Day 76: Ether 10-12

Welcome to Day 76...

Our reading today commences with a lengthy succession of kings, both wicked and righteous.  

After recounting many years of Jaredite history, Moroni finally introduces us to the prophet Ether! 

He then launches into a BEAUTIFUL chapter on faith (with a dash of hope and charity).

                     
As faith in our Savior is the first principle of the gospel, read Ether Chapter 12 carefully and prayerfully. Ether cried repentance from "morning even until the going down of the sun...he could not be restrained because of the Spirit of the Lord which was in him." Moroni was so inspired by Ether, that in the middle of Ether's record, he began his powerful sermon on FAITH, reminding us that, “Ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.”

The purpose of trials and adversity is to test strengthen our faith. There's no two ways around it. If you are currently experiencing a trial, you will become stronger IF you turn to God in your suffering. 

"If there be no faith among the children of men, God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith."  (Ether 12:12)  God will show himself to us in the form of miracles AFTER we exercise faith.

In Ether 12:27, we learn that our weaknesses are actually GIVEN to us. Given to us? What, like a gift? Yes. And the Lord promises, "If they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."  

Believing our weakness can become strengths give us great hope and comfort. 
"I, Moroni, having heard these words was comforted." (Ether 12:29)  

Our reading today closes with a sweet invitation from Moroni: "I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written that the grace of God the Father, and also the lord Jesus Christ may be and abide in your forever. Amen" (Ether 12:41) So beautiful. 

Have a faith-FULL day and enjoy the feast that the book of Ether has to offer!

• Opening Song: "Faith"
• Open study session with prayer.
• Scripture Study: Ether 10-12 (listen)
• Study Guide: (here)
• Video: "The Trial of Your Faith"-- Elder Richard G. Scott

               

             

"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with a surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope, cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works being led to glorify God." Ether 12:4

“You can learn to use faith more effectively by applying this principle taught by Moroni: ‘… ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith’ (Ether 12:6). Thus, every time you try your faith, that is, act in worthiness on an impression, you will receive the confirming evidence of the Spirit. Those feelings will fortify your faith. As you repeat that pattern, your faith will become stronger.” Elder Richard G. Scott

Video: "Great Faith Precedes Miracles" (Ether 12:5-22)

“When we read in the scriptures of man’s ‘weakness,’ this term includes the weakness inherent in the general human condition in which the flesh has such an incessant [or constant] impact upon the spirit (see Ether 12:28–29). Weakness likewise includes, however, our specific, individual weaknesses, which we are expected to overcome (see D&C 66:3; Jacob 4:7). Life has a way of exposing these weaknesses.”

                                         

"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." Ether 12:27

President Spencer W. Kimball taught: “Being human, we would expel from our lives physical pain and mental anguish and assure ourselves of continual ease and comfort, but if we were to close the doors upon sorrow and distress, we might be excluding our greatest friends and benefactors. Suffering can make saints of people as they learn patience, long-suffering, and self-mastery." 

“Should there be anyone who feels he is too weak to do better because of that greatest of fears, the fear of failure, there is no more comforting assurance to be had than the words of the Lord: 'My Grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them' (Ether 12:27)” --Thomas S. Monson

• Record impressions and favorite verses in your journal.

• Close study session with prayer.

*List of Jaredite Kings from Ether 9-11:

Emer (Ether 9:14–21)

Kim (Ether 10:13–14)

Ahah (Ether 11:10)

Coriantum (Ether 9:21–24)

Levi (Ether 10:14–16)

Ethem (Ether 11:11–14)

Heth (Ether 9:25–10:1)

Corom (Ether 10:16–17)

Moron (Ether 11:14–18)

Shez (Ether 10:1–4)

Lib (Ether 10:18–20)

Coriantor (Ether 11:18–23)

Riplakish (Ether 10:4–8)

Com (Ether 10:31–11:4)

Morianton (Ether 10:9–13)

Shiblom (Ether 11:4–9