Sunday School 4 - 1 Nephi 16-22 - Our Leahona

Brothers and sisters,

This week has been a schmogasborg of learning and I apologize for the scatterbrained approach. I have been so overwhelmed by what I learned. So when you read this please bear with patience and please be forgiving.

First, inspiration is given line upon line; revelation is given all at once. I learned that at times Nephi was encouraged to step forward in faith. He stepped forward to leave Jerusalem, to return and sacrifice  Laban, make a friends from a stranger, for the plates, to return for Ishmael, to build a boat, to sail to a world of the known, leave Laman and be king of his people. Nephi was lead his whole life not knowing where he was going. There was, however, something that changed it a little, a compass, the leahona. Now later we learn that he, Nephi will see the revelation of John, and that's all at once and he commented on it, but realize that God wants to inspire us and as we receive inspiration we will be ready for revelation. 

When we look at life we think that, at times, that nothing is getting through to our children and perhaps Lehi struggled too. A friend of mine told me for all my struggles as a parent (my story) raising disabled children, the gospel is like water on a cheese grater. We, as outsiders, do not always see the trickling of the gospel and the Spirit of Christ soak into the souls of our children, our family or friends. Nephi saw how the experience of life and the gospel means so little if we do not internalize it. We need the Spirit. We need Christ. Laban lived in the same world as Nephi. He saw the miracles, heard the voice of the Lord and saw the angels but because he looked beyond the mark. As parents we struggle with that to at times. We think that there is something better then the fruit from the Tree of Life. That said, do not dismiss when there seems no response to a testimony or prayer. The Spirit is getting through at times when you do not see it. You can change others in your hard times.

This last Sunday, we sang Hymn 130: Be Thou Humble. In the hymn to it calls us to be humble in weakness, pleading, calling and longing. The Lord is leading us, he is with us. Nephi saw that as he was writing and reflecting on his life. He saw that through all the chaos that his life threw, Christ never let him down.

One of the podcasts I listed this week said "White knuckle the rod." Hang on. Life is tough at times that like sailing you fear you will be swallowed. Hang on with all your might mind and strength (D&C 4). Serve God like your life depends on it.

So this week the question is... What did you learn about God in Nephi: what did you learn about you and God? How is God appeared in your journey? Is there a physical manifestation like the Leahona to Lehi in your life? Is there a daily appearance that you have overlooked? How has God protected and strengthen you in trial? For Nephi he broke loosed bands because he prayed. Do you pray, sing and praise God in your storms? What scriptures have you written in your journal; your journey? Do have a favorite? Do your children know? What does your decipleship look like? 

Isaiah said that we are engraved on the palms of Christ's hands (Isaiah 49:16). He wants us to know His trial changed Him so He will never forget us. We read how He never forgot Nephi, do you think He has not forgotten you?

Nephi was on a lot of ships in his life. What does your decipleship look like?...
Your relationships? (Spouse, family, friends,.. Savior)
Your workmanship? (Your boss and coworkers)
Your eternal companionship?
Your worship of the Father?
Your apprenticeship to the Redeemer? 

God wants to take us through our wilderness to our promise land but we must endure trials and tribulations to make us the people we need to be to deserve the reward. In many times he asks us to cross water (pass through chaos) to be someone ready to receive more.

C S Lewis said, "You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you. It is easy to say you believe a rope to be strong and sound as long as you are merely using it to cord a box. But suppose you had to hang by that rope over a precipice. Wouldn't you then first discover how much you really trusted it?"
- C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed

How much do we trust the Savior? 

Finally, brothers and sisters, when you reflect on your journey do you say as Bryce Dunford, "How you respond to trial will shape your character."? Are we as Nephi seeing blessings in trial increasing our love of our Redeemer willing to endure anything to be His servant or as Laman wanting blessing like a freebie from Santa Claus with no relationship? Look for the Leahona that is your life, write your scriptures that have changed you. Give thanks daily. Thank God daily. You are fantastic and God loves you. That's my testimony. 

See you next week.


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