In the Book of Mormon we read that the repentant Lamanites had buried their weapons of war because they feared to sin and because of their faith in Christ. They were greatly blessed because of their righteousness and the Lord would be merciful to them. In fact, it would be better for the Lamanites than the Nephites unless the Nephites would repent. In fact, if they refuse to repent in light of all the mighty works which the Lord has performed, they will be destroyed. Helaman 15:9-17 "And ye know also that they have buried their weapons of war, and they fear to take them up lest by any means they should sin; yea, ye can see that they fear to sin—for behold they will suffer themselves that they be trodden down and slain by their enemies, and will not lift their swords against them, and this because of their faith in Christ. And now, because of their steadfastness when they do believe in that thing which they do believe, for because of their firmness when they are once enlightened, behold, the Lord shall bless them and prolong their days, notwithstanding their iniquity— Yea, even if they should dwindle in unbelief the Lord shall prolong their days, until the time shall come which hath been spoken of by our fathers, and also by the prophet Zenos, and many other prophets, concerning the restoration of our brethren, the Lamanites, again to the knowledge of the truth— Yea, I say unto you, that in the latter times the promises of the Lord have been extended to our brethren, the Lamanites; and notwithstanding the many afflictions which they shall have, and notwithstanding they shall be driven to and fro upon the face of the earth, and be hunted, and shall be smitten and scattered abroad, having no place for refuge, the Lord shall be merciful unto them. And this is according to the prophecy, that they shall again be brought to the true knowledge, which is the knowledge of their Redeemer, and their great and true shepherd, and be numbered among his sheep. Therefore I say unto you, it shall be better for them than for you except ye repent. For behold, had the mighty works been shown unto them which have been shown unto you, yea, unto them who have dwindled in unbelief because of the traditions of their fathers, ye can see of yourselves that they never would again have dwindled in unbelief. Therefore, saith the Lord: I will not utterly destroy them, but I will cause that in the day of my wisdom they shall return again unto me, saith the Lord. And now behold, saith the Lord, concerning the people of the Nephites: If they will not repent, and observe to do my will, I will utterly destroy them, saith the Lord, because of their unbelief notwithstanding the many mighty works which I have done among them; and as surely as the Lord liveth shall these things be, saith the Lord."
In the Old Testament we read that the Lord that the Lord chose and inspired people to work on the building and furnishing of the tabernacle. He gave them their gifts and talents to do the work that needed to be done. What gifts and talents has the Lord given you? And how are you using them to bless the lives of others? When we find that we have abilities to do certain things well, we can know that this is something the Lord has blessed us with and we need to use our talents the way that He intends for us to use them. Exodus 31:1-11 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship. And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee; The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle, And the table and his furniture, and the pure candlestick with all his furniture, and the altar of incense, And the altar of burnt offering with all his furniture, and the laver and his foot, And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office, And the anointing oil, and sweet incense for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that a fool will hate to be instructed by his father, but a prudent person listens to reproof. How do we react when someone chastises us? If we're wise we'll listen carefully and see if there are things we can improve in ourselves. Instead of becoming angry and defensive, we'll try to learn from what we hear. Proverbs 15:5 "A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent."
In the Old Testament we read that the Lord that the Lord chose and inspired people to work on the building and furnishing of the tabernacle. He gave them their gifts and talents to do the work that needed to be done. What gifts and talents has the Lord given you? And how are you using them to bless the lives of others? When we find that we have abilities to do certain things well, we can know that this is something the Lord has blessed us with and we need to use our talents the way that He intends for us to use them. Exodus 31:1-11 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship. And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee; The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle, And the table and his furniture, and the pure candlestick with all his furniture, and the altar of incense, And the altar of burnt offering with all his furniture, and the laver and his foot, And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office, And the anointing oil, and sweet incense for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that a fool will hate to be instructed by his father, but a prudent person listens to reproof. How do we react when someone chastises us? If we're wise we'll listen carefully and see if there are things we can improve in ourselves. Instead of becoming angry and defensive, we'll try to learn from what we hear. Proverbs 15:5 "A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent."
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