Day 4: 1 Nephi 20 - 2 Nephi 4 (again)

There were too many great things in yesterday's reading for me to let it go by without saying something about it--now that I have read it! :) I'll admit, I didn't get it read until late last night, after going to the new "X Men" movie, but it was such a great way to end the day!

So, with super heroes on the mind, Jason asked me this morning, "If you could have any super power, what would it be?" Moments before falling asleep my brain was filled with the words from the scriptures last night, and they were the first thing on my mind when I awoke. So I responded, "The ability to resist all temptations." He smiled and said "That's a good one." Then he thought for a moment and said, "Isn't that just called self control?"

Something about reading these verses after watching an action-packed movie about super heroes resulted in my study of the scriptures becoming a bit more...exciting! Something about the passion for fighting evil was transferred from the screen to my mind. It turned something as simple as self control into the most awesome super power out there! So, as you read the following scriptures, I want you to imagine a super hero, with a cape, fighting for righteousness--your favorite Book of Mormon prophet, maybe Captain Moroni, or Nephi himself--these are his words (comprising verses 27-35 of 1 Nephi 4):

"And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy?
...Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.
Do not anger because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions. (Are you picturing your hero with big biceps and a strong determined stance--I am!)
...O Lord, wilt thou encircle me around in the robe of thy righteousness (that's the cape I envision)! O Lord, wilt thou make a way for mine escape before mine enemies! Wilt thou make my path straight before me! Wilt thou not place a stumbling block in my way -- but that thou wouldst clear my way before me, and hedge not up my way, but the ways of mine enemy. (Can you see the action scene here!?!? Our hero, blazing on, while his enemy is blocked and stumbles and cannot get through to destroy him)
...Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee, my God, the rock of my righteousness. Behold, my voice whall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God. Amen."

If you had a hard time picturing that in your head, maybe this will help:

image found here

There is so much more in this reading--like there is in every section we've read so far. I cannot say all I would like to. But I hope you loved it as much as I did.  I've got to be done writing for now.

More to come on today's reading...later tonight.
Happy Sabbath!