Personal Scriptures Day 4

Today I read 1 Nephi 10. It talks about the coming of the destruction of the Jews and the coming of the Messiah.

Verse 4: talks about the coming of the Messiah 600 years from the time that Lehi leaves Jerusalem.

Verse 6: "Wherefore, all mankind were in a lost and in a fallen state, and ever would be save they should rely on this Redeemer." - I love that it says that ALL man will be lost without Him. We all need to turn to him and let him help us return to live with Him again.

Verses 7 & 8: Talks about John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus. I find it interesting that John knew who Jesus was - even though they were cousins. He gave him the love and respect that Jesus deserves. I like that he says "for there standeth one among you whom ye know not; and he is mightier than I, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose."

Verses 17-19: I like to add my name in to the scriptures where ever applicable. In verse 17, about half way through, I like to read, "I, Gwen, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men.

18 For he is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him.

19 For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore the course of the Lord is one eternal round."

I also like the footnote in verse 18 for a: Hebrews 13:8: "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." Which supports what's said in the Book of Mormon. I also like the D&C 20:8-12: "And gave him power from on high, by the means which were before prepared, to translate the Book of Mormon;

9 Which contains a record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also;

10 Which was given by inspiration, and is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels, and is declared unto the world by them -

11 Proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old;

12 Thereby showing that he is the same God yesterday, today, and forever. Amen." I think that this is why the gospel makes so much sense to me. I have a hard time believing that God would have Prophets all the way back to Adam and not in these days when we're so close to the end and need it so much. I think it also shows that Joseph Smith was/is a true prophet and that the Book of Mormon is inspired and true. It doesn't make sense to me for ONLY the people from the European continent to have written scripture. Why would God do it then and not now?

Verse 20: "Therefore remember, O man, for all thy doings thou shalt be brought into judgment." This is just a good reminder that we are judged on ALL the things we do and so we need to try harder to be good and do the right things in our lives, as well as repent of those things we do that are wrong.

Verse 21: "Wherefore, if ye have sought to do wickedly in the days of your probation, then ye are found unclean before the judgment-seat of God; and no unclean thing can dwell with God; wherefore, ye must be cast off forever." This is just more into the repenting of our sins and it also takes me back to verse 6: "Wherefore, all mankind were in a lost and in a fallen state, and ever would be save they should rely on this Redeemer." A reminder that we can't do it without Him.