Mosiah - Chapter 10

As I read this chapter my thoughts kept turning to the traditions of the fathers.  I suppose no family is entirely exempt from being subject to false traditions that have been passed down through the generations.  As I look back through the generations in my own family I can see some traditions that have been eradicated.  I look upon those who made such (in some cases, radical) changes to offer me more light and truth.

Looking at my current situation, I am forced to conclude that some false traditions remain firmly rooted in my family.  I would do well to eliminate those before they are passed on.  The trouble is, false traditions are hard to identify when you've been raised to think they are true traditions.

The previous generation in my own family was highly manipulative.  Marriage helped me identify that one.  Such was not the case in my wife's family, so manipulative practices, which seemed normal to me, were repulsive to her.  I think one of the great blessings of marriage is the light that a new family can shed on the old one.  I suppose this to be the case in all marriages to some degree or other.

I'm convinced that false traditions remain entrenched in my family.  We remain somewhat dysfunctional, though to a lesser degree because of changes others have made.  Now it's my turn.  Trouble is, I can't yet put my finger on what they might actually be.  I think next year I might do well to focus on that problem and see what I can identify to contribute to the progress of my clan.  I think folks on both sides of the veil are counting on me to do just that.

Mosiah - Chapter 9

I am interested in the notion of over-zealousness.  Clearly, in hindsight Zeniff, thought better of his zeal.  I wonder what he could have done to recognize his error as a matter of foresight.  I suspect it may be a matter of being led rather than driven.  I've noticed on the book shelves a popular book called the Purpose Driven Life.  I've even considered reading it.  Somehow, though, my heart rejects the notion of being driven.  I relate it to sheep herding as opposed to shepherding.  I read today on Meridian Magazine about S. Michael Wilcox's retirement.  In the interview, he called himself driven.  Considering the kind of person he is and also considering the quality of his work, I might be unwise to be critical of the driven life.  Still, I find myself prefering to follow a leading Lord to being driven by some purpose of my own, however righteous it seems.

Now, clearly, God supported Zeniff in his zeal, much like God supported Joseph Smith is his quest for treasure in Salem, Massachusetts (See D&C 111), but if they had simply sought the will of the Lord they each might have saved themselves a lot of grief.

I think we do the same kind of thing when we over prepare a Gospel Doctrine lesson or when it requires a U-Haul trailer to deliver visual aids to a Relief Society lesson.  When I was Stake Mission President I was driven.  I was driven by production goals.  I achieved those goals.  Then, when evaluating things at the end of my mission I found that while the results looked good on paper, they were rather hollow in terms of real, fruit bearing results.  If I had not been over zealous, Heavenly Father might have made better use of my time and ambition.

Mosiah - Chapter 8

16 And Ammon said that a seer is a revelator and a prophet also; and a gift which is greater can no man have, except he should possess the power of God, which no man can; yet a man may have great power given him from God. 

 I hope I never underestimate the great gift and calling Heavenly Father has entrusted to our current leaders.  We have among us today 15 Seers.  They have been given great power by God.  It is easy to take those gifts and those servants of the Lord for granted and not fully appreciate how blessed we are to have them.  As I pondered this today I realize I have to take their presence and counsel much more seriously.

Mosiah - Chapter 7

Are we not all a little like Zeniff.  We want life on our own terms and are pretty determined to make it so.  Then Satan comes along, just like the Lamanites and makes us offers that on the surface look like they'll help us get what we want.  Inevitably though, blinded by our own desires we are led into bondage in one form or another.  And we are forced to pay a tax of some sort that, like Limhi's is grievous to be born.  It is so with addiction, it is so with debt, it is so with so much of mortality.  It is always so if we insist on having life on our own terms.

It was so with me and I was desperate.  One day I was listening to The Book of Mormon on my iPod.  I was driving down the road at the time.  As is often the case, my mind had wandered.  Then these words suddenly stood out amid the blur:

33 But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage."

I had spent so very much time doing battle with my captor and suddenly Limhi's words turned it all around for me.  I was not to do battle with the enemy in pursuit of freedom, I was to turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart and serve Him and let Him deliver me from bondage.  I am here to testifiy that this is an eternal principle.  Let us let God fight our battles.  Let us let him vanquish our enemies.  Let us trust and serve Him.  Immediately, I noticed that when I turned myself about and began to face God, my troubles were behind me - literally and figuratively.  The closer I approached God the further I got from my problems.  Of course!  The reverse is true also, if I turn toward my troubles, even to do battle with them, I am facing my troubles, but have turned my back on God.  We will discover the miracle of this principle as we learn more about the people of Zeniff, Noah, Limhi and Alma.  All, like us must submit to an "effectual struggle" but in the end it is always God who delivers us.

Mosiah - Chapter 6

How would it be if our political leaders didn't want to become a burden upon their constituents.  I heard a Congressman just the other day declare that he had no intention of accepting the lavish pension our legislators have created for themselves.  Kudos to such a man of integrity.

It is characteristic of the true church to keep careful records of those who enter the covenant.  How comforting it is that we are numbered, kept track of, so that we might be nurtured sufficiently to bear fruit.

Mosiah - Chapter 5

I know from experience that this mighty change of heart is available to be had by all.  I also know from experience that such a change is not necessarily permanent.

12 I say unto you, I would that ye should remember to retain the name written always in your hearts, that ye are not found on the left hand of God, but that ye hear and know the voice by which ye shall be called, and also, the name by which he shall call you.

Retaining Christ's name written upon our hearts is a deliberate act.  As di said yesterday, remember, remember, remember.  Later we will read of Nephites who dwindle in unbelief.  The reason?  They forgot.  They didn't remember to fuel the fires of faith, fires that once burned bright and so those fires dwindled and many cases died.

I don't thing the change of heart these people experienced was of such a permanent nature that they were free from the obligation to endure to the end.  The admonition in verse 12 makes that plain.  I have have often been in meeting or situation that equally inspired me, changed me, and motivated me.  But then I relaxed and resting upon my laurels so to speak, lost what I had been given.  This has probably happened to most of us.  That word remember is so critical to our happiness and progress.  It is mentioned in the Sacrament prayer and in myriad scriptures.  Remembering takes effort, always remembering takes diligent effort.  Whether it be sticky notes on a bathroom mirror, rocks under our pillows, bowls of water on our book shelves, whatever it takes we need to constantly remind ourselves to remember.  Of course daily scripture study is helpful, so in regular, even constant prayer.  Even those things can become so routine and mundane that they don't work for keeping my memory fresh on such important matters.  I still haven't mastered a keen, constant sense of remembrance.  I sure hope to.

Mosiah - Chapter 4

Colleen Harrison, in her wonderful book He Did Deliver Me From Bondage gives a wonderful analysis of this chapter in which she pointed out that I was spiritually dyslexic.  When it came to the gospel I had it all backwards.  The way I approached keeping the commandments, accessing the Atonement and generally living my life had the cart before the horse.  I thought I had to perfect myself and then and only then could I worthily approach the Lord.  It was like waiting for the tumor to go away and then going to the doctor. 

Here King Benjamin points out that we must apply the Atonement to our lives by repenting, receiving a mission of our sins and then trusting in God by praying in humility faithfully, then He will prepare and assist us in doing all else that is required of us.  I was going about attempting the "all else" and neglecting the fundamental fact that Jesus is the only name by which I might receive salvation.  I was essentially trying to save myself, no wonder I was failing and frustrated.  Thankfully, I have now discovered that He is my strength and my song and that I accomplish nothing of value in my life, my family or the kingdom without His grace and assent.  If we willingly acknowledge our own nothingness and seek His aid, we can do all things that are expedient in Him.  If not we are on our own and He neither ratifies our labor, nor counts it toward our salvation.  If He were to do so He would be allowing us another means by which we can obtain eternal life.  A thing He cannot do.

On this wonderful, blessed Christmas day, I am thankful beyond measure that he condescended to come to earth to do for me what I cannot do for myself.  He suffered so very much that He might recover us and bring us home.  Blessed be the name of the Lord for it.

Mosiah - Chapter 3

What an appropriate and magnificent message for Christmas Eve.  This must be the first recorded declaration that Christ's name should be Jesus.  I love this verse:

 13 And the Lord God hath sent his holy prophets among all the children of men, to declare these things to every kindred, nation, and tongue, that thereby whosoever should believe that Christ should come, the same might receive remission of their sins, and rejoice with exceedingly great joy, even as though he had already come among them.

The revelations of Nephi, Jacob and Mosiah are so detailed and specific that those who lived prior to Christ's advent had no less advantage than we with regard to knowing of His life and ministry, knowing of His purpose and mission and knowing of His love and atoning sacrifice.  Even before his holy birth, willing Saints could enjoy all of the blessings we enjoy, if only the would.

19 For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.

Here is another very interesting word in the language of the Lord - yield.  In this context it seems to mean, to surrender or submit.  If one is willing, surrender ought to be such an easy thing.  I have a dear niece whose grandfather and grand uncle were German soldiers in WWII.  One was a POW in Russia and the other was a POW in the United States.  One came home malnourished and in poor health, the other came home robust and happy and gathered his immediate family and migrated to America.  Can you imagine the relief it was for him to surrender and become an American POW?  There was trepidation at first I'm sure, but as he continued to submit he made discoveries and familiarities that clearly comforted and astonished him.  For the first time in a long time he was safe and nurtured and respected.  Such, is the surrender we must make and more magnificent than we can imagine will be the results.  I hope in the New Year I can make such a complete, wholehearted surrender that I am willing to relocate entirely in Zion and leave Babylon behind.

Mosiah - Chapter 2

I hardly dare elaborate on King Benjamin's address.  This is just about my favorite sermon in all of scripture.  I declare myself an unprofitable servant this day.  I am in such enormous debt to the Lord and yet His blessing continue in abundance.  I shall never in all eternity be capable of repaying that debt.  The chapter reminds me that I'm not blessed so, because I deserve it.  My blessings come because God simply loves me and is interested in my happiness and progress.  Clearly, the best thing I can do is to try to emulate such a God and here, Benjamin teaches that the way to do that is to serve others.

I am happiest when I'm not thinking of or laboring for my own self, but rather laboring, praying and being in the service of others.  Benjamin's example of this very thing could be a worthy benchmark for each of us.

Mosiah - Chapter 1

When I think of King Benjamin I also think of Enoch.  In one generation they lead the people to peace and righteousness.  It makes me wonder about us.  I remember one time suggesting that we ought to be pursuing such a course ourselves.  The reply I got from one church leader startled me.  He said, "If Enoch had the same bunch of losers, that I've been saddled with, he wouldn't have succeeded either."  I think he's wrong.  I think neither Enoch nor Benjamin had any better qualified souls to work with than we have with us right here, right now.  Now, you and I may not be Kings or Prophets, but we are Primary Teachers and Young Men Advisers.  We are Home Teachers and Visiting Teachers.  We are parents.  We can have an Enoch, or Benjamin like influence on our own sphere of influence if we can just believe and let God guide our paths and direct our words.  We may not be able to inspire a City of Enoch or a Zarahemla, but we can inspire such a family, such a Primary Class, or Sunday School Class.  I'm feel impressed to watch King Benjamin very closely this time around and see if I can recognize clues as to how he did it. 

Words of Mormon - Chapter 1

Today my thoughts turned to this wonderful collection of records.  I think it no small miracle that they remained protected and in tact for the entire 1000 year history they record.  We have wonderful stories about how Joseph Smith was assisted in keeping the Golden Plates safe.  It would be fun to read the stories of these records of which Mormon speaks.  They too must have been prizes Satan would love to have corrupted or destroyed.  To me it is another Testament to the value of the scriptures and to God's kindness in preserving them for us.  Clearly this was the burden of many of the Nephite prophet's prayers.

8 And my prayer to God is concerning my brethren, that they may once again come to the knowledge of God, yea, the redemption of Christ; that they may once again be a delightsome people.

Notice how there is no tense in this verse.  No past, present or future tense is present.  I believe this may be because Mormon understood about redemptive work for the dead.  I believe he knew that one day, descendants of these enemy brethren and lost colleagues would find the gospel and assist in their recovery from their awful and fallen state.  Even these warriors among whom and against whom he fought, might one day, partake of the blessing of the Atonement and be a delightsome people.  I believe it is true.  I hope it is.

Omni - Chapter 1

It sounds like despite declarations of personal wickedness, these men maintained a belief and affiliation with the truth.  It is so sad to hear them describe how they spent their lives fighting their enemies.  They were stuck depending upon the arm of the flesh to accomplish what they'd forgotten God could do for them.  From my own experience it seems like they felt a sense of entitlement.  They felt they deserved freedom and all of it's trappings.  I think we are much the same way.  Most of us are willing to defend rights we think we deserve.  There is lies the rub.  In all reality we do not deserve anything.  The notion that we are entitled to something leads to expectation, which leads to disappointment, which leads to justification which leads to destruction.  Like the Nephites of old we seek to control our outcomes rather then entrusting them to the Lord.

This make's Amalaki's wonderful statement even more poignant and inspiring.

 26 And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved.

 He appears to have discovered that salvation, and I think even temporal salvation, come in no other way.  He seems for have discovered that life is not about gaining control, but rather offering control to God.

Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen describes a daily Buddhist ritual that entails filling a bowl with water.  The water represents our lives - the good as well as the bad.  As the bowl is filling the worshiper receives her life with gratitude.  Next the filled bowl is carefully carried and placed upon an alter at which point the person consecrates her life, in it's imperfect entirety, to God.  I practiced this ritual for some time and found it very instructive and very useful in applying Amalaki's admonition that we offer our whole souls unto God.  I shall never forget the day when, as I approached the bookshelf that served as my alter I remembered having told a lie to a good friend.  My next thought turned to the scripture that advises -

“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; “Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift” (Matt. 5:23–24).

 I couldn't put the bowl in it's place.  I tried to justify or rationalize but realized that this is the sort of thing Amaleki was speaking of.  I went and did my reconciliation and then was able to make my offering.  I'm not suggesting we all go out and get ourselves a bowl.  But I am suggesting that we take this admonition that seriously and deliberately offer our whole souls unto God.

How would the accounts in Omni have been different if Amaleki's predecessors understood this great principle.

Jarom - Chapter 1

It appears that stiffneckedness is a surefire way to douse revelation.

4 And there are many among us who have many revelations, for they are not all stiffnecked. And as many as are not stiffnecked and have faith, have communion with the Holy Spirit, which maketh manifest unto the children of men, according to their faith.

I think it is important to realize here that according to Jarom, there is no other criteria that will cause revelation to cease.  I personally believe this to be true.  Of course as Jarom mentions, faith is necessary.  But I believe one can have faith and yet be obstinate enough to cause revelation to depart from his life. Humility seems to be the opposite of stiffneckedness.  To me, humility is the utter, complete acknowledgment of our dependence upon God for everything.  That accompanied by personal willingness to do whatever God asks of us.  While we may be deeply imperfect and lacking personal worthiness, revelation can and does come when we are humble and submissive.  I have spent too much time standing amongst the stiffnecked.

Enos - Chapter 1

23 And there was nothing save it was exceeding harshness, preaching and prophesying of wars, and contentions, and destructions, and continually reminding them of death, and the duration of eternity, and the judgments and the power of God, and all these things—stirring them up continually to keep them in the fear of the Lord. I say there was nothing short of these things, and exceedingly great plainness of speech, would keep them from going down speedily to destruction. And after this manner do I write concerning them.

When I was a kid this is the method that was used to teach us to behave ourselves.  I wonder if we were really that bad.  I remember thinking in Primary that Jesus loved me, but by the time Seminary got through with me I was scared to death of Him.  There was hellfire and damnation from the pulpit too.  These days those tactics and notions have gone away.  In my heart I am glad of it.  But looking around at the mess we are in I wonder if we've gone too soft.

I know that when the kids come to church at the Detention Center (most are not members of the LDS Church) they expect some serious pulpit pounding.  When they find love, kindness and understanding instead they are startled and pleasantly surprised to find a gospel of love and forgiveness.

Anyway, I love this chapter about prayer and forgiveness and love for enemies as well as brethren.  I'm just not sure what to make of this verse.  It just isn't comfortable for me to think of "many prophets" using fear tactics to keep the believers in line.  I resented it as a kid and struggle with it now.  It nearly pushed me away and left me feeling guilty and irredeemable most of my life. 

Jacob - Chapter 7

It think Sherem is the classic example of the political spin and divisiveness we're experiencing today.  Don't be alarmed, I'm not choosing up sides.  This problem is not exclusive to one ideology or party.





Some of his tactics are:

• Fault finding - verse 2
• Contrariness - verse 2
  
• Educational prowess - verse 4
• Flattery - verse 4
  
• Selective truth - verse 7
• Calling evil good and good evil - verse 7
• Skepticism - verse 7
• Sign seeking - verse 13
  
• Lies and deceit - verse 19

I wonder if we might use these observations to help us discern the true motivations of those who seek to shake our faith and interfere with our freedom?  I think we can.

I also think we can use Jacob's methods to help protect ourselves from being deceived by those who would destroy that which is good and true in our lives.  We could:

• Search the scriptures
• Rely on the Holy Ghost
• Trust God

Sherem was a wrecker, Jacob a builder.  The fruit of the truth is so beautiful.

 23 And it came to pass that peace and the love of God was restored again among the people...

Peace and love the two best indicators of righteousness and it's own best blessings.

Jacob - Chapter 6

I love how Jacob points out that whether or not God's pruning, digging about and fertilizing, His nurturing, has the desired effect in our lives, is completely up to us.  I'll never forget President Hugh B. Brown's wonderful talk called God is the Gardener in which God says, "I am the Gardener here and I know what I want you to be.  If I let you go the way you're going you'll never amount to anything."  To which President Brown replies, "Thank you Mr. Gardener, for cutting me down, for loving me enough to hurt me."  The beauty of President Brown's choice was not in what happened to him but in his response to what happened to him.  Will we choose to reject the Gardener or to grow at His nurturing hand?

Jacob - Chapter 5

Verse 25 seems to refer to the Nephites and Lamanites.  They were given a Promised Land, very fertile and fine.  I can't help but wonder who verse 22 refers to.  Obviously, they weren't granted such a fertile nice place to dwell, but flourished anyway.  I don't intend to speculate here.  I really don't have much of a guess.  I just find it interesting that having a poor spot of ground didn't hamper their development.  In fact it may have contributed to the outcome.  Additionally, I'd like to hear their story.  There must be a record coming forth someday, to tell us of these hardy souls who flourished under harsh conditions.  Perhaps when things become more difficult for us, we'll flourish better too.

While it is certain that the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees is about Israel and her prophetic history.  I discovered today that the story can be likened unto myself.  I personally have required some pruning and digging about and fertilizing.  I too have needed to be grafted into different situations to humble, strengthen and rescue me.  I too have borne wild as well as sweet fruit.  I too have grieved the master of the vineyard.  I hope one day I will bear Him adequate fruit.  For me the biggest problem with being a fruitful tree is best described in this verse.

48 And it came to pass that the servant said unto his master: Is it not the loftiness of thy vineyard—have not the branches thereof overcome the roots which are good? And because the branches have overcome the roots thereof, behold they grew faster than the strength of the roots, taking strength unto themselves. Behold, I say, is not this the cause that the trees of thy vineyard have become corrupted?

I am so quick to take strength unto myself, to take credit for my accomplishments, to suppose I don't require the help of the Lord or to draw strength from my roots.  Obviously, Christ is the source of my strength and clearly I can do nothing without his strength and support.  I also believe that my own ancestors are directly involved in inspiring me, blessing me and assisting me in my efforts here in this life.  I must stop taking personal credit for that strength so generously supplied by God and his servants.

Jacob - Chapter 4

  9 For behold, by the power of his word man came upon the face of the earth, which earth was created by the power of his word. Wherefore, if God being able to speak and the world was, and to speak and man was created, O then, why not able to command the earth, or the workmanship of his hands upon the face of it, according to his will and pleasure?

 I have underestimated God's power and the nature of it my entire life.  I still have a hard time comprehending it and probably always will, at least while in mortality.  Still, He has a way of showing us things from time to time.  Because of my addiction I was very uncomfortable with this verse from Section 121 of The Doctrine and Covenants.

45 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distill upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.

 Being in recovery allowed me to, more comfortably, ponder that verse recently.  The word let caught my attention.  All my life I had been trying to force virtue to garnish my thoughts.  Of course, I wondered, how do I let, or allow, that to happen?  I tried to think of other instances where God chose the word let.  One, in particular came to mind.

3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

Note that in this verse of Genesis chapter one God's speaking of the word let was the action taken to establish light in His creation.  Now what struck me about this line of thinking came back in Section 121 where we are taught that if we let virtue (or from yesterday's discussion, purity) garnish our thoughts, great blessings come, one of which I have highlighted.

46 The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.

Clearly, God's dominion flows unto Him without compulsory means.  So when He desires the creation of something He simply allows it to happen by His word.  His word removes whatever restricts the flow of that particular thing.  In light of what D1 Warbler said a couple of days ago about the Temple mirrors and the need to get out of our own way, I think this is brilliantly instructive.  In mortality we tend to think we have power, we think we have the need to use it.  We learn to trust in the arm of the flesh.  Perhaps Jacob is trying to teach us that God is the source of power.  Perhaps if we learn to surrender to His will and let His virtue flow into us and garnish our lives, He can recreate us according to His word.  Surrender, a word we often use in addiction recovery seems quite synonymous with the word let.  A word which, when spoken by God makes all the difference in the world.

Jacob - Chapter 3

 2 O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.

 I think this may be my most favorite verse in all of the scriptures.  The privilege of feasting upon the love of Christ.  What greater gift and promise could there be.  The promises of the previous verse are sweet and comforting by nothing excels the blessing of realizing and enjoying the Savior's great abiding love.

To some degree or other, I suppose, all of us can blame our darkness and error on the choices and even wickedness of our fathers.  I think about this all the time while working with the kids at the Detention Center.  There is no need to revile against them, they are victims of the circumstances under which they were raised and also the things they have been taught.  As I said, to some degree this is true of all of us.  Now, I think this is an important thing to understand when we deal with others.  It allows us to cut them some slack, to view their problems with compassion and understanding.  They did not ask to be raised in a broken home in which their parents did drugs and who knows what else.  Who can blame them for their confusion, frustration and fear.  Others might look at each of us with a similar view of compassion and understanding.  I would hope they do and they would refrain from reviling against me and my many weaknesses.

It is important, though, that when we view our own weakness that we understand that while me may not have been the cause of our problems, they are our problems and we, individually are the ones who much confront and seek the help of the Redeemer in overcoming them.  I think this may have been what Jacob was referring to when is put the one stipulation on having the privilege of feasting upon the love of Christ.  That being that our minds must be firm forever.  Firmness of mind cannot include seeking to blame others for our circumstances.  Firmness of mind seems to require a continuing measure of personal responsibility and determination.  I have spent a lot of years succumbing to a flabby mind.  One that lacks discipline, focus, understanding and intent.  It has been quite a process to get it into shape and I still have a way to go.  For me it is not unlike getting my flabby body into shape.  I have to show up, work hard, suffer some discomfort, be consistent, eat right and have help.  But, also, like having a firm body, a firm mind is richly rewarded.  And that makes any sacrifice well worth the effort.

 

Jacob - Chapter 2

Personally, I cannot imagine wanting more than one wife.  Not that marriage is unpleasant but, rather because it is so pleasant.  Who in their right mind would wish to interfere with the intimacy, companionship, joy and love an exclusive, close companionship can enjoy.  Not I.  I suspect that men who would seek more, haven't invested fully in the relationship they have.  Surely, looking beyond one's current marriage would be labor indeed.  When Jacob calls it "laboring in sin" as opposed to yesterday's chapter in which he invites us to enter into His rest, he isn't kidding.

Imagine the labor it must be to try to sufficiently maintain more than one intimate relationship, especially in the case of one who is trying to conceal subsequent trysts.  It must be exhausting, worrisome and overwhelming.  How do people get so confused that they think such thing might be an improvement in some way.

So it is with all sin.  Thieves often work harder, at greater risk and smaller reward than if they simply went out and got a job.  Drug addicts literally expend Herculean effort to maintain their habits and destroy all around them in the process.  Liars have to keep track of their tales in order to keep from being found out.  Honest people can just relax.  Living righteous lives is so much easier, so much more pleasant, having so much less risk, fear and distress.  How do we let Satan fool us into thinking otherwise.

Jacob - Chapter 1

I've often pondered what it means to enter into the rest of the Lord.  I think our understanding of life hereafter doesn't preclude work.  According to Moses 1:39, God works.  Perhaps Jacob means rest from temptation.  Maybe it is rest from the labor of sin.  Personal experience bears witness to the fact that sin is very laborious and exhausting.  The perception that approaching Heaven is an effort demanding climb probably comes from the fact that we must climb over the obstacles of mortality.  Many of those obstacles are placed in our path, but in the end the biggest obstacle is overcoming ourselves.  Perhaps if we could get out of our own way the journey along the path of life would approach effortlessness.  Perhaps then, we could rest.  Perhaps the notion that we have to work our way into Heaven is what exhausts us so much.  Maybe entering into His rest means that we must surrender to the Savior and allow Him to rescue us.  Maybe His rest comes in that moment when we finally accept the fact that we are only saved based on His merits and mercy and not upon our own.

There is a great article at Meridian Magazine on this topic.  Read it here.

2 Nephi - Chapter 33

There sure a lot of similarities in sentiment and thought between Nephi's last words and Moroni's.  Each is so earnest in their desire that the word might have it's intended effect in the lives of their readers.  Each has a keen awareness of his weakness.  Each has a firm conviction of God's purpose in having them make their records.  Each has lofty hopes of the word of God reaching into the hearts of many.

I've thought a lot today about the earnestness with which I approach my callings.  Do I pray anxiously for the recipients of the service I am called to perform?  Or am I mostly praying that I won't embarrass myself.  Do I have a Nephi like conviction that I really am about my Father's business, that my efforts are truly in accord with His desires and Eternal will?  When my callings get difficult do I perform them anyway with a firm determnation to be obedient?

For me, Nephi has been persuasive in expounding the doctrine and causing me to believe it.  The big question lies in whether or not I am following Nephi's example as well as his teachings.  I hope I am.  There is certainly lots of room for improvement.

2 Nephi - Chapter 32

What a wonderful thing.  Once we've entered the path by the gate we receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost who will then reveal to us how to live our lives.  Thus we are admonished to receive personal revelation.

I teach this principle to the youth at the Detention Center by using an Alcoholic's Prayer as my example:

"Lord what would thou have me do today?  Please grant me the strength to do it."

I love to point out to them that this prayer requires that we hear the voice of God in our hearts.  It is always remarkable how willing they are to believe that they can and will actually receive revelation.  My experience has shown that even the worst drunk or most messed up Meth Head is entitled to an answer to both aspects of that simple prayer.  Once we've accepted the notion that God will speak to us.  Then we have to accept the very real fact that God will never ask more of us that we can give.  Additionally, we need to understand that He never expects us to go from point A to point Z in one instantaneous jump.  He is patient, He will only ask us to do today that which He has prepared us to do today.

Most of us have been raised with expectations that often exceed our current, Heaven assissted abilities.  God never does that.  Too often we beat ourselves up by holding ourselves to some lofty standard that God knows we're not quite ready for - yet.  When He says he will teach us line upon line, precept upon precept, this chapter is what He is talking about.  He doesn't demand basket upon box, but line upon line, as we are prepared.  When He tells us what we should do, it shouldn't be scary.  It is always kindly, measured perfectly for our present needs.

2 Nephi - Chapter 31

I love that Jesus asks nothing of us that He is not willing to do Himself.  It is significant that these specific doctrines are taught by Nephi to his people.  These doctrines overlaid on the Law of Moses show that pre-meridian people were not limited to the fundamental law, if and when they are willing to live the higher law.  Clearly, the higher law that Jesus introduced in Palestine was thoroughly introduced prior to that time with select and selected people.

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ."

I love this counsel.  I will always be grateful for the discovery that the greatest problem I had in overcoming my addictive behaviors was that I was trying to hide my self and my problem for God.  Now if I was accused of this I would have said my accuser was silly.  Anyone knows you can really hide from God.  Still we do it all the time.  That was the first thing Adam and Eve did after their transgression and it is commonly what we all do when we sin.  Being willing to openly approach God with our problems, however embarrasing, is utterly vital to putting them aside. I will always appreciate a story Sister Cheiko Okasaki told about a dream a lady had in which Jesus came for a visit.  Her house was unkempt and dinner yet to be prepared.  When Jesus arrived she asked him to sit in the tidy living room while she cleaned the kitchen and fixed the meal.  Jesus sought to come help, but she resisted.  She didn't want Him to see her mess.  When He eventually prevailed she found that He was wonderful company and wonderfully helpful and capable in helping her clean and prepare.  So it is with me.  I too commonly try to keep God in the tidy parts of my life, instead of inviting Him in to help clean up the mess.  Keeping God in the tidy parts of my life is what I think Nephi was saying when he asks us not to act and hypocrisy or deception before God.  I know He can only clean up my life so far as I let Him in to do so.

2 Nephi - Chapter 30

That the children of Lehi would one day become a pure and delightsome people is interesting to me.  I wonder what Nephi meant by that.  I have spent my life associated with native North Americans and find them all delightsome.  Their purity is not for me to judge.  Most I know would qualify I should think.

Clearly poverty, alcoholism and more recently, drugs have taken their toll on these populations.  Clearly, the cultural shift our society seems to expect of them has caused them problems and left many in despair.  Nevertheless, many many are living lives of promise and magnificent representations of Nephi's prophecy.

Larry EchoHawk, pictured here is a fine example.  I won't go into details here but would invite you to read about him here.

As a boy, my family served a mission among the local Indian Tribe.  A few were still dwelling in Tee Pees at the time.  If I had the space I'd love to describe the marvelous progress these people have made in the past 50 years alone.  I am loathe to criticize their culture or history.  I question the merits of our efforts to Westernize them.  I grieve for the injustices they've suffered.  And I admire their, resilience, tenacity, courage and good humor as, time after time, I watch them rise above enormous affliction and make magnificent contributions to society.  I have loved watching Nephi's prophecy being fulfilled right before my eyes.  I suspect we are just observing the beginning of something even more impressive.

I don't want of over emphasise this part of the chapter,  because Nephi makes it plain that ancestry is not what makes a true disciple of Christ.  Rather, the choices we make as to whom to follow and in whom to put our trust make that determination for Israelite or Gentile alike.

2 Nephi - Chapter 29

Do they remember the travails, and the labors, and the pains of the Jews, and their diligence unto me, in bringing forth salvation unto the Gentiles?

I think it is a bit startling that in a discussion of Gentiles who are so enamored with the Bible that they will reject and further revelation that the above observation is made.  Seems like two inferences can be made from this statement.  First, that they don't really appreciate the Bible as much as they claim to do.  The second, is sweet to me.  A sweet assurance to Paul, Timothy, Peter, James, John and others that their labors after his departure were indeed pleasing to the Lord.  Surely, they've already been told this, but clearly we needed it.  We Latter-day Saints.  We need to know that the Great Apostasy did not come because of the 12, but because of those who, subsequently corrupted the truth with Greek philosophy, pagan rituals and outright lies.

While the Bible has been stripped of many plain and precious things, it remains a priceless gem and given The Book of Mormon to clarify the doctrine, the light it contains can more brightly shine forth.  The Book of Mormon only enhances and edifies the value of the Bible.  We who understand this are truly blessed!

I guess I always thought of this chapter as placing the Bible in a secondary role to The Book of Mormon, this little notion today, changed that.  It is time I spent more time enjoying it's inspired pages.

I spent yesterday and will spend today, crossing the plains.  I've been in a relatively comfortable car.  By nightfall I'll have gone from Chicago to Utah in two days.  As I have journeyed so swift and easily I've thought of the pioneers whose travails, labors and diligence are often, also under appreciated.  Many, throughout the history of the world have sacrificed so much so we could enjoy such great blessings so easily taken for granted.  Last night I wept for them and their suffering.  Today I weep for me, for my carelessness disregard of their great gift.

2 Nephi - Chapter 28

For behold, he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness; and he that is built upon a sandy foundation trembleth lest he shall fall.

Thank heaven for the blessing of continuing revelation!  Last year I had a co-worker and good friend who is a Landmark Baptist Preacher.  We no longer work together, but he remains a friend.  He had spent years in divinity school and was truly a scholar.  He was an honest one at that.  His extensive studies of the Bible had lead him to abandon many traditional beliefs held dear by other Baptists.  The consequence is that his congregation is small and he gets a fair amount of persecution among his peers.  I love that through honest study he has learned so much truth.  We found (percentage wise) very little to disagree about.  Of course we were seeking to find an "area of agreement" as President Hugh B. Brown used to say, rather than focus on points upon which we didn't agree.

My point here is, however, that despite almost superhuman effort and honesty.  My friends still comes short of the fullness of the gospel because he can't yet countenance continuing revelation nor central church authority.  We are so very blessed to have The Book of Mormon and other scripture of the restoration.  We are so blessed to be led by living prophets who have none other desire than to convey the word of the Lord.  I think all the woes pronounced in this chapter are not threats as much as they are expressions of sorrow at the plight so many good people endure while struggling, sometimes valiantly, in the darkness.

Then of course there are the proud.  I have a friend who has been addicted to pornography for years.  He knows he needs help.  I know he could learn a lot about the Atonement that he doesn't yet fully understand, if he would attend LDS Addiction Recovery Program meetings.  He says he'd like to.  His wife insists it would be too mortifying a breach of privacy.  For pride, he stays home, suffers alone and remains addicted.  That's how pride works it's destruction; in our self avowed determination to repent without humility.  Of course the greater problem with pride is not in the rejection of the Lord's programs but rather in rejection of the Lord himself.  To the degree that we have a notion that we can save ourselves without a savior, we are condemned.  Not as much by our misdeeds as by our rejection of the only way by which we might escape them.

2 Nephi - Chapter 27

When I was younger and prouder I could hardly stand to think about the sealed portion of The Book of Mormon.  I wanted to look inside so badly.  It was like an unopened present beneath the Christmas tree, so attractive and appealing, yet off limits.
Today, a bit more humble, I've discovered that I've barely scratched the surface of what was not sealed.  I don't even measure up to that gift, how could I possibly be prepared for more?  Not yet.  Not even close.

 3 And all the nations that fight against Zion, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision; yea, it shall be unto them, even as unto a hungry man which dreameth, and behold he eateth but he awaketh and his soul is empty; or like unto a thirsty man which dreameth, and behold he drinketh but he awaketh and behold he is faint, and his soul hath appetite; yea, even so shall the multitude of all the nations be that fight against Mount Zion.

  4 For behold, all ye that doeth iniquity, stay yourselves and wonder, for ye shall cry out, and cry; yea, ye shall be drunken but not with wine, ye shall stagger but not with strong drink.

It is amazing to me how spot on these two verses are when it comes to my addiction.  To anyone's addiction.  Addicts often describe the "hole in the heart" or internal emptiness that nothing external seems to satisfy or fill.  It is indeed an appetite that never goes away.  I have come to believe that that feeling is spiritual hunger.  We are so good at satisfying physical hunger and so poor at recognizing spiritual hunger.  Too many spirits are literally starving to death.  In an effort to satiate a lack we don't even understand we seek drugs, alcohol, pornography, food, anything we think might help.  Very often in today's world we are indeed drunken and not necessarily with wine.

I believe the world at large is still trying to emerge from the darkness of centuries of apostasy.  Even in the church many are trapped in old, self sufficient ways of thinking that lead us to seek our own solutions, our own fixes, rather than turning to the true and living God for the sustenance only He can give.  I also believe that currently addiction in its many hideous forms is Satan's most captivating insidious tool.

The Book of Mormon as a voice from the dust, anticipated this very problem as directed by God.  It is the sole greatest source for addiction recovery.  It's promise in that regard is unto all.

Thanks to The Book of Mormon -

35 They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.

2 Nephi - Chapter 26

The most remarkable blessing of this chapter is not written but implied.  When Nephi read Isaiah, his interpretation goes far beyond anything Isaiah wrote.  In other words, Nephi prayed about Isaiah's words and as a direct consequence was shown in vision the interpretation as it applied to him and is descendants.

Maybe we're being too confined in our thinking as we seek to understand Isaiah for ourselves.  I have personally tried to apply direct and detailed meaning to Isaiah, as have many commentators I have read.  I have never sought to see for myself, what Isaiah saw.

I suspect that God would not show me everything Isaiah saw, it is more likely that God would show me, like he showed Nephi, only that which applies to me and to my stewardship.  Nephi's details seem to be focused on his family, their experience, needs and influence.  What happens to the descendants of Benjamin, or Levi, or Cain are less specifically mentioned and wouldn't be mentioned at all except that The Book of Mormon would one day reach them, convert some of them who would then reach out to Nephi's descendants.  I hope to look at Isaiah in a whole new light now that I've observed this.  It puts a whole new light on "liken the scriptures" to ourselves, for me.  While Isaiah said nothing of Christ's eventual appearance in America, that, by the Gift of the Holy Ghost, is what reading Isaiah produced for Nephi.

I believe that if I fail to have similar experiences to those of Nephi, within the realm of my stewardship, it is because I don't believe.

33 For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile. 

When I put my name into this verse personal, new and divine meaning reaches into my heart.

2 Nephi - Chapter 25

One of the reasons I love The Book of Mormon so much is that Nephi delighted in plainness.  I remember the first time I read The Old Testament.  It was on my mission.  I went from that to reading The Book of Mormon and it was like coming out of a cave into daylight.  Don't take me wrong, I loved The Old Testament, but in terms of clear, pure, understandable plainness The Book of Mormon excels brilliantly.  I am so glad we are counseled to read from it's pages continually.

Any one who had tried to keep the law has failed to fully do so.  Paul described it as a school master.  Our attempts to live perfect lives according to the law will always, of necessity, meet with failure and disappointment.  Perhaps the schooling comes in the realization of our own ability to save ourselves.  A sincere effort to keep the law is a sure fire way to discover our weakness and make the vital discovery that we need help.

...there is none other name given under heaven save it be this Jesus Christ, of which I have spoken, whereby man can be saved.

This is the central discovery we all must make and then accept.  Whether Muslim or Jew, Christian or Buddhist all must recognize the Holy Messiah and rely upon His merits and mercy, or we cannot be saved.  There is no other way.  I believe Isaiah's prophecies are full of the hope and assurance that God is working to "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."  Whether nations or individuals, all will spend time outside the "arms of safety" and must choose to surrender to Christ to obtain that blessed peace and salvation that only He can provide.

2 Nephi - Chapter 24

 1 For the Lord will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land; and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.

It is so interesting that the god's we create for ourselves make far more horrible demands of us than the true and living God does.  Our god's expect us to toss our virgins in to volcanoes, put us into slavery, have no mercy and are completely capricious.  The true and living God sacrifices Himself in order to reconcile us to Him, not the other way around.  He is faithful, reliable, merciful and kind.  Why then, to we persist in choosing gods of our own creation?  Perhaps we think we need to deserve what we get.  If that's what we choose, we'll certainly get what we deserve.

Quite often I ask the kids at the Detention Center this fun question.  "When you come before God's judgement seat, do you want a fair trial?"  They always answer that they do.  "In other words, you hope you'll get what you deserve?" I ask them?

"Well no, we don't want what we deserve."  they reply.  "We're hoping for mercy."

Why then do we choose unmerciful gods?  We are so gullible and vulnerable to the lies told to us by he who has fallen from Heaven.  How often we need to be reminded that God is good, faithful, persistently redemptive and forgiving.

24 The Lord of Hosts hath sworn, saying: Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand— 

 His is a plan of happiness, a plan of redemption, a plan of salvation.  His purpose is to bring us home and so shall it stand.