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.