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

Feasting, One Line At A Time-

HOW TO CONDUCT AN IN-DEPTH STUDY OF THE BOOK OF MORMON - ONE VERSE AT A TIME.

I have been studying the Book Of Mormon in detail one verse at a time. It takes me about an hour and a half each day and I love it.  By the time I am through with my research  on the verse for the day I feel like I am on fire, if you know what I mean. I follow an outline each day.  I write down all of it in longhand and in different colors of ink for each section.  It keeps me focused and gives time for the spirit to work upon my soul so that I can figure out what the message is for me in that verse on that particular day. I also realize that it may take the rest of my life to finish this work but however much I do will bless my life and I hope that you will let it bless yours.

I have realized that when it is finished, I have got an outline of references on the verse that would make a great plan for a family scripture study time or a Family Home Evening or a guide for private scripture study that you can personalize to your needs.

It is not so much a commentary of my opinions but a compilations of ideas and references from the scriptures, Conferences and Hymns and sometimes Church manuals. .  I have a section called Apply and that is how this scripture speaks to me personally and it would probably fit most anyone but would be a jump start for others to put their thoughts on how each verse can be applied personally.

I take full responsibility for the contents but as near as I know they are in total compliance with the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Scripture study is a very personal experience so it is hoped that anyone using this outline will add on it and double the information especially as it applies to them/ or you.  Since following my outline and reading it will not take a lot of time then I hope that you will take the time to expand upon what I have written in your own private notes.

I am not anyone with more authority than my membership in the Church which I treasure.  Having served in many callings in all the women's organizations and in two temples and a welfare mission, I have a firm testimony of the truthfulness and importance of the Book of Mormon and our other scriptures including the Bible.

Even the study outline is not my original idea but comes from our leaders.  I first discovered the beginnings of it in a book called "the Holy Secret" by James L. Ferril.  He got the idea, he says from Boyd K. Packer in a talk before he was an apostle so I have not found his quote but this is how it goes.

1- What, 2-Why- 3-Pattern (as stories and scripture references that apply or are parallel to the verse in study, 4-Christ (How does this verse point to Christ) 5-Apply (How does it apply to me?

Then from our General conference suggestions, I added two more
6-Quotes from Conference Talks, 7- Hymns That Apply. (I choose one or two).

My purpose in sharing this is to give to others a starting point to receive their/your own personal revelation as to what these scriptures can tell you by studying one verse at a time.

I started this study about 15 months ago.  I started with the Book of Moroni because that is where I was reading at the time.  I am now on 1 Nephi 8:15.  So it is not a fast process but it is very broad and I have delved into ancient and modern day revelations that apply to each verse.

I simply love it.
Stay tuned as I post my notes a verse at a time.  You will not learn anything from it or even like it if you do not pray before you study and open yourself to the spirit.  The Holy Ghost will testify to you all that you should know.  My  notes will only serve as a little pointer in the direction or one direction your study can take you.

You will see a sample below from a previous post.   I have been studying the scriptures for more years that I can say but since I was a Seminary student and through raising 6 children and all the activities that happen in an ordinary person's life like mine. When babies were little I would prop the book on their tummy while rocking them to sleep.  There is time to do this.  "It is more important that sleep" Well, granted we must get some sleep and food but we need the spiritual food and the rebuilding it gives our spirits is vital.