LOOK! 1 Nephi 14:18

1 Nephi 14:18—LOOK!

What

the angel spoke to Nephi saying Look!

Look is capitalized and has an exclamation point!

Why

Look! Means more than just seeing something. It means to see it and think about it and understand it.

It means to wake up and take notice or learn and observe thoguhtfully what the Lord has to show and teach Nephi and us.

It means to behold it.

Pattern

• Gen 9:1

And the bow shall be in the cloud and I will look upon it,that I may remember the everlasting covenant.

• Gen. 19:17 (to Lot) look not behind thee. v. 26 but his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.
• Numbers 21:8 (Moses lifts up a serpent of brass to save those who look theron.)
• Mosiah 18:1 but that they shall look forward to that day for a remission of their sins.
• Alma 5:3 Do you look forward with an eye of faith...
• Alma 37:3 if they would look they might live, even so it is with us, the way is prepared and if we look we may live.
• D&C 6:36 Look unto me in every thought, doubt not, fear not...Behold the wounds... be faithful, keep my commandments and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven.
• Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many, and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Conference

• 10/15 Durrant

My Heart Pondereth

(ponderizing a scripture each week can help us look unto Christ in every thought)

• 4/15 Causse

Is it Still Wonderful to You?

We look but we don't see, we hear but we don't really listen. Jesus said “blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see.

1-Never tire of rediscovering the truth.

2-anchor your faith in the plain and simple truths of the gospel ...see and cherish the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Most wonders of the gospel cannot be perceived by our natural senses.

Apply

Hold to the rod, help others on their way, have faith, keep daily spiritusl goals of first priority.

Pray deeper and more, study prayerfully and daily, review hymns daily, keep an eye single to the Glory of God. HEAVEN WILL HAPPEN

Seek me in every thought, doubt not, fear not, D&C 6:36

Hymns

89 The Lord Is My Light

158 Before Thee, Lord.

Psalms 119:103-105

...Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path...

1 Nephi 1:20 We Are Not Ashamed to Own Our Lord

1 Nephi 1:20 ---We Are Not Ashamed to Own Our Lord

What

• The Jews were angry with Lehi
• as they were of the prophets of old whom they had slain, cast out and stoned
• They plotted to kill Lehi
• The Lord shows tender mercies to the faithful even unto the power of deliverance.

Why

The Lord will cause that His work go forth . He blesses the faithful.

Pattern

• Persecution of prophets-cast out
• Jer. 13:11 but they would not hear.
• Hel 13:22-39 (25)
• Joseph Smith and early Saints
• Elijah 1 Kings 19:10 Even only I am left and they seek my life to take it away.
• Elias Rom 1:3 I am left alone and they seek my life.
• Zechariah 2 Ch 24 They conspired against him and stoned him.
• Isa 30:10 this is a rebellious people
• Matt. 5 Christ to his apostles Rejoice...for so persecuted the prophets before you.
• Acts 7:52 Which of the prophets have not your father's persecuted?
• Heb. 11:37 Others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings...bonds, imprisonment, stoned, slain.
• Jaredites- Murdered all the prophets of the Lord who came to them. Alma 37:30 and Ether 8:25

Christ

1 Ths. 2:15 Killed the Lord Jesus and their own prophets.

Pattern

Tender Mercies

Gen 32 Jacob prayed for tender mercies.

Alma 34:38 Take upon you the name of Christ and humble yourselves...live in thanksgiving daily,for the many mercies which he doth bestow upon you.

D&C 46:15...as the Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men.

Because of their faith

To make them mighty even unto deliverance

Faith brings tender mercies the greatest being deliverance (salvation)

Israelites..Ex 3:8 I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians

the scriptures and our lives are packed with stories of the faithful who have been blessed. These blessings are “tender mercies” these stories of true experiences can fill volumes of writings.

Christ

He was persecuted and killed and died for us. He is the deliverer. We pray in His name. He delivers us from our trials and specifically he delivers us from our own sins so that we can receive exaltation to live with Him forever.

Apply

If we are faithful then we will be blessed. If we are persecuted for our faith then we can know we are following Christ's path. Tender Mercies are given to me daily and to all the faithful because of their faith.

Be faithful

Eliza R Snow said “I will go forward, I will smile at the rage of the tempest and I will ride fearlessly and triumphantly across the boisterous ocean of circumstance...and the testimony of Jesus will light up a lamp that will guide my vision through the portals of immortality.

What can I do to be more faithful? Study all scriptures and manuals and good books. Serve ==Have more charity and love in my heart. Fast and pray.

Conference

4/15 Robert D. Hales

Preserving Agency

the first is freedom to believe. No one should be criticized, persecuted, or attacked by individuals, or governments either, for what he or she believes about god. It is very personal and very important. An early declaration of our beliefs regarding religious liberty states.

“No government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and ehld inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience.

…

The civil magistrate should restrain crime, but never control conscience or suppress the freedom of the soul.

Hymns

105 Master, the Tempest Is Raging

30 Come, Come Ye Saints

57 WE are Not Ashamed To Own Our Lord 

Mark 8:34-38

1 Nephi 1:19--Do What Is Right

1 Nephi 1:19 ---Do What Is Right

What

Lehi was mocked by the Jews because he told them they were wicked and testified of their coming destruction of the coming of the Savior, a Messiah and the redemption of the world.

Why

People don't like to be chastised especially if they need it. They were proud and deliberately wicked.

Pattern

• Mock-2 Chr36:16 They mocked the messengers of God...and misused them
• 1 Ne. 7:14 They cast Jeremiah in prison and sought to kill Lehi.
• Coming of Messiah- Isa 40:3 Prepare ye the way of the Lord.
• Redeemer shall come to Zion and unto them that turneth from transgression.
• They had slain the Messiah. He should rise from the dead 1 Ne 10:11

Lehi is a “type” of Christ. He preached repentance and the Jews soght his life. He had to flee his home in Jerusalem just as Christ did with his parents when he was young and they were warned to flee to Egypt.

Christ

Jesus was persecuted and killed as were many prophets in Jerusalem.

Apply

In our lives we may face persecutions as members of the LDS Church or other religions. As missionaries or as Christians. There is a lot of public opinion against our beliefs. Satan opposes righteousness in every way he can.

Lehi did not back down on his prophecies and principals. He did have to sacrifice his beautiful home and all his earthly possessions except some camels and camping gear andleave with his family.

How brave are we? How dedicated are we?

Doing what is right is not always easy but it is vital in our eternal destination.

Conference 10/14

Which Way Do You Face?

Never cower at the feet of intimidation...help us always remembe which is the first and great commandment . Matt. 22:38

Hymns

237 Do What Is Right

239 Choose The Right

1 Nephi 1 18--We Thank Thee O God For A Prophet

1 Nephi 1:18- --We thank Thee, O God For A Prophet

What

After Lehi had received so many marvelous things in the visions concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, he went forth prophesying.

Why

Lehi was commanded to prophesy and warn the people so they might repent.

Pattern

Many prophets have been called to prophesy .

• 2 Kings 17:13 The Lord testified against Israel and against Judah, by all the prophets....
• Neh 9:30
• Isa 58:1 Lift up thy voice like a trumpet and shew my people their transgressions.
• Jer. 5:14 I will make my words in thy mouth fire.
• Ezek. 33:9 Warn the wicked of his way to turn from it.
• Amos 3:7 He revealeth his secrets unto his servants, the prophets.
• Jonah 1:2 (3:1-4) Go to Ninivah and cry against it.
• 2 Ne 9:48 Expedient that I teach you the consequences of sin.

Christ

Prophets speak for Christ

• Jesus was the ultimate prophet. John 6:14
• Nephi prophecied of Christ's coming 2Ne. 2:25

Apply

We have prophets today who prophecy of Christ coming in the Latter Days. We should embrace their teaching and prepare for the second coming.

D&C 58:6-7

March 2014 Ensign “the mustard seed is to grow and spread for the purpose of preparing the world for the second coming of Jesus Christ. 10^Th, 11^th, 12^th articles of faith teach us about preparing the world for the second coming.

Just as Jerusalem was about to be destroyed because of wickedness so also are individuals destroyed by wickedness. Prophets have always taught us that and that wickedness never was nor will be happiness.

Conference

10/13 Elder A. Ochoa

Look UP

Today is the time to look to the source of truth and ensure that our testimonies are strong.

Hymns

We Thank Thee O God For A Prophet

1 Nephi 1:17---Keeping Journals and Family HIstory

1 Nephi 1:17----Keeping Journals and Family History

What

Nephi will make an abridgment of the record of his father, Lehi upon plates that he (Nephi) made. He then will make an account of his own life.

Why

Lehi had written many things on plates. Nephi made a condensed version of his father's records so they would be preserved with is records on metal plates. This was for a wise purpose because when Joseph Smith began his translation of the Book of Lehi and had 116 pages done, then they were lost (taken stolen and altered) Nephi's record was the back up record because the Lord knew what would happen and inspired or commanded Nephi to abridge his father's record.

Pattern

Recording on metal plates was done for histories. The plates of Brass (or plates of Laban).

Nephi kept two books.

The Lord commanded many to keep records.

Moses wrote on tables of stone.

Samuel wrote in a book 1 Samuel 10:25

Uzziah wrote 2 Chr. 26.22

Ezekiel 37:16

John 21:21

Paul

Christ

Jesus testified of His Father (Lehi of his father)

3 Ne. 27:26 All things are written by the Father; therefore out of the books which shall be written shall the world be judged. Joseph Smith was commanded to write while in the spirit.

D.& C. 76:80

Apply

We should record our spiritual experiences and major happenings and tender mercies in our lives by keeping journals and keep a record of our ancestors.

Conference

10/14 Allan F. Packer.

The Book

Family history includes the present as we create our own history It includes the future history through our descendants. (temple work)

Hymns

211 O Holy Words of Truth and Love

279 Thy Holy Word

1 Nephi 1:16 the Book of Mormon Comprised of many parts

The Book of Mormon Comprised of many parts

1 Nephi 1 v 16

What

Nephi tells that he will not make a full account of all his father wrote. Lehi wrote many things of his visions and dreams and prophecies. And he also spake unto his children many speeches.

Why

Lehi had already written these things. Writing on metal plates was not easy and took a lot of time to make the plates and then to engrave them. It would be wasting them to duplicate the information.

Pattern

The Book of Mormon comprises of 15 main parts

1-The first 6 books ending with Omni

1 Nephi

2 Nephi

Jacob

Enos

Jarom

Omni

These are a translation of the small plates of Nephi

The Plates of Mormon

Connects the Words of Mormon, small plates with Mormon's abridgment of the large plates.

Translation of Mormon's abridgment of the Large Plates of Nephi

Mosiah-Mormon-the longest portion

Alma

Helaman

3^rd Nephi

4^th Nephi

Mormon-from chapter 8 engraved by Moroni

Plates of Ether of the Jaredite record- Abridgment of Ether engraved and abridged by Moroni.

Plates of Brass.

Parts added by Moroni

Moroni

Plates of Brass

Brought by the people of Lehi, Contains the 5 books of Moses. Many quotations from this book throughout the Book of Mormon.

Christ

Purpose of Book of Mormon is to testify of Christ. We do not have a full account of all Jesus did.

Apply

Try to understand the importance of the Book of Mormon and the huge sacrifices and dedication by a great many people all directed by the Lord so that WE could have the gospel now and here in these latter days!

Conference

10/11 Callister “The Book of Mormon-A book from God.

An indispensable witness of Christ and His divinity

Hymns

13 An Angel from On High

247 the Iron Rod

Rejoice-1 Nephi 1:15 -

Rejoice

1 Nephi 1 :15

What

Lehi praised God, he rejoiced. His whole heart was filed because of the visions from God..

Why

The visions brought him so much joy because he could see the Lord's plan and knew he was blessed.

Pattern

D&;C 10:39 Rejoicing and lifting thy heart with gladness.

Isa. 25:9 We will rejoice in his salvation.

1 Peter 4:13 Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings.

Christ
Luke 1:14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

 2 Nephi 25:26 And we ^atalk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we ^bprophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our ^cchildren may know to what source they may look for a ^dremission of their sins.

Conference 10/14 Pres. Uchtdorf- Living the Gospel Joyful-

Discipleship lifts our spirits and lightens our hearts...it inspires us and fills our souls with faith, hope and charity. It fills our spirits with light in time of darkness and serenity during times of sorrow. It gives us divine power and lasting joy.

Apply- Gratitude for our blessings brings joy.  Christ's atonement gives us reason to rejoice despite the trials.  Too often we forget to look at things from an eternal perspective. 

Hymns

66 Rejoice, The Lord Is King

275 Men Are That They Might Have Joy.   

Great and Marvelous Works 1 Ne. 1:14

Great and Marvelous Works
1 Ne. 1:14

And it came to pass that when my father had read and seen many great and marvelous things, he did exclaim many things unto the Lord; such as; Great and marvelous are thy works, O Lord God Almighty! Thy throne is high in the heavens, and they power and goodness, and mercy are over all the inhabitants of the earth, and, because thou art merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who com unto thee that they shall perish!

What

After Lehi's vision , he exclaimed many things. Praising God's marvelous works, His throne, power and goodness and mercy.

Why

Lehi was full of praise for the Lord God and for His mercy upon all those who repent and for his power and goodness. He affirms the existence of God also.

Pattern

Marvelous works

D&C:44 Marvelous work..unto the convincing of many of their sins...to come unto repentance. (missionary work-changing hearts.)

3 Ne. 28:31-33 speaks of the marvelous works of the 3 Nephites.

Throne PS 45:6 “thy throne, O God, is forever and ever . Rev. 3:21 To him that overcometh, I will grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in His throne (Exaltation).

Dan 7:9...His throne was like the fiery flame,...Thrones denotes Kings and Kingdoms and queens too. Dan. 2:44 see

Christ

Thrones- See Dan 2:44

Marvelous Works

3 Ne 28:33 If ye had all the scriptures which give an account of all the marvelous works of Christ...yet would know that these things must surely come.

Pattern

Power

• Matt 26:64 Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power.

By power of His word, man came upon the earth.

• D&C 109:13 all people who shall enter the Lord's house may feel thy power.

Guide Scriptures- Godhead. God the Father is the supreme ruler of the universe. He is all powerful all knowing and everywhere present through His Spirit. D&C19:103, Gen 18:14

Christ

Power Matt 26:64

Apply

D&C 121:36 The rights of the Priesthood are connected with the powers of Heaven.

We receive the blessings of baptism, ordinations and temple ordinances plus the many other blessings of healing and baby blessings and setting apart blessings. The priesthood is such a wonderful blessing to those who will receive them.

Goodness and mercy of God brings up a whole multitude of other blessings that we receive from Him for which we are eternally indebted but strive to be worthy to receive. God loves all of His children and wants to bless them. This all results in our praising God as did Lehi when he saw this vision.

Conference

Power

Conference

4/14 Pres. Monson The Priesthood Man

“Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

“Be thou and example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. ...Like a clarion call comes the word of the Lord to you, to me, and to priesthood holders everywhere. “Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.” then we will be, as the Apostle Peter declared, even “a royal priesthood,” united in purpose and endowed with power from on high.

Hymns

#2 the spirit of God

#79 With All The Power of Heart and Tongue

The things of My soul

click on this link to see a great talk by Boyd K. Packer in 1986.  It explains the Book of Mormon especially for anyone who has not read it in it's entirety.
It is very clarifying to anyone.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1986/04/the-things-of-my-soul?lang=eng or copy and paste the one below.

http://scripturesbeta.byu.edu/#0cd09:t10ab$741:c0cd093

Consequences 1 Nephi 1:13

1 Nephi 1:13

Warning of Consequences

What

Lehi read that the Lord had seen the abominations of Jerusalem, that it would be destroyed by the sword and many carried away captive into Babylon.

Why

Because of their wickedness they would be destroyed as Lehi had prophesied. That the wicked would perish.

Pattern

2 Kings 24:19 Zedikia did evil

2 Chron. 36:14 All the chief priests transgressed very much...they polluted the house of the Lord- mocked the messengers of God and misused his prophets.

Jer. 13:27 adulteries, neighings, lewdness, whoredoms...abominations

Jerusalem-2 Kings 23;27. I will remove Judah also out of my sight and will cast off this city Jerusalem.

Carried away captive

2 Kings 20: 17-18 everything will be of Hezekiah carried into Babylon and even his sons.

Jer. 52:3-15 tells the destruction and was famine, city broken up and men fled, pursued overtaken, scattered, they slew Zedikiah's sons before his eyes and all the princes and then put Zedikiah's eyes out and carried him to prison, burned the Lord's house and all the houses. They left only a few poor people as vinedressers and husbandmen (farmers to raise the crops).

Babylon- In the Bible Dictionary- described-links as Devil,Church of..Israel, bondage of.. Worldliness.

Christ

Saw the abominations and bid it be destroyed. Evil destroys evil.

Apply

Consequences

Sin destroys people. The greater the sins, the greater the destruction when people refuse to repent, they are destroyed spiritually and often in the same way as Jerusalem. They become prisoners to evil. Evil destroys evil! Misery begets misery. Thank God for repentance and the atonement for all who choose to repent.

We can shun evil and seek the good. We can also “warn our neighbors” or in other words, preach the gospel and live exemplary lives.

What evils are out there that can destroy us as individuals?

Conference

10/14 Richard G. Scott

Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority

Despite all of the negative challenges we have in our life, we must take time to actively exercise our faith. ...Through Adam and Eve's partaking of the forbidden fruit, knowledge of good and evil was introduced into the world. Their choice made it possible for each of us to come to this earth to be tried and tested. We are blessed with agency, which is our ability to make decisions and to become accountable for those decisions.

Hymns

#3 Now Let Us Rejoice

#316 the Lord Is My Shepherd

How to Feel the Spirit of the Lord 1 Nephi 1:12

1 Nephi 1:12

Scripture study brings the Spirit of the Lord

What

As Lehi read the book, he was filled with the Spirit of the Lord.

Why

The scriptures are the word of the Lord and they bring the Spirit to us when we read them if we truly seek the spirit. Then we can receive personal revelation through our study.

Pattern

The Pharoah (Gen 41:34 recognized the Spirit of the Lord with Joseph in Egypt.

Mos. 27:24 After Alma's vision and he recovered, he said “I am born of the Spirit.

Alma 18:16 Ammon was filled with the Spirit of God

1 Cor.3 Ye are the temples of God and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you

D&C 121:26 God shall give unto you knowledge by His Holy Spirit ...the Holy Ghost.

Christ

The Holy Ghost (the Holy Spirit) testifies of Christ.

Apply

Like Lehi, we have been given sacred books of revelation which we can read. They will teach us much if we truly seek to know and we, too can be filled with the Spirit and receive personal revelation if we pray and prepare for it.

Conference

4/14 – Pres. Monson

Until We Meet Again

May our homes be filled with love and courtesy and with the Spirit of the Lord. May we constantly nourish our testimonies of the gospel, that they will be a protection for us against the buffetings of the adversary. May the Spirit we have felt during these past two days be and abide with us as we go about those things which occupy us each day, and may we ever be found doing the work of the Lord.

4/14 Pres. Monson

Be Strong and of Good Courage

We can help ourselves in our desire to do what is right if we put ourselves in places and participate in activities where our thoughts are influenced for good and where the Spirit of the Lord will be comfortable. ...”If you ever find yourself where you shouldn't outght to be, get out!”

A Book To Read- 1 Nephi 1:11

1 Nephi 1:11

Scripture Study

What

the Lord (One) came down from heaven to the earth and the first (the Lord) stood before him, Lehi, and gave him a book and bade him that he should read.

Why

Lehi had prayed on behalf of his people of Jerusalem. He saw and heard much and went home to bed and now he has another vision and saw God and Christ and now the Lord brings him a book to read tha would tell him more because he prayed sincerely.

Pattern

The Lord showed a Book to Ezekial to read. It was full of lamentations and mournings (a scroll).

Rev. 5:1 and Rev. 10:2-9 John sees a little book sealed with 7 seals. D&C 77:6 The book John saw revealed the will and mysteries of God.

Christ

Christ delivered the book to Lehi. He personally directs His prophets.

Apply

Lehi, Ezekiel and John were given books to read in order to receive more revelations. We are given books (the scriptures) to read from God as well and when we read, we too can be filled with the Spirit of the Lord so that we can see how they apply to our lives.

What a huge blessing it is for us to have the scriptures for everyone to read in our day! Even electronically and with wonderful cross references too!

Conference

10/14 Richard G. Scott

Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority

Don't yield to Satan's lie that you don't have time to study the scriptures. Choose to take time to study them. Feasting on the word of God each day is more important than sleep, school, work, television shows, video games, or social media. You may need to reorganize your priorities to provide time for the study of the word of God if so, do it!....Through daily, consistent scripture study, you will find peace in the turmoil around you and strength to resist temptations. You will develop strong faith in the grace of God and know that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ all will be made right according to God's timing.

Hymns

#277- As I Search The Holy Scriptures.

#298- Home Can Be A Heaven on Earth

1 Nephi 1:10 Follow Christ

1 Nephi 1:10

Follow Christ- Eternal Glory

What

Lehi saw twelve others descending , following Christ (whose luster was above that of the noon-day sun. the 12 were following him and their brightness exceeded the stars.

Why

Christ called 12 apostles and gave them the keys of heaven and the power of the priesthood. Their brightness is a result of their righteousness. See Daniel 12:13

At the time Lehi had his vision they were not yet born but they were chosen and fore ordained.

Pattern

Dan 12:13 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

Isa 62:1 Righteousness go forth as brightness.

Abraham 4:4 divided the light, or caused it to be divided from darkness [so...righteousness shows as brightness because it is divided from darkness}

D&C 65:5

Clothed in brightness of His glory.

Christ

He brought the 12 with Him to present the book to Lehi. He chose them in the pre-mortal life.

Apply

As the 12 followed Christ and came to Lehi and were as bright as the stars- so I will follow Christ- Do his work and the more righteous we become and divided from evil then the brighter (to an earthly degree) will be our countenance and eventually in the here-after we can achieve the celestial glory and receive the brightness given to the righteous.

Conference

4/12 Families Under Fire

President Eyering

“And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be crowned with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy.

10/11 The Divine Gift of Repentance- Elder Todd D. Christoffereson

With repentance we can steadily improve in our capacity to live the celestial law, for we recognize that “he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory (D&C 88:22)

11/14 Until We Meet Again

President Monson

May we be people of honesty and integrity, trying to do the right thing at all times and I all circumstances. May we be faithful followers of Christ, examples of righteousness, thus becoming “lights in the world”.

Hymns-

#236- Lord Accept into Thy Kingdom

#116 Come Follow Me

1 Nephi 1:9 Sharing the Light

1 Nephi 1:9

Glory- Sharing the light.

What

Lehi saw One (Jesus) descending out of heaven. He beheld his luster was above that of the sun at noon-day.

Why

Lehi was about to receive a great message. He was having a vision and seeing Christ descending affirms the authenticity of his vision. Seeing his luster would confirm his divinity.

Pattern

Joseph Smith saw this luster and described it as whose brightness and glory defy all description. And that the light was above the brightness of the sun.

Acts 26:13 Paul recounts his vision. “I saw a light from heaven above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me.

Revelations 1:16 John sees the Lord and said “His countenance was as the sun shineth in His strength.

JSH:30 Joseph Smith describes Moroni, his robe was of exquisite whiteness beyond anything earthly. His whole person was glorious beyond description and His countenance like lightening.” The room was exceedingly light but mostly around his person.

D&C 76:70 Whose bodies are celestial whose glory is that of the sun, even the glory of God the highest of all

D&C 58:3 Glory follows much tribulation.

Christ

Isa. 6:3 The whole earth is full of His Glory

Rev. 1:16

John sees the Lord and said “His countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.”

Acts 26:13 see quote above.

JSH:30 All tell of the glory of His countenance.

Apply-

the glory we seek to earn in this life is to be like Him.

D&C 58:3-4

4...after much tribulations cometh the blessings, wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory...

To obtain this glory, we must be faithful in our trials and see the big picture of the Celestial Kingdom as the reward for remaining strong and steadfast and to do what is right. Not murmuring! Share the glory.

Conference. 10/14 Sharing Your Light by Neill F. Marriott

“Our small acts of faith and service are how most of us can continue in God and eventually bring eternal light and glory to our family, our friends, and our associates. You truly carry a circle of influence with you!

Hymns

2-The Spirit of God

5-High On A Mountain Top

1 Nephi 1:8 Spiritual Gifts

1 Nephi 1:8

Spiritual Gifts

What

Lehi having cast himself on his bed, now has another vision and saw the heavens open and saw God sitting upon His throne surrounded by concourses of angels singing and praising their God.

Why

God was about to reveal even more to Lehi. He was being prepared for a great mission to preach repentance and later to remove his family and re-locate and stat over in a new land.

Pattern

1 Ne 3:17-18 Lehi knew Jerusalem would be destroyed and that he had to flee for he had seen a great vision.

Gen. 15:1 The Lord came to Abram in a vision

Num 12:6 The Lord came in a pillar of cloud and spoke to Moses, Meriam and Aaron and told them that if there be a prophet, he would speak to him in a vision and a dream. (He was rebuking Meriam and Aaron)

Others who had visions were Samuel, Nathan, Job, Isaiah, Ezekial, Daniel, Ephriam (Hosea 12:10) Obadiah, Nahum, Peter, James, John, Stephen Ananias, Paul, John, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon.

Heavens

Ezekial saw the heavens opened- Ez 1:1

Stephen saw in the heavens and Jesus standing on the right side of God.

Nephi saw and an agel came down

Joseph Smith (D&C 137) saw the heavens opened and describes the celestial kingdom , the gate , throne, streets, Adam, Abraham, The Father and Son, His family and heard the voice of the Lord.

Alma saw as Lehi did.

Helaman 5:45-49 Nephi and Lehi were imprisoned. They were encircled with fire and the Holy Spirit of God came down from heaven, They spoke filled with the spirit and the heavens opened and angels came down and ministered to about 300 people.

Christ

Joseph describes in D&C 137:1-3 The blazing throne of God where the Father and the Son both sat. He will judge all men according to their works and desires of their hearts.

Stephen (Acts 7:55-56) saw Jesus standing on the right hand of God.

Apply

Work daily to be worthy of the celestial kingdom. These scriptures strengthen my testimony of the celestial kingdom and Joseph's visions. Many others have seen the heavens.

It helps me reflect upon my own sacred experiences. Also to be able to sing and praise God is a privilege.

Conference-10/14 “Prepared In A Manner That Never Had...

Linda K. Burton

Daily drops of preparation are required of them to come out on top. Likewise, those who wish to qualify for exaltation in the celestial kingdom are expected to live a higher standard of obedience that comes by practicing the virtue of obedience day by day and drop by drop.

10/12

An Unspeakable Gift from God- by Elder Craig C. Christensen

Through the gift of the Holy Ghost, we receive added capacity and spiritual gifts, increased revelation and protection, steady guidance and direction, and the promised blessings of sanctification and exaltation in the celestial kingdom. All of these blessings are given as a result of our personal desire to receive them and come as we align our lives with the will of God and seek His constant direction.

Hymns

#284 If You Could Hie To Kolob

#257 Rejoice! A Glorious Sound Is Heard

1 Nephi 1:7 Recognizing Spiritual Truth

1 Nephi 1:7

Recognizing Spiritual Truth

What

Lehi was so overcome with the Spirit and the things which he had seen that he went to his house and cast himself upon his bed.

Why

Lehi had just seen a pillar of fire and he saw and heard much. He was shaking and trembling and his physical strength was drained. He needed to rest. Our physical bodies are not strong enough to handle spiritual visions easily.

Pattern

Daniel (Dan. 8:26-27) had a vision and fainted and was sick certain days [It was the vision fo the ram and goat and Gabriel]

Daniel saw the Lord (Dan 10:8-12) He had no strength and was in a deep sleep on the ground when a hand touched him and sat him up on his knees and told him to stand and he stood trembling- After he fell again and then he was dumb. The one who appeared as a man strengthened him!

When Nephi (1 Nephi 7:47) spoke to his brothers he was so full of the Spirit of God that his fram had no strength.

Ammon (Alma 27:7) was so filled with joy when he saw his brethren and Alma that he was so overjoyed that his strength was exhausted and he fell to the earth.

After Moses' vision (Moses 1:1-9) He fell to the earth for the space of many hours.

Christ

Jesus spent 40 days and nights fasting and preparing to teach. To be in his presence must have been truly wonderful. These scriptures help us understand a little bit of His power and glory.

Apply

I may understand only a little,comparatively, but I know that to be visited by the spirit is a very special and moving experience. One must be worthy and ask for knowledge and help and we will feel His power in our lives. He will be there for us at all times if we are prepared and we let him.

These scriptures strengthen our testimony of Joseph Smith's experience of being weak and fainting after his visions. God had and does appear to men on the earth. We should strive to always follow and trust the prophets.

Conference

10/14 -Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth

If you want to recognize spiritual truth, you have to use the right instruments. You can't come to an understanding of spiritual truth with instruments that are unable to detect it.

The Savior has told us in our day, “that which is of god is light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day”. (D&C 50:25)

The more we incline our hearts and minds toward God, the more heavenly light distills upon our souls, And each time we willingly and earnestly seek that light, we indicate to God our readiness to receive more light. Gradually, things that before seemed hazy, dark, and remote become clear, bright, and familiar to us.

By the same token, if we remove ourselves from the light of the gospel, our own light begins to dim—not in a day or a week but gradually over time.

Hymns

26- Joseph Smith's First Prayer

55 Lo the Mighty God Appearing

1 Nephi 1:6 Guidance

Answer to Prayers/Guidance

1 Nephi 1:6

What

Lehi prayed and a pillar of fire came on a rock and he saw and heard much. Because of this he did quake and tremble exceedingly.

Why

He received an answer to his prayers in the form of a vision and revelation and it must have been strong and impressive and also pretty overwhelming.

Pattern

The Lord led the Israelites in a pillar of fire by night to give them light.

Lehi and Nephi in Jel. R:24 were encircled about in a pillar of fire.

Joseph Smith Jr. saw a pillar of light above the brightness of the Son and while he was praying in his room a light appeared lighter than noon day.

D&C 29:12 When He comes again it will be in a pillar of fire. Isa. 4:5 and 2 Nephi 14:5 And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of Mt. Zion...a cloud by day and a flaming fire by night [for defense].

Christ

Zech 2:5 the Lord said that He would be to Jerusalem a wall of fire and the glory in the midst of her.

Exodus 19:18 Went forth in a pillar of fire

Joseph Smith's vision-

The fire is listed under presence of God and divine protection.

Isaiah saw the Lord- Isa. 6:15

Apply

This scripture helps us know of the reality of God. That he speaks to his prophets all through the ages. That he protects them with is power and light.

Just as He answered Lehi's prayer He will answer our prayers.

Just as he led the Israelites with a pillar of fire at night, so He leads us through the darkness in our lives, we can see His light and feel it in our hearts and follow the whisperings. The scriptures point to the light. Christ is the light.

We may tremble as Lehi did or be afraid [although he may have trembled from the transformation he felt as he saw the visions].

We may feel overwhelmed at what God asks but we must have courage and follow his light. His light and love and power will protect us from evil. He is all powerful.

Conference

10/14 Pres. Utchdorf -Receiving A Testimony of Light and Truth

“Please consider the magnitude of this promise:

the Everlasting and Almighty God, the Creator of this vst universe, will speak to those who approach Him with a sincere heart and real intent.

He will speak to them in dreams, visions, thoughts, and feelings.

He will speak in a way that is unmistakable and that transcends human experience. He will give them divine direction and answers for their personal lives. ….

God cares about you. He will listen, and He will answer your personal questions.

Hymns

286-Oh, What Songs of the Heart V. 3

2- The Spirit of God

1 Nephi 1:5 Prayer

1 Nephi 1. v 5

Prayer

What

Lehi prayed with all his heart in behalf of his people.

Why

the people were very wicked and he wanted them to repent so they would not be destroyed. He prayed with all his heart- meaning he truly cared and sought the Lord's help.

Pattern

Jer. 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (Jeremiah tells the Jews in Babylon)

James 5:15 Prayer of faith shall save the sick---sins are forgiven

James 5:16 The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

17. Elias prayed earnestly that it might not rain and it rained not upon the heart for 3 ½ years and then he prayed again and it rained.

2 Nephi 4:23-25 Nephi prayed “he heard my cry by day and he hath given me visions in the night time- He hath visited men with so much mercy—As we read on in 1 Nephi we see that results and the vision that incurred after Lehi's fervent prayer.

James 1:5 Joseph Smith read this scripture prior to going to the sacred grove to pray when he received his first vision.

Christ

Jesus prayed for his people also. He taught them how to pray with the Lord's prayer.

Lehi prayed unto the Lord. We pray to the Father in the name of Jesus Christ and if we are fervent, we will recognize that our prayers are answered.

Apply

We can improve our prayers so they are truly sincere and heartfelt by kneeling and praying out loud and in our hearts. We can recognize that God has all power and if we are worthy and we pray for the right things that miracles can and will happen. We need to have faith that the miracles and tender mercies will come. I think that the best thing is to realize that God loves us without measure. He will care for us if we will trust him and have faith in him. Pray hard, work hard but worry less! Trust that he will bless us with what is best.

1-Pray earnestly with all of our hearts

2-Listen and follow the promptings that come as answers to those prayers.

RS Declaration- “We are women of faith....who increase out testimonies of Jesus Christ through prayer and scriptures study. “

3-Have great faith and trust him-Don't worry. Just know that he loves us and will bless us to the end. “He will not leave us desolate”

Conference

4/10- Julie Beck ( Gen. RS Pres.)

Daily prayer is also essential to having the Lord's Spirit with us. Those who earnestly seek help through prayer and scripture study often have a paper and pencil nearby to write questions and record impressions and ideas.

10/10 Pres. Eyring, Serve With The Spirit

As humble servants of the Savior, we should pray for the manifestations of the Holy Ghost to come to us in our service and to those we serve. Humble prayer to our Heavenly Father, in deep faith in Jesus Christ is essential to qualify us for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. ….

repentance, prayer, and pondering over the scriptures are essential parts of our qualifying for the gifts of the Spirit in our priesthood service. ...God lives and hears our every prayer.

Hymn

145- Prayer Is The Soul's Sincere Desire

142- Sweet Hour of Prayer  

following The Prophet, Repentance-1 Nephi 1:4

         
1 Nephi 1 Verse 4

Following the Prophet-Repentance

What

Lehi live in Jerusalem all his days. In the first year of the reign of Zedikiah many prophets came and preached repentance or the city would be destroyed.

1- Zedikiah , age 21 and uncle to Nebuchadnezzer king of Babyon, was was named king of Judah by King Nebuchadnezzer (King of Babylon) after he took Jerusalem, He Zedikiah, did evil as Johoakim had done- They worshiped idols and all the abominations of the heathen and mocked the prophets and burned the house of the Lord.

2-Prophets were sent to Jerusalem. Lehi was one of these prophets as was Jeremiah.

3-they must repent to repent as in BD denotes a change of mind, a fresh view about God, about oneself and the world. A turning of the heart and will to God, to renounce sin. It is a commandment. D&C 9:22.

4-Jerusalem would be destroyed (must be destroyed)

2 Kings 18:17 (Isa. 36:2) Assyria sent great hosts against Jerusalem.

2 Kings 24:40 Nebuchadnezzar came up against Jerusalem.

2 Kings 25:10 Chaldees...brake down the walls of Jerusalem-all people carried away except the poor who were left to be the vinedressers and husbandmen (farmers to raise food) They took everything of monetary value away.

Why

The people of Israel were apostate and rebellious and corrupt and they had forsaken the Lord. It had been a faithful city in the past and Isaiah calls it a “Harlot”.

Verse 25 of Isaiah 1 says “I will turn my hand upon thee and take away thy dross. And I (v.26) will restore judges...and thou shalt be called the city of righteousness.

It would become the city where Jesus would come and be presented to the Lord at the temple.

Pattern

Other cities have been destroyed because of wickedness. Many cities were destroyed at the time of the crucifixion. Zarahemla, Moronihah, many sunk and burned.

D&C 84:94 Wo unto that city that rejects the Elders.

Isaiah 6:8-11 Told to preach until there is no one left.

Prophets are sent today to preach the truth. Many reject them.

Christ

Jesus was also a Jew and preached repentance.

Apply

Each person is like a city within themselves. Many things, problems, people and teachings going on in our lives.

We can follow the prophets today and be like them.

Num. 11:29 Moses said: would God that all the Lord's people were prophets.

BD In a general sense a prophet is anyone who has a testimony of Jesus Christ by the Holy Ghost.

Rev. 19:10 The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Conference

10/14 Finding Lasting Peace..

the prophets have warned and forewarned about the inevitable and destructive consequence of a deterioration of family values.

(It would be well to study this talk in it's entirety.

Hymn

53 Let Earth's Inhabitants Rejoice

21 Come Listen To A Prophet's Voice

Testimony-Book Of Mormon 1 Nephi 1:3

TESTIMONY

1 Nephi 1:3

What

Nephi bears his testimony and verifies his work. “I know.. is true, I make it with my own hand according to my knowledge”

He did not make anything up. He is the interpreter not the original writer.

Why

It is important to know that Nephi testifies it is true. Otherwise the Book would be worthless to us if it were not true.

Pattern

1 Nephi 14:30 He testifies that what he wrote is true and that he did not write everything.

2 Ne. 25:20 He testifies to the truth of the brass plates and the story of Moses and his people.

Mos. 1:6 King Benjamin testifies of the truth of the Book

1 Nephi:3

Alma 3:12 Alma testifies the record is true

Ether 5:1-3 Moroni testifies of the truth of the record.. prophecies of the three witnesses to come.

Christ

Ether 5:4 the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost bear record all it shall stand as a testimony in the last day.

“The Book of Mormon, another testament of Christ”

Apply

I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true. That it is brought forth for us in the later days. I am grateful for the Book of Mormon and that it is available in so many formats. I love this book!

You too may know this book is true.

See Moroni 10:4 “And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith I Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.”

Conference

10/14 “Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth” Pres. Dieter f. Uchtdorf

“Your personal testimony of light and truth will not only bless you and your posterity here in mortality, but it will also accompany you throughout all eternity. “

10/14 Yes, Lord, I will Follow Thee by Elder Eduardo Gavarret

Will your read the Book of Mormon? Will you pray? Will you follow the example of Jesus christ.….

Hymns

#137 Testimony

Study the Book Of Mormon 1 Nephi 1:2

1 Nephi:2
Study the Scriptures

What

Nephi made the record in the language of his father which was from the Jews and Egyptians.

Why

the plates of Laban were written in Egyptian. Lehi had been taught Egyptian therefore he could read them and teach them to his children. Nephi was also taught Egyptian. They were commanded to teah them. See Mos. 1:45

Pattern

Mormon whrote in reformed Egyptian. He says that if the plates had been larger they could have written in Hebrew and it would have no imperfection.

Mormon 9:32-33

Mos. 1:2-4 Mosiah taught (caused that) his sons the language of his fathers (Egyptian and Jew) so they could read the brass plates of Laban and teach it.

Joseph Smith Jr. translated it into our language (in August 2013 it was in 109 languages)

Article of Faith #8

Christ

The records testify of Christ. They are brought about by hi direction that we can all learn of Him.

Apply

Note,that  the Book of Mormon is in English and many other languages so we can study it and learn and teach it to our children.

An immense amount of work has been done so that we can have the scriptures. It is vital to our spiritual welfare that we learn all we can from them. As of November 2013 the Book of Mormon was published in 109 languages and many are available on line. 86 are of the full book and 23 are selections of about one third of the book.

Since 1830 the Church has distributed over 160 million copies . Today (nov. 2013) the church prints over 3 million copies a year. Truly this important book and witness of Jesus Christ is beginning to cover the earth. From Afrikaans (pdf) to Zulu (pdr) It is in sign language on the Scripture website in text and audio in many languages and in braille in English and Spanish. This book is so important. Study it!

Conference 4/14 “The Witness” by Pres. Boyd K. Packer

Knowledge which is of eternal value comes only through personal prayer and pondering. These joined with fasting and scripture study will invite revelation.

Hymns

25 Now We'll Sing With One Accord

Children's Song Book # 86 The Golden Plates

#118 Book Of Mormon Stories

Book of Mormon - Verse By Verse-1 Nephi 1:1

Verse by verse. “feasting one bite at a time”

Book of Mormon Commentary- FHE Lesson Guide or Personal Study Guide.

by Barbara J. Matson

1 Nephi 1:1

What

1-Nephi was born of goodly parents

2-Taught in the learning of his father

3-Saw many afflictions

4-favored of the Lord

5-had great knowledge of God and his goodness

5-He makes a record of his life

Why

Nephi had a mission to share the teachings he learned and of the experiences he and his family had. He wrote them so that the Lord could bring them forth in our day. He was a prophet of that time.

Pattern

1-Born of goodly parents

He had a right to the priesthood by lineage D&C 113:8

Prov. 22:1- A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches and loving favor rather than silver or gold.

Parents- His family had the plates of brass. They were righteous.

2-He was taught the language and the tools of life and the nurture and admonition of God as Enos:1

Mosiah also had his sons taught so they would become men of understanding

Nephi was an educated man especially in the ways of God.

3-Nephi saw many afflictions

He saw adversity, afflictions, anguish, chastening, distress, oppression, persecution, perseverance, sorrow, suffering, tribulations, trouble.

Ps. 34-19-20 Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivereth him out of all … they that hate the righteous shall be desolate... v-22 The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants; and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.”

4- Favored of the Lord

1 Ne. 3:6-Nephi was favored because he did not murmur and was righteous (sustaining church leaders).

D&C 9:6- Do not murmur my son.

D&C 75:7 I the Lord chasten him for the murmurings of his heart.

1 Ne 17:35 He that is righteous is favored of God.

Heb.3:17 Obey them that rule over you.

5-Had great knowledge of God. (of the goodness and the mysteries of God)

Ps. 52:1 The goodness of God endureth continually

Romans 2:4...The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.

2Ne. 4...The great goodness of the Lord in showing me his great and marvelous works.

2 Ne. 9:10 O how great the goodness of our God who prepareth a way for our escape

Mos. 5:3...through the infinite goodness of God and the manifestations of His Spirit, have great views of that which is to come...

6-Nephi makes a record

Ex 24:4 Moses wrote all the words of the Lord.

1 Chr. 16:4 David appointed minister before the ark of the Lord and to RECORD and thank and praise the Lord.

Alma37:2 Kept a record

3 Ne. 23:13 Jesus commanded that it be written.

Christ

Nephi was a type of Christ who was also

1- born of goodly parents.

2-taught in the learning of His Father

3-Suffered many afflictions

4-Favored son

5-Knowledge of God

6-commanded record to be kept.

The Lord favoured Nephi because he did not murmur. He blessed Nephi with a great knowledge of His goodness and of the mysteries of God.

Mos. 5:3 manifestations

Records were kept so we could know of Christ and His mission to atone for our sins and the way to receive them.

Apply

1-I too was born of goodly parents, who brought the gospel to me and the priesthood blessings.

2-I too received an education so that I could understand the ways of God and be able to serve him (though not as severe as Nephi). That have and do teach me every day. I love that I know

3- If I am faithful “I will not be left desolate” That everything will turn out OK in the end.

4- Favoured of the Lord? I know that I am favoured by receiving the gospel in it's fullness and feeling his profound love. I have so many blessings! I must not murmur.

5-I have witnessed the great goodness of God in my life. I feel His atonement daily. I feel His spirit in the temple richly. I see many miracles take place in our lives.

6-I too, need to keep a record by journaling. I will go back to journaling with emphasis on the tender mercies.! Our lives are kind of like a mystery to see just how it will all play out. It is my faith in God that comforts me and gives me so much hope!

Conference

April 14 WR Walker

Each of us will be greatly blessed if we know the stories of faith and sacrifice that led our forefathers to join the Lord's church”

Hymn-

I Am A Child Of God