Jacob said, "Seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from His hand." When Joseph Smith asked a question three times, he probably didn't think he was rejecting revelation, but he was. We need to pray with the intent to learn, not to persuade.
“To Disabuse the Public Mind”
Joseph Smith wrote his history in response to disinformation. His purpose was "to disabuse the public mind" by putting them in possession of the facts. When we trust our listeners to be fair-minded, we share information which is beneficial to them.
The Islands of the Sea
Lehi's family took comfort in knowing that God remembers people who live on islands. Whether we are isolated geographically, or whether we isolate ourselves, He is always mindful of us, and we are more connected with other people than we may realize.
“The Workings of the Spirit of the Lord”
Mormon explains the inclusion of the small plates by saying that he was following "the workings of the Spirit of the Lord." The Spirit helps us contribute to a work bigger than ourselves, and it simultaneously works within us to make us better.
He Suffereth It
The word "suffer" can have 2 meanings in English: (1) endure pain, and (2) allow or permit. When Nephi tells us that Jesus suffered being smitten, scourged, and spat upon, he meant both. Jesus endured unfathomable pain for us, and He did it willingly.
Nephi: Talk or Text
The spoken word can be more impactful than the written word. Nephi knew this and lamented that many people would not take his words seriously. We can apply this principle in two ways: (1) talk about the gospel and (2) put effort into being better readers.
The Remnant Shall Return
Isaiah's prophecy about the remnant of Israel returning to God assures that no matter how far they are from home, they are not out of God's sight. Book of Mormon authors echo this sentiment: God is mindful of you, wherever you are, and you can come home.
About Isaiah and Plainness
Nephi was extremely careful about the content he included in his record. A large amount of that content comes from the book of Isaiah. Isaiah's writings are difficult but with some effort can be extremely rewarding. Here are some ideas to help.
The Title Page and Nephi
Although Moroni wrote the Title Page of the Book of Mormon, he was heavily influenced by Nephi. In this post, I show many parallel phrases between the Title Page and Nephi's words. From start to end, the Book of Mormon has a consistent message and purpose
All Scripture Is Profitable
Why do you study the scriptures? Paul told Timothy that scriptures are profitable for doctrine, for correction, and to for instruction. We should study with an open mind, eager to learn what God would have us do and what adjustments we need to make.