1 Ne 22:7 Who is this mighty nation? 

The mighty nation is the United States of America. The U.S. government is largely responsible for what happened to the American Indians in the early decades of the nation.

I don't think we understand truly how blessed we are to live in this nation. I know I take it for granted. I just think of all the things that happened and has happened here because we live in a free country. The constitution, freedom of speech and religion, freedom to believe and live how you would like. I truly believe some people have taken advantage of this blessing but it's important to recognize it as a blessing. 

1 Ne 22:17 he will preserve the righteous by his power...Wherefore, the righteous need not fear

Brigham Young

"God has been and is our helper, and is on our right and left, and round about us like a wall of fire to defend this people, if they serve him with an undivided heart." (Journal of Discourses, 8:172 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p.74)

Joseph Fielding Smith

"Do not think for a moment that the days of trial are over. They are not. If we keep the commandments of the Lord, we shall prosper, we shall be blessed; the plagues, the calamities that have been promised will be poured out upon the peoples of the earth, and we shall escape them, yea, they shall pass us by. But remember the Lord says if we fail to keep his word, if we walk in the ways of the world, they will not pass us by, but we shall be visited with floods and with fire, with sword and with plague and destruction. We may escape these things through faithfulness." (Doctrines of Salvation, 3:34 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p.75)

Joseph Smith

"It is a false idea that the Saints will escape all the judgments, whilst the wicked suffer; for all flesh is subject to suffer, and 'the righteous shall hardly escape;' still many of the Saints will escape, for the just shall live by faith; yet many of the righteous shall fall a prey to disease, to pestilence, etc., by reason of the weakness of the flesh, and yet be saved in the Kingdom of God. So that it is an unhallowed principle to say that such and such have transgressed because they have been preyed upon by disease or death..." (History of the Church, 4:11 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p.75)

These three signs occurred on the American Continent when the Savior was crucified (see 3 Ne 10:13) but in this context, Nephi is referring to the last days.  The images of blood and fire are commonly used in describing the destructions of the last days, but the image of a "vapor of smoke" is not. This particular sign was explained by Elder McConkie:

Bruce R. McConkie

"It may be, for instance, that nothing except the power of faith and the authority of the priesthood can save individuals and congregations from the atomic holocausts that surely shall be." (Conference Report, Apr. 1979, p.133 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p.75)

I love these quotes because it truly explains these scriptures and how we can apply them to our own day and lives. 

"...because of the righteousness of his people, Satan has no power;...he hath no power over the hearts of the people, for they dwell in righteousness," (1 Nephi 22:26)

It is promised that if we are righteous Satan will have no power over us and we will be free from his temptations. 

Blessing: I have new clients at work.