Giddianhi, the robber leader, writes to Lachoneus, praising him and then demanding he surrender or his army will destroy them. It would’ve been easy to fear. But Lachoneus stood strong. How can we stand strong and not fear the devil’s attacks on us today?
The Nephites go back and forth between weakness and strength in battles with their enemies. What led to the weakness within that made them susceptible to their enemies? How can we avoid this weakening in our own lives?
The Nephite believers face a faith crisis. The unbelievers threaten to kill them if the prophet’s sign of a day without a night doesn’t happen by a certain date. Nephi shows us in this chapter how to strengthen faith in Jesus Christ during turbulent, dangerous times.
A few people believe Samuel, the prophet, but many get angry and harden their hearts. There are many negative consequences of anger. How can we protect against letting anger control us?
Samuel contrasts his people, the Lamanites, and the Nephites. One is growing in righteousness. The other culture is dwindling in sin. The difference is where their focus was placed. Do i focus on my Savior Jesus Christ enough, or do other things distract or confuse me from focusing fully on Him?
This chapter focuses on the Messianic prophesies Samuel gives the people. Am I carefully observing so I don’t miss warnings, signs, or invitations from living prophets that will prepare me to stand in front of my Savior someday?
Walls keep people in. They keep people out. They can stop our progress. Or, we can climb them and use walls to lift us up to obey God’s commands, as Samuel does in this chapter.
Mormon, the prophet-historian, inserts his wisdom and thoughts in this chapter, pointing out how quickly we turn away from God unless He chastens us. Repentance helps us turn back to God and remember Him always. Are we taking advantage of this glorious gift our Savior has given us?
The Nephites battle long and hard against secret combinations. They even let them get into their government. Even when they sweep them out of politics, they aren’t gone, but attack and then hide in their secret places. We definitely have secret combinations today. What are we doing to fight against this danger?
Nephi feels alone. He’s cast down. But he refuses to wallow. He ponders the things of God, and that’s when power comes into his life. How can we access the power of pondering in our own life, to bring us closer to God?
