Scripture Study Insights - week three

1 Nephi 16
When it’s time to work, don’t complain – just do what it takes to get the job done. We’re expected to provide for our families. The Liahona – which represents the scriptures, personal revelation, etc. – works according to our faith, diligence, and heed.

1 Nephi 17
The earth was made to be inhabited. The Lord takes care of our needs when we can’t. (See
Matthew 6:28-34) The list of miracles goes on and on if you’re looking. Develop faith to do whatever God commands – start with 10 commandments: Worship God, Honor parents, Love neighbors. I like 1 Nephi 17:3 better than 3:7 because he gives us an idea of “how” we can do anything the Lord commands – he nourishes, strengthens and provides the means.

1 Nephi 18
Pray often so the Lord can give you direction. When a job needs to be done, everyone helps, working “according to age”, yet remember that children need “nourishing.”

1 Nephi 19
“Persuade to remember” - When President Spencer W. Kimball was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, he said: “When you look in the dictionary for the most important word, do you know what it is? It could be ‘remember.’ Because all of you have made covenants—you know what to do and you know how to do it—our greatest need is to remember. That is why everyone goes to sacrament meeting every Sabbath day—to take the sacrament and listen to the priests pray that they ‘… may always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them’ ” (Circles of Exaltation [address delivered at seminary and institute summer school, Brigham Young University, 28 June 1968], 8).

1 Nephi 20
Invitation to “come unto me.” Share the gospel – use music. Can’t allow name to be polluted (family/discipline connotations). When you keep the commandments, your peace is as a river – constantly flowing.

1 Nephi 21-22

The righteous need not fear. Blessings come from being obedient. (See D&C 133:45.)

We had stake conference this weekend. Our leaders covered many of the same topics that Nephi did. They understand that obedience leads to righteousness which leads to happiness. We need to be aware of Satan's traps: discouragement, casualness in discipleship, worldliness, procrastination, rationalization, etc. We need to remember why we're here on earth and the promises that are ours if we keep the commandments. We've been given the standards, we just need to live them. I should do better at remembering this motto:

"Do it, do it right, do it right now!"

Comments

Cheryl said…
I was just thinking this morning how much I enjoy reading your blog. It's been the needed inspiration on more than one occasion already. I love the quote by Elder Maxwell. I'd never heard it before.
Just one more reason I'm so grateful Megan married into such a wonderful family!