INSPIRATION FROM THE SCRIPTURES

I had a set-back today == had some major dental work done yesterday and I am in PAIN-- didn't sleep well, couldn't go to the temple this morning for my shift and missed an event in Florence, NE that I have waited months to attend.  It was their Florence Day Celebration with a parade and afternoon activities at the park.  All our Trail Center Sisters and Couples were in the parade dressed as pioneers and pushing handcarts.  I will get some pictures from Elder Gareis and post them soon.

So I spent time getting some reading done and pondering sections in the Book of Mormon that teaches and inspires me.  I focused on Jacob, the younger brother of Nephi.

Jacob is one of the most powerful teachers in The Book of Mormon.  He was the fifth son born to Lehi and Sariah.  He and his brother Joseph were born in the wilderness.  He never knew what it was like to live in a home - permanent.  He never got to play with his friend at the park.  He never knew what it was like to go to school or shop at the busy marketplace or attend the grand feasts.  All he knew was traveling in the wilderness, the deserts and the open oceans.  He ate raw meat. Jacob watched his older brothers taunt and mock his father and watched his brothers tempt to kill his brother Nephi.

2 Nephi 2:1-4  -- Records a blessing to Jacob by his father Lehi.  He was recognized for knowing the greatness of God - thy soul will be blessed and he would dwell safely with his brother Nephi - thou art redeemed because of the righteousess of thy Redeemer.....

 After Lehi died, Jacob was raised by his brother Nephi.  Jacob witnessed many miracles, had many visions and was administered by angels.  He saw the Lord, Jesus Christ.  Nephi writes about Jacob seeing Christ as he also did in 2 Nephi 11:3.  After Nephi died - Jacob continued to teach and preach the word of God to the people.  Jacob 4: 6,7, and 10 refers to some great teachings.  "How great and marvelous are the works of God."  He was a powerful teacher - was persuasive, yet did deliver some tender messages.  He taught of love and humility and condemned the sins of chastity.  In Jacob 2 he talks against the love of riches, pride ad unchastity.  He tells the men that they can only have one wife.  He tells the Nephites that the Lord delights in the chastity of women.  He speaks to the men who have hurt their wives and children and wounding their tender hearts.  In Jacob 2: 7 and 8 he speaks of healing the wounded soul.  This is the word of God.  The love of Christ can heal the wounded heart.

I love to ponder the words of Jacob.  

...come unto Christ and partake of the goodness of God.

...Jacob taught  -- having first obtained mine errand from the Lord.

...plainness in the word of God

...before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.

...keep my commandments and glorify him forever.

...ye have broken the hearts of your tender wives and lost the confidence of your children.

...look unto God with firmness of mind and pray unto him with exceeding faith

...seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand.

...speak of the atonement of Christ

...blessed are they who have labored diligently in his vineyard.

...merciful is our God

...repent and come with full purpose of heart

and there is so much more -- great teachings from Jacob.