December 17, 2006 - Original Post
A Choice Seer
Lehi tells his son Joseph about their forefather Joseph who was sold into Egypt. Through Joseph, many nations are blessed. From Joseph’s posterity would come Joseph Smith.
We learn many things that Joseph Smith would do. Verse 12 talks about how the Book of Mormon and the Bible would be joined together to confound false doctrines and to establish the truth. This prophecy has come true. Today, millions of copies of the Bible and Book of Mormon can be found scattered around the world. In some sets, they are even bound together as one book.
We learn that Joseph will declare repentance unto the Lamanites. Shortly after the Church was established, missionaries were sent to the Native Americans. Today, missionaries are found all over the world declaring repentance. Even I was able to take part in the fulfillment of this revelation as I served in Central American among the ancestors of the Mayans. The church in Central and South America truly is blossoming like a rose (D&C 49:24).
In summary, Joseph would “do much good, both in word and in deed” (v. 24).
Personal Application
There is not much in this chapter that can be directly applied to my life. What strengthens my testimony when I read this chapter is that I have a chance to reflect on the life and mission of Joseph Smith. The work that he did on this earth is really quite miraculous when you consider all that he did.
The greatest testimony I have of the Prophet Joseph Smith is the translation of the Book of Mormon. I firmly believe that he received the gold plates from Moroni and that he translated them through the power of God. Every time I read the Book of Mormon and consider how it came to be, I know it in my heart that no one man wrote this book. It was written my many different prophets and compiled by Mormon and Moroni. Then by the power of God, Joseph Smith translated the book.
And just as verse 12 so wonderfully states, the Book of Mormon and the Bible have indeed grown together to establish the truth once again.
January 11, 2012 - Addition
2 Nephi 3:9-10 caught my attention today.
If you were to look at a timeline, Joseph of Egypt comes first, then Moses, then Lehi and Joseph (son of Lehi) and then Joseph Smith.
2 Nephi 3:7 begins Joseph of Egypt's prophesy about Joseph Smith and Moses.
In verse 9, he says "And he [Joseph Smith] shall be great like unto Moses, whom I have said I would raise up unto you, to deliver my people, O house of Israel."
In verse 10 he continues, "And Moses will I raise up, to deliver thy people out of the land of Egypt."
So, according to the Book of Mormon, Joseph of Egypt not only say the Israelites being held captive, but he saw and knew the name of Moses.
The Maxwell Institute has a nice little article about this prophesy: "Joseph's Prophesy of Moses and Aaron"
More info on this link as well.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Saturday, January 07, 2012
2 Nephi 1
November 29, 2006 - Original Post
In light of September 11th’s events, this chapter has more meaning now than ever. Once again, the Lord’s words prove true.
Lehi was talking to his eldest sons, Laman and Lemuel. In verse 6 and 7 he tells them the curse and blessing of the land. No one will come to this land unless directed by the Lord. All the people of the Book of Mormon were directed by the Lord to come to this land. We also learn that the Pilgrims and other groups of people came from Europe to this land by the will of the Lord. In the next verse (7) he tells them that if the people who live in this land will serve God and keep His commandments, then they will always be a free people and they would never be brought into captivity. But if the people of the land rebel against God, then the land will become cursed. This means America will never be invaded and held captive. What I told my wife earlier is true – that if the terrorists wanted to hurt the United States, then the best thing they could have done was to leave us alone and we would have sinned ourselves to the cursing of the land.
Lehi recites the promise of the Promised Land twice in this chapter. Anyone who lives in the Promised Land must keep the commandments of God and they will prosper and be blessed. But if they do not keep the commandments of God, they will be “cut off” from the presence of God and the land will become cursed. I’ve often heard from other people (not just from the scriptures) that America will destroy itself. No one will ever invade America. Just as the Romans, the fall will come from within.
Lehi concludes his counsel to his sons with a plea – “arise from the dust, my sons, and be men, and be determined in one mind and in one heart, united in all things, that ye may not come down into captivity.” I’ve always liked this verse. This verse is a good reminder to stand tall and not to be a scrub which President Hinckley has said before.
We need to be united as Lehi said. Since the attack on America, we have united in such a manner as never before seen in the history of the United States. My wife's dad said that he has never seen the country so united and patriotic before. People have donated blood, food, money and time to help those victims of the attack. We are truly united at this time. Unity is a strong force.
January 7, 2012 - Addition
Desire; Anxiety
These two words struck me. Ever since I read Elder Maxwell's and Elder Oaks' talks on "Desire", I've been taking note of the context whenever I see the word (see "According to the Desire of [Our] Hearts" and "The Desires of Our Hearts" and "Desire")
Desire and anxiety seemed to be linked. All the things that you want (desire) are the same things that you worry about - they you think constantly of - that gnaw at you and drive you to do things.
For Lehi and just about any good parent, the desire of his heart was for his children to keep the commandments. Therefore, what kept him awake at night (anxiety) was Laman and Lemuel's murmuring and disobedience.
What are the true desires of your heart? What makes you do things? What drives you? Are those things aligned with the will of the Father?
Not only will be we judged of our works and thoughts, but we will also be judged of our desires.
Both Elder Maxwell's and Oaks' talks discuss ways to reconcile our desires with the will of the Father.
Another Word about the Promised Land Covenant
Verse 10 goes beyond that mere promise of obedience = prosperity, disobedience = cut off from the Lord ... it states that when the people reject Jesus Christ, then not only will they not prosper, but their land will be taken from them; they'll be "smitten" and "scattered" and blood will be shed.
The lesson: stay on the sunny side of life. Keep the commandments.
In light of September 11th’s events, this chapter has more meaning now than ever. Once again, the Lord’s words prove true.
Lehi was talking to his eldest sons, Laman and Lemuel. In verse 6 and 7 he tells them the curse and blessing of the land. No one will come to this land unless directed by the Lord. All the people of the Book of Mormon were directed by the Lord to come to this land. We also learn that the Pilgrims and other groups of people came from Europe to this land by the will of the Lord. In the next verse (7) he tells them that if the people who live in this land will serve God and keep His commandments, then they will always be a free people and they would never be brought into captivity. But if the people of the land rebel against God, then the land will become cursed. This means America will never be invaded and held captive. What I told my wife earlier is true – that if the terrorists wanted to hurt the United States, then the best thing they could have done was to leave us alone and we would have sinned ourselves to the cursing of the land.
Lehi recites the promise of the Promised Land twice in this chapter. Anyone who lives in the Promised Land must keep the commandments of God and they will prosper and be blessed. But if they do not keep the commandments of God, they will be “cut off” from the presence of God and the land will become cursed. I’ve often heard from other people (not just from the scriptures) that America will destroy itself. No one will ever invade America. Just as the Romans, the fall will come from within.
Lehi concludes his counsel to his sons with a plea – “arise from the dust, my sons, and be men, and be determined in one mind and in one heart, united in all things, that ye may not come down into captivity.” I’ve always liked this verse. This verse is a good reminder to stand tall and not to be a scrub which President Hinckley has said before.
We need to be united as Lehi said. Since the attack on America, we have united in such a manner as never before seen in the history of the United States. My wife's dad said that he has never seen the country so united and patriotic before. People have donated blood, food, money and time to help those victims of the attack. We are truly united at this time. Unity is a strong force.
January 7, 2012 - Addition
Desire; Anxiety
These two words struck me. Ever since I read Elder Maxwell's and Elder Oaks' talks on "Desire", I've been taking note of the context whenever I see the word (see "According to the Desire of [Our] Hearts" and "The Desires of Our Hearts" and "Desire")
Desire and anxiety seemed to be linked. All the things that you want (desire) are the same things that you worry about - they you think constantly of - that gnaw at you and drive you to do things.
For Lehi and just about any good parent, the desire of his heart was for his children to keep the commandments. Therefore, what kept him awake at night (anxiety) was Laman and Lemuel's murmuring and disobedience.
What are the true desires of your heart? What makes you do things? What drives you? Are those things aligned with the will of the Father?
Not only will be we judged of our works and thoughts, but we will also be judged of our desires.
Both Elder Maxwell's and Oaks' talks discuss ways to reconcile our desires with the will of the Father.
Another Word about the Promised Land Covenant
Verse 10 goes beyond that mere promise of obedience = prosperity, disobedience = cut off from the Lord ... it states that when the people reject Jesus Christ, then not only will they not prosper, but their land will be taken from them; they'll be "smitten" and "scattered" and blood will be shed.
The lesson: stay on the sunny side of life. Keep the commandments.
About This Blog
September 19, 2006 - Original Post
I kept a Book of Mormon journal while I was a missionary. In it, I provided personal commentary and insights to my reading of the Book of Mormon. It continues to be a work in progress. There is so much to ponder and to apply from the teachings found in the Book of Mormon.
I could only place part of Elder Maxwell's quote regarding the Book of Mormon in my blog subtitle. The entire quote captures how I feel about studying the Book of Mormon:
This blog will share my insights that I have gathered from reading this scripture over the past 10 or so years of my life.
I invite anyone who reads this blog to share their thoughts and experiences regarding the teachings found in The Book of Mormon.
January 7, 2012 - Addition
It's been a few years since I finished a focused reading and commentary of the Book of Mormon. As I read the Book of Mormon this year and as we study it in Sunday School class, I will be resiving posts. I'll note the date of the original post as well as revisions. I'll also republish those posts I update with the most current date so they "float" to the top of the blog.
Feel free to leave comments. Comment moderation is turned on, so spam and hardened-opinon comments won't appear. I'd prefer to approve comments that are honest; thought-provoking or faith-building.
Thanks for stopping by.
I kept a Book of Mormon journal while I was a missionary. In it, I provided personal commentary and insights to my reading of the Book of Mormon. It continues to be a work in progress. There is so much to ponder and to apply from the teachings found in the Book of Mormon.
I could only place part of Elder Maxwell's quote regarding the Book of Mormon in my blog subtitle. The entire quote captures how I feel about studying the Book of Mormon:
"For my part, I am glad the book will be with us "as long as the earth shall stand." I need and want additional time. For me, towers, courtyards, and wings await inspection. My tour of it has never been completed. Some rooms I have yet to enter, and there are more flaming fireplaces waiting to warm me. Even the rooms I have glimpsed contain further furnishings and rich detail yet to be savored. There are panels inlaid with incredible insights and design and decor dating from Eden. There are also sumptuous banquet tables painstakingly prepared by predecessors which await all of us. Yet, we as Church members sometimes behave like hurried tourists, scarcely venturing beyond the entry hall to the mansion" (Neal A. Maxwell, The Book of Mormon: A Great Answer to "The Great Question" December 31, 2003 link to entire talk).
This blog will share my insights that I have gathered from reading this scripture over the past 10 or so years of my life.
I invite anyone who reads this blog to share their thoughts and experiences regarding the teachings found in The Book of Mormon.
January 7, 2012 - Addition
It's been a few years since I finished a focused reading and commentary of the Book of Mormon. As I read the Book of Mormon this year and as we study it in Sunday School class, I will be resiving posts. I'll note the date of the original post as well as revisions. I'll also republish those posts I update with the most current date so they "float" to the top of the blog.
Feel free to leave comments. Comment moderation is turned on, so spam and hardened-opinon comments won't appear. I'd prefer to approve comments that are honest; thought-provoking or faith-building.
Thanks for stopping by.
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
1 Nephi 20
November 13, 2006 - Original Post
For the next few chapters, Nephi records the words of Isaiah. The “Isaiah chapters” are difficult mostly because of the language … it is so different. It’s a rarity that I get much out of these chapters … but sometimes I do.
In verse 10, the Lord tells Jacob and his people that he has refined them and has chosen them in the furnace of affliction. What this means to me is that “God’s people” were chosen because their faith was put to a test and they were proven to be faithful. All sorts of trails and persecutions were thrown at them, yet they did no curse God, but endured and were even strengthened. Because they were strengthened, they were able to accomplish much for the Lord.
I guess I’m a sports nut because I always think of sports analogies when it comes to the scriptures. My uncle ran a marathon while I was on my mission. We also had a couple of friends recently run a marathon. Anyway, I’ve heard that running a long distance race and successfully enduring it is a spiritual experience. It’s a spiritual experience because you go through a type of refiner’s fire … you think that you cannot succeed … you see this almost impossible goal, yet step by step, day by day you work towards that goal. You endure heat, pain, cold, rain, fatigue and other ailments. But when you cross that finish line, you feel a wonderful sensation. I’ve never done it so I don’t know what it feels like. But I’ve done other things in my life that have been a sort of a refiner’s fire.
The MTC is one. Going on a mission is another. Any type of training regimen is a type of a refiner’s fire. But real refiners' fires are those trials that people go through. The early Saints and the persecution is another type. In summary … anything that stretches and strengthens you is a refiner’s fire … it makes you more pure at whatever you are doing. Fasting is another example.
I liked verses 12 and 13. The Lord is the first and the last. He created the earth and his hand spans the universe. He is Lord of the Universe and all that is in it. When I read this today, I felt this sense of greatness in the person I worship. I have reservations in worshiping anything … we’ve been trained our whole lives to not worship idols and riches and things or even people. But the one person and thing we can worship is God. We can give ourselves to him … wholly. If I am going to do that … give that much commitment, then that person had better be all-powerful, all-knowing and all-loving. That person is God. And these two verses tell us the type of person we worship.
Verse 17 & 18 were also really good. God loves us and wants us to prosper. He wants to teach us all that he knows. But we have to be willing to accept him and his teachings. If we are obedient to him, then we will have true, lasting peace. Verse 18 says that our peace would be as the river and waves of the sea. I didn’t think a river or sea was too peaceful when I read this. So I got out the NIV translation of the bible and the footnote said that the peace would be abundant and overflowing like water is to a river and the waves of the sea. That makes complete sense. Another blessing of obedience is that our posterity will last forever.
And the last note of interest in this chapter is verse 22. The Lord simply states that there is no peace for the wicked. I am listening to some relaxing music while I type this and I feel peaceful. I don’t feel too stressed right now. I’ve enjoyed reading the Book of Mormon for a few minutes this morning. It would be nice if I had a chance to do this every day. It is peaceful. I can barely imagine what the peace the Lord can give us.
January 4, 2012 - Addition
On Suffering and Purifying
There is a mash-up quote from James Allen that I think of several times a day. It goes like this: "The man who shrinks from self-crucifixion can never accomplish the object upon which his heart is set. The sole and supreme use of suffering is to purify; to burn out all that is useless and impure."
There is so much stuff to think about, to do, to be entertained by, to read, to study, to watch, to listen to ... it is endless. It is easy to be overloaded with things today. As such, I try to constantly evaluate if what I'm doing is worthwhile or if it is useless. Also, for those things I truly desire, I try to ask myself what I would be willing to do to accomplish it? If it really is worthwhile, am I willing to suffer for it?
Link to Isaiah Blog
1 Nephi 20 is also Isaiah 48. See my commentary on Isaiah 48 here.
For the next few chapters, Nephi records the words of Isaiah. The “Isaiah chapters” are difficult mostly because of the language … it is so different. It’s a rarity that I get much out of these chapters … but sometimes I do.
In verse 10, the Lord tells Jacob and his people that he has refined them and has chosen them in the furnace of affliction. What this means to me is that “God’s people” were chosen because their faith was put to a test and they were proven to be faithful. All sorts of trails and persecutions were thrown at them, yet they did no curse God, but endured and were even strengthened. Because they were strengthened, they were able to accomplish much for the Lord.
I guess I’m a sports nut because I always think of sports analogies when it comes to the scriptures. My uncle ran a marathon while I was on my mission. We also had a couple of friends recently run a marathon. Anyway, I’ve heard that running a long distance race and successfully enduring it is a spiritual experience. It’s a spiritual experience because you go through a type of refiner’s fire … you think that you cannot succeed … you see this almost impossible goal, yet step by step, day by day you work towards that goal. You endure heat, pain, cold, rain, fatigue and other ailments. But when you cross that finish line, you feel a wonderful sensation. I’ve never done it so I don’t know what it feels like. But I’ve done other things in my life that have been a sort of a refiner’s fire.
The MTC is one. Going on a mission is another. Any type of training regimen is a type of a refiner’s fire. But real refiners' fires are those trials that people go through. The early Saints and the persecution is another type. In summary … anything that stretches and strengthens you is a refiner’s fire … it makes you more pure at whatever you are doing. Fasting is another example.
I liked verses 12 and 13. The Lord is the first and the last. He created the earth and his hand spans the universe. He is Lord of the Universe and all that is in it. When I read this today, I felt this sense of greatness in the person I worship. I have reservations in worshiping anything … we’ve been trained our whole lives to not worship idols and riches and things or even people. But the one person and thing we can worship is God. We can give ourselves to him … wholly. If I am going to do that … give that much commitment, then that person had better be all-powerful, all-knowing and all-loving. That person is God. And these two verses tell us the type of person we worship.
Verse 17 & 18 were also really good. God loves us and wants us to prosper. He wants to teach us all that he knows. But we have to be willing to accept him and his teachings. If we are obedient to him, then we will have true, lasting peace. Verse 18 says that our peace would be as the river and waves of the sea. I didn’t think a river or sea was too peaceful when I read this. So I got out the NIV translation of the bible and the footnote said that the peace would be abundant and overflowing like water is to a river and the waves of the sea. That makes complete sense. Another blessing of obedience is that our posterity will last forever.
And the last note of interest in this chapter is verse 22. The Lord simply states that there is no peace for the wicked. I am listening to some relaxing music while I type this and I feel peaceful. I don’t feel too stressed right now. I’ve enjoyed reading the Book of Mormon for a few minutes this morning. It would be nice if I had a chance to do this every day. It is peaceful. I can barely imagine what the peace the Lord can give us.
January 4, 2012 - Addition
On Suffering and Purifying
There is a mash-up quote from James Allen that I think of several times a day. It goes like this: "The man who shrinks from self-crucifixion can never accomplish the object upon which his heart is set. The sole and supreme use of suffering is to purify; to burn out all that is useless and impure."
There is so much stuff to think about, to do, to be entertained by, to read, to study, to watch, to listen to ... it is endless. It is easy to be overloaded with things today. As such, I try to constantly evaluate if what I'm doing is worthwhile or if it is useless. Also, for those things I truly desire, I try to ask myself what I would be willing to do to accomplish it? If it really is worthwhile, am I willing to suffer for it?
Link to Isaiah Blog
1 Nephi 20 is also Isaiah 48. See my commentary on Isaiah 48 here.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
November 30, 2011 - Finished Book of Mormon
There was a Brother Cal Henline in the ward we lived in several years ago and I remember him bearing his testimony about how he's read the Book of Mormon X amount of times in his life ... I don't recall the number, but it was high. He was proud of that fact. I was impressed with his effort. I could tell he wanted to be able to report to God, someday, that he was faithful in reading the Book of Mormon in his life.
A few years before Brother Henline bore that testimony, I was sitting in Primary with my Sunbeams, and Sister Vallery, the Primary president, was telling us how she has read the Book of Mormon every day of her life since she was a young woman. I was really impressed with that!
Many years before her testimony, back in Oregon, I walked into our home around 4:30pm. The house was quiet; it was autumn. I looked to my left into the living room and there in his recliner with a couch pillow on his lap and his copy of the Book of Mormon on that pillow, sat my dad - quietly reading the Book of Mormon. I remember thinking, "I want to be just like my dad."
I try to be more like Brother Henline; I want to read the whole Book of Mormon every year - perhaps more times if can manage.
I try to be more like Sister Vallery and not let a day go by without opening and reading from the Book of Mormon.
I try to seek those quiet moments like my dad, and read the Book of Mormon. I want my kids to see me study the scriptures too. I've been more conscious lately in trying to find opportunities to read my scriptures at home so my children can see me and want to follow my example.
Today, I accomplished, in a small degree, all three of those desires.
After I finished the Book of Mormon again today, I find that it is still true!
And I, like Moroni, admonish anyone reading this, to read and study the Book of Mormon. Read it. Recommit to reading it. Pray about it. It will make your life better.
A few years before Brother Henline bore that testimony, I was sitting in Primary with my Sunbeams, and Sister Vallery, the Primary president, was telling us how she has read the Book of Mormon every day of her life since she was a young woman. I was really impressed with that!
Many years before her testimony, back in Oregon, I walked into our home around 4:30pm. The house was quiet; it was autumn. I looked to my left into the living room and there in his recliner with a couch pillow on his lap and his copy of the Book of Mormon on that pillow, sat my dad - quietly reading the Book of Mormon. I remember thinking, "I want to be just like my dad."
I try to be more like Brother Henline; I want to read the whole Book of Mormon every year - perhaps more times if can manage.
I try to be more like Sister Vallery and not let a day go by without opening and reading from the Book of Mormon.
I try to seek those quiet moments like my dad, and read the Book of Mormon. I want my kids to see me study the scriptures too. I've been more conscious lately in trying to find opportunities to read my scriptures at home so my children can see me and want to follow my example.
Today, I accomplished, in a small degree, all three of those desires.
After I finished the Book of Mormon again today, I find that it is still true!
And I, like Moroni, admonish anyone reading this, to read and study the Book of Mormon. Read it. Recommit to reading it. Pray about it. It will make your life better.
Moroni 10
July 27, 2007 - Original Post
The Book of Mormon Challenge
Moroni begins his final chapter with a challenge. He asks us to “remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men” from the time of Adam to his day. He asks us to ponder in our hearts the mercy of the Lord and “these things” meaning the writings of Mormon and Moroni.
And when we “receive these things,” then we must ask our Heavenly Father “if these things are not true.” And if we ask in the name of Christ, having faith in Christ and with a sincere heart and real intent, then the Holy Ghost will manifest the truth of the Book of Mormon to us.
For me, I’ve always felt the Book of Mormon is true. It is ingrained within me and is a part of me. I can’t imagine what my life would be without it. I truly love the Book of Mormon. Notwithstanding these facts, I’ve felt the desire to pray about the Book of Mormon. I still feel a desire to pray about the Book of Mormon every time I finish reading it. Each time I do so, my testimony of it grows stronger. I think of all the lessons and spiritual experiences I’ve had while reading and pondering the Book of Mormon. And when I think of those things, my testimony grows.
While I was a missionary in the MTC, I finished reading the Book of Mormon and desired to have the Holy Ghost manifest to me the truth of the Book of Mormon before I embarked on a mission to Guatemala. Early in the morning, I got up and went out in the hallway to have some time to myself. I read Joseph Smith’s history that morning and then prayed about the Book of Mormon. After I finished praying, I simply knew it … I was just happy. Everything seemed to fall into place and I simply knew at that moment that the Book of Mormon is a true book and that Joseph was a true prophet and that the Church is the true church of Christ today. It was a happy moment in my spiritual life.
Spiritual Gifts
The Spirit of God to teach the word of wisdom (Moroni 10:9, 1 Cor. 12:8, D&C 46:17)
Elder Oaks describes this gift as the gift to wisely apply knowledge or the gift of judgment. (Dallin H. Oaks, “Spiritual Gifts,” Ensign, Sep 1986, 68)
Teach the word of knowledge by the same Spirit (Moroni 10:10, 1 Cor. 12:8, D&C 46:18)
The D&C elaborates on this gift by adding, “that all may be taught to be wise and have knowledge.” I have seen many Sunday School teachers and seminary teachers and others exercise this gift. My parents have this gift. I have always sought this gift and feel that I have had it while teaching others on my mission as well as training missionaries in the MTC.
Exceedingly great faith (Moroni 10:11, 1 Cor. 12:9)
We have seen many of the Book of Mormon have this gift. The first example that comes to my mind is the old Lamanite king who Aaron taught. The old king believed Aaron’s words and exercised faith and was converted. (see Alma 22)
The gifts of healing (Moroni 10:11, 1 Cor. 12:9, D&C 46:19-20)
In the first area I served as a missionary (Pinares del Norte, Guatemala City), the sister who cooked our meals had this gift. Almost every morning while I ate her breakfast, some woman would bring her child over to this hermana to have the child be healed. I asked the hermana about this and she told me she has the gift of healing. She doesn’t know how it came to be, but that she just knows what ails a person and can heal them with remedies. I knew I was in good hands after I saw her heal these children.
Work mighty miracles (Moroni 10:12, 1 Cor. 12:10, D&C 46:21)
Miracles are all around us. What we need is to see them and recognize them. Just this evening, the kids and I read out of the Friend a story about a little boy who had pneumonia and meningitis and was hospitalized. The ward and even his little friends fasted for him. The doctors and his parents did not know if he would survive. But the faith of those fasting and praying for him miraculously healed him. (Susan Denney, “Jake’s Miracle,” Friend, Oct 2007, 16–17)
Gift of prophesy (Moroni 10:13, 1 Cor. 12:10, D&C 46:22)
Who can really dispute the gift of prophesy that President Hinckley possesses. He has forewarned and warned us of many things. He counseled us to get our homes in order. He taught us time and time again of the importance of the family and how the world attacks it. At least in my mind, I see his counsel and warnings as the gift of prophesy. He truly is able to lead us away from danger far before it is imminent.
Beholding of angels and ministering of spirits (Moroni 10:14, 1 Cor. 12:10)
Nephi and Alma and many others of the Book of Mormon had this gift. Joseph Smith seemed to have this gift too as he was taught by many different angels. I think that many who are close to the Spirit can have this gift when we do work for others in the temple. In counseling me to regularly attend the temple, my patriarchal blessing teaches me “that the veil between this life and the spirit world is thin.” I know I am not the only one who truly knows that truth.
Interpretation of tongues (Moroni 10:15-16, 1 Cor. 12:10, D&C 46:24-25)
How could the work of the Lord roll forward without this gift? Many missionaries and interpreters have received this gift and have used it as it was intended. The Book of Mormon and other Church publications are translated into dozens of languages. Just the General Conference page has almost 70 different language options.
Come Unto Christ
The clarion call of the Book of Mormon is that Christ lives and that we must come unto him. Moroni teaches us to come unto Christ “and be perfected in him.” (Moroni 10:32)
We must deny ourselves of ungodliness. We cannot expect to be God’s people if we do not strive to be like him. We must be different from the world. We must be the light and we are required to lead by example.
We must love God with all our might, mind and strength. In all that we do and in all that we think, we must exert the maximum effort in order for God’s grace to be sufficient.
If we do these things, then we are sanctified (Moroni 10:33) and our sins are remitted. Then we are holy and without spot.
As missionaries, we were often told that we had two years to work and the rest of our lives to think about it. The intent of that counsel was to help us to never tire of working … we were to squeeze every ounce out of our time. The same is true with lives. This life is too short and we have too much to accomplish in that short span. We must give God our all.
Moroni’s words are quite an inspiration and pep talk to go out and get to work.
Carry on, carry on, carry on (Hymn 255).
November 30, 2011 - Addition
I wanted to make Moroni 10:32 a little more meaningful and "down-to-earth"
"Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him"
To me, this means 'seek Christ; learn of Christ and strive to be like him.'
"deny yourselves of all ungodliness"
To me, this means we need to examine our lives and find those actions, words and thoughts that are not in alignment with the gospel of Christ and then seek to de-emphasize them in our lives - to work toward ridding them from our life - to deny them existence in our actions, words and thoughts - to suffocate 'the bad'
"love God"
Mosiah 2:17 - to love God means to love our neighbor. To love our neighbor means to serve them.
"with all your might, mind and strength"
To me, this implies we have to "lay it all on the line" - we have to "do our best" - we have to "care" Some fear having their hearts hurt by being offended and instead of confronting that fear, they choose to dis-engage - they choose to not be hurt. But if we don't "care/do our best/lay it all on the line" then we will miss out on valuable lessons; essentially we circumvent the growing process. Doing your best is not just a Boy Scout motto - it is a critical ingredient to our eternal salvation. Without it, we will not attain the grace of God.
Only after we seek Christ and deny ungodliness in our life and give it our all is his grace sufficient for us.
The Book of Mormon Challenge
Moroni begins his final chapter with a challenge. He asks us to “remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men” from the time of Adam to his day. He asks us to ponder in our hearts the mercy of the Lord and “these things” meaning the writings of Mormon and Moroni.
And when we “receive these things,” then we must ask our Heavenly Father “if these things are not true.” And if we ask in the name of Christ, having faith in Christ and with a sincere heart and real intent, then the Holy Ghost will manifest the truth of the Book of Mormon to us.
For me, I’ve always felt the Book of Mormon is true. It is ingrained within me and is a part of me. I can’t imagine what my life would be without it. I truly love the Book of Mormon. Notwithstanding these facts, I’ve felt the desire to pray about the Book of Mormon. I still feel a desire to pray about the Book of Mormon every time I finish reading it. Each time I do so, my testimony of it grows stronger. I think of all the lessons and spiritual experiences I’ve had while reading and pondering the Book of Mormon. And when I think of those things, my testimony grows.
While I was a missionary in the MTC, I finished reading the Book of Mormon and desired to have the Holy Ghost manifest to me the truth of the Book of Mormon before I embarked on a mission to Guatemala. Early in the morning, I got up and went out in the hallway to have some time to myself. I read Joseph Smith’s history that morning and then prayed about the Book of Mormon. After I finished praying, I simply knew it … I was just happy. Everything seemed to fall into place and I simply knew at that moment that the Book of Mormon is a true book and that Joseph was a true prophet and that the Church is the true church of Christ today. It was a happy moment in my spiritual life.
Spiritual Gifts
The Spirit of God to teach the word of wisdom (Moroni 10:9, 1 Cor. 12:8, D&C 46:17)
Elder Oaks describes this gift as the gift to wisely apply knowledge or the gift of judgment. (Dallin H. Oaks, “Spiritual Gifts,” Ensign, Sep 1986, 68)
Teach the word of knowledge by the same Spirit (Moroni 10:10, 1 Cor. 12:8, D&C 46:18)
The D&C elaborates on this gift by adding, “that all may be taught to be wise and have knowledge.” I have seen many Sunday School teachers and seminary teachers and others exercise this gift. My parents have this gift. I have always sought this gift and feel that I have had it while teaching others on my mission as well as training missionaries in the MTC.
Exceedingly great faith (Moroni 10:11, 1 Cor. 12:9)
We have seen many of the Book of Mormon have this gift. The first example that comes to my mind is the old Lamanite king who Aaron taught. The old king believed Aaron’s words and exercised faith and was converted. (see Alma 22)
The gifts of healing (Moroni 10:11, 1 Cor. 12:9, D&C 46:19-20)
In the first area I served as a missionary (Pinares del Norte, Guatemala City), the sister who cooked our meals had this gift. Almost every morning while I ate her breakfast, some woman would bring her child over to this hermana to have the child be healed. I asked the hermana about this and she told me she has the gift of healing. She doesn’t know how it came to be, but that she just knows what ails a person and can heal them with remedies. I knew I was in good hands after I saw her heal these children.
Work mighty miracles (Moroni 10:12, 1 Cor. 12:10, D&C 46:21)
Miracles are all around us. What we need is to see them and recognize them. Just this evening, the kids and I read out of the Friend a story about a little boy who had pneumonia and meningitis and was hospitalized. The ward and even his little friends fasted for him. The doctors and his parents did not know if he would survive. But the faith of those fasting and praying for him miraculously healed him. (Susan Denney, “Jake’s Miracle,” Friend, Oct 2007, 16–17)
Gift of prophesy (Moroni 10:13, 1 Cor. 12:10, D&C 46:22)
Who can really dispute the gift of prophesy that President Hinckley possesses. He has forewarned and warned us of many things. He counseled us to get our homes in order. He taught us time and time again of the importance of the family and how the world attacks it. At least in my mind, I see his counsel and warnings as the gift of prophesy. He truly is able to lead us away from danger far before it is imminent.
Beholding of angels and ministering of spirits (Moroni 10:14, 1 Cor. 12:10)
Nephi and Alma and many others of the Book of Mormon had this gift. Joseph Smith seemed to have this gift too as he was taught by many different angels. I think that many who are close to the Spirit can have this gift when we do work for others in the temple. In counseling me to regularly attend the temple, my patriarchal blessing teaches me “that the veil between this life and the spirit world is thin.” I know I am not the only one who truly knows that truth.
Interpretation of tongues (Moroni 10:15-16, 1 Cor. 12:10, D&C 46:24-25)
How could the work of the Lord roll forward without this gift? Many missionaries and interpreters have received this gift and have used it as it was intended. The Book of Mormon and other Church publications are translated into dozens of languages. Just the General Conference page has almost 70 different language options.
Come Unto Christ
The clarion call of the Book of Mormon is that Christ lives and that we must come unto him. Moroni teaches us to come unto Christ “and be perfected in him.” (Moroni 10:32)
We must deny ourselves of ungodliness. We cannot expect to be God’s people if we do not strive to be like him. We must be different from the world. We must be the light and we are required to lead by example.
We must love God with all our might, mind and strength. In all that we do and in all that we think, we must exert the maximum effort in order for God’s grace to be sufficient.
If we do these things, then we are sanctified (Moroni 10:33) and our sins are remitted. Then we are holy and without spot.
As missionaries, we were often told that we had two years to work and the rest of our lives to think about it. The intent of that counsel was to help us to never tire of working … we were to squeeze every ounce out of our time. The same is true with lives. This life is too short and we have too much to accomplish in that short span. We must give God our all.
Moroni’s words are quite an inspiration and pep talk to go out and get to work.
Carry on, carry on, carry on (Hymn 255).
November 30, 2011 - Addition
I wanted to make Moroni 10:32 a little more meaningful and "down-to-earth"
"Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him"
To me, this means 'seek Christ; learn of Christ and strive to be like him.'
"deny yourselves of all ungodliness"
To me, this means we need to examine our lives and find those actions, words and thoughts that are not in alignment with the gospel of Christ and then seek to de-emphasize them in our lives - to work toward ridding them from our life - to deny them existence in our actions, words and thoughts - to suffocate 'the bad'
"love God"
Mosiah 2:17 - to love God means to love our neighbor. To love our neighbor means to serve them.
"with all your might, mind and strength"
To me, this implies we have to "lay it all on the line" - we have to "do our best" - we have to "care" Some fear having their hearts hurt by being offended and instead of confronting that fear, they choose to dis-engage - they choose to not be hurt. But if we don't "care/do our best/lay it all on the line" then we will miss out on valuable lessons; essentially we circumvent the growing process. Doing your best is not just a Boy Scout motto - it is a critical ingredient to our eternal salvation. Without it, we will not attain the grace of God.
Only after we seek Christ and deny ungodliness in our life and give it our all is his grace sufficient for us.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Elder Richard G. Scott Quote on Book of Mormon
In his October 2011 General Conference talks, Elder Richard G. Scott said,
"those who consistently read the Book of Mormon are blessed with an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a greater resolve to obey His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the divinity of the Son of God."
Amen!
"those who consistently read the Book of Mormon are blessed with an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a greater resolve to obey His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the divinity of the Son of God."
Amen!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Ensign October 2011 - All About the Book of Mormon
I am especially looking forward to reading the Ensign this month.
Since it's been so long since I've posted on this blog, I think that as I read each of the articles this month, I will post my thoughts and commentary on them here.
Now for a couple of side notes ... our family, a few months ago, finished reading the Book of Mormon for the first time. It took us a long, long time, but we did it. We celebrated with a BBQ and swim party after we had finished.
Also, the missionaries invited us to share the Book of Mormon with our neighbors. My wife and I both prayed about it. I ended up sharing 'my' copy with our neighbors. I think she had somone in mind too, but on the day she was to give a copy to her friend, the friend's son ended up getting hurt, so she never got the chance.
Lastly, I wonder if we'll get a 'Book of Mormon' talk this General Conference. It's been a while since we've had one there - especially by one of the Apostles. The last Apostle to speak on the subject was of course the unforgettable talk by Elder Holland (October 2009). I don't recall any talks specifically about the Book of Mormon from the 2010 and 11 conferences.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
1 Nephi 8
March 26, 2011
For quite some time, I've been toying with the idea of a personal scorecard to help me keep track of my daily goals and efforts. I finally made that a reality just yesterday and I've begun keeping score.
I don't think it's a coincidence that I came across 1 Nephi 8:30 on the same day I finalized my personal scorecard.
"But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree."
When I read that verse, the phrases "caught hold", "press their way forward", and "continually holding fast" really stood out. To me, these imply that we don't leap ro jog along to the tree. Rather, it almost sounds like a hard-fought ground battle where you have to really earn an inch. It sounds like any person holding fast to that iron rod will intimately know every inch of that bar. They don't just hold on to it a bit at arms length and occasionally let go while they run along the path. There might even have been wind along that path and that to let go means immediate losses. Perhaps the dark mist was so thick, you could not see the rod even if you were holding on to it. There may have been zero visibility.
Anyway ... the phrases I mentioned implied certain things to me:
1) Daily, hourly ... constant reinforcement and recommitment
2) Constantly watching, assessing and adjusting
Those things, to me, sound a lot like what a scorecard accomplishes.
October 7, 2006
This chapter dicusses the tree of life vision that Lehi received. I’ve always thought that this could be an inspiring movie or film clip. Maybe someday someone will make it a reality.
In chapter 8 verse 12, Lehi reaches the tree and eats the fruit. After eating, he is “desirous that [his] family should partake of it also.” We shared this scripture often when we asked for references from members (referring to when I was serving as a full-time missionary). They have eaten of the fruit of the gospel and should be desirous that others enjoy the fruit or gospel.
Also, fathers can learn from the example of Lehi, in that we are to teach our family the gospel and then lead them by example. Upon eating of the fruit, Lehi immediately looked for his wife and children.
Lehi also sees the fate of many groups of people in his dream. In verse 21 he sees “numberless concourses of people … pressing forward, that they might obtain the path which led unto the tree.” He sees others commence in the path that leads to the tree, but then lose their way because of the mist of darkness. Others he sees catch hold of the iron rod and press forward until they reach the tree. Upon eating of the fruit, “they cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed” (v. 25). He also sees a large group of people occupying the great and spacious building. These mock and point the finger of scorn at those eating of the fruit (v. 27). And after some partake of the fruit, they look up to the building and see the people mocking them and some who see this mocking become ashamed. Feeling ashamed, these leave the security of the tree and become lost in “forbidden paths” (v. 28). Others were faithful and diligently sought the iron rod. Once they found it, they never let go until they reach the tree and eat of the fruit (v. 30). He also saw other multitudes feeling their way towards the great and spacious building and instead of reaching their goal, they either drown in the fountain or become lost in “strange roads” (v. 31-32).
It seems that there are three main groups: those who eat of the fruit and are not ashamed; those who eat the fruit and are ashamed and end up either becoming lost or finding the great and spacious building and end up mocking the others; and then there are those who are simply lost, never finding the tree and never reach the spacious building.
Obviously those who are truly happy and find real joy are the ones who find the tree and eat of the fruit and are not ashamed. Some of these people find the tree relatively easily. Others must work … they must press and cling to the iron rod. Once they reach the tree, they fall down with exhaustion and gladly eat of the fruit. We can see the similarities between these people in Lehi’s dream and those faithful saints who humbly keep the commandments and constantly serve others. They are the true disciples of Christ. How do they do it? They cling to the iron rod which is the word of God (Hymn 274). They read and study the scriptures every day and strive to apply the Saviors teachings in their lives. Once they do that, then they find the fruit and are happy. Lehi does not hide the fact that reaching the tree is hard work. He mentions “pressing forward” a number of times.
The other group of people are those who reach the tree, eat of the fruit and then become ashamed, either out of pure shame or because of the mocking and finger-pointing from those in the building. What does ashamed mean? It means feeling inferior, inadequate or embarrassed. Usually this feeling comes because one is not confident in his beliefs. He is more concerned about what others think of him rather than deriving feelings of approval from within or even from Above. It seems to me that feelings of shame (from living the Gospel) arise out of immaturity or unbelief. Of course, shame has its place in society. A man ought to be ashamed of himself if he did not use good manners, swore, abused others or cheated on his wife. In those instances, shame can be used to correct bad behavior. But in the Gospel context, we ought not to be ashamed of living a Christ-life life. Romans 1:16 teaches us that we should not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ.
The last group of people never find the tree. We can probably assume that since they never find the tree, they never bothered to look for it or even desire to look for it. I tend to think that these are those who are tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14). They may stumble upon the truth, but since they don’t desire to really know it, they discount it. In addition to lack of desire, Satan will do all he can to keep people blind to the truth of the Gospel.
Verses 33 and 34 are wonderful verses. I really love them! These two verses contain the perfect solution for the saints of God when confronted with persecution. In my mind’s eye, I see Lehi in his tent telling his family about his dream. I see his white beard and hair and his hands trembling a little as he explained how great the multitude was that entered into that worldly building. And upon entering they pointed the finger of scorn at Lehi and those eating of the fruit of the tree of life. I can almost see lavishly dressed women and young men laughing and jaunting at those humble people below. Then, as Lehi continued, he gave the solution to the world’s persecutions. I can hear his trembling yet powerful and majestic prophetic voice similar to President Benson’s say, “but we heeded them not.” Every time I read that part and picture it in my mine, chills run down my spine. Lehi goes on to explain that “as many as heeded them, had fallen away." Those in the building were so prideful, that in stead of living up to the example of the true followers of Christ, they persecuted them in hopes of making the followers of Christ give up their quest for righteousness so that the prideful can feel better in sinning. As I read the Book of Mormon and look at Church history, it is the same. The saints were persecuted by the prideful – buy why? If the saints were so good and righteous and did not bother any one else, living in peace, why the persecution? It was pride. The prideful people didn’t want to improve or change their lives or standards of living so instead of living up to the example, they tried to eliminate the example.
Regarding verses 24 and 25, how many times in our lives, as saints, do we feel the Spirit or have a spiritual experience and then turn around and deny it? Not that we say that we deny it, but we deny it with our actions. I think Nephi put it best when he said in 1 Nephi 19:7 that men trample under their feet their God. He goes on to say that what he means by trample under their feet is that they set at naught the things of God. In other words, they think that the things of God are not to be taken seriously; they think that it is “good counsel” or advice, but not a commandment. The purpose of spiritual experiences is to help up progress towards perfection, not to just feel good. If we do not learn from our spiritual experiences, then we are looking at that building feeling ashamed that we took of the fruit of the tree of life. We trample God under our feet and set at naught his counsels. I am not proud of the few times I have had spiritual experiences, and then fell into temptation’s power the very next day. I feel much like Nephi when he expresses, “I desire to rejoice, [but] my heart groaneth because of my sins” (2 Nephi 4:19). Thank Father in Heaven for sending his son so that we can repent and receive forgiveness of our sins and correct our behavior. I hope that I will always learn from my spiritual experiences, and not set them at naught.
For quite some time, I've been toying with the idea of a personal scorecard to help me keep track of my daily goals and efforts. I finally made that a reality just yesterday and I've begun keeping score.
I don't think it's a coincidence that I came across 1 Nephi 8:30 on the same day I finalized my personal scorecard.
"But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree."
When I read that verse, the phrases "caught hold", "press their way forward", and "continually holding fast" really stood out. To me, these imply that we don't leap ro jog along to the tree. Rather, it almost sounds like a hard-fought ground battle where you have to really earn an inch. It sounds like any person holding fast to that iron rod will intimately know every inch of that bar. They don't just hold on to it a bit at arms length and occasionally let go while they run along the path. There might even have been wind along that path and that to let go means immediate losses. Perhaps the dark mist was so thick, you could not see the rod even if you were holding on to it. There may have been zero visibility.
Anyway ... the phrases I mentioned implied certain things to me:
1) Daily, hourly ... constant reinforcement and recommitment
2) Constantly watching, assessing and adjusting
Those things, to me, sound a lot like what a scorecard accomplishes.
October 7, 2006
This chapter dicusses the tree of life vision that Lehi received. I’ve always thought that this could be an inspiring movie or film clip. Maybe someday someone will make it a reality.
In chapter 8 verse 12, Lehi reaches the tree and eats the fruit. After eating, he is “desirous that [his] family should partake of it also.” We shared this scripture often when we asked for references from members (referring to when I was serving as a full-time missionary). They have eaten of the fruit of the gospel and should be desirous that others enjoy the fruit or gospel.
Also, fathers can learn from the example of Lehi, in that we are to teach our family the gospel and then lead them by example. Upon eating of the fruit, Lehi immediately looked for his wife and children.
Lehi also sees the fate of many groups of people in his dream. In verse 21 he sees “numberless concourses of people … pressing forward, that they might obtain the path which led unto the tree.” He sees others commence in the path that leads to the tree, but then lose their way because of the mist of darkness. Others he sees catch hold of the iron rod and press forward until they reach the tree. Upon eating of the fruit, “they cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed” (v. 25). He also sees a large group of people occupying the great and spacious building. These mock and point the finger of scorn at those eating of the fruit (v. 27). And after some partake of the fruit, they look up to the building and see the people mocking them and some who see this mocking become ashamed. Feeling ashamed, these leave the security of the tree and become lost in “forbidden paths” (v. 28). Others were faithful and diligently sought the iron rod. Once they found it, they never let go until they reach the tree and eat of the fruit (v. 30). He also saw other multitudes feeling their way towards the great and spacious building and instead of reaching their goal, they either drown in the fountain or become lost in “strange roads” (v. 31-32).
It seems that there are three main groups: those who eat of the fruit and are not ashamed; those who eat the fruit and are ashamed and end up either becoming lost or finding the great and spacious building and end up mocking the others; and then there are those who are simply lost, never finding the tree and never reach the spacious building.
Obviously those who are truly happy and find real joy are the ones who find the tree and eat of the fruit and are not ashamed. Some of these people find the tree relatively easily. Others must work … they must press and cling to the iron rod. Once they reach the tree, they fall down with exhaustion and gladly eat of the fruit. We can see the similarities between these people in Lehi’s dream and those faithful saints who humbly keep the commandments and constantly serve others. They are the true disciples of Christ. How do they do it? They cling to the iron rod which is the word of God (Hymn 274). They read and study the scriptures every day and strive to apply the Saviors teachings in their lives. Once they do that, then they find the fruit and are happy. Lehi does not hide the fact that reaching the tree is hard work. He mentions “pressing forward” a number of times.
The other group of people are those who reach the tree, eat of the fruit and then become ashamed, either out of pure shame or because of the mocking and finger-pointing from those in the building. What does ashamed mean? It means feeling inferior, inadequate or embarrassed. Usually this feeling comes because one is not confident in his beliefs. He is more concerned about what others think of him rather than deriving feelings of approval from within or even from Above. It seems to me that feelings of shame (from living the Gospel) arise out of immaturity or unbelief. Of course, shame has its place in society. A man ought to be ashamed of himself if he did not use good manners, swore, abused others or cheated on his wife. In those instances, shame can be used to correct bad behavior. But in the Gospel context, we ought not to be ashamed of living a Christ-life life. Romans 1:16 teaches us that we should not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ.
The last group of people never find the tree. We can probably assume that since they never find the tree, they never bothered to look for it or even desire to look for it. I tend to think that these are those who are tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14). They may stumble upon the truth, but since they don’t desire to really know it, they discount it. In addition to lack of desire, Satan will do all he can to keep people blind to the truth of the Gospel.
Verses 33 and 34 are wonderful verses. I really love them! These two verses contain the perfect solution for the saints of God when confronted with persecution. In my mind’s eye, I see Lehi in his tent telling his family about his dream. I see his white beard and hair and his hands trembling a little as he explained how great the multitude was that entered into that worldly building. And upon entering they pointed the finger of scorn at Lehi and those eating of the fruit of the tree of life. I can almost see lavishly dressed women and young men laughing and jaunting at those humble people below. Then, as Lehi continued, he gave the solution to the world’s persecutions. I can hear his trembling yet powerful and majestic prophetic voice similar to President Benson’s say, “but we heeded them not.” Every time I read that part and picture it in my mine, chills run down my spine. Lehi goes on to explain that “as many as heeded them, had fallen away." Those in the building were so prideful, that in stead of living up to the example of the true followers of Christ, they persecuted them in hopes of making the followers of Christ give up their quest for righteousness so that the prideful can feel better in sinning. As I read the Book of Mormon and look at Church history, it is the same. The saints were persecuted by the prideful – buy why? If the saints were so good and righteous and did not bother any one else, living in peace, why the persecution? It was pride. The prideful people didn’t want to improve or change their lives or standards of living so instead of living up to the example, they tried to eliminate the example.
Regarding verses 24 and 25, how many times in our lives, as saints, do we feel the Spirit or have a spiritual experience and then turn around and deny it? Not that we say that we deny it, but we deny it with our actions. I think Nephi put it best when he said in 1 Nephi 19:7 that men trample under their feet their God. He goes on to say that what he means by trample under their feet is that they set at naught the things of God. In other words, they think that the things of God are not to be taken seriously; they think that it is “good counsel” or advice, but not a commandment. The purpose of spiritual experiences is to help up progress towards perfection, not to just feel good. If we do not learn from our spiritual experiences, then we are looking at that building feeling ashamed that we took of the fruit of the tree of life. We trample God under our feet and set at naught his counsels. I am not proud of the few times I have had spiritual experiences, and then fell into temptation’s power the very next day. I feel much like Nephi when he expresses, “I desire to rejoice, [but] my heart groaneth because of my sins” (2 Nephi 4:19). Thank Father in Heaven for sending his son so that we can repent and receive forgiveness of our sins and correct our behavior. I hope that I will always learn from my spiritual experiences, and not set them at naught.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
1 Nephi 7
March 24, 2011
While reading 1 Nephi 7:8-12 today, the thought occur ed to me that Nephi internalized what the Lord had done for him and their family. Whereas, Laban and Lemuel had not.
Let me back up a bit. The past week or so, I've felt like I've been in a funk. It usually happens after an extremely busy or stressful week. When I'm in this funk, it's as though I'm in a daze and lack motivation to keep up with my goals ... everything seems to unravel ... I seem to forget the reasons for my drive and motivation.
So when I read this passage, I was subconsciously asking the question, "What made Nephi's motivation never fail? Why was he always on the up ... on the go? When Laman and Lemuel went into one of their lapses, Nephi's frustrations come out ... and when he's speaking, it's as if he's telling them what they need to do so that they don't forget why they are doing the things they are doing.
Nephi essentially lists out all the things he repeatedly thinks about ... the things he has settled in his heart. To me, it sounds a like like an exercise in counting blessings.
So that is what I learned today ... when I'm feeling low; when the wind seems to have been emptied from my sails, I'm going to count my blessings.
October 5, 2006
As I read about Nephi and his brothers going to Jerusalem again and then Laman and Lemuel’s rebellion (along with the two sons and two daughters of Ishmael) I loved how much faith Nephi showed. He was truly courageous to stand up against four other men … not just men, but family and friends. He had so much faith and believed in the prophecies of his father that he boldly testified to the others that they too would be destroyed if they returned to the city of Jerusalem. He even reminded them of their agency to choose whether to go back or stay. But for some reason, they did not go back! After all their murmurings about having to leave home and how difficult life was in the wilderness, when they were finally reminded of their agency to go back, they chose not to! Instead they wanted to kill Nephi. Could this be the real source of their complaining? Maybe they didn’t want to leave the city, so they complained, but what may have really nagged at them in their heart of hearts was Nephi’s righteousness. Nephi was the example and his example was pushing the two complainers to do better when they knew they had to, but did not want to follow. Their idea or solution was not to live up to Nephi’s example but to eliminate the source of their discomfort. With Nephi around, they had to live up to his example, but if they kill him, they would not have to have that constant push on their conscience or so they thought.
I’ve seen in my own life many times in school where the lazy kids pick on the smart kids for their extra efforts to achieve good scores and grades. When the smart kids (or achievers) do their best, it makes the lazy kids look bad. Now the lazy kids don’t want to look bad, so they pick on the achievers in hopes the achievers will get discouraged and slow their pace down. They simply do not want to take responsibility for their actions. They want a free ride in life. Laman and Lemuel wanted a free ride to the Promised Land. They never bothered to ask the Lord for a confirmation of Lehi’s revelations. In stead they piggy-backed on the efforts of the rest of the traveling family. Part of the Lord’s plan for us is to go through adversity. The challenge of adversity is what builds character and makes us stronger and more perfect. Laman and Lemuel were worried about “looking bad.” They hoped to destroy Nephi so that their conscious would not be afflicted.
What I also love about this chapter is Nephi’s charity. After the big dispute and after the Lord loosened the cords that bound Nephi, the daughters of Ishmael calmed the two hot heads. When they returned to their senses, they begged Nephi for forgiveness. They even bowed down before Nephi. Nephi being the loving brother and diligent disciple of Christ, “frankly forgave them.” He truly loved his enemies. He took advantage of their humbled state and exhorted them to pray to God and ask forgiveness of their sins. Even though Nephi would see the outcome of his brothers (in his vision) he and his seed labored diligently to teach Laman and Lemuel’s posterity the ways of the Lord. Nephi is an excellent example of charity, patience, and how to bring others unto Christ.
The incident in the wilderness in this chapter was another step for Nephi in becoming a prophet. His charity, patience, and his ability to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost were tested and proven. At one point, he practically encourages his brothers to go back to Jerusalem. But once they chose to stay with Nephi, he did not constantly remind them of the choice to go back. In stead, he continued to try to help them understand the dealings of the Lord. He could have easily provoked Laman and Lemuel to return to Jerusalem. That would have been two less headaches to deal with. But, he developed his patience and charity and loved and worked with and taught Laman and Lemuel. Sometimes the toughest people to get along with are those closest to you. Nephi is a wonderful example of being your brother’s keeper.
One other thing that I noticed is that Nephi did not tell his parents what went on in the wilderness or at least the Book of Mormon doesn’t say that he told them. I think that Nephi really loved his brothers and wanted the best for them. He didn’t hold grudges against them and he did not remember every evil act they committed against him. He simply loved them and exhorted them to do what was right.
While reading 1 Nephi 7:8-12 today, the thought occur ed to me that Nephi internalized what the Lord had done for him and their family. Whereas, Laban and Lemuel had not.
Let me back up a bit. The past week or so, I've felt like I've been in a funk. It usually happens after an extremely busy or stressful week. When I'm in this funk, it's as though I'm in a daze and lack motivation to keep up with my goals ... everything seems to unravel ... I seem to forget the reasons for my drive and motivation.
So when I read this passage, I was subconsciously asking the question, "What made Nephi's motivation never fail? Why was he always on the up ... on the go? When Laman and Lemuel went into one of their lapses, Nephi's frustrations come out ... and when he's speaking, it's as if he's telling them what they need to do so that they don't forget why they are doing the things they are doing.
Nephi essentially lists out all the things he repeatedly thinks about ... the things he has settled in his heart. To me, it sounds a like like an exercise in counting blessings.
So that is what I learned today ... when I'm feeling low; when the wind seems to have been emptied from my sails, I'm going to count my blessings.
October 5, 2006
As I read about Nephi and his brothers going to Jerusalem again and then Laman and Lemuel’s rebellion (along with the two sons and two daughters of Ishmael) I loved how much faith Nephi showed. He was truly courageous to stand up against four other men … not just men, but family and friends. He had so much faith and believed in the prophecies of his father that he boldly testified to the others that they too would be destroyed if they returned to the city of Jerusalem. He even reminded them of their agency to choose whether to go back or stay. But for some reason, they did not go back! After all their murmurings about having to leave home and how difficult life was in the wilderness, when they were finally reminded of their agency to go back, they chose not to! Instead they wanted to kill Nephi. Could this be the real source of their complaining? Maybe they didn’t want to leave the city, so they complained, but what may have really nagged at them in their heart of hearts was Nephi’s righteousness. Nephi was the example and his example was pushing the two complainers to do better when they knew they had to, but did not want to follow. Their idea or solution was not to live up to Nephi’s example but to eliminate the source of their discomfort. With Nephi around, they had to live up to his example, but if they kill him, they would not have to have that constant push on their conscience or so they thought.
I’ve seen in my own life many times in school where the lazy kids pick on the smart kids for their extra efforts to achieve good scores and grades. When the smart kids (or achievers) do their best, it makes the lazy kids look bad. Now the lazy kids don’t want to look bad, so they pick on the achievers in hopes the achievers will get discouraged and slow their pace down. They simply do not want to take responsibility for their actions. They want a free ride in life. Laman and Lemuel wanted a free ride to the Promised Land. They never bothered to ask the Lord for a confirmation of Lehi’s revelations. In stead they piggy-backed on the efforts of the rest of the traveling family. Part of the Lord’s plan for us is to go through adversity. The challenge of adversity is what builds character and makes us stronger and more perfect. Laman and Lemuel were worried about “looking bad.” They hoped to destroy Nephi so that their conscious would not be afflicted.
What I also love about this chapter is Nephi’s charity. After the big dispute and after the Lord loosened the cords that bound Nephi, the daughters of Ishmael calmed the two hot heads. When they returned to their senses, they begged Nephi for forgiveness. They even bowed down before Nephi. Nephi being the loving brother and diligent disciple of Christ, “frankly forgave them.” He truly loved his enemies. He took advantage of their humbled state and exhorted them to pray to God and ask forgiveness of their sins. Even though Nephi would see the outcome of his brothers (in his vision) he and his seed labored diligently to teach Laman and Lemuel’s posterity the ways of the Lord. Nephi is an excellent example of charity, patience, and how to bring others unto Christ.
The incident in the wilderness in this chapter was another step for Nephi in becoming a prophet. His charity, patience, and his ability to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost were tested and proven. At one point, he practically encourages his brothers to go back to Jerusalem. But once they chose to stay with Nephi, he did not constantly remind them of the choice to go back. In stead, he continued to try to help them understand the dealings of the Lord. He could have easily provoked Laman and Lemuel to return to Jerusalem. That would have been two less headaches to deal with. But, he developed his patience and charity and loved and worked with and taught Laman and Lemuel. Sometimes the toughest people to get along with are those closest to you. Nephi is a wonderful example of being your brother’s keeper.
One other thing that I noticed is that Nephi did not tell his parents what went on in the wilderness or at least the Book of Mormon doesn’t say that he told them. I think that Nephi really loved his brothers and wanted the best for them. He didn’t hold grudges against them and he did not remember every evil act they committed against him. He simply loved them and exhorted them to do what was right.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Quick Comment
If there are any people who read this blog ... I wanted to briefly comment about something.
I just started reading the Book of Mormon in Spanish the other day. The plan is to read for 15 minutes or so. I've been studying the NT along with the Sunday School lessons, but I felt I needed the Book of Mormon time too. As I'm reading it this time, I've found that I've been getting some more insights. So I'm posting updates to the original posts so all my commentary on a chapter is found in one post. I'll note the date of each of the sections I wrote.
I just started reading the Book of Mormon in Spanish the other day. The plan is to read for 15 minutes or so. I've been studying the NT along with the Sunday School lessons, but I felt I needed the Book of Mormon time too. As I'm reading it this time, I've found that I've been getting some more insights. So I'm posting updates to the original posts so all my commentary on a chapter is found in one post. I'll note the date of each of the sections I wrote.
Friday, April 09, 2010
Another Testament of Jesus Christ
I finished reading the Book of Mormon on April 6. For this most recent reading, I started March 8 and read about 18 pages a day, finishing in less than a month. I've never read the Book of Mormon that quickly before.
Jesus Christ
The one thing that stood out to me as I read it "quickly" this time was how much of it is indeed centered around Jesus Christ. Mormon did a spectacular job compiling thousands of years of records into one book with one central theme: Jesus Christ. All the prophets, from Lehi to Mormon, were concerned about was teaching the people about Jesus Christ.
In General Conference last week, Elder Bednar made a very interesting comment related to this. He said, "The Book of Mormon is the most correct of any book on earth because it centers upon the Truth (see John 14:6; 1 Nephi 13:40), even Jesus Christ, and restores the plain and precious things that have been taken away from the true gospel (see 1 Nephi 13:26, 28–29, 32, 34–35, 40). The unique combination of these two factors—a focus on the Savior and the plainness of the teachings—powerfully invites the confirming witness of the third member of the Godhead, even the Holy Ghost. Consequently, the Book of Mormon speaks to the spirit and to the heart of the reader like no other volume of scripture." ("Watching with All Perseverance")
Abinadi
As always, the one person who fascinated me the most was Abinadi. This one man, who left Zarahemla to go to the Land of Nephi with Zeniff, seemingly comes out of obscurity to denounce King Noah and to call that subset of Nephites to repentance. For a few days in King Noah's court, the whole remaining history of the Nephites and Lamanites would be decided. Abinadi would die by fire. Alma would repent and go on to be the means of organizing the church and would leave a trail of posterity from Alma the Younger to Nephi the Disciple. The other priests of Noah, including Amulon, would become dissenters and stir up the Lamanites for decades and would be the cause of so many wars and bloodshed. So impressed was either Mormon's dad or grandfather, that both Mormon and his father were named after the Waters of Mormon, which is where the first members of the church Alma organized were baptized. I am truly awed whenever I think of the lasting effects of Abindi's choice to call King Noah to repentance.Thursday, April 08, 2010
Elder Koichi Aoyagi and the Book of Mormon
Below is an excerpt taken from Elder Koichi Aoyagi's talk from General Conference last week.
Living alone, far from my hometown and the people I knew, I became lonely and strayed from the Church. One day I received a postcard from a Church member back home. She wrote that she had heard I was not attending Church meetings. She quoted a scripture and invited me to return to church. I was overwhelmed by the words of the scripture. This helped me realize that maybe I had lost something important, and I pondered and struggled for many days. This also caused me to remember a promise the missionaries had made to me: “If you read the Book of Mormon and ask in fervent prayer if the promise found in Moroni is true, you will know the truth through the power of the Holy Ghost.” (see Moroni 10:4-5)
I realized that I was not praying with all of my heart and decided to do so. One morning I woke up early, knelt in my small apartment, and prayed sincerely. To my surprise, the confirmation of the Holy Ghost came upon me as promised. My heart burned, my body shook, and I was filled with joy. Through the power of the Holy Ghost, I learned that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, live and that They truly appeared to Joseph Smith. I made a commitment in my heart to repent and faithfully follow Jesus Christ for the rest of my life.
This spiritual experience changed my life completely! I decided to serve a mission out of gratitude to the Lord and to the Church member who rescued me. Following my mission, I was sealed in the temple to a wonderful girl, and we have been blessed with four children. Not coincidentally, this is the same girl who saved me by sending a postcard to that lonely apartment in Yokohama many years ago. I remain ever grateful for the mercy of the Lord and the help of this Church member, who invited me to once again come unto Christ. (see Matthew 11:28)
Source: April 2010 General Conference, "Helping Hands, Saving Hands"
Living alone, far from my hometown and the people I knew, I became lonely and strayed from the Church. One day I received a postcard from a Church member back home. She wrote that she had heard I was not attending Church meetings. She quoted a scripture and invited me to return to church. I was overwhelmed by the words of the scripture. This helped me realize that maybe I had lost something important, and I pondered and struggled for many days. This also caused me to remember a promise the missionaries had made to me: “If you read the Book of Mormon and ask in fervent prayer if the promise found in Moroni is true, you will know the truth through the power of the Holy Ghost.” (see Moroni 10:4-5)
I realized that I was not praying with all of my heart and decided to do so. One morning I woke up early, knelt in my small apartment, and prayed sincerely. To my surprise, the confirmation of the Holy Ghost came upon me as promised. My heart burned, my body shook, and I was filled with joy. Through the power of the Holy Ghost, I learned that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, live and that They truly appeared to Joseph Smith. I made a commitment in my heart to repent and faithfully follow Jesus Christ for the rest of my life.
This spiritual experience changed my life completely! I decided to serve a mission out of gratitude to the Lord and to the Church member who rescued me. Following my mission, I was sealed in the temple to a wonderful girl, and we have been blessed with four children. Not coincidentally, this is the same girl who saved me by sending a postcard to that lonely apartment in Yokohama many years ago. I remain ever grateful for the mercy of the Lord and the help of this Church member, who invited me to once again come unto Christ. (see Matthew 11:28)
Source: April 2010 General Conference, "Helping Hands, Saving Hands"
Monday, March 22, 2010
False Doctrines
False Doctrines
"And he also testified unto the people that all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their heads and rejoice; for the Lord had created all men, and had redeemed all men; and, in the end, all men should have eternal life. (Alma 1:4)
"But as to the people that were in the land of Ammonihah, they yet remained a hard-hearted and a stiffnecked people; and they repented not of their sins, ascribing all the power of Alma and Amulek to the devil; for they were of the profession of Nehor, and did not believe in the repentance of their sins." (Alma 15:15)
"Not withstanding they believed in a Great Spirit, they supposed that whatsoever they did was right." (Alma 18:5)
"And many more such things did he say unto them, telling them that there could be no atonement made for the sins of men, but every man fared in this life according to the managment of the creature; therefore every man prospered according to his genius, and that every man conquered according to his strength; and whatsoever a man did was no crime." (Alma 30:17)
What These Verses Imply
All of mankind will not be saved. There will be those who will not inherit eternal life - ever.
Believe in repentance - it will save you.
We cannot do anything we want. There are consequences to our actions.
Christ could and did atone for our sins. The atonement is real.
We can commit crimes against the law of God.
"And he also testified unto the people that all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their heads and rejoice; for the Lord had created all men, and had redeemed all men; and, in the end, all men should have eternal life. (Alma 1:4)
"But as to the people that were in the land of Ammonihah, they yet remained a hard-hearted and a stiffnecked people; and they repented not of their sins, ascribing all the power of Alma and Amulek to the devil; for they were of the profession of Nehor, and did not believe in the repentance of their sins." (Alma 15:15)
"Not withstanding they believed in a Great Spirit, they supposed that whatsoever they did was right." (Alma 18:5)
"And many more such things did he say unto them, telling them that there could be no atonement made for the sins of men, but every man fared in this life according to the managment of the creature; therefore every man prospered according to his genius, and that every man conquered according to his strength; and whatsoever a man did was no crime." (Alma 30:17)
What These Verses Imply
All of mankind will not be saved. There will be those who will not inherit eternal life - ever.
Believe in repentance - it will save you.
We cannot do anything we want. There are consequences to our actions.
Christ could and did atone for our sins. The atonement is real.
We can commit crimes against the law of God.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
"In Search of Something Better"
"The Book of Mormon: 'Our Story'" is another fantastic insight about the Book of Mormon over at Jeff Lindsay's blog. In it he describes how he was in a missionary discussion and one of the missionaries said that the Book of Mormon is 'our story' because just as Lehi and his family migrated from Jerusalem to the New World, these missionaries and those who they were talking to had migrated from China, Taiwan, the Marshall Islands and Mexico to the Promised Land.
Just as Lehi, King Mosiah, Zeniff , Limhi and Alma, the Anti-Nephi-Lehis, the Mulekites and the Jaredites migrated to a better place, so too are we trying to get to a better place .... from this mortal life to Eternal Life.
Just as Lehi, King Mosiah, Zeniff , Limhi and Alma, the Anti-Nephi-Lehis, the Mulekites and the Jaredites migrated to a better place, so too are we trying to get to a better place .... from this mortal life to Eternal Life.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Stiff Necked and High Heads
I've been immersing myself in the Book of Mormon again. In an effort to take my reading 'up a knotch' I've decided to read 18 pages a day. It takes me about 30 minutes to read 18 pages and that's about right for meeting the commandment of reading the Book of Mormon 30 minutes a day. If you're mathematically astute, you'll know that 18 pages a day equates to reading the Book of Mormon in 30 days. My short-term goal is to read it 3 times in 3 months.
The first go-around is just to get re-immersed in it. The 2nd time will focus on Christ in the Book of Mormon. I'm using a "missionary copy" of the Book of Mormon, so marking it up however I want won't be so "costly." The 3rd go-around will be a focus on personal application and revelation ... I'll read it through the prism of my current problems and challenges to get answers and direction.
Anyway - on to my comment about the term 'stiff necks' and 'high heads.' I know they mean obstinateness and pride. But as I was reading it today in Jacob 2:13, it hit me ... if you have a stiff neck, you can't move your head. If you can't move your head, you won't see others as easily. In a spiritual sense, if you can't (or won't) move your head, then you will not see others who are in need and therefore you will not be able to serve others. You are focused on your own personal appearance and status rather than focusing on serving others. I don't know why it took me so long to make that connection, but it finally hit home to me this time.
The first go-around is just to get re-immersed in it. The 2nd time will focus on Christ in the Book of Mormon. I'm using a "missionary copy" of the Book of Mormon, so marking it up however I want won't be so "costly." The 3rd go-around will be a focus on personal application and revelation ... I'll read it through the prism of my current problems and challenges to get answers and direction.
Anyway - on to my comment about the term 'stiff necks' and 'high heads.' I know they mean obstinateness and pride. But as I was reading it today in Jacob 2:13, it hit me ... if you have a stiff neck, you can't move your head. If you can't move your head, you won't see others as easily. In a spiritual sense, if you can't (or won't) move your head, then you will not see others who are in need and therefore you will not be able to serve others. You are focused on your own personal appearance and status rather than focusing on serving others. I don't know why it took me so long to make that connection, but it finally hit home to me this time.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Articles on the Book of Mormon by the Prophets
This is an old post (first published February 2007), but I just updated it to include the link to Elder Holland's powerful testimony regarding the Book of Mormon. I'll reference the Ensign article once it is published here in a week or so. I've also updated the date of the post to bump it to the top of the blog.
********
There are numerous articles that cite the Book of Mormon. What I am trying to capture here, however, are articles about the Book of Mormon. I'll continue to add to this list as I come accross articles from the prophets.
Testimonies
"We Add Our Witness" Ensign, March 1989, 5 : Testimonies of the Prophet and Quorum of the Twelve.
"Testimonies of the Book of Mormon" Ensign, Jan 2004, 7-9 : more testimonies from prophets.
"A Consistent Prophetic Call" Ensign, Aug 2005, 7 : prophets' call to read the Book of Mormon
Marion G. Romney
“The Book of Mormon,” Ensign, Aug 2005, 8–11
Ezra Taft Benson
"The Keystone of Our Religion" Ensign, Jan 1992, 2
"The Book of Mormon is the Word of God" Ensign, Jan 1988, 2
"Flooding the Earth with the Book of Mormon" Ensign Oct 2005, 60-62
“A New Witness for Christ,” Ensign, Nov 1984, 6
Neal A. Maxwell
“‘By the Gift and Power of God’,” Ensign, Jan 1997, 36
Gordon B. Hinckley
"The Power of the Book of Mormon" Ensign, Jun 1988, 2
“A Testimony Vibrant and True,” Ensign, Aug 2005, 2–6
Thomas S. Monson
James E. Faust
"Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon" Ensign, Jan 1996, 2
“The Keystone of Our Religion,” Ensign, Jan 2004, 2–6
“The Keystone of Our Religion,” Ensign, Nov 1983, 9
Boyd K. Packer
“The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ—Plain and Precious Things,” Ensign, May 2005, 6
“The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ,” Ensign, Nov 2001, 62
L. Tom Perry
“Blessings Resulting from Reading the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, Nov 2005, 6
Russell M. Nelson
“A Treasured Testament,” Ensign, Jul 1993, 61
“A Testimony of the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, Nov 1999, 69
“Scriptural Witnesses,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 43–45
Dallin H. Oaks
'"Another Testament of Jesus Christ’,” Ensign, Mar 1994, 60
“All Men Everywhere,” Ensign, May 2006, 77–80
M. Russell Ballard
Joseph B. Wirthlin
“The Book of Mormon: The Heart of Missionary Proselyting,” Ensign, Sep 2002, 13
Richard G. Scott
“The Power of the Book of Mormon in My Life,” Ensign, Oct 1984, 7
Robert D. Hales
“Holy Scriptures: The Power of God unto Our Salvation,” Ensign, Nov 2006, 24–27
Jeffrey R. Holland
“Mormon: The Man and the Book, Part 1,” Ensign, Mar 1978, 15
“Mormon: The Man and the Book, Part 2,” Ensign, Apr 1978, 57
“‘For a Wise Purpose’,” Ensign, Jan 1996, 12
Jeffrey R. Holland, “Safety for the Soul,” Ensign, Nov 2009, 88–90
Henry B. Eyring
“The Book of Mormon Will Change Your Life,” Ensign, Feb 2004, 9
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
David A. Bednar
Quentin L. Cook
D. Todd Christofferson
Neil L. Anderson
“The Book of Mormon: The Great Purveyor of the Savior’s Peace,” Ensign, Jan 2008, 34–39
********
There are numerous articles that cite the Book of Mormon. What I am trying to capture here, however, are articles about the Book of Mormon. I'll continue to add to this list as I come accross articles from the prophets.
Testimonies
"We Add Our Witness" Ensign, March 1989, 5 : Testimonies of the Prophet and Quorum of the Twelve.
"Testimonies of the Book of Mormon" Ensign, Jan 2004, 7-9 : more testimonies from prophets.
"A Consistent Prophetic Call" Ensign, Aug 2005, 7 : prophets' call to read the Book of Mormon
Marion G. Romney
“The Book of Mormon,” Ensign, Aug 2005, 8–11
Ezra Taft Benson
"The Keystone of Our Religion" Ensign, Jan 1992, 2
"The Book of Mormon is the Word of God" Ensign, Jan 1988, 2
"Flooding the Earth with the Book of Mormon" Ensign Oct 2005, 60-62
“A New Witness for Christ,” Ensign, Nov 1984, 6
Neal A. Maxwell
“‘By the Gift and Power of God’,” Ensign, Jan 1997, 36
Gordon B. Hinckley
"The Power of the Book of Mormon" Ensign, Jun 1988, 2
“A Testimony Vibrant and True,” Ensign, Aug 2005, 2–6
Thomas S. Monson
James E. Faust
"Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon" Ensign, Jan 1996, 2
“The Keystone of Our Religion,” Ensign, Jan 2004, 2–6
“The Keystone of Our Religion,” Ensign, Nov 1983, 9
Boyd K. Packer
“The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ—Plain and Precious Things,” Ensign, May 2005, 6
“The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ,” Ensign, Nov 2001, 62
L. Tom Perry
“Blessings Resulting from Reading the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, Nov 2005, 6
Russell M. Nelson
“A Treasured Testament,” Ensign, Jul 1993, 61
“A Testimony of the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, Nov 1999, 69
“Scriptural Witnesses,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 43–45
Dallin H. Oaks
'"Another Testament of Jesus Christ’,” Ensign, Mar 1994, 60
“All Men Everywhere,” Ensign, May 2006, 77–80
M. Russell Ballard
Joseph B. Wirthlin
“The Book of Mormon: The Heart of Missionary Proselyting,” Ensign, Sep 2002, 13
Richard G. Scott
“The Power of the Book of Mormon in My Life,” Ensign, Oct 1984, 7
Robert D. Hales
“Holy Scriptures: The Power of God unto Our Salvation,” Ensign, Nov 2006, 24–27
Jeffrey R. Holland
“Mormon: The Man and the Book, Part 1,” Ensign, Mar 1978, 15
“Mormon: The Man and the Book, Part 2,” Ensign, Apr 1978, 57
“‘For a Wise Purpose’,” Ensign, Jan 1996, 12
Jeffrey R. Holland, “Safety for the Soul,” Ensign, Nov 2009, 88–90
Henry B. Eyring
“The Book of Mormon Will Change Your Life,” Ensign, Feb 2004, 9
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
David A. Bednar
Quentin L. Cook
D. Todd Christofferson
Neil L. Anderson
“The Book of Mormon: The Great Purveyor of the Savior’s Peace,” Ensign, Jan 2008, 34–39
Friday, January 23, 2009
"The Most Useful Piece of Knowledge" by Elder Christensen
Read Elder Clayton M. Christensen's moving testimony of how he found out the Book of Mormon is true.
His invitation:
His invitation:
For those of you who may still be living on the testimonies of others, I invite you to set aside an hour every day and find out for yourself if the Book of Mormon is true, because it will change your heart as it has changed mine. Then someday you’ll be able to go to the place where you lived at the time that God revealed this to you and point at it for your children and spouse and say, “That’s a sacred place because that’s where I learned that Jesus is the Christ.”Clayton M. Christensen, “The Most Useful Piece of Knowledge,” NewEra, Jan 2009, 40–42
Monday, December 29, 2008
United States Divided
As I've written previously, the Book of Mormon is written for our day. It gives us insight into what we should expect leading up to the Second Coming of Christ.
One of the events that happened in Book of Mormon times before Christ visited them was the destruction of the government and the people dividing into "tribes" as described in 3 Nephi 7:1-7. Every time I read this passage, I wondered if something similar would ever happen to the United States.
Joseph Smith has prophesied, according to many people, that the United States government would be on the brink and that the Constitution would hang by a thread (read "What do we know about the purported statement of Joseph Smith that the Constitution would hang by a thread and that the elders would save it?" D. Michael Stewart, “I Have a Question,” Ensign, June 1976, 64–65)
So with all this in mind, I was honestly surprised to see an article link from a major US News site that read "Professor Predicts end of USA". The article appears on the Wall Street Journal and is entitled "As if Things Weren't Bad Enough, Russian Professor Predicts End of U.S.
In Moscow, Igor Panarin's Forecasts Are All the Rage; America 'Disintegrates' in 2010"
I'm not sure if that link will stay hot, so I'll post the article in its entirety here:
By ANDREW OSBORN
MOSCOW -- For a decade, Russian academic Igor Panarin has been predicting the U.S. will fall apart in 2010. For most of that time, he admits, few took his argument -- that an economic and moral collapse will trigger a civil war and the eventual breakup of the U.S. -- very seriously. Now he's found an eager audience: Russian state media.
In recent weeks, he's been interviewed as much as twice a day about his predictions. "It's a record," says Prof. Panarin. "But I think the attention is going to grow even stronger."
Prof. Panarin, 50 years old, is not a fringe figure. A former KGB analyst, he is dean of the Russian Foreign Ministry's academy for future diplomats. He is invited to Kremlin receptions, lectures students, publishes books, and appears in the media as an expert on U.S.-Russia relations.
But it's his bleak forecast for the U.S. that is music to the ears of the Kremlin, which in recent years has blamed Washington for everything from instability in the Middle East to the global financial crisis. Mr. Panarin's views also fit neatly with the Kremlin's narrative that Russia is returning to its rightful place on the world stage after the weakness of the 1990s, when many feared that the country would go economically and politically bankrupt and break into separate territories.
A polite and cheerful man with a buzz cut, Mr. Panarin insists he does not dislike Americans. But he warns that the outlook for them is dire.
"There's a 55-45% chance right now that disintegration will occur," he says. "One could rejoice in that process," he adds, poker-faced. "But if we're talking reasonably, it's not the best scenario -- for Russia." Though Russia would become more powerful on the global stage, he says, its economy would suffer because it currently depends heavily on the dollar and on trade with the U.S.
Mr. Panarin posits, in brief, that mass immigration, economic decline, and moral degradation will trigger a civil war next fall and the collapse of the dollar. Around the end of June 2010, or early July, he says, the U.S. will break into six pieces -- with Alaska reverting to Russian control.
In addition to increasing coverage in state media, which are tightly controlled by the Kremlin, Mr. Panarin's ideas are now being widely discussed among local experts. He presented his theory at a recent roundtable discussion at the Foreign Ministry. The country's top international relations school has hosted him as a keynote speaker. During an appearance on the state TV channel Rossiya, the station cut between his comments and TV footage of lines at soup kitchens and crowds of homeless people in the U.S. The professor has also been featured on the Kremlin's English-language propaganda channel, Russia Today.
Mr. Panarin's apocalyptic vision "reflects a very pronounced degree of anti-Americanism in Russia today," says Vladimir Pozner, a prominent TV journalist in Russia. "It's much stronger than it was in the Soviet Union."
Mr. Pozner and other Russian commentators and experts on the U.S. dismiss Mr. Panarin's predictions. "Crazy ideas are not usually discussed by serious people," says Sergei Rogov, director of the government-run Institute for U.S. and Canadian Studies, who thinks Mr. Panarin's theories don't hold water.
Mr. Panarin's résumé includes many years in the Soviet KGB, an experience shared by other top Russian officials. His office, in downtown Moscow, shows his national pride, with pennants on the wall bearing the emblem of the FSB, the KGB's successor agency. It is also full of statuettes of eagles; a double-headed eagle was the symbol of czarist Russia.
The professor says he began his career in the KGB in 1976. In post-Soviet Russia, he got a doctorate in political science, studied U.S. economics, and worked for FAPSI, then the Russian equivalent of the U.S. National Security Agency. He says he did strategy forecasts for then-President Boris Yeltsin, adding that the details are "classified."
In September 1998, he attended a conference in Linz, Austria, devoted to information warfare, the use of data to get an edge over a rival. It was there, in front of 400 fellow delegates, that he first presented his theory about the collapse of the U.S. in 2010.
"When I pushed the button on my computer and the map of the United States disintegrated, hundreds of people cried out in surprise," he remembers. He says most in the audience were skeptical. "They didn't believe me."
At the end of the presentation, he says many delegates asked him to autograph copies of the map showing a dismembered U.S.
He based the forecast on classified data supplied to him by FAPSI analysts, he says. He predicts that economic, financial and demographic trends will provoke a political and social crisis in the U.S. When the going gets tough, he says, wealthier states will withhold funds from the federal government and effectively secede from the union. Social unrest up to and including a civil war will follow. The U.S. will then split along ethnic lines, and foreign powers will move in.
California will form the nucleus of what he calls "The Californian Republic," and will be part of China or under Chinese influence. Texas will be the heart of "The Texas Republic," a cluster of states that will go to Mexico or fall under Mexican influence. Washington, D.C., and New York will be part of an "Atlantic America" that may join the European Union. Canada will grab a group of Northern states Prof. Panarin calls "The Central North American Republic." Hawaii, he suggests, will be a protectorate of Japan or China, and Alaska will be subsumed into Russia.
"It would be reasonable for Russia to lay claim to Alaska; it was part of the Russian Empire for a long time." A framed satellite image of the Bering Strait that separates Alaska from Russia like a thread hangs from his office wall. "It's not there for no reason," he says with a sly grin.
Interest in his forecast revived this fall when he published an article in Izvestia, one of Russia's biggest national dailies. In it, he reiterated his theory, called U.S. foreign debt "a pyramid scheme," and predicted China and Russia would usurp Washington's role as a global financial regulator.
Americans hope President-elect Barack Obama "can work miracles," he wrote. "But when spring comes, it will be clear that there are no miracles."
The article prompted a question about the White House's reaction to Prof. Panarin's forecast at a December news conference. "I'll have to decline to comment," spokeswoman Dana Perino said amid much laughter.
For Prof. Panarin, Ms. Perino's response was significant. "The way the answer was phrased was an indication that my views are being listened to very carefully," he says.
The professor says he's convinced that people are taking his theory more seriously. People like him have forecast similar cataclysms before, he says, and been right. He cites French political scientist Emmanuel Todd. Mr. Todd is famous for having rightly forecast the demise of the Soviet Union -- 15 years beforehand. "When he forecast the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1976, people laughed at him," says Prof. Panarin.
One of the events that happened in Book of Mormon times before Christ visited them was the destruction of the government and the people dividing into "tribes" as described in 3 Nephi 7:1-7. Every time I read this passage, I wondered if something similar would ever happen to the United States.
Joseph Smith has prophesied, according to many people, that the United States government would be on the brink and that the Constitution would hang by a thread (read "What do we know about the purported statement of Joseph Smith that the Constitution would hang by a thread and that the elders would save it?" D. Michael Stewart, “I Have a Question,” Ensign, June 1976, 64–65)
So with all this in mind, I was honestly surprised to see an article link from a major US News site that read "Professor Predicts end of USA". The article appears on the Wall Street Journal and is entitled "As if Things Weren't Bad Enough, Russian Professor Predicts End of U.S.
In Moscow, Igor Panarin's Forecasts Are All the Rage; America 'Disintegrates' in 2010"
I'm not sure if that link will stay hot, so I'll post the article in its entirety here:
By ANDREW OSBORN
MOSCOW -- For a decade, Russian academic Igor Panarin has been predicting the U.S. will fall apart in 2010. For most of that time, he admits, few took his argument -- that an economic and moral collapse will trigger a civil war and the eventual breakup of the U.S. -- very seriously. Now he's found an eager audience: Russian state media.
In recent weeks, he's been interviewed as much as twice a day about his predictions. "It's a record," says Prof. Panarin. "But I think the attention is going to grow even stronger."
Prof. Panarin, 50 years old, is not a fringe figure. A former KGB analyst, he is dean of the Russian Foreign Ministry's academy for future diplomats. He is invited to Kremlin receptions, lectures students, publishes books, and appears in the media as an expert on U.S.-Russia relations.
But it's his bleak forecast for the U.S. that is music to the ears of the Kremlin, which in recent years has blamed Washington for everything from instability in the Middle East to the global financial crisis. Mr. Panarin's views also fit neatly with the Kremlin's narrative that Russia is returning to its rightful place on the world stage after the weakness of the 1990s, when many feared that the country would go economically and politically bankrupt and break into separate territories.
A polite and cheerful man with a buzz cut, Mr. Panarin insists he does not dislike Americans. But he warns that the outlook for them is dire.
"There's a 55-45% chance right now that disintegration will occur," he says. "One could rejoice in that process," he adds, poker-faced. "But if we're talking reasonably, it's not the best scenario -- for Russia." Though Russia would become more powerful on the global stage, he says, its economy would suffer because it currently depends heavily on the dollar and on trade with the U.S.
Mr. Panarin posits, in brief, that mass immigration, economic decline, and moral degradation will trigger a civil war next fall and the collapse of the dollar. Around the end of June 2010, or early July, he says, the U.S. will break into six pieces -- with Alaska reverting to Russian control.
In addition to increasing coverage in state media, which are tightly controlled by the Kremlin, Mr. Panarin's ideas are now being widely discussed among local experts. He presented his theory at a recent roundtable discussion at the Foreign Ministry. The country's top international relations school has hosted him as a keynote speaker. During an appearance on the state TV channel Rossiya, the station cut between his comments and TV footage of lines at soup kitchens and crowds of homeless people in the U.S. The professor has also been featured on the Kremlin's English-language propaganda channel, Russia Today.
Mr. Panarin's apocalyptic vision "reflects a very pronounced degree of anti-Americanism in Russia today," says Vladimir Pozner, a prominent TV journalist in Russia. "It's much stronger than it was in the Soviet Union."
Mr. Pozner and other Russian commentators and experts on the U.S. dismiss Mr. Panarin's predictions. "Crazy ideas are not usually discussed by serious people," says Sergei Rogov, director of the government-run Institute for U.S. and Canadian Studies, who thinks Mr. Panarin's theories don't hold water.
Mr. Panarin's résumé includes many years in the Soviet KGB, an experience shared by other top Russian officials. His office, in downtown Moscow, shows his national pride, with pennants on the wall bearing the emblem of the FSB, the KGB's successor agency. It is also full of statuettes of eagles; a double-headed eagle was the symbol of czarist Russia.
The professor says he began his career in the KGB in 1976. In post-Soviet Russia, he got a doctorate in political science, studied U.S. economics, and worked for FAPSI, then the Russian equivalent of the U.S. National Security Agency. He says he did strategy forecasts for then-President Boris Yeltsin, adding that the details are "classified."
In September 1998, he attended a conference in Linz, Austria, devoted to information warfare, the use of data to get an edge over a rival. It was there, in front of 400 fellow delegates, that he first presented his theory about the collapse of the U.S. in 2010.
"When I pushed the button on my computer and the map of the United States disintegrated, hundreds of people cried out in surprise," he remembers. He says most in the audience were skeptical. "They didn't believe me."
At the end of the presentation, he says many delegates asked him to autograph copies of the map showing a dismembered U.S.
He based the forecast on classified data supplied to him by FAPSI analysts, he says. He predicts that economic, financial and demographic trends will provoke a political and social crisis in the U.S. When the going gets tough, he says, wealthier states will withhold funds from the federal government and effectively secede from the union. Social unrest up to and including a civil war will follow. The U.S. will then split along ethnic lines, and foreign powers will move in.
California will form the nucleus of what he calls "The Californian Republic," and will be part of China or under Chinese influence. Texas will be the heart of "The Texas Republic," a cluster of states that will go to Mexico or fall under Mexican influence. Washington, D.C., and New York will be part of an "Atlantic America" that may join the European Union. Canada will grab a group of Northern states Prof. Panarin calls "The Central North American Republic." Hawaii, he suggests, will be a protectorate of Japan or China, and Alaska will be subsumed into Russia.
"It would be reasonable for Russia to lay claim to Alaska; it was part of the Russian Empire for a long time." A framed satellite image of the Bering Strait that separates Alaska from Russia like a thread hangs from his office wall. "It's not there for no reason," he says with a sly grin.
Interest in his forecast revived this fall when he published an article in Izvestia, one of Russia's biggest national dailies. In it, he reiterated his theory, called U.S. foreign debt "a pyramid scheme," and predicted China and Russia would usurp Washington's role as a global financial regulator.
Americans hope President-elect Barack Obama "can work miracles," he wrote. "But when spring comes, it will be clear that there are no miracles."
The article prompted a question about the White House's reaction to Prof. Panarin's forecast at a December news conference. "I'll have to decline to comment," spokeswoman Dana Perino said amid much laughter.
For Prof. Panarin, Ms. Perino's response was significant. "The way the answer was phrased was an indication that my views are being listened to very carefully," he says.
The professor says he's convinced that people are taking his theory more seriously. People like him have forecast similar cataclysms before, he says, and been right. He cites French political scientist Emmanuel Todd. Mr. Todd is famous for having rightly forecast the demise of the Soviet Union -- 15 years beforehand. "When he forecast the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1976, people laughed at him," says Prof. Panarin.
I'm not sure if I believe all of this or not. But it is very interesting to see that the idea of the United States disintegrating is being talked about and even being considered not insane these days.
My original commentary on 3 Nephi 7 & 8
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