Scripture Blog

This weblog is my personal online scripture journal. I try to read the scriptures each morning as I exercise on my cross-trainer. It has a great impact on my life and my testimony of the Savior and his restored church. The journal is really for my own benefit but I have set it up as a web log in hopes to benefit anyone else that may be interested. "For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost..." 1 Nephi 10:19

Thursday, December 31, 2015

2 Nephi 5

Nephi writes concerning his brethren that -

"...the word of the Lord was fulfilled which he spake unto me, saying that: Inasmuch as they will not hearken unto thy words they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord. And behold, they were cut off from his presence.
21 And he had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity. For behold, they had hardened their hearts against him, that they had become like unto a flint; wherefore, as they were white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 5:20 - 21)

A close evaluation of these two verses, it becomes clear that the cursing was that they were cut of from the presence of the Lord.  The sign of a skin of blackness was so that "they might not be an enticing" to Nephi's people.  In other words, so that his posterity would avoid the iniquities of his brethren which if they did, as prophesied, they would take on the same curse of being cut off.

Joseph Fielding Smith commented -

“The dark skin was placed upon the Lamanites so that they could be distinguished from the Nephites and to keep the two peoples from mixing. The dark skin was the sign of the curse. The curse was the withdrawal of the Spirit of the Lord and the (withdrawal of the Spirit was the cause of the) Lamanites becoming a ‘loathsome and filthy people, full of idleness and all manner of abominations’ (I Nephi 12:23). The Lord commanded the Nephites not to intermarry with them, for if they did they would partake of the curse (they would also become spiritually dead). The dark skin of those who have come into the Church is no longer to be considered a sign of the curse (Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, 5 vols. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1957–66, 3: 123–24).

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

2 Nephi 4

I remember hearing my mother, whom I consider to one of the more righteous of saints, comment that many times she did not feel that she would qualify for exaltation.  Nephi has to among the most righteous of prophets yet he also confessed -

"...Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities.
18 I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 4:17 - 18)

I wonder that as we become more righteous and Christ-like, that we begin to recognize our small imperfections.  Which would suggest the one is acquiring a more contrite heart.  But even recognizing such, in contrast, Nephi also acknowledged the blessings of the atonement of Jesus Christ, speaking to himself -

"Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation.
31 O Lord, wilt thou redeem my soul? Wilt thou deliver me out of the hands of mine enemies? Wilt thou make me that I may shake at the appearance of sin?
32 May the gates of hell be shut continually before me, because that my heart is broken and my spirit is contrite! O Lord, wilt thou not shut the gates of thy righteousness before me, that I may walk in the path of the low valley, that I may be strict in the plain road!
33 O Lord, wilt thou encircle me around in the robe of thy righteousness! O Lord, wilt thou make a way for mine escape before mine enemies! Wilt thou make my path straight before me! Wilt thou not place a stumbling block in my way—but that thou wouldst clear my way before me, and hedge not up my way, but the ways of mine enemy."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 4:30 - 33)

Thus the truly contrite are able to say -

"O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever..."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 4:34)



Tuesday, December 29, 2015

2 Nephi 3

In the 2nd chapter of the  Book of Abraham we again learn of the special covenants the Lord made with Abraham which were extended to Isaac and Jacob.  In the 3rd chapter of 2nd Nephi, we learn of special covenants the Lord made with Joseph.  Even thought the Lord made special covenants, we also know that there are essential and necessary covenants for Eternal Life that man must enter into to obtain such.  Ancient Joseph shared that -

"...Thus saith the Lord unto me: A choice seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and he shall be esteemed highly among the fruit of thy loins.  And unto him will I give commandment that he shall do a work for the fruit of thy loins, his brethren, which shall be of great worth unto them, even to the bringing of them to the knowledge of the covenants which I have made with thy fathers."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 3:7)

One of the purposes of the Prophet Joseph Smith then was to restore knowledge concerning these essential and saving covenants as well as -

"...unto him will I give power to bring forth my word unto the seed of thy loins—and not to the bringing forth my word only, saith the Lord, but to the convincing them of my word, which shall have already gone forth among them."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 3:11)

I repeat again the value of covenants where Nephi said -

"...I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 14:14)

It is the knowledge of these covenants that were restored.


Monday, December 28, 2015

2 Nephi 2

As Lehi taught his sons the plan of salvation, the purposes of the creation, agency, justice and mercy, he also explained -

"...the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:26)

In my mind, after teaching the plan of salvation, Lehi explains that because of the Savior, all men are redeemed from death.  But there is one thing that cannot be avoided, judgement and punishment according the to commandments. 

What struck me this morning was that agency and choice will continue until the end or last day when judgement and punishment will be exercised.  This would suggest to me that the Lord continues to allow the children of men the option of true repentance and avoid punishment until the last day.

Thursday, December 24, 2015

2 Nephi 2

Lehi said to his son, Jacob -

"...I know that thou art redeemed, because of the righteousness of thy Redeemer; for thou hast beheld that in the fulness of time he cometh to bring salvation unto men.
4 And thou hast beheld in thy youth his glory; wherefore, thou art blessed even as they unto whom he shall minister in the flesh..."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:3 - 4)

Even before the Savior had actually atoned for our sins, it is apparent that many received the blessings of the atonement before, even before our birth...which gives greater meaning of "the infinite atonement.  Elder Holland said -

“We could remember that even in the Grand Council of Heaven He loved us and was wonderfully strong, that we triumphed even there by the power of Christ and our faith in the blood of the Lamb” (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, General Conference, October, 1995)

And the New Testament Student Manual reads of our pre-mortal life -

“We were given laws and agency, and commandments to have faith and repent from the wrongs that we could do there.” “… Man could and did in many instances, sin before he was born…”  (New Testament Student Manual, 1979 edition, Rel. 211–12, Institute of Religion, Page 336.)

Lehi teaches that the atonement of Jesus Christ in the plan of salvation and purposes of this world was essential in that -

"...men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil. And the law is given unto men. And by the law no flesh is justified; or, by the law men are cut off. Yea, by the temporal law they were cut off; and also, by the spiritual law they perish from that which is good, and become miserable forever.
6 Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:5 - 6)

Which suggests to me that without the atonement of Jesus Christ, even if we live the law of Moses perfectly we cannot be saved.  And in that all have sinned spiritually, all would suffer spiritual death. 

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

2 Nephi 1

Lehi taught his sons concerning this land -

"...I, Lehi, prophesy according to the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that there shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 1:6)

In the past, I have struggled somewhat with this prophecy because we all know of wicked men that have come to this land.  But after further review of Lehi's prophecy, it becomes clear that Lehi is referring to nations or peoples for he adds -

"...behold, it is wisdom that this land should be kept as yet from the knowledge of other nations; for behold, many nations would overrun the land, that there would be no place for an inheritance."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 1:8)

The inheritance he is referring to is his posterity inheritance explaining that -

"...I, Lehi, have obtained a promise, that inasmuch as those whom the Lord God shall bring out of the land of Jerusalem shall keep his commandments, they shall prosper upon the face of this land; and they shall be kept from all other nations, that they may possess this land unto themselves.  And if it so be that they shall keep his commandments they shall be blessed upon the face of this land, and there shall be none to molest them, nor to take away the land of their inheritance; and they shall dwell safely forever."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 1:9)

But is his posterity dwindles in unbelief and do not keep the commandments -

"...he will bring other nations unto them, and he will give unto them power, and he will take away from them the lands of their possessions, and he will cause them to be scattered and smitten."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 1:11)

That prophecy has been fulfilled

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

1 Nephi 22

As Nephi expounds the words of Isaiah, he teaches in the last days -

"Wherefore, the Lord God will proceed to make bare his arm in the eyes of all the nations, in bringing about his covenants and his gospel unto those who are of the house of Israel."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 22:11)

Several days ago, I blogged that it is with ordinances and covenants His people will be endowed with righteousness and power, thus -

"...he will bring them again out of captivity, and they shall be gathered together to the lands of their inheritance; and they shall be brought out of obscurity and out of darkness; and they shall know that the Lord is their Savior and their Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 22:12)

Nephi then quotes the words of Isaiah (which are not had in the Bible) -

"...behold, saith the prophet, the time cometh speedily that Satan shall have no more power over the hearts of the children of men; for the day soon cometh that all the proud and they who do wickedly shall be as stubble; and the day cometh that they must be burned.
16 For the time soon cometh that the fulness of the wrath of God shall be poured out upon all the children of men; for he will not suffer that the wicked shall destroy the righteous.
17 Wherefore, he will preserve the righteous by his power, even if it so be that the fulness of his wrath must come, and the righteous be preserved, even unto the destruction of their enemies by fire. Wherefore, the righteous need not fear; for thus saith the prophet, they shall be saved, even if it so be as by fire."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 22:15 - 17)

"For behold, the righteous shall not perish..."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 22:19)

Monday, December 21, 2015

1 Nephi 21

Isaiah again makes reference to the Savior writing -

"Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, his Holy One..."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 21:7)

and again -

"...all flesh shall know that I, the Lord, am thy Savior and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 21:26)

Also in verse one where the Lord describes the foreordination and responsibility of Israel, he writes -

"...Listen, O isles, unto me, and hearken ye people from far..."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 21:1)

I believe "me" is Israel for in verse three he explains -

"And said unto me: Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 21:3)

"Me" then is Israel and much of the chapter is the responsibility and covenant of Israel in gathering Israel (bringing souls unto Christ) in the last days.





Friday, December 18, 2015

1 Nephi 20

First of all, I mentioned yesterday that I would look for testimonies of the Savior in the writings of Isaiah.  The first writings of Nephi were of what we now know as Isaiah 48 where Isaiah testifies -

"...I the Lord, yea, I have spoken; yea, I have called him to declare, I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous.
16 Come ye near unto me; I have not spoken in secret; from the beginning, from the time that it was declared have I spoken; and the Lord God, and his Spirit, hath sent me.
17 And thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I have sent him, the Lord thy God who teacheth thee to profit, who leadeth thee by the way thou shouldst go, hath done it."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 20:15 - 17)

In my mind, in this writing of Isaiah, he explains over and over, that the Lord had provided revelations and prophecies, even concerning matters that were not current, such that when they happened, there is no question that this came from the Lord. Isaiah writes -

"Thou hast seen and heard all this; and will ye not declare them?  And that I have showed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.
7 They are created now, and not from the beginning, even before the day when thou heardest them not they were declared unto thee, lest thou shouldst say—Behold I knew them.
8 Yea, and thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time thine ear was not opened; for I knew that thou wouldst deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 20:6 - 8)

This same truth is evident today as prophets, seers, and revelators provided "The Family: a Proclamation to the World".

Thursday, December 17, 2015

1 Nephi 19

Nephi mentions again  that -

"...after I had made these plates by way of commandment, I, Nephi, received a commandment that the ministry and the prophecies, the more plain and precious parts of them, should be written upon these plates; and that the things which were written should be kept for the instruction of my people, who should possess the land, and also for other wise purposes, which purposes are known unto the Lord."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 19:3)

Obviously, he must have had some strong feelings that he should write of words of Isaiah that were already on the brass plates...I guess it is always good to have a backup copy.  But then Nephi explains why he thought the words of Isaiah were so important -

"...that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah..."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 19:23)

With all the so called "idioms" of Isaiah's day, it appears that Nephi thought that of all the records on the brass plates, the words of Isaiah would more fully persuade us to believe in Jesus Christ. 

This time, as I read the copied words of Isaiah, I am going to particularly focus on that which persuades us to believe in the Lord our Redeemer.



Wednesday, December 16, 2015

1 Nephi 19

What caught my attention this morning were Nephi's words -

"And the God of our fathers, who were led out of Egypt, out of bondage, and also were preserved in the wilderness by him, yea, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, yieldeth himself, according to the words of the angel, as a man, into the hands of wicked men, to be lifted up, according to the words of Zenock, and to be crucified, according to the words of Neum, and to be buried in a sepulchre, according to the words of Zenos, which he spake concerning the three days of darkness, which should be a sign given of his death unto those who should inhabit the isles of the sea, more especially given unto those who are of the house of Israel."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 19:10)

First Nephi makes it perfectly clear that it was the Savior that was the one that is the God of Abraham , Isaac, and Jacob.  The same that led the Israelites out of Egypt.  The Savior is Jehovah, the God of the Old Testament.

But what also caught my attention were the words of Zenos "which he spake concerning the three days of darkness, which should be a sign given of his death unto those who should inhabit the isles of the sea, more especially given unto those who are of the house of Israel".  I have wondered in the past if the three days of darkness was only to those in the Americas or did it cover the whole earth.  Zenos makes is clear that the three days of darkness covered "mainly" the house of Israel scattered throughout many nations.


Tuesday, December 15, 2015

1 Nephi 17

As Nephi again warns his brethren recounting all the miracles that they were aware with the house of Israel, he tells them -

"...that they should murmur no more against their father; neither should they withhold their labor from me, for God had commanded me that I should build a ship.
50 And I said unto them: If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them. If he should command me that I should say unto this water, be thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it would be done.
51 And now, if the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so many miracles among the children of men, how is it that he cannot instruct me, that I should build a ship?"  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 17:49 - 51)

With all these miracles and even that the Lord could command the ocean to be dry earth, the idea of instructing Nephi to build a ship seems quite insignificant.

Monday, December 14, 2015

1 Nephi 17

As I read Nephi's account in the land of Bountiful, I decided this morning to enter a talk I gave in a recent stake conference on the topic:

A short time after Nephi and his family had arrived in the Promised Land, Nephi recalls that because–
"…the Lord commanded me, wherefore I did make plates of ore that I might engraven upon them the record of my people…" (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 19:1)

Thus receiving this commandment, he began writing a record of his people. But then years later, interesting enough, he writes –

"…I knew not at the time when I made them that I should be commanded of the Lord to make these plates…" (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 19:2)

Obviously, it is these plates made years later, which Mormon called the small plates of Nephi. Of this latter record, Nephi shares that –

"…after I had made these plates by way of commandment, I, Nephi, received a commandment that the ministry and the prophecies, the more plain and precious parts of them, should be written upon these plates..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 19:3)

As we study the first two books of the small plates, it becomes apparent that Nephi felt impressed that he should return and again, re-write some of the more sacred and precious events that had transpired in their journey to the Promised Land so many years before, so –

"…that the things which were written should be kept for the instruction of my people, who should possess the land, and also for otherwise purposes, which purposes are known unto the Lord." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 19:3)

Thus, by looking back or remembering many of the plain and precious events that had transpired in Nephi’s life is how we now possess 1st and 2nd Nephi. "Remember, remember" seems to be a constant theme throughout the Book of Mormon.

One of the sacred events that Nephi chose to again write about was when –

"…we did come to the land which we called Bountiful…And we beheld the sea, which we called Irreantum, which, being interpreted, is many waters." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 17:5)

It was after living on the shores of Irreantum for many days, the Nephi recalls that –

"…the voice of the Lord came unto me, saying: Arise, and get thee into the mountain…
8 And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Thou shalt construct a ship, after the manner which I shall show thee, that I may carry thy people across these waters." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 17:7 - 8)

I have often wondered if Nephi might have responded…"really"…"you got to be kidding"…"I don’t know anything about building a boat". Obviously, if he had responded in such manner, either he had later forgot that part or he just chose not to mention it. But he immediately responded after being shown the manner to build the ship was –

"…Lord, whither shall I go that I may find ore to molten, that I may make tools to construct the ship after the manner which thou hast shown unto me?" (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 17:9)

With that type of response, you would have expect that Nephi must have had some level of experience in tool making, construction, and using his hands, for he tells us that – 3

"…the Lord told me whither I should go to find ore, that I might make tools." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 17:10)

With this information, Nephi went to work and –

"…did make a bellows wherewith to blow the fire, of the skins of beasts...." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 17:11)

And he says –

"…I did make tools of the ore which I did molten out of the rock." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 17:16)

I wonder if one of the reasons Nephi felt it so important to include this event in this more sacred record was because of the opposition he faced from his brethren for –

"…when my brethren saw that I was about to build a ship, they began to murmur against me, saying: Our brother is a fool, for he thinketh that he can build a ship; yea, and he also thinketh that he can cross these great waters." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 17:17)

This must have been very difficult and discouraging for Nephi for as he began to be sorrowful because of the hardness of their hearts, they continued to mock him, saying –

"…we knew that ye could not construct a ship, for we knew that ye were lacking in judgment; wherefore, thou canst not accomplish so great a work." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 17:19)

And with their mockery, they absolutely refused to help him. But in great faith, Nephi challenged them –

"…If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them. If he should command me that I should say unto this water, be thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it would be done.

51 And now, if the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so many miracles among the children of men, how is it that he cannot instruct me, that I should build a ship?" (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 17:50 - 51)

And so, in order to provide a little motivation for his rebellious brethren, the Lord commanded Nephi–

"…Stretch forth thine hand again unto thy brethren, and…I will shock them…and this will I do, that they may know that I am the Lord their God.

54 And it came to pass that I stretched forth my hand unto my brethren, and… the Lord did shake them…

55 And now, they said: We know of a surety that the Lord is with thee, for we know that it is the power of the Lord that has shaken us." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 17:53 - 55)

And thus with a little bit of shaking, Nephi remembers –

"…they did worship the Lord, and did go forth with me; and we did work timbers of curious workmanship. And [this is important] the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work the timbers of the ship." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 18:1)

As Nephi, recalled this precious event, he specifically acknowledged –

"…I, Nephi, did not work the timbers after the manner which was learned by men, neither did I build the ship after the manner of men; but I did build it after the manner which the Lord had shown unto me; wherefore, it was not after the manner of men." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 18:2)

In my mind, those words I "did not work the timbers after the manner which was learned by men" could be easily interpreted two ways.

First, it may be considered that the ship was not constructed in a manner of that which was typical or of the same appearance or structure of ships in Nephi’s day, or second, that Nephi had no idea how to build a ship, and the means by which he learned how to build a ship came from the Lord, not man, thus the ship was not built after the manner of men. The apostle Paul taught much the same idea to the Galatians –

"I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." (New Testament | Galatians 1:11 - 12)

Nephi also recalled during this period that I –

"…did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things.

4 And it came to pass that after I had finished the ship, according to the word of the Lord, my brethren beheld that it was good, and that the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine; wherefore, they did humble themselves again before the Lord." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 18:3 - 4)

Obviously the ship was built well enough that it served its ultimate purpose as they arrived in the Promised Land. After that, we never hear any more concerning the ship.

Some might think this revelatory experience of Nephi has little application in our lives. Who here this morning has ever been commanded to build a boat? But I believe, much like Nephi, each of us have had a similar revelatory experience in some small degree or another…of which I will take the liberty to call, a "build a boat" experience.

Such experiences might have come in the planning of a major activity such as a handcart trek, a conference, a roadshow or a significant service project. It may have come from a long term experience such as a mission,

raising a family, or a significant calling. Many of you may have had a "build a boat" experience even in the process of preparing a lesson or talk.

In my mind, a "build a boat" experience is when we receive revelation in order to complete a specific assignment, task, or calling. As Oliver Cowdery sought the task of translation, the Lord taught him the concerning the manner of revelation saying –

"…I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.

3 Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation…" (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 8:2 - 3)

I want to specifically emphasize the Lord’s instruction, that the spirit of revelation comes into the mind and into the heart…not just into your heart. It reminds me of Enos, when he prayed all day and into the night for the salvation of his soul, he relates –

"…there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.’’ (Book of Mormon | Enos 1:5)

As his prayers then turned to the welfare of brethren he, then records –

"…behold, the voice of the Lord came into my mind again…" (Book of Mormon | Enos 1:10)

Obviously, as Enos experienced the spirit of revelation, he received it both in his mind and in his heart.

Of the spirit of revelation, the Prophet Joseph Smith explained –

"A person may profit by noticing the first intimation of the spirit of revelation; for instance, when you feel pure intelligence flowing into you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas, so that by noticing it, you may find it fulfilled the same day or soon; (i.e.) those things that were presented unto your minds by the Spirit of God, will come to pass; and thus by learning the Spirit of God and understanding it, you may grow into the principle of revelation, until you become perfect in Christ Jesus." (TPJS – p.151)

Truman G. Madsen added –

"Knowledge of God and divine things comes through the Spirit. Revelation includes…the flow of pure intelligence into mind and heart. Such direct communications are essential to the religious life of every person." (Teachings of Joseph Smith, Truman G. Madsen)

I should also add that the scriptures are full of divers of way or differing means the Holy Ghost delivers or communicates revelation to our mind and heart. There is no set fixed pattern or way. Everyone is different. How the Spirit will tell us in our mind and our heart most likely will depend on the individual Gifts of the Spirit we possess.

This morning, I would like to share a personal "build a boat" experience It occurred shortly after I was called to the stake high council. But in my case, it wasn’t about a boat; it was about a spring water collection system, believe it or not. Doesn’t sound much like a spiritual experience, does it?

Upon being called to the high council, I was given the responsibility over physical facilities. That was probably a safe responsibility for someone who felt quite inadequate in spiritual matters.

A short time after I was assigned, I was handed a report that had been requested by the Church concerning the present water collection system at Brighton Meadows. It had recently been prepared by an engineer specializing in water delivery systems.

For those that might not know, Brighton Meadows is a recreational property originally purchased by this stake, now owned by the Church, where now serve as the agent stake for that property.

That report concluded that the existing water system was highly deficient in design with major concerns of possible E.coli contamination. The report explained that E.coli sometimes flourishes when foliage, plant root, and ground water infiltrate drinking water systems.

The report also suggested that the present was collection system was also inadequate in meeting the demands of the increasing need for more girl camps in the Church. The engineer had noted that there were apparently three spring heads in the area where the present system was only collecting two.

I will admit that I had taken some physics and hydraulics in college but those classes were more related to just the flow of water. To be honest, I had no idea how a spring water collection system would be designed or how they even worked. I knew about as much about water collections systems as probably most of you do.

As I studied the report, I kept thinking, okay…so what am I suppose to do? Who do I call? And who is supposed to pay for this? I decided the best thing for me to do is just go up to Brighton Meadows and see how the spring water was being collected.

To be honest, I was somewhat surprised to see how simple the present system was. The water would trickle out of two spring heads onto the ground, flow downhill in two small ditches filled with foliage and then into an open pipe. Obviously, the only storage of water was limited to the amount of water that was in the underground water pipes servicing four stake recreational properties and their campgrounds.

I don’t mean to over simplify this. But before I go any further, I want you to know how much I greatly honor and respect those that initially developed these recreational properties. They did it with very little money and a great deal of consecrated work and sacrifice. I am amazed what they accomplished with so very little while at the same time, understanding that their original intent was to supply just enough water for their own stake annual use and that was it.

But obviously, with the Church expansive requirements for more and more girl camps, this system was now was highly deficient and inadequate per the recommendations of the engineers report.

I can remember pondering the requirements of the report one day at my office when all of sudden a distinct picture began to develop in my mind of a spring water collection system…one that would satisfy much of the requirements of the report. I could see the design clearly in my mind.

I couldn’t believe it…it was as if I was receiving pure intelligence. It had to be pure intelligence because I am not that smart.

Suddenly, I could envision a large water retention system comprised of water tight single-ply roofing membrane, one on the bottom creating a bowl like structure filled we clean crushed gravel which would allow a great deal of water retention, and another member placed on top to seal any entry of contaminate ground water.

The thought came that I could excavate this deep into the earth away from any foliage or roots and I could also place a layer of soil on top to protect the membranes from intruders and contaminates like the moose and deer.

The more I thought about it, I was shown how to create an overflow, because the springs are constantly running and supplying water.

And then came the challenge, how do I get the water of three springs to enter into this water storage facility. Again, it became clear that after excavating and locating the spring heads, I would cut a hole in the fabric to allow the spring water to in and I could pack the surrounding springhead with bentonite clay so that no other contaminate ground water would be allowed in.

Obviously, we would have to get the collected spring water to the existing water pipeline. Again a picture entered my mind that at the lowest point of the storage, I would install a delivery pipe sealed to the lower membrane. And I could install manhole and lid so I could get access to the drain any time as needed. This way we could also tell when the spring collection facility was full.

I don’t mean to get too wrapped up in detail but the following Sunday, with a little excitement, I presented this picture to President Blunck. Talk about a man of faith. Unlike Laman and Lemuel who laughed and mocked Nephi telling him he could not build ship, President Blunck did not laugh, but in fact, he listened intently a provided a great deal of support. That in itself is amazing.

Where Nephi knew a little bit about making tools, I admit that I had a little bit of experience in construction. I prayerfully began looking into where I might find the materials and resources to make this happen. Just as Nephi was shown where to find ore, amazingly, a door was opened wide and I had little difficulty in obtaining the labor and materials to accomplish the work.

To me, the most amazing thing of all was President Blunck, with great faith, allowed me to tear out the existing system and move forward with this new design. I now wonder how much anxiety he must have gone through at the time…as well as probably a lot of prayers.

Nephi also admitted that the Lord did show him from time to time after what manner I should work the timbers of the ship." In the same manner, as this work proceeded, I confess that I too was shown how I should proceed with the work including the means to drain all the contaminated ground water under and away from the collection system that seemed to flow all year.

Well the work began, and within a short time we had excavated approximately a large fifty by fifty foot square section and located the spring heads. We then installed the lower fabric and cut the holes at each spring and packed it with bentonite clay.

One of my major concerns was the hope that there would be enough natural head pressure in the springs, in that the water entered from the bottom, that there would sufficient pressure to fill the retention system. The following day I returned to find the largest, clearest, and full swimming pool that I had ever hoped for. Was I excited! Just so you know, I didn’t go swimming in the drinking water.

But I also have to confess, that the Lord’s work never seems to proceed without some significant obstacles because the following day I returned to find that several excavated earthen walls that we had relied so heavily on to hold the fabric in place, had become so saturated with ground water that they had collapsed which caused a monumental challenge. I knew this would continue to happen so we had to move quickly.

Because I have limited time here this morning…and I don’t want to bore you, I will just comment that with a great deal of hard work, hand excavating, and using stakes and come-alongs, we were able to pull back the fabric and eventually complete the work.

Unlike Nephi, I didn’t have to reach out and shock anyone to get the help I needed. But I will say that there were a few of us that were really shocked when it actually worked.

I must also mention that the following early spring, President Blunck and Steve Smith returned from the property to report that there was no water in the collections system. I just about had a heart attack and it just made me sick. I began wondering, had the fabric somehow slipped away the spring heads.

To my great relief, we all went back up a week or two later and found the spring collection system totally full of water. We learned then that the spring aquifers must be deep enough in mountain that it takes a while for the winter water to begin flowing.

Several years later, as Ed Bates knows, the State of Utah got involved. It was now a requirement that all drinking water systems for recreational camps had to meet state drinking water standards. As with working with any bureaucracy, that in itself at times can be quite frustrating. At one time they mentioned that the lid on the access manhole did not meet homeland security and needed to be replaced...don’t get me started on that one.

One of the demands to meet state approval was that it was necessary to submit design drawings of the water collection system approved and stamped by a licensed architect and engineer…which requirement led us having to meet with design professionals on several occasions to describe and draw how the collection system was designed and constructed.

I must mention that, as we went through this process, we heard many comments such as "how in the world did you come up with this design", "this design is quite unique", "this is ingenious". And of course "we would never think of designing and constructing a water collection system in this manner". I would often think, "Neither would I"…because I always knew whose design it was. Much like Nephi, I too acknowledge, that I did not construct this collection system –

"…after the manner which was learned by men, neither did I build the [water system] after the manner of men; but I did build it after the manner which the Lord had shown unto me; wherefore, it was not after the manner of men." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 18:2)

My intent this morning is not to call attention to myself. I decided to share this personal experience this morning for two reasons. The first is, because like Nephi, I too wanted to get this experience in writing that it might be had for my posterity. And second, I again want to suggest that I believe each of us have had again, what I call "build a boat" experiences in some large or small degree.

We are counseled "Remember, remember". As we do, even in the smallest of assignments, I believe the feelings, the thoughts, the enlightenments, the flow of intelligence, and the joy and satisfaction of the spirit of revelation will return to our memory and our testimonies will be strengthened. The Lord said the Oliver Cowdery –

"…if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things.

23 Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?" (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 6:22 - 23)

In closing, I would like to repeat –

"Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.

3 Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation…" (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 8:2 - 3)

This is as the Savior said, it a rock upon which His Church would be built.







Friday, December 11, 2015

1 Nephi 16

As Nephi and his family was suffering from lack of food, Nephi mentions -

"...it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael did begin to murmur exceedingly, because of their sufferings and afflictions in the wilderness; and also my father began to murmur against the Lord his God; yea, and they were all exceedingly sorrowful, even that they did murmur against the Lord."   (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 16:20)

I want to throw out a thought as we learn that even Lehi began to murmur.  Lehi had been very faithful and had done everything the Lord had commanded him.  Now his family -

"...did suffer much for the want of food."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 16:19)

My thoughts this morning wasn't necessarily that Lehi murmured because he was suffering.  I am now a parent and grandparent.  If I had done everything that was asked of me and had kept all of the commandments that had been given to me, and as a result of my obedience, I had to watch my children and grandchildren suffer, there is no question that I may be found murmuring as Lehi.

With that, by chance this morning I was also reading in the 12th Chapter of Helaman, and read -

"...thus we can behold how false, and also the unsteadiness of the hearts of the children of men; yea, we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him.
2 Yea, and we may see at the very time when he doth prosper his people, yea, in the increase of their fields, their flocks and their herds, and in gold, and in silver, and in all manner of precious things of every kind and art; sparing their lives, and delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; softening the hearts of their enemies that they should not declare wars against them; yea, and in fine, doing all things for the welfare and happiness of his people; yea, then is the time that they do harden their hearts, and do forget the Lord their God, and do trample under their feet the Holy One—yea, and this because of their ease, and their exceedingly great prosperity.
3 And thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with death and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember him."  (Book of Mormon | Helaman 12:1 - 3)

This probably was the case for several that was in Lehi's party.


Thursday, December 10, 2015

1 Nephi 15

I am sure I have blogged on this topic before, but again seems so relevant in our day.  When Nephi returned from his great vision, Nephi writes -

"...that I beheld my brethren, and they were disputing one with another concerning the things which my father had spoken unto them."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 15:2)

Herein, Lehi, a prophet of God, had taught some truths and doctrine and Nephi's brethren seemed to have a problem with it.  They may have outright disagreed.  After his brethren revealed what they seemed to have a problem, Nephi asks -

"...Have ye inquired of the Lord?"  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 15:8)

Recently, those that we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators set forth a policy.  The media immediately broadcast a limited portion of that policy.  It was clearly apparent to many of us that there must be more coming with more explanations.  But many, immediately reacted with little faith in open dispute.  My thoughts were always, "have ye inquired of the Lord".

Nephi continues to teach -

"....How is it that ye do not keep the commandments of the Lord? How is it that ye will perish, because of the hardness of your hearts?
11 Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?—If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 15:10 - 11)

With that, Moroni later taught that -

"...dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith."  (Book of Mormon | Ether 12:6)

Which suggest that if you continue in faith, keeping his commandments and not hardening you heart, the promise is that these things will become known and understood.  But it won't happen until your faith is tested.





Wednesday, December 09, 2015

1 Nephi 14

As the angel continued to show Nephi the events that would transpire in the last days, Nephi writes -

"...I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 14:14)

Yesterday, I mentioned that in order to receive the highest degrees of glory (celestial), one must enter in and keep sacred covenants.  Obtaining other degrees of glory do not require such.

It is specifically revealed to Nephi that only the covenant people or those that have entered into and keep sacred covenants will be those in the last days that shall be "armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory". 

In modern day the saints were told that those that would enter into sacred covenants and ordinances would be endowed with power for  -

"Yea, verily I say unto you, I gave unto you a commandment that you should build a house, in the which house I design to endow those whom I have chosen with power from on high..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 95:8)

It is within sacred temples that we are endowed with such power as we enter into and keep sacred covenants.


Tuesday, December 08, 2015

1 Nephi 13

As the angel shows Nephi the Bible, he explains -

"...The book that thou beholdest is a record of the Jews, which contains the covenants of the Lord, which he hath made unto the house of Israel; and it also containeth many of the prophecies of the holy prophets; and it is a record like unto the engravings which are upon the plates of brass, save there are not so many; nevertheless, they contain the covenants of the Lord, which he hath made unto the house of Israel; wherefore, they are of great worth unto the Gentiles."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:23)

But that -

"...when it proceeded forth from the mouth of a Jew it contained the fulness of the gospel of the Lord, of whom the twelve apostles bear record; and they bear record according to the truth which is in the Lamb of God.
25 Wherefore, these things go forth from the Jews in purity unto the Gentiles, according to the truth which is in God.
26 And after they go forth by the hand of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, from the Jews unto the Gentiles, thou seest the formation of that great and abominable church, which is most abominable above all other churches; for behold, they have taken away from the gospel of the Lamb many parts which are plain and most precious; and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:24 - 26)

It appears then that sometime between the ministry and writing of the apostles and when monks made copies of their records, that wicked men got a hold of and removed precious and plain parts from the records.  Not only that, but also the  testimonies of covenants or ordinances that are essentials for salvation.  Covenants and ordinances are not required to receive the glory of terrestrial or telestial glories.

It is my personal opinion that Nephi is specifically mentioning the records by the hand of the apostles which is the New Testament.  I believe many plain and precious parts and covenants of the Old Testament had been somewhat purged.

Monday, December 07, 2015

1 Nephi 13

As Nephi's vision continues, he sees -

"...many multitudes of the Gentiles upon the land of promise; and I beheld the wrath of God, that it was upon the seed of my brethren; and they were scattered before the Gentiles and were smitten."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:14)

We have seen this same wrath upon the Jews where they had the gospel truths and rejected them.  In the case of the Lamanites, history tells us this was done by violence, pride and slavery, and disease.

But I have a different thought this morning.  It seems throughout history that the claim of property is acquired by war and overtaking land and people.  Though many have accused the so called settlers for "gentiles" that they took the land the Indians held.  This was totally in line with how property was always acquired.  People of our day look back as declare the Indians owned the land.  But again, this is the way it was done back then.

It wasn't until this country and government was established so as to protect property rights.  It is under this new country that the doctrine was presented -

"We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 134:2)


Friday, December 04, 2015

1 Nephi 11

As Nephi was shown the condescension, life, ministry, and mission of the Savior, he notes that he also saw -

"...angels descending upon the children of men; and they did minister unto them."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 11:30)

I just wanted to make the point that I believe ministering angels are ever present ministering to the children of men.

Thursday, December 03, 2015

1 Nephi 11

As I have read the 11th Chapter of 1 Nephi in the past, I have wondered who the "Spirit of the Lord" was, whether it was the pre-mortal spirit of Christ or the Holy Ghost where Nephi mentions -

"...for I spake unto him as a man speaketh; for I beheld that he was in the form of a man; yet nevertheless, I knew that it was the Spirit of the Lord; and he spake unto me as a man speaketh with another."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 11:11)

Elder James E. Talmage commented -

“The Holy Ghost, called also Spirit, and Spirit of the Lord, Spirit of God, Comforter, and Spirit of Truth, is not tabernacled in a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of spirit; yet we know that the Spirit has manifested Himself in the form of a man (see 1 Nephi 11:11)” (James E. Talmage, Articles of Faith. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co. 1981, 38.)

I also have found it interesting that the words "condescension of God" is used twice in this chapter.  Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught -

“The condescension of God (verse 16) (meaning the Father) consists in the fact that though he is an exalted, perfected, glorified Personage, he became the personal and literal Father of a mortal Offspring born of mortal woman. And the condescension of God (verse 26)—meaning the Son—consists in the fact that though he himself is the Lord Omnipotent, the very Being who created the earth and all things that in it are, yet being born of mortal woman, he submitted to all the trials of mortality, suffering ‘temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death’ (Mosiah 3:5–8), finally being put to death in a most ignominious manner.” (Mormon Doctrine, p. 155—as quoted in the new, smaller, 1989 edition, Book of Mormon Manual, p. 32.)

So the condescension of God can be in reference to both God the Father and Jesus Christ.

Wednesday, December 02, 2015

1 Nephi 10

After Nephi recounts some of the teachings of his father, he states -

"...having heard all the words of my father, concerning the things which he saw in a vision, and also the things which he spake by the power of the Holy Ghost, which power he received by faith on the Son of God—and the Son of God was the Messiah who should come—I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him..."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 10:17)

Nephi is testifying that to know the mysteries or light and truth by the Holy Ghost is a gift of God to all men, but they must diligently seek Him first.  Diligently search suggests to me that we will -

"...receive no witness until after the trial of your faith."  (Book of Mormon | Ether 12:6)

The Nephi testifies that this has always been the case and a condition of the plan of salvation for -

"...as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men.
18 For he is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 10:17 - 18)

Summarizing -

"For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round.
20 Therefore remember, O man, for all thy doings thou shalt be brought into judgment."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 10:19 - 20)

This is why I blog.



Tuesday, December 01, 2015

1 Nephi 9

As Nephi explains his current record, he tells us that he had written a more lengthy historical record of his people, and now  -

"...I have received a commandment of the Lord that I should make these plates, for the special purpose that there should be an account engraven of the ministry of my people."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 9:3)

Adding -

"...the Lord hath commanded me to make these plates for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 9:5)

After Martin Harris lost the first 116 pages of the translated record, the Lord instructed the Prophet Joseph Smith -

"...you shall translate the engravings which are on the plates of Nephi, down even till you come to the reign of king Benjamin, or until you come to that which you have translated, which you have retained..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 10:41)

Also adding -

"Behold, there are many things engraven upon the plates of Nephi which do throw greater views upon my gospel; therefore, it is wisdom in me that you should translate this first part of the engravings of Nephi, and send forth in this work."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 10:45)

Just a couple of thoughts.  First, we learn that Joseph smith had retained some of the pages of the original translation.  Second, he was instructed to translate the small plates of Nephi down to the reign of kin Benjamin.  I have no idea if there was more on the small plates of Nephi or if Amaleki was the last to write on these plates.

Mormon explains after he had abridged the record of Nephi up to king Benjamin, that he came upon these plates and decided to include them in his abridged record.  He even added an explanation and a little history to tie this record to the last days of king Benjamin.  I have often wondered if Mormon actually wrote them again on his gold plates or somehow inserted them into his abridged record.