3 Nephi 1
3 Nephi 1
This chapter has special meaning to me. Years ago I was in a play called "a day, a night and a day.". It was a musical about what things might have been like during this rime. It really brought the reality of the life-threatening opposition the Nephites faced, and their faith to not deny. The faith of Nephi and his experience hearing the actual voice of the Lord is amazing.
Most are not asked to die for our faith, but would we be willing to? If we could be spared simply by denying it, would we?
What are you willing to give up your faith?
What did you get out of this chapter?
TOMORROW: 3 Nephi 2
This chapter has special meaning to me. Years ago I was in a play called "a day, a night and a day.". It was a musical about what things might have been like during this rime. It really brought the reality of the life-threatening opposition the Nephites faced, and their faith to not deny. The faith of Nephi and his experience hearing the actual voice of the Lord is amazing.
Most are not asked to die for our faith, but would we be willing to? If we could be spared simply by denying it, would we?
What are you willing to give up your faith?
What did you get out of this chapter?
TOMORROW: 3 Nephi 2
A couple of things.....
ReplyDeleteWe have been told of signs of the second coming. There are many who seem so astonished when they come to pass! It's a blessing to have the peace in my heart, not to search for those signs, but not to be surprised when I see them.
The people were so good right after the sign of Christ's birth. But it didn't take long for them to start believing the lies of Satan. And he was working overtime! The bad just got worse and the good starting drifting.
Finally, the last verse.... the wickedness of the rising generation. It made me think of the "old folks" vs the "young folks." We, yes, I include myself, are considered old fuddy-duddies because we think the younger generation is accepting of so many things we don't agree with.
I know it was the same with my parents and grandparents when they looked at my generation. But in my opinion, the change in morals, beliefs, acceptance of sin and behaviors, from even 20 years ago, is astounding to me. And it doesn't happen overnight. It's taking the path that is just 1 degree off center and soon ending up in a place completely off kilter.
Someone told me once.... I am a good person. That should be good enough.
I don't believe it is anymore. I feel we need to be actively working... not just drifting along being "good." When we drift along... we get caught up in whatever current is pushing us without even realizing it. It's a row boat analogy. =)
I have always been touched by the faith of Nephi and the power of his prayer.
ReplyDeleteMore motivation for me to increase my faith and frequency of my personal prayers.
Giving up the very simple things (less sleep to rise early and study the scriptures) are often the most important. But do I do it, not as I want/should.
As a personal test, when I determined to exercise "mind over mattress", and was able to have my scripture study and personal devotions FIRST, my life
was so much better! So VERY difficult to maintain.
The improvements where not seen by the natural eye but felt strongly by the spirit, which lead to great physical blessings.
Sometimes I wish I could receive a sign or a direct answer to my prayers, or a visitation telling me I am on the right track. That is not always the Lord's plan. Our test is to believe in things that we have not seen and may not see in this life. Our test is to have faith and believe in the testifying power of the Holy Ghost. It is out duty to pray, ask in faith and know that the answers will come. Maybe not now, maybe not even until the next life.
ReplyDeleteI am so grateful for the scriptures to help me recognize the importance of faith and staying strong and true by following the commandments. Living the gospel is not always easy, but it makes me happy. It makes me a better mom, wife and friend. It has given me the knowledge of my divinity as a daughter of God. It is everything to me. I feel like at this point in my life, it is not a sacrifice because I know and understand that the eternal blessings far out way the things I am asked to do now.