80 Days Closer to Christ
Day 1
Scripture Study: 1 Nephi 1-5
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 1 Nephi 3:7
Scripture Thought:
1 Nephi 2:16 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord, and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like my brothers.
Thought:
“It is the right and privilege of every man, every women, and every child who has reached the years of accountability to enjoy the spirit of revelation, and to be possessed of the spirit of inspiration in the discharge of their duties as member of the Church.” – Pres. Joseph Smith
Day 2
Scripture Study: 1 Nephi 6-10
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 1 Nephi 7:12
Scripture Thought:
1 Nephi 10:19 For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round.
Thought:
“Families who prayerfully prepare and consistently hold Home Evenings, and who work together during the week to apply the lessons in their lives, will be blessed. There will be better feelings between husband and wife, between parents and children, and among children. In such homes, the Spirit of the Lord will be made manifest.” – Pres David O. MacKay
Day 3
Scripture Study: 1 Nephi 11-13
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 1 Nephi 13:37
Scripture Thought:
1 Nephi 11:21-22 ..Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?... Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things.
Thought:
“But after all, it is not the [Book of Mormon]'s dramatic crisis, its history, its narrative that are so important, but its power to transform men into Christ-like beings, worthy of exaltation... My beloved friends, I give you the Book of Mormon. May you read it prayerfully, study it carefully, and receive for yourselves the testimony of its divinity.” – Pres. Spencer W. Kimball
Day 4
Scripture Study: 1 Nephi 14-15
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 1 Nephi 15:23-24
Scripture Thought:
Nephi 14:7 For the time cometh, saith the Lamb of God, that I will work a great and marvelous work among the children of men; a work which shall be everlasting, either on the one hand or on the other- either to the convincing of them unto peace and life eternal, or unto the deliverance of them to the hardness of their hearts and the blindness of their minds unto their being brought down to captivity, and also into destruction, both temporally and spiritually, according to the captivity of the devil, of which I have spoken.
Thought:
“Through the infinite Atonement, God has provided a means whereby we can both overcome our sins and become completely clean again. This is made possible by the eternal law of mercy. Mercy satisfies the claims of justice through our repentance and the power of the Atonement. Without the power of the Atonement and our complete repentance, we are subject to the law of justice.” – Earl C. Tingey
Day 5
Scripture Thought:
1Nephi 17: 50-51 And I said unto them: If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them. If he should command me that I should say unto this water, be thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it would be done.
And now, if the Lord has such great power and has wrought so many miracles among the children of men, how is it that he cannot instruct me, that I should build a ship?
Thought:
“Certainly clumsy, embarrassing, unprincipled, and mean
spirited things do occur in our interactions with other people
that would allow us to take offense. However, it ultimately is impossible for another person to offend you or to offend me.
Indeed, believing that another person offended us is
fundamentally false. To be offended is a choice we make;
it is not a condition inflicted or imposed upon us
by someone or something else.”
--David A. Bednar
Day 6
Scripture Study: 1Nephi 18-19
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 1 Nephi 19:23
Scripture Thought:
1 Nephi 18:3 And I, Nephi, did go unto the mount oft, and did pray oft unto to the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things.
Thought:
“Living the gospel does not mean the storms of life will pass
us by, but we will be better prepared to face them with serenity
and peace. 'Search diligently, pray always, and be believing,'
the Lord admonished, 'and all things shall work together for
your good, if ye walk uprightly.”
--Joseph B. Wirthlin
Day 7
Scripture Study: 1 Nephi 20-22
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 1 Nephi 22:30
Scripture Thought:
1 Nephi 21: 15-16 For can a woman forget her sucking child,
that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb?
Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of
Israel. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands;
thy walls are continually before me.
Thought:
“I am one of [Jesus Christ's] witnesses, and in a coming day
I shall feel the nail marks in his hands and in his feet and shall
wet his feet with my tears. But I shall not know any better then
that I know now that he is God's Almighty Son, that he is our
Savior and Redeemer, and that salvation comes in and
through his atoning blood and in no other way.”--Bruce R. McConkie,
“The Purifying Power of Gethsemane,” Ensign, May 1985,9.
Day 8
**Make Up Day**
Day 9
Scripture Study: 2 Nephi 1-2
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 2 Nephi 2:27
Scripture Thought:
2 Nephi 2:11 For it must be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be compounded in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility.
Thought:
“When we give thanks in all things, we see hardships and
adversities in the context of the purpose of life... We are meant
to learn and grow through opposition, through meeting our
challenges, and through teaching others to do the same... the Lord
will not only consecrate our afflictions for our gain, but He
will use them to bless the lives of countless others.”
--Dallin H. Oaks,” “Give Thanks in All Things,” Ensign, May 1003, 95.
Day 10
Scripture Study: 2 Nephi 3-4
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 2 Nephi 3:34
Scripture Thought:
2 Nephi 4:15 And upon these I write the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul delighted in the scriptures, and my heart pondered them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children.
Thought:
“We must study the scriptures to the Lord's commandment (3 Ne. 23:1-5) and we must let them govern our lives and the lives of our children... So I ask all to begin now to study the scriptures in earnest, if you have not already done so” – President Spencer W. Kimball, 1976
Day 11
Scripture Study: 2 Nephi 5-7
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 2 Nephi 5:6-7
Scripture Thought:
2 Nephi 5:10-11 And we did observe to keep
the judgments, and the statutes, and the commandments
of the Lord in all things, according to the law of Moses.
And the Lord was with us;
and we did prosper exceedingly;...
Thought:
“The greatest single lesson we can learn
in mortality is that when God speaks
and a man obeys, that man
will always be right.”
--President Thomas S. Monson
Day 12
Scripture Study: 2 Nephi 8-9
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 2 Nephi 9:28-29
Scripture Thought:
2 Nephi 9:21 And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam.
Thought:
“Sometimes we just lose our focus and drift away. Sometimes we have our feelings hurt or some other problem occurs. It all ends up the same, and we fail to claim the blessings that can be ours. Pride, distrust, deceit, discouragement, and many kinds of sin can be removed by a change in our hearts and by following the path that the Savior has shown us … The Savior has paid our ransom. He loves each of us and reaches out to all who will come and follow Him.”
--Elder Ned B Roueche
Day 13
Scripture Study: 2Nephi 10-12
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 2 Nephi 10:23
Scripture Thought:
2 Nephi 10:24 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to the will of God, and not the will of the devil and the flesh; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved.
Thought:
“The Atonement is an event that enables us to be reconciled to God. The word atonement, or 'at-one'ment,' means to restore or to come back. In terms of family, it means to be reunited with one another and with God and His Son, Jesus Christ. It means sadness through separation will become happiness through reuniting.” --Earl C. Tingey
Day 14
Scripture Study: 2 Nephi 13-17
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 2 Nephi 16:10
Scripture Thought:
2 Nephi 15:20 Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Thought:
“I have always found that when we do the little things correctly, the Lord gives us the strength to accomplish big things... You might not always understand the reasons for some rules or commandments, but if you will follow them even in the little things you will have more strength to do big things... And you will have the great blessing of knowing that you are on the Lord's side and that He is on yours.” --Donald L. Hallstrom, “Friend to Friend on the Lord's Side,” Friend, Sept. 2002, 8.
Day 15
Scripture Study: 2 Nephi 18-21
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 2 Nephi 19:6
Scripture Thought:
2 Nephi 18:13 Sanctify the Lord of Hosts himself,
and let him be your fear,
and let him be your dread.
Thought:
“In our preexistent state, in the day of the great council, we made certain agreements with the Almighty. The Lord proposed a plan, conceived by Him. We accepted it. Since the plan is intended for all men, we become parties to the salvation of every person under that plan. We agreed right then and there, to be not only saviors for the whole human family. We went into a partnership with the Lord. The working out of the plan became then not merely the Father's work, but also our work. The least of us, the humbles, is in partnership with the Almighty in achieving the purpose of the eternal plan of salvation.”
--John A. Widtsoe
Day 16
Scripture Study: 2 Nephi 22-26
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 2 Nephi 25:29
Scripture Thought:
2 Nephi 26:24 He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world,even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.
Thought:
“The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, behavior, but Christ can change human nature.” --Ezra Taft Benson, “Born of God,” Ensign, July 1989, 2
Day 17
**Make Up Day**
Day 18
Scripture Study: 2 Nephi 27-31
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 2 Nephi 31:13
Scripture Thought:
2 Nephi 31:20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father:
Ye shall have eternal life.
Thought:
“So where should each of us make our stand? As we demonstrate our devotion to God by our daily acts of righteousness, He can know where we stand. For all of us this life is a time of sifting and refining. We all face trials. Individual members in the early days of the Church were tested and refined when they had to decide if they had the faith... to put their belongings in a wagon or a pioneer handcart and travel across the American plains. In our time we are going through an increasingly difficult time of refining and testing. The tests are more subtle because the lines between good an evil are being eroded. Very little seems to be sacred in any public communication. In this environment we will need to make sure where we stand all of the time in our commitment to eternal truths and covenants.”
--James E. Faust, “Where Do I Make My Stand?” Ensign, Nov. 2004, 21.
Day 19
Scripture Study: 2 Nephi 32-33; Jacob 1-2
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Jacob 2:18-19
Scripture Thought:
2 Nephi 32:3 Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things that ye should do.
Thought:
“No early authority can separate us from direct access to our Creator, There can never be a mechanical or electronic failure when we pray. There is no limit on the number of times or how long we can pray each day. There is no quota of how many needs we wish to pray for in each prayer. We do not need to go through secretaries or make an appointment to reach the throne of grace.
He is reachable at any time and any place.”
--James E. Faust, “The Lifetime of Prayer,” Ensign, May 202, 59.
Day 20
Scripture Study: Jacob 3-6
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Jacob 6:11-12
Scripture Thought:
Jacob 4:10 Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the
Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold,
ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom,
and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works.
Thought:
“A great deal also has been said about giving your life for the work, not in death but in living day by day. It is so easy sometimes to die; it is hard sometimes to live the principles for which we stand... I believe it is far more important to live for our faith than to die for our faith.” – Mark E. Peterson
Day 21
Scripture Study: Jacob 7; Enos; Jarom; Omni
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Enos 1:27
Scripture Thought:
Omni 1:26 ...I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption, Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved.
Thought:
“The gospel of Jesus Christ is the plan by which we can become what children of God are supposed to become. This spotless and perfected state will result from a steady succession of covenants, ordinances, and actions, an accumulation of right choices, and from continuing repentance. 'This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God' (Alma 34:32). Now is the time for each of us to work toward our personal conversation, toward becoming what our Heavenly Father desires us to become. As we do so, we should remember that our family relationships... are the setting in which the most important part of that development can occur. The conversation we must achieve requires us to be a good husband and father or a good wife and mother... Exaltation is an eternal family experience, and is our mortal family experiences that are best suited to prepare us for it.” --- Dallin H. Oaks
Day 22
Scripture Study: Words of Mormon; Mosiah 1-2
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Mosiah 2:20-21
Scripture Thought:
Mosiah 2:41 And moreover,I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received unto heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness...
Thought:
“It has been said that the gate of history turns on small hinges, and so do people's lives. The choices we make determine our destiny.”
--Thomas S. Monson, “Choose You This Day,” Ensign, Nov. 2001,67”
Day 23
Scripture Study: Mosiah 3-6
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Mosiah 5:8
Scripture Thought:
Mosiah 5:15 Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen
Thought:
“[We all face] dangers and hardships...[But] there will be 'angels round about you, to bear you up' (D&C 84:88). They will sustain us as we carry our earthly burdens. Often in our lives, those angels are the people around us, the people who love us, those who allow themselves to be instruments in the Lord's hands. “President Spencer W. Kimball said, 'God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom'. --Susan W.Tanner “There is Purpose in Life,” New Era, Sept. 1974, 5.
Day 24
Scripture Study: Helaman 2-5
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Helaman 3:27-30
Scripture Thought:
Helaman 3:35 Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.
Thought:
“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, the development of such qualities as patience,faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all the we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God... and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven” --Orson F. Whitney, in Kimball, Faith precedes the miracle, 98.
Day 25
**Make Up Day**
Day 26
Scripture Study: Mosiah 11-14
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Mosiah 12:21
Scripture Thought:
Mosiah 14:5-6 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquities of us all.
Thought:
“If you sometimes get discouraged, consider this fellow. He dropped out of grade school. Ran a country store. Went broke. Took 15 years to pay off his bills. Took a wife. Unhappy marriage. Ran for House. Lost twice. Ran for Senate. Lost twice. Delivered speech that became a classic. Audience indifferent. Attacked daily by the press and despised by half the country. Despite all this, imagine how many people all over the world have been inspired by this awkward, rumpled, brooding man who signed his name simply, A. Lincoln.” (Wall Street Journal.) 'It is important to know, when you feel down, that many others do also, that their circumstances are generally worse than yours. And it's important to know that when one of us is down, it becomes the obligation of his friends to give him a lift. I hope that each of us will cultivate a sensitivity toward the feelings of others, and when encouragement is needed, make an effort to extend it. Be a friend, and you will have a friend. God be thanked for wonderful friends.'
--Gordon B. Hinkley “Strengthening Each Other,” Ensign, Feb 1985,3.
Day 27
Scripture Study: Mosiah 15-19
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Mosiah 18:9
Scripture Thought:
Mosiah 18:21-22 And he commanded them that there should be no contention on with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another. And thus he commanded them to preach. And this they became the children of God.
Thought:
“Sometimes the greatest love is not found in the dramatic scenes that poets and writers immortalize. Often, the greatest manifestations of love are the simple acts of kindness and caring we extend to those we meet along the path of life. True love last forever. It is eternally patient and forgiving. It believes, hopes, and endures all things. That is the love our Heavenly Father bears for us.
When Jesus gave His disciples a new commandment to 'love one another; as I have loved you' (John 13:34), He gave to them the grand key to happiness in this life and glory in the next. “Love is the greatest of all the commandments-- all others hang upon it. It is our focus as followers of the living Christ. It is our one trait that, if developed, will most improve our lives.” Joseph B Withlin, Ensign, Nov. 1007, 29-31.
Day 28
Scripture Study: Mosiah 20-23
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Mosiah 23:15
Scripture Thought:
Mosiah 23:21-22 Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith.
Nevertheless- whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day. Yea, and thus it was with this people.
Thought:
“Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what is best—better than does God. Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than His.”--Neal A. Maxwell “Patience,” Ensign, Oct. 1980, 28.
Day 29
Scripture Study:Mosiah 24-26
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Mosiah 24:15
Scripture Thought:
Mosiah 26:24 For behold, in my name are they called;
and if they know me they shall come forth;
and shall have a place eternally at my right hand.
Thought:
“My plea is that we stop seeking out the storms and
enjoy more fully that sunlight. I am suggesting that as we
go through life, we accentuate the positive. I am asking that
we look a little deeper for the good, that we may still our voices
of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously
compliment and endorse virtue and effort.”
--Gordon B. Hinkley
Day 30
Scripture Study: Mosiah 27-29; Alma 1
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Mosiah 29:20
Scripture Thought:
Mosiah 27:25-26 And the Lord said unto me; Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their cardinal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters; And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.
Thought:
“Along your pathway of life you will observe that you
are not the only traveler. There are others who need your help.
There are feet to steady, hands to grasp, minds to encourage,
hearts to inspire, and souls to save.”
--Thomas S. Monson
Day 31
Scripture Study: Alma 2-4
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Alma 3:26-27
Scripture Thought:
Alma 4:19 And this he did that he himself might go forth among his people, or among the people of Nephi, that he might preach the word of God unto them, to stir them up in remembrance of their duty, and that he might pull down, by the word of God, all the pride and craftiness and all the contentions which were among his people, seeing no way that he might reclaim them save it were bearing down in pure testimony against them.
Thought:
“Deep and enduring testimonies grow and
strengthen as they are daily nurtured.
They increase as they are shared.”
--Marvin J. Ashton
Day 32
Scripture Study: Alma 5-6
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Alma 5:7
Scripture Thought:
Alma 6:6 Nevertheless the children of God were commanded that they should gather themselves together oft, and join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God
Thought:
“Over the years, my active participation in the Church has provided me access to the counsel and inspiration of the leaders of the Church on things I should do as a husband and father and leader in my family. Again and again, in stake and general conferences, in priesthood quorums, and in Sunday School classes, I have been taught and inspired by wonderful and experienced fathers, mothers, and grandparents. I have sought to follow those teachings to improve my participation in those associations that will persist for eternity.”
Dallin H. Oaks, “The Gospel in Our Lives,” Ensign, May 2002, 33
Day 33
Scripture Study: Alma 7-8
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Alma 7:23
Scripture Thought:
Alma 7:11-12 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
Thought:
“The Atonement of Jesus Christ and the healing it offers do much more than provide the opportunity for repentance from sins. The Atonement also gives us the strength to endure 'pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind,' because our Savior also took upon Him 'the pains and the sicknesses of his people' (Alma 7:11). Brothers and sisters, your faith and prayers and the power of the Atonement will surely give you the strength to bear the burden.”
--Dallin H. Oaks, “He Heals the Heavy Laden,” Ensign. Nov. 2006, 9.
Day 34
**Make Up Day**
Day 35
Scripture Study: Alma 9-10
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 9:28
Scripture Thought:
Alma 9:12 Behold, now I say unto you that he commandeth you to repent; and except ye repent, ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. But behold, this is not all- he has commanded you to repent, or he will utterly destroy you from off the face of the earth; yea, he will visit you in his anger; and in his fierce anger he will not turn away.
Thought:
“There is only one way to rid ourselves of this suffering. It is by means of sincere repentance. I learned that if I could present unto the Lord a broken heart and contrite spirit, feeling a godly sorrow for my sins, humbling myself, being repentant of my faults, He, through His miraculous atoning sacrifice, could erase those sins and remember them no more.” --Claudio D. Zivic “After All We Can Do,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 98.
Day 36
Scripture Study: Alma 11-12
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Alma 11:43-44
Scripture Thought:
Alma 12:10 And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.
Thought:
“As true disciples seek guidance from the Spirit, they receive inspiration tailored to each encounter. And in every encounter, true disciples respond in ways that invite the Spirit of the Lord.”
--Robert D. Hales, Ensign, General Conference Nov. 2009, 73
Day 37
Scripture Study: Alma 13-14
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Alma 13:12
Alma 13:28-29 But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering;
Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his rest.
Thought:
“Today is a day of eternity. I hope each day we are thankful for life, for knowing that we are sons and daughters of God and that the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ is upon the earth. I hope we will have a desire and a determination to make each day a good day.”
--George I. Cannon, “Today—A Day of Eternity,” Ensign, Nov 1991, 13
Day 38
Scripture Study: Alma 15-17
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Alma 16:16-17
Scripture Thought:
Alma 17:10-11 And it came to pass that the Lord did visit them with his Spirit, and said unto them: Be comforted. And they were comforted. And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls.
Thought:
“A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race.” --Joseph Smith Jr.
Day 39
Scripture Study: Alma 18-20
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Alma 19:6
Scripture Thought:
Alma 20:4 Now Lamoni said unto Ammon;
I know, in the strength of the Lord thou canst do all things.
Thought:
“At times there appears to be no light at the tunnel's end – no dawn to break the nights' darkness...We feel abandoned, heartbroken, alone. If you find yourself in such a situation, I plead with you to turn to our Heavenly Father in faith. He will lift you and guide you. He will not always take your afflictions from you, but he will comfort and lead you with love through whatever storm you face.”
--Thomas S Monson, “Looking Back and Moving Forward,” Ensign, May 2008, 90.
Day 40
Scripture Study: Alma 21-24
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Alma 22:15-16
Scripture Thought:
Alma 22:18 O God, Aaron hath told me that there is God; and if there is God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee, and that I may be raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day...
Thought:
“The strength of any community lies in the strength of its families. The strength of any nation lines in the strength of its families. Strong family life comes of strong and clear religious understanding of who we are, and why we are here, and of what we may eternally become. Strong family life comes of the perception that each of us is a child of God, born with a divine birthright, and with a great and significant potential. Strong family life comes of parents who love and respect one another, and who love and respect and nurture their children in the ways of the lord. These are undergirding principles of our teachings as a church. To the degree that we observe these teachings we build strong families whose generations will strengthen the nation.” --Gordon B. Hinkley, “Mormon Should Mean More Good”, Ensign Nov. 1990, 51.
Day 41
Scripture Study: Alma 25-28
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Alma 26:11-12
Scripture Thought:
Alma 26:22 Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing- unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentance, even as it has been given unto us to bring these our brethren to repentance.
Thought:
“We can do the work of the Lord in His way when we seek, receive, and act on personal revelation. If we heed personal revelation, we cannot fail... Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught us that receiving revelation...'requires serious mental effort on our part...Revelation is not a matter of pushing buttons, but of pushing ourselves, often aided by fasting, scripture study, and personal pondering.'”
--Julie B. Beck “Fulfilling the Purpose of Relief Society”, Ensign, Nov. 2008, 111.
Day 42
Scripture Study: Alma 29-31
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Alma 31:5
Scripture Thought:
Alma 30:44 ...yea, and all things denote there is a God;
yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of
it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move
in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator.
Thought:
“We can ...start making our way back to the Father. We should do so with as much haste and humility as we can summon. Along the way we can count our many blessings and we can applaud the accomplishments of others. Best of all we can serve others.” --Jeffrey R. Holland
Day 43
Scripture Study: Alma 32-34
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Alma 32:27
Scripture Thought:
Alma 34:32-33 For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors. And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed.
Thought:
“Never forget that you are a [child] of God. He loves you. Live by our standards. Stand up for what you believe in. Sometimes it is not easy, and you may be standing alone for a while. Look for friends with integrity and character, then go to them and express appreciation for their examples. You might even find someone who has been feeling as lonely as you. Pray for guidance and protection from the Lord. He will sustain you. He will become a trusted friend, and you will discover that your example will attract many friends who will take courage from your strength of Character.”
--W Craig Zwick, “We Will Not Yield, We Cannot Yield,” Ensign, May 2008, 98.
Day 44
Scripture Study:Alma 35-37
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Alma 37:44-47
Scripture Thought:
Alma 36:3 And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.
Thought:
“Regardless of what may come, may faith, immovable and constant, shine above us as the polar star.” Gordon B. Hinkley
Day 45
**Make Up Day**
Day 46
Scripture Study: Alma 38-41
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Alma 41: 14-15
Scripture Thought:
Alma 38:9 And now, my son, I have told you this that
ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there
is no other way or means whereby man can be saved,
only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the
light of the world. Behold, he is the word of
truth and righteousness.
Thought:
“Spirituality through prayer and study. Service to others. Generous tithes and offerings. These are not new principles. These are some of the 'small things' that are prerequisites to that which is great... It is our hearts and our minds that must be made new. We each have our failings, our weaknesses, our less-than-perfect attitudes. The Lord asks us to open ourselves to Him, holding nothing back... The newness of heart comes when we do and give all we can, then offer our heart and will to the Father. As we do this, our Father promises us that our lives now and in eternity will be abundant. We need not fear.”
--Sister Kathleen H. Hughes
Day 47
Scripture Study:Alma 42-44
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Alma 3-4
Scripture Thought:
Alma 42:4 And thus we see, that there was a time granted unto man to repent, yea, a probationary time, a time to repent and serve God.
Thought:
“This is a wonderful time to be living here on earth, Our opportunities are limitless. While there are some things wrong in the world today, there are many things right, such as teachers who teach, ministers who minister, marriages that make it, parents who sacrifice, and friends who help. We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues.” --Thomas S. Monson, “An Attitude of Gratitude,” Ensign, Feb 2000,2.
Day 48
Scripture Study: Alma 45-46
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Alma 46:15
Scripture Thought:
Alma 46:8 Thus we see how quick the children of men do
forget the Lord their God, yea, how quick to do iniquity,
and to be led away by the evil one.
Thought:
“We're not going to survive in this world, temporally or
spiritually, without increased faith in the Lord- and I don't mean a positive mental attitude- I mean downright solid faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. That is the one thing that gives vitality
and power to otherwise rather weak individuals.”
--A. Theodore Tuttle, “Developing Faith” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 72.
Day 49
Scripture Study: Alma 48-49
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Alma 48:17
Scripture Thought:
Alma 48:11-12 And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery;
Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people
Thought:
“True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.”
--Boyd K. Packer, Ensign May 2004, 79.
Day 50
Scripture Study: Alma 50-51
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Alma 50:19-20
Scripture Thought:
Alma 50:22 And those who were faithful in keeping
the commandments of the Lord were delivered at all times,
whilst thousands of their wicked brethren have been
consigned to bondage, or to perish by the sword, or to
dwindle in unbelief, and mingle with the Lamanites.
Thought:
“Sometime in the eternities to come, we will see that our trials
were calculated to cause us to turn to our Heavenly Father for
strength and support. Any affliction or suffering we are called
upon to bear may be directed to give us experience,
refinement, and perfection.”
--Delbert L. Stapley, “The Blessings of Righteous Obedience,”
Ensign Nov, 1977.
Day 51
Scripture Study: Alma 52-55
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Alma 53:20
Scripture Thought:
Alma 53:21 Yea, they were men of truth and soberness,
for they had been taught to keep the commandments of
God and to walk uprightly before him.
Thought:
“Though the task seems large, we are strengthened by the truth: 'The greatest force in this world today is the power of God as it works through man.' If we are on the Lord's errand, we are entitled to the Lord's help. That divine help, however, is predicated upon our worthiness. To sail safely the seas of mortality, to perform a human rescue mission, we need the guidance of that eternal mariner-- even the great Jehovah. We look up, we reach out to obtain heavenly help.”--Thomas S. Monson, “The Call for Courage,” Ensign, May 2004, 57.
Day 52
Scripture Study: Alma 56-57
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Alma 56:46-47
Scripture Thought:
Alma 57:21 Yea, they did obey and observe to
perform every work of command with exactness;
yea, and even according to their faith it was done
unto them; and I did remember the words
which they said unto me that their
mothers had taught them.
Thought:
“The obligations of motherhood are never ending.
The limitations of priesthood responsibilities to men
is a tribute to the incomparable place of
women in the plan of salvation.”
--Boyd K. Packer
Day 53
**Make Up Day**
Day 54
Scripture Study: Alma 58-61
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Alma 58:40
Scripture Thought:
Alma 58:11 Yea,and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him.
Thought:
“Tribulations are frightening. And yet the Lord said: 'Be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.” 'And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious' (D&C 59:7). “The kind of gratitude that receives even tribulations with thanksgiving requires a broken heart and a contrite spirit, humility to accept that which we cannot change, willingness to turn everything over to the Lord –even when we do not understand, thankfulness for hidden opportunities yet to be revealed. Then comes a sense of peace. “When was the last time you thanked the Lord for a trial or tribulation? Adversity compels us to go to our knees; does gratitude for adversity do that as well?” President David O. McKay observed,'We find in the bitter chill of adversity the real test of our gratitude..., which...goes beneath the surface of life, whether sad or joyous' (Pathways to happiness, comp. Llewelyn R. McKay [1957],318).”
--Bonnie D. Parkin, “Gratitude: A Path to Happiness” Ensign, May 2007. 35,36.
Day 55
Scripture Study: Alma 62; Helaman 1
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Alma 62:49-50
Scripture Thought:
Alma 62:45 Therefore, Helaman and his brethren went forth, and did declare the word of God with much power unto the convincing of many people of their wickedness, which did cause them to repent of their sins and to be baptized unto the Lord their God.
Thought:
“New members... must choose for themselves in faith to be baptized, trusting in their perfect friend, the Savior...They must choose to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost...And that choice must be made not once, but every day, every hour, every minute. Even when the Holy Ghost comes and inspires them what they should do.
Doing it or not, is a choice.” --Henry B. Eyring
Day 56
Scripture Study: Helaman 2-5
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Helaman 3:27-30
Scripture Thought:
Helaman 3:35 Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.
Thought:
“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, the development of such qualities as patience,faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all the we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God... and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven.”
--Orson F. Whitney, in Kimball, Faith precedes the miracle, 98.
Day 57
Scripture Study: Helaman 6-8
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Helaman 8:15
Scripture Thought:
Helaman 6:3 Nevertheless, the people of the church did have
great joy because of the conversion of the Lamanites, yea, because
of the church of God, which had been established among them.
And they did fellowship one with another, and did rejoice
one with another, and did have great joy.
Thought:
“We knew before we were born that we were coming to the earth for bodies and experience and that we would have joys and sorrows,
ease and pain, comforts and hardships, health and sickness, successes and disappointments, and we knew also that after a period of life
we would die. We accept both the favorable and unfavorable. We eagerly accepted the chance to come earthward even though it might
be for only a day or a year. Perhaps we were not so much concerned whether we should die of disease, or accident, or of senility. We were willing to take life as it came and as we might organize and control it, and this without murmur, complaint, or unreasonable demands.”
– Spencer W. Kimball. Faith Preceded the Miracle, 106.
Day 58
Scripture Study: Helaman 9-12
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Helaman 12:2-3
Scripture Thought:
Helaman 12:23 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.
Thought:
“When there has been wrongdoing and then there has come repentance, followed by forgiveness, then literally the offender who was lost is found, and he who was dead is made alive. “How wonderful are the blessings of mercy and forgiveness.” --Gordon B. Hinkley
Day 59
Scripture Study: Helman 13-15
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Helaman 14:30-31
Scripture Thought:
Helaman 14:8 And it shall come to pass that whosever
shall believe on the Son of God, the same
shall have everlasting life.
Thought:
“I am like a huge, rough stone rolling down from a high mountain;
and the only polishing I get is when some corner gets rubbed off
by coming in contact with something else, striking with accelerated force against religious bigotry, priestcraft, lawyer-craft, doctor-craft, lying editors, suborned judges and jurors, and the authority of perjured executives, backed by mobs, blasphemers, licentious and corrupt men and women-- all hell knocking off a corner here and a corner there. Thus I will become a smooth and polished shaft in the quiver of the Almighty, who will give me dominion over all and every one of them, when their refuge of lies shall fail, and their hiding place
shall be destroyed, while these smooth-polished stones
with which I come in contact become marred.”
--Joseph Smith, Nauvoo, Illinois, May 21, 1843, History of the Church, 5:401.
Day 60
**Make Up Day**
Day 61
Scripture Study: Helaman 16, 3 Nephi 1-3
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 3 Nephi 3:25
Scripture Thought:
3 Nephi 1:13 Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold,
the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and
on the marrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that
I will fulfill all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth
of my holy prophets.
Thought:
“We don't always know the details of our future. We do not know what lies ahead. We live in a time of uncertainty. We are surrounded by challenges on all sides. Occasionally discouragement may sneak in to our day; frustration may invite itself into our thinking; doubt might enter about the value of our work. In these dark moments Satan whispers in our ears that we will never be able to succeed, that the price isn't work the effort, and that our small part will never make a difference. He, the father of all lies, will try to prevent us from seeing the end from the beginning.” --Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Day 62
Scripture Study: 3 Nephi 4-7
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 3 Nephi 6:15-16
Scripture Thought:
3 Nephi 5:22 And insomuch as the children of Lehi have kept
his commandments he hath blessed them and prospered them
according to this word.
Thought:
“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.
Day 63
Scripture Study: 3 Nephi 8-11
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 3 Nephi 9:13-14
Scripture Thought:
3 Nephi 11:5,7 And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven,
from whence the sound came.
7 Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name- hear ye him.
Thought:
“Christ in our lives is not meant to grieve us or weigh us down
into death because we have been imperfect. Through Him we
may be lifted up by accepting His gifts and His mercy and
long-suffering. These blessings we must seek
to keep in our minds always.”
--Marion D. Hanks
Day 64
Scripture Study: 3 Nephi 12-15
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 3 Nephi 13:24
Scripture Thought:
3 Nephi 14:12 Therefore, all things whatsoever ye
would that men should do to you, do ye even
so to them for this is the law and the prophets
Thought:
“Each one of us can make a difference in someone's life, even his or her eternal life, but we must act; we must do; we must labor diligently. Perhaps you have received an impression to invite someone to return to church or to hear the message of the restored gospel for the first time. Go ahead, follow that impression... With faith and a willing heart (even desire), we must trust that the Spirit will give us; in the very hour, ye, in the very moment, what [we] shall say' (D&C100:6).” – Paul K Sybrowdky, “If Christ Had My Opportunities...” Ensign, Nov. 2005, 37.
Day 65
Scripture Study: 3 Nephi 16-19
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 3 Nephi 19:25,30
Scripture Thought:
3 Nephi 18:24 Therefore, hold up your light that if may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up-that which ye have seen me do. Behold ye see that I have prayed unto the Father, and ye all have witnessed.
Thought:
“This entire people have become as a city upon the hill which cannot be hid. Sometimes we take offense when one who is a member of the Church is involved in a crime and the public press is quick to say that he is a Mormon. We comment among ourselves that if he had been a member any other church, no mention would have been made of it. Yet, is not this very practice an indirect compliment to our people? The world expects something better of us, and when one of our number falters, the press is quick to note it. We have, indeed, become as a city upon a hill for the world to see. If we are to be that which the Lord would have us be, we must indeed become 'a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that [we] should shew for the praises of him who hath called [us] out of darkness into his marvelous light.' (1Peter 2:9).” --Gordon B. Hinkley
Day 66
Scripture Study: 3 Nephi 20-23
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 3 Nephi 22:7-8
Scripture Thought:
3 Nephi 22:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall revile against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me...
Thought:
“Don't be discouraged at seemingly overwhelming odds in your desire to live and to help others live God's commandments. At times it may seem like David trying to fight Goliath. But Remember, David did win.”
– David B. Haight, Ensign, Nov 1977.
Day 67
**Make Up Day**
Day 68
Scripture Study: 3 Nephi 24-30
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 3 Nephi 27: 14-15
Scripture Thought:
3 Nephi 27:27 And know ye that ye shall be judges of this people, according to the judgment which I shall give unto you, which shall be just. Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be?
Verily I say unto you, even as I am.
Thought:
“Let us not justify ourselves in an casual effort. Let us not be content to retain some disposition to do evil. Let us worthily partake of the sacrament each week and continue to draw upon the Holy Spirit to root out the last vestiges of impurity within us. I testify that as you continue in the path of spiritual rebirth, the atoning grace of Jesus Christ will take away your sins and the stain of those sins in you, temptations will lose their appeal, and through Christ you will become holy, as He and our Father are holy. “I know Jesus Christ as the living, resurrected Son of God.” --D.Todd Christofferson, “Born Again,” Ensign, May 2008, 78.
Day 69
Scripture Study: 4 Nephi- Mormon 2
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 4 Nephi 1:15-16
Scripture Thought:
4 Nephi 1:2 And it came to pass... the people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land, both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and ever man did deal justly one with another.
Thought:
“Holiness is the strength of the soul. It comes by faith and through obedience to God's laws and ordinances. God then purifies the heart by faith, and the heart becomes purged from that which is profane and unworthy. When holiness is achieved by conforming to God's will,one know intuitively that which is wrong and that which is right before the Lord. Holiness speaks when there is silence, encouraging that which is good or reproving that which is wrong.” –James E. Faust,” Standing in Holy Places,” Ensign, May 2005, 62.
Day 70
Scripture Study: Mormon 3-6
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Mormon 3:21-22
Scripture Thought:
Mormon 6:17, 20 O ye fair ones, how could ye have departed from the ways of the Lord! O ye fair ones, how could yea have rejected that Jesus, who stood with open arms to receive you!
20 But behold, ye are gone, and my sorrows cannot bring your return.
Thought:
“Life's journey is not traveled on a freeway devoid of obstacles, pitfalls, and snares. Rather, it is a pathway marked by forks and turnings. Decisions are constantly before us. To make them wisely, courage is needed: the courage to say, 'No,' the courage to say, 'Yes.” Decisions do determine destiny. The call for courage comes constantly to each of us. It has ever been so, and so shall it ever be.” – Thomas S. Monson, “The Call for Courage,” Ensign, May 2004, 54.
Day 71
Scripture Study: Mormon 7-8
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Mormon 8:35-36
Scripture Thought:
Moroni 7:10 And ye will also know that ye are a remnant of the seed of Jacob; therefore ye are numbered among the people of the first covenant; and if it so be that ye believe in Christ, and are baptized, first with water, then with fire and with the Holy Ghost, following the example of our Savior, according to that which he hath commanded us, it shall be well with you in the day of judgment. Amen.
Thought:
“...all the faithful Saints, all of those who have endured to the end,depart this life with the absolute guarantee of eternal life. There is no equivocation, no doubt, no uncertainty in our minds. Those who have been true and faithful in this life will not fall by the wayside in the life to come. If they keep their covenants here and now and depart this life firm and true in the testimony of our blessed Lord, they shall come forth with an inheritance of eternal life.”
--Bruce R. McConkie. “The Dead Who Die in the Lord,” Ensign, Nov. 1976, 106.
Day 72
Scripture Study: Mormon 9 -Ether 2
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Mormon 9:27-28
Scripture Thought:
Mormon 9:21 Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all,
even unto the ends of the earth.
Thought:
“Revelation need not all come at once. It may be incremental. “Saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom;
for unto him that receiveth I will give more.”
Patience and perseverance are part of our eternal progression.” --Russell M. Nelson, “Ask, Seek, Knock,” Ensign, Nov 2009, 81–84.
Day 73
**Make Up Day**
Day 74
Scripture Study: Ether 3-5
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Ether 3:19-20
Scripture Thought:
Ether 4:12 And whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good
is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me. I am the
same that leadeth men to all good; he that will not believe
my words will not believe me- that I am; and he that will not believe me will not believe the Father who sent me. For behold, I am the light,
and the life, and the truth of the world.
Thought:
“Those who have felt the touch of the Master's hand somehow
cannot explain the change which comes into their lives.
There is a desire to live better, to serve faithfully, to walk
humbly, and to be more like the Savior. Having
received their spiritual eyesight and glimpsed the
promises of eternity, they echo the words of the blind
man to whom Jesus restored sight: 'One thing I know, that,
whereas I was blind, now I see' (John 9:25).”
--President Thomas S. Monson
Day 75
Scripture Study: Ether 6-9
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Ether 6:12
Scripture Thought:
Ether 6:17 And they were taught to walk humbly before the Lord; and they were also taught from on high.
Thought:
“Our Families need the peace of God in their lives, and if we can't or won't invite the Lord into our lives, then our families become a reflection of our own turmoil. Women are asked to nurture their families, but we must also be firm; we must be the hard rock footings, which our homes can stand. Our families need us to speak peace to them as the Lord speaks peace to us. Our homes need to be places where our families and friends want to be, where all who enter our homes can draw strength and courage to face the challenges of living in an increasingly wicked world. Our children need to hear us 'talk of Christ, … rejoice in Christ, [and] preach of Christ' (2Nephi 25:26) so that they may know to what source they can look for the peace that 'passeth all understanding' (Philippians 4:7).”
--Kathleen H. Hughes
Day 76
Scripture Study: Ether 10-12
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Ether 12:4
Scripture Thought:
Ether 12:27 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.
Thought:
“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
Day 77
Scripture Study: Ether13-15
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Ether 15:19
Scripture Thought:
Ether 13:10 And then cometh the New Jerusalem; and blessed are they who dwell therein, for it is they whose garments are white through the blood of the Lamb; and they are they who are numbered among the remnant of the seed of Joseph, who were of the house of Israel.
Thought:
“We are given the knowledge, the help,
the enticement, and the freedom to choose
the path of eternal safety and salvation.
The choice to do so is ours.”
--Pres. Howard W. Hunter
Day 78
Scripture Study: Moroni 1-6
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Moroni 6:4-6
Scripture Thought:
Moroni 6:2-3 Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins. And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end.
Thought:
“Parents should be partners to cherish
And to protect one another, knowing that
the aim of the adversary is to destroy
the integrity of the family.”
--Russell M. Nelson
Day 79
Scripture Study: Moroni 7-8
Scripture to Mark: Moroni 7:47-48
Scripture Thought:
Moroni 7:16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.
Thought:
“In simple terms, the gift of the Holy Ghost is an enhanced spiritual power permitting those entitled there to to receive it, to receive a greater knowledge and enjoyment of the influence of Deity. “
-- James E. Faust
Day 80
Scripture Study: Moroni 9-10
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: Moroni 10:3-5
Scripture Thought:
Moroni 10:32 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind, and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.
Thought:
“ At the beginning of most dispensations, a book is given to the newly called prophet. Moses received tablets (see Exodus 31:18). Lehi was given a book to read concerning the destruction of Jerusalem (see 1 Nephi 1:11-14). Ezekiel was given 'a roll of book' (Ezekiel 2:9-10) containing the Lord's message for the house of Judah in his day. John the Revelator on the Isle of Patmos was shown a book with seven seals (see Revelation 5; D&C 77:6) Is it any wonder, then, that the Lord would provide a book containing the fullness as part of the 'restitution of all things'? The Book of Mormon has the power to draw all men and women to Christ. Its references to the Savior's atonement are the clearest on record with regard to its purpose & powers.” --Merrill Bateman