2 Nephi 3

Key Scriptures:

1. vs. 5 - "...the Messiah should be made manifest unto them in the last days, in the spirit of power, unto the bringing of them out of darkness until light - yea out of hidden darkness and out of captivity unto freedom.

2. vs. 12 - "...and that which was written by the fruit of thy loins [Book of Mormon], and also that which shall be written by the fruit of the loins of Judah [Bible]shall grow together,unto the confounding of false doctrines and laying down of contentions, and establishing peace..."

3. vs. 13 - "And out of weakness he shall be made strong."

4. vs. 24 - "And there shall rise up one mighty among them, who shall do much good, both in word and in deed, being an instrument in the hands of God, with exceeding faith, to work mighty wonders, and do that thing which is great in the sight of God..."

I love any and all scriptures that speak of the Savior and especially those which remind me that through the Savior, we may find the course out of darkness and into his glorious light. I love the phrase "out of darkness and out of captivity unto freedom." I know that when I sin I am bound to Satan. He wants me to be "miserable like unto himself." When I reach out to the ever-stretched forth hand of the Savior, and repent of my sins, I am brought forth out of the darkness and am freed from the bounds of Satan. No one else could do that for me. I cannot do that for myself. I am completely dependent upon the Lord.

As part of this challenge I have set forth for myself, I am trying to be better with my scripture reading and to also gain a greater testimony of God's word. I love the Book of Mormon and I also love the Bible. I know that these two books of scriptures work hand-in-hand to convince me of the truthfulness of the gospel and also of the necessity of the Savior in my life. I know that through studying BOTH sets of scripture, I will gain knowledge and will also receive peace to my soul.

Plain and simple - I am weak. I can be made strong if I allow my life to be guided by the Spirit, and when I put aside my will, and instead seek for the Lord's will be done.

Verse 24 is referring to the Prophet Joseph Smith, however, when I read it, I thought that it is an amazing scripture to try to base my life off of. I can be a mighty person when I trust in the Lord. I can do much good as I put my life in the Lord's hands and become his instrument for good. I can work each day to increase my faith and to work mighty wonders as I serve God's children.