Day 62:3 Nephi 4-7

Welcome to Day 62...

  

                         
 The Nephites turned to the Lord to "supplicate for their protection" against the Gadiaton robbers. Gidgiddoni (good guy) out-strategized Giaddianhi (bad guy) and the faithful Nephites were delivered! They were so thankful,"their hearts were swollen with joy, unto the gushing out of many tears, because of the great goodness of God in delivering them out of the hands of their enemies." 3 Nephi 4:33

Following their miraculous deliverance from the Gadianton robbers, the Nephites enjoyed peace for about three years.

3 Nephi 5 is a welcome relief from from the drama and trauma of the battle with the bandits! Mormon reports, "there was not one living soul among all the people of the Nephites who did doubt in the least the words of all the holy prophets who had spoken."  After dreadful bouts with evil thieves, the people were ready to whole heartedly embrace truth and light! "Therefore they did forsake ALL theirs sins...and did serve God with diligence day and night." 3 Nephi 5:3
                                 
Mormon paused his narrative to tell a little about himself as the compiler of the ancient records. "I have reason to bless my God and my Savior Jesus Christ." The Lord will "gather in from the four quarters of the earth all the seed of Jacob...and then shall they know their Redeemer, who is Jesus Christ, the Son of God." (3 Nephi 5:26)

Sadly, the Pride Cycle churned on - class distinction and persecutions arose among the people again! Some remained faithful to the Lord, but many entered into secret combinations. 

Hmm...things are really ripening for a visit from the Savior! 

Opening Song: "Tonight A King Is Born" (in light of yesterday's reading)

• Begin With Prayer

• Scripture Study: 3 Nephi 4-7 (listen)

• Study Guide: (here)
• Video: Discussions on the Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi 3-9

• Video: "Pride Is Enmity" (3 Nephi 6:10–18)

Video: Elder Richard G. Scott tells what conversion is and how it can lead to aligning our views to the Lord’s. He teaches how to become truly converted. (3 Nephi 7:21–26)

                     

"And insomuch as the children of Lehi have kept his commandments he hath blessed them and prospered them according to this word." 3 Nephi 5:22

                   

"Now the cause of this iniquity of the people was this—Satan had great power unto the stirring up of the people to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and the vain things of the world. And thus Satan did lead away the hearts of the people to do all manner of iniquity; therefore they had enjoyed peace but a few years." 3 Nephi 6:15-16

“So, the great test of life is to see whether we will hearken to and obey God's commands in the midst of the storms of life. It is not to endure storms, but to choose the right while they rage. And the tragedy of life is to fail in that test and so fail to qualify to return in glory to our heavenly home.” --Henry B. Eyring. “Spiritual Preparedness: Start Early and Be Steady,” Ensign, Nov. 2005, 37-38.

• Record impressions and favorite verses in your journal.

• Close study session with prayer.