Book of Mormon Minute, Pages 491-500

   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

491	Ether 2:23 And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared: What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels? For behold, ye cannot have windows, for they will be dashed in pieces; neither shall ye take fire with you, for ye shall not go by the light of fire.	The Lord wants us to be proactive. What solutions can we find and what can we do to solve our problems? ...Father, thanks for showing me how to solve my problems. ...I can share with you my plans and trust the Holy Spirit to keep me on thy paths, even if at times I can’t see where I should go next. In Jesus name, Amen.
492	Ether 3:2 O Lord, thou hast said that we must be encompassed about by the floods. Now behold, O Lord, and do not be angry with thy servant because of his weakness before thee; for we know that thou art holy and dwellest in the heavens, and that we are unworthy before thee; because of the fall our natures have become evil continually; nevertheless, O Lord, thou hast given us a commandment that we must call upon thee, that from thee we may receive according to our desires.	We are weak, for we are human, yet God’s asked us imperfect people to let him know our desires and needs. He wants to bless and help us. ...I think too often that we see weakness as a terrible thing and compare our weaknesses with others, yet in reality, we all have different weaknesses given to us so we can give and receive help from each other. We all need each other to be strengthened and return home to God. In Jesus name, Amen.
493	Ether 3:16 Behold, this body, which ye now behold, is the body of my spirit; and man have I created after the body of my spirit; and even as I appear unto thee to be in the spirit will I appear unto my people in the flesh.	We are created and designed after the image of Jesus and Heavenly Father. We didn’t evolve from a monkey. God had a plan all along and created us uniquely from the other animals. ...Father, thanks for giving us truth about us and this amazing world filled with beauty and wonder! May we do our part to help thee care for it and our amazing bodies too. In Jesus name, Amen.
494	Ether 3:26 For he [Jesus] had said unto him [Jared’s brother] in times before, that if he would believe in him that he could show unto him all things—it should be shown unto him; therefore the Lord could not withhold anything from him, for he knew that the Lord could show him all things.	How strong is our faith in Jesus? Elder C. Max Caldwell said, “What you sincerely in your heart think of Christ will determine who you are, and how you live your life.” ...Father, some days my faith is strong and other times its weaker. Thanks that I can keep studying thy words and pray and act in ways that can reaffirm that you’re still there and thy ways don’t change! In Jesus name, Amen.
495	Ether 4:11 But he that believeth these things which I have spoken, him will I visit with the manifestations of my Spirit, and he shall know and bear record. For because of my Spirit he shall know that these things are true; for it persuadeth men to do good.	The Holy Spirit will confirm to us the truth of God’s words. The Holy Spirit encourages us to do good. Doubt your doubts before you doubt your belief in God and his goodness. ...Father, thanks for the Holy Spirit. Please help me recognize its promptings so I can thank thee an obey thee quickly. Thanks. In Jesus name, Amen.
496	Ether 4:19 And blessed is he that is found faithful unto my name at the last day, for he shall be lifted up to dwell in the kingdom prepared for him from the foundation of the world. And behold it is I that hath spoken it. Amen.	Jesus told us that we can live with him if we remain faithful to him. What can I do today to stay faithful and increase my faith for times when Satan’s attacking me? ...Father, thanks for Jesus, for faith, hope, and repentance! In Jesus name, Amen.
497	Ether 6:7,9 And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters. ...And they did sing praises unto the Lord; yea, the brother of Jared did sing praises unto the Lord, and he did thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord.	When we are surrounded by challenges… Praise God. When things are going easy… Praise God! ...Father, thanks for preparing ways for me to reach out to you and visit under any circumstances. Thanks for teaching me about Christ’s gospel and your plan for us… You’ve told us you’re our dad and we lived with ya before this earth. You’ve given us the rules to return home to you and now it’s up to each of us to choose to follow your rules or not. If we choose to do thy will, and keep repenting, then we will be able to become like thee and live in joy as families forever and continue to learn and progress. Thanks for a Savior who made that opportunity possible! In Jesus name, Amen.
498	Ether 6:30 And it came to pass that Orihah did walk humbly before the Lord, and did remember how great things the Lord had done for his father, and also taught his people how great things the Lord had done for their fathers.	When we remember the past, we can see how God’s helped people even during really hard challenges. We can remember that if he helped them, he can and will help us too. ...Father, thanks for examples we can learn from and gain hope and faith from as we struggle through this journey of life with you by our side. In Jesus name, Amen.
499	Ether 7:23 And also in the reign of Shule there came prophets among the people, who were sent from the Lord, prophesying that the wickedness and idolatry of the people was bringing a curse upon the land, and they should be destroyed if they did not repent.	Heavenly Father sends prophets to warn, guide, help, and be examples for us. What are some things our current prophets have warned us of? Are we trying to follow their council? If not, why? ...Father, thanks that we can go review thy prophets' words almost instantly and for the encouragement they bring! Please help us each know what we can personally work on today to come closer to thee. In Jesus name, Amen.
500	Ether 8:7 And now Jared became exceedingly sorrowful because of the loss of the kingdom, for he had set his heart upon the kingdom and upon the glory of the world.	What is our heart set upon? What gets most of our attention? Is there something better that God would have us use our energy for? ...Father, thanks for examples, good and bad that help us know what can await us. Please help me as I observe my time to know where I can choose better uses of my time. In Jesus name, Amen.