Week of November 13 - 19, 2011
WEEKLY QUESTIONS
What verses stick out to me or would I like to remember?
What life lessons can I take from this chapter?
What does this chapter teach me about my Savior?
How can I apply what I've learned this week?
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS TO PONDER
Reread Vs. 13. How does it make you feel when you reflect on the Savior's gift to you of remission for sins? Have there been times in your life when you have been especially appreciative of this blessing?
Reread Vs. 19. What is one way you can "put off the natural man" this week?
King Benjamin admonishes his people to become "as a child." We know that children aren't always patient and willing to submit. Why do you think he chose this particular analogy?
Reread Vs. 24. Many members of Christian faith groups feel that Latter-day Saints differ from them when it comes to our beliefs about grace and works. How would you explain to a neighbor or a non-member friend our beliefs about the relationship between grace and works?
I think King Benjamin tells us to become as a child because as we know children are humble and submissive and will accept what is handed to them as far as trials. I remember watching Hailey as a baby, toddler, and child struggle every single day with her physical challenges, yet she never once complained. She was always happy and cheerful and accepting of what trials the Lord gave her all the way to the end of her life. Even after all she went through, 2 days before she passed away she told her teacher in nursery, "Me know Jesus."
ReplyDeleteShe was such an example to me of true faith. Although she didn't know any different, she was still exactly as King Benjamin described a child to be in verse 19: submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, and willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon 'her." I know that when she entered into the kingdom of Heaven, our Heavenly Father was so proud of the life she lived here.
I try to remember this when I'm dealing with the daily trials of life. I hope to leave a legacy as she did upon death...one that shows my faith in Christ and my knowledge of the eternal plan.
The visual I have when I think of becoming 'like a child' is in Lehi's dream of the tree of life. I picture myself as being one of the people who is lost because of the mists of darkness enshrouding them, but seeking the tree. I think life is just that simple. We are incapable of escorting ourselves to the tree. But, as we follow the prophet, and hold to the words of our Savior, meaning we listen to the Spirit and allow God to completely lead us and guide us, then I am like a little child. Instead of being like an independent parent all proud of my hard work and righteousness... I would be like a little child, or the dust of the earth, doing whatever God wants me to do, cheerfully and just knowing he will take care of me so long as I am listening and consider myself lost.
ReplyDeleteHi Everybody! Today I really needed to be reminded of verse 19 - to be patient and full of love! It was a rough day at work and because of this scripture, I could get past the yucky stuff and feel close to my Savior even when the "world" tries to get me down! The scriptures are such a blessing, aren't they? Love, DeAnn R.
ReplyDeleteWhat stuck out to me this week was the scripture about the Jews not understanding the Law of Moses."yet they hardened their hearts, and understood not that the law of Moses availeth nothing except it were through the atonement of his blood." It's very purpose was to point them to Christ, yet they were not able to see that. I often get sidetracked from the things that are really important, but I think this scripture is a great reminder too look for the things in my life that point to Christ and stick close to those. It reminds me of the scripture in Alma that says that all things denote there is a God. I know several people who are able to find God in the smallest things in there lives, and I think that is a true gift. He is there in the smallest aspects of my life, but I have to look and recognize Him as being there.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful chapter in Mosiah. I listed to the audio in the shower. It is about Jesus Christ. If we take upon his name, we become different people. When we forget about Jesus Christ and he isn't the focus we become like the world. I needed this chapter today.
ReplyDeleteI loved the reading the comments.
Look back on the last verse of chapter 2. King Benjamin talks about what awaits those who follow the commandments. They are in a "blessed and happy state." They "are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness."
ReplyDeleteNow compare the last verse of chapter 3 to the one above. The evil, or "enemy to God," receive a reward which "torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flames are unquenchable, and whose smoke ascendeth up forever and ever.
Perhaps verse 24 is the most scary of all. To be "Consigned to an awful view of their own guilt" would be immeasurably excruciating. The Book of Mormon really simplifies our choices. Understanding King Benjamin's message makes any temptation to choose poorly, not temping at all.