Dear Gloria,
For the past week I have been listening to the book of Mormon each day while running instead of listening to pop music. It has really helped me feel better on a consistent basis than before when I was listening to music and not reading the Scriptures quite as much.
Since all of this began, I have been reading the Scriptures every day but I have found that listening to the book of Mormon has really been a special experience. It is almost like it has a power to keep my mind off my troubles even when I’m not reading the book of Mormon.
I have to say, when I was reading Ether and I was learning so much about faith in chapter 12, I was worried that as I got back to the beginning of the book of Mormon I would not have as much material to help give peace to my mind as before.
However, one of the beautiful things about the book of Mormon is that it has things that we can apply to our lives that we may not even expect. I know the book of Mormon is true and I know that it applies to our lives in a special way. For example, I was reading first Nephi chapter 1 and listen to these beautiful scriptures that I found:
19 And it came to pass that the Jews did mock him because of the things which he testified of them; for he truly testified of their wickedness and their abominations; and he testified that the things which he saw and heard, and also the things which he read in the book, manifested plainly of the coming of a Messiah, and also the redemption of the world.
20 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.
Isn’t it beautiful, to see the way the book of Mormon is applicable to our lives in different waysAt different times of our life. When my life was not in the situation I was in before, the Scriptures did not mean anything to me. Now they mean something very special to me. I believe they tell me that as I have faith in Jesus Christ, even though people may mark and scorn me to the power of faith in Jesus Christ I can be delivered from my enemies.
What’s amazing is that other scriptures soon after also give me great hope. When Laman and Lemuel murmured against Lehi look what happened to them when the power of God was upon Lehi: this is in 1 Nephi 2
12 And thus Laman and Lemuel, being the eldest, did murmur against their father. And they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them.
13 Neither did they believe that Jerusalem, that great city, could be destroyed according to the words of the prophets. And they were like unto the Jews who were at Jerusalem, who sought to take away the life of my father.
14 And it came to pass that my father did speak unto them in the valley of Lemuel, with power, being filled with the Spirit, until their frames did shake before him. And he did confound them, that they durst not utter against him; wherefore, they did as he commanded them.
When I have read these Scriptures before, it is been an interesting story. I read the now stories and I think about how much I need heavenly father with me when I stand up for myself and speak to defend myself and protect myself. The Scriptures give me great hope. This shows me in a special way that the book of Mormon really is applicable to every day lives and the problems we face on a day to day basis and that we can find answers to our questions and concerns, whatever they may be, if we will just read and ponder the words that the book of Mormon teaches.
Then in chapter 3 of 1 Nephi:
5 And now, behold thy brothers murmur, saying it is a hard thing which I have required of them; but behold I have not required it of them, but it is a commandment of the Lord.
6 Therefore go, my son, and thou shalt be favored of the Lord, because thou hast not murmured.
7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.
8 And it came to pass that when my father had heard these words he was exceedingly glad, for he knew that I had been blessed of the Lord.
It’s it’s like heavenly father is speaking to me through the Scriptures. I think often that when we are doing well I don’t appreciate the Scriptures in the messages that heavenly father has for us and them. But when we are in pain and misery really struggling all these words mean so much more. I am not enjoying what I’m going through at all. But it really has help me come closer to heavenly father and Jesus Christ. I think for your investigators this message may be a good one to pass along. Many of the people you will meet will be in serious trouble or have really hard lives. If they can have the faith enough to read the book of Mormon I really do think that they can find answers to the troubles that they face and it will help them feel better. I know that it sold me feel better. I plan on continuing each day to study in the book of Mormon more than I have before. What’s amazing is that I could go on anon because I kept continue to read through first Nephi and now I’m in 2 Nephi and As I read and listen I find even more message that I can apply to my life and my situation. 2 Nephi chapter 2:11; there must be opposition in all things. 2 Nephi 2:25 Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy. All the stories about laman and lemuelthem opposing and trying to kill and hurt Nephi. And all the times heavenly father delivered Nephi from their grasp and then He saved him. All these messages and stories give me great hope and comfort.
I love you Glo!
Hope you are having a great day!
Con amor,
Papa
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