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Can we really receive divine direction in all things?
In the first chapter of the Book of Mormon , Nephi tells how his father, Lehi, beheld a vision. When we search the scriptures, individually or as families, our hearts and minds are filled with the Spirit of the Lord.
With that Spirit, we can indeed find the direction we seek within the pages of the standard works. Adversity is the common lot of all who come to earth. When we search the scriptures, we learn about the meaning of adversity. We also find reassurance that we are not left without help in facing the challenges of adversity.
In 2 Nephi 2: As we study the verses preceding and following this one, we learn that Lehi is teaching his son Jacob about the plan of salvation. Adversity presents us with the opportunity to use our agency. And as we use it wisely, the Lord can refine us and eventually exalt us. While imprisoned in Liberty Jail, the Prophet Joseph Smith asked the Lord how long he must endure persecution and affliction.
President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, recalls: “ Some time ago in South America, a seasoned group of outstanding missionaries . As Nephi concluded his sacred record, he left us a wonderful, comprehensive promise that when we “feast upon the words of Christ , the words of Christ will .
But although adversity is a necessary part of our mortal experience, we need not endure it alone. The Lord does not leave us comfortless in times of trial see John This is surely one of the most difficult problems many people face. For this problem, too, we find guidance in the words of Christ.
Section of the Doctrine and Covenants tells us that when those in our care make mistakes, we need to correct them gently and kindly—but specifically and before it is too late. And we need to increase our expressions of love. In verses 41 through 44, we read:.
The Random page link is located on the left margin of every page. You will recall that Alma himself had been a wayward youth until an angel appeared unto him in response to the prayers of his father see Mosiah This site seeks to remain faithful to the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but has no formal affiliation or approval. Do you remember the story of the people of King Benjamin? Thornock emphasized the scripture James 1: When Laman and Lemuel asked, "What meaneth the rod of iron?
You will recall that Alma himself had been a wayward youth until an angel appeared unto him in response to the prayers of his father see Mosiah The scriptures teach over and over that prayers really do make a difference. The Psalms also describe the word of the Lord as sweet like honey Psalm The word feast implies more than a simple, single course meal with one dish.
Great power can come from memorizing scriptures. The word of God contains three very strong elements that intertwine and sustain one another to form an immovable rod. These three elements include, first, the scriptures, or the words of the ancient prophets.
All of these are important sources of spiritual knowledge, and the additional contexts of 2 Nephi 31—32 add even more. Often times, in many of these settings, the Spirit may prompt individuals to repent, or prophets and apostles may issue a divinely inspired call for all to repent and improve.
These many avenues through which one can partake of the words of Christ come together to form a veritable smorgasbord of divinely inspired learning opportunities.
Yet, as Elder Joseph B. Belnap, Gaye Strathearn, and Stanley A.
Walton and Craig S. Zondervan, , ; William R. A Journal of Mormon Scripture 21 On Typology , 2nd edition Provo, UT: Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, , 46—49; D. John Butler, Plain and Precious Things: A Journal of Mormon Scripture 1 Nyman, Book of Mormon Commentary , 6 vols.