This Week: "This is the Spirit of Revelation"

Here it is:

Reading assignment: Doctrine and Covenants 6; 8; 9; Joseph Smith—History 1:8–17.

• Why is personal revelation vitally important in our day?
  

• Read D&C 9:8 and Joseph Smith—History 1:8–10. 

• What can we do to study out a question in our own minds?
• Why should we study and ponder the scriptures when we seek revelation?

• Read D&C 25:10 and D&C 30:2. 

• Why is it important to focus on “the things of [God]” rather than “the things of the earth” as we seek revelation? 
• How can we free ourselves from the concerns and noise of the world as we seek revelation?
  

• Read Joseph Smith—History 1:8–17. 

• What do these verses teach about how to receive personal revelation?
  

Scripture Chain: Receiving Personal Revelation

D&C 5:24


D&C 63:23


D&C 9:8


D&C 88:63–64


D&C 25:10


D&C 138:1–11

12 minutes

How many 12 minutes blocks of time do we waste in a day?

• Surfing the internet?
  
• TV?
• Driving?
• Sitting around?
• Eating?
• ??

I have a huge time wasters confession.  Yes I am an internet junkie.  There, I said it.  But, for me, it's hugely attractive.  As a compulsive reader, I never saw a word I didn't want to read. Even things like fine print, and shampoo bottles.......at any rate.  The internet has been my time black hole.  And since our lives are made up of the minutes we spend, are we spending those minutes on the things that are most important to us?  For me, I wasn't. 

The irony is that we can spend huge amounts of time on junk.  Things of no lasting value.  And yet, sometimes the things that can help us most, take very little time.  That's what the 12 minutes is all about.  When I did the reading for this week, it only took me 12 minutes.  In that short span of time I saw all kinds of insights. 

Since we moved to Utah, I was asked to help teach the 16 year olds in Sunday School, with the lovely Roxanne. :)  Suddenly it's necessary to read ahead of time.  And while reading there are so many things I want to share with my class.  But, first they have to be reading it too. 

That's how the idea came that we can do our reading together, and share thoughts.  The great thing about the Sunday school program is that it's correlated.  Our friends and family that aren't in our ward can do this along with us.  It could kind of feel like we're going to sunday school together :)

Finishing the job

Mosiah 13

Abinadi is protected by divine power—He teaches the Ten Commandments—Salvation does not come by the law of Moses alone—God himself shall make an atonement and redeem his people. About 148 B.C.

^"aTouch me not, for God shall smite you if ye lay your hands upon me, for I have not delivered the message which the Lord sent me to deliver; neither have I told you that which ye ^brequested that I should tell; therefore, God will not suffer that I shall be destroyed at this time."

Anytime I don't feel like going to a meeting or doing my visiting teaching, I need to remember this scripture. If that makes sense. Abinadi was tenacious. Not willing to quit.

He goes on to teach the 10 commandments and explain the meaning behind the law of Moses. That all prophets have spoken of the Messiah.

Share with Friends or King Noah?

Mosiah 12

Abinadi is imprisoned for prophesying the destruction of the people and the death of King Noah—The false priests quote the scriptures and pretend to keep the law of Moses—Abinadi begins to teach them the Ten Commandments. About 148 B.C.

More with Adinadi and his teachings. Here he's gone among the people in disguise to call them to repentance. He also talks about King Noah and how he will be "valued even as a garment in a hot ^bfurnace" A type of the burning at the second coming? Anyhow, the people didn't like being told they were living wickedly, and they took Abinadi before the King.

We read "they began to question him, that they might cross him, that thereby they might have wherewith to ^aaccuse him; but he answered them boldly, and withstood all their questions, yea, to their astonishment; for he did ^bwithstand them in all their questions, and did confound them in all their words."

I'm not sure how Abinadi had that kind of courage. It makes me think about the little things I have to do that require faith. Those things that I fight against. And they are so easy in comparison. Can you imagine standing in front of those men and being on the spot? Knowing more than just your pride was at stake? Knowing you were going to die for the truths you were speaking? This scripture gives me courage to share the gospel with friends who ask me questions. It's not such a hard thing to do.

Chapter a day...or a week?

Not to joke, but I need to step it up. I'm a bit of a slacker lately. My mornings have been usually busy and with the time change, it's rough getting up 30 minutes early. Anyhow, here's to improvement of some sort. Priorities and all.

The truth hurts

Mosiah 11

King Noah rules in wickedness—He revels in riotous living with his wives and concubines—Abinadi prophesies that the people will be taken into bondage—His life is sought by King Noah. Between 160 and 150 B.C.

OK, so I am feeling stupid. I was always thinking King Noah was a Lamanite king, but he wasn't. What?! I'm so surprised. What is also interesting, is that his father King Zeniff, who we know to be a righteous man, turned the kingdom over to his son. Maybe King Noah gradually became more wicked. But, at any rate, I just learned something new.

So, the story of King Noah's many wicked political practices reminds us why we need to pick good leaders. Wow, he went in and removed all his father's priest and appointed a bunch of bad guys. They were all living a life of sin. Reminded me of Las Vegas. Like anything goes. All their people were flattered by their words and followed into this wicked lifestyle.

Along comes Abinadi, who essentially tells the people to stop what they're doing or the Lord "will deliver them into the hands of their enemies" Be that the Lamanites or Satan. Also I like this verse: "Yea, and it shall come to pass that when they shall cry unto me I will be slow to hear their cries; yea, and I will suffer them that they be smitten by their enemies."

"Book of Mormon Made Easier" pt. 2 by David J. Ridges gives a good explanation of how people react when told to repent.

1-Get angry
2-Discredit messenger
3-Get rid of messenger
4-Avoid facing need for repentance "blind eyes and hardened hearts"

Why war?

Mosiah 10

King Laman dies—His people are wild and ferocious and believe in false traditions—Zeniff and his people prevail against them. About 178—160 B.C.

I read this on Thursday, but I didn't have time to post about it. The chapters about war in the Book of Mormon always kind of disappoint me. But, like the Isaiah chapters, I think they just require a little more thought. In this chapter the Lamanites are a very bloodthirsty people. They want to blame all their problems on the Nephites and they hold hatred in their hearts. They pass this onto their children. This reminds me of two things. First, I thought of all the wars in the world now, where brothers are fighting brothers. The Isrealites and Palestinians. In the Congo and Sudan and Rwanda. Most wars really. People are killing and being killed for emotional reasons. And not always ones of merit. So, it made me wonder how this applies to us today and the wars in our world. I think when a people are so far down a road of hatred, war is all that's left. I hope our country can always rise above that with all the virtues we stand for.

Second, I thought of my family. Actually, my kids. How they fight with one another. And blame one another. And becoming "bloodthirsty". "She hit me with the Barbie!" My job is to try not to get emotionally involved in their battles and help them find a peaceful resolution. I don't know if this chapter applies to me in that way, but that was just a thought I had.

Thinking about Records

Mosiah 8
Ammon teaches the people of Limhi—He learns of the twenty-four Jaredite plates—Ancient records can be translated by seers—The gift of seership exceeds all others. About 121 B.C.


I had to read this chapter twice. The first time, I was sort of lost amongst all the historical details. Then I reread it with Travis and I had a little more clarity. It's interesting that the theme of this chapter is records. Travis said that the ruins talked about in this chapter were from the Jaredites. Which struck me as interesting. Of course I know about the Jaredites and their glowing rocks and how they came across the sea after the tower of Babel. But, I never really thought about them. About how they had records. And on these records they had scripture. How many other people in the Americas or other places were scattered like the Jaredites and the Nephites? What other records are out there waiting to be revealed? That's not a new thought for me, but for some reason it struck me this morning.

Now, something new I learned was that to be a seer is the greatest gift a man can have. Second only to have the power of God. I never knew that. The Jaredites records needed to be translated, to be understood, and that could only be done by a seer.

"But a seer can know of things which are past, and also of things which are to come, and by them shall all things be revealed, or, rather, shall secret things be made manifest, and hidden things shall come to light, and things which are not known shall be made known by them, and also things shall be made known by them which otherwise could not be known."

I think when we're living right, we want to record our lives. Once we die, we're gone from this earth, time's up. I don't know anything about my great grandparents, because I never met them and no records were left. Even though we live on after this life, I would like to leave some kind of footprint here. Not just live my life and then disappear to my posterity. Keeping records makes my life somewhat permanent and more real. Touchable and readable, forever.

Hope and light

Mosiah 7
Ammon finds the land of Lehi-Nephi where Limhi is king—Limhi’s people are in bondage to the Lamanites—Limhi recounts their history—A prophet (Abinadi) had testified that Christ is the God and Father of all things—Those who sow filthiness reap the whirlwind, and those who put their trust in the Lord shall be delivered. About 121 B.C.

"33 But if ye will ^aturn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all ^bdiligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage."

This scripture from Matthew applies too:

"22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine ^aeye be ^bsingle, thy whole body shall be full of ^clight." Matt. 6:22

He did Till the Earth

Mosiah 6
King Benjamin records the names of the people and appoints priests to teach them—Mosiah reigns as a righteous king. About 124—121 B.C.

This scripture was significant to me this morning. I love Mosiah's example of leadership:


7 And king Mosiah did cause his people that they should till the earth. And he also, himself, did till the earth, that thereby he might ^anot become burdensome to his people, that he might do according to that which his father had done in all things. And there was no contention among all his people for the space of three years.

Steadfast and Immovable

Mosiah 5
The saints become the sons and daughters of Christ through faith—They are then called by the name of Christ—King Benjamin exhorts them to be steadfast and immovable in good works. About 124 B.C.

King Benjamin sends out messengers to find out what his people thought about his talk. They all agree that it caused them to have a "mighty change of heart" that they desired to "do good continually". I think that's because they experienced feelings of charity, the pure love of Christ. When I'm having a rough time with someone, I try to imagine what they looked like as a little child, then I think of the love Christ has for all of us and I project that on to the person. Usually, that seems to eliminate all my bad feelings. I think we're all like little children in God's eyes. We're just learning to walk, stumbling, but trying. Anyway, that's how I try to use charity in my life.

Then in the last verse he talks about being steadfast and immovable. That impressed me. I admire people who are like that. Maybe that's one of the hardest principals to live, to be consistently good.

Aren't we all beggars?

Mosiah 4
King Benjamin continues his address—Salvation comes because of the atonement—Believe in God to be saved—Retain a remission of your sins through faithfulness—Impart of your substance to the poor—Do all things in wisdom and order. About 124 B.C.


More of King Benjamins talk. I wish I could've been there in person. Two things stood out to me. The first was in regards to caring for the poor. And how we're all beggars before God. That's beautiful. Here's a portion:

"16 And also, ye yourselves will ^asuccor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the ^bbeggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.

17 Perhaps thou shalt ^asay: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just—

18 But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God.

19 For behold, are we not all ^abeggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?

20 And behold, even at this time, ye have been calling on his name, and begging for a ^aremission of your sins. And has he suffered that ye have begged in vain? Nay; he has poured out his ^bSpirit upon you, and has caused that your hearts should be filled with ^cjoy, and has caused that your mouths should be stopped that ye could not find utterance, so exceedingly great was your joy."

King Benjamin talks later about how all things should be done in order.

"27 And see that all these things are done in wisdom and ^aorder; for it is not requisite that a man should run ^bfaster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order."

The Atonement

Mosiah 3

King Benjamin continues his address—The Lord Omnipotent shall minister among men in a tabernacle of clay—Blood shall come from every pore as he atones for the sins of the world—His is the only name whereby salvation comes—Men can put off the natural man and become saints through the atonement—The torment of the wicked shall be as a lake of fire and brimstone. About 124 B.C.

I love this chapter. Especially when King Benjamin is teaching about the atonement. It offers hope to the hopeless. I believe in the atonement, but sometimes have a hard time understanding that it was for me. I need to work on that, and have more faith. More trust. I'm limiting the Lord with my little mind, and I have to take that step into just believing. This is from verse 19:

^gputteth off the ^hnatural man and becometh a ⁱsaint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a ^jchild, ^ksubmissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him

Press Conference--Pres.Monson addresses Press

New Prophet & First Presidency

If you're LDS, then you probably already know about this news. But, the first presidency of the church has been reorganized. I'm so happy about our new prophet, Pres. Monson. I've always loved listening to his stories during conference. He's had so many experiences in the church, serving diverse people all over the world. His life exemplifies charity. Pres. Eyring and Pres. Uchtdorf, his counselors, are also amazing men. Change is exciting, but I'm glad the same message will continue to be spread. That these men serve as witnesses of Jesus Christ. And it's their job to be beacons to the world, inviting people to live the gospel.

Remember, remember

Mosiah 2
King Benjamin addresses his people—He recounts the equity, fairness, and spirituality of his reign—He counsels them to serve their heavenly King—Those who rebel against God shall suffer anguish like unquenchable fire. About 124 B.C.

Like Pres. Benson taught, remember is the most important word. Remember the commandments. Remember our mistakes, so we don't repeat them. Remember our covenants. I love this last verse:

"41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and ^ahappy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are ^bblessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out ^cfaithful to the end they are received into ^dheaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it."

Book of Mormon's Editor

Words of Mormon 1
Mormon abridges their history onto the plates of Mormon—He inserts the plates of Nephi into the abridgement—King Benjamin establishes peace in the land. About A.D. 385

This is an explanation from the LDS.org site:

"Mormon was the main editor and writer of what is known as the Book of Mormon. Having been commanded of the Lord, Mormon abridged, or summarized, a portion of the Nephite records. His abridgment does not contain even a "hundredth part" of his people's history, but it does contain important teachings about Jesus Christ and His gospel. Besides this abridgment—which forms the main part of the Book of Mormon—Mormon and later his son, Moroni, were inspired to include other writings. The resulting book of scripture stands alongside the Bible as another testament of Jesus Christ."

He says he read all the plates of Nephi and that there's so much content he's only using the "choice" parts. Especially the prophecies of Christ's coming. That's when I had a little a-ha moment. Thinking about those Nephites before Christ came. They must've had so much faith to believe the prophesies about a Messiah. We wait for the second coming, and that requires faith, but that's not so hard when we know Christ has already lived on the earth. Imagine the Nephites, they've only heard prophesies that one day he would arrive.

Now I'm thinking of how these scriptures apply to us. I'm having a moment where I feel the realness. That physical and spiritual things are all wrapped up together. That right now while I write these words Heavenly Father and Christ are alive. Wow.

How to come unto the Lord

Omni 1
Omni, Amaron, Chemish, Abinadom, and Amaleki, each in turn, keep the records—Mosiah discovers the people of Zarahemla who came from Jerusalem in the days of Zedekiah—He is made king over them—The Mulekites had discovered Coriantumr, the last of the Jaredites—King Benjamin succeeds Mosiah—Men should offer their souls as an offering to Christ. Between 361 and 130 B.C.

This chapter is jam packed with history. From Zarahemla to Coriantumr to King Benjamin. Wow, too much history to cover in this post. But, I'm going to do some reading on Sunday, about all this history. Fascinating, lots to sink into.

On a personal note, I love this scripture: "Yea, come unto him, and ^boffer your whole souls as an ^coffering unto him, and continue in ^dfasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved." I've always wondered how to "come to" the Lord. This scripture answers that question.

Small Packages

Jarom 1
The Nephites keep the law of Moses, look forward to the coming of Christ, and prosper in the land—Many prophets labor to keep them in the way of truth. Between 420 and 361 B.C.

Jarom tells us the plates he had were small. So, he had to write only the most important things. One chapter. Big things come in small packages. There's no more important message for a prophet to give, than to testify of the Messiah. All things pointing to Him. I like how he adds that their kings and leaders are righteous men. They were able to protect their people, because they relied on guidance from the Lord.

An interesting sidenote, is the space dedicated to seemingly secular things. Such as their wealth, details about their weapons, buildings, etc. Are these mentioned as proofs to support the Book or Mormon from an anthropological point of view? Or maybe just to show that they were instructed in a very specific way by the Lord, and these items are witnesses of that? I'm not sure. But very cool either way.

Even good guys mess up

Enos 1
Enos prays mightily and gains a remission of his sins—The voice of the Lord comes into his mind promising salvation for the Lamanites in a future day—Nephites sought to reclaim the Lamanites in their day—Enos rejoices in his Redeemer. Between 544 and 420 B.C.

2 And I will tell you of the ^awrestle which I had before God, before I received a ^bremission of my sins.

3 Behold, I went to hunt beasts in the forests; and the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the ^ajoy of the saints, ^bsunk deep into my heart.

4 And my soul ^ahungered; and I ^bkneeled down before my Maker, and I ^ccried unto him in mighty ^dprayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens.

5 And there came a ^avoice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are ^bforgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.

6 And I, Enos, knew that God ^acould not lie; wherefore, my guilt was swept away.

7 And I said: Lord, how is it done?

8 And he said unto me: ^aBecause of thy ^bfaith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen. And many years pass away before he shall manifest himself in the flesh; wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee ^cwhole