Personal Scriptures Day 1

Last night I read 1 Nephi chapters 1-3. Here are my thoughts and specific verses that stood out to me.

Chapter 1 verse 3: Nephi says "And I know that the record which I make is true." I feel like this is a small glimpse of his testimony of what he has written.

Chapter 1 verses 14 & 15: 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 thy power, and goodness, and mercy are over all the inhabitants of the earth; and, because thou art merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall perish!

15 And after this manner was the language of my father in the praising of his God; for his soul did rejoice, and his whole heart was filled, because of the things which he had seen, yea, which the Lord had shown unto him.

I feel that if we had any idea of what the whole plan contained we would want to give constant praise and thank God. Also, I feel it is important that there are two exclamation points in verse 14. There aren't many of those in the Book of Mormon. I think it is noteworthy that he says that God is merciful and that those who come to him will not perish!

Chapter 1 verse 20: I LOVE where it says: "But behold, I, Nehpi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance." I learned in an institute class this little mathematical formula: TM/C *F=M D (you'll have to pretend it's a little D - like "squared" I don't know how to do it!) It means:
The tender mercies of the Lord are over
those who he chooses * multiplied by their faithfulness =

Make them mighty "squared" with deliverance.

Chapter 2 verse 3: And it came to pass that he was obedient unto the word of the Lord, wherefore he did as the Lord commanded him.

It doesn't say, "And it came to pass that he decided that he really didn't want to leave so he asked again, 'just to make sure.'" I think it's important for us to do something when we are told to do it. I find myself struggling with this time and time again. Just an example, there have been times when the kids will do something that's just not quite right, usually a Friday, and I'll think to myself "I'd better take the kids in to the doctor to make sure they're not getting sick" - never fails that I talk myself out of it because they are acting just fine. Also never fails that they wake up late that night, after the PM Pediatrics is closed, sick. And I get in trouble with my husband for not taking them in during the day - even though they have showed NO real symptoms of being sick. I need to listen and obey better.

Chapter 2 verse 14: And it came to pass that my father did speak unto them in the valley of Lemuel, with power, being filled with the Spirit, until their frames did shake before him. And he did confound them, that they durst not utter against him; wherefore, they did as he commanded them.

This is the first time that the power of the Lord is revealed unto Laman and Lemuel. But again by verse 18 they are murmuring.

Chapter 2 verse 16: And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers.

It amazes me that there is such a difference between the brothers. Laman and Lemuel never really believe and are only good when compelled. Nephi has a doubt in his mind and takes it to the Lord. His faith is AMAZING. Also, it is good to know that it doesn't matter how old you are, you can still receive answers to prayers, which reminds me of a young boy I know of. 14 years old and wanted to know the truth so he prayed. The reason behind the restoration of the church.

Chapter 3 verse 2 & 3: And it came to pass that he spake unto me, saying: Behold I have dreamed a dream, in the which the Lord hath commanded me that thou and thy brethren shall return to Jerusalem.

3 For behold, Laban hath the record of the Jews and also a genealogy of my forefathers, and they are engraven upon plates of brass.

The scriptures are so important that they would risk their lives by going back to get them. Maybe we shouldn't take them for granted.

Chapter 3 verse 7: And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the thins which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.

It seems like everyone loves this verse, I do. It's my Dad's favorite verse. I love that Nephi is so willing to do the work of the Lord and that he has no doubt that He will help him do it.

Chapter 3 verses 16 & 22: Wherefore, let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord; therefore let us go down to the land of our father's inheritance, for behold he left gold and silver, and all manner of riches. And all this he hath done because of the commandments of the Lord.

22 And it came to pass that we went down to the land of our inheritance, and we did gather together our gold, and our silver, and our precious things.

The scriptures were of such worth to them that they were willing to give up all worldly riches. They were all that they had, which is says in verse 25 was "exceedingly great."

Chapter 3 verse 28: And it came to pass that Laman was angry with me, and also with my father; and also was Lemuel, for he hearkened unto the words of Laman. Wherefore Laman and Lemuel did speak many hard words unto us, their younger brothers, and they did smite us even with a rod.

I think that it goes to show the great character of Nephi and Sam. That they were willing to take a beating because of the importance of the scriptures. And I don't think they fought back either, even though Nephi was large in stature and probably could have defended himself.

Chapter 3 verse 29: And it came to pass as they smote us with a rod, behold, an angel of the Lord came and stood before them, and he spake unto them, saying: Why do ye smite your younger brother with a rod? Know ye not that the Lord hath chosen him to be a ruler over you, and this because of your iniquities? Behold, ye shall go up to Jerusalem again, and the Lord will deliver Laban into your hands.

This is the second time that Laman and Lemuel are shown the power of God.

Chapter 3 verse 31: And after the angel had departed, Laman and Lemuel again began to murmur, saying: How is it possible that the Lord will deliver Laban into our hands? Behold, he is a mighty man, and he can command fifty, yea, even he can slay fifty; then why not us?

They were just told that the Lord would deliver Laban unto them and yet they are murmuring. Again. They saw an angel and they are murmuring. Again. Immediately.