Knowledge and Understanding (2 Nephi 7)

Today in our world science is showing us wonders. Every day we are learning more about the universe. But even with more knowledge about the universe, people have less understanding about life. Many people think that life has no purpose and that it doesn't matter what we do. This is not true.

Even if you don't believe in life after death, life still has a purpose. Maybe that purpose is to improve the world for those to come. Each one of us makes a difference in the world.

Don't be content with knowing lots of facts. Seek to understand the things around you.

Awake, My Soul! (2 Nephi 4)

In chapter 4 of 2 Nephi, Nephi speaks first of his own imperfect state, and then of the miracles that happened in his life. Then he asked himself, "Why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations ...?

"Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul." (vs. 27-28)

We all have miracles in our lives. Even if we have difficulties, we also have miracles and reason to say, "Why should I give way to temptations?" We have to awaken our souls. Look at the miracles in life, even if they are small. When we see the good things in life our hearts will rejoice and we will not let sin or discouragement defeat us.

Awake! See the good in life.

Awake! Leave sin behind.

Awake! Find something to better yourself.

A Promised Land (2 Nephi 1)

Most of my posts will be based on my study of the Book of Mormon. This is a book of scripture written by prophets of the Lord who lived anciently on the American continents. Many times these prophets referred to the American continents as a promised land. It is easy to see that it is a blessed land, because on these continents you will find all kinds of precious metals and resources, including gold, copper, oil, forests, fertile plains, and other natural wonders, but what is meant by "promised land"?

The definition of promised land may seem obvious, but it is a land given as part of a covenant, or promise. The land around modern-day Israel is considered a promised land for the descendants of Abraham, because it was promised to the seed of Abraham as part of a covenant made to him by God. The American continents are also a promised land. The covenant related to this land is spoken of in 2 Nephi 1.

After reaching the American continents, Lehi spoke to his children and reminded them of the promises the Lord had made. This is found in verses 9 through 11.

Wherefore, I, Lehi, have obtained a promise, that inasmuch as those whom the Lord God shall bring out of the land of Jerusalem shall keep his commandments, they shall prosper upon the face of this land; and they shall be kept from all other nations, that they may possess this land unto themselves. ... But behold, when the time cometh that they shall dwindle in unbelief, ... [the Lord] will bring other nations unto them, and he will give unto them power, and he will take away from them the lands of their possessions, and he will cause them to be scattered and smitten.

Look at current events in the world. There is a lot of crime and violence in the world. Things like homosexuality and sexual relationships outside of marriage are becoming common place. The world is dwindling in unbelief.

This promise may seem specific to the Americas, but any people in any land will be blessed if they just do what they know is right. And any people in any land will suffer if they allow, or even ignore, what they know is wrong. Do you voice your opinion when you see others doing what is wrong, or do you just allow it to happen? How can you help those around you? Think carefully and pray for direction, and you will find a way to be an influence for good.

Scripture Study

I apologize for not writing any posts this summer. I have been very busy. I will do my best to start writing weekly again. Thank you for being patient and not giving up on my blog.

Today I've been thinking about the scriptures. I believe that the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price are scripture, or the words of God as written by His prophets. If you don't believe in these books of scripture, then most likely you believe that the Bible, the Torah, the Koran, or some other book is scripture. If you don't agree with my definition of what is scripture, please leave a comment with your definition. I would love to understand more about other beliefs regarding scripture.

Returning to my subject, I've been thinking specifically about how I read the scriptures. Sometimes I read and only think about the story on the page, but why would God give us a collection of stories? Why do we read fairy-tales to children? To teach lessons. Fairy-tales teach lessons about honesty, bravery, intelligence, etc. The scriptures teach us about obedience to God, worthiness, humility, etc. We need to look past the story and see the lesson.

I've already stated the I intend to post about what I learn while reading the scriptures, and I intend to continue. I challenge each of you to begin to study your scriptures, and not just read them. Start keeping a journal of notes on what you find. Then try to apply in your life what you learned.