Commitment- 1 Nephi 18:5

1 Nephi 18:5

Commitment

What

5 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came unto my father, that we should arise and go down into the ship.

Nephi was in charge of building the ship. Lehi was still the prophet and leader. He is the one who received the commandment to gather his family and supplies and go down into the ship. Probably he was actively engaged in working and preparing the ship also but the record that we have in the Book of Mormon is in Nephi's writings so we get it from his point of view. It is an excellent record and perfectly accurate but the feelings and directions that Lehi received may be left out because Lehi wrote his own record. That record is not available to us but we have sufficient record to direct us.

To enter the ship was to make a full commitment to keep the commandment to cross the ocean and begin a new life.

Why

The family was being protected from the enemies in Jerusalem who would have destroyed them and their religion. They were being given a new start in a new place but not without a lot of work and suffering and learning in the school of hard knocks. They were being tested and tried. Now they had built the ship and gathered all kinds of supplies and were ready to begin the journey. It was a total commitment to get on the ship and sail. There could be no turning back.

Pattern

We see this pattern as the Latter Day Saints left their homes in Kirtland and in Nauvoo for a better place where they could live their religion without persecution. Others left their homes in foreign countries to come to Zion and sacrificed much..

Moses and the Israelite s also left Egypt with much difficulty for the right to be free and to worship as they chose.

Noah's family boarded the ark and closed it up when the rain started that had been prophesied.

Abraham and Lot took up their journey also.

This pattern is applied as we follow the Prophet today as well.

Deuteronomy 8:20

20 As the nations which the Lord destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the Lordyour God.

Jeremiah 42:6

6 Whether it be good, or whether it be evil, we will obey the voice of the Lord our God, to whom we send thee; that it may be well with us, when we obey the voice of the Lord our God.

Zechariah 6:15

15 And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of the Lord, and ye shall know that theLord of hosts hath sent me unto you. And this shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey thevoice of the Lord your God.

1 Nephi 16:26

26 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lordsaid unto him: Look upon the ball, and behold the things which are written.

Deuteronomy 28:2

2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voiceof the Lord thy God.

Helaman 12:23

23 Therefore, blessed are they who will repent and hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; for these are they that shall be saved.

Conference

2014 Ballard

Stay On The Boat

The Lord in His goodness has provided help, including a boat, essential supplies such as life jackets, and experienced river guides who give guidance and safety instructions to help us make our way down the river of life to our final destination.

Let’s think about rule number one: stay in the boat!

President Brigham Young commonly employed “the Old Ship Zion” as a metaphor for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He said on one occasion: “We are in the midst of the ocean. A storm comes on, and, as sailors say, she labors very hard. ‘I am not going to stay here,’ says one; ‘I don’t believe this is the “Ship Zion.”’ ‘But we are in the midst of the ocean.’ ‘I don’t care, I am not going to stay here.’ Off goes the coat, and he jumps overboard. Will he not be drowned? Yes. So with those who leave this Church. It is the ‘Old Ship Zion,’ let us stay it.

And finally, President Young reminded the Saints: “We are on the old ship Zion. … [God] is at the helm and will stay there. … All is right, sing Hallelujah, for the Lord is here. He dictates, guides and directs. If the people will have implicit confidence in their God, never forsake their covenants nor their God, He will guide us right.”3

Given the challenges we all face today, how do we stay on the Old Ship Zion?

2015 Ballard

God Is At The Helm

In last October’s general conference, I invited listeners to follow Brigham Young’s counsel to stay on the Old Ship Zion, which is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and to hold on with both hands.1 Since then, I am happy to know that some of my family and others were listening and have asked me this question: “What’s in the Old Ship Zion that we should hang on to?” I reminded them of what President Brigham Young said: “We are on the old ship Zion. … [God] is at the helm and will stay there. … He dictates, guides and directs. If the people will have implicit confidence in their God, never forsake their covenants nor their God, He will guide us right.”2

Clearly, our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ have outfitted the Old Ship Zion with clear and simple eternal truths that will help us stay the course through the troubled waters of mortal life. Here are just a few.

The Church of Jesus Christ has always been led by living prophets and apostles. Though mortal and subject to human imperfection, the Lord’s servants are inspired to help us avoid obstacles that are spiritually life threatening and to help us pass safely through mortality to our final, ultimate, heavenly destination.

Apply

Lehi's family boarded the ship to sail to a place they have never seen or heard of except from the Lord as the “promised land”. That it would be a leap of faith and total commitment. When we are baptized into the Church we also make a commitment. We promise to keep the commandments and serve the Lord. To take His name upon us. As we are baptized by water, so the waters of the great sea “baptized' that ship and all who were in it symbolically. . They totally relied on Him to take them to the place of freedom to worship. There was no going back. They would follow the prophet all the way.

We make a commitment when we make covenants with our Heavenly Father wen we are Baptized, partake of the sacrament and when we receive temple covenants.

Staying true to our covenants with total commitment brings great peace and blessings. If we stand firm and steadfast then we can receive eternal blessings. These things apply to our Sabbath Day observance, fulfilling callings and keeping the commandments. Commitment means that we are all the way in 100 percent.

Hymns-

255-Carry On

1. Firm as the mountains around us,

Stalwart and brave we stand

On the rock our fathers planted

For us in this goodly land--

The rock of honor and virtue,

Of faith in the living God.

They raised his banner triumphant--

Over the desert sod.

Alma 57:27  27 Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually.

Children

96- Faith

Humility -1 Nephi 18:4

1 Nephi 18:4

Theme- Humility

 4 And it came to pass that after I had finished the ship, according to the word of the Lord, my brethren beheld that it was good, and that the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine; wherefore, they did humble themselves again before the Lord.

Humility, Humble

See also Contrite Heart ; Meek ; Poor in Spirit ; Submissiveness ; Teachable

Why

The rebellious brothers had humbled themselves before the Lord because they had participated in a revelatory experience as they witnessed that Nephi received direction from the Lord to build this ship in a way they had never ever heard or seen before. They were pleased with the end result and recognized that the Lord had been their teacher and guide and they understood and became submissive and teachable and obedient to the teachings given them of the Lord through their younger brother, Nephi.

Pattern

Chronicles 7:14

14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall  humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Matt.18:4

 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

James 4:10

 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

D&C 112:10

 10 Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers.

D&C 136:32-33

32 Let him that is  ignorant learn wisdom by humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his God, that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and his ears opened that he may hear;

 33 For my Spirit is sent forth into the world to enlighten the humble and contrite, and to the condemnation of the ungodly.

Ether 12:27

 “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; … for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.”

Christ

It was the Lord who directed the building of the ship and the brothers of Nephi did humble themselves before Him.

Jesus was humble and followed the teachings and will of his Father in Heaven even to the point of sacrificing his own life and atoning for the sins of the world. He said I the Lord's prayer, 

Matt.6:10

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. “

Conference

2016 Snow

Be Thou Humble

The Savior taught His followers that they must humble themselves as a little child in order to enter into the kingdom of heaven.6 As we raise our own children, we need to help them remain humble as they mature into adulthood. We do not do this by breaking their spirit through unkindness or by being too harsh in our discipline. While nurturing their self-confidence and self-esteem, we need to teach them the qualities of selflessness, kindness, obedience, lack of pride, civility, and unpretentiousness. We need them to learn to take joy in the successes of siblings and friends. President Howard W. Hunter taught that “our genuine concern should be for the success of others.”7 If not, our children can become obsessed with self-promotion and outdoing others, jealousy, and resentment for the triumphs of peers. I’m grateful for a mother who, when seeing I was becoming too full of myself as a boy, would say, “Son, a little bit of humility right now would go a long way.”

But humility is not something reserved to be taught only to children. We must all strive to become more humble. Humility is essential to gain the blessings of the gospel. Humility enables us to have broken hearts when we sin or make mistakes and makes it possible for us to repent. Humility enables us to be better parents, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, neighbors and friends.

On the other hand, unnecessary pride can dissolve family relationships, break up marriages, and destroy friendships.

Apply

Applying humility to our lives is difficult because when we think we are humble then we are probably not and when we think we are not then perhaps we really are,

Give the Lord credit where credit is due. That would be for everything good that comes to us. Being teachable and eager to learn good things.

Think of others instead of ourselves. Serve with unselfishness. Forget yourself and focus on what you can do for others. If you do that you will have joy in your service and you will be effective.

Help children to think about how others feel and what their needs are instead of being all wrapped up in themselves. Teach them to follow the Lord. To pray and to follow Him.

A humble person is a strong person who knows the source of their power comes from God.

Hymn

130-Be Thous Humble

98-I Need Thee Every Hour

2 Nephi 4:34-35

34 O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.

 35 Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee, my God, the rock of myerighteousness. Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God. Amen.

171-With Humble Heart

Children

78- I'm Trying To Be Like Jesus

Pray Often

Pray Often
Nephi 18:3

The study of this little verse sheds a lot of light on the importance of frequent prayer.
You will find other scriptures on prayer as well as talks and articles by apostles and suggested Hymns to use in Family Home evening, talks, discussions , lessons or for your own personal study.
:3

Topic-Prayer

What

 3 And I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did  a pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord b showed unto me c great things.

Why

Nephi had been commanded to build a s hip and to follow the directions given him of the Lord. He was also a humble servant and had many reasons for guidance as a spiritual leader of his family.

Pattern

Doctrine and Covenants 90:1

1 Thus saith the Lord, verily, verily I say unto you my son, thy sins are forgiven thee, according to thy petition, for thy prayers and the prayers of thy brethren have come up into my ears.

• Mosiah 27:14

14 And again, the angel said: Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith.

Isaiah 56:7

7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

Mormon 5:21

21 And also the Lord will remember the prayers of the righteous, which have been put up unto him for them.

Doctrine and Covenants 103:36

36 All victory and glory is brought to pass unto you through your diligence, faithfulness, and prayers of faith.

2 Nephi 4:24

24 And by day have I waxed bold in mighty prayer before him; yea, my voice have I sent up on high; and angels came down and ministered unto me.

Doctrine and Covenants 29:6

6 And, as it is written—Whatsoever ye shall ask in faith, being united in prayer according to my command, ye shall receive.

Conference

4/07 Scott

Using The Supernal Gift of Prayer

How Are Prayers Answered?

Some truths regarding how prayers are answered may help you.

Often when we pray for help with a significant matter, Heavenly Father will give us gentle promptings that require us to think, exercise faith, work, at times struggle, then act. It is a step-by-step process that enables us to discern inspired answers.

I have discovered that what sometimes seems an impenetrable barrier to communication is a giant step to be taken in trust. Seldom will you receive a complete response all at once. It will come a piece at a time, in packets, so that you will grow in capacity. As each piece is followed in faith, you will be led to other portions until you have the whole answer. That pattern requires you to exercise faith in our Father’s capacity to respond. While sometimes it’s very hard, it results in significant personal growth.

[I recommend that you study this entire talk, it is thorough and outstanding.]

Article by Russel M. Ballard

Keeping Your Life In Balance (see www.lds.org/youth)

8. Pray Often

My last suggestion is to pray often as individuals and as families. You can know the right decisions to make each day through constant, sincere prayer.

The prophet Alma summarized the importance of prayer in these words: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering” (Alma 13:28). When I am in tune spiritually, I find that I can balance everything in my life much more easily.

[I also recommend that you study this entire article]

Apply

Study these talks and scriptures and apply them to your life. Pray often and sincerely and listen for answers. Learn to ask the right questions. Keep the commandments.

Hymns

140- Did You Think To Pray?

145-Prayer Is The Soul's Sincere Desire

The prophet Alma summarized the importance of prayer in these words: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering” (Alma 13:28). When I am in tune spiritually, I find that I can balance everything in my life much more easily.

Believe In Healing

Believe In Healing

(for parents of a wayward child or spouse of a wayward companion )

by Barbara Matson

1 Nephi 17:18

And thus my brethren did complain against me, and were desirous that they might no labor, for they did not believe that I could build a ship;, neither would they believe that I was instructed of the Lord.

Mark 9 17-29

a father brought his son to Jesus and explained that “he teareth him; and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away; and I spake to the disciples that they should cast him out, and they could not.'He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you; how long shall I suffer you? Bring him unto me. …

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help though mine unbelief.”

then Jesus rebuked the foul spirit and the spirit cried and left him. And the boy was like he was dead but Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him u; and he arose. When the disciples asked him privately, why they could not cast him out, Jesus said “this kind can come forth by nothing but by prayer and fasting.

Matt. 17:20-21

of this same incident in Matthew it is recorded.

19: then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, why could not we cast him out?

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief for verily I say unto you, If you have faith as a grain of mustard see, ye shall say unto this mountain , remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”

When Jesus was met by the leader of the synagogue who's daughter was dead, Jesus said “be not afraid, only believe” then he went to the house and although there were scoffers who laughed him to scorn, he told her to arise and she arose and walked.

We can figuratively, bring them to Christ and ask that he cast out the evil from them. Our part is to BELIEVE! Really believe with all our hearts and not lose faith even if it takes a long time for this process to happen. Free agency plays a part in this. But, all things are possible to him that believeth.

Faith is a principle, Believing is the action we take when we have faith. Faith is not valid if we do not believe.

John 17:I 

pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

Another great talk on belief is “Do I Believe?” by Bonnie L. Oscarson April '16

“We have a knowledge of these things, but do we believe them? If these things are true, then we have the greatest message of hope and help that the world has ever known. Believing th;em is a matter if eternal significance for us and for those we love.

To believe, we need to get the gospel from our heads into our hearts!”

As a parent of one who has strayed into unbelief we find ourselves in a desperate situation much like the father who brought his son to Jesus when he was possessed of a devil.

When our child, son or daughter, denies Christ and all that they have been taught are they not also possessed of the devil. Does he not direct their thinking?

President Uchtdorf explains it like this:

“Be Not Afraid, Only Believe” by Pres. Uchtdorf Oct. 15

another of Satan’s deceptions; that belief is available to some people but not to others. There is no magic to belief. But wanting to believe is the necessary first step! God is no respecter of persons. He is your Father. He wants to speak to you. However, it requires a little scientific curiosity—it requires an experiment upon the word of God-- and the exercise of a “particle of faith” It also takes a little humility. And it requires an open heart and an open mind. It requires seeking, in the full meaning of the word. And, perhaps hardest of all, it requires being patient and waiting upon the Lord. If we make no effort to to believe, we are like the man who unplugs a spotlight and then blames the spotlilght for not giving any light.

...Brethren, let me be clear; there is nothing noble or impressive about being cynical. Skepticism is easy—anyone can do it. It is the faithful life that requires moral strength, dedication, and courage. Those who hold fast to faith are far more impressive than those who give in to doubt when mysterious questions or concerns arise.”

How should we pray for them? Follow the example of Jesus in the Lord's prayer. “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil”. We can and should always pray that our loved ones will be protected from Satan and that the evil one will not have power over them.

Rather than having our list of things we want the Lord to do we should be asking what we should do and how? If we have an idea then we should go to him and ask if it is right? Then proceed with faith, believing in His word.

Remember to fast. Fast often and sincerely, Fast in the best way that you can.

Then, Pray, often and sincerely, on your knees, on your feet in your chair but listen to the answers. The answers will most often be found in the scriptures. Spend time searching them daily. Don't just read them. Search them. Connect scriptures by subject to each other and to the conference talks which explain these things in easy to understand language for us.

Effective prayer is not a “To Do” of things we have decided we want God to do for us” It is not constant incessantly begging, begging and pleading. It is asking in faith and believing. It is followed by trust and action on our part. It is trusting in God. It is continual prayer but not panicked begging as we first might do, that has to find and end as we learn to believe and to be grateful for every blessing along the way. It is taking action to do our part.

Mighty prayer are said in the temple. Go there. Do it. Have faith, believe. Pray for yourself that you can bear this burden and then remember the 11^th article of faith. Allow all men, (even our own children or spouse) to worship according to the dictates of their own conscience. But never give up hope in your heart. Continue with mighty prayer and fasting and believe!

Remember this quote from Vaugh J. Featherstone of the Seventy

“I promise you that all who faithfully attend to temple work will be blessed beyond measure. Your family will draw closer to the Lord, unseen angels will watch over your loved ones when satanic forces tempt them, the veil will be thin and great spiritual experiences will distill upon this people.”

They will come back. We hope sooner instead of later but we must be kind and loving to those who hurt us so deeply with their unbelief.

Now be grateful. Be grateful for every step and tiny drop of progress and mercy that we receive. Gratitude can heal our hearts. It is not God's plan to take away agency but it is His plan that we all make it back to Him if we choose.

Pres. Uchtdorf, April '14 conference

Grateful in Any Circumstance

We can choose to be grateful, no matter what, ...When we are grateful to God in our circumstances, we can experience gentle peace in the midst of tribulation. In grief, we can still lift up our hearts in praise. In pain, we can glory in Christ’s atonement. In the cold of bitter sorrow, we can experience the closeness and warmth of heaven's embrace. We sometimes think that being grateful is what we do after our problems are solved, but how terribly shortsighted that is, How much of life do we miss by waiting to see the rainbow before thanking God that there is rain”

Being grateful in times of distress does not mean that we are pleased with our circumstances. It does mean that through the eyes of faith we look beyond our present-day challenges. This is not a gratitude of the lips but of the soul. It is a gratitude that heals the heart and expands the mind.

This is a parent's trial every bit as much as a wayward son or daughter or spouse's trial. God knows that you will help them find their way back. You will do all you can. Perhaps that is why he gave them to you, because he knows you and that you care and will do everything you can to help them along the way back to Him.

If you want his direction then search his words daily with sincere prayer. It is more important that eating and definitely more important that TV or facebook. We all have time to seek his direction. Allow yourself a good measure of time to do this.

These trials should make us become better people. We can only really control our own selves and that is only to a certain extent. We can control our attitude and our hearts. We can make it back to Him! We can be an example of righteousness and of a pure heart.

1- Pray mighty personal prayers. Participate in temple prayers.

2- Ask questions, Listen, act.

3-Fast seriously and sincerely for a purpose

4-Believe, really believe, like a mustard seed! -Trust the Lord

5-Be grateful  

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