1 Nephi 1

Verse 20 : This scripture really impacted me when I read it. I had heard Elder Bednar mention it in a talk before. It concerns the "tender mercies of the Lord" However, I didn't know the following part until I read it today. - "But behold, I, Nephi will show unto you the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom He hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance."

What a wonderfully powerful promise. Those that are struggling with addictions can be assured that, if they have faith, the Lord will give them the power of deliverance. It is a very comforting thought. This is in the very first chapter of the Book of Mormon, amazing how you can see things for the first time even after reading them many time before.

One of the cross references in this passage refers to Alma 34:38. This too had a great impact on me. It starts out that we should "contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it." I was thinking about this as I read it. How true it is. We contend with the Holy Ghost all the time. He wants to be with us, to help, guide and inspire. Yet we live our lives in such a way that we push him out. We go to great lengths, sometimes, to not have him around. Why? I have realized that maybe I do it on purpose so I don't have to change. So I don't have to step out of my comfort zone. Because I am not ready to "give away all of my sins." Well, time to change...