Moroni 10:32 "come unto Christ"

Come unto Christ.  To me, this is the main message of the Book of Mormon.  It constantly invites me, both directly and indirectly, to come unto Christ.  As I have read the Book of Mormon this time, I have searched specifically for principles that I can apply to ‘Come unto Christ’ by becoming a better husband and father.  As I have searched for these principles, I have found them.  I have felt guidance and inspiration in my life as to things I can change to become more like Christ.  As I have tried to exercise faith by acting upon these promptings, I have received strength from Christ to continue to overcome some of my weaknesses and pride and to become a little closer to, and more like, Him.

I love these last few verses of Moroni.  They are so beautiful, profound, and moving.  They provide the framework for us to reach our true potential - to become holy, without spot.  And it all begins by coming unto Christ.  I testify that the Book of Mormon contains the word of God.  If we search its pages, we can learn more fully what it means for us individually to come unto Christ.

Earlier in this same chapter (vs. 3-5), Moroni taught how one can know whether the teachings in the Book of Mormon are true.  In reading the Book of Mormon, I have tried to remember how merciful the Lord has been unto the children of men.  I have observed His deliverance, both temporally and spiritually, through numerous accounts in its pages.  I have tried to remember His deliverance of me on numerous occasions in my life.  I have pled for His deliverance in my current needs.  I have tried to ask with a sincere heart, and with real intent - I have tried to be diligent in acting upon the promptings that I have received as I have studied this book.  And as I have done so, I have had the truthfulness of its teachings manifest to me by the power of the Holy Ghost.  This has come through thoughts and feelings.  But even more importantly, it has come through increased power to change my heart and my behavior.  It has blessed me and my family.

Joseph Smith either translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God, or he somehow fraudulently produced this book.  In my view, someone could not have fraudulently produced a book that helps me feel the Spirit so strongly and that has such power to bring me to Christ.  There are real and conflicting forces in the world.  Some seek to draw me to Christ and to help me become more like Him and entice me to true happiness and joy.  Others seek to draw me inward, and to make me selfish and prideful.  They seek to make me miserable.  The Book of Mormon draws me to Christ and teaches me principles of happiness so powerfully and clearly that I know it is from God.  As I have pondered, prayed and practiced, I have also received spiritual witnesses in my heart that these things are true and are of God, and are the way for me to achieve my full potential.  I am so thankful for the Book of Mormon and for its invitation to ‘Come unto Christ’!

Ether 6:4 "they got aboard of their vessels or barges, and set forth into the sea, commending themselves unto the Lord their God"

The Lord promised Jared and his brother that He would lead their people to a promised land.  After much preparation, they got into their vessels and trusted in the Lord to deliver them to the promised land.  Getting into these vessels was an act of great faith.  We learn little about these barges in this account.  I do not know how they were able to steer, or guide them.  They had a limited supply of food.  They were completely reliant upon the Lord for their lives and for their ability to reach their destination.  If the Lord did not help them, they easily could have perished.  And how did the Lord help them reach their destination?  By providing furious winds and letting them be tossed upon the waves of the sea.  It was not an easy journey, but because of their faith, they did reach the promised land.

What journey am I on?  What is my destination?  How do I get in my vessel and commend myself unto the Lord?  My promised land is the celestial kingdom of God.  My journey is to become fully converted to Christ.  Like these people, I am completely reliant upon the Lord to reach my destination.  I cannot change my own heart.  Only by exercising faith in the Lord, and keeping His commandments can I hope to reach my destination.  I do not get into a physical ship that I cannot control.  But I must place my trust in God.  I must give up my pride and let Him know that I am willing to follow Him with my whole heart.  The love of God is what changes my heart.  And I must invite that love in by accepting Christ and exercising faith in Him.  That is my journey.  And by furious winds and being tossed upon the waves of the sea, I too, can reach my promised land.

Mormon 1:1. "I, Mormon, make a record of the things which I have both seen and heard"

We, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are often referred to as 'Mormons'.  My understanding is that this nickname started out as a derogatory term for those who believed in the Book of Mormon.  I imagine that most outside our faith have little understanding of what is behind that name ‘Mormon’.

The prophet Mormon authored, edited and compiled the Book of Mormon.  We learn in Mormon chapter 2, that, like Nephi, Mormon was large in stature.  I imagine this is likely speaking both spiritually and physically. Probably also in reputation. It is interesting that even though most everyone around him was wicked, they apparently respected and appreciated the righteousness of Mormon.  Most people who call us ‘Mormons’ likely have no idea that it is after this amazing man. I want to be more like Mormon.  He is a lower light that guides me to the Savior.  Like him, we can sometimes feel alone in our beliefs, but we can be valiant and strong.

In 3 Nephi 5:12, we learn that Mormon was named after the land of Mormon, which we learned of in Mosiah chapter 18.  In the beginning of Mosiah 18, the land of Mormon wasn't made to sound like a very desirable place.  It was in the borders of the land.  It was infested with wild beasts.  It was given its name by the wicked king who sought to kill Alma and those who believed.  However, by the end of the chapter, it became a beautiful place to the people who went there to learn of Christ.  It was the place they began to follow their Savior.  It was the place they made covenants with Him to become His children.  They loved the land of Mormon.

So when we are called ‘Mormons’, we are being called after this prophet, who was called after this place where many came to be converted to the Lord.  We are a people that also desire to be converted to the Lord, and we have authority to administer the ordinances that are associated with the covenants and the power that make this possible.  Like the land of Mormon, we may seem undesirable to some, but for those who truly desire to become like their Savior, we invite them to come and see what the Mormons have to offer!

Of course, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we do not follow Mormon, we follow Christ - thus the name of the church.  However, it is also an honor to be associated with this great prophet and this land where long ago many came unto Christ and entered into covenants to become His followers and become like Him.  When I am called a Mormon, this is what I feel it represents - that I am one that, like Mormon, Alma and the people at the waters of Mormon, seeks Christ, makes covenants with Him, and tries to be more fully converted to Him.

3 Nephi 17:5 - "they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them"

In 3 Nephi 17, as Jesus was about to leave the Nephites, the multitude looked at him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them.  As I read this account, I wondered how I would have felt if I were there.  Of course it seems like I would always want Jesus to tarry longer with me.  But as I thought more deeply and honestly about this question, I realized that I have plenty of opportunities to invite Jesus to tarry with me right now.  Do I take those opportunities to have the Lord tarry with me a little longer now?  How do I desire to spend my time?  Am I eager to delve into the scriptures to tarry with the Lord?  Am I eager to pray and tarry with the Lord?  Am I eager to attend my church meetings and to worship in the temple to tarry with the Lord?  I have so many opportunities to invite the Lord to tarry with me.  When I get distracted, or waste my time in trivial matters, I am showing where my true desires are.  I do not need to wait for physical manifestations of the Lord to invite him to tarry with me.  This should be the desire of my heart on a daily basis.

The Nephites desires to have Jesus tarry a little longer with them led to incredible blessings.  Chapter 17 is a very tender chapter.  Jesus healed every one of the sick that were brought to him.  He blessed each of the children, one by one.  He wept with the people.  They were overcome with joy because of his tarrying with them.  I believe that Jesus desires to bless each one of God's children.  We need to desire and invite him to tarry with us to receive his blessings.

Helaman 13:3 "return again"

Samuel had been preaching for many days to the Nephites in Zarahemla and they rejected his message and cast him out of the land.  As he was about to return to his home, the voice of the Lord commanded him to 'return again' and prophesy unto the people.  How must Samuel have felt?  He must have felt like he was guided by the Lord the first time around to go preach to the Nephites.  And he apparently had little to no success.  They treated him poorly.  Was he questioning that original inspiration?  And then to receive guidance to return and try again?  What would I do?  Samuel did not hesitate.  He did not return to his home, but immediately returned to prophesy 'whatever things should come into his heart'.  This took great faith.  This is not an isolated incident in the Book of Mormon.  Similar occurrences happened earlier where prophets were not successful on a first attempt, yet were commanded to 'return again' - e.g., Nephi and the brass plates, Abinadi and King Noah's people,  Alma and Ammonihah, or Nephi to the Nephites and Lamanites just a few years earlier.  What would have happened if these prophets had not returned, as prompted by the Spirit?  Alma the Elder would not have been converted.  Amulek and Zeezrom would not have been converted.  Look at the good that came from them!  Many of the Nephites and Lamanites who responded to Nephi and Samuel may not have experienced the joy of the gospel.

A few principles stand out to me in his account.  First, the Lord gives us so many chances!  He does not give me just one chance to repent and turn to Him.  He gives me many chances.  He invites me to change constantly, often through the words of his prophets, or through family members, or local priesthood leaders or friends.  This account reminded me of the parable of the laborers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16), and Elder Hollands talk on this subject (https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/the-laborers-in-the-vineyard?lang=eng).  The Lord of the vineyard 'returned again' 5 times. Each who accepted received the same wage.

Another principle is that we sometimes receive spiritual promptings that do not seem to work out.  I imagine Samuel, and each of these prophets, could have been discouraged when they received revelation to go preach to people, and apparently none of the people wanted to accept their message.  Why go in the first place?  But I am learning that I do not always need to understand why I receive guidance to do something.  I need to seek and follow the Spirit.  I need not worry so much about the outcome.  In addition to the Lord giving these people more chances to change and repent, perhaps he was giving these prophets further opportunities to exercise and strengthen their own faith, by letting them 'fail' the first time, and then prompting them to 'return again'.  And just because the Lord asks us to do something, it does not necessarily mean that it is going to be easy, or even clear how we are to accomplish it. Sometimes we receive a prompting to do something, and it may not play out how we expect. Did Samuel think he was going to have to preach from the wall when he went back? It can be easy to doubt our promptings if obstacles arise. Samuel didn't do this. He knew he had to act on what the Lord prompted him and he found a way to accomplish this. Can I learn to be this faithful and diligent?

As I pondered my own life, I realized that I also have often had promptings to 'return again', and and keep trying to reach out to someone who has not responded to my initial invitations.  This has happened on numerous occasions with my children, home teaching, serving in church callings, and sharing the gospel.  It is very common that we are not successful reaching someone on the first try.  Some common themes among these scriptural accounts of when people 'returned again':  1) they were immediately obedient to the counsel of the Lord; 2) they took a different approach; 3) they were filled with and directed by the Spirit; 4) they continued to face great obstacles the 2nd time around, but they exercised great faith, and showed great desire and persistence in accomplishing what the Lord had commanded.  And in some of these instances, they may never have known the positive impact they had through their diligent efforts. I will try to be more diligent at following promptings to 'return again'.

Helaman 7:16. "how could you have given way to the enticing of him who is seeking to hurl away your souls down to everlasting misery"

There are real forces enticing us for good and for evil in this world.  And there are sources of these forces.  God's plan is for us to become like Him, and receive a fullness of joy.  Satan seeks to destroy us and make us 'miserable like unto himself' (2 Nephi 2:25-27).  There are commandments that help us know how to respond to these forces and progress toward joy.  One of Satan's powerful tools is to entice us to forget that these forces are real and that the authors of these forces work tirelessly to accomplish their objectives.

What a passionate, beautiful, and true speech Nephi gives to the Nephites in Helaman chapter 7.  Nephi helps me see and remember more clearly what my objective is on earth, and how hard Satan tries to destroy me.  If I can only maintain this vision at all times!  When I am tempted to be prideful or selfish or lazy, I must remember that this is the cunning enticing of the evil one, who seeks to hurl my soul to hell.  His intent is to destroy me!  He does not support his followers.  There is only temporary satisfaction or pleasure in following him.  But each time I follow him he attaches a cord to my heart, making it more difficult for me to desire the things that help me progress toward my real goal.  Fortunately, Christ is more powerful and will break these cords as I exercise faith in Him and repent.  As I have studied the Book of Mormon this year, and tried to apply its teachings, I have felt Christ loosening some of these cords that the evil one has attached to my heart.  The teachings in this book truly lead me to Christ and teach me how to exercise faith in Him.

Alma 61:9 "you have censured me, but it mattereth not"

In the exchange of epistles between Moroni and Pahoran in Alma 60-61, Pahoran showed an outstanding example of selfless behavior and unity.  In Moroni's epistle, he basically accused, or at least suspected, Pahoran of being guilty of the same selfish, power-seeking behavior as the kingmen. However, Pahoran had been working to defend the cause of freedom and he himself was also suffering in the cause.  The natural man would be offended by this lack of trust and this censure from Moroni.  Pahoran had a great deal of charity. In his response, he showed that he did not care for his own position or power, but for that of freedom.  His response was not about himself at all.  He completely overlooked Moroni's lack of trust and his accusations and looked for the truth in Moroni's message.

As I look for principles of how to be a better husband and father, this exchange provides powerful insights.  Pahoran's response is a good example of how spouses can respond to each other and keep unity in stressful situations.  The key principle reinforced for me is the importance of giving each other the benefit of the doubt when there is disagreement or misunderstanding.  Do not look for perceived slights or lack of respect, but rather look for the good that is offered.  The way Pahoran did this was to remember the greatness of Moroni's heart.  Pahoran realized that Moroni had no way to know exactly who was at fault in the government, so he was very strong with his words.  But in his heart, Moroni never intended to accuse anyone that was innocent.  If I remember the greatness of my wife's heart, I will remember she is not trying to injure me when we disagree or there is a misunderstanding.  I will remember that we are on the same team, and are trying to accomplish the same objectives.  I will not get defensive, but strive to work together.  Another key to remember is that just like Moroni and Pahoran, we simply don't always have the same view of the field or the obstacles we face.  That can be a strength, if we are able to give each other the benefit of the doubt.  Even though Moroni's interpretation of Pahoran's situation may not have been fully accurate, Moroni taught powerful principles about the importance of unity and how to rectify their situation (I also learned great principles about being a better father and how to have more unity in marriage from Moroni's letter).  Because Pahoran was able to look past the 'censure', he was able to implement the good in Moroni's counsel, and they were able to work together in unity against their real common foe, and not waste their energy protecting their pride.  For me, this means that as spouses, we look for solutions together.  We rely on each other's strengths and overlook and forgive weaknesses. We take the good in each other's ideas to work together for a common goal.  Working together brings us to Christ, whereas protecting our pride divides us and allows the enemy to gain victories.

Alma 48:9 "in their weakest fortifications he did place the greater number of men"

The war chapters of Alma have many principles teaching me how to be a better husband and father, and how to better prepare myself and my family against the enemy that tries to destroy us.  The preparation of Moroni in chapters 48-50 of Alma was impressive.  Moroni is a type of Christ and Amalakiah is a type of Satan.  Amalakiah's whole intent was to bring the Nephites into bondage.  To have power over them.  To make them suffer.  Moroni's entire intent was to strengthen the Nephites and to keep, or deliver them from bondage.  Like Amalakiah, Satan is familiar with us and our weaknesses.  He appoints his legions to attack us where we are weakest.  Like Moroni, I must strengthen my cities.  My people.  My family.  I must prepare them for the battle before the enemy attacks and I must encourage and help them in the battles.  Moroni placed the greatest number of men in the weakest places.  For myself, I can apply this by placing the greatest focus and efforts into overcoming my greatest weaknesses.  If I put forth real effort, the Lord will strengthen me in my weakness.  For my family, I can know each family member and their strengths and weaknesses.  I can put individualized efforts into strengthening each one in their greatest places of weakness.  As I learned from Alma (Alma 36-42), I do not need to spend the same amount of time teaching each child the same thing.  Some will need more focus in some areas than others.  I need to discern what they need and how I can best help strengthen them individually.  This takes great effort and diligence.  I need to be better.

The Nephites had faith "that God would make it known unto them whither they should go to defend themselves against their enemies" (Alma 48:16).  If I am faithful in keeping the commandments, God will make it known unto me whither I should go to defend my family against the adversary.  He will give me spiritual guidance and direction regarding where I need to strengthen or what I need to fight against.  I have seen this to be true in my life.  I have recently received guidance about things to discuss individually with my children to help strengthen them individually.

In chapter 50, we read that in a brief period of peace, Moroni did not stop preparing and strengthening his cities.  It mentions at least 5 levels of security he put in place.  I also need to continually be diligent in preparing myself and my family spiritually, especially in times of relative peace.  I need to be diligent in applying multiple layers of security.  I find verses 22 and 23 of Alma 50 especially comforting.  We read that "those who were faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord were delivered at all times", and that "there never was a happier time among the people of Nephi".

It is interesting that in the midst of the war with the Lamanites, this is the happiest period of time that the Nephites had experienced to this point.  What created this happiness?  They were still in danger.  Amalakiah was still determined to destroy them.  But they had peace, happiness and prosperity.  They had deliverance from the Lord from their sin and unhappiness.  I think much of this had to do with the preparations Moroni had them make, coupled with the spiritual preparations they made - the heed and diligence they gave to the word of God (Alma 49:3).  In my life, I think this can also be true.  There can be chaos around me.  Forces of evil can be seeking to destroy me.  But if I keep fortifying myself with personal study, prayer, service, etc., I can have peace and prosperity in my heart, despite all the craziness around me.  The same can be true in my family if we all work toward this end.

Alma 35:6 "those who were in favor of the words....were cast out"

After Alma, Amulek, and their brethren had finished teaching the gospel to the Zoramites, those that believed were treated very poorly by the rest of their people, and they were cast out of the land.  I was reminded that exercising faith unto repentance and obedience does not always produce what appears on the outside to be a beneficial result.  These people were cast out.  The people of Ammonihah were burned.  The people who followed Alma the Elder had to flee and were eventually in bondage.  Why does the Lord allow people to have so much affliction when they are trying to follow Him?  At face value, it would seem these accounts might discourage us from turning to the Lord!  But, if we keep in mind what the Lord is trying to do for us, the purpose of us being on earth, it makes a little more sense.  As we turn to Him, sometimes He gives us greater opportunities to exercise faith and to become more like Him.  Sometimes He allows us to have additional trials to further strengthen us.  Sometimes He lets us suffer afflictions to strengthen others.  When we truly have charity, we are ok with that (e.g., the people of Ammon being slain and touching the hearts and sparking the conversion of more Lamanites than had been slain).  Sometimes, like in this example, He lets the wicked exercise their agency and cause affliction of the righteous.  But He always delivers us spiritually as we exercise faith.  And He often delivers us temporally if we exercise faith.  As we become truly converted, we learn to trust in His deliverance, whatever that may be.  The deliverance that really matters is the deliverance from the chains of Satan that bind our hearts and keep us from reaching our full potential.  Not deliverance from difficulties in life.  Often these difficulties help us be more fully delivered spiritually.  And when we turn to the Lord, we always prosper in the ways that truly matter - we become more like Him, and we experience greater inner love, peace and joy.

Alma 26:27: "we were about to turn back"

I was touched as I read of the afflictions of Ammon and his brethren as they were working to take the blessings of the gospel to the Lamanites.  It struck me that these men became depressed because of their afflictions, so much so, that they were about to turn back.  So many times in life I have given up, or have been tempted to give up on a worthy pursuit when things got difficult.  It is tempting to look at others and think that if they do something well, it must come easily to them.  Even these greatest of missionaries in the Book of Mormon were tempted to give up and turn back when they got discouraged.  Think of what would have happened if these men had turned back and not completed their work among the Lamanites!  Many thousands of souls would not have received the light of the gospel.  The men likely would never have known what they missed out on had they turned back. No one would have blamed them.  In fact, most thought they were crazy to go in the first place.  But look what good came of sticking with it through their afflictions!  The Lord comforted them as they exercised faith and they were able to persevere through very difficult times.  Now look at their joy.  And the joy of so many others through their efforts.  It is worth it to stick with it through the hardest times, in worthy pursuits.  To do this, my heart must be soft like their hearts were soft. Their hearts were such that they were ok with their afflictions if there was a chance they could just help someone see the Lord.  I need to remember this in my afflictions, however great or small.  I am thankful for the patience and long-suffering of the Lord. He continually forgives me and gives me opportunities to grow and make better decisions going forward.  Amazing chapter.

Alma 19: "to me he doth not stink"

After King Lamoni had fallen to the earth as if he were dead, the Queen demonstrated some good principles that can be applied to marriage. First, when her husband was in apparent trouble, she sought help from the priesthood leader. Ammon could, and did, help her in a number of ways. Just like priesthood holders and leaders can help us when we are having difficulties. We can receive counsel, strength, perspective and healing from our priesthood leaders. The queen demonstrated great faith in her actions here. Exercising great faith on behalf of our spouse and those we love can be very beneficial.

Additionally, she did not give up on her husband when he was 'down'. Clearly he was in a troubling spot. Many around him had given up on him. It sounds like he actually stunk like he was dead. But his wife could see through the difficulties. She stood by him and did everything in her power to help him. She refused to smell his stink. She was there in his difficulties, and this allowed her to also be there and experience the great joy he also received through his deliverance. This is a great example of how to be a loving spouse. Too often, we see the opposite. Spouses complaining about the stink of their mate to others, rather than overlooking it and exercising faith in their behalf.

Later in the account, she continued to show her faith by watching over her husband until he awoke, as promised by Ammon. When he awoke he blessed God and then he blessed his wife. She was a great support and blessing to him. I am thankful for a spouse that is a great support and blessing to me, and who so often overlooks my stink. I desire the strength to be this kind of spouse.

Alma 11:46 "the people began again to be astonished, and also Zeezrom began to tremble"

As I read the account of Alma and Amulek preaching to the people of Ammonihah, I pondered the question, "What reached Zeezrom"?  He was a very learned and logical man.  He was very confident in his abilities to debate and persuade.  But at some point in his interaction with Amulek, the Spirit began to reach him.  What led to this?  It was not that he was impressed by Amulek, a man of 'no small reputation'.  It was not the fact that there are now two witnesses.  He did not seem overly impressed by Amulek's personal experiences with seeing an angel.  It did not seem to be Amulek's reminder that when people choose wickedness they are setting themselves up for destruction.  Even his initial personal accusation that Zeezrom is a child of hell did not seem to be what reached him.  What seemed to get to Zeezrom were the doctrines and testimony of Jesus Christ.  When Amulek taught these doctrines, the Holy Ghost carried them to Zeezrom's heart. And he finally let them in.  Then he began to tremble.  Then he began to acknowledge his guilt.  Then he desired the deliverance of the Savior.  I can apply this in at least two ways.  First, I can humble myself, exercise faith and constantly strive to remember Christ and my constant need for His deliverance.   Second, I can be more bold in my teaching and testifying of the Savior, as prompted by the Spirit.   It is when people are touched by the doctrine of Christ and finally acknowledge their dependence on Him for their eternal happiness that they humble themselves and repent.  We need a consciousness of our own guilt (see verse 1 of Ch 12).  Other things we learn about Zeezrom in the next chapter - he is convinced more and more of the power of God; he began to inquire diligently.  The nature, sincerity and purpose of his questions changed.  He began to have a mighty change of heart.  And this man who was so prideful and reliant upon his own wisdom at the beginning of the account was truly converted and delivered by the power of the atonement of Christ.  He went on to be a great missionary, bringing the blessings of the gospel to many.

Mosiah 21-22 "the Lord was slow to hear their cry"

These chapters contain great lessons about receiving spiritual guidance, and the relationship between adversity and spiritual growth.

In the beginning of Mosiah chapter 22, the people of King Limhi tried to deliver themselves from the Lamanites by relying on their own strength and wisdom, without repenting and without seeking the will and help of the Lord.

When this failed miserably (3 times), they finally humbled themselves and cried mightily unto the Lord. How long does it take me?

After crying unto the Lord, He was slow to hear their cries. I do not think this means He wanted to punish them or that He was getting back at them. I think it was for their own good, so that they could complete their repentance and truly change. If it is too easy, we tend to take things for granted and forget. Line upon line, He gives us what we need to grow and develop. And as we stay the course, He does deliver us and give us the spiritual guidance we need. When we begin to seek Him with all our hearts, He prospers us by degrees. I have experienced these principles as I have studied and applied the teachings of the Book of Mormon in my current study. I testify that they are true. I know the Lord delivers me from my sin and weakness as I excercise faith in Him.

As the people were ready, the Lord then sent help and inspiration by sending Ammon. Many times, needed spiritual guidance comes in the vehicle of another person.

The people entered into a covenant that they would serve God and keep His commandments. They desired to be baptized, but because of their new understanding and humility, they waited upon the Lord, until they could receive this by proper authority. The process these people went through required great faith and patience.

At the end of chapter 22, the people, together with the help of Ammon, put all of their study into how they could be delivered from the Lamanites. So chapter 22 comes full circle. At the beginning of the chapter, this was also their sole desire - how to be delivered from the Lamanites. But now, instead of relying solely upon their own strength, they put their faith and trust in the Lord, and with His guidance, they again put all their effort toward the goal at hand. Their understanding and motives were now different. They had grown tremendously through the exercise of faith, patience and humility. They were ready for deliverance and the adversity had blessed them greatly. And the Lord's method of delivering them was very different from their original plans.

Other principles from this account - in the beginning, they were murmuring because of their affliction. Only when they humbled themselves, stopped murmuring, and submitted to their afflictions, did they begin to receive the spiritual guidance they so desired. Murmuring impedes spiritual guidance and growth.

Also, even after their repentance, humility and growth, the Lord still did not simply give them the answer. They had to work hard and put forth effort into thinking up the best approach they could. Then they had to act in faith. The Lord clearly guided them in this process, but not without much effort from the people. The power of counseling is also evident. Limhi did not assume he had all the answers. He counseled with the people. In the end, the plan chosen was put forth by Gideon. Guidance can come from counseling together. This is a good principle for families.

Mosiah 19 'the men...left their wives and children and they fled'

As I continue to search the Book of Mormon for principles and doctrines that will help me be a better husband and father, Chapter 19 of Mosiah stands out to me.  This chapter tells the account of King Noah commanding the men to leave their wives and their children and flee from the Lamanite armies who are coming to destroy them.  There are three types of men in this account, with respect to how they value and regard their responsibilities to their wives and children.  The King and his priests flee their responsibilities, looking after only themselves, and leaving their families to fend for themselves when it comes to those trying to destroy them.  They never turn back.  The second group, for various reasons I'm sure, listened to King Noah when he told them to leave their families.  They also fled and looked after their own needs, but this group had a change of heart, and turned back, determined to rescue their families or perish trying to do so.  The third group had their hearts and priorities straight from the beginning.  They never let their fear or self interest dictate.  They stood strong to attempt to protect their families from evil.

As I read this chapter, I considered whether sometimes I am tempted to flee and leave my family to fend for themselves against the evils of our day.  I realized that when I let work, hobbies, laziness, ect. take priority over my responsibilities to stand with my family against the forces that would break us apart, I am fleeing like these first two groups.  When I spend time with my family, strengthen relationships, have fun, study and share the gospel, serve, etc., I am helping to protect them against the evil.  I want to become better so that I never flee.  But as I work toward this, I must strive to catch myself and turn back quickly when I realize I have fled.  Those who stayed, or turned back, were able to save their families and their relationships.  It took great cost to do this, one half of what they possessed.  It was obviously worth any cost to them.  If my family is my highest priority, it should also be worth any cost I need to pay to stand with them and help protect them from the evils they face.  The King and his priests who left and did not return to stand with their families in their time of need never did regain those relationships (see Ch 20:3).

Words of Mormon 1:8 "And my prayer to God is concerning my brethren"

The chapters from Jacob 7 through Mosiah 6 are packed with powerful messages.  One account that particularly touched me this time around comes from the first part of Words of Mormon.  I want to apply this to help me be a better husband and father.

Mormon, like Nephi, Jacob and the other great prophets, is filled with charity.  Mormon is currently watching the Lamanites destroy his people, the Nephites, off the face of the earth.  He is in the heat of the battle.  He has led his people in these battles.  This is not some theoretical thing for him.  This is not some distant memory that has had time to soften.  Right in the midst of watching the Lamanites brutally destroy his people, he loves his enemy.  He regards them as his brethren.  He prays and labors for them.  He instructs his son to do the same.  His only desire is for their eternal welfare.

As I become converted more fully unto Christ, I will also be more filled with this love.  This is what I need to better handle conflicts in my relationships, particularly within my own marriage and family.  When I feel 'attacked', too often I am prideful and concerned too much about my own feelings or welfare.  I turn inward instead of outward.  I can learn from Mormon that I need to turn outward and be concerned about my 'brethren'.  I know that through the enabling and strengthening power of the atonement of Jesus Christ that I can be more converted to Him and be more filled with this love which He bestows on all of His true followers (Mor 7:48).  I can call on His name and exercise faith through my actions.  I can work to be less concerned about my own injuries and more concerned about how to help others with their injuries.

2 Ne 33:3 "I pray continually for them by day, and mine eyes water my pillow by night, because of them"

As we become more converted to Christ, our thoughts and desires turn out toward those around us.  I think this is a good measure of my own conversion - my degree of desire for the welfare of those around me.  Nephi's tender account of his feelings toward his people in 2 Ne 33:3-4, touches me deeply and gives me greater desire to be more fully converted and to have these feelings toward those around me.  It inspires me to be a better husband and father.  At times I am impatient with how slowly I seem to be progressing.  But the words in 2 Ne 28:30 help me to be patient and to understand the need for gradual progress.  Nephi teaches that the Lord gives to us "line upon line" and that "unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have."

I think this verse holds a key to a very powerful and important principle regarding my ability to progress spiritually.  I receive spiritual guidance line upon line.  As I desire, accept, cherish and obey the guidance I receive, I will receive more guidance.  As I reject guidance, seek my own will and harden my heart, I lose the light that I've received.  It must be this way if I am to become converted to Christ.  If God just gave me all light and truth at once, without my exercise of faith, I could not grow.  I could not become.  I would be 'spoiled' and his great plan for me would be frustrated.

In the first few chapters of Jacob, we again see what it looks like to be a true disciple of Christ.  Jacob receives instructions from the Lord to deliver a very difficult message to his people.  This task gives Jacob much grief, but he doesn't shy away from it.  He loves his people enough to do all he can to help them desire to follow the Lord and to understand and apply the principles that lead to true happiness. I also must do all I can, and ensure I do not shrink from the sometimes difficult responsibilities associated with teaching my family.  And I need to be able to separate evaluation of my own desires and efforts from the outcomes.  It is easy to think I am doing enough when things are going well and my kids seem to be making good decisions.  And conversely, when my kids do not respond to my efforts, it is easy to think I am not doing enough.  I can be wrong in each case.  Like Jacob, when I sincerely seek to “obtain mine errand from the Lord”, and then follow the guidance received, I think I am doing what the Lord would have me do.  This is the criteria I can apply to evaluate my efforts.  I can do better.  I can continue to strive for consistency.  In family worship.  In my personal worship.  In one on one time.  But I also need to strive for these activities to be uplifting and meaningful.  Not just going through the motions.  Many times our family worship feels like we are going through the motions.  The other night though, we had a really nice discussion about the importance of Christ and repentance.  Our son started it by offering to share something he had highlighted from his personal scripture study.  Everyone then shared some of their thoughts, feelings and questions, and we had a really nice discussion.  I would like to have more family scripture sessions like that.

In contrast to Nephi and Jacob, the men mentioned in Jacob 2:35 highlight the other end of the spectrum.  Through their selfishness, these men broke the hearts of their tender wives and lost the confidence of their children.  These were declared to be greater sins than the Lamanites committed.  If I am to fulfill my responsibilities as a husband and father, I must not be like these people.  I must protect the hearts and confidence of my wife and children.  I want to be like Nephi and Jacob and pray for my people continually, and put forth all of my best efforts to magnify my responsibilities.  To do this, I need to continually be converted to Christ, line upon line.

Likening the words of Isaiah unto ourselves

One of the purposes Nephi gives for writing the words of Isaiah is so that we can liken them unto us (2 Ne 11:8).  I am not very good at doing this yet with Isaiah's words.  President Eyring gave a great talk on the Book of Mormon to religious educators in 1990. The talk was published in the February 2004 Ensign (https://www.lds.org/ensign/2004/02/the-book-of-mormon-will-change-your-life?lang=eng).  He teaches how the Book of Mormon will change our lives.  He gives many great insights in his talk - one of these concerns how we can liken the words of Isaiah to ourselves.  He gives a personal example using 2 Ne 12:11.

2 Ne 12:11 And it shall come to pass that the lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.

I won't repeat here what President Eyring said, but his talk gives neat insight into how he studies Isaiah.  I will try to follow his example and liken the words of Isaiah, and all the words of the prophets, unto myself.

2 Ne 9:42 - "And whoso knocketh, to him will he open"

I would like to become more receptive to receiving spiritual guidance in my life.  2 Nephi 9:42 contains an important principle.  To receive spiritual guidance, I must knock.  If I knock, it shall be opened unto me. If it is not being opened unto me, I must not be actually knocking.  I must be doing something else.  This verse gives a key to know know whether I am knocking or whether I am doing something else.  If I am puffed up, if it is about me, and my glory, I am not knocking.  I am doing something else.  If I am humble, and it is about Him, and His glory, then I am knocking.  And what is it that shall be opened?  That which brings the happiness prepared for the saints.

Knocking requires humility.  It's not about me.

1 Ne 18: 'the compass....did cease to work’

During their journey across the sea, Nephi's brothers began to make themselves merry and to speak with much rudeness.  They forgot The Lord.  Nephi attempted to correct them, which led to much contention and to Nephi being bound with cords.  After Nephi was bound, he notes that "the compass, which had been prepared of the Lord, did cease to work".  They had lost their ability to receive spiritual direction from the Lord.  I have noticed this holds true in my life.  When I have a spirit of contention in my heart, I lose the spirit.  When we have contention in our family, we drive away the Spirit.  When we invite contention, we diminish the opportunities for spiritual guidance in our lives.

In this example, Nephi again illustrates how to handle contention and difficult family relations.  Four principles impressed me in this account.  First, never give up on our loved ones.  When his brothers were forgetting the Lord, he tried to help them remember.  Their hearts were hard, so they responded in a prideful manner.  It appears to me that Laman and Lemuel are gradually getting harder in their hearts as the years go by.  But Nephi loved them enough to try.  He didn't give up on them.

Second, trust in the Lord's power and His love for His children.  Although Nephi did not give up on trying to help his brothers, in this case, he could not soften their hearts.  Only the Lord could help them.  Only the fear of destruction was enough to get them to 'see things as they really are'.  Sometimes family members, or loved ones, must endure the storm until they see that only the Lord can deliver them from destruction.  The Lord is sufficiently powerful to deliver us from destruction when we turn to Him.

Third, avoid contention and murmuring, even (or especially) if others are struggling with these things.  Nephi did not murmur because of his afflictions, but did praise the Lord.  What would have happened had he succumbed to the temptation to murmur?  He also would have lost the Spirit and would not likely have been able to take over and lead them safely to the promised land, once the opportunity arrived.  It is critical to be able to remain calm and not succumb to the temptations of the devil, when another family member is having a hard time.

Fourth, my wickedness impacts my loved ones.  Laman and Lemuel's wickedness brought their parents to their sickbed.  Even near to death.  Perhaps my wickedness does not have this dramatic of a physical effect, but my behavior always impacts my family.

I hope that I can apply these principles to better avoid contention and to deal with difficult family situations or interactions.  I believe proper application of these principles helps lead to the spiritual guidance and deliverance my family and I need to live happily and to reach our promised land.

Separating ourselves from the world

Something that Nephi said in 1 Nephi 6: 4-5 made an impression on me:

 4 For the fulness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved.

 5 Wherefore, the things which are pleasing unto the world I do not write, but the things which are pleasing unto God and unto those who are not of the world.

We can not fully come unto Christ if our hearts are on the things of the world.  If we are making a sincere effort to live our lives after the manner of our Savior, then the words of the Book of Mormon will fill our soul with joy and touch our hearts and draw us closer to him.  The message of the Book of Mormon will not be pleasing to those who follow the ways of men.  There are many political and social trends that are taking society away from the straight and narrow path, and many people are angered by the message of salvation and God's laws and commandments because they have their hearts set on the things of the world.  We need to make sure that we are doing the things that are pleasing unto God so that we can keep ourselves separated from the world.  I have found in my life that by studying the word of God on a daily basis keeps me on the straight and narrow path and helps me to overcome the "Natural Man" and the ways of the world.  The opportunity to study the Book of Mormon is a great blessing in my life.  I need the spiritual help that I receive from its pages.

1 Nephi 5: After this manner of language

Looking for specific principles as I read the Book of Mormon is a powerful way for me to 'search' the scriptures.  As I read the Book of Mormon this time, one of things I am focusing on is finding principles that will help me be a better husband and father.

1 Ne 5:1-9 highlights powerful principles related to handling stressful family situations and conflict in relationships.  In this example, Sariah was struggling.  She was missing her sons.  They were on a very dangerous mission, and she was worried about them.  She appears to have temporarily struggled, and complained against Lehi, due to her fears.  She focused on the negative, and even seemed to chastise Lehi a little bit for having visions, and following the instructions of the Lord.

Lehi's response is very instructive.  He did not appear to get defensive.  He did not appear to attack back.  He listened to Sariah's concerns.  He comforted her by testifying to her of the things he had seen and received.  He reminded her of the overall perspective needed.  That because of the visions, he knew of the goodness of a God.  That they would not perish at Jerusalem.  That the Lord would give them a land of promise.  That the Lord would deliver their children.  He was listening, patient, soothing, and prophetic.  He had the Spirit and he testified of these things.  It was 'after this manner of language' that Lehi comforted Sariah.  Thus, when the sons did return, she was able to see the hand of God in it, and her faith and testimony were strengthened.  Sariah then rejoiced in the Lord and 'after this manner of language' did she also speak.

In marriages and families, we sometimes face stressful situations.  Sometimes I struggle to be sufficiently strong.  Sometimes it is a family member that is struggling.  When I struggle, I appreciate a response like Lehi's.  When someone else struggles, I want to be able to respond like Lehi.  When someone complains or attacks, I can be patient.  I can understand that there is a valid source of fear and frustration.  I can listen, provide comfort and testimony, and help them see the vision and feel the Spirit. I can speak 'after this manner of language' that Lehi used, rather than the language of the natural man.   And as the trial is resolved, the Lord will confirm our testimonies and we will grow and be strengthened.

1 Nephi 8

I have noticed that the pattern that we see in 1 Nephi 8:5-11 often happens to us today.  Lehi sees a man dressed in white who asks Lehi to follow him.  Lehi does follow him for many hours in a dark and dreary waste.  He wasn't really in any danger, but he was in darkness.  Finally Lehi prays to the Lord that He would have mercy on him.  As soon as he prays to the Lord he beholds a large and spacious field and the tree of life.  I think that we can sometimes find ourselves on the right path, following blindly without really seeing the loving kindness that our Heavenly Father is willing to bless us with if we will just turn our lives over to him completely and look to Him for guidance.  I know that in my life I am blessed according to my diligence in searching for Him in my life.  Every time I sincerely look to Him, He blesses me and shows me the work that he has been doing in my life and helps me to focus on what is truly important in order to live happily here on earth and shows me how to find eternal happiness as well. 

Week 1: Introduction, Testimonies and Joseph Smith History

Boldness and Vision of Joseph Smith and Witnesses

The boldness and the vision of the early leaders of the church is incredible.  The three witnesses began their testimony with the statement, "Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come:...." I was impressed that these men had such vision that this work would indeed spread to all the world.  These brethren must have been thoroughly convinced that this work and their experiences were true.  If not, what a presumptuous and preposterous statement this would be!

Likewise, the statement by Joseph Smith regarding Moroni telling him that his "name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues..." is incredible. What are the odds that this could possibly be true?  How many people born in 1805 have their name even known throughout the entire world?  Much less, known for good and evil.  Joseph Smith and the witnesses of the Book of Mormon had vision of this work.  And they were bold in proclaiming that vision.  Unless they had something really special, I find it almost impossible that they could make these predictions come to pass in the way that they have unfolded.

My life has been so blessed by the teachings and spirit I have received from the Book of Mormon.  Studying this book has also given me increased vision of the purpose of life and the great plan that our Heavenly Father has for us to progress and be happy.  Studying this book has increased my desire and capacity to become converted to Jesus Christ.  I am excited to be studying together as a ward.

Insights from Joseph Smith's Testimony on Receiving Spiritual Guidance

I find so many great principles and insights into how I can better receive spiritual guidance in my life by reading the Testimony of The Prophet Joseph Smith.  I find it interesting what led to the visions and guidance that Joseph received.  Three principles stuck out to me - faith, diligence and obedience.  The first time Joseph was visited by Moroni, it was the result of "prayer and supplication".  The vision occurred during the act of "calling upon God".  Joseph was exercising faith by calling upon God.  The second time Joseph was visited by Moroni, he "lay musing on the singularity of the scene, and marveling greatly at what had been told to me...".  Joseph was exercising faith by pondering upon the message received, and he received more.  Similarly, this happened again that evening.

In addition to faith, I think diligence and obedience also played important roles in Joseph receiving spiritual guidance.  I am impressed that after being up all night in interviews with Moroni, Joseph still got up as usual to fulfill his family responsibilities and to help his father in the labors of the day.  When his father sent him into the house, he obeyed.  When Moroni told him to tell his father what happened, he obeyed.  He obeyed in going to the hill to find the plates.  He was diligent in going back to the hill each year to receive instruction and intelligence.

I have found that when I apply these principles in my life, I also receive greater spiritual guidance.  As I exercise faith I receive more guidance from the Spirit.  As I am diligent and obedient to the impressions received, I receive greater guidance.  I hope to be more consistent at applying these principles in my life and to better receive the guidance that God would like to give me.