I don't know about you but as soon as I got the October Ensign I read it in 2 days. It was just what I was needing. I love learning about the stories in the Book of Mormon. That is the only book that makes me feel guilty when I walk past it if I hadn't read it that day. Heavenly Father has given us 24 hours in a day to do what we want. Can't I take 30 min or so to read from his book? Yes, yes I can.
In this edition you will find time lines, promises, guides to studying and conversion stories on almost every other page. The faith that the people have in the gospel is so amazing. I'm going to go through a few of the things that really stuck out to me in this edition of the Ensign.
The Iron Rod
There are 3 groups in Lehi's dream that are trying to get to the Tree of Life. The 1st group are on their way and come across temptations of Satan. They wonder off and are lost. There is no mention of the iron rod because if you ignore or treat lightly the word of God you do not have access to that divine compass aka the iron rod. The 2nd group they pressed forward through the mist of darkness aka temptations and partook of the Tree of Life. But they were mocked by greatly dressed people in the Great and Spacious Building and they became ashamed, fell away and were lost. The 3rd group pressed forward continually holding to the iron rod and by the time they got to the Tree of Life they fell and partook of the fruit.
Now we know the reason the 1st group fell- temptations
the 2nd group perhaps they fell because they only sometimes they read and studied from the scriptures
the 3rd group stayed there perhaps because they diligently searched the scriptures and studied them. That saved the 3rd group from perishing.
It makes me think of what group I am in. Or what group I should be in. Well I for sure used to belong to the 2nd group but I'm striving to be in the 3rd. I started consistently reading from the Book of Mormon a while ago but not only that I write down in my journal after each chapter with my take on it and the story that it told to me. I know that sounds like a lot but I remember so much more and I know better where to find the stories. I'm in the book Helaman and going strong. I'm not saying this to boast or act like its easy. Its not. I worked hard to get where I am and continue to try and resist temptation to not read it. Because I know Satan knows what I'm doing and he doesn't want me to get there. I urge you to study and pray about this precious book. "You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the straight and narrow path...You will find life in greater and greater abundance..."
If there is any reason that you don't feel you can or want to read from Heavenly Fathers book that feeling is not coming from Him but from his adversary, Satan. He doesn't want you to learn and grow. Those are the most important times for you to grab that book and show Heavenly Father where your faith lies.
What group are you in?
