Mosiah 20

 (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.)

Rejecting the words of the Lord's servants brings suffering and sorrow.

1-2. Why did the daughters of the Lamanites gather together? What sort of gatherings do you participate in with your peers, friends and family? What sorts of things occur at those gatherings? Are the things that you do in your social groups, things that would please God and draw you closer to him? What might you need to change if they are not?

3. Why did the priests of King Noah stay in the wilderness? How did the priests deny their shame the power to work within their hearts to bring about good? Have you ever felt shame or sorrow for a particular action, yet justified yourself in not correcting it? How can the story of the priests of Noah help you understand the consequences of denying the Spirit of God to work within you?

4-5. How did the wickedness in the hearts of the priests allow them to yet commit further wickedness in regards to the Lamanite daughters? How pure do you think their thoughts were as they watched the Lamanite daughters? Why is it so important to guard your thoughts? 

"Pornography impairs one's ability to enjoy a normal emotional, romantic and spiritual relationship with a person of the opposite sex. It erodes the moral barriers that stand against inappropriate, abnormal, or illegal behaviour. As conscience is desensitized, patrons of pornography are led to act out what they have witnessed, regardless of its effects on their life and the lives of others. Pornography is also addictive. It impairs decision-making capacities and it 'hooks' its users, drawing them back obsessively for more and more." - Dallin H Oaks, GC, April 2005

"You mold your character and future by good thoughts and acts.” -Spencer W Kimball, New Era, Sept. 1974

6-7. Who got blamed for the missing Lamanite daughters? Have you ever been blamed for doing something that you did not do? Have you ever blamed someone else for your unhappiness or misery?

"In essence blaming, or pointing our finger, is saying that we totally absolve our self of any responsibility in the matter. At the same time, we automatically and unwittingly assign ourselves to the miserable role of victim. By feeling we are a victim, our unconscious attitude becomes 'We are not responsible for our own plight.' Thus, we imagine someone or something out there must be our enemy! This view renders us powerless because we allow that someone to be in command - to be in control. By giving up stewardship of our responsibilities to someone else, we relinquish our God-given power - and our Will, as well." - Karol K Truman, Healing Feelings from Your Heart [2000],109

 8. How did King Limhi know that the Lamanites were going to attack them? In what ways can you prepare for the attack of Satan, your mortal enemy? How do you know he plans on attacking? What 'watch towers' can you erect in your life to help you more fully prepare to defend yourself? What is your best defence against Lucifer?

10-11. What beasts did it seem the people of Limhi fought like? Where do you suppose they got the strength to fight like lions? In what way do you think that the Lord protected Limhi and his people? In what ways do you feel the Lord's protection in your life?

13-14. What did the people of Limhi do with the captured king of the Lamanites? What evidence do you find in these verses that Limhi was a wise man? How did his wisdom bless his people? How did it help his people trust him to lead them?

17-18. Who told King Limhi that the wicked priests probably took the daughters of the Lamanites? What kind of man was Gideon? What position did Gideon hold in King Limhi's government? What did Gideon do to stop the Lamanites from attacking them again? What did Gideon say was the cause of the affliction Limhi's people were suffering? What does this reveal about the kind of a man Gideon was?

21.What was the main reason that Limhi's people faced so many problems? What have the leaders of the church today advised you to do or not to do? What advantages do you see in following the counsel of the prophet? Could there be benefits and blessings for obedience that you do not yet see?

"We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold  by ancient and modern prophets." - The Family: A Proclamation to the World, Ensign, November 1995

24.  Why did the people of Limhi trust the Lamanite king? How binding are your promises? What can you do to ensure that you are known to be an honest man or woman?

25. Who pleaded with the Lamanite army not to destroy Limhi's people? Why do you suppose the Lamanite king did this?