Read: 1 Nephi 19-21
Mark: 1 Nephi 19:23
"May I commend you faithful Saints who are striving to flood the earth and your lives with the Book of Mormon. Not only must we move forward in a monumental manner more copies of the Book of Mormon, but we must move boldly forward into our own lives and throughout the earth more of its marvelous messages. This sacred volume was written for us--for our day. Its scriptures are to be likened unto ourselves." --President Ezra Taft Benson
To ponder:
How do the things you read in the scriptures relate to your life?
I guess I'm the first today! So, references to the Old Testament elude me. I had to reread some of the chapters and verses twice, LOL! But I love 1 Nephi 19:7-9. You want to talk about likening the scriptures? Look at those verses and tell me that isn't happening everywhere today! People trample over Christ. They "scourge him", "spit upon him", and "set him at naught". That's why we have so many mass murders today and random crimes against people that don't even know each other. Christ has become so distanced from people's lives that Satan is closer than ever. Instead of living in a world where nearly everyone is God-fearing, we live in a world of God-bashing, and while neither extreme is good, I'd take the former over the latter any day. God suffers our hatred and rebellion because he loves us and is kind and long-suffering (verse 9). I don't hold much hope that our world will turn around from their wicked beliefs, but I do know that I can do my part to make our world more tolerant and loving, even if it's only in my own home. I really hope my kids learn to love Christ and to value the gospel instead of trampling it as do so many others.
ReplyDeleteYou are not alone! I had to read several verses lots of times and I'm still not positive of the meaning. Thank you for your reference to 1 Nephi 19:7-9, I re-read these scriptures and their importance and relevance to today is so very clear. I love 1 Nephi 19:18, where Nephi tells us why he has written the things which he has written: "that perhaps I might persuade them that they would remember the Lord their Redeemer." This is why we are reading, studying and pondering the scriptures!
DeleteI love reading the scriptures even though I have to reread them several times and then I sometimes totally understand them, then sometimes I can see what I need to know and I am amazed at how I could have missed it. I know it is me that sometimes I am not ready or not in the right spirit so sometimes I have to try again, I like how Nephi wrote that he didn't know why be he wrote his record for us, a wise purpose that only Heavenly Father knows.
DeleteI am thankful that Heavenly Father in his wisdom kept these records for us so that we can have the plain and precious parts so that we can know who are redeemer is.
I am in awe how Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit guide us to certain verses during different moments in our lives. At first you think you are just reading about why Nephi wrote on the plates. And how he was able to share the atonement hundreds of years before it was to happen. You suddenly realize that the reason you have been led to these scriptures is to remind you to endure. Christ will never forsake us. He is always with us. He will always bring us peace when we need Him. If we are obedient and share His word we will be blessed as Nephi and his family were blessed for their obedience. Especially in this day that is so volatile and far from God's purpose, we are to continue to be lights in the darkness of evil. We are to continue without question to endure the worldly ways and show others the example of Christ like attributes. Christ brings peace. Being Christ like also brings peace to those around us even when we aren't aware.
ReplyDeleteAngela, I'm so glad you are 'here'!!! What awesome thoughts and insights you have shared! What an important reminder: We are to continue to be lights in the darkness of evil! Thank you!
DeleteI'm right there with you guys. It took 4 readings of Nephi 20 & 21 to figure out who was talking when & who about. I even prayed to Heavenly Father for understanding of these scriptures. I really loved , also, the way they used the term "lights". I feel that everyone in the church that shares the gospel are lights. As to relating the scriptures to my life, my family & friends are rebellious. Some believe in Heavenly Father & some don't. I am patient with them though and answer all of their questions. I will never give up on them! Endure till the end!
ReplyDelete