(Below is a list of questions and quotes that help me think about each verse as I read it. The numbers represent the verses in the chapter.)
If we seek he Lord through His Spirit when we are discouraged He will strengthen us so much that we can be a cause for good EVERY day! If we inquire of thenLord in faith and obey His commandments, then we will be prepared to receive greater revelation and guidance from Him. The Lord keeps his promises and remembers his covenants with his children. He desires all of his children to receive the blessings of the everlasting gospel. Studying and following the word of God daily strengthens us against Satan's temptations.
1-11. What is the relationship between the effort you put into an activity and the results that follow? Of what quality was the effort put forth by Laman and Lemuel to understand their father's words? Of what quality was Nephi's effort? What efforts are you making to receive answers and guidance from The Lord?
3. Why was it difficult for Laman and Lemuel to understand the teachings of their father?
"Laman and Lemuel's own lack of character kept them from understanding the perfect character of God!... [They] did not realize either that a loving God will inevitably be a tutoring Father, who wants His children to be truly happy and to come home." -- Neal A Maxwell, GC, October 1999
"Pride is a damning sin in the true sense of the word. It limits or stops progression. The proud are not easily taught. They won't change their minds to accept truths, because to do so implies they have been wrong.... Pride adversely affects all our relationships... Our degree of pride determine how we treat our God and our brothers and sisters." -- Ezra Taft benson, GC, April 1989
5-6. Why was it difficult for Nephi to come back from such a spiritual experience to find his brothers arguing over the teachings of their father? What did he do in order to minister and teach his brethren? How was Nephi feeling at this time? Why is it so important to seek the strength of The Lord through the spirit when you are feeling discouraged?
8. How can the question Nephi asked his brothers in this verse be a guiding principle in receiving answers and understanding for the things that trouble you?
11. What can you do to obtain answers to your life's questions from The Lord? What must you do in order to be taught and guided by The Lord? His have your efforts to learn spiritual truths and seek the Lord's guidance affected your ability to feel the Spirit and understand the gospel?
13. What is grafting? How does the person truly become a member of the house of Israel? What can you do to help others hear and accept the gospel of Jesus Christ?
14. What will scattered Israel understand in the latter days?
24. How is the word of God like an iron rod? What promise does Nephi make to those who hold to the iron rod? How are temptations like fiery darts? What power do you find in the word of God? Why is it vital to hold to the word of God through daily scripture study, prayer, and listening to inspired leaders? What experience related to your personal scripture study has helped you to know that you receive daily strength against Satan's temptations as you study the Scriptures?
"Not only will the word of God lead us to the fruit which is desirable above all others, but in the Word of God and through it we can find the power to resist temptation, the power to thwart the work of Satan and his emissaries." – Ezra Taft Benson, GC, April 1986
"The word of God… Has the power to fortify the Saints and arm them with the Spirit so they can resist evil, hold fast to the good, and find joy in this life." – Ezra Taft Benson, GC, April 1986
"Success in righteousness, the power to avoid deception and resist temptation, guidance in our daily lives, healing of the soul – these are but a few of the promises the Lord has given to those who will come to his word… However diligent we may be in other areas, certain blessings are to be found only in the Scriptures,only in coming to the word of the Lord and holding fast to it as we make our way through the mists of darkness to the tree of life." – Ezra Taft Benson, GC, April 1986
26. What did the river that was near the tree of life represent?
32-36. Why were Nephi's brothers troubled by his teachings pertaining to their fathers dream of the tree of life? What does it mean to be clean? What would you like your clothes to look like if you knew you would be meeting the Savior? How would you like your soul to look? What has Jesus Christ done to help you become clean?
1-36. What parts of Lehi's dream and Nephi's interpretation of the dream show God's love and concern for Nephi's brothers? What parts of Lehi's dream and Nephi's interpretation of the dream show God's love and concern for you?
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