1 Nephi 21

(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.)

The Lord loves us and He will NEVER forget us. The Lord promised to restore the gospel and gather Israel in the last days.

1. Who was called before He was born?

"Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of Heaven before this world was. I suppose I was ordained to this very office in that Grand Council." - Joseph Smith

2. Whose words cut to the hearts of the wicked like a sharp sword? Whose life is unblemished like a polished shaft?

"I am like a huge, rough stone rolling down from a high mountain; and the only polishing I get is when some corner gets rubbed off by coming in contact with something else, striking with accelerated force against religious bigotry, priestcraft,... lying editors, suborned judges and jurors,... backed by mobs, blasphemes, licentious and corrupt men and women - all he'll knocking off a corner here and a corn there. Thus I will become a smooth and polished shaft in the quiver of the Almighty." --Joseph Smith

14. When The Lord could not bless Israel (Zion) because of her disobedience, what did the people feel had happened? How does sin distance us from The Lord? Have you ever felt like The Lord has forgotten you? How does this verse give you hope and confidence in God? What experiences have you had that have helped you know that The Lord has NOT for gotten you?

15-16. How is God's love like the love of a mother? Does your mother love you because you were always easy to care for and because you always do the right things? Does she love you because you give back more to her than she gave? How well do you love your mother? Can you even begin to understand the depth of love that she feels for you? In what ways might the love of The Lord be greater even than the love of a

mother?

16. What did The Lord say would always remind Him of His people? What helps you remember the Savior throughout your day?

"Christ will not forget the children he has redeemed or the covenant he has made with them for salvation in Zion. The painful reminders of His watch care and covenant are the marks of the Roman nails graven in the palms of his hands." -Jeffrey R Holland, Christ and the New Covenant, p. 84

20-23. What do you think that The Lord expects you to do for those around you who do no have the gospel?