Well, I tried to document my reading earlier this week for the weekend, but had some technical difficulties with my laptop. Therefore, I'm thinking maybe I just need to log day-to-day and post weekly. We'll see...:
Saturday, January 4, 2014 - 1 Nephi 3:9-31
We learn from these verses how valiant Nephi was in his obedience to his father and the Lord. His brothers were quick to give up after Laban kicked Laman out of his house and again when the sons of Lehi had taken their riches to trade for the brass plates, but Nephi was determined to accomplish the things which their father had commanded them.
I think it is also evident had hard-headed Laman and Lemuel were to have an angel of the Lord visit them and they still doubted the Lord's power. I've never been visited by an angel but I would hope that I'd be a little wiser to see and understand such miracles and blessings.
Sunday, January 5, 2014 - 4:1-19
It is better that one man should perish that that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief.
It's amazing how doing something bad is sometimes for the good of man. Here Nephi was being obedient and following the spirit to go and obtain the brass plates when in the process, the Lord commands him to kill Laban. Had I been in Nephi's shoes, I would've been hesitant and probably too afraid to do so, but Nephi overcame that fear and did as he was told.
Nephi continues to show us how courageous and obedient he is. He is without a doubt a man full of determination and faith to accomplish the task that he and his brothers were sent back to Jerusalem for by their father.
Monday, January 6, 2013 - 1 Nephi 4:20-5:6
After slaying Laban and putting on his clothes, Nephi proceeds to Laban's treasury to obtain the brass plates. I love the fact that through all the intense activities, he doesn't lose sight of the reason why he's there. He continues to work toward their goal/assignment. Nephi obtains the brass plate from Laban's servant, Zoram, and then tells him to go with him to meet his brothers.
Once Nephi and Zoram are outside the city gates, we read about the fear in Nephi's brothers first and then in Zoram. It's obvious that both parties lacked faith and were fooled by the clothes Nephi wore. I can only imagine the look on their faces when Nephi revealed himself to them. Despite his fear, we must give credit to Zoram for having a quick change of heart and trading in fear for faith in the end as he agrees to accompany Lehi's sons back to the wilderness with them. These were complete strangers but because of his humble heart and faith in God, he made the right decision to travel down with Nephi and his brothers.
Lastly, it is important to note the lack of faith in Lehi's wife, Sariah. She definitely didn't put her trust in the Lord as she complained to Lehi about him dragging them all down to the woods and away from their comfortable home in Jerusalem. I am glad that Lehi stood firm in his faith and acknowledged the fact that if he weren't, they would've perished in Jerusalem with the rest of their people.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014 - 1 Nephi 5:7-6:6
Faith is believing without seeing. Sariah didn't rejoice until her sons returned back to the wilderness. How many of us are like this though? We don't receive a testimony of things until the trial of our faith. Although Sariah doubted Lehi and the Lord, she was blessed with an opportunity to see firsthand the tender mercies of the Lord. She witnessed the miracle even though she doubted. We're not always that fortunate, but when this happens to us, we ought to give thanks and be grateful!
And it came to pass that they did rejoice exceedingly and did offer sacrifice and burnt offerings unto the Lord; and they gave thanks unto the God of Israel. (1 Nephi 5:9)
I love this verse because it's such a great example to each of us. How many of us remember to stop and give thanks unto the Lord for the blessings He showers upon us? After giving thanks to the Lord, Lehi begins to read the brass plates and learns of his heritage. As Nephi states in chapter 6, the full record is kept in his father's notes. These are Nephi's words and we need to remember that we're not given a full account. He's only telling us the little information we need to start our journey. The rest is up to us.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014 - 1 Nephi 7:1-15
Heavenly Father loves us and His plan is perfect. The power of creation is such a sacred and privileged blessing. HF knew that Lehi's journey wouldn't be a quick one. When the Lord commanded Lehi and his family to return Jerusalem to bring Ishmael's family, he knew that in order to complete the mission, Lehi's sons would need to procreate. This is why the daughters of Ishmael were so vital in His plan.
The murmurings and rebellion didn't stop and we can assume that as long as Laman and Lemuel continue to taunt and torture Nephi, the work will move slowly. We can liken this to our days. We have our wards and our bishop's (Lehi's). We can either choose to answer like Nephi and not question the teachings or directions our Bishop's give or we can be like Laman and Lemuel and cause the road blocks preventing our wards from growing and being the strong powerhouses they ought to be in our communities. I pray that as I continue through this journey on earth, I will strive to be more like Nephi and Sam, rather than Laman and Lemuel. :)
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