This week's reading is Helaman chapters 13-16. We're being blessed with just 4 chapters to cover, which I appreciate, because I like when we can go chapter by chapter and really discuss. Plus I need a slower pace this week!
So for today & tomorrow (Tuesday & Wednesday), let's read chapters 13 & 14. These are the beginning of Samuel the Lamanite's prophecies concerning the coming of Christ.
Let's look for the prophecies he gives here. And if you're really keen to, cross-reference the fulfillment of those prophecies in later chapters.
Also, I loved verse 1 of chapter 13 "...the Lamanites did observe strictly to keep the commandments of God..." It was something I noticed from the last several chapters of Helaman, too. There's safety in strictness. I love that word and I want to pursue its meaning and how to accomplish it. What are your thoughts?
So for today & tomorrow (Tuesday & Wednesday), let's read chapters 13 & 14. These are the beginning of Samuel the Lamanite's prophecies concerning the coming of Christ.
Let's look for the prophecies he gives here. And if you're really keen to, cross-reference the fulfillment of those prophecies in later chapters.
Also, I loved verse 1 of chapter 13 "...the Lamanites did observe strictly to keep the commandments of God..." It was something I noticed from the last several chapters of Helaman, too. There's safety in strictness. I love that word and I want to pursue its meaning and how to accomplish it. What are your thoughts?
7 comments:
Glad you're back!
"safety in strictness" makes me automatically think of mothering. I am strict with my children because I want them to be safe. Same thing with Heavenly Father and us. I'll be thinking about this when reading today.
I find it interesting that there is so much talk about things becoming "slippery" --possessions and riches, etc. Things being lost and stolen and taken away. It's like where we are told that our talents will be taken away if we don't use them, but in this case, it's those vices people seek after to try and fulfill themselves with wealth.
The other thing I thought about was how would we react if a Prophet of God came to us and chastised us from a wall? The first thing I thought of was all those kooky preachers that heckle the Saints as they go to General Conference or different Church Pageants. Is that how the Nephites saw Samuel? Just a heckler? I'm glad that we have Prophets that don't have to stand on walls, although I'm sure a lot of the world feels like they are doing just that; standing on walls, telling them they need to change, etc. It just made me pause. How would I have reacted?
I love the idea of the 3 days of darkness and the star in the heavens and the day, night, and day without darkness. I've always felt that one day some scientist somewhere will "discover" something akin to this which would prove the prophesies. Of course, I don't need that to believe in it, but it sounds so scientific that it would be cool for someone to say "This star appeared and disappeared within the course of this period of time and it just happened to be when Christ was born" and the world would see it as a definite sign of God.
I dream, you know.
Last thought: Procrastination. In verse 38 of chapter 13, Samuel says:
"ye have sought for happiness in doing iniquity, which thing is contrary to the nature of that righteousness which is in our great and Eternal Head."
I love this, because it's true. Happiness --true happiness --can only be found in righteous living. Not prudent/martyr/prideful righteousness, but in doing our best to repent, live the commandments, keep our covenants, follow the Holy Ghost, and serve one another. I've never known anyone who felt "happy" about sin; even those who claim otherwise.
Anyway, that's all for right now...
I've wondered too, Cheryl, how I would have responded to some guy preaching from a wall. I would like to think, however, that I could discern truth from error through trying to live righteously. We all need "course corrections" from time to time even when we are trying hard, and only through the spirit can we be open to counsel. Desiring truth and wanting to live in accordance with His teachings puts us in a better position not to be deceived. I don't know if I am explaining what I am feeling very well. But it gives me hope! I definitely do not feel the Spirit of Christ when I hear the protestors. But when I hear our prophet, seers, and revelators speak, my heart is warm and full and I am inspired to do better! Oh, have I made a bit of sense?
PS Thanks, Julie, for getting us going again! I've missed this! Love, Mom
Another thought, "observing strictly to keep the commandments" certainly invites the spirit and provides us much protection from the wiles of Satan and his followers! Another reason why we should be serious in our discipleship, don't you think? These days, I want all the protection I can get...I need to observe more strictly! I like that scripture, Julie!
Cheryl, I like your comments about treasures becoming slippery. My question is: How do we "hide up our treasures unto the Lord" (vs. 19) I understand how we can use them for Him, but how do we hide them unto Him? Maybe I'm getting caught up in the wording here...
Another thought I had was that perhaps our current economic problems in this country are a type of "slippery" that's happening. We've been so selfish with credit card debt and buying homes outside our means that now we aren't able to hold on to the things we've attained through those means. What do ya'll think?
My favorite verse of these two chapters was Helaman 14:13. "And if ye believe on his name, ye will repent of all your sins, that thereby ye may have a remission of them through his merits." A few things I like about it...I like the if/then statement. If you believe, then you will repent. That makes me stop and question "do I believe?" I can answer it by looking to see if I'm actively repenting. And if I'm repenting, it's not that I'M doing the work, I'm just qualifying to be forgiven through HIS merits. I love that. In the end, Christ is it. He's the one who's done the work and made it even possible for us to make it in this life and the next. Our part is to qualify to receive that. Love it. I think this verse sort of sums up the plan of salvation.
I just found your web-site. How often are you updating your reading lists? Do you have a schedule you are following on the site or do you just read a certain section over the course of a month or something? It would be great for me to have a little more structure so I can do better at my scripture reading. Thanks!
Yeah Amber's here. Amber is a buddy of mine and I am glad she found Scripture Sisters. Welcome Amber. Julie will respond to your comment as soon as she can. She has all the answers about everything. Seriously...... I love her to death and wish I could be more like her.
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