Read: 3 Nephi 17-19
Mark: 3 Nephi 18:6-7, 11
"We are commanded to repent of our sins and to come to the Lord with a broken heart and a contrite spirit and partake of the sacrament in compliance with its covenants. When we renew our baptismal covenants in this way, the Lord renews the cleansing effect of our baptism. In this way we are made clean and can always have His Spirit to be with us. The importance of this is evident in the Lord's commandment that we partake of the sacrament each week." --Elder Dallin H. Oaks
To ponder:
How can taking the sacrament each week help you to be just as clean as when you were baptized?
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Day 81, July 30, 2014
Read: 3 Nephi 13-16
Mark: 3 Nephi 15:21, 24
"Aren't we rather prone to see the limitations and weaknesses of our neighbors? Yet that is contrary to the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ...If we have the spirit of fault finding...that never comes as the result of the companionship of the Spirit of our Heavenly Father and is always harmful." --President George Albert Smith
To ponder:
The Savior gave teachings to the Nephites similar to the Sermon on the Mount. He warned not to judge. What helps you to always look for the best in others and not be critical?
Mark: 3 Nephi 15:21, 24
"Aren't we rather prone to see the limitations and weaknesses of our neighbors? Yet that is contrary to the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ...If we have the spirit of fault finding...that never comes as the result of the companionship of the Spirit of our Heavenly Father and is always harmful." --President George Albert Smith
To ponder:
The Savior gave teachings to the Nephites similar to the Sermon on the Mount. He warned not to judge. What helps you to always look for the best in others and not be critical?
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Day 80, July 29, 2014
Read: 3 Nephi 11-12
Mark: 3 Nephi 11:10-11
"Look to the temple of the Lord as the great symbol of your membership. As we attend the temple, we learn more richly and deeply the purpose of life and the significance of the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us make the temple, with temple worship and temple covenants and temple marriage, our ultimate earthly goal and the supreme mortal experience." --President Howard W. Hunter
To ponder:
The Nephites were gathered in the temple when the Savior visited them. How are you preparing to go to the temple?
Mark: 3 Nephi 11:10-11
"Look to the temple of the Lord as the great symbol of your membership. As we attend the temple, we learn more richly and deeply the purpose of life and the significance of the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us make the temple, with temple worship and temple covenants and temple marriage, our ultimate earthly goal and the supreme mortal experience." --President Howard W. Hunter
To ponder:
The Nephites were gathered in the temple when the Savior visited them. How are you preparing to go to the temple?
Monday, July 28, 2014
Day 79, July 28, 2014
Read: 3 Nephi 9-10
Mark: 3 Nephi 9:13-15
"An atonement was made. Ever and always it offers amnesty from transgression and from death if we will but repent. Repentance is the escape clause in it all. Repentance is the key with which we can unlock the prison from inside. We hold that key within our hands...Humbly I lay claim upon the atonement of Christ. I find no shame in kneeling down in worship of our Father and His Son." --President Boyd K. Packer
To ponder:
What can the Lord do for you when you repent?
Mark: 3 Nephi 9:13-15
"An atonement was made. Ever and always it offers amnesty from transgression and from death if we will but repent. Repentance is the escape clause in it all. Repentance is the key with which we can unlock the prison from inside. We hold that key within our hands...Humbly I lay claim upon the atonement of Christ. I find no shame in kneeling down in worship of our Father and His Son." --President Boyd K. Packer
To ponder:
What can the Lord do for you when you repent?
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Day 78, July 27, 2014
It's a catch-up day! Use your reading chart (or this blog) to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through: 3 Nephi 8.
OR
If you are up-to-date on your reading, take time to study: Helaman 13.
To ponder:
What did Samuel the Lamanite preach to the wicked Nephites before the Savior came? What are modern prophets teaching us as we prepare for Christ's second coming?
OR
If you are up-to-date on your reading, take time to study: Helaman 13.
To ponder:
What did Samuel the Lamanite preach to the wicked Nephites before the Savior came? What are modern prophets teaching us as we prepare for Christ's second coming?
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Day 77, July 26, 2014
Read: 3 Nephi 6-8
Mark: 3 Nephi 6:12-14
"I testify that no one of us is less treasured or cherished of God than another. I testify that He loves each of us--insecurities, anxieties, self-image, and all. He doesn't measure our talents or our looks; He doesn't measure our possessions. He cheers on every runner, calling out that the race is against sin, not against each other." --Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
To ponder:
Why is pride "the great stumbling block of Zion"? What can help you be more humble?
Mark: 3 Nephi 6:12-14
"I testify that no one of us is less treasured or cherished of God than another. I testify that He loves each of us--insecurities, anxieties, self-image, and all. He doesn't measure our talents or our looks; He doesn't measure our possessions. He cheers on every runner, calling out that the race is against sin, not against each other." --Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
To ponder:
Why is pride "the great stumbling block of Zion"? What can help you be more humble?
Friday, July 25, 2014
Day 76, July 25, 2014
Read: 3 Nephi 3-5
Mark: 3 Nephi 3:12-14; 4:10
"In providing out-of-home activities for the family, we must use care; otherwise, we could be like a father determined to provide everything for his family. He devotes every energy to that end and succeeds; only then does he discover that what they needed most, to be together as a family, has been neglected." --President Boyd K. Packer
To ponder:
How can you help your family receive the strength that comes from being 'gathered together'?
Mark: 3 Nephi 3:12-14; 4:10
"In providing out-of-home activities for the family, we must use care; otherwise, we could be like a father determined to provide everything for his family. He devotes every energy to that end and succeeds; only then does he discover that what they needed most, to be together as a family, has been neglected." --President Boyd K. Packer
To ponder:
How can you help your family receive the strength that comes from being 'gathered together'?
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Day 75, July 24, 2014
Read: Helaman 16 - 3 Nephi 2
Mark: 3 Nephi 1:12-13
"Gifts of the Spirit which the Lord bestows upon those who believe and obey the gospel of Christ are called signs. That is, their receipt stands as an evidence or sign of the presence of that faith which results from believing the truth. Signs are wonders and miracles; they always and invariably are manifest to and among the faithful saints." --Elder Bruce R. McConkie
To ponder:
Why didn't Satan want the faithful Nephites to believe in the signs? What lies does he send today to try to keep you from believing the witness you've received as a result of your faith?
Mark: 3 Nephi 1:12-13
"Gifts of the Spirit which the Lord bestows upon those who believe and obey the gospel of Christ are called signs. That is, their receipt stands as an evidence or sign of the presence of that faith which results from believing the truth. Signs are wonders and miracles; they always and invariably are manifest to and among the faithful saints." --Elder Bruce R. McConkie
To ponder:
Why didn't Satan want the faithful Nephites to believe in the signs? What lies does he send today to try to keep you from believing the witness you've received as a result of your faith?
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Day 74, July 23, 2014
Read: Helaman 13-15
Mark: Helaman 14:30-31
"Spiritual maturity is understanding that we cannot blame anybody else for our actions. Some factors may make it harder for us to perform according to God's plan for us, but being accountable for how we use our agency means being answerable for our own behavior." --Sister Elaine Cannon
To ponder:
In what ways do you use your agency to help you to grow?
Mark: Helaman 14:30-31
"Spiritual maturity is understanding that we cannot blame anybody else for our actions. Some factors may make it harder for us to perform according to God's plan for us, but being accountable for how we use our agency means being answerable for our own behavior." --Sister Elaine Cannon
To ponder:
In what ways do you use your agency to help you to grow?
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Day 73, July 22, 2014
Read: Helaman 11-12
Mark: Helaman 12:2-3
"Afflictions can soften us and sweeten us, and can be a chastening influence. We often think of chastening as something being done to punish us...Divine chastening, however, is a form of learning as it is administered at the hands of a loving Father." --Elder Neal A. Maxwell
To ponder:
Why do you think it is so much easier to remember the Lord when we suffer, than when everything is going well? What can you do to remember the Lord even when times are good?
Mark: Helaman 12:2-3
"Afflictions can soften us and sweeten us, and can be a chastening influence. We often think of chastening as something being done to punish us...Divine chastening, however, is a form of learning as it is administered at the hands of a loving Father." --Elder Neal A. Maxwell
To ponder:
Why do you think it is so much easier to remember the Lord when we suffer, than when everything is going well? What can you do to remember the Lord even when times are good?
Monday, July 21, 2014
Day 72, July 21, 2014
Read: Helaman 8-10
Mark: Helaman 8:4, 7-9
"How we respond to the words of a living prophet when he tells us what we need to know, but would rather not hear, is a test of our faithfulness." --President Ezra Taft Benson
To ponder:
Even though wicked men were arguing against Nephi, some righteous people knew he was a prophet and supported him. How can you sustain our living prophet?
Mark: Helaman 8:4, 7-9
"How we respond to the words of a living prophet when he tells us what we need to know, but would rather not hear, is a test of our faithfulness." --President Ezra Taft Benson
To ponder:
Even though wicked men were arguing against Nephi, some righteous people knew he was a prophet and supported him. How can you sustain our living prophet?
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Day 71, July 20, 2014
Today is Sunday Catch-Up Day! Use your reading chart (or this blog) to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through:
Helaman 7
or:
If you are up-to-date with your reading, take time to study Helaman 5.
To ponder:
What did Helaman name his sons? Why? Whose name have you taken upon yourself? How were the Lamanites converted through their ministry?
Helaman 7
or:
If you are up-to-date with your reading, take time to study Helaman 5.
To ponder:
What did Helaman name his sons? Why? Whose name have you taken upon yourself? How were the Lamanites converted through their ministry?
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Day 70, July 19, 2014
Read: Helaman 6-7
Mark: Helaman 6:3
"Every [convert] needs three things: a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing with the 'good word of God.' It is our duty and opportunity to provide these things." --President Gordon B. Hinckley
To ponder:
What kind of friend are you to converts, members who are new in your ward, or the less-active? What things do you do to nourish others with the word of the Lord?
Mark: Helaman 6:3
"Every [convert] needs three things: a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing with the 'good word of God.' It is our duty and opportunity to provide these things." --President Gordon B. Hinckley
To ponder:
What kind of friend are you to converts, members who are new in your ward, or the less-active? What things do you do to nourish others with the word of the Lord?
Friday, July 18, 2014
Day 69, July 18, 2014
Read: Helaman 4-5
Mark: Helaman 5:12
"We have an increasing number who have been convinced, through the Book of Mormon, that Jesus is the Christ. Now we need an increasing number who will use the Book of Mormon to become committed to Christ. We need to be convinced and committed." --President Ezra Taft Benson
To ponder:
What are some things you can do to build upon the sure foundation?
Mark: Helaman 5:12
"We have an increasing number who have been convinced, through the Book of Mormon, that Jesus is the Christ. Now we need an increasing number who will use the Book of Mormon to become committed to Christ. We need to be convinced and committed." --President Ezra Taft Benson
To ponder:
What are some things you can do to build upon the sure foundation?
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Day 68, July 17, 2014
Read: Helaman 1-3
Mark: Helaman 3:35
"If Satan can succeed in creating in us the pastime of arguing, quarreling, and contention, it is easier for him to bind us with heavier sins which can destroy our eternal lives." --Elder Marvin J. Ashton
To ponder:
How can you avoid contention in your family and other relationships?
Mark: Helaman 3:35
"If Satan can succeed in creating in us the pastime of arguing, quarreling, and contention, it is easier for him to bind us with heavier sins which can destroy our eternal lives." --Elder Marvin J. Ashton
To ponder:
How can you avoid contention in your family and other relationships?
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Day 67, July 15, 2014
Read: Alma 62-63
Mark: Alma 62:41
"These people all had basically the same experience. The war was the same length for all people; yet out of the same experience some were hardened and some were softened. What made the difference? It was what they thought of God and His Son." --C. Max Caldwell
To ponder:
When you experience trials, do you feel your heart is hardened or softened? What can you do to improve your thoughts of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? How do you think this will help to soften your heart?
Mark: Alma 62:41
"These people all had basically the same experience. The war was the same length for all people; yet out of the same experience some were hardened and some were softened. What made the difference? It was what they thought of God and His Son." --C. Max Caldwell
To ponder:
When you experience trials, do you feel your heart is hardened or softened? What can you do to improve your thoughts of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? How do you think this will help to soften your heart?
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Day 66, July 15, 2014
Read: Alma 60-61
Mark: Alma 60:20
"When you look in the dictionary for the most important word, do you know what it is? It could be remember...our greatest need is to remember." -- President Spencer W. Kimball
"Satan wants us to be slow to remember what we have received and heard. He wants us to minimize and even forget the quiet witnesses of the Spirit that have told us who we really are." -- Sister Susan L. Warner
To ponder:
What helps you to not forget the spiritual experiences you've had?
Mark: Alma 60:20
"When you look in the dictionary for the most important word, do you know what it is? It could be remember...our greatest need is to remember." -- President Spencer W. Kimball
"Satan wants us to be slow to remember what we have received and heard. He wants us to minimize and even forget the quiet witnesses of the Spirit that have told us who we really are." -- Sister Susan L. Warner
To ponder:
What helps you to not forget the spiritual experiences you've had?
Monday, July 14, 2014
Day 65, July 14, 2014
Read: Alma 57-59
Mark: Alma 57:27, 58:11-12
"He whose name this church bears has promised that He will be in our minds, lead us along, and even fight our battles. He has further counseled, 'Be not afraid of your enemies, for I have decreed in my heart...that I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy' (D&C 98:14)." -- Elder Neal A. Maxwell
To ponder:
How can the Lord help you overcome fear?
Mark: Alma 57:27, 58:11-12
"He whose name this church bears has promised that He will be in our minds, lead us along, and even fight our battles. He has further counseled, 'Be not afraid of your enemies, for I have decreed in my heart...that I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy' (D&C 98:14)." -- Elder Neal A. Maxwell
To ponder:
How can the Lord help you overcome fear?
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Day 64, July 13, 2014
It's another Catch-Up day!
Use your reading chart to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through: Alma 56
OR
If you are up-to-date with your reading, take time to study: Alma 42
To ponder:
What things does Alma teach about the plan of salvation? How can God be "a perfect, just God and a merciful God also"?
Use your reading chart to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through: Alma 56
OR
If you are up-to-date with your reading, take time to study: Alma 42
To ponder:
What things does Alma teach about the plan of salvation? How can God be "a perfect, just God and a merciful God also"?
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Day 63, July 12, 2014
Read: Alma 55-56
Mark: Alma 56:47-48
"We need more mothers who know the truth, whose children do not doubt their mothers know it." --Elder Neal A. Maxwell
To ponder:
What important lessons have you learned from your mother?
Mark: Alma 56:47-48
"We need more mothers who know the truth, whose children do not doubt their mothers know it." --Elder Neal A. Maxwell
To ponder:
What important lessons have you learned from your mother?
Friday, July 11, 2014
Day 62, July 11, 2014
Read: Alma 52-54
Mark: Alma 53:20-21
"In the spiritual battles you are waging, I see you as today's sons of Helaman." -- President Ezra Taft Benson
To ponder:
Notice how Mormon describes these young men. How are you living so that you can be likened to the stripling warriors?
Mark: Alma 53:20-21
"In the spiritual battles you are waging, I see you as today's sons of Helaman." -- President Ezra Taft Benson
To ponder:
Notice how Mormon describes these young men. How are you living so that you can be likened to the stripling warriors?
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Day 61, July 10, 2014
Read: Alma 50-51
Mark: Alma 50:19
"Mormon wants to teach what will be of most worth to us, and his use of the words thus and thus we see make the lessons easier to recognize and understand. Pay close attention to the 'thus we see' phrases in the Book of Mormon. Here Mormon wants you to understand that the Lord is keeping His word to Lehi and blessing the Nephites with prosperity when they keep the commandments." --Elder Henry B. Eyring
To ponder:
In what ways has the Lord kept his word to you?
Mark: Alma 50:19
"Mormon wants to teach what will be of most worth to us, and his use of the words thus and thus we see make the lessons easier to recognize and understand. Pay close attention to the 'thus we see' phrases in the Book of Mormon. Here Mormon wants you to understand that the Lord is keeping His word to Lehi and blessing the Nephites with prosperity when they keep the commandments." --Elder Henry B. Eyring
To ponder:
In what ways has the Lord kept his word to you?
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Day 60, July 9, 2014
Read: Alma 47-49
Mark: Alma 48:11-13, 17
"Be true to your own convictions. You know what is right, and you know what is wrong. You know when you are doing the proper thing...We need not fear as long as we have in our lives the power that comes from righteously living by truth." --President Gordon B. Hinckley
To ponder:
The Lamanites did not want to go to battle against the Nephites, but they also did not want to displease the king (Alma 47:2). Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to do the right thing, but were afraid you would displease someone? Why is it always better to do the right thing than to worry about what others might think of you?
Mark: Alma 48:11-13, 17
"Be true to your own convictions. You know what is right, and you know what is wrong. You know when you are doing the proper thing...We need not fear as long as we have in our lives the power that comes from righteously living by truth." --President Gordon B. Hinckley
To ponder:
The Lamanites did not want to go to battle against the Nephites, but they also did not want to displease the king (Alma 47:2). Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to do the right thing, but were afraid you would displease someone? Why is it always better to do the right thing than to worry about what others might think of you?
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Day 59, July 8, 2014
Read: Alma 44-46
Mark: Alma 46:12
"The value of a country rests upon the values of its people. For the people of God, for the people who want peace, for their women and their children, there is only one way." --Elder Charles Didier
To ponder:
Why do the wicked go to war? How are their motives different from the reasons why the righteous go to war?
Mark: Alma 46:12
"The value of a country rests upon the values of its people. For the people of God, for the people who want peace, for their women and their children, there is only one way." --Elder Charles Didier
To ponder:
Why do the wicked go to war? How are their motives different from the reasons why the righteous go to war?
Monday, July 7, 2014
Day 58, July 7, 2014
Read: Alma 42-43
Mark: Alma 42:14-15
"How great the wisdom and the love
That filled the courts on high
And sent the Savior from above
To suffer, bleed and die!" --Hymn 195
To ponder:
How does understanding the Fall help you more fully love Jesus and appreciate what He did for us?
Mark: Alma 42:14-15
"How great the wisdom and the love
That filled the courts on high
And sent the Savior from above
To suffer, bleed and die!" --Hymn 195
To ponder:
How does understanding the Fall help you more fully love Jesus and appreciate what He did for us?
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Day 57, July 6, 2014
Get back on schedule! Use your reading chart (or this blog) to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through: Alma 41
or
If you are up-to-date with your reading, take time to study Alma 32.
To ponder:
To what does Alma liken the seed? Why is faith important for the seed to grow? How can you know if it is a good seed?
or
If you are up-to-date with your reading, take time to study Alma 32.
To ponder:
To what does Alma liken the seed? Why is faith important for the seed to grow? How can you know if it is a good seed?
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Day 56, July 5, 2014
Read: Alma 39-41
Mark: Alma 41:20
"You cannot do wrong and feel right. It is impossible." --President Ezra Taft Benson
To ponder:
Alma uses four chapters (39-42) to counsel his son Corianton to repent. How important is it to you to follow the counsel of your parents and other righteous priesthood leaders? Read Alma 36:20. During the time Alma was racked with torment for his sins, whose words did he remember that caused him to cry out for forgiveness?
Mark: Alma 41:20
"You cannot do wrong and feel right. It is impossible." --President Ezra Taft Benson
To ponder:
Alma uses four chapters (39-42) to counsel his son Corianton to repent. How important is it to you to follow the counsel of your parents and other righteous priesthood leaders? Read Alma 36:20. During the time Alma was racked with torment for his sins, whose words did he remember that caused him to cry out for forgiveness?
Friday, July 4, 2014
Day 55, July 4, 2014
Read: Alma 37-38
Mark: Alma 37:35-37
"I have little or no fear for the young man or the young woman, who honestly and conscientiously supplicate God twice a day for the guidance of His Spirit. I am sure that when the temptation comes they will have strength to overcome it by the inspiration that shall be given to them. Supplicating the Lord for the guidance of His Spirit places around us a safeguard, and if we...honestly seek the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord, I can assure you that we will receive it." --President Heber J. Grant
To ponder:
What are some things you talk to the Lord about? How does He direct you for good?
Mark: Alma 37:35-37
"I have little or no fear for the young man or the young woman, who honestly and conscientiously supplicate God twice a day for the guidance of His Spirit. I am sure that when the temptation comes they will have strength to overcome it by the inspiration that shall be given to them. Supplicating the Lord for the guidance of His Spirit places around us a safeguard, and if we...honestly seek the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord, I can assure you that we will receive it." --President Heber J. Grant
To ponder:
What are some things you talk to the Lord about? How does He direct you for good?
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Day 54, July 3, 2014
Read: Alma 34-36
Mark: Alma 34:32-33
"The thought of intentionally committing serious sin now and repenting later is perilously wrong. Never do that. Many start the journey of intentional transgression and never make it back. Premeditated sin has greater penalties and is harder to overcome. If there is sin, repent now--while you can." --Richard G. Scott
To ponder:
"What does Satan do to try to keep you from repenting? How many reasons can you think of for why it's important to repent now?
Mark: Alma 34:32-33
"The thought of intentionally committing serious sin now and repenting later is perilously wrong. Never do that. Many start the journey of intentional transgression and never make it back. Premeditated sin has greater penalties and is harder to overcome. If there is sin, repent now--while you can." --Richard G. Scott
To ponder:
"What does Satan do to try to keep you from repenting? How many reasons can you think of for why it's important to repent now?
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Day 53, July 2, 2014
Read: Alma 32-33
Mark: Alma 32:21
"Of all our needs, I think the greatest is an increase of faith." --President Gordon B. Hinckley
To ponder:
How often do you exercise faith? What difference can 'a particle of faith' make in our actions? (see Matthew 17:20)
Mark: Alma 32:21
"Of all our needs, I think the greatest is an increase of faith." --President Gordon B. Hinckley
To ponder:
How often do you exercise faith? What difference can 'a particle of faith' make in our actions? (see Matthew 17:20)
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Day 52, July 1, 2014
Read: Alma 30-31
Mark: Alma 30:37-39
"Korihor's arguments sound very contemporary to the modern reader, but Alma used a timeless and ultimately undeniable weapon in response --the power of a personal testimony." --Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
To ponder: How did Alma respond to Korihor's claim that there is no God?
Mark: Alma 30:37-39
"Korihor's arguments sound very contemporary to the modern reader, but Alma used a timeless and ultimately undeniable weapon in response --the power of a personal testimony." --Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
To ponder: How did Alma respond to Korihor's claim that there is no God?
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