Book of Mormon Minute, Pages 481-490

   Howdy! I have chosen one verse or phrase from each page of the Book of Mormon to share with my family daily.  See the list here...

Page                       Reference                                               My Thoughts

481	Mormon 8:12 And whoso receiveth this record, and shall not condemn it because of the imperfections which are in it, the same shall know of greater things than these. Behold, I am Moroni; and were it possible, I would make all things known unto you.	Our humility, gratitude, and obedience will bring us greater knowledge. How can we show God that we’re thankful for His Scriptures? ...Father, thanks for the records kept through all the ages that teach us of Christ and thy plan for us. Please help me to understand thy scriptures and how to apply the principles in my everyday life.
482	Mormon 8:22 For the eternal purposes of the Lord shall roll on, until all his promises shall be fulfilled.	If God said it’s gonna happen, it will. He is a God of truth and that brings me peace. ...Father, thanks for being constant. Thanks for a Savior that did what he said so we can overcome our human foibles and come back to thee through repentance and continual striving.
483	Mormon 8:36 And I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts; and there are none save a few only who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel, unto envying, and strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities; and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts.	?How do I overcome my pride to be “The Few?” How can I put what God wants and what he thinks of me first in my priorities and not worry about the fleeting worldly opinions? ...Father, I wanna do what is pleasing to thee. Please help me feel of your love and remember your truths when I’m tempted by worldly opinions. In everything I do, your opinion is the only one that truly matters.
484	Mormon 8:38 O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God? Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies—because of the praise of the world?	Self assessment… am I trading myself for worldly things of no value or for things of greater value that will bring eternal happiness! ...Father, please help me to seek for thy praise and not that of the world. Help me to desire to bring Glory to thee and my brother, Jesus. I am stubborn and less obedient than the dirt, yet I wanna keep trying and keep improving. Thanks for helping me!
485	Mormon 9:11-14 But behold, I will show unto you a God of miracles, even the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and it is that same God who created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. Behold, he created Adam, and by Adam came the fall of man. And because of the fall of man came Jesus Christ, even the Father and the Son; and because of Jesus Christ came the redemption of man. And because of the redemption of man, which came by Jesus Christ, they are brought back into the presence of the Lord; yea, this is wherein all men are redeemed, because the death of Christ bringeth to pass the resurrection, which bringeth to pass a redemption from an endless sleep, from which sleep all men shall be awakened by the power of God when the trump shall sound; and they shall come forth, both small and great, and all shall stand before his bar, being redeemed and loosed from this eternal band of death, which death is a temporal death. And then cometh the judgment of the Holy One upon them; and then cometh the time that he that is filthy shall be filthy still; and he that is righteous shall be righteous still; he that is happy shall be happy still; and he that is unhappy shall be unhappy still.	This is God’s Plan!!! This is why we’re here and tells how we achieve endless happiness or misery. Ponder our purpose today. ...Father, thanks for letting us know your plan, from the beginning to the end. It gives us understanding and a clear path to follow. Thanks.
486	Mormon 9:27-28 O then despise not, and wonder not, but hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him. Be wise in the days of your probation; strip yourselves of all uncleanness; ask not, that ye may consume it on your lusts, but ask with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no temptation, but that ye will serve the true and living God.	Doubt your doubts. Be wise and hopeful as you ask God, in the name of Jesus Christ, for help regarding specific struggles you’re facing. They will help you as you firmly try to do your best to follow Christ. ...Father, thanks for being by my side and for helping me know that with your help I can conquer every temptation that Satan places in my path.
487	Mormon 9:31 ...give thanks unto God that he hath made manifest unto you our imperfections, that ye may learn to be more wise than we have been.	We all make mistakes. Mormon suggests that we choose to learn from other’s mistakes and thank God that we are aware of the mistakes so we can choose a different path. ...Father, thanks for learning opportunities all around us.
488	Ether 1:33 Which Jared came forth with his brother and their families, with some others and their families, from the great tower, at the time the Lord confounded he language of the people, and swore in his wrath that they should be scattered upon all the face of the earth; and according to the word of the Lord the people were scattered.	We know from the past that when God says something will happen, it’s going to happen. When I speak, do I do what I say? ….Father, thanks for being constant, true, and just. Thanks for a Savior who is constant, true, and makes mercy possible! Please, help me as I repent daily and strive to receive the mercy promised.
489	Ether 1:38 And it came to pass that Jared spake again unto his brother, saying: Go and inquire of the Lord whether he will drive us out of the land, and if he will drive us out of the land, cry unto him whither we shall go. And who knoweth but the Lord will carry us forth into a land which is choice above all the earth? And if it so be, let us be faithful unto the Lord, that we may receive it for our inheritance.	Being faithful brings blessings! What blessings would I like to receive? How can I change my thoughts, words, and actions so I can receive those blessings? How can I use my time differently? ...Father, please help me find better uses of my time so I can keep your spirit with me always and be a tool in thy hands!
490	Ether 2:9 And now, we can behold the decrees of God concerning this land, that it is a land of promise; and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall serve God, or they shall be swept off when the fulness of his wrath shall come upon them. And the fulness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are ripened in iniquity.	God said this 3x in a row that means it’s very important. We have a responsibility to serve God. That is a blessed opportunity. How can you serve God today? ...Father, thanks for letting us know that we live in a place that you’ve preserved for the faithful. I pray that I’ll stay faithful to the end. Thanks.

Book of Mormon Minute, Pages 471-480

   Howdy! I have chosen one verse or phrase from each page of the Book of Mormon to share with my family daily.  See the list here...

Page                       Reference                                               My Thoughts

471	Mormon 2:17 And now, the city of Jashon was near the land where Ammaron had deposited the records unto the Lord, that they might not be destroyed. And behold I had gone according to the word of Ammaron, and taken the plates of Nephi, and did make a record according to the words of Ammaron.	In spite of the struggles that Mormon faced, he did as the prophet, Ammaron had asked. Are we willing to push through our struggles and uncomfortableness to obey God’s prophets with exactness? ...Father, thanks for Prophets, ancient and modern. Thanks for their examples, kindness, hope, and inspiration. I wanna obey them, and Thee.
472	Mormon 2:19 And wo is me because of their wickedness; for my heart has been filled with sorrow because of their wickedness, all my days; nevertheless, I know that I shall be lifted up at the last day.	We do not need to be dragged down because of others' choices. Lean on God, stay close to Him, and remember the blessings connected with the covenants you’ve made. ...Father, thanks for baptismal and temple covenants and the blessings and opportunities that await us. Help me to live worthy of those blessings.
473	Mormon 3:3 And I did cry unto this people, but it was in vain; and they did not realize that it was the Lord that had spared them, and granted unto them a chance for repentance. And behold they did harden their hearts against the Lord their God.	Take time to recognize the hand of the Lord in your life today. Try to yield to Him for His ways are ways of peace, and eternal joy. ...Father, Thanks for chances to keep trying, repenting, changing, improving, and trying again.
474	Mormon 3:21 And also that ye may believe the gospel of Jesus Christ, which ye shall have among you; and also that the Jews, the covenant people of the Lord, shall have other witness besides him whom they saw and heard, that Jesus, whom they slew, was the very Christ and the very God.	The scriptures give us the gospel of Christ. We have witnesses of Christ all around the world. How can we add our witness to theirs and strengthen the place where we stand? ...Father thanks for many witnesses of Christ. Please help me to strengthen my knowledge of Him by the scriptures I read, the prayers I pray, and the actions I take. Please, help me to recognize the Spirit’s confirmations of truth and warning of danger.
475	Mormon 4:5 But, behold, the judgments of God will overtake the wicked; and it is by the wicked that the wicked are punished; for it is the wicked that stir up the hearts of the children of men unto bloodshed.	Are we stirring up others to wickedness or bringing peace and help as we lift others? ...Father, in General Conference, we heard again the value of lifting others and holding them up. Help me to hold up the light of Christ in my everyday interactions with courage and not give place for fear of man.
476	Mormon 5:2 But behold, I was without hope, for I knew the judgments of the Lord which should come upon them; for they repented not of their iniquities, but did struggle for their lives without calling upon that Being who created them.	God’s justice is in place. We gain the mercy of Christ as we repent and keep striving. ...Father, please forgive my many mistakes. Help me to recognize what I need to fix and guide me to better paths of thy peace and truth and love.
477	Mormon 5:14 And behold, they shall go unto the unbelieving of the Jews; and for this intent shall they go—that they may be persuaded that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God; that the Father may bring about, through his most Beloved, his great and eternal purpose, in restoring the Jews, or all the house of Israel, to the land of their inheritance, which the Lord their God hath given them, unto the fulfilling of his covenant;	Jesus is the Christ, God’s son, and our brother. God’s purposes will be accomplished. His covenants will be fulfilled. How can we live up to our side of the covenants we’ve made so we can have the blessings connected with them? ...Father, thanks for the opportunity to make covenants with thee. Thanks for helping me know the blessings I can receive by staying the course and living worthy of those blessings.
478	Mormon 6:6 And it came to pass that when we had gathered in all our people in one to the land of Cumorah, behold I, Mormon, began to be old; and knowing it to be the last struggle of my people, and having been commanded of the Lord that I should not suffer the records which had been handed down by our fathers, which were sacred, to fall into the hands of the Lamanites, (for the Lamanites would destroy them) therefore I made this record out of the plates of Nephi, and hid up in the hill Cumorah all the records which had been entrusted to me by the hand of the Lord, save it were these few plates which I gave unto my son Moroni.	There are many records all around the world that testify of Christ and his gospel. One day we’ll get to read those, but for now, let us strive to understand and live the principles taught in them. ...Father, thanks for thy scriptures and for the knowledge they give us. It helps me feel peace, hope, and a renewed determination to follow thee and do better. Thanks for giving us the recipe or rule book to come back home.
479	Mormon 6:21 And the day soon cometh that your mortal must put on immortality, and these bodies which are now moldering in corruption must soon become incorruptible bodies; and then ye must stand before the judgment-seat of Christ, to be judged according to your works; and if it so be that ye are righteous, then are ye blessed with your fathers who have gone before you.	I wanna stand in righteousness at the judgment day. What can I start or stop doing today so I can have that blessing? ...Father, thanks for the opportunity to change and improve. Thanks for the blessing that await me if I stay faithful to the end!
480	Mormon 7:10 And ye will also know that ye are a remnant of the seed of Jacob; therefore ye are numbered among the people of the first covenant; and if it so be that ye believe in Christ, and are baptized, first with water, then with fire and with the Holy Ghost, following the example of our Savior, according to that which he hath commanded us, it shall be well with you in the day of judgment. Amen.	Our judgment day will be well for us if…. We believe in Christ, are baptized, receive the Holy Spirit, and follow the Savior’s example as He’s commanded us. If you’re not sure why you should do something that’s different from the world’s way of doing it, it’s cause God asked us to. ...Father, thanks for teaching us the path to success. Please help me to obey you and my Savior with exactness and honor.

Book of Mormon Minute, Pages 461-470

   Howdy! I have chosen one verse or phrase from each page of the Book of Mormon to share with my family daily.  See the list here...

Page                       Reference                                               My Thoughts

461	3 Nephi 28:9-10 ...for ye have desired that ye might bring the souls of men unto me, while the world shall stand. And for this cause ye shall have fulness of joy; and ye shall sit down in the kingdom of my Father; yea, your joy shall be full, even as the Father hath given me fulness of joy; and ye shall be even as I am, and I am even as the Father; and the Father and I are one;	Bringing others to Christ, through our example and efforts, will bring us a fullness of joy. Pres. Nelson said, “Anytime you do anything that helps anyone-on either side of the veil- take a step toward making covenants with God and receiving their essential baptismal and temple ordinances, you’re helping to gather Israel. ...Father, thanks for helping us know where to focus our time and energy.
462	3 Nephi 28:29 And it shall come to pass, when the Lord seeth fit in his wisdom that they shall minister unto all the scattered tribes of Israel, and unto all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, and shall bring out of them unto Jesus many souls, that their desire may be fulfilled, and also because of the convincing power of God which is in them.	What do you desire? Do our desires bring God’s power into our lives to bless others? Pray for a desire to gather Israel on both sides of the veil, then try! ...Father, please give me a desire to help gather Israel. President Nelson said it’s one of the most important things for us to do.
463	3 Nephi 28:38-39 Therefore, that they might not taste of death there was a change wrought upon their bodies, that they might not suffer pain nor sorrow save it were for the sins of the world. Now this change was not equal to that which shall take place at the last day; but there was a change wrought upon them, insomuch that Satan could have no power over them, that he could not tempt them; and they were sanctified in the flesh, that they were holy, and that the powers of the earth could not hold them.	The apostles sorrowed for the sins of the world… do we sorrow for our sins or just for the negative consequences? Are we willing to sacrifice our sins for eternally better consequences? ...Father, please help me recognize what I can improve on today and help me find the paths for positive change. Please place your earthly angels in my path to strengthen me when I’m not strong enough. Thanks for your continued faith in me.
464	3 Nephi 30:2 Turn, all ye Gentiles, from your wicked ways; and repen t of your evil doings, of your lyings and deceivings, and of your whoredoms, and of your secret abominations, and your idolatries, and of your murders, and your priestcrafts, and your envyings, and your strifes, and from all your wickedness and abominations, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, that ye may receive a remission of your sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost, that ye may be numbered with my people who are of the house of Israel.	The Holy Spirit, and my past experiences can help me know what I need to turn away from today. It will be worth it! ...Father, please lead me in the paths of righteousness and help me to live worthy of the Spirit’s companionship. I wanna turn away from my wicked ways and have your peace with me.
465	4 Nephi 1:2-3 And it came to pass in the thirty and sixth year, the people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land, both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another. And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift.	What is our conversion to the Lord helping us accomplish? Conversion means transforming ourselves from our ‘natural’ self to a higher, better version of us. It will help us put aside contention and strive for peace. ...Father, please help me find more peaceful paths as I interact today. Please forgive my foolishness and I pray for your guidance to understand and choose your truths.
466	4 Nephi 1:15,17 And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people. … There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God.	The love of God in our hearts will help us overcome earthly struggles and temptations. As we learn to love God more, we will become converted to Him! ...Father, thanks for thy truths I learn in thy scriptures, from prophets, and from The Spirit. Please help me to see myself and others as you do for, we are all special and precious to you.
467	4 Nephi 1:30 Therefore they did exercise power and authority over the disciples of Jesus who did tarry with them, and they did cast them into prison; but by the power of the word of God, which was in them, the prisons were rent in twain, and they went forth doing mighty miracles among them.	If God is with us none can stand against us. What miraculous things are we willing to accomplish today because we’re part of God’s crew? ...Father in Heaven, please help me be part of your miracles today. Help me as I choose to be more joyful, patient, and kind. Thanks!
468	4 Nephi1:48-49 And it came to pass that when three hundred and twenty years had passed away, Ammaron, being constrained by the Holy Ghost, did hide up the records which were sacred—yea, even all the sacred records which had been handed down from generation to generation, which were sacred—even until the three hundred and twentieth year from the coming of Christ. And he did hide them up unto the Lord, that they might come again unto the remnant of the house of Jacob, according to the prophecies and the promises of the Lord. And thus is the end of the record of Ammaron.	These sacred records are a priceless treasure that can bring us peace, hope, and understanding to withstand the temptations that Satan will continue to throw in our path. Take time to study and ponder them daily. They will inspire us to change and become better. ...Father, thanks for allowing us to have Thy Scriptures! Please help me to make time to study and ponder them that I can be strengthened to do thy will! Please bring them to my mind as I face trials so I can be strengthened by thy truths.
469	Mormon 1:13 But wickedness did prevail upon the face of the whole land, insomuch that the Lord did take away his beloved disciples, and the work of miracles and of healing did cease because of the iniquity of the people.	What are my poor choices keeping me from? I guarantee it’s not a good or fair trade. ...Father, I wanna do better, be better, and feel your peace. Help me set aside my wicked ways so I can be a miracle worker for Thee.
470	Mormon 1:15-16 And I, being fifteen years of age and being somewhat of a sober mind, therefore I was visited of the Lord, and tasted and knew of the goodness of Jesus. And I did endeavor to preach unto this people, but my mouth was shut, and I was forbidden that I should preach unto them; for behold they had willfully rebelled against their God; and the beloved disciples were taken away out of the land, because of their iniquity.	Think of times when you’ve known and felt of Jesus’ goodness. How can we come to know Him better? ...Father, I’ve felt of your goodness and peace many times. Thanks for the examples, testimonies, and help of others. Thanks for music that brings thy peace to my soul. Please help me speak that which is pleasing to thee.