1 Nephi 14 - Bible + Book of Mormon = Good

The prophecies in these chapters are beautiful.  They feel good.  Towards the end of this chapter, Nephi is told that he shall not write the remainder of the things which he has seen, but that one of the Apostles of the Lamb of God shall write them.  Hopefully this sounds familiar, but if not, verse 27 leaves no room to err.  The Apostle's name would be John.  Let me think for a moment, where was it again that I've read about the end of the world and the events preceding Christ's second coming?  I believe that would be the Book of Revelation, written by the Apostle John.

Let us also reflect on some of the teachings of the preceding chapters - that many of the plain and precious truths and covenants contained in the record of the Jews (Bible) would be lost.

So - for events concerning the end of the world, we turn to the Bible.  For a more clear and all-encompassing collection of the doctrines of Christ's Gospel (faith, repentance, baptism, Holy Ghost, endure...), we turn to the Book of Mormon.  For a more detailed description of the life of Christ, we turn to the Bible.  For a second testament of His life, we open the Book of Mormon.  And so on, and so forth.

What I mean to suggest by all this is that BOTH are very desirable.  Both have much to offer us.  We need these two testimonies as one in our hands, as prophesied would be the case in Ezekiel 37:15-17.  One supports the other.  What a blessing to have such access to the precious word of God.  May we all be overcome with gratitude in so much that we take advantage of these wonderful blessings. 

1 Nephi 13 - Blessed to have the Book of Mormon

Truth and Covenants are what I like from this chapter.  In verse 23 we learn that a book that will procede from the mouth of the Jews will containt the covenants of the Lord.  This book will also contain the fulness of the Gospel of the Lord (v.24).  What is a famous book that was written by the Jews?  Good question right?  We'd call that book the Bible; the writings of which at one point contained both the covenants, and the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.  And it was pure (v.25)

Unfortunately we go on to learn that after it left the hands of Christ's Apostles, many "parts which are plain and most precious" were taken away, "and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away."  And because of all this, "an exceedingly great many do stumble."(v.29).  Tragic.  Then in v. 35 we learn that Christ will manifest himself to the seed of Nephi.  The seed of Nephi will be the writers of the remaining portion of the Book of Mormon, and they, with Nephi, will write things that are "plain and precious", as instructed by the Lord.  Therefore, the Book of Mormon contains plain and precious truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and also the covenants of the Lord.  The Bible, well, the Bible just contains less of these plain and precious truths.  By this we might say that we are extremely blessed to have the Book of Mormon.  Of course we are immensely blessed to have the Bible as well - a book with much detail of the teachings and life of our Savior, and an account of the events pertaining to His Atonement.  For both these precious books we are immensely blessed.

But a thorough reading of 2 Nephi 31, or 3 Nephi 27, among many other chapters, gives us much clarification on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the principles and ordinances (covenants!) pertaining to it.   All I'm trying to say is that the Book of Mormon is incredible and has helped me to understand SO many things and has brought me SO much peace and happiness and I LOVE it.  It has what you need and what I need.  It contains the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Reading it makes your life better.  It is full of beautiful prophecies and truth.  You will know exactly how to follow Christ.  You will know it is true by the power of the Holy Ghost.  Please read it!

1 Nephi 12 - What matters most?

Great and Spacious Building = Vain Imaginations/Pride of the children of men.  What is a "vain imagination?"  It sounds like a bad band.  Here's a definition I found of VAIN: without real significance, value, or importance; baseless or worthless.  Imagination is perhaps more plain.  So vain imagination.  A dream.  A worthless, insignificant wish.  I'm sure we could go on.  And this large and spacious building Nephi saw in dream, was a representation of vain imaginations.  Clearly I am intrigued by this phrase.  It is connected to "the Pride of the children of men."  No doubt.  Again, what is vain imagination?  The image it represents is destroyed in proceeding chapters.  I want to know.


While I'm sure we could create a great list on the chalkboard of things that could be considered vain imaginations, I'm just going to say that they are surely ALL around us.  Its as if things in the world today are vain imaginations.  Frivolous things, of no consequence or contribution.  Worldly pleasures that bring us temporary gratification, but vanish away, or keep us coming back again and again, taking us away from more important things.  

The excellent phrase "good, better, best" comes to mind. What are our goals in life?  What is important?  Are we spending too much time in the "not urgent, not important" quadrant?  Believe me, I am guilty as charged.  But this verse - verse 18 - very much caught my attention.  So I say, let us dispose of our vain imaginations.  Let us focus on the things that matter most.  May we not be caught away in foolishness that contributes little to nothing in our eternal progression.  Things that likely even stop, or damn us, from progressing.  Even regressing!  If that should be the case, we are blessed to have the principle of Repentance.  But I will not get into that right now.  

The simple principles of the gospel, along with prayer, scripture study, and church attendance will bring the Spirit of the Holy Ghost into our lives in greater abundance, and help us to see clearly through all the vain imaginations the wold throws at us.  We will be more able to stay on a productive and righteous path.  May the Lord bless us in doing so.  
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Extras:
-Excellent talk by Elder Bednar on this topic.  
-President Packer has been in the news lately.  Here's another "controversial" quote from his library: "That is your fate in this generation. You are living in that great and spacious building."  How about that.  Please read the rest HERE.  It is an excellent article.

1 Nephi 11 - Answers to Prayers

 It is extremely difficult to choose one thing from each of these chapters.  There is so much to learn from this book. 

Verse 1 is a perfect pattern for receiving personal revelation.  And we all need personal revelation.  This repeats a pattern we have seen several times already from Nephi - asking to know for himself! (see CH 2 and CH 10).  He always does this!  How does it start in verse 1...After I had desired to know...believing that the Lord was able to make them known unto me...I sat pondering in mine heart.  And then... He has an incredible vision!  A seriously incredible vision.  Possibly one of the greatest visions recorded. 

So what did Nephi do to receive such a thing?  It started with desire.  It was important to him.  He also believed the Lord would give him what he desired.  Belief is connected to faith, though faith is something much more than mere belief.  Finally, Nephi pondered.  Oh how important this step is to receiving guidance from on high.  Moroni's promise at the end of the Book of Mormon (Moroni 10:3-5) exhorts us to ponder on the mercy of the Lord.  That promise is a perfect example of what we see here.  Moroni also reminds us that in order to receive an answer, we must have a sincere heart (desire), real intent (intention to act upon an answer, which will be apparent if we truly desire the thing), and faith in Christ (stems from belief).  Ask (pray) with these characteristics, having pondered on them, then ponder some more in the spirit of prayer.  This an excellent formula, if you want to call it that, for receiving answers to prayers.  I'm not going to guarantee you will receive a vision like that of Nephi's, but you will dramatically increase the likelihood of you having some kind of revelatory experience. 

If you don't know Book of Mormon is true, apply this pattern.  But you have to be willing to act upon an answer.  I have applied this pattern myself in different situations, and I know it works.  God answers in His own way, in His own time, but He does answer.  To quote another excellent verse from chapter 11, "I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do no know the meaning of all things."  Our Heavenly Father does love us, and is anxious to give us personal revelation to guide us in our lives.  I bear testimony of this. 

Excellent Talk on Personal Revelation

1 Nephi 10 - God Calls Prophets

This chapter talks about some things we may or may not be familiar with.  But they are quite important whether we think them to be or not.  Important things are important, and I have an interest in being informed about important things.  When we're talking about things of a Godly nature, the way we come to know of these important things is through PROPHETS.  We have books like the Book of Mormon, the Bible, and others because of prophets.

Chapter 10 teaches of Christ - that He will come into the world, and that we can rely on Him always, among other things.  Verse 5 tells of more of prophets, and how many have prophesied of the coming and Atonement of Jesus Christ for years.  The prophecies we learn about in this chapter are not exactly mind blowing (actually they are).  They parallel many of those we read in the Bible.  We know of them because God loves us and wants us to know of these important things, and makes them known to us through prophets.  As we also learn in verse 18, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  If He called prophets then, surely He would call them now.  I know God loves me, and I know He wants me to succeed.  I know He calls prophets to guide me, and you, and all His children through life.

If this all sounds to be somewhat of a "mystery" to you, follow the counsel given in verse 19.  Diligently seek, and you shall find, and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, through the Holy Ghost, which comes by Faith in Christ (see v.17).  I PROMISE!  There is an order to all these things, and our Heavenly Father is eager to reveal this order to us, that we might follow it back to His presence.  He reveals it through prophets and the power of the Holy Ghost. Find out!

Also in regards to verse 17, see the post for 1 Nephi 2, which backs up Nephi's desire to know for himself, which is what I invite everyone to do for themselves.

What on earth is a Prophet?? Regard this fine gentleman expound.

1 Nephi 9 - For a wise purpose

Sometimes its hard to pull something especially earth shattering from a short chapter like this.  There are a few alleys I could dive into, but for simplicity's sake, and will try to remain plain.

This is a small observation and perhaps of little consequence.  Just a fast thought from my mind.  Nephi has to make 2 sets of plates.  One to record the ministries of his people, and one to record the more historical/secular dealings.  And I admire that he did that.  It would have been much easier to just put it all in one.  One great big record of his people.  But the Lord asked for 2, so of course Nephi does it.  He doesn't try to cut corners, or weasel around it.  What a good example.  The Lord asks many things of us.  The long term benefit of Nephi making two records is very significant to us having the Book of Mormon.  Perhaps Nephi knew this, perhaps not.  In any case, its likely we don't often realize what the affects of the things the Lord asks of us might be.  Often times we must act in faith, believing and trusting that the Lord has a "wise purpose" in mind, which he always does.

1 Nephi 8 - Choose the Right!

So first off, this chalk drawing of the tree of life is AWESOME!  It was created by some missionaries in Russia maybe, but I'm not positive.  Sidewalk proselyting. 

So the Tree of Life.  What on Earth does one say about the Tree of Life?!  We could do an insight-a-day on this chapter for a year.  I would invite all to prayerfully read and ponder this chapter repeatedly and search for whatever insights the Lord might have for you.

I'm going to keep this simple.  One of my favorite lines in this chapter comes from verse 33.  It speaks of those who have held fast to the Iron Rod, and partaken of the fruit of the Tree of Life.  Those in the great and spacious building point "the finger of scorn" at them.  Many who have partaken of the fruit are ashamed because of these mockings.  But many were not ashamed.  They paid no mind.  As the last line of verse 33 says, "but we heeded them not."  I always picture this line looking a little more like "but we heeded them not!!."  This inspires me.  Of course we will experience persecution for what is right.  Of course there will always be opposition (see 2 Nephi 2:11).  There has to be.  But we don't have to let it bother us!  We can stand for what is right and heed not the fingers of scorn pointed our way.  Someone famous once said something to the tune of the only power people have over us is the power we give them (clearly I don't remember who said it).  We have a choice to let others judgments affect us.  May we all choose to choose right, and  heed not those who mock and persecute us for our righteousness.  And receive the blessings of the Lord for doing so.

 Excellent talk on Lehi's Dream from the August Ensign. 

1 Nephi 7 - Does God Answer Prayers

I will call attention to what may be a common insight in chapter 7.  But it is common because it is good. It is important.  It is powerful.  Lets look at verses 17 & 18.  Nephi has been tied up and left for dead.  What a great situation to be in.  I'm sure he's thanking the Lord for these tribulations. Ha!



So what does he do, well of course, he PRAYS for help.  He asks the Lord for the strength to "burst" the bands he is held bound with.  But are they burst?  Not so much.  We read that they are but "loosed".  Now this is a small difference, but we can learn a big lesson from it.  Does the Lord sometimes answer our prayers according to our needs, and not necessarily according to our wants?  When it comes down to it, all Nephi needed was to be freed from being bound.  He didn't necessarily need strength to break the bands.  Do we sometimes ask the Lord for something we want, and he gives us something a little different?  Do we recognize that our prayer has been answered, or do we look beyond the mark, having our heart set on what we wanted?


S. Michael Wilcox expounds this principle extremely well in a talk given as a devotional at BYU-Hawaii.   He references Luke 11:9-13.  When we ask for bread, God does not give us stones.  The same principle applies in all things.  When we ask for bread, the Lord gives us bread.  He fill our needs.  But sometimes we may be so focused on getting marble rye, that when He gives us whole wheat, we don't accept it.  It becomes a stone.  (Read the whole talk HERE, its fantastic but really long)



In Nephi's case, I hardly think he's about to be upset about not receiving strength to break the bands as he asked.  Surely he is thrilled just to be free.  I hope we will all accept the help and guidance the Lord offers us, and not be so focused on what we want, that we don't recognize that He has likely given us, or surely will give us, what we need.  The Lord answers in His own way, in His own time.  But He does answer.  And He does so according to our faith (v.17).  May we trust in Him that He will always give us bread, no matter what kind. 


Does God Answer Prayers?

















The 4th Watch on CD

First Nephi Chapter Six - 1 Nephi 6

Verses 5 & 6.  These are great.  4 is great too.  At any rate, from verse 6 we gather that whatever we are going to read in the Book of Mormon, is of worth unto the children of men.  It is of great worth unto us.  Unto me and unto you.  This book doesn't have a bunch of fluff that is nice to read.  The Book of Mormon will bring you closer to God (v.4).  That's a pretty awesome and important thing. 

I love how unapologetic Nephi is in verse 5.  He is not writing this to please the people.  He writes to please God.  God loves you and gives you only good gifts.  Every single thing you find in the Book of Mormon has the potential to impact you for good.  It contains only writings and teachings and principles that are of worth unto the children of men.  Worth.  They are worthy.  Worthy of your time and attention.
 
 This is nice too.  

1 Nephi 5 - A Stupor of Thought

I have tried 4 times to write an insight for this chapter.  I have several insights that I really like, but when I try to write them down, it just doesn't come.  It never feels right.  I don't know exactly why.  All I know is that I am having a serious stupor of thought.  So that is what I will talk briefly about.

After trying again and again, with nothing feeling good, it is time to change course.  Sometimes I think this is the case in our lives.  I've had other experiences where I have searched and searched for answers, and continually come back to square one.  It causes me all kinds of grief.  Eventually I learn to move on - that now is perhaps not the time.  When after we've done all we can, and things aren't shaping up like we'd expect, it may be time to reevaluate our situation.  Thankfully we can always seek inspiration, even about that.

First Nephi Chapter Four - 1 Nephi 4

I feel like there are a hundred things I could say about this chapter.  For the sake of consistency I will continue with what I began in chapter 3's post.  Nephi has set a goal, and encountered great opposition.  Is it any wonder that we all encounter opposition when attmepting to bring about greater good?  From the first verse, Nephi is nothing but persistent and faithful - "let us go up AGAIN (3rd try) unto Jerusalem, and let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord."  Bingo.

The plates probably looked something like this.

So what happens?  The goal is still to retrieve the plates of brass.  We have two total failures under our belt.  But patient persistence pays off.  Verse 6 is great - "And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do."  Nephi is led forth in a direction I know he never anticipated.  Ultimately he is commanded to do something that I would imagine is the hardest thing he has ever had to do.  There are so many lessons in this little experience I could go on all day.

Nephi is told to go contrary to what he knows to be true, that he might accomplish the task the Lord has laid before him, and the goals he has set.  I am going to say that it is extremely unlikely that the Lord will ever ask us to do anything contrary to His commandments in order to achieve a goal.  The question for us here is are we willing to put it all on the line for the Lord?  Will we follow the promptings of the Spirit so much that we will do what might be the hardest thing we have ever had to do?  This is a difficult thing.  We grow into the principle of obedience.  It often takes time, and fortunately the Lord is ever patient and merciful with us.  But let us also remember that He will never give us anything we cannot handle (1 Nephi 3:7, 1 Corinthians 10:13).

So on the topic of setting goals, making plans, and relying on the Lord, this story has really  helped me with the application of these principles in my own life.  The goal is set, Nephi clearly does all he can.  He keeps saying yes even when the odds say no.  On the third attempt, I am sure he had a prayer in his heart something to the tune of "okay Lord, I have done everything in my power to accomplish this thing.  Please, please guide me to do what is right, and what I need to do to get these records" (or forgive that person, or get Sundays off work, or stop drinking...).   We will all reach a point when we say to ourselves, I can't do this by myself.  I need help.  And that is when our Savior, Jesus Christ, comes along and says give me all you have, do all you can, and I'll do the rest.  Its one of the great blessings of His Atonement.

Summary - when we set righteous goals, ask for the Lord's help, do all we can, and put our faith in the Lord, everything will turn out the way it needs to be. Ain't that nice?

I'll again recommend Henry B. Eyring's most recent talk Trust In God, Then Go and Do

FIrst Nephi Chapter Three - 1 Nephi 3

GOAL SETTING!

Alright, I loved the great lessons from this chapter about setting goals, making plans, and relying on the Lord.  Let me first try to paint a fast picture of what is going on here.  The family of Lehi has left Jerusalem.  They have journeyed into the wilderness for who knows how long.  Wilderness in this part of the world pretty well means DESERT = not especially enjoyable.  Lehi informs his 4 sons that the Lord has commanded them to return to Jerusalem to get some records, which are basically the Bible, as written to that point in time.

And, as typically is the case, two brothers complain, two brothers oblige.  I have to wonder what I would personally say if I was told to cross the desert AGAIN.  Verse 7 is a beautiful, famous verse which shows Nephi's amazing faith, and confidence in the Lord.  He knows the Lord will provide a way.

So they go back to Jerusalem.  In a first attempt to get these records, they figure they may as well start by asking for them, which turns out to fail miserably, nearly resulting in the death of one brother.  Okay, I think we better go home now, clearly this isn't going to work.  Right?  No sir.  What does Nephi do?  He sets a goal (v.15) - We are not going home until we do what we came here to do.  Then he makes a plan (v.16) - Here's how were going to do it: first, we are going to be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord (spiritual preparation first), then we'll go get all the gold and silver we left behind, and make a trade for the plates.  Perfect.  Sets the goal, makes a plan.

What happens?  Attempt two once again fails miserably (v.25-27)!  Now they still don't have the plates, and they lost all their riches.  Great.  What's going on?!  Now it is definitely time to go home.  This is a waste of time.  Right?

Well chapter 4 is going to reveal the finale of this sticky situation, but let me just say that THE LORD PROVIDES A WAY.  Let us learn that sometimes we must persist in our efforts, even if they seem in vain.  Even if our first and second attempts fail miserably.  If we are on the Lord's errand, doing something he has asked of us, we can trust with all the surety in the world that "the Lord giveth no commandment unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." (v.7)  President Eyring gave a fantastic example of his own experience of following the prophet's council to get out of debt, and how the Lord truly prepares a way for it.  Go watch/read it HERE!  The talk, from the most recent General Conference, happens to be titled "Trust in God, Then Go and Do."

Perhaps we want to attend the Temple more often, or quit smoking, or do our home/visiting teaching every month, or get out of debt, or build up food storage.  Whatever our righteous desires may be, let us take courage that the Lord will open doors and make it possible for us to accomplish whatsoever thing he asks of us, just as he did for Nephi (read on to chapter 4!).  But we must exercise our faith and trust in Him, perhaps into the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th attempts (Pres. Uchtdorf's talk on Patience).  The Lord will provide a way.  My being out on a mission is a testimony of that, so I offer you my own witness that the Lord will do the part we cannot.  That as we set righteous goals, we can see miracles in our lives.  Go and Do!

First Nephi Chapter Two - 1 Nephi 2

I like in verse 16, that Nephi decides he is going to find out for himself.  His father just chastised his brothers for not listening, and having terrible attitudes.  But Nephi on the other hand, our perfect example of righteousness, takes it upon himself to recieve his own answer from the Lord.  This is a theme we will see often with Nephi.  He doesn't just take everything his father says on blind faith, he always asks for himself.  ACTION.  We will see it again with the vision of the Tree of Life in a few chapters. 

At least one lesson from this is that WE can always ask for ourselves.  Whatever the question might be.  Should I follow "this" counsel from the Prophet?  Do I need to apply "that"doctrine more precisely in my life?  IS THE BOOK OF MORMON TRUE?  Follow Nephi's example and take our questions straight to the Lord, in prayer, in faith, and recieve answers, as the Lord promises (Matt 7:7-11, among many other places).  This is what Joseph Smith did after reading James 1:5.

The Lord is eager to answer the prayer of the humble.  It is in our hands to learn the truth for ourselves.

First Nephi Chapter One - 1 Nephi 1

To start I will share a great insight I learned first from an article by Jeffery R. Holland, written back in the 70's.  The idea was more recently reiterated during General Conference by Elder Jay E. Jensen, of the Presidency of the Seventy, in his great talk, "The Holy Ghost and Revelation."

One of the highlights of the first chapter of Nephi is the fanastic vision that his father Lehi beholds.  Right from the start, we see that prophets learn through visions, revelations, and the ministering of the Spirit.  Lets look at Lehi's experience.

V.5 - Lehi prays.  Why does he pray?  For the welfare of his people.  He cares about those around him.

V.8 - He is carried away in a vision.
          -He sees God!

V.9 - Sees Jesus Christ!

V.11 - Is given a book by Heavenly messengers.  Is this starting to sound familiar?

V.20 - He is mocked and persecuted.  People seek his life.

What we might say about all this is that prophets typically have similar experiences.  I would think that to anyone familiar with scriptural writings, this pattern is not surprising.  To accept prophets of the Old Testament would be to also accept the prophet Lehi.  If we accept Lehi as a prophet, we must also accept...Joseph Smith as a prophet!  What happened to him again?  A boy wanted to know the truth.  He read that he could ask God, so he prayed.  He had a marvelous vision, in which he saw God, and His Son, Jesus Christ.  In time, a Heavenly messenger gave him a book, written on plates of gold.  Ultimately, he was martyred for this great cause of restoring the truth to the earth.

Yes, God is indeed the same yesterday, today, and forever, and will continue to follow many patterns which he has established for us to know His will (see DC 52:14, Alma 13:2, A of F 5, etc).  One of them being that he will always call prophets to guide His people.  What a blessing for us to know these things.

Watch Elder Jensen's talk HERE!

An Insight-a-Day from the Book of Mormon

I'm starting this blog to provide insights into the reading of the Book of Mormon.  I expect to do a chapter a day, most likely about 5 chapters a week.  I hope it will be of great benefit to all who read.  Insights from one's reading of the Book of Mormon are endless.  I encourage all to read the Book with a prayerful heart and to ponder the things they read, and the potential application into their own lives.  The book is a work of truth.  I know this by the power of the Holy Ghost, which has born witness to my heart and my soul of these things.  The Book of Mormon promises that we all can have this same witness.  If you have not had a confirmation of the truth of the Book of Mormon, you need only follow the counsel found in Moroni 10: 3-5.  Real intent.  Sincerity of heart.  These are important.

Again, I hope An Insight-a-Day will bring you closer to your Savior, Jesus Christ.  If not, reading the Book of Mormon will.  Enjoy!

Why the Book is important.