A Study of the Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 4:10-14 I've approached my study this morning wanting to see the role of God in these particular verses. Nephi says that his father spoke according to the feelings of his heart and the Spirit of the Lord ( see vs. 12 ). Recently, I found myself wanting to distinguish a particular impression, wondering if it was my own desires or the promptings of the Holy Ghost. This scriptures suggests that our hearts can be in harmony with the Spirit of the Lord. Thus the Lord's desires can also be our desires. This, to me, seems to be difficult grounds to walk on. Such unity of purpose in Lehi was manifested at the end of his life. (This brief statement of purpose is Nephi's final tribute to his father.) There are challenges associated with knowing that one's path is pleasing to God. Meekness, humility, gratitude, complete devotion to God, constant course correction, and adherence to every goodly principle are requirements of such knowledge. Nephi, by this point in his life, ...

1 Nephi 11:2-5 The Spirit asks Nephi what his desires are. That is a probing question that reveals Nephi's personal objective. Of course, it does. After he states that he wants to see the things which his father taught, the Spirit asks him if he believed that his father actually saw what he said he saw. This is akin to a personal testimony interview -- similar to the temple recommend questions. Do I really believe that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ, as he said he did? Nephi's response does two things: confirms his belief in his father's words or testimony and acknowledges the omnipotence of the Being with whom his is conversing. "Thou knowest that I believe" ( vs. 5 )

Ether 3 It's uplifting to listen to the way in which Mahonri humbly submits himself unto the Lord for answers to his prayers. Vs. 2 - "...because of the fall our natures have become evil continually; nevertheless, O Lord, thou hast given us a commandment that we must call upon thee, that from thee we may receive according to our desires... O Lord, look upon me in pity, and turn away thine anger from this thy people." Cross reference to Moses 1:10 : "Now for this cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed." (Interesting to note that I was guided by the Spirit to think of cross referencing that scripture before I looked at the footnotes.) Also in vs. 2 : Mahonri knew the commandment to pray unto the Lord. Where was this given, for in order for one to obey, they must receive the commandments? [Note for scripture study - looking for an example of some one with an amazing tool and then they use it for some sort of primitive purpose. It is the...