october.1

helaman 13: 1 - 20

in what ways does the Lord give the warnings mentioned in these verses?  how do these verses apply to us today? 

--> just like the Lord sent samuel the prophet to the nephites, He will always send a prophet to teach us and warn us of things to come.  if we stay close to the prophet and follow his counsel, we will know what to do when a situation arises.  the things that samuel taught were the same things that are taught by prophets today.  things that will help us prepare for what is to come, whatever it may be: exercising faith, repenting, praying to the Father for help and forgiveness, reaching out to help and invite others to come back to God, soften our hearts, return to God, etc. 

the people in this chapter were hearing about the coming of the Savior into the world. they were given specific signs to look for to show them when he would arrive.  they were taught how to draw near to the Savior when He did come.  i've heard that the best way to prepare and know about what it will be like for the Savior to come a second time will be to study and follow what the righteous people did to prepare for His coming the first time.  i've always loved the story of samuel the lamanite - it's been one of my favorites ever since i was a little girl.  i love that the Savior is finally being born and that the way is being prepared for Him to come again, perhaps in my lifetime.