3 Nephi 21 - Jesus Prophecies of the Future

 For some reason I struggle a little to understand or relate to the prophecies of the future of the remnant of the house of Israel, meaning the Lamanites. I recognize that speaking of the gentiles are those that came to and established the Americas. I don't know how important it was for the Nephites to write this but I feel confident that one reason they were taught these things was so that they would write them and that we would have them in our day to say the Lord said it would be this way. 

Day 140 Today's reading: Alma 3:1-19

Question of the day: Why is it important to keep records?

In this passage the value of records was knowing what the Lord had taught about factions. Specifically that those who didn't keep his commandments would be marked. The Amlicites who left the church were now fulfilling that prophecy by putting a mark on their heads. And they didn't realize that they were fulfilling prophecy.  I wonder how clearly we understand what we are given and even what we study, do we know it well enough to identify when prophecies are being fulfilled?

D&C 52: I remember being taught about there being patterns in all things. It is here in this passage. I couldn't help but wonder if it was strange to Joseph Smith or those around him when he would receive revelation that pertained specifically to him. 

Day 105 Prophet, seer, and revelator Today's reading: 8:1-21

Question of the day: What does it mean to you to sustain President Monson as prophet, seer, and revelator?

Ammon's faith and even his awareness of who his prophet is should build faith for all of us.

D&C: What would it be like to be close enough to a prophet, like Joseph Smith or Mosiah, to receive counsel through them from the Lord?

Day 102 King Benjamin Today's reading: Mosiah 6:1 - 7:7

Question of the day: After reading about King Benjamin's life, what are the Christ-like attributes you noticed he possessed?

I've been thinking about how both King Benjamin and King Mosiah were concerned about being a burden on the people and felt it necessary to do their own work. What humility.

I also liked how King Benjamin taught the people but then established other teachers to help with the work of building faith and commitment to the commandments. He dispersed the responsibility of leading in the gospel. And later Mosiah will do the same for the responsibilities of the government.

D&C 11: I realize this is directed to Hyrum Smith, but I like how easily applicable it is to any of us. The Lord gives instruction about keeping the commandments, and building up the kingdom of God. He teaches that anything he asks for that is good will be given to him. The part I value the most is the idea of getting revelation about the mysteries of the kingdom from God. 

Day 336 & 337 Today's and Yesterday's reading: Ether 2:1-12, Ether 2:13-25

Question of the day (336): When have you followed a spiritual prompting and then received further direction from God? Why do you think we sometimes need to respond to a spiritual prompting before we can receive additional revelation?

I'm not sure I can think of a specific example off the top of my head of a time that I have followed a prompting and then received further direction. But I would say that it is very common for me to ponder upon an issue for days or weeks and find that as I continue to seek guidance or information that more comes over time. I find it very interesting to go back to my journals or prayer notes and see how an idea started and then continued and changed over time.  This leads to my answer to the second question, faith is developed with work. Faith without works is dead being alone. So as we follow a prompting and then continue to seek more guidance, the Lord does give us more and refines the information given. I think the Lord always wants to give us more, we choose how much to receive.  Check this out from Elder Scott in April 2012 Conference:

"When I am faced with a very difficult matter, this is how I try to understand what to do. I fast. I pray to find and understand scriptures that will be helpful. That process is cyclical. I start reading a passage of scripture; I ponder what the verse means and pray for inspiration. I then ponder and pray to know if I have captured all the Lord wants me to do. Often more impressions come with increased understanding of doctrine. I have found that pattern to be a good way to learn from the scriptures."

Question of the day (337): The brother of Jared asked the Lord questions concerning air, steering the boat and light. What were the different ways the Lord answered his prayers and what are ways the Lord answers your prayers? 

So this example falls in line well with what we learned from Elder Scott, that if we work for it the Lord will give us more. First the Lord gives Moriancumer the exact solution to getting air.  Then he makes it tough by asking Moriancumer how he will get the light ('figure this one out yourself'). But he follows it with 'the winds have gone forth out of my mouth, and also the rains and the floods have I sent forth', this is how they will be directed or steered towards the promised land. So the Brother of Jared received two direct answers and one invitation.  The invitation is to make him sweat a little, to work for the answer, and an answer will come. Not just a simple yes or no answer, but action on the Lords part, and even more important the completion of faith and the institution of knowledge. He will no longer just have GREAT faith in the Lord, he will see and know that the Lord lives. 

Day 312 Today's reading: 3 Nephi 23:1-14

Question of the day: Why is it important to keep a record of our spiritual experiences?

In my personal notes I found myself really only thinking about the value of the words of the prophets, and this because of who those prophets are. They are men we trust speak with God, we trust their ability to receive prophecies and revelations and to act as seers. This is a good thing. But this question brings to mind the responsibility we all have to grow in the gifts of prophecy and revelation. I believe that one way we do this is through noting the promptings we get as we study. I am certainly not as consistent as I should be, but as I do I know I grow in power to do this. I also believe that those prophets and apostles whose words we value so much gained their power through these same practices.