This week’s reading is Helaman 10-16.
The beginning of the reading Nephi is “pondering”. Elder Russell M. Nelson shared this about the
benefits of pondering, “As you ponder and
pray about doctrinal principles, the Holy
Ghost will speak to your
mind and your heart [see D&C 8:2]. From events portrayed in the scriptures, new insights will come and
principles relevant to your situation will distill upon your heart” This semester I’ve tired hard to have my time
to study the scriptures uninterrupted, so I can really dig deep into them and
actually study them…not just read them.
This usually happens when my daughter is having her “resting time.” I’ve noticed by separating myself from
everything else in my life I can get better insights and I’m seeing more direct
revelation from them. Its been such a
blessing.
Let’s talk about the cycle of righteousness. Helaman 12:2 says “Yea, and we may see at the very time when he doth prosper his people,
yea, in the increase of their fields, their flocks and their herds, and in
gold, and in silver, and in all manner of precious things of every kind and
art; sparing their lives, and delivering them out of the hands of their
enemies; softening the hearts of their enemies that they should not declare
wars against them; yea, and in fine, doing all things for the welfare and
happiness of his people; yea, then is the time that they do harden their
hearts, and do forget the Lord their God, and do trample under their feet the
Holy One—yea, and this because of their ease, and their exceedingly great
prosperity.” This is a hard one, and
unfortunately something I can see even in my own life. When things are tough and hard we turn to the
Lord for help and guidance and our faith grows stronger. When things turn around and we start to
prosper, we slack a bit. This is the
cycle we see shown again and again in the Book of Mormon. How do we avoid it? I think we avoid it by continually praying
heart felt prayers, nurturing our relationship with Heavenly Father. Continually read our scriptures as well. Its those “Sunday School Answers” that will
help us.
Next we read about Samuel the Lamanite. He prophesied many great things which were
fulfilled. He prophesied of Christ’s
birth in 5 years and the signs they would see because of his birth. I loved reading about it from a different
view than the bible. He also taught them
to prepare to meet Christ; to repent, believe in God. He taught 4 truths:
Know the judgments of God
Know the conditions of repentance
Know the coming of Christ
Know the signs of his coming
These are truths we need to know and study now.
In my directed study this week it asked if we would have
listened to Samuel the Lamanite now and I immediately thought yes I would! After thinking about it more, it would not
have been easy. Especially if everyone
around me ignored his teachings. All I
can think is you have to go where the spirit is. I’ve followed this in my life when things
haven’t been easy and I feel like I’ve ended up where I need to be.
When I was in Young Woman’s as a leader, we had an
investigator come to our ward. Her
family got baptized right away and she didn’t.
She would ask very good questions each Sunday. I always admired her for getting her own
testimony before she would be baptized.
I always had my parents and I know for a long time I relied on their
testimony. But at such a young age she
was able to gain her own testimony and that’s something no one can take away. She is now getting ready to go on a
mission. She’s amazing.
I’m so grateful for examples in my life and for the examples
in the Book of Mormon, there is always room for growth and that is exciting.
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