Alma 55:12
And Laman said unto them: You may do according to your desires.
I know it's a short one but I think there are some pretty powerful concepts hidden in here. Agency. To choose which road we will take. Our Father in Heaven has given us agency to choose for ourselves according to our desires. What are our desires?
"Desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions" -Dallin H. Oaks
we will act according to our desires. What do we want the most? Are our conscious desires the same as our unconscious desires? Are they in line with each other? Or do we think we want something but our actions are saying another? Sometimes the only way to figure out what your desires are is to work backward. What are you doing? how are you spending your time? WHO are you spending time with? Are these things helping you to achieve what you really want? If not, perhaps it's time to make some changes. We are free to do according to our desires- but we are not free to choose the outcome of those actions.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Preparation
Alma 48:
11 And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery;
12 Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.
13 Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he had sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood.
17 Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.
Seriously? what would the world be like if more men were like him? He is one of my heroes.
Hugh Nibley: “You do not expel evil from ‘the hearts of the children of men’ by shooting them or blowing them up or torturing them—the Inquisition operated on that theory. Nor can ‘the powers of hell be shaken’ by heavy artillery or nuclear warheads…Nobody knows that better than Moroni, whose efforts to avoid conflict far exceed his labors in battle. When he sees trouble ahead, he gets ready for it by ‘preparing the minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord their God’ (Alma 48:7).”
Alma 49:
8 But behold, to their uttermost astonishment, they were prepared for them, in a
manner which never had been known among the children of Lehi. Now they were prepared for the Lamanites, to battle after the manner of the instructions of Moroni.
-The Lamanites were not prepared to find the Nephites a step ahead of them. They were prepared. They had fortified their cities to protect their families from attack. Good advice for us today. Be prepared-the adversary will try to attack us from any direction and in any area where we are weak.
14 But behold, to their astonishment, the city of Noah, which had hitherto been a weak place, had now,by the means of Moroni, become strong, yea, even to exceed the strength of the city Ammonihah.
-The Lamanites realize they can't get into the 1st city, so they make a new plan. We won't attack the stronghold, we will go for the weakest city. Only to find that the weak city has also been made strong. Again, good advice for us. we need to find our weaknesses and work on them until they become strong. We do not know when temptation will come and from where...so its best to not have weak spots.
23 Thus the Nephites had all power over their enemies; and thus the Lamanites did attempt to destroy the Nephites until their chief captains were all slain; yea, and more than a thousand of the Lamanites were slain; while, on the other hand, there was not a single soul of the Nephites which was slain.
-They were saved because they followed the council of their leader. They had faith in the Lord and they prepared themselves to face the attack. Similarly we need to listen to our leaders, have faith in the Lord, and prepare ourselves to face temptation- whenever it comes.
11 And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery;
12 Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.
13 Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he had sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood.
17 Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.
Seriously? what would the world be like if more men were like him? He is one of my heroes.
Hugh Nibley: “You do not expel evil from ‘the hearts of the children of men’ by shooting them or blowing them up or torturing them—the Inquisition operated on that theory. Nor can ‘the powers of hell be shaken’ by heavy artillery or nuclear warheads…Nobody knows that better than Moroni, whose efforts to avoid conflict far exceed his labors in battle. When he sees trouble ahead, he gets ready for it by ‘preparing the minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord their God’ (Alma 48:7).”
Alma 49:
8 But behold, to their uttermost astonishment, they were prepared for them, in a
manner which never had been known among the children of Lehi. Now they were prepared for the Lamanites, to battle after the manner of the instructions of Moroni.
-The Lamanites were not prepared to find the Nephites a step ahead of them. They were prepared. They had fortified their cities to protect their families from attack. Good advice for us today. Be prepared-the adversary will try to attack us from any direction and in any area where we are weak.
14 But behold, to their astonishment, the city of Noah, which had hitherto been a weak place, had now,by the means of Moroni, become strong, yea, even to exceed the strength of the city Ammonihah.
-The Lamanites realize they can't get into the 1st city, so they make a new plan. We won't attack the stronghold, we will go for the weakest city. Only to find that the weak city has also been made strong. Again, good advice for us. we need to find our weaknesses and work on them until they become strong. We do not know when temptation will come and from where...so its best to not have weak spots.
23 Thus the Nephites had all power over their enemies; and thus the Lamanites did attempt to destroy the Nephites until their chief captains were all slain; yea, and more than a thousand of the Lamanites were slain; while, on the other hand, there was not a single soul of the Nephites which was slain.
-They were saved because they followed the council of their leader. They had faith in the Lord and they prepared themselves to face the attack. Similarly we need to listen to our leaders, have faith in the Lord, and prepare ourselves to face temptation- whenever it comes.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
By Degrees
Alma 47:
Referencing verses 10-18
The scriptures contain many types and shadows of Christ, and my conviction is that the story of Amalickiah provides us with the opposite – a type and shadow of Satan. Think of the parallels! Amalickiah wanted to be king, he was cast out, and he took his followers with him. Similarly, Satan wanted to “exalt [his] throne above the stars of God (2 Nephi 24:13), was cast out, and took his followers with him. Amalickiah is described as cunning, flattering, and a murderer. Satan is also described as cunning, flattering, and a murderer. Amalickiah poisoned Lehonti “by degrees.” Satan leads us “carefully” or “by degrees” down to hell (2 Nephi 28:21). Amalickiah did “not care for the blood of his people” (Alma 49:10). Satan will “not support his children at the last day (Alma 30:60). Amalickiah succeeded in persuading the king of the Lamanites to attack the Nephites, but a large part of the Lamanite army refused to fight the Nephites. They found refuge on top of the mount Antipas and appointed Lehonti to be their leader. Three different times, Amalickiah invited Lehonti to come down from the mountain. Lehonti refused each time. Eventually, Amalickiah went up, nearly to the camp of Lehonti, and persuaded Lehonti to come down “just a little.” Amalickiah convinced Lehonti that he was not really an enemy, but a friend who only wanted to be second in command. Eventually, Lehonti agreed to Amalickiah’s scheme, and was unknowingly poisoned “by degrees” until he died. As Latter-day Saints, we have gone up to the “mountain of the Lord” and made covenants. Satan continually invites us to come down. We refuse. So he invites us to come down just a little. If we do, we subject ourselves to his power where we will eventually be poisoned by degrees. If we are wounded by a gunshot, or a sword, we know about it! But if we are slowly poisoned, we might not even realize it’s happening. Poison is a perfect metaphor for Satan’s tactics, because a victim of poison may not even realize what’s happening, and may still believe he’s in control up until the moment he dies. The spiritual message is powerful and chilling – Don’t come down from your mountain! Keep your covenants!
Satan wants us to come down so he can poison us by degrees. (It’s interesting to note that Jesus was invited to come down three times from the pinnacle of the temple, but he never did. See Matthew 4:1-11). -John Bytheway
36 Now these dissenters, having the same instruction and the same information of the Nephites, yea, having been instructed in the same knowledge of the Lord, nevertheless, it is strange to relate, not long after their dissensions they became more hardened and impenitent, and more wild, wicked and ferocious than the Lamanites—drinking in with the traditions of the Lamanites; giving way to indolence, and all manner of lasciviousness; yea, entirely forgetting the Lord their God.
Joseph Smith:
“Strange as it may appear at first thought, yet it is no less strange than true, that…apostates after turning from the faith of Christ, unless they have speedily repented, have sooner or later fallen into the snares of the wicked one, and have been left destitute of the Spirit of God, to manifest their wickedness in the eyes of multitudes…When once that light which was in them is taken from them, they become as much darkened as they were previously enlightened, and then, no marvel, if all their power should be enlisted against the truth, and they, Judas like, seek the destruction of those who were their greatest benefactors.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 67)
Referencing verses 10-18
The scriptures contain many types and shadows of Christ, and my conviction is that the story of Amalickiah provides us with the opposite – a type and shadow of Satan. Think of the parallels! Amalickiah wanted to be king, he was cast out, and he took his followers with him. Similarly, Satan wanted to “exalt [his] throne above the stars of God (2 Nephi 24:13), was cast out, and took his followers with him. Amalickiah is described as cunning, flattering, and a murderer. Satan is also described as cunning, flattering, and a murderer. Amalickiah poisoned Lehonti “by degrees.” Satan leads us “carefully” or “by degrees” down to hell (2 Nephi 28:21). Amalickiah did “not care for the blood of his people” (Alma 49:10). Satan will “not support his children at the last day (Alma 30:60). Amalickiah succeeded in persuading the king of the Lamanites to attack the Nephites, but a large part of the Lamanite army refused to fight the Nephites. They found refuge on top of the mount Antipas and appointed Lehonti to be their leader. Three different times, Amalickiah invited Lehonti to come down from the mountain. Lehonti refused each time. Eventually, Amalickiah went up, nearly to the camp of Lehonti, and persuaded Lehonti to come down “just a little.” Amalickiah convinced Lehonti that he was not really an enemy, but a friend who only wanted to be second in command. Eventually, Lehonti agreed to Amalickiah’s scheme, and was unknowingly poisoned “by degrees” until he died. As Latter-day Saints, we have gone up to the “mountain of the Lord” and made covenants. Satan continually invites us to come down. We refuse. So he invites us to come down just a little. If we do, we subject ourselves to his power where we will eventually be poisoned by degrees. If we are wounded by a gunshot, or a sword, we know about it! But if we are slowly poisoned, we might not even realize it’s happening. Poison is a perfect metaphor for Satan’s tactics, because a victim of poison may not even realize what’s happening, and may still believe he’s in control up until the moment he dies. The spiritual message is powerful and chilling – Don’t come down from your mountain! Keep your covenants!
Satan wants us to come down so he can poison us by degrees. (It’s interesting to note that Jesus was invited to come down three times from the pinnacle of the temple, but he never did. See Matthew 4:1-11). -John Bytheway
36 Now these dissenters, having the same instruction and the same information of the Nephites, yea, having been instructed in the same knowledge of the Lord, nevertheless, it is strange to relate, not long after their dissensions they became more hardened and impenitent, and more wild, wicked and ferocious than the Lamanites—drinking in with the traditions of the Lamanites; giving way to indolence, and all manner of lasciviousness; yea, entirely forgetting the Lord their God.
Joseph Smith:
“Strange as it may appear at first thought, yet it is no less strange than true, that…apostates after turning from the faith of Christ, unless they have speedily repented, have sooner or later fallen into the snares of the wicked one, and have been left destitute of the Spirit of God, to manifest their wickedness in the eyes of multitudes…When once that light which was in them is taken from them, they become as much darkened as they were previously enlightened, and then, no marvel, if all their power should be enlisted against the truth, and they, Judas like, seek the destruction of those who were their greatest benefactors.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 67)
Thursday, January 5, 2012
The Work of Death Should Cease
Alma 44:
4 Now ye see that this is the true faith of God; yea, ye see that God will support, and keep, and preserve us, so long as we are faithful unto him, and unto our faith, and our religion; and never will the Lord suffer that we shall be destroyed except we should fall into transgression and deny our faith.
5 And now, Zerahemnah, I command you, in the name of that all-powerful God, who has strengthened our arms that we have gained power over you, by our faith, by our religion, and by our rites of worship, and by our church, and by the sacred support which we owe to our wives and our children, by that liberty which binds us to our lands and our country; yea, and also by the maintenance of the sacred word of God, to which we owe all our happiness; and by all that is most dear unto us—
God will support and keep those who have faith in him. Those who are true to the things they know. Also I love in verse five that being true to the word of God is the source of all happiness. I know that to be true. Happiness comes when you are at peace- and peace is gained by following the word of God.
10 And now when Zerahemnah had made an end of speaking these words, Moroni returned the sword and the weapons of war, which he had received, unto Zerahemnah, saying: Behold, we will end the conflict.
Um- can I just say Moroni is a stud. There really isn't much more to say about it.
okay there is more to say...I love this man because he is a tough leader but he is also very merciful. He gives the Lamanites a choice. He also gives them the consequences connected with each choice. Once Zarahemna chooses- Moroni presses forward with his promise. They scalp Zarahemna (but he doesn't die) and give the Lamanites ANOTHER chance to enter a covenant of peace. Some of them relent this time but Zarahemna stirs up the rest to anger.
19 Now Zerahemnah, when he saw that they were all about to be destroyed, cried mightily unto Moroni, promising that he would covenant and also his people with them, if they would spare the remainder of their lives, that they never would come to war again against them.
20 And it came to pass that Moroni caused that the work of death should cease again among the people. And he took the weapons of war from the Lamanites; and after they had entered into a covenant with him of peace they were suffered to depart into the wilderness.
Then, when he is about to be beaten, Zarahemna surrenders. He promises to stop his attack on the Nephites. Because Moroni is amazing- he stops the fighting and enters into a covenant with the Lamanites and lets them leave. The fight is over. Also what strikes me about this is the honor on both sides. Even Zarahemna would not make a promise he didn't intend to keep. He could have said, "yeah sure. we'll leave you alone from now on" , left and come back another day. But he didn't. I just think the trust and integrity are incredible in this situation.
4 Now ye see that this is the true faith of God; yea, ye see that God will support, and keep, and preserve us, so long as we are faithful unto him, and unto our faith, and our religion; and never will the Lord suffer that we shall be destroyed except we should fall into transgression and deny our faith.
5 And now, Zerahemnah, I command you, in the name of that all-powerful God, who has strengthened our arms that we have gained power over you, by our faith, by our religion, and by our rites of worship, and by our church, and by the sacred support which we owe to our wives and our children, by that liberty which binds us to our lands and our country; yea, and also by the maintenance of the sacred word of God, to which we owe all our happiness; and by all that is most dear unto us—
God will support and keep those who have faith in him. Those who are true to the things they know. Also I love in verse five that being true to the word of God is the source of all happiness. I know that to be true. Happiness comes when you are at peace- and peace is gained by following the word of God.
10 And now when Zerahemnah had made an end of speaking these words, Moroni returned the sword and the weapons of war, which he had received, unto Zerahemnah, saying: Behold, we will end the conflict.
Um- can I just say Moroni is a stud. There really isn't much more to say about it.
okay there is more to say...I love this man because he is a tough leader but he is also very merciful. He gives the Lamanites a choice. He also gives them the consequences connected with each choice. Once Zarahemna chooses- Moroni presses forward with his promise. They scalp Zarahemna (but he doesn't die) and give the Lamanites ANOTHER chance to enter a covenant of peace. Some of them relent this time but Zarahemna stirs up the rest to anger.
19 Now Zerahemnah, when he saw that they were all about to be destroyed, cried mightily unto Moroni, promising that he would covenant and also his people with them, if they would spare the remainder of their lives, that they never would come to war again against them.
20 And it came to pass that Moroni caused that the work of death should cease again among the people. And he took the weapons of war from the Lamanites; and after they had entered into a covenant with him of peace they were suffered to depart into the wilderness.
Then, when he is about to be beaten, Zarahemna surrenders. He promises to stop his attack on the Nephites. Because Moroni is amazing- he stops the fighting and enters into a covenant with the Lamanites and lets them leave. The fight is over. Also what strikes me about this is the honor on both sides. Even Zarahemna would not make a promise he didn't intend to keep. He could have said, "yeah sure. we'll leave you alone from now on" , left and come back another day. But he didn't. I just think the trust and integrity are incredible in this situation.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
He Prepared His People
Alma 43
17 And Moroni took all the command, and the government of their wars. And he was only twenty and five years old when he was appointed chief captain over the armies of the Nephites.
Wow…it amazes me how much faith these people had in him. They were about to face a huge army all on their own. They had thousands upon thousands of lives depending on the outcome of this war- and they chose a 25 yr old man to be captain of all their armies. He must have been unlike any 25 yr old I've ever met. He must have been incredible.
19 And when the armies of the Lamanites saw that the people of Nephi, or that Moroni, had prepared his people with breastplates and with arm-shields, yea, and also shields to defend their heads, and also they were dressed with thick clothing
20 Now the army of Zerahemnah was not prepared with any such thing; they had only their swords and their cimeters, their bows and their arrows, their stones and their slings; and they were naked, save it were a skin which was girded about their loins; yea, all were naked, save it were the Zoramites and the Amalekites;
21 But they were not armed with breastplates, nor shields—therefore, they were exceedingly afraid of the armies of the Nephites because of their armor, notwithstanding their number being so much greater than the Nephites.
In verse 19 we see that Moroni has prepared his people for war. They are dressed with protection from their heads to their feet. They are not only ready for the offensive battle but they have taken defensive measures as well. The army of Zerahemnah has not- they have just come for the offensive battle relying on their numbers alone to save them. What I love about this is that the people of Nephi have prepared. They have listened to their leader and on a figurative level this situation applies to each of us. We are all fighting our spiritual war every day. We face insurmountable numbers of attackers. They attack our self esteem, our spirituality, our morals, our families, etc it is not enough to just have a quick come back or say something to attack them- we have to have our armor in place. We need to build up our reserves and fortify ourselves so when those piercing words strike us-they are not fatal.
23 But it came to pass, as soon as they had departed into the wilderness Moroni sent spies into the wilderness to watch their camp; and Moroni, also, knowing of the prophecies of Alma, sent certain men unto him, desiring him that he should inquire of the Lord whither the armies of the Nephites should go to defend themselves against the Lamanites.
Moroni doesn't just sit and wait for another attack, he is proactive!! not only does he send out spies but he inquires of Alma- the prophet at the time. And Alma inquires of the Lord. Again, something that applies to each of us....take your problems to the Lord. Read the words of the Living prophet and the apostles!! There is wisdom in their words and they can counsel for our day!
17 And Moroni took all the command, and the government of their wars. And he was only twenty and five years old when he was appointed chief captain over the armies of the Nephites.
Wow…it amazes me how much faith these people had in him. They were about to face a huge army all on their own. They had thousands upon thousands of lives depending on the outcome of this war- and they chose a 25 yr old man to be captain of all their armies. He must have been unlike any 25 yr old I've ever met. He must have been incredible.
19 And when the armies of the Lamanites saw that the people of Nephi, or that Moroni, had prepared his people with breastplates and with arm-shields, yea, and also shields to defend their heads, and also they were dressed with thick clothing
20 Now the army of Zerahemnah was not prepared with any such thing; they had only their swords and their cimeters, their bows and their arrows, their stones and their slings; and they were naked, save it were a skin which was girded about their loins; yea, all were naked, save it were the Zoramites and the Amalekites;
21 But they were not armed with breastplates, nor shields—therefore, they were exceedingly afraid of the armies of the Nephites because of their armor, notwithstanding their number being so much greater than the Nephites.
In verse 19 we see that Moroni has prepared his people for war. They are dressed with protection from their heads to their feet. They are not only ready for the offensive battle but they have taken defensive measures as well. The army of Zerahemnah has not- they have just come for the offensive battle relying on their numbers alone to save them. What I love about this is that the people of Nephi have prepared. They have listened to their leader and on a figurative level this situation applies to each of us. We are all fighting our spiritual war every day. We face insurmountable numbers of attackers. They attack our self esteem, our spirituality, our morals, our families, etc it is not enough to just have a quick come back or say something to attack them- we have to have our armor in place. We need to build up our reserves and fortify ourselves so when those piercing words strike us-they are not fatal.
23 But it came to pass, as soon as they had departed into the wilderness Moroni sent spies into the wilderness to watch their camp; and Moroni, also, knowing of the prophecies of Alma, sent certain men unto him, desiring him that he should inquire of the Lord whither the armies of the Nephites should go to defend themselves against the Lamanites.
Moroni doesn't just sit and wait for another attack, he is proactive!! not only does he send out spies but he inquires of Alma- the prophet at the time. And Alma inquires of the Lord. Again, something that applies to each of us....take your problems to the Lord. Read the words of the Living prophet and the apostles!! There is wisdom in their words and they can counsel for our day!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Not One Hair Will be Lost
Alma 40:
23 The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb
and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame.
‘The body will come forth as it is laid to rest, for there is no growth or development in the grave. As it is laid down, so will it arise, and changes to perfection will come by the law of restitution. But the spirit will continue to expand and develop, to the full stature of man.’ Parents, therefore, who have been parted from their children by death may rest assured that, if worthy through
obedience to the principles of the gospel, they will not only meet their children in the spirit world, but will also recognize them and know them as they knew them in this life. Parents, too, have even a greater comfort in the fact that their little ones whose lives on earth were cut short will continue to grow and develop, and receive every blessing to which their inheritance and faithfulness will entitle them. (Gospel Ideals, p. 75 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 340)
This is a comfort for me- it helps me to see the big picture. My grandmother lost 3 of her six children and she leaned on this doctrine as a comfort to help her maintain her faith and heal her wounds. I'm sure it is a comfort to anyone who has lost a child, to know that they are only separated for a short time and they will get that opportunity back- it will just take a little longer.
Alma 41:
5 The one raised to happiness according to his desires of happiness, or good according to his desires of good; and the other to evil according to his desires of evil; for as he has desired to do evil all the day long even so shall he have his reward of evil when the night cometh.
Dallin H. Oaks: “Just as we will be accountable for our evil desires, we will also be rewarded for our righteous ones. Our Father in Heaven will receive a truly righteous desire as a substitute for actions that are genuinely impossible. My father-in-law was fond of expressing his version of this principle. When someone wanted to do something for him but was prevented by circumstances, he would say: ‘Thank you. I will take the good will for the deed.’ This is the principle that blessed Abraham for his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac. The Lord stopped him at the last instant (see Genesis 22:11-12), but his willingness to follow the Lord's command ‘was accounted unto him for righteousness’ (D&C 132:36). This principle means that when we have done all that we can, our desires will carry us the rest of the way. It also means that if our desires are right, we can be forgiven for the unintended errors or mistakes we will inevitably make as we try to carry those desires into effect. What a comfort for our feelings of inadequacy!” (Pure in Heart, p. 59)
23 The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb
and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame.
‘The body will come forth as it is laid to rest, for there is no growth or development in the grave. As it is laid down, so will it arise, and changes to perfection will come by the law of restitution. But the spirit will continue to expand and develop, to the full stature of man.’ Parents, therefore, who have been parted from their children by death may rest assured that, if worthy through
obedience to the principles of the gospel, they will not only meet their children in the spirit world, but will also recognize them and know them as they knew them in this life. Parents, too, have even a greater comfort in the fact that their little ones whose lives on earth were cut short will continue to grow and develop, and receive every blessing to which their inheritance and faithfulness will entitle them. (Gospel Ideals, p. 75 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 340)
This is a comfort for me- it helps me to see the big picture. My grandmother lost 3 of her six children and she leaned on this doctrine as a comfort to help her maintain her faith and heal her wounds. I'm sure it is a comfort to anyone who has lost a child, to know that they are only separated for a short time and they will get that opportunity back- it will just take a little longer.
Alma 41:
5 The one raised to happiness according to his desires of happiness, or good according to his desires of good; and the other to evil according to his desires of evil; for as he has desired to do evil all the day long even so shall he have his reward of evil when the night cometh.
Dallin H. Oaks: “Just as we will be accountable for our evil desires, we will also be rewarded for our righteous ones. Our Father in Heaven will receive a truly righteous desire as a substitute for actions that are genuinely impossible. My father-in-law was fond of expressing his version of this principle. When someone wanted to do something for him but was prevented by circumstances, he would say: ‘Thank you. I will take the good will for the deed.’ This is the principle that blessed Abraham for his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac. The Lord stopped him at the last instant (see Genesis 22:11-12), but his willingness to follow the Lord's command ‘was accounted unto him for righteousness’ (D&C 132:36). This principle means that when we have done all that we can, our desires will carry us the rest of the way. It also means that if our desires are right, we can be forgiven for the unintended errors or mistakes we will inevitably make as we try to carry those desires into effect. What a comfort for our feelings of inadequacy!” (Pure in Heart, p. 59)
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Look and Live
Alma 37:
12 And it may suffice if I only say they are preserved for a wise purpose, which purpose is known unto God; for he doth counsel in wisdom over all his works, and his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round.
I love the faith shown by this statement. He does not know the purposes of God but he trusts God to direct his paths. He is saying so much about the character of God. He knows all. He has a plan for all things. We are his children and he will counsel us in wisdom. He sees the larger- eternal picture. He will not lead us down crooked paths- the way is clear if we follow him.
25 I will bring forth out of darkness unto light all their secret works and their abominations
and except they repent I will destroy them from off the face of the earth; and I will bring to light all their secrets and abominations, unto every nation that shall hereafter possess the land.
Spencer W. Kimball: “My young folks, since the Lord said, ‘Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect’ (Matthew 5:48), it would be well if all of us would take frequent inventory to see if hidden away under the rugs and in the corners of our lives there might be some vestige of hypocrisy and ugliness or error. Or could there be hidden under the blankets of personal excuse and rationalization some small eccentricities and dishonesties? Are there any cobwebs in ceilings and corners which we think will not be noticed? Are we trying to cover up the small pettinesses and the small gratifications we secretly allow ourselves-rationalizing the while that they are insignificant and inconsequential? Are there areas in our thoughts and actions and attitudes which we would like to hide from those we respect
most? Are we certain that all of our innermost secrets are kept confidential? The Lord revealed in 1831, ‘The rebellious shall be pierced with much sorrow; for their iniquities shall be spoken upon the housetops, and their secret acts shall be revealed.’ (D&C 1:3.) Would a frequent house cleaning be in order for all of us?” (BYU Speeches, February 25, 1964, p. 21)
harsh? maybe. But true. Everything is known unto the Lord and eventually we will have to face the truth of who we are. Now is the time to take advantage of the atonement of the Savior. To continually take and inventory of where we are...do do an occasional "house cleaning"
34 Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls.
Henry B. Eyring: “Alma gave his son advice that is good for us. He said: (quotes Alma 37:33-34.) The good works that really matter require the help of heaven. And the help of heaven requires working past the point of fatigue so far that only the meek and lowly will keep going long enough. The Lord doesn't put us through this test just to give us a grade; he does it because the process will change us.” (To Draw Closer to God, p. 95
Neal A. Maxwell: “Paradoxical as it sounds, more diligence actually brings more relief. Any selfishness, on the other hand, magnifies our weariness. Selfishness not only shrinks the quantity of service we render but also provides none of the needed renewal, no ‘rest to [our] souls.’” (If Thou Endure It Well, p. 113)
45 And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise.
46 O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever.
47 And now, my son, see that ye take care of these sacred things, yea, see that ye look to God and live. Go unto this people and declare the word, and be sober. My son, farewell.
It is an easy solution. Read the scriptures. A solution we take for granted. I have had my own copy of the scriptures since before I can remember- It took me quite a long time to appreciate them. I had to make the choice to search them myself. The answers were sitting on my nightstand my whole life, but to find those answers I had to pick up the book. Look to the words of Christ and life. Through the scriptures we can find direction for our paths. We will find wisdom and guidance to teach us to be righteous. We are reminded of the commandments. We learn the character of Jesus Christ and God the Father. We are chastened and comforted. Through the scriptures we find the path to eternal life.
12 And it may suffice if I only say they are preserved for a wise purpose, which purpose is known unto God; for he doth counsel in wisdom over all his works, and his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round.
I love the faith shown by this statement. He does not know the purposes of God but he trusts God to direct his paths. He is saying so much about the character of God. He knows all. He has a plan for all things. We are his children and he will counsel us in wisdom. He sees the larger- eternal picture. He will not lead us down crooked paths- the way is clear if we follow him.
25 I will bring forth out of darkness unto light all their secret works and their abominations
and except they repent I will destroy them from off the face of the earth; and I will bring to light all their secrets and abominations, unto every nation that shall hereafter possess the land.
Spencer W. Kimball: “My young folks, since the Lord said, ‘Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect’ (Matthew 5:48), it would be well if all of us would take frequent inventory to see if hidden away under the rugs and in the corners of our lives there might be some vestige of hypocrisy and ugliness or error. Or could there be hidden under the blankets of personal excuse and rationalization some small eccentricities and dishonesties? Are there any cobwebs in ceilings and corners which we think will not be noticed? Are we trying to cover up the small pettinesses and the small gratifications we secretly allow ourselves-rationalizing the while that they are insignificant and inconsequential? Are there areas in our thoughts and actions and attitudes which we would like to hide from those we respect
most? Are we certain that all of our innermost secrets are kept confidential? The Lord revealed in 1831, ‘The rebellious shall be pierced with much sorrow; for their iniquities shall be spoken upon the housetops, and their secret acts shall be revealed.’ (D&C 1:3.) Would a frequent house cleaning be in order for all of us?” (BYU Speeches, February 25, 1964, p. 21)
harsh? maybe. But true. Everything is known unto the Lord and eventually we will have to face the truth of who we are. Now is the time to take advantage of the atonement of the Savior. To continually take and inventory of where we are...do do an occasional "house cleaning"
34 Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls.
Henry B. Eyring: “Alma gave his son advice that is good for us. He said: (quotes Alma 37:33-34.) The good works that really matter require the help of heaven. And the help of heaven requires working past the point of fatigue so far that only the meek and lowly will keep going long enough. The Lord doesn't put us through this test just to give us a grade; he does it because the process will change us.” (To Draw Closer to God, p. 95
Neal A. Maxwell: “Paradoxical as it sounds, more diligence actually brings more relief. Any selfishness, on the other hand, magnifies our weariness. Selfishness not only shrinks the quantity of service we render but also provides none of the needed renewal, no ‘rest to [our] souls.’” (If Thou Endure It Well, p. 113)
45 And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise.
46 O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever.
47 And now, my son, see that ye take care of these sacred things, yea, see that ye look to God and live. Go unto this people and declare the word, and be sober. My son, farewell.
It is an easy solution. Read the scriptures. A solution we take for granted. I have had my own copy of the scriptures since before I can remember- It took me quite a long time to appreciate them. I had to make the choice to search them myself. The answers were sitting on my nightstand my whole life, but to find those answers I had to pick up the book. Look to the words of Christ and life. Through the scriptures we can find direction for our paths. We will find wisdom and guidance to teach us to be righteous. We are reminded of the commandments. We learn the character of Jesus Christ and God the Father. We are chastened and comforted. Through the scriptures we find the path to eternal life.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Mary
Luke 1:
46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of
their hearts.
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
Women do not speak much in the scriptures. So when they do, I find I listen more closely. If someone took the time to write it down it is important. Can you feel the testimony of Mary? She is incredible. She is filled with the spirit of God and has no doubt in her mind what her divine mission is. She testifies of the things to come from the birth of the child she carries. "henceforth generations will call me blessed" she recognizes that through the birth of Christ all mankind will be saved. That it doesn't matter who she is, what positions her family does of does not hold...she has been chosen to carry and raise the Son of God. She recognizes her divine role in the plan of our Father and accepts without hesitation. She is incredible!!
Bruce R. McConkie said: “As there is only one Christ, so there is only one Mary. And as the Father chose the most noble and righteous of all his spirit sons to come into mortality as his Only Begotten in the flesh, so we may confidently conclude that he selected the most worthy and spiritually talented of all his spirit daughters to be the mortal mother of his Eternal Son.” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary. 3 vols. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1965-73, 1:85.)
46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of
their hearts.
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
Women do not speak much in the scriptures. So when they do, I find I listen more closely. If someone took the time to write it down it is important. Can you feel the testimony of Mary? She is incredible. She is filled with the spirit of God and has no doubt in her mind what her divine mission is. She testifies of the things to come from the birth of the child she carries. "henceforth generations will call me blessed" she recognizes that through the birth of Christ all mankind will be saved. That it doesn't matter who she is, what positions her family does of does not hold...she has been chosen to carry and raise the Son of God. She recognizes her divine role in the plan of our Father and accepts without hesitation. She is incredible!!
Bruce R. McConkie said: “As there is only one Christ, so there is only one Mary. And as the Father chose the most noble and righteous of all his spirit sons to come into mortality as his Only Begotten in the flesh, so we may confidently conclude that he selected the most worthy and spiritually talented of all his spirit daughters to be the mortal mother of his Eternal Son.” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary. 3 vols. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1965-73, 1:85.)
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Live In Thanksgiving Daily
Alma 34:
28 And now behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you, do not suppose that this is all; for after ye have done all these things, if ye turn away the needy, and the naked, and visit not the sick and afflicted, and impart of your substance, if ye have, to those who stand in need—I say unto you, if ye do not any of these things, behold, your prayer is vain, and availeth you nothing, and ye are as hypocrites who do deny the faith.
Elder S. Dilworth Young: “The revelations given to Joseph Smith on this subject
are numerous and were among the early ones. To care for the poor is one of the first and early
obligations. To help the needy and those who mourn follows close behind. All of us have some time, but those who are not given great responsibility in the organizations have more time to seek out the poor, needy, and helpless. And this help is badly needed. All about us are those in need of encouragement, assistance, and help—help of a kind we can all give, not money, but time and attention and personal encouragement, especially to those who must bear great responsibility for loved ones and who cannot pass it to others for the simple reason there are no others to whom to pass it. …Those with no ward assignments have more time to pursue this great work of the salvation of souls. Let us not sit back jealous of those giving attention to the stake, the ward, the auxiliaries, but seek our salvation where the Lord appointed us, among those who, weak in spirit, weak in body, or weak in desire, need to be encouraged, need to be raised up in the kingdom of God on this earth.” (Ensign, Dec. 1971, p. 66)
31 Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you.
“Those who truly desire repentance and willingly turn to the Lord, forsaking their sins, find that the Savior Immediately effects the plan of redemption in their behalf. It would seem only fair that years of unrepentant sin would necessitate years of repentance and sorrow in order to eradicate the same; however, this is not the case. Great revolutionary changes can be
effected immediately through deep, heart-felt repentance. (See Alma 15:3-11; 22:1-23; 36:11-20.) This repentance can bring forgiveness, complete forgiveness. Amulek was speaking in 74 B.C., over a hundred years before Jesus would actually make the atoning sacrifice. But the people who lived before Christ did not have to wait for the time of his coming to have the Atonement become effective. It could be applied immediately if they exercised faith and repentance.” (Book of Mormon Student Manual, 1981,p. 303)
37 And now, my beloved brethren, I desire that ye should remember these things, and that ye should work out your salvation with fear before God and that ye should no more
deny the coming of Christ;
28 And now behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you, do not suppose that this is all; for after ye have done all these things, if ye turn away the needy, and the naked, and visit not the sick and afflicted, and impart of your substance, if ye have, to those who stand in need—I say unto you, if ye do not any of these things, behold, your prayer is vain, and availeth you nothing, and ye are as hypocrites who do deny the faith.
Elder S. Dilworth Young: “The revelations given to Joseph Smith on this subject
are numerous and were among the early ones. To care for the poor is one of the first and early
obligations. To help the needy and those who mourn follows close behind. All of us have some time, but those who are not given great responsibility in the organizations have more time to seek out the poor, needy, and helpless. And this help is badly needed. All about us are those in need of encouragement, assistance, and help—help of a kind we can all give, not money, but time and attention and personal encouragement, especially to those who must bear great responsibility for loved ones and who cannot pass it to others for the simple reason there are no others to whom to pass it. …Those with no ward assignments have more time to pursue this great work of the salvation of souls. Let us not sit back jealous of those giving attention to the stake, the ward, the auxiliaries, but seek our salvation where the Lord appointed us, among those who, weak in spirit, weak in body, or weak in desire, need to be encouraged, need to be raised up in the kingdom of God on this earth.” (Ensign, Dec. 1971, p. 66)
31 Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you.
“Those who truly desire repentance and willingly turn to the Lord, forsaking their sins, find that the Savior Immediately effects the plan of redemption in their behalf. It would seem only fair that years of unrepentant sin would necessitate years of repentance and sorrow in order to eradicate the same; however, this is not the case. Great revolutionary changes can be
effected immediately through deep, heart-felt repentance. (See Alma 15:3-11; 22:1-23; 36:11-20.) This repentance can bring forgiveness, complete forgiveness. Amulek was speaking in 74 B.C., over a hundred years before Jesus would actually make the atoning sacrifice. But the people who lived before Christ did not have to wait for the time of his coming to have the Atonement become effective. It could be applied immediately if they exercised faith and repentance.” (Book of Mormon Student Manual, 1981,p. 303)
37 And now, my beloved brethren, I desire that ye should remember these things, and that ye should work out your salvation with fear before God and that ye should no more
deny the coming of Christ;
Heber C. Kimball: “Jesus says, ‘Work out your salvation as it is my will to work within you.’ Then, again, we are commanded to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. All that hinders us and prevents us progressing faster, and going on from one step to another even as it was with our Father, even the Father and God pertaining to this earth, is our lack of confidence in the Almighty, and our slothfulness in the things of God. Joseph the Prophet said that our
heavenly Father went on from one degree of knowledge to another until he obtained the knowledge that made him God. So also will it be with us, we shall have to advance from one degree of faith to another until we get that knowledge that will prepare us for exaltation in our Father's kingdom. But we must first prove ourselves in this state of probation, then we rise from step to step till we reach that position that is promised to the people of God.” (Journal of Discourses, vol. 9, p. 371)
38 That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.
"we will stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places" This scripture makes me think of the young women's motto. Something I have always loved. We must worship God no matter where we are or who we are with.
“When you walk with gratitude, you do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, you walk with a spirit of thanksgiving that is becoming to you and will bless your lives (Gordon B. Hinckley)
Said the Greek philosopher Epictetus, “He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has"
See talk HERE
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
In Thee Is My Joy
Alma 32:
23 And now, he imparteth his word by angels unto men, yea, not only men but women also. Now this is not all; little children do have words given unto them
many times, which confound the wise and the learned.
President Joseph F. Smith said, “When messengers are sent to minister to the inhabitants of this earth, they are not strangers, but from the ranks of our kindred, friends, and fellow-beings and fellow-servants. The ancient prophets who died were those who came to visit their fellow creatures upon the earth. . . . In like manner our fathers and mothers, brothers, sisters and friends who have passed away from this earth, having been faithful, and worthy to enjoy these rights and privileges, may have a mission given them to visit their relatives and friends upon the earth again, bringing from the divine Presence messages of love, of warning, or reproof and instruction, to those whom they had learned to love in the flesh.” (Bruce D. Hafen, The Believing Heart, p. 101)
I have always loved this verse. I think because women, and children especially are not given enough credit. Youth does not always denote ignorance. Joseph Smith was 14 years old when he had the 1st vision. God is no respecter of persons and sometimes those with more earthly experience are too proud to recognize things of eternal significance. God speaks to the old as well as the young-men and women alike. Messages come not by years, but by desire and preparation.
27 But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.
Gordon B. Hinckley: “Far more of us need to awake and arouse our faculties to an awareness of the great everlasting truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Each of us can do a little better than we have been doing. We can be a little more kind. We can be a little more merciful. We can be a little more forgiving. We can put behind us our weaknesses of the past, and go forth with new energy and increased resolution to improve the world about us, in our homes, in our places of employment, in our social activities. We have work to do, you and I, so very much of it. Let us roll up our sleeves and get at it, with a new commitment, putting our trust in the Lord.” (Church News, 04/08/95)
Alma 33:
8 Yea, thou art merciful unto thy children when they cry unto thee, to be heard of thee and not of men, and thou wilt hear them.
9 Yea, O God, thou hast been merciful unto me, and heard my cries in the midst of thy congregations.
11 And thou didst hear me because of mine afflictions and my sincerity; and it is because of thy Son that thou hast been thus merciful unto me, therefore I will cry unto thee in all mine afflictions, for in thee is my joy; for thou hast turned thy judgments away from me, because of thy Son.
God hears and answers prayers. I love how plain these verses are. Alma is quoting Zenos -I am a big fan of quoting prophets. Smart guys. I especially love verse 11. In thee is my joy. Through the atonement of Jesus Christ we can find joy through all of our afflictions. We can find forgiveness for our mistakes. We can find comfort in our pain and we always have someone to listen. Through Jesus Christ we can understand and see our trials through the lens of eternity.
23 And now, he imparteth his word by angels unto men, yea, not only men but women also. Now this is not all; little children do have words given unto them
many times, which confound the wise and the learned.
President Joseph F. Smith said, “When messengers are sent to minister to the inhabitants of this earth, they are not strangers, but from the ranks of our kindred, friends, and fellow-beings and fellow-servants. The ancient prophets who died were those who came to visit their fellow creatures upon the earth. . . . In like manner our fathers and mothers, brothers, sisters and friends who have passed away from this earth, having been faithful, and worthy to enjoy these rights and privileges, may have a mission given them to visit their relatives and friends upon the earth again, bringing from the divine Presence messages of love, of warning, or reproof and instruction, to those whom they had learned to love in the flesh.” (Bruce D. Hafen, The Believing Heart, p. 101)
I have always loved this verse. I think because women, and children especially are not given enough credit. Youth does not always denote ignorance. Joseph Smith was 14 years old when he had the 1st vision. God is no respecter of persons and sometimes those with more earthly experience are too proud to recognize things of eternal significance. God speaks to the old as well as the young-men and women alike. Messages come not by years, but by desire and preparation.
27 But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.
Gordon B. Hinckley: “Far more of us need to awake and arouse our faculties to an awareness of the great everlasting truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Each of us can do a little better than we have been doing. We can be a little more kind. We can be a little more merciful. We can be a little more forgiving. We can put behind us our weaknesses of the past, and go forth with new energy and increased resolution to improve the world about us, in our homes, in our places of employment, in our social activities. We have work to do, you and I, so very much of it. Let us roll up our sleeves and get at it, with a new commitment, putting our trust in the Lord.” (Church News, 04/08/95)
Alma 33:
8 Yea, thou art merciful unto thy children when they cry unto thee, to be heard of thee and not of men, and thou wilt hear them.
9 Yea, O God, thou hast been merciful unto me, and heard my cries in the midst of thy congregations.
11 And thou didst hear me because of mine afflictions and my sincerity; and it is because of thy Son that thou hast been thus merciful unto me, therefore I will cry unto thee in all mine afflictions, for in thee is my joy; for thou hast turned thy judgments away from me, because of thy Son.
God hears and answers prayers. I love how plain these verses are. Alma is quoting Zenos -I am a big fan of quoting prophets. Smart guys. I especially love verse 11. In thee is my joy. Through the atonement of Jesus Christ we can find joy through all of our afflictions. We can find forgiveness for our mistakes. We can find comfort in our pain and we always have someone to listen. Through Jesus Christ we can understand and see our trials through the lens of eternity.
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