so are <span class="searchword">my</span> <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/isa/55/9a" mark="a" type="B" title="TG Spirituality.">ways</a> <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/isa/55/9b" mark="b" type="A" title="Job 33: 12; Abr. 3: 19.">higher</a> than <span class="searchword">your</span> ways, and <span class="searchword">my</span> <sup>c</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/isa/55/9c" mark="c" type="A" title="Ps. 139: 17 (17-24)."><span class="searchword">thoughts</span></a> than <span class="searchword">your</span> <span class="searchword">thoughts</span>."<br /><br />Modern prophets have told us that the colonization of America was one of the Lord's stepping stones for the restoration of the gospel. People came to the Americas for religious freedom. They felt that the Church of England did not worship how they were supposed to, according to the scriptures (the New Testament, in particular). Such devotion to the Lord merited the time for the restoration to take place and a marvelous work and wonder wrought (see <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/isa/29#14">Isaiah 29:14</a>).<br /><br />Going back to the posterity of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Lehi</span>. The Lord says "Come unto me" 66 times in the scriptures. Those that do, and repent and keep the commandments will find Him, and prosper, no matter of what origin they might be.<br /></div> </div>sdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263678847679110141.post-45296529443423144672009-08-27T09:39:00.004-04:002009-08-27T09:58:47.852-04:002 Nephi 1:8"8 And behold, it is wisdom that this land should be <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/8a" mark="a" type="A" title="3 Ne. 5: 20.">kept</a> as yet from the knowledge of other <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/8b" mark="b" type="B" title="TG Nations.">nations</a>; for behold, many nations would overrun the land, that there would be no place for an inheritance.<br /><br />The verse of our post today mentions that in the wisdom of the Lord, He is keeping this land from the knowledge of other nations. Jesus briefly mentions that there are other lands with people who follow Him on them when he was preaching one day. In <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/john/10#14">John 10:14-16</a> it says:<br /><br />"14 <span class="searchword">I</span> am the good <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/john/10/14a" mark="a" type="B" title="TG Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd.">shepherd</a>, and <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/john/10/14b" mark="b" type="A" title="Ex. 33: 12 (12, 17); 1 Cor. 8: 3.">know</a> my <sup>c</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/john/10/14c" mark="c" type="A" title="3 Ne. 18: 31."><i><span class="searchword">sheep</span></i></a>, and am known of mine. <div class="verse"><a name="15"></a> <div id="john/10/15" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)"> "15 As the Father <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">knoweth</span> me, even so <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/john/10/15a" mark="a" type="B" title="TG Jesus Christ, Relationships with the Father.">know</a> <span class="searchword">I</span> the Father: and <span class="searchword">I</span> lay down my <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/john/10/15b" mark="b" type="C" title="1 Jn. 3: 16 (10-18); TG Jesus Christ, Atonement through; TG Martyrdom.">life</a> for the <span class="searchword">sheep</span>. </div> </div> <div class="hilite"> <div class="verse"><a name="16"></a> <div id="john/10/16" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)"> "16 And <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/john/10/16a" mark="a" type="C" title="3 Ne. 15: 21 (11-24); 3 Ne. 16: 1 (1-3); D&C 10: 59; TG Israel, Scattering of."><span class="searchword">other</span></a> <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/john/10/16b" mark="b" type="B" title="TG Book of Mormon; TG Israel, Joseph, People of; TG Israel, Ten Lost Tribes of; TG Sheep."><span class="searchword">sheep</span></a> <span class="searchword">I</span> <span class="searchword">have</span>, which are not of this fold: them also <span class="searchword">I</span> must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be <sup>c</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/john/10/16c" mark="c" type="A" title="Ezek. 37: 22.">one</a> fold, <i>and</i> one shepherd."</div> </div> </div><br />These sheep He mentions here are of the Americas and probably includes the isles of the sea, too. In <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/15#11">3 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Nephi</span> 15:11-24</a>, Jesus explains to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nephites</span> about the above scripture from John and that the people to whom He spoke it at the time did not understand it. It might be that people who only believe in the Bible interpret it this way, too. Jesus explains:<br /><br />"11 And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words, he <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/15/11a" mark="a" type="A" title="3 Ne. 13: 25; Moro. 2: 1.">said</a> unto those twelve whom he had chosen: <div class="verse"><a name="12"></a> <div id="3_ne/15/12" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)"> "12 Ye are my <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/15/12a" mark="a" type="B" title="TG Church Organization.">disciples</a>; and ye are a <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/15/12b" mark="b" type="B" title="TG Example; TG Leadership.">light</a> unto this people, who are a remnant of the house of <sup>c</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/15/12c" mark="c" type="B" title="TG Israel, Joseph, People of.">Joseph</a>. </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="13"></a> <div id="3_ne/15/13" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"13 And behold, this is the <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/15/13a" mark="a" type="A" title="1 Ne. 18: 23; 3 Ne. 16: 16.">land</a> of your inheritance; and the Father hath given it unto you. </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="14"></a> <div id="3_ne/15/14" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"14 And not at any time hath the Father given me commandment that <span class="searchword">I</span> should <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/15/14a" mark="a" type="A" title="3 Ne. 5: 20.">tell</a> it unto your brethren at Jerusalem. </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="15"></a> <div id="3_ne/15/15" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"15 Neither at any time hath the Father given me commandment that <span class="searchword">I</span> should tell unto them concerning the <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/15/15a" mark="a" type="C" title="2 Ne. 21: 12; 3 Ne. 16: 1 (1-4); TG Israel, Ten Lost Tribes of."><span class="searchword">other</span></a> tribes of the house of Israel, whom the Father hath led away out of the land. </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="16"></a> <div id="3_ne/15/16" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"16 This much did the Father <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/15/16a" mark="a" type="A" title="John 15: 15; John 16: 12.">command</a> me, that <span class="searchword">I</span> should tell unto them: </div> </div> <div class="hilite"> <div class="verse"><a name="17"></a> <div id="3_ne/15/17" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"17 That <span class="searchword">other</span> <span class="searchword">sheep</span> <span class="searchword">I</span> <span class="searchword">have</span> which are not of this fold; them also <span class="searchword">I</span> must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/15/17a" mark="a" type="B" title="TG Shepherd.">shepherd</a>. </div> </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="18"></a> <div id="3_ne/15/18" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"18 And now, because of <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/15/18a" mark="a" type="B" title="TG Stiffneckedness."><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">stiffneckedness</span></a> and <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/15/18b" mark="b" type="B" title="TG Doubt; TG Unbelief, Unbelievers.">unbelief</a> they <sup>c</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/15/18c" mark="c" type="A" title="D&C 10: 59.">understood</a> not my word; therefore <span class="searchword">I</span> was commanded to say no more of the <sup>d</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/15/18d" mark="d" type="A" title="John 12: 50.">Father</a> concerning this thing unto them. </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="19"></a> <div id="3_ne/15/19" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"19 But, verily, <span class="searchword">I</span> say unto you that the Father hath commanded me, and <span class="searchword">I</span> tell it unto you, that ye were <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/15/19a" mark="a" type="A" title="1 Kgs. 8: 53; John 17: 6 (6-22).">separated</a> from among them because of their iniquity; therefore it is because of their iniquity that they know not of you. </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="20"></a> <div id="3_ne/15/20" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"20 And verily, <span class="searchword">I</span> say unto you again that the <span class="searchword">other</span> tribes hath the Father separated from them; and it is because of their iniquity that they know not of them. </div> </div> <div class="hilite"> <div class="verse"><a name="21"></a> <div id="3_ne/15/21" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"21 And verily <span class="searchword">I</span> say unto you, that ye are they of whom <span class="searchword">I</span> said: <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/15/21a" mark="a" type="A" title="John 10: 16 (14-16)."><span class="searchword">Other</span></a> <span class="searchword">sheep</span> <span class="searchword">I</span> <span class="searchword">have</span> which are not of this fold; them also <span class="searchword">I</span> must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/15/21b" mark="b" type="B" title="TG Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd.">shepherd</a>. </div> </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="22"></a> <div id="3_ne/15/22" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"22 And they understood me not, for they supposed it had been the <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/15/22a" mark="a" type="B" title="TG Gentiles.">Gentiles</a>; for they understood not that the Gentiles should be <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/15/22b" mark="b" type="A" title="Acts 10: 45 (34-48).">converted</a> through their preaching. </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="23"></a> <div id="3_ne/15/23" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"23 And they understood me not that <span class="searchword">I</span> said they shall hear my voice; and they understood me not that the <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/15/23a" mark="a" type="A" title="Matt. 15: 24.">Gentiles</a> should not at any time hear my voice—that <span class="searchword">I</span> should not manifest myself unto them save it were by the <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/15/23b" mark="b" type="C" title="1 Ne. 10: 11; TG Holy Ghost, Mission of.">Holy</a> Ghost. </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="24"></a> <div id="3_ne/15/24" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"24 But behold, ye <span class="searchword">have</span> both heard <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/15/24a" mark="a" type="A" title="Alma 5: 38; 3 Ne. 16: 3 (1-5); 3 Ne. 18: 31.">my</a> voice, and seen me; and ye are my <span class="searchword">sheep</span>, and ye are numbered among those whom the Father hath <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/15/24b" mark="b" type="A" title="John 6: 37; D&C 27: 14.">given</a> me."<br /><br />And so, because of the Book of Mormon, we can see why Jesus said what He said and no more. The nations of the world would overrun this land. One might say that they have given the land a run for its money even now, but I believe that this land is still holding up. It has truly blessed the world to save this land. Even now it produces many goods for the world's consumption. It is a huge blessing. However, we are not being too careful in some areas. I still feel that the crisis that we are going through is because people are "buying" things that they cannot afford and maxing out their credit cards. When you run up this debt personally and as a country, one day it will catch up to you. Well, I hope that we can continue on no matter what happens.<br /></div> </div>sdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263678847679110141.post-212628004653978112009-08-26T09:48:00.004-04:002009-08-27T09:41:30.474-04:002 Nephi 1:6-7"6 Wherefore, I, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lehi</span>, prophesy according to the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that there shall <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/6a" mark="a" type="A" title="2 Ne. 10: 22.">none</a> come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord. <div class="verse"><a name="7"></a> <div id="2_ne/1/7" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"7 Wherefore, this <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/7a" mark="a" type="A" title="Mosiah 29: 32; Alma 46: 10 (10-28, 34).">land</a> is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/7b" mark="b" type="C" title="2 Ne. 10: 11; TG Liberty.">liberty</a> unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound <sup>c</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/7c" mark="c" type="A" title="Alma 45: 16 (10-14, 16); Morm. 1: 17; Ether 2: 11 (8-12).">cursed</a> shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever."<br /><br /><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1#6">Verse 6</a> shows to me that this land of the Americas is truly a promised and protected land of the Lord. This verse states that there shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord. Who has come to this land? I'm sure that there are many who came to this land that we are not currently aware of. But, there are the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Jaredites</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nephites</span>, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mulekites</span> from the Book of Mormon. There are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Olmecs</span>, Incas, Mayans, and Aztecs. Then there were Vikings, British, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and several other European countries. Today there are some from all nations that come to this land. I still believe that the Lord's promise of none coming to this land save by His hand is true. I even thought about myself. I was born here in this land, in the United States, in the latter days. I believe that it was also by the hand of the Lord that I came here, too. I am thankful.<br /><br /><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1#7">Verse 7</a> states the promise and the accountability of those that come to this land. Those who are brought here to this land by the hand of the Lord have it consecrated unto them, that is the land was set apart to be a sacred place for them. This is the promise that was given to them that makes it a sacred land. The people that live here shall serve the Lord by keeping His commandments that He has given them. If they do so, they shall have liberty. It shall be a land of liberty or freedom. They shall never be brought down into captivity. If they ever do, it shall be because of iniquity, or because they didn't heed the commandments, and for those people, the land shall be cursed with that captivity which could come in many forms. However, again, for those who are righteous, it shall be blessed forever. I believe that this promise can come to pass personally as well as collectively. The scriptures here point us and motivate us to be more righteous.<br /></div> </div>sdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263678847679110141.post-83052373663310133732009-08-25T09:56:00.002-04:002009-08-25T10:32:39.016-04:002 Nephi 1:3-5<div id="2_ne/1/3" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"3 And he also spake unto them concerning the land of promise, which they had obtained—how <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/3a" mark="a" type="A" title="Gen. 19: 16.">merciful</a> the Lord had been in <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/3b" mark="b" type="B" title="TG Warnings.">warning</a> us that we should flee out of the land of Jerusalem. </div> <div class="verse"><a name="4"></a> <div id="2_ne/1/4" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"4 For, behold, said he, I have <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/4a" mark="a" type="A" title="1 Ne. 17: 14.">seen</a> a <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/4b" mark="b" type="B" title="TG Vision.">vision</a>, in which I know that <sup>c</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/4c" mark="c" type="C" title="Jer. 26: 18 (17-19); 1 Ne. 1: 4 (4-18); Hel. 8: 20; TG Jerusalem.">Jerusalem</a> is <sup>d</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/4d" mark="d" type="A" title="Jer. 44: 2.">destroyed</a>; and had we remained in Jerusalem we should also have <sup>e</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/4e" mark="e" type="A" title="Alma 9: 22.">perished</a>. </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="5"></a> <div id="2_ne/1/5" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"5 But, said he, notwithstanding our afflictions, we have obtained a <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/5a" mark="a" type="B" title="TG Promised Lands.">land</a> of promise, a land which is <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/5b" mark="b" type="A" title="Ether 2: 10 (7-12).">choice</a> above all other lands; a land which the Lord God hath <sup>c</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/5c" mark="c" type="B" title="TG Vows.">covenanted</a> with me should be a land for the inheritance of my seed. Yea, the Lord hath <sup>d</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/5d" mark="d" type="B" title="TG Covenants.">covenanted</a> this land unto me, and to my children forever, and also all those who should be <sup>e</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/5e" mark="e" type="A" title="Ezra 8: 22.">led</a> out of other countries by the hand of the Lord."<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nephi</span> tells us more about what his father, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lehi</span>, said to his family. In <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1#3">verse 3</a>, we see that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lehi</span> feels that the Lord was merciful to them because he warned them to leave Jerusalem and come to another land, a promised land for their inheritance, the Americas. I think that we can learn that the Lord is merciful to us and that we need to thank Him for all those mercies that He has granted unto us. They are many. We need to ponder and search for them, because many are not obvious to us. Think about if your children noticed some of the things that you have done for them and thanked you for it, you would be so happy!<br /><br />In <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1#4">verse 4</a>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lehi</span> shares with us that the Lord showed him a vision in which Jerusalem was destroyed, and had they remained in Jerusalem, they would have been destroyed. We know that the Babylonians had taken prisoners when they invaded. However, I think that it is important to note that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Lehi</span> says that they would have perished. What a mercy the Lord had given them.<br /><br />He starts out <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1#5">verse 5</a> by saying that they have had some afflictions. I think that for anyone that has traveled for 8 years in a desert, a year or two on a beach, and perhaps another year or so on the ocean, there are bound to be many afflictions. This type of journey is a life-changing experience and will be a memory they will have to keep for the rest of their lives. But notwithstanding all of that, they now had a promised land. It is a choice land. That is this land is a choice land. The Lord covenanted with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Lehi</span> that it would be a land of inheritance for his family. It will be a promised land to him and his children and all those that will be led to it, like the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Mulekites (see <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/omni/1#12">Omni 1:12</a> and on)</span>, and later on, the Europeans. <br /><br />I wonder how <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Lehi</span> felt about his covenant with the Lord and the promised land. I think that it would be similar to how I feel about the covenants that I have made with Him. One such covenant is the covenant made at baptism. When we are baptized we promise to keep the commandments and take upon ourselves the name of Christ. I know of many that have made the covenant and some do keep it, but then some do not. Let's learn our duty and keep the covenants that we have made to be more like Jesus Christ and follow Him.<br /></div> </div>sdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263678847679110141.post-56893220996611595822009-08-24T09:24:00.002-04:002009-08-24T09:44:03.372-04:002 Nephi 1:1-2"1 <span class="allcaps"> And</span> now it came to pass that after I, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nephi</span>, had made an end of teaching my brethren, our <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/1a" mark="a" type="B" title="TG Patriarch.">father</a>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lehi</span>, also spake many things unto them, and rehearsed unto them, how great things the Lord had done for them in bringing them out of the land of Jerusalem. <div class="verse"><a name="2"></a> <div id="2_ne/1/2" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)"> 2 And he spake unto them concerning their <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1/2a" mark="a" type="A" title="Isa. 65: 2 (1-5); 1 Ne. 18: 9 (9-20); Alma 18: 38.">rebellions</a> upon the waters, and the mercies of God in sparing their lives, that they were not swallowed up in the sea."<br /><br />We now begin the second book of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nephi</span>. He continues right where he left off and says that after he had finished talking with his brothers and teaching them from his experiences and from the scriptures, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lehi</span> began to speak with them. It seems that perhaps the conditions were right for him to testify of what was right and call them to repentance.<br /><br />From <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1#1">verse 1</a>, we see that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Lehi's</span> first teaching, mentioned in the chapter, is to remind his sons that the Lord had done great things for them: to bring them out of the land of Jerusalem so they wouldn't be killed, providing food and water for them in the wilderness, wives for families, and the list there could go on and on.<br /><br />In <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/1#2">verse 2</a>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Lehi</span> talks to them about their rebellions on the ship that they built for crossing the ocean to the Americas. They behaved themselves poorly. We are sure that the Lord was not pleased because they tied up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Nephi</span> and the Lord sent a great storm, which nearly drowned them. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Lehi</span> reminded them that the Lord was merciful in sparing them.<br /><br />They should be grateful to the Lord for these many things that they were given. We, too, should be grateful to our Heavenly Father for the many things that we have from Him. We are blessed with many things for our survival. Think about the job you have and who truly allowed you to be blessed with that position. It provides money for food and clothes. I am grateful for the job that I have. I know that it is Him who blessed me with it.<br /></div> </div>sdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263678847679110141.post-46929416287010106032009-08-21T09:21:00.002-04:002009-08-21T09:35:10.059-04:001 Nephi 22:30-EoC"30 Wherefore, my brethren, I would that ye should consider that the things which have been written upon the <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/22/30a" mark="a" type="A" title="1 Ne. 19: 22; 2 Ne. 4: 2.">plates</a> of brass are true; and they testify that a man must be obedient to the commandments of God. <div class="verse"><a name="31"></a> <div id="1_ne/22/31" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"31 Wherefore, ye need not suppose that I and my father are the only ones that have testified, and also taught them. Wherefore, if ye shall be obedient to the <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/22/31a" mark="a" type="C" title="Matt. 19: 17; TG Commandments of God.">commandments</a>, and endure to the end, ye shall be saved at the last day. And thus it is. Amen."<br /><br />These are the last two verses of the book of 1 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nephi</span>. They are classic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Nephi</span> in that they highlight his big theme: You must be obedient. It is really the best way to live life. You will prosper and be saved. I think that he is also speaking to us in addition to his brothers.<br /><br />He says that we should consider the truthfulness of the things that are on the plates of brass. He states that the plates of brass testify that a man must be obedient to the commandments (see <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/mosiah/2#41"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Mosiah</span> 2:41</a> for a testimony from another, who was king/prophet). <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Nephi</span> loves the plates of brass, especially the writings of Isaiah on those plates. In recent chapters we have just gotten a taste of Isaiah's writings, and how <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Nephi</span> likes them.<br /><br />In the last verse, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Nephi</span> says that we should not suppose that only he and his father were the only ones who have testified of and have taught these things. I wonder what he meant by that? Did he mean that there were many prophets from the brass plates that have testified? Did he mean that there were others from his family that have testified of the necessity of being obedient? Perhaps, Sam, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Sariah</span>, Jacob, Joseph, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Nephi's</span> sisters?<br /><br />I want to add my testimony that if one is obedient to the commandments then he is happy and prospers. This doesn't mean that there are no trials, we all will have them, but we will know how to handle them and bear them with patience and happiness and seek to learn from them.<br /></div> </div>sdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263678847679110141.post-87118684372286489052009-08-20T10:21:00.003-04:002009-08-20T10:31:25.290-04:001 Nephi 22:27-29"27 And now behold, I, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nephi</span>, say unto you that all these things must come <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/22/27a" mark="a" type="D" title="IE these things pertain to this mortal world.">according</a> to the flesh. <div class="verse"> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="28"></a> <div id="1_ne/22/28" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"28 But, behold, all nations, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">kindreds</span>, tongues, and people shall dwell safely in the Holy One of Israel if it so be that they will <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/22/28a" mark="a" type="B" title="TG Repentance; TG Forgiveness.">repent</a>. </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="29"></a> <div id="1_ne/22/29" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"29 And now I, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nephi</span>, make an end; for I durst not speak further as yet concerning these things."<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Nephi</span> is straightforward (see <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/31#2">2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Nephi</span> 31:2-3</a>) here and simply says that all these things (that have been prophesied concerning the last days) must come to pass, temporally. He prophesies (promises) that all nations, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">kindreds</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">tongues</span>, and people shall dwell safely in the Lord if they but just repent. What an important promise that we need to heed. Finally, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Nephi</span> says that this is all that he will say about these things. This is perhaps because he is at a point in time of the prophesies of the future that was forbidden to say (see <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/14#28">1 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Nephi</span> 14:28</a>) or he might be at a point in which further revelations to his brothers would be "casting pearls before swine" (see <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/7#6">Matthew 7:6</a>).<br /></div> </div>sdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263678847679110141.post-57282972449527878822009-08-19T09:26:00.002-04:002009-08-19T09:44:53.563-04:001 Nephi 22:26"26 And because of the <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/22/26a" mark="a" type="B" title="TG Millennium; TG Righteousness.">righteousness</a> of his people, <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/22/26b" mark="b" type="C" title="Rev. 20: 2; Alma 48: 17 (16-17); D&C 43: 31; D&C 45: 55; D&C 88: 110; D&C 101: 28; TG Devil.">Satan</a> has no power; wherefore, he cannot be loosed for the space of <sup>c</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/22/26c" mark="c" type="A" title="Jacob 5: 76.">many</a> years; for he hath no power over the hearts of the people, for they dwell in righteousness, and the Holy One of Israel <sup>d</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/22/26d" mark="d" type="B" title="TG Jesus Christ, Millennial Reign."><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">reigneth</span></a>."<br /><br />In the end of <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/22#25">verse 25</a>, we see that the righteous who are spared shall come unto the Good Shepherd and find pasture. This time is describing the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Millennium</span>, or a 1000 years of peace and freedom where Jesus will reign. In <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/22#26">verse 26</a>, we see one of the most important things that will occur in that time of pasture. Here is the entry from the <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/gs/contents">Guide to the Scriptures</a> about the <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/gs/m/32"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Millennium</span></a> (see also the entry on <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/gs/s/35">Second Coming of Jesus Christ</a>):<br /><br /><div class="paragraph"> The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Millennium</span> is:<br /><br />"The thousand-year period of peace that will begin when Christ returns to reign personally on the earth (<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/a_of_f/1/10#10">A of F 1: 10</a>)."<br /><br />Events of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Millennium</span>:<br /><br />"People will not lift up sword, neither learn war any more, <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/isa/2/4#4">Isa. 2: 4</a> (<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/12/4#4">2 Ne. 12: 4</a>; <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/micah/4/3#3">Micah 4: 3</a>).<br />"Land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden, <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/ezek/36/35#35"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ezek</span>. 36: 35</a>.<br />"They lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years, <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/rev/20/4#4">Rev. 20: 4</a>.<br />"Because of righteousness, Satan has no power, <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/22/26#26">1 Ne. 22: 26</a>.<br />"I will dwell in righteousness on earth a thousand years, <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/29/11#11">D&C 29: 11</a>.<br />"When the thousand years are ended, I will spare the earth for a little season, <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/29/22#22">D&C 29: 22</a>.<br />"The great Millennium shall come, <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/43/30#30">D&C 43: 30</a>.<br />"Children of the righteous will grow up without sin, <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/45/58#58">D&C 45: 58</a>.<br />"Children shall grow up until they become old; men shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/63/51#51">D&C 63: 51</a>.<br />"In the beginning of the seventh thousand years, the Lord will sanctify the earth, <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/77/12#12">D&C 77: 12</a>.<br />"They [meaning those of the Second Resurrection, I believe] live not again until the thousand years are ended, <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/88/101#101">D&C 88: 101</a>.<br />"Satan shall be bound for a thousand years, <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/88/110#110">D&C 88: 110</a>.<br />"The Millennium is described, <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/101/23-34#23">D&C 101: 23-34</a>.<br />"For a thousand years the earth shall rest, <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/moses/7/64#64">Moses 7: 64</a>."</div><br />The important thing in this verse to apply to our day, besides the knowledge that Satan will be bound or not able to do anything to the people because of their <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">righteousness</span> during the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Millennium</span>, is that he can be bound today, right now, if we choose not to heed his temptations. So, how can we avoid and not follow his temptations? King Benjamin has this advice to give (<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/mosiah/4#29"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Mosiah</span> 4:29-30</a>):<br /><br /><div id="mosiah/4/29" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"29 And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin [i.e., give in to Satan's temptations]; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them. </div> <div class="verse"><a name="30"></a> <div id="mosiah/4/30" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)">"30 But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/mosiah/4/30a" mark="a" type="C" title="Deut. 4: 9; Alma 12: 14; TG Watchfulness.">watch</a> yourselves, and your <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/mosiah/4/30b" mark="b" type="A" title="Matt. 5: 28 (27-28); Mark 7: 23 (15-23).">thoughts</a>, and your <sup>c</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/mosiah/4/30c" mark="c" type="C" title="Matt. 15: 18 (18-20); TG Gossip.">words</a>, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and <sup>d</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/mosiah/4/30d" mark="d" type="B" title="TG Steadfastness.">continue</a> in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not."<br /><br />We can bind Satan by being righteous today. That we may do so.<br /></div> </div>sdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263678847679110141.post-71585675111685855522009-08-18T10:16:00.002-04:002009-08-18T10:32:54.368-04:001 Nephi 22:25"25 And he <sup>a</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/22/25a" mark="a" type="C" title="Isa. 43: 6 (5-7); Eph. 1: 10; TG Israel, Gathering of."><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">gathereth</span></a> his children from the four quarters of the earth; and he <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">numbereth</span> his <sup>b</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/22/25b" mark="b" type="B" title="TG Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd; TG Sheep; TG Shepherd.">sheep</a>, and they know him; and there shall be one fold and one shepherd; and he shall feed his sheep, and in him they shall find <sup>c</sup><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/22/25c" mark="c" type="A" title="1 Ne. 21: 9.">pasture</a>."<br /><br />In the last days, the Lord will begin a marvelous work and wonder. This is the missionary work that is going forth at this time. As you read this message, the Lord is gathering his children from the four quarters of the earth. Just as a good shepherd, the Lord <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">numbereth</span> His sheep, us, and we know Him. I like the analogy of Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd. A shepherd watches over his sheep and keeps track of every one. He is with them all the time. Thus, they know Him. They know His voice and come when called. If they stray too far, beyond the reach of his voice, He leaves the "ninety and nine" and goes and rescues the one (see <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/18#11">Matthew 18:11-14</a>). When He finds and comes back with the one, He rejoices because the one has returned.<br /><br />In missionary work, we have to talk with everyone about the gospel because if they know Him, the message we share will resonate within them. They will want to return to the fold. All those who do this shall be part of that one fold with Him as the one Shepherd. Remember what we talked about what will happen to those that do not come and follow Him.<br /><br />He shall feed them and in Him we shall find pasture, or, I believe, rest. He is the Bread of Life (see <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/john/6#35">John 6:35</a>). May we ever work hard to find those that are lost and bring them to the pasture of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.sdbroderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500673883176691076noreply@blogger.com0