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.
Showing posts with label Repentance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Repentance. Show all posts
Thursday, January 5, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
We Will Go
Alma 27:
10: But the king said unto him; Inquire of the Lord, and if he saith unto us go, we will go; Otherwise we will perish in the land.
I love the king's faith in this verse. It stands out to me because I so often struggle. I inquire of the Lord but I don't always act on what I'm told. My lack of faith sometimes keeps me asking the same questions over and over again and not acting on the answers I receive. But it's stated so plainly here- If the Lord saith go, we will go. When the Lord tells me to go, I will go.
17 Now the joy of Ammon was so great even that he was full; yea, he was swallowed up in the joy of his God, even to the exhausting of his strength; and he fell again to the earth.
"A fullness of joy is found only among resurrected, exalted beings… In mortality men experience joy only in righteousness – that is, in obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel – the gospel being the “glad tidings of great joy.” Joy is characteristic of the presence of the Holy Ghost, from whom it comes. It is experienced only when the Spirit is present, and that most acutely in the manifestation that our sins have been remitted, in the knowledge that our path is pleasing to and approved of God, and in our helping others find the way to light and salvation." DCBM, 3:188-89
23 And behold, we will set our armies between the land Jershon and the land Nephi, that we may protect our brethren in the land Jershon; and this we do for our brethren, on account of their fear to take up arms against their brethren lest they should commit sin; and this their great fear came because of their sore repentance which they had, on account of their many murders and their awful wickedness.
I love this verse because of the character of the Nephites. They truly understand the atonement and the doctrine of repentance. They willingly give up part of their lands and offer their own lives to protect these Lamanites- the same lamanites who have, with their own hands, killed family and friends of the Nephites. The Nephites know the past sins of the Lamanites and yet they forgive them and offer protection. Protection from what many would say they deserved as payment for their past crimes. But these Lamanites have changed, they have even stopped calling themselves Lamanites. They have repented and become new creatures in Christ. What I find remarkable is that the Nephies were able to ALLOW them to change. So often people change, but those around them can't accept it. They can't let go of past hurts. They won't forget the injury of injustice caused by this person's actions. Those people do not understand the full measure of Christ's atonement. If he can forgive these people their murders how can we not forgive much smaller offenses?
28 And they did look upon shedding the blood of their brethren with the greatest abhorrence; and they never could be prevailed upon to take up arms against their brethren; and they never did look upon death with any degree of terror, for their hope and views of Christ and the resurrection; therefore, death was swallowed up to them by the victory of Christ over it.
Russell M. Nelson:
"The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life… As seedlings of God, we barely blossom on earth; we fully flower in heaven… Think of the alternative [to death]. If all sixty-nine billion people who have ever lived on earth were still here, imaging the traffic jam!... Scriptures teach that death is essential to happiness: Our limited perspective would be enlarged if we could witness the reunion on the other side of the veil, when doors of death open to those returning home… We need not look upon death as an enemy… I know by experiences too sacred to relate that those who have gone before are not strangers to leaders of this Church. To us and to you, our loved ones may be just as close as the next room – separated only by the doors of death." Ensign, May 1992, 72-74
10: But the king said unto him; Inquire of the Lord, and if he saith unto us go, we will go; Otherwise we will perish in the land.
I love the king's faith in this verse. It stands out to me because I so often struggle. I inquire of the Lord but I don't always act on what I'm told. My lack of faith sometimes keeps me asking the same questions over and over again and not acting on the answers I receive. But it's stated so plainly here- If the Lord saith go, we will go. When the Lord tells me to go, I will go.
17 Now the joy of Ammon was so great even that he was full; yea, he was swallowed up in the joy of his God, even to the exhausting of his strength; and he fell again to the earth.
"A fullness of joy is found only among resurrected, exalted beings… In mortality men experience joy only in righteousness – that is, in obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel – the gospel being the “glad tidings of great joy.” Joy is characteristic of the presence of the Holy Ghost, from whom it comes. It is experienced only when the Spirit is present, and that most acutely in the manifestation that our sins have been remitted, in the knowledge that our path is pleasing to and approved of God, and in our helping others find the way to light and salvation." DCBM, 3:188-89
23 And behold, we will set our armies between the land Jershon and the land Nephi, that we may protect our brethren in the land Jershon; and this we do for our brethren, on account of their fear to take up arms against their brethren lest they should commit sin; and this their great fear came because of their sore repentance which they had, on account of their many murders and their awful wickedness.
I love this verse because of the character of the Nephites. They truly understand the atonement and the doctrine of repentance. They willingly give up part of their lands and offer their own lives to protect these Lamanites- the same lamanites who have, with their own hands, killed family and friends of the Nephites. The Nephites know the past sins of the Lamanites and yet they forgive them and offer protection. Protection from what many would say they deserved as payment for their past crimes. But these Lamanites have changed, they have even stopped calling themselves Lamanites. They have repented and become new creatures in Christ. What I find remarkable is that the Nephies were able to ALLOW them to change. So often people change, but those around them can't accept it. They can't let go of past hurts. They won't forget the injury of injustice caused by this person's actions. Those people do not understand the full measure of Christ's atonement. If he can forgive these people their murders how can we not forgive much smaller offenses?
28 And they did look upon shedding the blood of their brethren with the greatest abhorrence; and they never could be prevailed upon to take up arms against their brethren; and they never did look upon death with any degree of terror, for their hope and views of Christ and the resurrection; therefore, death was swallowed up to them by the victory of Christ over it.
Russell M. Nelson:
"The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life… As seedlings of God, we barely blossom on earth; we fully flower in heaven… Think of the alternative [to death]. If all sixty-nine billion people who have ever lived on earth were still here, imaging the traffic jam!... Scriptures teach that death is essential to happiness: Our limited perspective would be enlarged if we could witness the reunion on the other side of the veil, when doors of death open to those returning home… We need not look upon death as an enemy… I know by experiences too sacred to relate that those who have gone before are not strangers to leaders of this Church. To us and to you, our loved ones may be just as close as the next room – separated only by the doors of death." Ensign, May 1992, 72-74
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
His Arm is Extended to All...
Alma 18:
10: Now when king Lamoni heard that Ammon was preparing his horses and his chariots he was more astonished, because of the faithfulness of Ammon, saying: surely there has not been any servant among all my servants that has been so faithful as this man; for even he doth remember all my commandments to execute them.
I hope to one day be that kind of servant, to remember ALL the commandments of God. Some days are better than others but I am not perfect yet. I can remember the big ones but the smaller ones are much harder- "have charity" "be of good cheer" "fear not"...those are the ones that I forget.
32: And Ammon said: Yea, and he looketh down upon all the children of men; and he knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart; for by his hand were they all created from the beginning.
I love all reminders that we were created by God, in his image and that he knows each of us individually. He knows our thoughts and the intents of our hearts. He knows our joys and our pains and he is always there for his children.
Alma 19
36 And thus the work of the Lord did commence among the Lamanites; thus the Lord did begin to pour out his Spirit upon them; and we see that his arm is extended to all people who will repent and believe on his name.
Those who chose to hear the words of Ammon and King Lamoni were blessed with the knowledge of their Savior. Again we see a true conversion of a king who killed his servants because someone else scattered their flock...this man really had no regard for human life, and yet the Lord loved him enough to send Ammon to teach him. The king repents and is forgiven. Everyone can repent and be forgiven. Not one person I know is unworthy of speaking with their Father in Heaven, confessing their sins, and starting with a clean slate. The word ALL means ALL. Not most or some but anyone.
10: Now when king Lamoni heard that Ammon was preparing his horses and his chariots he was more astonished, because of the faithfulness of Ammon, saying: surely there has not been any servant among all my servants that has been so faithful as this man; for even he doth remember all my commandments to execute them.
I hope to one day be that kind of servant, to remember ALL the commandments of God. Some days are better than others but I am not perfect yet. I can remember the big ones but the smaller ones are much harder- "have charity" "be of good cheer" "fear not"...those are the ones that I forget.
32: And Ammon said: Yea, and he looketh down upon all the children of men; and he knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart; for by his hand were they all created from the beginning.
I love all reminders that we were created by God, in his image and that he knows each of us individually. He knows our thoughts and the intents of our hearts. He knows our joys and our pains and he is always there for his children.
Alma 19
36 And thus the work of the Lord did commence among the Lamanites; thus the Lord did begin to pour out his Spirit upon them; and we see that his arm is extended to all people who will repent and believe on his name.
Those who chose to hear the words of Ammon and King Lamoni were blessed with the knowledge of their Savior. Again we see a true conversion of a king who killed his servants because someone else scattered their flock...this man really had no regard for human life, and yet the Lord loved him enough to send Ammon to teach him. The king repents and is forgiven. Everyone can repent and be forgiven. Not one person I know is unworthy of speaking with their Father in Heaven, confessing their sins, and starting with a clean slate. The word ALL means ALL. Not most or some but anyone.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Strengthened in the Lord
Alma 15:
In this chapter Alma and Amulek leave the city and find all the people who believe their words and were chased out of the city and stoned. With these people is Zeezrom- the awful attorney who tried to twist their words and have them arrested...this is the guy who riled everyone up ultimately causing the death of women and children and the imprisonment of Alma and Amulek.
3 And also Zeezrom lay sick at Sidom, with a burning fever, which was caused by the great tribulations of his mind on account of his wickedness, for he supposed that Alma and Amulek were no more; and he supposed that they had been slain because of his iniquity. And this great sin, and his many other sins, did harrow up his mind until it did become exceedingly sore, having no deliverance; therefore he began to be scorched with a burning heat.
Boyd K. Packer: “I recently asked a doctor of family medicine how much of his time was devoted purely to correcting physical disorders. He has a large practice, and after thoughtfully considering, he answered, ‘Not more than 20 percent. The rest of the time I seem to be working on problems that very much affect the physical well-being of my patients but do not originate in the body. ’These physical disorders,’ the doctor concluded, ‘are merely symptoms of some other kind of trouble.’… There is another part of us, not so tangible, but quite as real as our physical body. This intangible part of us is described as mind, emotion, intellect, temperament, and many other things. Very seldom is it described as spiritual. But there is a spirit in man; to ignore it is to ignore reality. There are spiritual disorders, too, and spiritual diseases that can cause intense suffering. The body and the spirit of man are bound together. Often, very often, when there are disorders, it is very difficult to tell which is which.” (Ensign, Nov. 1977, p. 59 as taken from the BOM Institute Manual,1981, p. 240)
4 Now, when he heard that Alma and Amulek were in the land of Sidom, his heart began to take courage; and he sent a message immediately unto them, desiring them to come unto him.
5 And it came to pass that they went immediately, obeying the message which he had sent unto them; and they went in unto the house unto Zeezrom; and they found him upon his bed, sick, being very low with a burning fever; and his mind also was exceedingly sore because of his iniquities; and when he saw them he stretched forth his hand, and besought them that they would heal him.
6 And it came to pass that Alma said unto him, taking him by the hand: Believest thou in the power of Christ unto salvation?
-Alma approaches him and not only speaks to him without any anger or a grudge of any kind, knowing this man's mistakes, he takes him by the hand....a sign of affection and mercy.
7 And he answered and said: Yea, I believe all the words that thou hast taught.
8 And Alma said: If thou believest in the redemption of Christ thou canst be healed.
9 And he said: Yea, I believe according to thy words.
10 And then Alma cried unto the Lord, saying: O Lord our God, have mercy on this man, and heal him according to his faith which is in Christ.
11 And when Alma had said these words, Zeezrom leaped upon his feet, and began to walk; and this was done to the great astonishment of all the people; and the knowledge of this went forth throughout all the land of Sidom.
12 And Alma baptized Zeezrom unto the Lord; and he began from that time forth to preach unto the people.
“That Zeezrom proves himself in the eyes of his mentor, Alma, is confirmed by the fact that he
regularly appears in the accounts of Alma’s ministry as one of his most trusted and reliable companions and fellow servants. Years after the events in Ammonihah and Sidom, when Alma undertakes one of the most difficult challenges of his life’s ministry-the conversion of the Zoramites-Zeezrom is chosen along with Ammon, Aaron, Omner, Amulek, and two of Alma’s sons to be a part of this seasoned missionary force (see Alma 31:6).” (Heroes From the Book of Mormon, pp. 118-9))
Zeezrom becomes a missionary- a great one!! Everything Alma and Amulek went through had a purpose- A further testimony that all things shall be for our good. There is a purpose to life and a purpose for all we go through, and the people who come into our lives can help us to become the best version of ourselves- if we let them.
16 And it came to pass that Alma and Amulek, Amulek having forsaken all his gold, and silver, and his precious things, which were in the land of Ammonihah, for the word of God, he being rejected by those who were once his friends and also by his father and his kindred;
18 Now as I said, Alma having seen all these things, therefore he took Amulek and came over to the land of Zarahemla, and took him to his own house, and did administer unto him in his tribulations, and strengthened him in the Lord.
Amulek is having a hard time. He has left his home and his posessions. He was a wealthy man. He has walked away from everything he has known, including his family and friends. He is alone and penniless for the sake of the Gospel. And I love in 18- Alma is a compassionate friend. He takes him back to his own home and listens. He comforts Amulek in his trial and shares his testimony. He strengthens Amulek as each one of us should do for our friends. I imagine after being imprisoned and mistreated together and having witnessed many miracles together that Alma and Amulek are more like brothers than just mission companions...I wouldn't mind having Alma on my list of friends.
In this chapter Alma and Amulek leave the city and find all the people who believe their words and were chased out of the city and stoned. With these people is Zeezrom- the awful attorney who tried to twist their words and have them arrested...this is the guy who riled everyone up ultimately causing the death of women and children and the imprisonment of Alma and Amulek.
3 And also Zeezrom lay sick at Sidom, with a burning fever, which was caused by the great tribulations of his mind on account of his wickedness, for he supposed that Alma and Amulek were no more; and he supposed that they had been slain because of his iniquity. And this great sin, and his many other sins, did harrow up his mind until it did become exceedingly sore, having no deliverance; therefore he began to be scorched with a burning heat.
Boyd K. Packer: “I recently asked a doctor of family medicine how much of his time was devoted purely to correcting physical disorders. He has a large practice, and after thoughtfully considering, he answered, ‘Not more than 20 percent. The rest of the time I seem to be working on problems that very much affect the physical well-being of my patients but do not originate in the body. ’These physical disorders,’ the doctor concluded, ‘are merely symptoms of some other kind of trouble.’… There is another part of us, not so tangible, but quite as real as our physical body. This intangible part of us is described as mind, emotion, intellect, temperament, and many other things. Very seldom is it described as spiritual. But there is a spirit in man; to ignore it is to ignore reality. There are spiritual disorders, too, and spiritual diseases that can cause intense suffering. The body and the spirit of man are bound together. Often, very often, when there are disorders, it is very difficult to tell which is which.” (Ensign, Nov. 1977, p. 59 as taken from the BOM Institute Manual,1981, p. 240)
4 Now, when he heard that Alma and Amulek were in the land of Sidom, his heart began to take courage; and he sent a message immediately unto them, desiring them to come unto him.
He hears that Alma and Amulek are there and he exercises his faith and incredible courage to ask these men to come to him. Because really, after what he has done, he probably should bury his head in the sand and not be wanting to see two men that he treated so poorly.
5 And it came to pass that they went immediately, obeying the message which he had sent unto them; and they went in unto the house unto Zeezrom; and they found him upon his bed, sick, being very low with a burning fever; and his mind also was exceedingly sore because of his iniquities; and when he saw them he stretched forth his hand, and besought them that they would heal him.
This verse is quite possibly one of my favorite. Why?
1. Alma and Amulek, could have held a grudge. But they didn't. He asked them to come and they didn't say "oh we'll get around to it sometime". They went immediately.
2. Zeezrom showed great humility by being able to ask these men to heal him. That would take a great amount of faith and humility to ask something of two men you tried so hard to hinder.
6 And it came to pass that Alma said unto him, taking him by the hand: Believest thou in the power of Christ unto salvation?
-Alma approaches him and not only speaks to him without any anger or a grudge of any kind, knowing this man's mistakes, he takes him by the hand....a sign of affection and mercy.
7 And he answered and said: Yea, I believe all the words that thou hast taught.
8 And Alma said: If thou believest in the redemption of Christ thou canst be healed.
9 And he said: Yea, I believe according to thy words.
10 And then Alma cried unto the Lord, saying: O Lord our God, have mercy on this man, and heal him according to his faith which is in Christ.
Perfect example of the atonement and what it can do for a person. Zeezrom has felt Godly sorrow, he asks for forgiveness and also asks to be healed. Alma no longer remembers Zeezrom's sin, or chooses not to. Then he asks the Lord for mercy on behalf of Zeezrom-that he may be healed according to his faith. Beautiful. When you consider all that Alma suffered because of the words of Zeezrom, to turn around and to forgive him so completely is incredible. What and example of charity.
11 And when Alma had said these words, Zeezrom leaped upon his feet, and began to walk; and this was done to the great astonishment of all the people; and the knowledge of this went forth throughout all the land of Sidom.
-He didn't just get up slowly like you would expect of someone who has been sick and nearly dying. He leaps out of his bed and walks. Makes me wonder- when I've been healed physically, emotionally, or spiritually, do I LEAP up and walk? Or do I sit and think about how sick I was or how terrible that experience was? I hope I leap. I hope I leap and cause all those around ME to be astonished and to spread the news through all the land of how great the healing power of the atonement can be!!
12 And Alma baptized Zeezrom unto the Lord; and he began from that time forth to preach unto the people.
“That Zeezrom proves himself in the eyes of his mentor, Alma, is confirmed by the fact that he
regularly appears in the accounts of Alma’s ministry as one of his most trusted and reliable companions and fellow servants. Years after the events in Ammonihah and Sidom, when Alma undertakes one of the most difficult challenges of his life’s ministry-the conversion of the Zoramites-Zeezrom is chosen along with Ammon, Aaron, Omner, Amulek, and two of Alma’s sons to be a part of this seasoned missionary force (see Alma 31:6).” (Heroes From the Book of Mormon, pp. 118-9))
Zeezrom becomes a missionary- a great one!! Everything Alma and Amulek went through had a purpose- A further testimony that all things shall be for our good. There is a purpose to life and a purpose for all we go through, and the people who come into our lives can help us to become the best version of ourselves- if we let them.
16 And it came to pass that Alma and Amulek, Amulek having forsaken all his gold, and silver, and his precious things, which were in the land of Ammonihah, for the word of God, he being rejected by those who were once his friends and also by his father and his kindred;
18 Now as I said, Alma having seen all these things, therefore he took Amulek and came over to the land of Zarahemla, and took him to his own house, and did administer unto him in his tribulations, and strengthened him in the Lord.
Amulek is having a hard time. He has left his home and his posessions. He was a wealthy man. He has walked away from everything he has known, including his family and friends. He is alone and penniless for the sake of the Gospel. And I love in 18- Alma is a compassionate friend. He takes him back to his own home and listens. He comforts Amulek in his trial and shares his testimony. He strengthens Amulek as each one of us should do for our friends. I imagine after being imprisoned and mistreated together and having witnessed many miracles together that Alma and Amulek are more like brothers than just mission companions...I wouldn't mind having Alma on my list of friends.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Nevertheless The Lord Did Hear Their Cries
Mosiah 21:15
"And now the Lord was slow to hear their cry because of their iniquities; nevertheless the Lord did hear their cries, and began to soften the hearts of the Lamanites that they began to ease their burdens; yet the Lord did not see fit to deliver them out of bondage"
Here the people of Limhi are suffering by the hand of the Lamanites and they are begging to Lord to remove their burden. It may sound harsh that the Lord does not answer this plea right away but these people had been warned. They were told they would suffer if they did not repent. But why let them suffer? Because repentance is not cheap or easy.
"The Lord who is patient and long-suffering even with evil may be equally slow to redeem the transgressor. The seeds of iniquity are not easily uprooted; time and suffering are a part of the healing process. The blessings of heaven are not cheaply obtained. One hardly merits the company of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and the exalted of all ages by the mere profession of faith or the lamentation for sin. A merely verbal repentance is hardly good training for the discipline necessary in keeping the commandments"
D&C 101:7-8 - 7
7. They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; therefore, the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the day of their trouble.
8. In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel; but, in the day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me.
I think we are all guilty of this sometime. We want to do what we want to do when we want to do it. We don't want someone to cramp our style or infringe upon our lifestyle. But when the tables turn and we need help or comfort then we fall upon our knees and beg the Lord for his help. But how fair is that. If you had a friend who never listened, never really talked to you and then one day came to your home and was begging you to sacrifice in order to do them a favor...how willing would you be to help the person who couldn't care less what you did the other 365 days of the year. That being said, I love the highlighted part of the scripture...'Nevertheless the Lord did hear their cries'. He does hear each one of us. But he also knows what is best for each of us and like any good parent, sometimes he has to allow us to cry in order for us to learn valuable lessons that will make us better in the end. We cannot have everything we want the instant we want it if we are going to be worthwhile individuals. He loves us, and because he loves us, our prayers sometimes remain unanswered.
"And now the Lord was slow to hear their cry because of their iniquities; nevertheless the Lord did hear their cries, and began to soften the hearts of the Lamanites that they began to ease their burdens; yet the Lord did not see fit to deliver them out of bondage"
Here the people of Limhi are suffering by the hand of the Lamanites and they are begging to Lord to remove their burden. It may sound harsh that the Lord does not answer this plea right away but these people had been warned. They were told they would suffer if they did not repent. But why let them suffer? Because repentance is not cheap or easy.
"The Lord who is patient and long-suffering even with evil may be equally slow to redeem the transgressor. The seeds of iniquity are not easily uprooted; time and suffering are a part of the healing process. The blessings of heaven are not cheaply obtained. One hardly merits the company of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and the exalted of all ages by the mere profession of faith or the lamentation for sin. A merely verbal repentance is hardly good training for the discipline necessary in keeping the commandments"
D&C 101:7-8 - 7
7. They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; therefore, the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the day of their trouble.
8. In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel; but, in the day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me.
I think we are all guilty of this sometime. We want to do what we want to do when we want to do it. We don't want someone to cramp our style or infringe upon our lifestyle. But when the tables turn and we need help or comfort then we fall upon our knees and beg the Lord for his help. But how fair is that. If you had a friend who never listened, never really talked to you and then one day came to your home and was begging you to sacrifice in order to do them a favor...how willing would you be to help the person who couldn't care less what you did the other 365 days of the year. That being said, I love the highlighted part of the scripture...'Nevertheless the Lord did hear their cries'. He does hear each one of us. But he also knows what is best for each of us and like any good parent, sometimes he has to allow us to cry in order for us to learn valuable lessons that will make us better in the end. We cannot have everything we want the instant we want it if we are going to be worthwhile individuals. He loves us, and because he loves us, our prayers sometimes remain unanswered.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Short and to the point...
The book of Enos:
Enos tells of his guilt and his struggle for forgiveness- his mighty prayer unto the Lord and then in v5-8 he says,
5. And there came a voice unto me, saying : Enos, they sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.
6. And I, Enos, knew that God could not lie; wherefore, my guilt was swept away.
7. And I said: Lord, how is it done?
8. And he said unto me: "because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen. And many years pass away before he shall manifest himself in the flesh; Wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made the whole"
Several things stand out to me here.
1. Enos knew the nature and character of God. He knew that he could not lie. He had faith in his word. So when he said Enos was forgiven, Enos was able to believe him and forgive himself. He didn't hold on to the guilt but put it behind him and moved forward with his life.
2. Enos has a conversation with God. Its not just a prayer where Enos asks for things and then runs away...he is receiving revelation.
3. Faith was the key to his forgiveness and peace of mind. without his faith in Christ, Enos could have prayed all year and never felt forgiven. But because of his faith, when the Lord said he was forgiven- he allowed himself to believe it and was able to feel clean. He could have just as easily beaten himself up over and over for past mistakes and said, like so many people do, "well I believe the Lord will forgive that person- but I should not have messed up. He can't possibly forgive me." but he didn't say that. He prayed, he received, he believed.
V 12 and 15 :
12. And it came to pass that after I had prayed and labored with all diligence, the Lord said unto me: I will grand unto thee according to they desires, because of thy faith.
15. Wherefore, I knowing that the Lord God was able to preserve our records, I cried unto him continually, for he had said unto me: whatsoever thing yes shall ask in faith, believing that ye shall receive in the name of Christ, ye shall receive it.
Again with Faith. Are we understanding how important it is in our life? I guess I always knew it was key but i didn't realize just how much control I have in determining the course of my life.
What does Enos teach us about faith?
1. We must ask.
2. We mus labor w/ ALL diligence
3. pray continually
4. believe you will receive
I think the only other thing I will add to this is in V12- "according to thy desires"...I don't think this means we get whatever we want if we follow these steps. But if we educate our desires- so that they are righteous desires and in line with the will of the Lord then yes we can have whatever we desire. The Lord wants us to be happy. But we must ask for things that are right for us and at the right time. We must pray continually so that we can align our will with that of the Lord- and then we will never ask for that which is not right for us.
V16-17:
16.And I had faith, and I did cry unto God that he would preserve the records; and he covenanted with me that he would bring them forth unto the Lamanites in his own due time.
17. And I, Enos, knew it would be according to the covenant which he had made; where for my soul did rest.
we learn:
1. the Lord communicates with his children
2. The Lord fulfills his promises
3. He fulfills his promises in his own due time
4. when you get and answer- your sould can be at rest
we cannot rush the Lord. Enos got what he wanted, it just wasn't on his time schedule. Once we have received our answers from the Lord we need to let go. Have faith in his promises and don't worry so much about when and how. The Lord sees the end from the beginning and he knows when and how things will happen.
He closes in V. 27 by saying,
...And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on the immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me; Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my father.
I can only hope to say the same thing when my time on this earth is complete.
" Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don't come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come." -Jeffrey R. Holland
Lesson: Have faith in the Lord's promises and wait on his timing.
Enos tells of his guilt and his struggle for forgiveness- his mighty prayer unto the Lord and then in v5-8 he says,
5. And there came a voice unto me, saying : Enos, they sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.
6. And I, Enos, knew that God could not lie; wherefore, my guilt was swept away.
7. And I said: Lord, how is it done?
8. And he said unto me: "because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen. And many years pass away before he shall manifest himself in the flesh; Wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made the whole"
Several things stand out to me here.
1. Enos knew the nature and character of God. He knew that he could not lie. He had faith in his word. So when he said Enos was forgiven, Enos was able to believe him and forgive himself. He didn't hold on to the guilt but put it behind him and moved forward with his life.
2. Enos has a conversation with God. Its not just a prayer where Enos asks for things and then runs away...he is receiving revelation.
3. Faith was the key to his forgiveness and peace of mind. without his faith in Christ, Enos could have prayed all year and never felt forgiven. But because of his faith, when the Lord said he was forgiven- he allowed himself to believe it and was able to feel clean. He could have just as easily beaten himself up over and over for past mistakes and said, like so many people do, "well I believe the Lord will forgive that person- but I should not have messed up. He can't possibly forgive me." but he didn't say that. He prayed, he received, he believed.
V 12 and 15 :
12. And it came to pass that after I had prayed and labored with all diligence, the Lord said unto me: I will grand unto thee according to they desires, because of thy faith.
15. Wherefore, I knowing that the Lord God was able to preserve our records, I cried unto him continually, for he had said unto me: whatsoever thing yes shall ask in faith, believing that ye shall receive in the name of Christ, ye shall receive it.
Again with Faith. Are we understanding how important it is in our life? I guess I always knew it was key but i didn't realize just how much control I have in determining the course of my life.
What does Enos teach us about faith?
1. We must ask.
2. We mus labor w/ ALL diligence
3. pray continually
4. believe you will receive
I think the only other thing I will add to this is in V12- "according to thy desires"...I don't think this means we get whatever we want if we follow these steps. But if we educate our desires- so that they are righteous desires and in line with the will of the Lord then yes we can have whatever we desire. The Lord wants us to be happy. But we must ask for things that are right for us and at the right time. We must pray continually so that we can align our will with that of the Lord- and then we will never ask for that which is not right for us.
V16-17:
16.And I had faith, and I did cry unto God that he would preserve the records; and he covenanted with me that he would bring them forth unto the Lamanites in his own due time.
17. And I, Enos, knew it would be according to the covenant which he had made; where for my soul did rest.
we learn:
1. the Lord communicates with his children
2. The Lord fulfills his promises
3. He fulfills his promises in his own due time
4. when you get and answer- your sould can be at rest
we cannot rush the Lord. Enos got what he wanted, it just wasn't on his time schedule. Once we have received our answers from the Lord we need to let go. Have faith in his promises and don't worry so much about when and how. The Lord sees the end from the beginning and he knows when and how things will happen.
He closes in V. 27 by saying,
...And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on the immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me; Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my father.
I can only hope to say the same thing when my time on this earth is complete.
" Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don't come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come." -Jeffrey R. Holland
Lesson: Have faith in the Lord's promises and wait on his timing.
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