Afflictions caused by foreknowledge (5)

. Presiding officers, when in tune with the Holy Spirit, generally have this terrible feeling. The watchperson in the highest tower can see things that others can't, and that turns leadership positions into very "lonely" places

. Some people would like to see the future. However, often the future is not pleasant to see (e.g. 1 Nephi 1:6-7)

• Soften one's heart
• To soften - to render gentle, mild, or compassionate; to induce sympathy or mercy in; to remove impurities; to break the resistance or opposition of by physical or mental affliction

• Ask in faith, believing that one will receive
• Be diligent in keeping the commandments
• Revelation is an unchanging principle in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The idea that the Lord only gave revelations in "biblical" times is false, because He does not change and His words have no end (See Mormon 9:7-11)

Truth is hard for the "guilty" (2)

. But not necessarily hard for the "wicked". Thus, as imperfect beings (1 John 1:8), even righteous but occasionally mistaken people may all react to the truth in this manner (see my comments in the class notes for 1 Nephi 1:20)

. What was the main difference between the Liahona and our modern-day compasses, global positioning systems (GPS), etc.?

. The patriarchal order of the priesthood prevails, even when the presiding officer is temporarily "out of tune" with the Spirit of the Lord or with Church policies

. This has profound applications in organizations, wards and stakes, as well as families. Have you ever dealt with a church leader who was momentarily "out of line"? How should one react in such cases? Would it be appropriate to write a letter to the First Presidency asking to have the leader released?

. Notice that the afflictions of Lehi's family were so great that Nephi himself, usually faithful and optimist, also acknowledged that they existed (see 17:1)

. The Lord may at times take us to some type of wilderness (poverty, long-lasting illnesses, etc.) so we may learn discipline, exercise patience, strengthen our faith in Him, and increase our confidence in His matchless power

How can we overcome our afflictions when it is not in the wisdom of the Lord to deliver us from them immediately? (3)

. Doesn't it look like Nephi is giving us an extension to 1 Nephi 3:7?

Why were the ancient inhabitants of Canaan destroyed by the Israelites? (35)

. If we had the full records, we would certainly discover that the Canaanites had the gospel announced to them, and that they rejected (and perhaps even killed) the prophets assigned to them. They could not be considered "wicked" (v. 33-34,37) without first receiving a law to live by (see 2 Nephi 9:25; Alma 29:8; D&C 88:36,38)

Why did many of the ancient Israelites die when the Lord sent the fiery flying serpents? (41)

. Simplicity is a stumbling block to those who seek sophistication and complexity. After 400 years in Egypt, the ancient Israelites probably had assimilated Egyptian habits, lifestyles, and other cultural elements

. What are some of the "simple ways" of today? In the world we are accustomed with highly sophisticated solutions, sometimes developed with the aide of the scientific method. However, the Lord does not use the scientific method as we do; he does not make inferences, because he knows everything, has all power, and can do all things according to his own will

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