BYU (Brigham Young University) is operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often mistakenly called the “Mormon Church.”  As part of their undergraduate coursework, BYU students take multiple semesters of spiritually uplifting, stimulating religion classes.

In this series (see below), students enrolled in scripture study classes have shared their thoughts, insights, and reflections on the Book of Mormon in the form of letters to someone they know. We invite you to take a look at their epiphanies and discoveries as they delve into the scriptures.

In publishing these, we fulfill their desire to speak to all of us of the relevance, power and beauty of the Book of Mormon, a second witness of Jesus Christ and complement to the Bible. The Book of Mormon includes the religious history of a group of Israelites who settled in ancient America.  (The names they use are those of prophets who taught the Book of Mormon peoples to look forward to the coming of Christ—Nephi, Lehi, Alma, Helaman, and other unfamiliar names.  We hope those names will become more familiar to you as you read their inspiring words and feel the relevance and divinity of their messages through these letters.)

Let us know if you’d like to receive your own copy of the Book of Mormon, and/or if these messages encourage and assist you spiritually as well.

Book of Mormon: Condemn It Not

Hey there,

This week in Book of Mormon we were studying the end of Mormon and beginning of Ether. While reading these in preparation for the class, I took note of Mormon’s ‘disclaimer’ found in verses 12 and 17 of chapter 8. They read “And whoso receiveth this record, and shall not condemn it because of the imperfections which are in it, the same shall know of greater things than these…(12)…and if there be faults, they be the faults of man. (17)” Now let’s pair these with a verse from the previous chapter, namely chapter 7 verse 9; “for behold, this is written for the intent that ye may believe…”

Though this is not quite the context that they were initially meant for them to be interpreted, these verses constructively provide an interesting insight. Especially when thought of in the realm of sacrament talks and other prepared lessons. What I took from it was that speakers, teachers, leaders, all of them mean the absolute best, and have prepared to teach and touch the souls of those they are reaching out to. Despite of human error or minor faux pas, their message is to be heard and humbly received, not to turn a blind eye based on past faults or small errors in their delivery. These lessons and talks were prepared by the Spirit of Inspiration and Revelation, and are to be taken as such. I hope this helps you and those around you through your example. We are all here to help one another through this mortal existence.

I found my answer right under my nose; my faith. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by the media “the Mormon Church.”) Turning to the scriptures has helped me overcome my addiction. Are you still laughing? Well, I know I wasn’t a alcoholic or a smoker, but for me, every morning I try to get out of bed it is like every thread that makes up my mattress, bed frame, sheets, and blankets wraps around me as to not let me leave. I was consistently late to work and school, my wife and boy would be half-way through their day before I got out of bed. Yeah, it was that bad.

Now that I got you to take me seriously, let me tell you how I have overcome my addiction. Like I mentioned earlier, it was my faith, but particularly the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is subtitled “Another Testament of Jesus Christ.” It was given that subtitle referring to the Holy Bible. We believe that both are testaments of Jesus Christ. While the events recorded in the Holy Bible took place in greater Asia-Europe area, the Book of Mormon took place in the ancient Americas. We believe Jesus Christ visited the people there after his Resurrection. It is a scriptural text like the Bible.

Now, how does that connect with overcoming my addiction? Let me give you a verse from the Book of Mormon that helped me:

“Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things.” (Alma 26:12)

When I read this scripture, I realized I could not overcome my addiction on my own. I had tried many other times to overcome my addiction to sleep. I had loud alarm clocks across the room, I asked my wife to turn the lights on, and I tried  getting more than enough hours of sleep. I even had an alarm clock that had a propeller that flew around the room and you had to return the propeller to the base to stop it. That didn’t even work.

I needed help from somewhere else. I depended on my God as described in The Book of Mormon, and that was the key for me. Each night before bed, I would plead with my Heavenly Father to help me get out of bed the next morning. It has helped tremendously. I know the Book of Mormon is another testament of our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and Their reality. They love us and will help us. The Book of Mormon has helped me know that They can help us, even when it seems something as minor as sleeping in.

There are stories in the Book of Mormon that speak of the Lord’s deliverance. These stories also give me strength and a desire to rely on God. A good example is a story about the Nephites. The Nephites were a group of people who followed Jesus Christ, but were strapped by oppression and were ordered not to pray. Despite the looming threats, the Nephites prayed silently to God to release them from the burden of their oppressive rulers. God lightened the burdens on their backs and then ultimately delivered them. Pretty amazing. The pattern is noticeable. By contrast, the Lord also shows examples of those who refuse His deliverance.  Two others in the Book of Mormon come immediately to mind. They are brothers who continually complained along their divinely-led journey to a new land; their names are Laman and Lemuel. I think they were actually addicted to themselves, their own desires, their own will, their own self-relying system. It failed them. They chose not to seek deliverance.  Clearly, the Book of Mormon and the Bible are books about God’s power to deliver us from any affliction or addiction, no matter the size or shape. Even a mattress.

This article was written by Tyler James Bell, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Tyler James Bell was born and raised in Taylorsville Utah. He grew up playing the drums and playing tennis in high school. He currently lives in Provo, Utah and is studying business at Brigham Young University. Tyler spends most of his time studying for exams, but when he is not, he is spending his time with his sweet wife Ashley and his newborn son TJ. In the summers Tyler enjoys playing disc golf (frisbee golf) and enjoying the outdoors. Tyler also enjoys serving in his local church unit and he spent two years serving an LDS mission in the Chicago Illinois Spanish speaking mission. Tyler finds joy in the Christ’s Gospel by realizing that the Savior Jesus Christ had to suffer for all of us; “that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according  to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities” (Alma 7:13).

Additional Resources:

LDS Addiction Recovery Program

Mending the Armor

Challenge to Read the Book of Mormon in the same amount of time it took for Joseph Smith to translate it by the power of God

It seems as if in each age, more complications to life and everyday requirements are heaped upon us.

So, like many, I struggle with being overwhelmed.  I worry about my day, those around me, and I constantly think about the future.   Too much, maybe — focusing so much on what has not yet occurred and one cannot yet control is not helpful.

Perfection is quite often expected in many areas of life.  I know I struggle with facing the fact that I can’t be 100% perfect in my many pursuits at once, all the time.

And a few days ago this was the case with me.

I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (often mistakenly called the Mormon Church).  This is the Christian religion which focuses on peace, repentance, and receiving grace through Jesus in order to return to our Father in Heaven.

I’m pretty lucky I have access to this “restored gospel” (it is the full restoration of Christ’s original church),  because it teaches me how to find peace in this life and the next through our Savior.

Feeling worrisome and burdened with tasks one day, I decided to take it to the Lord.

I read in the Book of Mormon, (a companion scripture to the Bible that testifies of Christ), about a prophet of God in Jerusalem who didn’t let the unknown get the best of him.

Around the time of the biblical prophet Jeremiah, another prophet of God was warned to leave Jerusalem because it was going to be destroyed.  (The Babylonians shortly thereafter destroyed the city and enslaved the Children of Israel.)

1 Nephi 3:17, 18:

For he knew that Jerusalem must be destroyed, because of the wickedness of the people.

For behold, they have rejected the words of the prophets. Wherefore, if my father should dwell in the land after he hath been commanded to flee out of the land, behold, he would also perish. Wherefore, it must needs be that he flee out of the land.

This prophet named Lehi followed God, left behind all he had and fled with his family into the wilderness.  God then revealed to Lehi that his sons should go back into the city and retrieve the metal plates engraved with scriptures of God.  God told Lehi this was essential so that his descendants would not live in ignorance of the gospel.  The plates were in the possession of a powerful man named Laban who lived inside the city walls.

1 Nephi 3:19, 20:

And behold, it is wisdom in God that we should obtain these records, that we may preserve unto our children the language of our fathers;

And also that we may preserve unto them the words which have been spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets, which have been delivered unto them by the Spirit and power of God, since the world began, even down unto this present time.

Lehi’s sons Laman, Lemuel, Nephi, and Sam, agreed to go— but the difference was their attitude.

Laman and Lemuel complained excessively, saying it was hard thing their father asked of them.

I have read this story often throughout my life.  I think those who know the account well may think, ‘Well of course I would never murmur like Laman and Lemuel.’ I know I have had this line of thought before.

But then it dawned on me: I do complain sometimes getting frustrated over my demands, feeling hopeless about getting it all done.  My main habit is to constantly question how on earth it’s all going to work out.   This is a lack of faith in our Heavenly Father.  And Nephi helped me understand this.

HIs response to God’s command to get the plates was strong and faithful:

1 Nephi 3:7

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things 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.

Nephi didn’t know how he was going to accomplish this seemingly impossible challenge.  Nephi had no idea exactly what to do.  But Nephi drew faith in what he did know.

He knew that God will always prepare a way for us to accomplish our righteous endeavors.   He knew that God would not give a commandment to men that was impossible to achieve.

Nephi and his brothers were eventually successful despite intense opposition and extreme danger.  Laman and Lemuel became angry at the first sign of failure and wanted to give up.

But instead, Nephi was positive and did not despair.  Instead of thinking about what wouldn’t work, he tried again with faith in God and came up with a new, creative solution.

As I read these words I’d already read hundreds of times, something dawned on me.  These truths don’t just apply to a prophet on a dangerous mission, the truth applies to us! Everyday!

While I am trying to be my best, obey God, accomplish all the tasks on an unending list, I need to remember that it is not impossible.  And more than that, I need to remember that God is going to provide my way to achieve it.

One scripture that, though beautiful and true, previously stressed me out is found  in Matthew 5:

 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

This seemed so daunting!  I would think – “I feel like I’m struggling already.  Now I have to be perfect too?”

But paired with 1 Nephi 3 in the Book of Mormon, this overwhelming command now became the brightest beacon of hope.  Because I knew that if God would not give us a commandment without preparing a way for us to accomplish it – that means it IS possible for me to eventually become perfect!  It IS possible to become like my Heavenly Father.

And if God can prepare a way for flawed, mistake – ridden me to eventually become perfected, that gives me hope.  Because it reminds me that God can do anything.

And suddenly, life doesn’t seem so overwhelming after all.

This article was written by Livi Whitaker,  member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints.

Livi is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (“Mormon”). She is a Communications Specialist at an Insurance Brokerage firm in Boise, ID. Professional experience include writing – based positions at the United Nations and AARP, Media Services, Inc. She is an avid blogger at thebrightbit.com and sensiblystyled.com, a modest fashion blog. Livi Whitaker is a freelance writer and authors the positive blog for all things lovely, www.thebrightbit.com.

Additional Resource:

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ

In this series (see below), students enrolled in scripture study classes have shared their thoughts, insights, and reflections on the Book of Mormon in the form of letters to someone they know. We invite you to take a look at their epiphanies and discoveries as they delve into the scriptures.

In publishing these, we fulfill their desire to speak to all of us of the relevance, power and beauty of the Book of Mormon, a second witness of Jesus Christ and complement to the Bible. The Book of Mormon includes the religious history of a group of Israelites who settled in ancient America.  (The names they use are those of prophets who taught the Book of Mormon peoples to look forward to the coming of Christ—Nephi, Lehi, Alma, Helaman, and other unfamiliar names.  We hope those names will become more familiar to you as you read their inspiring words and feel the relevance and divinity of their messages through these letters.)

Let us know if you’d like to receive your own digital copy of the Book of Mormon, and/or if these messages encourage and assist you spiritually as well.

One Size Fits All
Letter to younger brother preparing for a mission

Hey Elder-to-be,

I had the most amazing lesson this week from 3 Nephi 10 and 11; it was a spiritual experience. As you read this letter you should go grab your scriptures and notice some of the amazing things in this chapter.

First, while I was reading it alone, chapter 10: 3-7 were a little confusing. The voice coming from heaven was speaking in past tense then switches to present and future tense. I didn’t know exactly what was going on until my teacher let me in on a small insight; he is speaking to both people in the spirit world and on earth! He is talking about gathering his people and how he had tried in these verses. This is just another example of life after death and those in the spirit world. So that was the interesting head thought of the lesson, then we switched into deeper doctrine in 3 Nephi chapter 11 when Jesus shows himself unto the people. In verse 12, it says that the whole multitude fell to the earth (the first fall). This was a cool concept because Jesus didn’t make them fall, they did it instinctively.

After the lesson I thought about this and everyone really would fall… there would be no stopping yourself because the presence of the Lord would be too strong. Then in verse 14, Jesus asks the multitude to “Arise” from their fall (the first fall, or physical death). After he arose the multitude and asked them to “thrust” their hands in his side, not just touch the spear wound to his heart, and feel the prints of the nails. My teacher helped me picture this moment and when you really put yourself in that position, what could you say to this man who suffered for your sins. I started to cry just thinking about it because there would be no words that could compensate for what I was feeling. Then, verse 15 reads,”And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come”. The multitude went one by one and felt the wounds of the Savior.

In my opinion, when Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, he must have likewise experienced our sins one by one to truly know what each of us were going through. I don’t think it was anyone who has cancer He felt at once or everyone who broke and arm He felt it once. I picture Him, for every person, experiencing our sins one by one giving the atonement not only a measure of infinity, but intimacy also for each and every person. After this experience, the multitude fell again (a second fall) and then He gave the power of baptism to Nephi and others. As He gave them this power He asked these individuals to “Arise” from their second fall that was voluntary (spiritual death). He gave the power to baptize to these individuals so that through this power, the rest of the multitude could arise from this second death and live with Christ. Another side note. When these people had the opportunity to go to Christ one by one, each of them needed a different thing from Christ at that time; some might need a shoulder to cry on, children would need someone to smile with, etc. This is where you come in. On your mission you will need to take on this characteristic of “one size fits all”. You will need to stretch and condense as needed for the people of Peru to truly be a tool in the hands of God. Some will need encouragement, some will need love, some will need assurance, or some will need a friend. You will have an opportunity to do this.

I love you and know you will be great!

-Kimmy

Mormon Beliefs

I judge, not because I think I am better than anyone else, but because I want to think that I am better than myself and what I am now. I see others just like me in appearance, or mental/spiritual equality and begin to judge them. The first step to recovery is acceptance right? Wrong. The first step is the process of restraining myself from doing this! Brother Griffin noted in class, “Never look down and never look back, because you walk in the way you are facing.”

3 Nephi 13:3 says, “Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considereth not the beam that is in thine own eye?” I judge those that I do not even know, not just those that I see or pass on campus. I know nothing about their past, their ambitions, their life, yet I seem to have the authority to decide whether or not they are worthy of my approval. When did I become so high and mighty? I can’t judge another when I am personally so imperfect. I cannot accomplish anything by judging another, but I can accomplish so much by trying to understand them and by fixing myself, “Thou hypocrite, first cast the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” (verse 5.)

Not only is the act of judging a testimony of how shallow I can be, it’s insulting to Heavenly Father. For every man and woman on this earth was fashioned after the image of Him. Our bodies are one of the greatest gifts given to us by God when we came to this earth. It is the vessel of our precious souls. Judging is making fun of God’s gifts, and I do NOT have the authority to do that by any means.

Judging is for the proud and unwilling. How can I expect to serve a mission if, now, I cannot unconditionally extend my love as Christ does? It seems there are always ways to improve, and I can always hope to become more like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ every day in everything I do.

Mormon Beliefs

First is “blessed are the poor in spirit.” All of us are poor in spirit at one time or another. Especially when we realize we have sinned before God. Second is “blessed are all they that mourn.” When we sin, we feel bad and mourn for what we have done. Third is “blessed are the meek.” Because we feel bad we humble ourself before the Lord and ask for forgiveness. Fourth is “blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness.” Once we ask for forgiveness we need to strive to be better and do the right thing. Fifth is “blessed are the merciful.” If we want to be forgiven by the Lord, then we need to be forgiving of others. Sixth is “blessed are all the pure in heart.” Are we actually being better, are we hungering and thirsting after righteousness at this point. Seventh is “blessed are the peacemakers.” We need to strive to do the right thing and be peaceful and friendly with others. This shows that we are becoming like Christ. Last is “blessed are all they who are persecuted for my name’s sake.” We are going to be persecuted for doing what is right and for following Christ. The important thing is that this is a process we will continually go through in life.

The very first and last beatitudes both say that we will be blessed with the kingdom of heaven. Think of these 8 things as a spiral staircase going towards heaven. We will continually experience each step, but we will be moving upward, toward Heavenly Father. As we move upward ours will be the Kingdom of Heaven.

I hope you enjoyed this and learn something about our progress and repentance.

Mormon Beliefs

I was recently terminated from my employment—where I had worked for thirteen years—and consequently suffered from bouts of loss, embarrassment, heartache, discouragement, anger, resentment, fear, and worry for my future. At times these feelings were overwhelming and paralyzing.

Reading the scriptures, particularly Psalms and the Book of Mormon, has given me the direction, solace, and courage I have hoped for.

Two years ago I set a goal for myself to read the Old Testament in the Bible. The same month that I lost my job, I had progressed through the book of Job and had started reading the book of Psalms.  I thought this was more than coincidental, because I felt comfort while reading words that reflected my feelings about my current situation, such as “Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress” (Psalm 4:1), “Fearlfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. . . . As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me” (Psalm 55:5, 16), “In the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast” (Psalm 57:1), and “Hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily” (Psalm 69:17). I prayed to Heavenly Father in my own words of pleading for his help to find a new job that met my family’s needs. Sometimes, however, I felt helpless, hopeless, and inadequate to accomplish this.

Latter-day Saints also turn to the Book of Mormon for guidance and insight. “The Book of Mormon is more than just a history book. It is a book of healing and comfort—of guidance and direction that leads us to Jesus Christ—it is literally the word of God.” (See the article “Answers for life.”)

After finishing the book of Psalms, I began reading a personal meditation on the book of Psalms.1 While reading the author’s thoughts on Psalm 94:18, I was reminded of a favorite scripture from the Book of Mormon. In the history, a man named Alma, and his followers, have been conquered and forced to be subjects to a new king. Alma and his people were given “heavy burdens upon their backs” and physically abused. (See Mosiah 21.) They were not allowed to pray for God’s help and were threatened with death if they attempted it. They did not pray vocally, but they “poured out their hearts” to God asking for relief from their afflictions (see Mosiah 24:10–12). God heard their prayers and answered that he would “ease the burdens” placed on them by strengthening them so that they can “bear up their burdens with ease” (Mosiah 24:13–15).

Reading this passage in the Book of Mormon was like running into an dear old friend. I have read the Book of Mormon virtually every year of my adult life and I have experienced many occasions when I felt the weight of the challenges I was facing. During almost every adversity that I have experienced, I have found that Heavenly Father helped me get through the challenge rather than get out of the challenge. In other words, I have felt strengthened or enabled to endure, learn, and grow from my hardships.

Through prayer during my difficulties, I have felt closer to Heavenly Father and have understood that he is interested in me and what is important to me.

At this moment, I have not found a new job; but I am not worried. Through my prayers to Heavenly Father, and by reading accounts in the Bible and the Book of Mormon about his tender care of his children, my feelings of loss, embarrassment, heartache, discouragement, anger, resentment, fear, and worry for my future don’t afflict me much. Like the people of Alma, I feel able to “submit cheerfully, and with patience” to the will of the Lord (Mosiah 24:5). Eventually, God provided a way for Alma and his people to escape their difficult circumstances (see Mosiah 24:16–25). I start each day with hope and confidence that I will find a job that will provide me and my family with what we need.

This article was written by Paula Hicken,  a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Paula Hicken was an editor with the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship from 2000 to 2013. She earned her BA degree in English from Brigham Young University. She edited Insights, the Maxwell Institute newsletter, and was the production editor for Faith, Philosophy, Scripture, Hebrew Law in Biblical Times (2nd ed.), Third Nephi: An Incomparable Scripture, and was one of the copy editors for Analysis of the Textual Variants of the Book of Mormon. She also helped manage the Maxwell Institute intellectual property and oversaw rights and permissions. She has published in the Ensign, the Liahona, the LDS Church News, and the FARMS Review.

References:

1.  Jeffrey R. Holland, For Times of Trouble: Spiritual Solace from the Psalms (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2012).

Additional Resource:

Meet Real Mormons

Challenge to Read the Book of Mormon in the same amount of time it took for Joseph Smith to translate it by the power of God

The Book of Mormon explains that we have the freedom to make our own decisions.

The Book of Mormon is a record of some of the peoples in the ancient Americas and God’s dealings with them. It is also another testament of Jesus Christ and a reminder to look to Him in all things.

I learned to love The Book of Mormon at my father’s feet. Growing up, my parents would get us up at 5:30 in the morning…all 8 kids. And my dad would read to us out of The Book of Mormon. My dad was a great storyteller, and he made the stories in The Book of Mormon come alive for me. After he read, we would discuss what the verses meant, how they related to us in our family and how we could apply what we learned in our own lives. 2 Nephi 25:26 says, “And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.” My parents exemplified that for our family.

I still remember reading in 1 Nephi 3: 29, where an angel tells the brothers of the prophet Nephi, then just a young man, that because of Nephi’s righteousness, he would be made a ruler over them…his older brothers. And my dad saying, “That’s like having Rachel rule over Shelley, Sharon and Lisa.” Being the third in line, that didn’t sound so great to me. I wanted to be righteous so I didn’t have to be ruled by Rachel.

The Book of Mormon begins with the prophet Lehi and his family in Jerusalem about 600 BC. As my dad explained to us, Lehi had money, and his oldest sons, Laman and Lemuel, ran in the popular crowd. Lehi saw a vision and was commanded by God to preach repentance unto the people of Jerusalem, but the people were so wicked they sought to kill him. So the Lord commanded Lehi to take his family and journey into the wilderness to a land of promise, which he did. 1 Nephi 2: 4 says,

And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, his provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness.

Lehi and his family had to leave, first of all, because Lehi was in real danger of being killed. But the land of promise, across many waters, was a place that the Lord had reserved as a safe haven for his righteous people as long as they remained righteous. And they took only what they needed with them as a metaphor for their journey: they were leaving behind the world and all of its frivolity, and they didn’t need to take any materialistic reminders with them.

Laman and Lemuel were angry and complained bitterly that they had to leave their friends, home and possessions and go into the wilderness because their dad was a dreamer. Nephi, on the other hand, was obedient and followed his father without murmuring. Sam, the third son—me in my family—was also obedient. So I took comfort in the fact that my counterpart in the story was righteous (sorry Shelley and Sharon).

As a child, I related to things as a child. I saw that Laman and Lemuel were whiners and caused lots of problems and that Nephi was obedient and tried to be a peacemaker. I related to the stories and the people in the stories. I loved reading the scriptures and felt the difference that it made in my life. As I study The Book of Mormon as an adult, I see the deeper complexities in the scriptures. The Book of Mormon truly is another testament of Jesus Christ, our Savior. From the beginning of the book, Nephi turns to the Lord in his time of need and trusts that the Lord will never let him down. As an adult, I understand how Nephi was able to follow his father and not complain, even when the journey seemed unforgiving and impossible. 1 Nephi 2:16 says,

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know 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 like unto my brothers.

Nephi was a man of great faith who was able to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks. This scripture shows us some of the keys to Nephi’s greatness. First, he had a desire to know. Second, he asked the Lord for help. And third, he softened his heart, or in other words, he humbled himself. As I study the qualities that shaped Nephi, I gain a greater understanding of the things that I need to do to achieve “greatness.” I am under no illusion that my greatness will ever be as Nephi’s, but I can find the peace, comfort and happiness that he found. I learn these things by studying the scriptures. Not just reading, but truly studying and applying in my life the things I learn.

My husband and I are trying to instill the same love of scriptures in our children. We have read the scriptures as a family every day for almost 5 years. Up until this school year, we would read at night. This year we decided to read in the morning (7:15 instead of 5:30…I just can’t seem to commit that early). Sometimes we have the kids each read a verse, and sometimes we read to them. But if we ever forget, the kids will remind us. We read and discuss, and hopefully are laying a foundation for our children, so they may know where to look for guidance.

In 2009, we decided to have a yearly family scripture theme (I can’t take credit for the idea…but I loved the idea and decided to implement it in our family). The theme is something that as a family we focus on. We memorize the scripture and say it as a family. All but the youngest can recite these scriptures, reference included, by heart.

This week we are each taking a scripture theme and explaining what they mean and why they are important to our family. That was my idea. We started with 2012’s scripture, which is Mosiah 2:41:

And moreover I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.

This scripture has special significance to our family, and specifically my husband, which is the reason it is our theme for this year. My husband’s father died in June 2011, and my husband went to California to say goodbye to his dad and thus was there when his dad died. He was also able to help his mother prepare for the funeral. She asked him to choose a scripture to put on the program. So my husband took his father’s scriptures and looked through them, and he found this verse underlined. So Mosiah 2:41 was the scripture that was on my father-in-law’s funeral program.

Last year we had 2 scripture themes, one of which was Alma 37: 37. Alma 37:37 says,

Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings and He will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

I love that scripture because it reminds me to pray always, to look to the Lord in all things and to be grateful for the blessings given to me.

Our family scripture themes remind me, and I hope they remind my children as well, of the things upon which we should be focused.

Life gets hard sometimes. And sometimes the hard times seem to linger longer than we would like. But during those times, as I turn to the scriptures, I find the peace and comfort I am seeking. At one point recently, I was really struggling with one of those hard times. And as I was reading my scriptures I came upon Mosiah 23:21-22, which says, “Nevertheless, the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith. Nevertheless—whosever putteth his truth in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day. Yea, and thus it was with this people.” I realized that the Lord was trying my faith and patience, but that I needed to put my trust in him. Then I read in Mosiah 24:13-14, and it seemed that the Lord was talking to me:

And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage. And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

This brought me a powerful feeling of peace and comfort. The Lord was talking to me directly through this scripture. And he was telling me exactly what I needed to hear. I am very grateful for that. This is not the only time that a verse of scripture I am reading seems to be meant just for me at that very moment in time. I know it is the power of The Book of Mormon that this occurs.

I know that The Book of Mormon is true. I have gained a testimony for myself that it is the word of God to us, to offer comfort and guidance in our times of need, and knowledge of who we are and why we are here on this earth. I invite all earnest seekers of truth to truly study The Book of Mormon, to discover for yourself the power found in its pages. The experiences I have while reading The Book of Mormon help me to understand, in great depth, how much the Lord loves me and cares about me, that he does answer my prayers and he does have a plan for me. I am eternally grateful for the guidance, direction, comfort, peace and knowledge found as I read The Book of Mormon.

This article was written by Lisa Montague, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Additional Resources:

Mormons and the Holy Bible

Jesus Christ in Mormonism

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This week I read 1 Nephi 7:12. Nephi is the first prophet to narrate The Book of Mormon and explains how his family fled Jerusalem and came to the Americas. At this point in that journey Nephi has been asked to do many difficult things by God and yet still has this remarkable attitude as he encourages others in his family to be more receptive towards the Lord’s commandments. “Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him.”

I know that I am the literal daughter of a Heavenly Father. This scripture highlights my tendency to forget that while simultaneously encouraging me to really recognize all the wonderful love my Heavenly Father has shown me in the past. It also really emphasizes the role of faith. Faith is showing hope for something we cannot yet see. The prophet Nephi is reminding me that if Heavenly Father showed love in the past He will show it again if I but have faith.
Two wonderful friends stayed with me for the entirety of the Emergency Room ordeal holding my hand and reading the scriptures to me off their phones. Another wonderful friend gave me a priesthood blessing—an experience where an obedient man with the right authority can use the power of God to bless someone here on Earth.  My roommate drove me to a follow-up appointment. Another member of my congregation, called a ward, picked me up. People I didn’t even know expressed concern for my finger. I felt Heavenly Father help me to cope with the pain and learn to work effectively with nine healthy fingers.Last Monday my roommate accidentally shut my finger in our dorm room window. Sitting on the couch in our kitchen I was almost overcome with the pain and a deep sense of vulnerability. I didn’t know what to do. All of a sudden I was struck by the realization that the only one who could really do anything for me in this situation was my Heavenly Father. It was like the scripture above. I knew that Heavenly Father had answered my prayers in the past and that I needed to have faith he would do so again. I prayed and asked my Heavenly Father to help me find comfort in a really traumatic experience. After spending four hours in the Emergency Room I left with five stitches and a brace that I would have to wear for six weeks. I missed my parents who live across the country and I was overwhelmed with all the medication I had been given. And yet amidst all that there were answers to my prayers.

It’s now been exactly a week since the accident and I can testify to the truthfulness of Nephi’s words. I have exercised faith in the Lord and know that he is “able to do all things according to his will”.

Article written by Katie S

Additional Resources:

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