Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 16:1-3

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 16:1-3

"And verily, verily, I say unto you that I have other sheep, which are not of this land, neither of the land of Jerusalem, neither in any parts of that land round about whither I have been to minister.

For they of whom I speak are they who have not as yet heard my voice; neither have I at any time manifested myself unto them.

But I have received a commandment of the Father that I shall go unto them, and that they shall hear my voice, and shall be numbered among my sheep, that there may be one fold and one shepherd; therefore I go to show myself unto them."

I know that after Christ's ministry to those in Jerusalem, and setting up his church there, that he came to the America's to speak to his children in this promise land. I know he also visited other sheep, other nations or peoples. We just don't have their records yet. 

Sunday, my home teachers came over and my husband and one of them talked about their differing opinions on where Lehi came and settled. He felt it was Mesoamerica, my husband felt it was within the regions of the United States. I side with the opinion it was in the United States because this truly is  a promised land, and where the actual golden plates were found. As I think about this verse and their discussion in my home I realize we are both right. These two civilizations both had Christ appear to them after his resurrection. He came to both, and not just them but other nations, lands and people. I'm sure some have dwindled in unbelief just like the Lamanites did. Someday we will have all their records, when we are ready to receive them. God truly does love all his children.

 

Day 369 Tami Fitzgerald Harris

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 15:9

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 15:9

"Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life."

After faith, repentance and baptism I am told that I must endure to the end. I used to think that was the hard part. Now I see that as the best part of this earth journey. This is where I come to know my Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. After baptism I am given the gift of the Holy Ghost, which will speak the words of Christ to me. As I walk with this light I will come to know him. As l walk with him, he will carry my burdens and make them light. If I endure it is only through learning to rely on Him, and to come to know him.

 

Day 368 Tami Fitzgerald Harris

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 14:21-23

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 14:21-23

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Many will say to me in that day: Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them: I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

I sat and pondered on how doing good works in the name of Christ can make the Lord profess he never knew me. The key is who's will did I do it under, my own or the will of the Father? Wouldn't it be blasphemy to do a work in God's name when it was my will all along. I think an element of pride would be happening too. That must be why the Lord is saying they work iniquity. So the only way I think I could tell the difference is by the heart of the man. Which of course the only heart I would know is my own. To know the will of the Father I need a prayerful heart. I need to live in a manner that the spirit can be always with me. Then I would know by that still small voice the work that is the Father's will.

 

Day 367 Tami Fitzgerald Harris

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 13:1, 3

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 13:1, 3

"Verily, verily, I say that I would that ye should do alms unto the poor; but take heed that ye do not your alms before men to be seen of them; otherwise ye have no reward of your Father who is in heaven.

But when thou doest alms let not they left hand know what thy right had doeth;"

This chapter is very similar to Matthew 6. The Lord is laying his foundation of how the saint should live. The law of Moses is done away with and there is a new law. The words of "alms to the poor" has been a weight upon my mind. It bothers my soul to walk away from the homeless that beg for money because I am told they are professional beggars or addicts. That giving money doesn't help them. I feel like I'm breaking my heart when I walk pass them. I'm training my heart to be cold. The more I read the scriptures the worse I feel about what I am doing.

As I have reflected on them I cannot help but think that even the addict needs food to eat. He cannot live just off of drugs or alcohol. I had decided that I needed a way to give them food but haven't worked out the whole matter. I really wish I could buy some type of voucher to give them so they had something to eat or a way to get toothpaste or soap. I totally understand the law of the fast and giving an offering or giving to humanitarian causes. These are all things that I know are monitored and given in a manner I know is truly helpful. Yet I cannot help but think of the beggar on the street and how he is training my heart to be cold and I don't like it. I don't have a perfect answer. When I read these verses I notice the part of not letting my left hand know what the right hand had done. I had to ponder on that and I think its telling me not to over think this. Just give to the poor and needy and not judge.

 

Day 366 Tami Fitzgerald Harris

Posted: 28 Mar 2016

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 12:13-14, 18, 20, 26, 32, 34

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 12:13-14, 18, 20, 26, 32, 34

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the salt of the earth; but if the salt shall lose its savor wherewith shall the earth be salted? The salt shall be thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and to be trodden under foot of men.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the light of this people. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.

For verily I say unto you, one jot nor one tittle hath not passed away from the law, but in me it hath all been fulfilled.

Therefore come unto me and be ye saved; for verily I say unto you, that except ye shall keep my commandments, which I have commanded you at this time, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, thou shalt by no means come out thence until thou hast paid the uttermost senine. And while ye are in prison can ye pay even one senine? Verily, verily, I say unto you, Nay.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery; and whoso shall marry her who is divorced committeth adultery.

But verily, verily, I say unto you, swear not at all; neither by heaven, for its is God's throne;

The Lord, Jesus Christ called twelve apostles, to minister to the people in this land. Giving them power and authority to baptize in his name. After they were to be baptized with water, the Lord would baptize them with fire and the Holy Ghost. Then the Savior instructed them on his commandments and the new law. The Beatitudes are given and I sat and compared them with Matthew 5. There are a few words added that simply clarify, but they are important. Matthew 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven". In 3 Nephi 11:3 "Yea, blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven". 

The one thing I really pondered on is when the Lord says Verily. This is something I have been trying to figure out for a long time, because I know there is a pattern here. In 3 Nephi when the Savior is speaking to his people he says Verily 45 times, in this chapter its 14 times. Sometimes I see a pattern of one, two or three verily in a row. This pattern makes me think of the woe or wo's in the scriptures. The more wo's the greater the warning of coming destruction. You better pay attention to the wo's. So what is going on with the Verily? I sat and pondered on this I went back and forth between the wo's and the verily's and I think I finally received an answer. The wo's are when the Lord is warning the wicked. The verily's are when he is warning the righteous. Even though I may be born again I could lose my way, or not live up to what is expected of me. I better pay attention to the verily's for he is talking to me. Even though I might be saved now, the Lord is giving a warning to help me stay that way.

 

Day 365 Tami Fitzgerald Harris

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 11:7-10

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 11:7-10

"Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name - hear ye him.

And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them.

And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people saying:

Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world."

There are 41 verses in this chapter and all 41 one are a treasure to my heart. I weep as I read for they are the words of my Savior, Jesus Christ. It is impossible for me to pick just one. All could be an individual sermon of why I love those words. I know my Savior died for me, and rose on the third day, and after his ascension into heaven he appeared to the inhabitants of this the American continent.

The Father bore witness of His Beloved Son. Then the people came one by one and thrust their hands into his side, and felt the prints of the nails in his hands and feet. After doing so they shouted Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him. How blessed where they to witness this and have no doubt but believe that this was the promised Messiah, the resurrected Christ. I believe this with all my heart, and do not have to be like Thomas and have to see Him with my own eyes. Its the spirit that bears witness of him. I do believe.

Day 364 Tami Fitzgerald Harris

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 10:10-12

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 10:10-12

"And the earth did cleave together again, that it stood; and the mourning, and the weeping, and the wailing of the people who were spared alive did cease; and their mourning was turned into joy, and their lamentations into the praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord Jesus Christ, their Redeemer.

And thus were the scriptures fulfilled which had been spoken by the prophets.

And it was the more righteous part of the people who were saved, and it was they who received the prophets and stoned them not; and it was they who had not shed the blood of the saints, who were spared -"

All the people heard the words of Jesus Christ while surrounded by a vapor of darkness. When he stopped speaking the people are so greatly astonished that there is complete silence for many hours. Then the voice comes again. The words bring such tears to my eyes. The Lord tell them how oft had I tried to gather you as hen gathereth her chickens under her wing. After hearing these words the people mourn for their lost loved ones. This is how the three days of darkness pass for the people.

Then morning comes and the earth stops shaking and their lives are spared. The joy and thanks they give to their Lord and Redeemer for sparing their lives. It just made me think of all the various survivor stories I have heard. The people all acknowledge that God is the one that spared their lives. Even when they were not religious before. Yes, they mourn for the lives lost, but acknowledge the preservation of their life comes from God. I could not help but think how the Lord's second coming will be a similar event. The more righteous part will be spared to greet him. 

 

Day 363 Tami Fitzgerald Harris

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 9:15-18

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 9:15-18

"Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name.

I came unto my own, and my own received me not. And the scriptures concerning my coming are fulfilled.

And as many as have received me, to them have I given to become the sons of God; and even so will I to as many as shall believe on my name, for behold, by me redemption cometh, and in me is the law of Moses fulfilled."

How can I describe what my heart feels. I weep at the words of Christ as he appears to them in the Americas. Right now they are sitting in darkness and only hear his words. Every word of it is my favorite, they are treasures for my heart. All I can do is weep. What must his sons and daughters have felt to hear his voice. To know all that had been prophesied of this day was fulfilled. They must have been totally overcome. 

 

Day 362 Tami Fitzgerald Harris

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 8:5, 19-20, 23

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 8:5, 19-20, 23

"And it came to pass in the thirty and fourth year, in the first month, on the fourth day of the month, there arose a great storm, such as one as never had been known in all the land."

And it came to pass that when the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the storm, and the tempest, and the quakings of the earth did cease - for behold, they did last for about the space of three hours; and it was said by some that the time was greater; neverthless, all these great and terrible things were done in about the space of three hours - and then behold, there was darkness upon the face of the land.

And it came to pass that there was thick darkness upon all the face of the land, insomuch that the inhabitants thereof who had not fallen could feel the vapor of darkness;

And it came to pass that it did last for the space of three days that there was no light seen; and there was great mourning and howling and weeping among all the people continually; yea, great were the groanings of the people, because of the darkness and the great destruction which had come upon them.

The Savior has died. He was crucified upon a cross at Golgotha. It occurred across the ocean and miles away from the Nephites. Yet the sign of his death was known to all of them. The earth groaned in pain at the death of its King. It just occurred to me that I will be reading my favorite part of the Book of Mormon soon, right as the Easter season is upon me. What a tender mercy.

In this chapter it tells of the great destruction that came upon the land. The whole face of it was changed because of it. The sign that three days of darkness would follow was now upon them. They sit with a vapor of darkness all around them, even fire can bring no light. The people are heard to cry and to mourn and their howlings and weeping are great and terrible. If only they had not stoned and killed the prophets, their loved ones would have been spared. They had great cause to weep. Oh, how I don't want to have cause to weep when the Savior returns again. Repentance is a gift I need every day. I am such a hopelessly flawed person. Only through the grace of my Lord is repentance possible and I can be redeemed.

Day 361 Tami Fitzgerald Harris

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 7:15, 18-19

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 7:15, 18-19

"And it came to pass that Nephi having been visited by angels and also the voice of the Lord, therefore having seen angels, and being eye-witness, and having had power given unto him that he might know concerning the ministry of Christ, and also being eye-witness to their quick return from righteousness unto their wickedness and abominations;

And in the name of Jesus did he cast out devils and unclean spirits; and even his brother did he raise from the dead, after he had been stoned and suffered death by the people. 

And the people saw it, and did witness of it, and were angry with him because of his power; and he did also do many more miracles, in the sight of the people, in the name of Jesus."

It's now 31 AD and on the American continent the people are witnessing the same miracles that Christ performed in the Holy Land.  It was the prophet Nephi that is the vessel for works performed in the name of Jesus Christ. Nephi was also ministered by angels daily. These signs are a witness to the people of the power of Christ. They are given to the people for one last chance to repent and come to Christ. For the wicked will be destroyed at the time of Christ's crucification. The wicked are never destroy unless they are warned first.

It's interesting that along with the miracles performed the wicked are angry at seeing them. I don't think I even want to understand how a wicked person could be blinded enough by Satan to deny the Christ and his miracles. Not only deny but be angry about them. Being angry about anything is never a good sign about your moral standing. I marvel at the parallel to Christ's ministry. In his name miracles are being performed on two continents. I couldn't help but ponder on the miracles we will see before Christ returns to this earth. I know similar signs will be given. 

 

Day 360 Tami Fitzgerald Harris

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 6:13

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 6:13

"Some were lifted up in pride, and others were exceedingly humble; some did return railing for railing, while others would receive railing and persecution and all manner of afflictions, and would not turn and revile again, but were humble and penitent before God."

In family scripture study tonight we discussed how men no longer cherish honor and it wasn't always so. My son could never remember a time when people had it. He thought honor died out in the 1400's. My husband and I thought it was the generation before ours. We tried to narrow down when the change happened. We decided the greatest influence was when prayer was removed from the schools. Then we lost civics classes. My husband is 11.5 yrs older than me and he could remember prayer in school. It was gone before I started attending. I remember there was civics written on the report card but we never used that field. Then it became social studies. Why would the lack of prayer in school create an effect on honor?  Because children were no longer taught there was someone greater than themselves they were accountable to. Now you are taught to look out for number one, you are the greatest and most important thing out there. With that there is no accountability to a higher power. You are your own higher power, and honor means nothing. Instead you have to teach a lot of classes on self-esteem. If your only value is in what you think of yourself I guess that's fitting.

With this scripture I pondered on why some can with pride can attack others, yet people that are humble when persecuted turn to God. I think it is because the humble person knows the source of his power. His strength is in the Lord. The humble person doesn't need the last word, because they know it belongs to God. There is a peace in their soul you cannot disturb. The prideful person has no power over them. You can strip them of everything but can never take from them the essence of who they are. The prideful person is actually very wounded. You cannot attack them because they have to fight back. If you take away everything from them they are exposed and vulnerable. They will fight you to the death to not expose their nothingness. There is no inner peace in their lives. They are truly lost souls, to be pitied. Humility, honor and integrity come from God. When you deny God you lose your values, and are without peace. 

Day 359 Tami Fitzgerald Harris

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 5:20

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 5:20

"I am Mormon, and a pure descendant of Lehi. I have reason to bless my God and my Savior Jesus Christ, that he brought our fathers out of the land of Jerusalem, (and no one knew it save it were himself and those whom he brought out of the land) and that he hath given me and my people so much knowledge unto the salvation of our souls."

This chapter is a brief commentary made my Mormon, that compiled the records of the Nephites into the Book of Mormon. I always love to hear his voice inserted among the text and stories he is sharing. It really caught my eye to see the phrase that he was a "pure descendant of Lehi".

I sat and pondered on what that meant it, Mormon died around 385 AD so that was about 985 years since Lehi and his family came to the promised land in the Americas. They must have had a written genealogy for him to state that fact. I would have to trace all my lines  back to 1031 AD, and see they converge to just one family, in order to say I was a pure descendant of anyone. That would be amazing. Even when I took my DNA test I wasn't a pure anything.

I think this verse also shows that there were other groups of people who's blood was mixed among them. I know when Lehi came he brought Zoram, Laban's servant, and Ishmael's family. I would almost think this party of people would be included when you say your of pure blood. It would be like me saying I'm a pure descendant of the pilgrims, with no other blood. The other group mentioned are the people of Zarahemla or Mulekites. Mulek was the son of the king Zedekiah that fled when Babylon conquered Jerusalem in 586 BC. They were a separate group unknown to the Nephites until around 200 BC. The Jaredites are mentioned that came over at the time of the tower of Babel but that whole race killed themselves out. The Mulekites having found their last survivor Coriantumr. I just don't think these were the only race of people on this land. The others are probably implied with the groups they support. The Lamanites sure do multiple and outnumber the Nephites very quickly between battles.

So it appears that genealogy was important to the Nephites. Mormon was very proud of the fact he was of pure blood. I need to relate this to my day. I know they had temples, did they do baptism for their dead like I do? I know Mormon was a keeper of their records. Ammaron having given him this charge, after hiding "all the sacred engravings concerning this people", in a cave in the hill called Shim. Mormon moved them afterwards to a cave inside the Hill Cumorah. He only buried the gold plates outside of it. There are recorded histories of early church leaders testifying to having visited the cave full of records. As I sit and ponder on this cave I cannot help but think of the Granite Mountain Vault, where we store our records. I can't visit that cave either! Inside is a history or our people, the genealogy of humankind. It also has copies of all the temple records, wouldn't that be considered sacred engravings too?

Someday when those records are available to us, it will be an amazing experience to see all of them added to the records we are compiling today. I'm sure they will all be included in the book of life, presented to the Lord. I sure would love to assist in data entering them.

Day 358 Tami Fitzgerald Harris

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 4:31-33

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 4:31-33

"And it came to pass that they did break forth, all as one, in singing, and praising their God for the great thing which he had done for them, in preserving them from falling into the hands of their enemies.

Yea, they did cry: Hosanna to the Most High God. And they did cry: Blessed be the name of the Lord God Almighty, the Most High God.

And 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; and they knew it was because of their repentance and their humility that they had been delivered from an everlasting destruction."

In church our bishop has been emphasizing the importance of hymns. Before the sacrament is passed we are reminded to think about the words of the hymn as we sing. I have started to try and memorize the songs and focus on the chorister instead of the hymn book while singing. I can think about the words better when it coming from memory than from a book. The words are powerful, just like scriptures, they touch my heart. 

Today I went to the American Rally in Provo for the presidential candidate of my choice. At the very beginning we were asked to rise for the singing of our national anthem. I, as others in the crowd, started to look around for the flag. It wasn't on the stage it was behind us on the wall. So the whole crowd turned their back to the singer to see the flag as we placed our hands over our hearts. It might have been her sole but we couldn't help it, we all started singing together. I had such a flood of emotions. But, the most powerful thing that came to me was how singing as one united us together. It was fitting that we didn't just listen, we sang. I felt the spirit and wept.

Tonight was also the Provo City Center Temple Cultural Celebration. It was a long day and I wanted to sit and rest. So I went an hour early to my stake center to wait for the broadcast. I had planned on reading my scriptures while waiting, but instead I sat and just listened to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir streaming in the chapel. It was the best thing I could have done I truly came to rest. Then the actual broadcast began and we all united in song, and again I thought of the earlier events of the day and the importance of singing together as one.

Now I come home and read this verse about the Nephites singing, praising God for being preserved. I could really picture them doing that, they would not be very different than me. I know the hymns are prayers of the heart. They inspire and move men. They unite people together. They unite them in worshiping their God. 

 

Day 357 Tami Fitzgerald Harris

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 3:11-13

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 3:11-13

"And I write this epistle unto you, Lachoneus, and I hope that ye will deliver up your lands and your possessions, without the shedding of blood, that this my people may recover their rights and government, who have dissented away from you because of your wickedness in retaining from them their rights of government, and except ye do this, I will avenge their wrongs. I am Giddianhi.

And now it came to pass when Lachoneus received this epistle he was exceedingly astonished, because of the boldness of Giddianhi demanding the possession of the land of the Nephites, and also of threatening the people and avenging the wrongs of those that had received no wrong, save it were they had wronged themselves by dissenting away unto those wicked and abominable robbers.

Now behold, this Lachoneus, the governor, was a just man, and could not be frightened by the demands and the threatenings of a robber; therefore he did not hearken to the epistle of Giddianhi, the governor of the robbers, but he did cause that his people should cry unto the Lord for strength against the time that the robbers should come down against them."

It is now 16th years after the sign of the birth of the Savior. Giddianhi is the leader and governor of the band of the Gadianton robbers. He writes an epistle to Lachoneus a righteous governor of the land, and threatens him, if he doesn't unite with them and their secret works. It was not hard as I read this to see my day, the very things running on the news. The behaviors and tactics being displayed in various people.

Yet, its not exact, and this has impressed upon my mind why these stories in the Book of Mormon were selected for my day. I don't think its because we will have the exact experiences come upon us. The cycle of cause and effect do repeat. But, the message is the motives and tactics that worshipers of Satan will use against God fearing people. This is what you watch out for, in order to be spiritually and physically protected. 

Right now I'm being instructed, that there are stories behind these stories. It will teach how to know the heart of a man, and not to be deceived. Though things might go completely wrong around me, crying to the Lord for deliverance is really what I need. The love for my Savior brings peace and comfort into the heart, though troubles and fears may surround me.

Day 356 Tami Fitzgerald Harris

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 2:1

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 2:1

"And it came to pass that thus passed away the ninety and fifth year also, and the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds, and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and seen--"

I had to ponder on the signs and wonders from heaven. No where does it say what they were. If it had been some type of attack or destruction sent from heaven it would haven been mentioned. Those always seem to be recorded very well.

I think it means they were sacred things. Experiences that were then shared with each other. They were talked about so openly that they became common. To the point it allowed some to doubt their claims. There was something wrong in the way they were handled, if it caused their hearts to harden, and not soften. 

It made me think about some of the spiritual experiences I have shared, and those that I don't. I have long learned that sacred experiences can only be shared with permission by the spirit. If I share them without confirmation my motives are wrong, and I am in danger of pride. It definitely causes the loss of humility. The heavens close on me when I share things I shouldn't. Now I think I see that its not just what the telling of sacred things does to me, its what it does to the listener. The hearing of sacred things when the spirit is not present hardens the heart. That's even more devastating of a crime. It makes sense now why those actual signs and wonders are not even named.

I cannot help but wonder if this applies to the retelling of sacred experiences I have heard about others? I know I love a good faith promoting story and even more so when others join in too. I never thought of the effect it may have on all parties. I have to sit and think about my roll in this, why would those experiences be any different than the way I handle mine? 

Day 355 Tami Fitzgerald Harris

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 1:29-30

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 1:29-30

"And there was also a cause of much sorrow among the Lamanites; for behold, they had many children who did grow up and began to wax strong in years, that they became for themselves, and were led away by some who were Zoramites, by their lyings and their flattering words, to join those Gadianton robbers.

And thus were the Lamanites afflicted also, and began to decrease as to their faith and righteousness, because of the wickedness of the rising generation."

I love reaching 3rd Nephi in the Book of Mormon, for this is when the Savior appears. It begins with it being 600 years since Lehi left Jerusalem and the five year from Samuel the Lamanites' prophecy, that the sign of Christ's birth would appear. Because it looks like the time is past the unbelievers rejoice that the words are not fulfilled. They set a date that if the sign of his birth isn't given they will put to death all those that believe in the traditions of their fathers, the coming of Christ. 

Nephi, son of Nephi prays mightily to God in behalf of his people, because they are about to be destroyed. He cries all day unto him, and then the Lord speaks and tells him that the time is at hand, and on that night the sign will be given, and tomorrow he comes into the world. The sun goes down and there is no darkness during the night. The prophecy is fulfilled and many believe. This happens in the 92nd year of the judges.

The verse I pondered on happens in the 94th year of the judges. In only two years after the sign of the birth of the Savior already people are turning wicked. The Lamanites at that point have been converted. They are righteous but there is something wrong with their children. I wondered what does it mean to be strong in years and they became to themselves? I think it means they became of legal age. They were probably 18-21 years of age, about the age of college students. Well that made me wonder who these Zoramites are their children were listening to. They were powerful enough to lead these children away with lyings and flattering words, enough they join the Gadianton robbers. I did a little cross referencing because I couldn't really remember this group.

The Zoramites were Nephite dissenters. They were prideful and rebellious. They stirred the Lamanites up against the Nephites. Alma went to preach to them and found them worshiping upon a tower called Rameumptom, a very public platform. They rejected the Law of Moses. Worship could only be in their synagogue, and the poor were not allowed to enter. They had a memorized prayer with their arms raised upwards, thanking God for making them better than the Nephites and stating there would be no Christ. After they prayed they would finish and just continue their day, not talking about God until they met again the next week.

Alma 35:5 says something interesting "Now their rulers and their priest and their teachers did not let the people know concerning their desires; therefore they found out privily the minds of all the people."

After reading this all together I think the Zoramites sound a lot like college professors. Their synagogue is the university were only the rich can attend. They are denying the belief in Christ and filling the students with ideas that they are better than others. It makes these youth prideful and rebellious. This is rather a new and terrifying thought. I don't think I am every going to look at the story in Alma 31 describing them any other way. I never could figure out that description of their religion, but now it seems to make sense. They are practicing a secular religion. Can I liken this to my day? Oh, yes I can. Is something very destructive and dangerous happening on our college campuses and to our students? Yes it is. It is becoming the breeding ground for Gadianton robbers.

Day 354 Tami Fitzgerald Harris

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 16:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 16:2

"But as many as there were who did not believe in the words of Samuel were angry with him; and they cast stones at him upon the wall, and also many shot arrows at him as he stood upon the wall; but the Spirit of the Lord was with him, insomuch that they could not hit him with their stones neither with the arrows."

There is so much in this verse that I could liken to my day. The part that really touched me was how the stones and arrows cast at Samuel, the Lamanite could not hit him. He was being protected because the Spirit of the Lord was with him. I know that is a message for my day as peace is being taken from the earth. 

As I sat here pondering I knew I didn't need to fear the direction angry people may take against me. I'm protected if I seek first the spirit of the Lord. The key is to have the spirit with me always. I wonder, is that why there is a renewed emphasis on keeping the Sabbath day holy? Until now I had been thinking of the spiritual blessings it brings into my life. Now I see there is actual physical protection that comes with having the spirit of the Lord. Having the spirit of the Lord with you always, really is the most needful thing for God's saints today.

 

Day 353 Tami Fitzgerald Harris

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 15:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 15:7

"And behold, ye do know of yourselves, for ye have witnessed it, that as many of them as are brought to the knowledge of the truth, and to know of the wicked and abominable traditions of their fathers, and are led to believe the holy scriptures, yea, the prophecies of the holy prophets, which are written, which leadeth them to faith on the Lord, and unto repentance, which faith and repentance bringeth a change of heart unto them - "

I love the scriptures, and that is something I could not always say. I know I was suppose to, and it was always a good church answer. But they really weren't part of my life. I've had starts and stops of scripture reading throughout my life. I would go along real good and then something would break the cycle and it would take a while before I would start again. During really long breaks I would find when I returned to reading, it was like learning them all over again. I didn't feel I was making any progress. I just couldn't understand how people could recall any of the stories and where they were.

It was at least 6 years ago my hunger to read the scriptures returned. I had such a problem with my memory and comprehension after being sick for so long. I couldn't read and understand. The doctor told me I needed to read out loud to myself. My brain needed to hear the words and see the words too, so I could make the connection. I decided to try listening to the scripture recordings on LDS.org while I followed along. It worked. It was a few years of doing that before I slowly ventured to read by myself. Not sure how long, but I know its been baby steps.

If it wasn't for technology I would probably still be struggling with scripture reading. Not only did I need to hear the recording on LDS.org, but I also needed to read on the computer monitor or tablet to be comfortable. Holding heavy scriptures just hurt my hands. It's hard to read when your not comfortable. It took a while to adjust to a new format. In fact I thought I couldn't do it. There was something about remembering what the page looked like when I wanted to find something. The chapter began about here on the page kind of thing. Now I use the built in search features and its so much less stressful. If I can remember a word in the verse I can find it again. I find I actually search and reference more using these tools.

I would hear people at church say "I wrote this in my scripture margin." All of us would wait in awe at what profound thing they would say. I tried that several times in my paper version and I write to big. I was also rather OCD about making the page messy so highlighting stressed me out too. Now I can color and note my scriptures all I want because of the online tools. Everything is so neat and clean. With my LDS Account I can read scriptures on my computer and mark them. Then on the cell phone app I see all my bookmarks, notes and highlights. It's all rather exciting and freeing to have it right at my finger tips in whatever device I want to use.

The other thing I did was get rid of the institute manuals and books on understanding the scriptures. I never could figure out how the authors got that particular point out of what they just read. It just made me feel bad that I didn't get it. Often when I read that wasn't the part I was draw to in the story anyways. They had curious facts and tidbits but it didn't inspire me to feast on the scriptures. They weren't speaking to me. I just wanted to sit and read the scriptures and have the spirit speak to me. I found there was a whole internal curriculum waiting just for me.

I see now how I was guided. This was the way I needed to learn. The gift of recall is coming back to me. Its more than the physical connection from hearing, to seeing and understanding that has returned. It's learning to know my Savior. To love him and all that he's done for me. It's changed my heart, its changed my life. I love feasting on the scriptures, who needs TV. Don't ever take away my scriptures. I think my soul would break if they were gone. They are the most important part of my day now. I marvel at why figuring this all out, has taken me so long.

 

Day 352 Tami Fitzgerald Harris

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 15:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 15:7

"And behold, ye do know of yourselves, for ye have witnessed it, that as many of them as are brought to the knowledge of the truth, and to know of the wicked and abominable traditions of their fathers, and are led to believe the holy scriptures, yea, the prophecies of the holy prophets, which are written, which leadeth them to faith on the Lord, and unto repentance, which faith and repentance bringeth a change of heart unto them - "

I love the scriptures, and that is something I could not always say. I know I was suppose to, and it was always a good church answer. But they really weren't part of my life. I've had starts and stops of scripture reading throughout my life. I would go along real good and then something would break the cycle and it would take a while before I would start again. During really long breaks I would find when I returned to reading, it was like learning them all over again. I didn't feel I was making any progress. I just couldn't understand how people could recall any of the stories and where they were.

It was at least 6 years ago my hunger to read the scriptures returned. I had such a problem with my memory and comprehension after being sick for so long. I couldn't read and understand. The doctor told me I needed to read out loud to myself. My brain needed to hear the words and see the words too, so I could make the connection. I decided to try listening to the scripture recordings on LDS.org while I followed along. It worked. It was a few years of doing that before I slowly ventured to read by myself. Not sure how long, but I know its been baby steps.

If it wasn't for technology I would probably still be struggling with scripture reading. Not only did I need to hear the recording on LDS.org, but I also needed to read on the computer monitor or tablet to be comfortable. Holding heavy scriptures just hurt my hands. It's hard to read when your not comfortable. It took a while to adjust to a new format. In fact I thought I couldn't do it. There was something about remembering what the page looked like when I wanted to find something. The chapter began about here on the page kind of thing. Now I use the built in search features and its so much less stressful. If I can remember a word in the verse I can find it again. I find I actually search and reference more using these tools.

I would hear people at church say "I wrote this in my scripture margin." All of us would wait in awe at what profound thing they would say. I tried that several times in my paper version and I write to big. I was also rather OCD about making the page messy, so highlighting stressed me out too. Now I can color and note my scriptures all I want because of the online tools. Everything is so neat and clean. With my LDS Account I can read scriptures on my computer and mark them. Then on the cell phone app I see all my bookmarks, notes and highlights. It's all rather exciting and freeing to have it right at my finger tips in whatever device I want to use.

The other thing I did was get rid of the institute manuals and books on understanding the scriptures. I never could figure out how the authors got that particular point out of what they just read. It just made me feel bad that I didn't get it. Often when I read that wasn't the part I was draw to in the story anyways. They had curious facts and tidbits but it didn't inspire me to feast on the scriptures. They weren't speaking to me. I just wanted to sit and read the scriptures and have the spirit speak to me. I found there was a whole internal curriculum waiting just for me.

I see now how I was guided. This was the way I needed to learn. The gift of recall is coming back to me. Its more than the physical connection from hearing, to seeing and understanding that has returned. It's learning to know my Savior. To love him and all that he's done for me. It's changed my heart, its changed my life. I love feasting on the scriptures, who needs TV. Don't ever take away my scriptures. I think my soul would break if they were gone. They are the most important part of my day now. I marvel at why figuring this all out, has taken me so long.

 

Day 352 Tami Fitzgerald Harris

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 14:2-3, 20, 28

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 14:2-3, 20, 28

And behold, he said unto them: Behold, I give unto you a sign; for five years more cometh, and behold, then cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe on his name.

And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day.

But behold, as I said unto you concerning another sign, a sign of his death, behold, in that day that he shall suffer death the sun shall be darkened and refuse to give his light unto you; and also the moon and the stars; and there shall be no light upon the face of this land, even from the time that he shall suffer death, for the space of three days, to the time that he shall rise again from the dead.

And the angel said unto me that many shall see greater things than these, to the intent that they might believe that these signs and these wonders should come to pass upon all the face of this land, to the intent that there should be no cause for unbelief among the children of men -"

Samuel, the Lamanite is upon the wall prophesying to the Nephites. They are promised that in five years the Savior will come into the world. I pondered on how my heart would feel to be told that in five short years that Savior would come? I truly would want it to fill me with peace and not fear. 

I notice there are three signs or witnesses that the people are told will come. Living on the American continent, so far removed from the holy land, there was a need to have a sign given of Christ's birth and death. There is no other way for them to witness or hear what's happening in another land. The third sign is a promise that many will see greater signs then these. There will be no cause for unbelief among the children of men. It is rather vague. I wondered why?

As I pondered on the third sign I realized all the people on the land would witness the first two signs. There was no doubt about them all being there when it happens. What is so different about the third sign is not everyone will see it. It comes after great destruction at the sign of Christ's death. They can't all be promised to witness something the wicked among them won't be alive to see. Little do they realize at that time it means the resurrected Lord will appear to them in their own land. They will no longer believe, but know he is the risen Lord. 

Day 351 Tami Fitzgerald Harris

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 13:22

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 13:22

"Ye do not remember the Lord your God in the things with which he hath blessed you, but ye do always remember your riches, not to thank the Lord your God for them; yea, your hearts are not drawn out unto the Lord, but they do swell with great pride, unto boasting, and unto great swelling, envyings, strifes, malice, persecutions, and murders, and all manner of iniquities.

My heart is grieving, because this verse has special meaning to me now. I have seen the love of money take joy in persecuting someone. To the point they are boasting in the pride of their abilities to take them down. The swelling of their acts are flooding my Facebook page. Though they may not think they will murder, they will have blood on their hands, if they push someone mentally not well enough to take their own life. I mourn and I grieve, because of the love of money, means more to them than human life. 

Day 350 Tami Fitzgerald Harris

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 12:21-23

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 12:21-23

"And if the Lord shall say - Because of thine iniquities thou shalt be cut off from my presence - he will cause that it shall be so.

And wo unto him to whom he shall say this, for it shall be unto him that will do iniquity, and he cannot be saved; therefore, for this cause, that men might be saved, hath repentance been declared.

Therefore, blessed are they who will repent and hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; for these are they that shall be saved."

I pondered on how no matter what I have done its always been me that left God, not him leaving me. I have been cut off from his presence, only because I put myself there. For no unclean thing can enter His kingdom. I can't keep sinning, and expect I am saved regardless. He cannot save me in my sins. I must lay them on the alter and forsake them for my Lord. 

The door is called repentance that leads me back into God's presence. He alone can save me, when I have turned my heart to him. I am so grateful for my Redeemer. The price he paid for me. All I had to do is listen and come on bended knee. I want to spend life eternal in his arms, for he is my Savior and Redeemer, he has ransomed me.

Day 349 Tami Fitzgerald Harris

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 11:4-5

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 11:4-5

"O Lord, do not suffer that this people shall be destroyed by the sword; but O Lord, rather let there be a famine in the land, to stir them up in remembrance of the Lord their God, and perhaps they will repent and turn unto thee.

And so it was done, according to the words of Nephi. And there was a great famine upon the land, among all the people of Nephi. And thus in the seventy and fourth year the famine did continue, and the work of destruction did cease by the sword but became sore by famine."

Nephi, who has been given the sealing power, cries unto Lord to stop the wars, and cause a famine to come upon the land instead. I had to wonder why a famine would be more effective? When there are battles mostly men fight them and die. With a war you could blame the reason for it happening on your enemies. It could make someone totally miss the fact the protecting arm of the Lord is no longer supporting them. When there is a famine everyone is effected. Even little children die during famine. Would the act of watching a loved one die of famine be more apt to soften a person's heart? 

With a famine you would know the heavens are shut. There is nothing a man can do to change what is happening. They are powerless. I think a person would have to stop and wonder about God, when something so out of their control is taking place. I do know that when the droughts in the west started massive fires last summer, I sure heard a lot of requests for prayers. I think even people that never prayed asked for them. This famine did bring the people to a remembrance of the Lord. They recalled what Nephi had prophesied, about destruction coming if they did not repent. This famine was a stark reminder of the power of God, and their standing before him.

The people died by the thousands in the more wicked part of the  land. I could not help but wonder, did Nephi warn the saints to gather food storage before this famine happened? Listening to a prophet's warning could have preserved the righteous among them. Yes, that could have happened. But, really what is needful is a righteous repented heart to be turned to God. Then the spirit of revelation can inspire each individual and family in ways to be self-reliant and prepare every needful thing. That would save a person in more ways than one.

Day 348 Tami Fitzgerald Harris