2 Nephi Chapter 1

O that ye would awake; awake from a deep sleep, yea, even from the sleep of hell, and shake off the awful chains by which ye are bound, which are the chains which bind the children of men, that they are carried away captive down to the eternal gulf of misery and woe. ~ 2 Nephi 1:13

This chapter is mostly Lehi speaking to his sons right before his death. He is particularly speaking to Laman and Lemuel here. They've always been quick to complain and sin and he wants to say one final thing to help them.

I get a strong picture in my head of someone bound when I read this. Chained, and clouded over, and desolate. Lehi must have felt such anguish for them. He loved them so much, as many parents do, and grieved for their decisions.

Reading this also reminds me that it is our choice to move out darkness. We choose, every day, whether by action or inaction, to move toward the light or away from it. There is nothing our Heavenly Father cannot help us with, no matter how hopeless it seems.

Do you want to read this verse in context? Read all of 2 Nephi Chapter 1.

1 Nephi Chapter 22

And behold, there are many who are already lost from the knowledge of those who are at Jerusalem. Yea, the more part of all the tribes have been led away; and they are scattered to and fro upon the isles of the sea; and whither they are none of us knoweth, save that we know that they have been led away. ~ 1 Nephi 22:4

This scripture illustrates a central belief of the LDS church. It is one I think a lot of churches do not believe, or perhaps just don't focus on.

We believe that the Jews today are mainly descendants of Judah and that others in the House of Israel were led away.

We know from the Book of Mormon that Lehi and his family were descendants of Joseph through the lineage of Manassah.

This scripture teaches us that most of the tribes of Israel had been led away even at Nephi's time. I may have never mentioned but this is taking place between 588 and 570 BC.

Of course Nephi is talking here about the literal House of Israel. We know from other scriptures that anyone joining the church of Jesus Christ becomes adopted into the House of Israel and has the right to partake of the promised covenants.

What a joyous blessing! All people on the earth have the opportunity to become part of the House of Israel. Heavenly Father loves us all so much. I LOVE thinking about that.

Do you want to read this verse in context? Read all of 1 Nephi 22.

1 Nephi Chapter 21

That thou mayest say to the prisoners: Go forth; to them that sit in darkness: Show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places. ~ 1 Nephi 21:9

This chapter is comparable to Isaiah 49. I read it about 6 times. It was hard to pull a favorite verse out. I realized that while I could read it and get the basic gist of it, it would be very difficult for me to teach on it or explain it, at least without further study.

I ended up choosing this scripture because it sounds so hopeful. Aren't we all prisoners, really? We've all sinned and fall short. Without the atonement of Jesus Christ we are nothing. We could never hope to get back to the Father.

This whole chapter is about the Messiah, about the coming of Jesus Christ. I love the feeling of hope I got when I read this scripture. I pictured being in the dark, frightened and alone, when all of a sudden a light comes. I can imagine hearing a voice saying, "Go forth" and being set free.

I like thinking about that. I am pessimistic by nature and it is good for me to remember the hope and real peace that is found in the atonement. Jesus Christ truly died for us and because of His sacrifice we can 'go forth' and be redeemed.

Do you want to read this verse in context? Read all of 1 Nephi Chapter 21.

1 Nephi Chapter 20

For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. ~ 1 Nephi 20:10

This was a tough chapter for me. This chapter compares to Isaiah 48. Isaiah had a particular way of speaking and it is hard for me to understand.

I chose this scripture because it was short and the meaning seems obvious to me. I have certainly felt like I was being 'refined' at times, and by that I mean tested. And the furnace of affliction? I think I've been there too.

Sometimes I remember to thank Heavenly Father for my trials. I know that real growth can take place during and after a trial.

Trials can be physical, spiritual, or emotional. Sometimes they are little and sometimes so overwhelmingly huge. I figure if I can learn to be grateful for them then I'll always have at least some good come from them.

Do you want to read this verse in context? Read all of 1 Nephi Chapter 20.

1 Nephi Chapter 19

And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but 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; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning. ~ 1 Nephi 19:23

This is kind of an obvious one to pick but that is okay. Nephi is recounting how he is teaching his brothers.

I like the last part especially, the 'liken all scriptures' part. The scriptures are such a valuable tool. Applying them to your own life is really what can make a difference, much more so than just reading them and marking it off in a chart.

This is also a good reminder for me that there is a lot of great stuff in Isaiah. The language is beautiful but I find a lot of it confusing. I read it through hoping that I get some of it. The next couple chapters are from the book of Isaiah and an example of what Nephi is teaching. It should be interesting to pick a favorite scripture.

Do you want to read this verse in context? Read all of 1 Nephi Chapter 19.

1 Nephi Chapter 18

Now 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. ~ 1 Nephi 18:2

It struck me reading this that so many things we are supposed to do are not 'after the manner of men'. The Lord asks us to do things His way, to offer Him our broken heart and contrite spirit. Our obedience really, we move the ME out of the center of our lives and put Him in the center.

That is so hard to do every day. At least for me. It is easy when life is easy. When stuff happens, especially if someone makes me angry. I want to hate them, maybe even get revenge. I don't want to forgive them.

The Lord has given us a pattern to follow. If we do our best to live as Jesus lived then we will be okay. He wouldn't flip someone off in traffic, or scream at them. He would be loving. I am working on that.

Do you want to read this verse in context? Read all of 1 Nephi Chapter 18.

1 Nephi Chapter 17

And he loveth those who will have him to be their God. Behold, he loved our fathers, and he covenanted with them, yea, even Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and he remembered the covenants which he had made; wherefore, he did bring them out of the land of Egypt. ~ 1 Nephi 17:40

He loveth those who will have him to be their God. I love that part. That statement puts some responsibility on us. We have to choose God in a very real sense, and then he chooses us back and makes us his choice. And it is so much more wonderful and amazing than we can imagine.

It is also striking that because of his love for us he gives us covenants. LDS people make a lot of covenants. It is part of who we are. We don't only make covenants but we keep them, or we try to at least.

I've been to other churches and I've seen that it can be easy to come and go and it doesn't change you. It doesn't ask anything of you, except maybe as the plate is passed. It can be shallow. Not every church is of course, but I've attended ones like that.

I like that my church expects me to become better, to change, to develop and grow. I think God means us to learn a lot while we are here. Sometimes I imagine him cheering me on in my small victories. I need that.

Do you want to read this verse in context? Read all of 1 Nephi Chapter 17.

1 Nephi Chapter 16

And it came to pass that I said unto them that I knew that I had spoken hard things against the wicked, according to the truth; and the righteous have I justified, and testified that they should be lifted up at the last day; wherefore, the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center. ~ 1 Nephi 16:2

The truth is sometimes hard to hear, whether it is someone calling you out on your actions or honestly telling you that yes you look fat in those pants.

Sometimes I hear stuff I don't want to, often in General Conference, or sometimes from my friends or family. I know I fall short a lot of doing the things I need to do.

The important thing is to be humble and not whiny. If someone rebukes you it is usually best to just own it, and then decide what you are going to do about it.

You could whine, or try to pass on the blame but you don't get any growth when that happens. God means us to learn from our mistakes. He knows we won't be perfect but He expects us to keep trying and to get a little bit better.

Do you want to read this verse in context? Read all of 1 Nephi Chapter 16.

1 Nephi Chapter 15

Wherefore, I, Nephi, did exhort them to give heed unto the word of the Lord; yea, I did exhort them with all the energies of my soul, and with all the faculty which I possessed, that they would give heed to the word of God and remember to keep his commandments always in all things. ~ 1 Nephi 15:25

I like this scripture for a weird reason. I've imagined myself in this situation. I've pictured myself having this same conversation with my siblings. I don't think I would be as faithful as Nephi. I would probably say, "Whatever. Fine, don't believe me." and let it go.

I hate arguing about religion. That is one reason I have comments turned off. I am just not interested in it. I know some people really are. They love the debate.

Nephi obviously cared for his brothers and wanted them to believe. I know I care about my siblings but I guess it isn't my 'style' to be verbally pushy. That makes it hard to bear my testimony, especially to someone who has deep beliefs already.

I know I need to speak out more, and to do it out of love. I still don't want to argue or debate, but I need to at least say my peace. With family especially, since I really do want them to be happy.

Do you want to read this verse in context? Read all of 1 Nephi Chapter 15.

1 Nephi Chapter 14

And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me, saying: Look! And I looked and beheld a man, and he was dressed in a white robe. And the angel said unto me: Behold one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. Behold, he shall see and write the remainder of these things; yea, and also many things which have been. And he shall also write concerning the end of the world. ~ 1 Nephi 14:18-22

In this part of Nephi's vision he sees John the Revelator. Nephi sees many of the same things as John, especially pertaining to the end of the world but he is commanded to not write them down because John is ordained to do it.

He also says in a later verse that when John wrote the words they were plain and precious and easy to understand. I wish they were now! So many times I've read the book of Revelation and wondered what the words meant.

It is easy to guess but no one will know what is right until it happens. I feel like the last days are near at hand. Not necessarily in my lifetime, but then again, I don't really know. Soon. I don't think (I mean I hope) that the world can get much more evil. I know that is a sign of the times. Certainly a lot of people are suffering because of the actions or inactions of others. I guess we will find out.

Do you want to read this verse in context? Read all of 1 Nephi 14.

1 Nephi Chapter 13

And he said: Behold it proceedeth out of the mouth of a Jew. And I, Nephi, beheld it; and he said unto me: 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. ~ 1 Nephi 13:23

In this part of his vision Nephi sees the Bible going forth among the inhabitants of the New World, specificially the Pilgrims. The angel points it out to him and tells him the Bible contains the record of the covenants the Lord has made to the house of Israel.

I think this is a neat scripture because it compares the Bible to the plates of brass that Nephi retrieved from Laban several chapters ago. It was so important for this people to have the words of the prophets so that they could be taught the commandments. They are a remnant of the house of Israel so the covenants would apply to them also.

This highlights the importance of the scriptures to me in my own life. I know I can't expect to continue doing what is right without access to the word of God. I appreciate that I can have my own scriptures and read them whenever I want.

Want to read this verse in context? Read all of 1 Nephi Chapter 13.

1 Nephi Chapter 12

And the mists of darkness are the temptations of the devil, which blindeth the eyes, and hardeneth the hearts of the children of men, and leadeth them away into broad roads, that they perish and are lost. ~ 1 Nephi 12:17

This is more interpretation of Lehi's vision of the Tree of Life. I like the phrase, "...leadeth them away into broad roads, that they perish and are lost." It is very beautiful language, but it also reminds me that scriptures say many time that it is a straight and narrow way to the kingdom of God.

It also reminds me that it is easy to get lost or to get off track. As I go about my daily life it is not always easy to remember to do the things I am supposed to do. Even things I think are habits now are easy to slouch on.

One thing I want to work on, in addition to scripture reading, is to say better prayers. I've been rushing and mumbling a lot lately. I've caught myself repeating something I've said a few moments before too. I think I forgot, or I am too tired.

I don't want to mumble at Heavenly Father. I want to have a real dialogue with Him and pour out my heart to Him. I know He is listening and anxious to hear from me.

Do you want to read this verse in context? Read all of 1 Nephi Chapter 12.

1 Nephi Chapter 11

And I looked and beheld the Redeemer of the world, of whom my father had spoken; and I also beheld the prophet who should prepare the way before him. And the Lamb of God went forth and was baptized of him; and after he was baptized, I beheld the heavens open, and the Holy Ghost come down out of heaven and abide upon him in the form of a dove. ~ 1 Nephi 11:27

I highly recommend reading this whole chapter. There is so much good stuff in it. Nephi prays for confirmation about his father Lehi's vision and has a vision of his own. He gets an interpretation of Lehi's vision of the Tree of Life among other things.

In the scripture above he sees Jesus Christ and also John the Baptist. He sees Jesus getting baptized and the Holy Ghost descending in the form of a dove.

Sometimes people wonder why Jesus was baptized. We know that He was perfect and did not sin. It says in another scripture that this was to fulfill all righteousness. We believe that baptism is the first of many steps that need to be taken to go back to our Heavenly Father.

The essence of being perfect, at least in my mind, is someone that follows all the rules. So if this is a rule, that all must be baptized, then even Christ had to go through it. I think it almost must have been a great testimony to all those that witnessed it. It is also a great testimony for Christians today that baptism isn't optional.

Want to read this verse in context? Read all of 1 Nephi Chapter 11.

1 Nephi Chapter 10

And it came to pass after I, Nephi, 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, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men. ~ 1 Nephi 10:17

One of the great truths that we have in the LDS church is that we know we can receive personal revelation. We don't have to have a minister or priest tell us what to do, we can ask God directly. Not that we don't take advice and counsel from leaders, but every member is encouraged to pray and gain a personal testimony.

In the scripture I chose Nephi is doing this very thing. His father Lehi has made some prophecies to the family. Nephi wants to know for himself that these things are realy.

He talks about receiving an answer by the power of the Holy Ghost. This is the same power I can access when I receive an answer to a prayer. The Holy Ghost is described as a still, small voice. Sometimes there is a warm or burning feeling associated with it, but not always.

It always amazes me when I feel a prayer answered by the power of the Holy Ghost. Sometimes I don't feel that important, at least to anyone but my immediate family. It is nice to know that my little worries and questions are important enough for me to receive a personal witness. It reminds me that God really does care about me and that He knows me.

Want to read this verse in context? Read all of 1 Nephi Chapter 10.

1 Nephi Chapter 9

But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen. ~ 1 Nephi 9:6

This is a very comforting scripture. I love being reminded that the Lord knows all things and that He prepares a way for things to get done.

Some people wonder if that means we don't truly have free agency but I think we do. God has such a different perspective than us. I believe time is not the same to Him as how we experience it. It is hard for me to put into words. I wish I were a great scholar and could explain what I feel.

Want to read this verse in context? Read all of 1 Nephi Chapter 9.

1 Nephi Chapter 8

And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the fruit thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the whiteness that I had ever seen. ~ 1 Nephi 8:11

This was a hard choice. I highly recommend that if you haven't read all of 1 Nephi 8 that you do. It really is a beautiful story and the language is very poetic.

It describes a dream that Lehi has. Lehi is Nephi's father and was a prophet. In the dream he describes finding the tree of life, partaking of the fruit, and desiring that his family does also. He sees his wife and two of his sons partake, but his older sons, Laman and Lemuel will not.

He also sees multitudes of people, some trying to get to the tree of life and being lost, some getting there and then being ashamed, and some lifted up in pride openly mocking those people that have tasted of the tree.

In a later chapter Nephi prays for an interpretation of the dream. In that chapter an angel tells him that the tree of life represents the love of God.

The proof of God's love for us is that He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to this world to die for us. Jesus Christ paid the price for us so that we can repent and be forgiven and so we can return to God. God really is our Heavenly Father and He loves us. No matter how broken, or sad, or far off the path we are there is a way back.

Do you want to read this verse in context? Read all of 1 Nephi Chapter 8.

1 Nephi Chapter 7

And it came to pass that they were angry with me again, and sought to lay hands upon me; but behold, one of the daughters of Ishmael, yea, and also her mother, and one of the sons of Ishmael, did plead with my brethren, insomuch that they did soften their hearts; and they did cease striving to take away my life. ~ 1 Nephi 7:19

I chose this verse for an unusual reason. Well, two reasons. I've always wondered if that daughter of Ishmael is the one Nephi ended up marrying. I think it probably it is.

Second, and probably more importantly, I am always impressed that 2 out of the 3 people speaking for Nephi were women. Sometimes as a woman I feel powerless. I always like to see scriptural accounts of women doing something good, making a difference, or causing a change to occur.

In some ways it reminds me that I can do that in my life. I can stand up for what is right, plead for those that need help, and generally make a difference. I like the idea of that.

I am a shy person by nature, even though my co-workers, and definitely my mother in law, probably would not agree. Verses like this give me courage to stand up a little more and speak a little louder.

Would you like to read this verse in context? Read all of 1 Nephi Chapter 7.

1 Nephi Chapter 6

For the fulness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved. ~ 1 Nephi 6:4

This is a really short chapter. At first I thought it would be hard to pick a favorite verse but this one is really the obvious choice.

Nephi writes that his purpose in writing on the plates is to persuade men to come to God and be saved. In a way that is the intent of my blog too. Maybe not so much to persuade, but to just put stuff out there, bear my testimony, and hope it helps someone along the way.

In the Church we talk a lot about bearing our testimonies and different ways we can do that. We even set aside one Church meeting a month just so the congregation can bear their testimonies. It is a way to shore one another up.

I know there have been times in my life when I've leaned on the faith of someone else. Sometimes it has been the words of a family member, friend, or the scriptures. I am grateful that Nephi had the desire to help and that he followed through by keeping records.

Since my daughter was born I've been trying to keep a family journal. I bought a beautiful journal for Christmas last year and it sits in our living room. My husband and I both write in it once in awhile. Not as much as I had hoped, but it is good we are writing something. I hope it is a treasure for our family some day.

Do you want to read this verse in context? Read all of 1 Nephi Chapter 6.

1 Nephi Chapter 5

And it came to pass that they did rejoice exceedingly, and did offer sacrifice and burnt offerings unto the Lord; and they gave thanks unto the God of Israel. ~ 1 Nephi 5:9

Lehi and his family lived before the birth of Jesus Christ. They kept the law of Moses, which included burnt offerings and other special sacrifices.

Today, after the coming of Christ, we don't do that anymore. He was the last blood sacrifice. So what do we do? We offer a broken heart and a contrite spirit. We offer our obedience to the will of the Lord. We keep the commandments, even when it isn't easy or convenient.

We are humble enough to repent when we make mistakes. We all make them. It is important to examine ourselves and see how we are doing.

I learned years ago that if I truly love the Lord I will desire to keep his commandments. I will want to be good. That is a change of heart. That is what I want.

Would you like to read this verse in context? Read all of 1 Nephi Chapter 5.

1 Nephi Chapter 4

And it came to pass that when Zoram had made an oath unto us, our fears did cease concerning him. ~ 1 Nephi 4:37

This scripture stood out to me while reading this chapter. It could have something to do with it being an election year and with a presidential debate tonight.

Zoram made an oath to Nephi and his brothers that he would leave Jerusalem with them and dwell with them. And their fears ceased. In other words, they believed him. Amazing.

I don't believe much of what I hear these days. I don't believe advertisers, or politicians, or even my boss that promised a co-worker he wasn't going to get laid off (he did).

I feel bad that I can't. My experience has shown that most people don't tell the truth. There isn't anything I can do about that really. The only person I can change is myself.

If I look closely at my own behavior I know I can stretch the truth. I very rarely lie, but I have dissembled, avoided answering, or insinuated. I need to work on that. I would like to be known for my honesty. I want people, through their experience, to know that they can believe me.

Do you want to read this verse in context? Read all of 1 Nephi Chapter 4.

1 Nephi Chapter 3

And behold, it is wisdom in God that we should obtain these records, that we may preserve unto our children the language of our fathers; And also that we may preserve unto them the words which have been spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets, which have been delivered unto them by the Spirit and power of God, since the world began, even down unto this present time. ~ 1 Nephi 3:19-20

This scripture is perhaps not the obvious choice for this chapter. It is not, "I will go and do the things the Lord has commanded...". Other LDS readers will recognize that scripture mastery verse, as well as the text from a Primary song.

In these two verses Nephi is trying to persuade his wayward brothers that they need to try to get the plates from Laban again. He tells them it is important to preserve their language for their children, and also to have a record of their scriptures. These were the writings of Moses, as well as the words of the prophets current to their time, including Jeremiah and Isaiah.

I love the emphasis he places on the scriptures as literary works, capable of teaching and preserving language, and also as a way to preserve the commandments and writings of the prophets.

I love the scriptures. In them are some of the most beautiful writing. Their primary importance of course is to teach us and to bring us closer to God.

I have been trying hard to read the scriptures every day. My husband and I recently finished the Old Testament. We talked about reading the New Testament but decided a 'change of venue' would be welcome so we restarted the Book of Mormon.

One reason I started this blog was to share my testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. I know someone may read this that doesn't believe it is scripture. That's okay. I think you should spend some time every day reading the scriptures you do believe in. The more people study and try to connect with God the better people we will all be.

Do you want to read this verse in context? Read all of 1 Nephi Chapter 3.

1 Nephi Chapter 2

And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness. ~ 1 Nephi 2:4

Every fall I think about emergency preparedness a lot. Church leaders have counciled for many years that we prepare for distaster. Not just something like a hurricane or flood, but also a lost job, or death of a family wage earner.

I love the scripture above because Lehi leaves Jerusalem and leaves his possessions behind. He takes tents and provisions and his most important treasure, his family, and departs.

I marvel at his faith. I have few earthly treasures, but as small as they are, would I walk away from them? If push came to shove I know I would. If there was a hurricane or something I know I could leave my computer behind and my books, and my daughter's toys. The most important thing would be my family.

Lehi had a slightly different challenge though. He didn't have mandatory evacuations, or authorities telling him to get out, or even a weather radio. He had a vision from God telling him to go. Members of his family were against it. I am sure it was difficult for all of them. I try to picture myself as a teenager and following my father out into the wilderness. I cringe to think how I would behave.

He had the faith necessary to follow the will of the Lord. I hope cultivate that much faith. It is hard when you can't see the whole picture but it is comforting to know that God can.

Do you want to read this verse in context? Read all of 1 Nephi Chapter 2.

1 Nephi Chapter 1

And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance. - 1 Nephi 1:20

This is the scripture I've chosen from chapter 1 of 1 Nephi. I love the thought of the Lord's tender mercies. There have been many times in my life that I've felt loved by the Lord and that I've had my prayers answered.

I've made a lot of mistakes in my life, had a lot of pride, been careless with others, even to the point of grevious sin. I've felt the redeeming power of forgiveness from the Lord Jesus Christ. I know His atonement is real and is open for everyone.

Do you want to read this verse in context? Read all of 1 Nephi Chapter 1.