Alma 26:
27-Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.
Ezra T. Benson said:
“There are times when you simply have to righteously hang on and outlast the devil until his depressive spirit leaves you. As the Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith: ‘thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if you endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high’ (DC 121:7-8). To press on in noble endeavors, even while surrounded by a cloud of depression, will eventually bring you out on top into the sunshine.” (Ensign, Nov. 1974 as
taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 290)
28 And now behold, we have come, and been forth amongst them; and we have been patient in our sufferings, and we have suffered every privation; yea, we have traveled from house to house, relying upon the mercies of the world—not upon the mercies of the world alone but upon the mercies of God.
29 And we have entered into their houses and taught them, and we have taught them in their streets; yea, and we have taught them upon their hills; and we have also entered into their temples and their synagogues and taught them; and we have been cast out, and mocked, and spit upon, and smote upon our cheeks; and we have been stoned, and taken and bound with strong cords, and cast into prison; and through the power and wisdom of God we have been delivered again.
I read this and I think how much the mission field has not changed. Some missions are not this hard, but I know many who have suffered similarly. I know missionaries who have been mocked and some who have been beaten. I know missionaries who have suffered emotionally the rest of their lives because of the persecution they faced while striving to bring souls to God. I have seen them suffer their afflictions patiently...some afflictions spanning decades. But I have also seen the power of God, if they have allowed it, to deliver them from those afflictions.
35 Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name.
In our daily lives we get discouraged and we face hard things. Sometimes we are mocked and emotionally or mentally beaten. Sometimes we imprison our own minds and talents with doubt and fear. But God can free us from all of this. He is a merciful being. If we follow his commandments and turn to him in all things, if we are patient in our suffering, he can and will deliver us from our afflictions.
Showing posts with label Trials. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trials. Show all posts
Monday, December 12, 2011
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.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Our Work Is Not Finished
Alma 14
This is one of my favorite chapters- So much to learn.
14:6-7
6 And it came to pass that Zeezrom was astonished at the words which had been spoken; and he also knew concerning the blindness of the minds, which he had caused among the people by his lying words; and his soul began to be harrowed up under a consciousness of his own guilt; yea, he began to be encircled about by the pains of hell.
7 And it came to pass that he began to cry unto the people, saying: Behold, I am guilty, and these men are spotless before God. And he began to plead for them from that time forth; but they reviled him, saying: Art thou also possessed with the devil? And they spit upon him, and cast him out from among them, and also all those who believed in the words which had been spoken by Alma and Amulek; and they cast them out, and sent men to cast stones at them.
Be careful what you say. People are listening. These scriptures show to me the power of words. Even if you regret what you've said and try to take it back, you may not be able to. The damage has been done and people will believe what they want to believe.
10-11:
10 And when Amulek saw the pains of the women and children who were consuming in the fire, he also was pained; and he said unto Alma: How can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames.
11 But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily against them at the last day.
Spencer W. Kimball: “Now, we find many people critical when a righteous person is killed, a young father or mother is taken from a family, or when violent deaths occur. Some become bitter when oft-repeated prayers seem unanswered. Some lose faith and turn sour when solemn administrations by holy men seem to be ignored and no restoration seems to come from repeated prayer circles. But if all the sick were healed, if all the righteous were protected and the wicked destroyed, the whole program of the Father would be annulled and the basic principle of the Gospel, free agency, would be ended. If pain and sorrow and total punishment immediately followed the doing of evil, no soul would repeat a misdeed. If joy and peace and rewards were instantaneously given the doer of good, there could be no evil -- all would do good and not because of the rightness of doing good. There would be no test of strength, no development of character, no growth of powers, no free agency, no controls. Should all prayers be immediately answered according to our selfish desires and our limited understanding, then there would
be little or no suffering, sorrow, disappointment, or even death; and if these were not, there would also be an absence of joy, success, resurrection, eternal life, and godhood. ("Tragedy or Destiny," Improvement Era, March 1966, pp. 180, 210 as taken from Daniel Ludlow, A Companion to Your Study of the Book of Mormon, p. 206)
12-13:
12 Now Amulek said unto Alma: Behold, perhaps they will burn us also.
13 And Alma said: Be it according to the will of the Lord. But, behold, our work is not finished; therefore they burn us not.
I love the faith of Alma, "be it according to the will of the Lord". He is not afraid. He is facing the possibility of being burned because of his testimony and he stands fearless in his charge to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. He knows his work is not finished and he has complete faith in the Lord to protect them.
22:
22 And many such things, yea, all manner of such things did they say unto them; and thus they did mock them for many days. And they did withhold food from them that they might hunger, and water that they might thirst; and they also did take from them their clothes that they were naked; and thus they were bound with strong cords, and confined in prison.
Their work was not done but the people were allowed to imprison them. They suffered great affliction, similar to Joseph Smith in liberty jail (D&C 121) They suffered this way for many days but they suffered patiently and without complain. With faith that the Lord would deliver. Then in the following verses the lawyers and judges come again to the prison to beat these men
25-27:
25 And it came to pass that they all went forth and smote them, saying the same words, even until the last; and when the last had spoken unto them the power of God was upon Alma and Amulek, and they rose and stood upon their feet.
26 And Alma cried, saying: How long shall we suffer these great afflictions, O Lord? O Lord, give us strength according to our faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance. And they broke the cords with which they were bound; and when the people saw this, they began to flee, for the fear of destruction had come upon them.
27 And it came to pass that so great was their fear that they fell to the earth, and did not obtain the outer door of the prison; and the earth shook mightily, and the walls of the prison were rent in twain, so that they fell to the earth; and the chief judge, and the lawyers, and priests, and teachers, who smote upon Alma and Amulek, were slain by the fall thereof.
Finally it is time for Alma to act. He has given these men chance enough and through his faith in the Lord he asks for strength to deliver himself from bondage.
"There was a rush and there was an earthquake. You notice that miracles are in the timing, not in the event. This was earthquake country. It’s not surprising that there was an earthquake, but just at that moment was when it was helpful. They all made a rush for the gate, so naturally they crowded the exit. They jammed the exit, nobody could get out, the gate collapsed, and they were all killed there. The only safe people were Alma and Amulek who stayed behind. The people tried to get as far from them as they could". Hugh Nibley. TBM, 2:350.
Alma and Amulek were delivered from prison and the word of the Lord was fulfilled. Amazing.
This is one of my favorite chapters- So much to learn.
14:6-7
6 And it came to pass that Zeezrom was astonished at the words which had been spoken; and he also knew concerning the blindness of the minds, which he had caused among the people by his lying words; and his soul began to be harrowed up under a consciousness of his own guilt; yea, he began to be encircled about by the pains of hell.
7 And it came to pass that he began to cry unto the people, saying: Behold, I am guilty, and these men are spotless before God. And he began to plead for them from that time forth; but they reviled him, saying: Art thou also possessed with the devil? And they spit upon him, and cast him out from among them, and also all those who believed in the words which had been spoken by Alma and Amulek; and they cast them out, and sent men to cast stones at them.
Be careful what you say. People are listening. These scriptures show to me the power of words. Even if you regret what you've said and try to take it back, you may not be able to. The damage has been done and people will believe what they want to believe.
10-11:
10 And when Amulek saw the pains of the women and children who were consuming in the fire, he also was pained; and he said unto Alma: How can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames.
11 But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily against them at the last day.
Spencer W. Kimball: “Now, we find many people critical when a righteous person is killed, a young father or mother is taken from a family, or when violent deaths occur. Some become bitter when oft-repeated prayers seem unanswered. Some lose faith and turn sour when solemn administrations by holy men seem to be ignored and no restoration seems to come from repeated prayer circles. But if all the sick were healed, if all the righteous were protected and the wicked destroyed, the whole program of the Father would be annulled and the basic principle of the Gospel, free agency, would be ended. If pain and sorrow and total punishment immediately followed the doing of evil, no soul would repeat a misdeed. If joy and peace and rewards were instantaneously given the doer of good, there could be no evil -- all would do good and not because of the rightness of doing good. There would be no test of strength, no development of character, no growth of powers, no free agency, no controls. Should all prayers be immediately answered according to our selfish desires and our limited understanding, then there would
be little or no suffering, sorrow, disappointment, or even death; and if these were not, there would also be an absence of joy, success, resurrection, eternal life, and godhood. ("Tragedy or Destiny," Improvement Era, March 1966, pp. 180, 210 as taken from Daniel Ludlow, A Companion to Your Study of the Book of Mormon, p. 206)
12-13:
12 Now Amulek said unto Alma: Behold, perhaps they will burn us also.
13 And Alma said: Be it according to the will of the Lord. But, behold, our work is not finished; therefore they burn us not.
I love the faith of Alma, "be it according to the will of the Lord". He is not afraid. He is facing the possibility of being burned because of his testimony and he stands fearless in his charge to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. He knows his work is not finished and he has complete faith in the Lord to protect them.
22:
22 And many such things, yea, all manner of such things did they say unto them; and thus they did mock them for many days. And they did withhold food from them that they might hunger, and water that they might thirst; and they also did take from them their clothes that they were naked; and thus they were bound with strong cords, and confined in prison.
Their work was not done but the people were allowed to imprison them. They suffered great affliction, similar to Joseph Smith in liberty jail (D&C 121) They suffered this way for many days but they suffered patiently and without complain. With faith that the Lord would deliver. Then in the following verses the lawyers and judges come again to the prison to beat these men
25-27:
25 And it came to pass that they all went forth and smote them, saying the same words, even until the last; and when the last had spoken unto them the power of God was upon Alma and Amulek, and they rose and stood upon their feet.
26 And Alma cried, saying: How long shall we suffer these great afflictions, O Lord? O Lord, give us strength according to our faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance. And they broke the cords with which they were bound; and when the people saw this, they began to flee, for the fear of destruction had come upon them.
27 And it came to pass that so great was their fear that they fell to the earth, and did not obtain the outer door of the prison; and the earth shook mightily, and the walls of the prison were rent in twain, so that they fell to the earth; and the chief judge, and the lawyers, and priests, and teachers, who smote upon Alma and Amulek, were slain by the fall thereof.
Finally it is time for Alma to act. He has given these men chance enough and through his faith in the Lord he asks for strength to deliver himself from bondage.
"There was a rush and there was an earthquake. You notice that miracles are in the timing, not in the event. This was earthquake country. It’s not surprising that there was an earthquake, but just at that moment was when it was helpful. They all made a rush for the gate, so naturally they crowded the exit. They jammed the exit, nobody could get out, the gate collapsed, and they were all killed there. The only safe people were Alma and Amulek who stayed behind. The people tried to get as far from them as they could". Hugh Nibley. TBM, 2:350.
Alma and Amulek were delivered from prison and the word of the Lord was fulfilled. Amazing.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Your Whole Soul
Mosiah 26:
13-14
13: And now the spirit of Alma was again troubled; and he went and inquired of the Lord what he should do concerning this matter, for he feared that he should do wrong in the sight of God.
14: And it came to pass that after he had poured out his whole soul to God, the voice of the Lord came to him...
I frequently am troubled by a million things every day. Am I going to school? where will I work? who will I date? Etc...small problems to big problems we all are troubled sometimes. But I love that Alma doesn't just sit and stew about his problem, he's thought it out and takes the problem to the Lord.
Lesson: The Lord is the answer to all our troubles, big or small
I love that it says that Alma Poured out his whole soul. That is not a memorized prayer. That is not a 2 second prayer. That is a heartfelt conversation. I think my prayers need to be more of an outpouring of my soul rather than a prayer. I am not even sure I know what it feels like to pour out my WHOLE soul. I do know that its work, its effort- we can't just have everything by simply saying please. We must show that we are sincere in our desires. I also love that his answer comes AFTER he has shown this pouring of faith. He hears the voice of the Lord.
Lesson: sincere prayer brings answers
The next few verses in the chapter are Alma's answer. But his answer doesn't come immediately. The Lord tells him other things before he gets to the answer Alma was seeking. The important thing to take away is that Alma keeps listening. I think sometimes we get caught up in what we want to hear that we neglect all the other things we need to hear. The Lord starts to speak and we tune him out because its not the exact answer to the questions we've asked. But if we wait, the Lord will answer us in the best way possible.
13-14
13: And now the spirit of Alma was again troubled; and he went and inquired of the Lord what he should do concerning this matter, for he feared that he should do wrong in the sight of God.
14: And it came to pass that after he had poured out his whole soul to God, the voice of the Lord came to him...
I frequently am troubled by a million things every day. Am I going to school? where will I work? who will I date? Etc...small problems to big problems we all are troubled sometimes. But I love that Alma doesn't just sit and stew about his problem, he's thought it out and takes the problem to the Lord.
Lesson: The Lord is the answer to all our troubles, big or small
I love that it says that Alma Poured out his whole soul. That is not a memorized prayer. That is not a 2 second prayer. That is a heartfelt conversation. I think my prayers need to be more of an outpouring of my soul rather than a prayer. I am not even sure I know what it feels like to pour out my WHOLE soul. I do know that its work, its effort- we can't just have everything by simply saying please. We must show that we are sincere in our desires. I also love that his answer comes AFTER he has shown this pouring of faith. He hears the voice of the Lord.
Lesson: sincere prayer brings answers
The next few verses in the chapter are Alma's answer. But his answer doesn't come immediately. The Lord tells him other things before he gets to the answer Alma was seeking. The important thing to take away is that Alma keeps listening. I think sometimes we get caught up in what we want to hear that we neglect all the other things we need to hear. The Lord starts to speak and we tune him out because its not the exact answer to the questions we've asked. But if we wait, the Lord will answer us in the best way possible.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Submit Cheerfully and With Patience
Mosiah 24
13: And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.
14: And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
It has always been interesting here that God hears the cries of his children but does not REMOVE the burden they are carrying. but instead strengthens his children so the load is not so heavy to bear. He strengthens them and their 'burden' is made light.
John Taylor said: “I do not desire trials. I do not desire affliction….I used to think, if I were
the Lord, I would not suffer people to be tried as they are. But I have changed my mind on that subject. Now I think I would, if I were the Lord, because it purges out the meanness and corruption that stick around the Saints, like flies around molasses….I have seen men tempted so sorely that finally they would say, ‘I’ll be damned if I’ll stand it any longer.’ Well, you will be damned if you do not…We have learned many things through suffering. We call it suffering. I call it a school of experience.” (The Gospel Kingdom, pp. 332-4 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 228)
Joseph Smith said: “[From Liberty Jail, in a time of anguish and deep suffering for the gospel’s sake, the Prophet Joseph Smith wrote the following message to the Saints] Dear
brethren, do not think that our hearts faint, as though some strange thing had happened unto us, for we have seen and been assured of all these things beforehand, and have an assurance of a better hope than that of our persecutors. Therefore God hath made broad our shoulders for the burden. We glory in our tribulation, because we know that God is with us, that He is our friend, and that he will save our souls.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 123 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 229)
Thomas S. Monson said: “Remember that this work is not yours and mine alone. It is the Lord’s work, and when we are on the Lord’s errand, we are entitled to the Lord’s help. Remember that the Lord will shape the back to bear the burden placed upon it.” (Ensign, May 1992, p. 48 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 229)
George Q. Cannon said: “My theory is that when a man is conscious or a people are conscious that he or they are in the path of duty, doing that which is right in the sight of God, they should always be happy, no matter what the circumstances may be which surround them. I think that God has created us to be happy, and my belief is that he placed happiness within the reach of all, and it is man’s own fault if he is not happy and does not enjoy himself every day of his life. This is one of my reasons for liking my religion…because it bestows full happiness and joy upon its believers. They can be happy in the midst of the most adverse circumstances; they can rejoice when their lives are imperiled.” (Gospel Truths, p. 125 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 228)
15: And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.
They submitted CHEERFULLY and with PATIENCE. They didn't complain but instead found joy in their lives even though times were hard. They waited on the timing of the Lord.
Neal A. Maxwell: Concerning his personal suffering, Joseph was promised, “Thy heart shall be enlarged.” An enlarged Joseph wrote from Liberty Jail, “It seems to me that my heart will always be more tender after this than ever it was before… I think I never could have felt as I now do if I had not suffered. Ensign, May 1992,387.
If we are serious about our discipleship, Jesus will eventually request each of us to do those very
things which are most difficult for us to do… Sometimes the best people have the worst experiences, because they are the most ready to learn. Church New, 10 Aug 2002. The submission of one’s will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God’s altar. The many other things we “give,” brothers and sisters, are actually the things He has already given or loaned to us. However, when you and I finally submit ourselves by letting our individual wills be swallowed up in God’s will, then we are really giving something to Him! It is the only possession which is truly ours to give! CR, Oct. 1995, 30)
13: And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.
14: And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
It has always been interesting here that God hears the cries of his children but does not REMOVE the burden they are carrying. but instead strengthens his children so the load is not so heavy to bear. He strengthens them and their 'burden' is made light.
John Taylor said: “I do not desire trials. I do not desire affliction….I used to think, if I were
the Lord, I would not suffer people to be tried as they are. But I have changed my mind on that subject. Now I think I would, if I were the Lord, because it purges out the meanness and corruption that stick around the Saints, like flies around molasses….I have seen men tempted so sorely that finally they would say, ‘I’ll be damned if I’ll stand it any longer.’ Well, you will be damned if you do not…We have learned many things through suffering. We call it suffering. I call it a school of experience.” (The Gospel Kingdom, pp. 332-4 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 228)
Joseph Smith said: “[From Liberty Jail, in a time of anguish and deep suffering for the gospel’s sake, the Prophet Joseph Smith wrote the following message to the Saints] Dear
brethren, do not think that our hearts faint, as though some strange thing had happened unto us, for we have seen and been assured of all these things beforehand, and have an assurance of a better hope than that of our persecutors. Therefore God hath made broad our shoulders for the burden. We glory in our tribulation, because we know that God is with us, that He is our friend, and that he will save our souls.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 123 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 229)
Thomas S. Monson said: “Remember that this work is not yours and mine alone. It is the Lord’s work, and when we are on the Lord’s errand, we are entitled to the Lord’s help. Remember that the Lord will shape the back to bear the burden placed upon it.” (Ensign, May 1992, p. 48 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 229)
George Q. Cannon said: “My theory is that when a man is conscious or a people are conscious that he or they are in the path of duty, doing that which is right in the sight of God, they should always be happy, no matter what the circumstances may be which surround them. I think that God has created us to be happy, and my belief is that he placed happiness within the reach of all, and it is man’s own fault if he is not happy and does not enjoy himself every day of his life. This is one of my reasons for liking my religion…because it bestows full happiness and joy upon its believers. They can be happy in the midst of the most adverse circumstances; they can rejoice when their lives are imperiled.” (Gospel Truths, p. 125 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 228)
15: And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.
They submitted CHEERFULLY and with PATIENCE. They didn't complain but instead found joy in their lives even though times were hard. They waited on the timing of the Lord.
Neal A. Maxwell: Concerning his personal suffering, Joseph was promised, “Thy heart shall be enlarged.” An enlarged Joseph wrote from Liberty Jail, “It seems to me that my heart will always be more tender after this than ever it was before… I think I never could have felt as I now do if I had not suffered. Ensign, May 1992,387.
If we are serious about our discipleship, Jesus will eventually request each of us to do those very
things which are most difficult for us to do… Sometimes the best people have the worst experiences, because they are the most ready to learn. Church New, 10 Aug 2002. The submission of one’s will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God’s altar. The many other things we “give,” brothers and sisters, are actually the things He has already given or loaned to us. However, when you and I finally submit ourselves by letting our individual wills be swallowed up in God’s will, then we are really giving something to Him! It is the only possession which is truly ours to give! CR, Oct. 1995, 30)
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