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 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 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.