Alma 43:21
"But they were not armed with breastplates, nor shields- therefore, they were exceedingly afraid of the armies of the Nephites because of their armor, notwithstanding their number being so much greater than the Nephites."
The Nephites wore so much armor as they marched into battle. The Lamanites did not. Nephite armies were much more prepared to protect themselves against their enemies. They not only had physical armor, they were spiritually in tune with the Lord so they could receive help from Him. Even though the Lamanites outnumbered them, the Nephites were able to succeed because they had the Lord on their side.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Probationary Time
Alma 42:4
"And thus we see, that there was a time granted unto man to repent, yea, a probationary time, a time to repent and serve God."
Now is this probationary time. We are here so that we can repent, serve God, and show that we can follow Him. This is something that needs to happen each day, and each day we can become more and more like Him.
"And thus we see, that there was a time granted unto man to repent, yea, a probationary time, a time to repent and serve God."
Now is this probationary time. We are here so that we can repent, serve God, and show that we can follow Him. This is something that needs to happen each day, and each day we can become more and more like Him.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Golden Rule
Alma 41:14
"Therefore, my son, see that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy restored unto you again; ye shall have justice restored unto you again; ye shall have a righteous judgement restored unto you again; and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again."
This makes sense. If you want to have mercy, justice, righteous judgements, and good rewards, then you have to have these things towards everyone. It's so worth it to be kind and loving to all men.
"Therefore, my son, see that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy restored unto you again; ye shall have justice restored unto you again; ye shall have a righteous judgement restored unto you again; and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again."
This makes sense. If you want to have mercy, justice, righteous judgements, and good rewards, then you have to have these things towards everyone. It's so worth it to be kind and loving to all men.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
State Between
Alma 40:21
"But whether it be at his resurrection or after, I do not say; but this much I say, that there is a space between death and the resurrection of the body, and a state of the soul in happiness or in misery until the time which is appointed of God that the dead shall come forth, and be reunited, both soul and body, and be brought to stand before God, and be judged according to their works."
There is a state between death and resurrection where we are either happy, or miserable. Those who do good and follow the Savior are happy; those who choose against the Savior are not happy. I want to be happy during this time. I want to rest from my sorrows. I want to be able to share the gospel with the miserable.
"But whether it be at his resurrection or after, I do not say; but this much I say, that there is a space between death and the resurrection of the body, and a state of the soul in happiness or in misery until the time which is appointed of God that the dead shall come forth, and be reunited, both soul and body, and be brought to stand before God, and be judged according to their works."
There is a state between death and resurrection where we are either happy, or miserable. Those who do good and follow the Savior are happy; those who choose against the Savior are not happy. I want to be happy during this time. I want to rest from my sorrows. I want to be able to share the gospel with the miserable.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Pray in Your Heart
3 Nephi 20:1
"And it came to pass that he commanded the multitude that they should cease to pray, and also his disciples. And he commanded them that they should not cease to pray in their hearts."
Jesus Christ is teaching the Nephites here. Previously, they were all praying, but He told them to stop praying. He wanted to teach them some more. He commands them to never cease praying in their hearts. We must always have a prayer in our hearts. We should pray all throughout the day and earnestly plead with Heavenly Father to know what He would have us do. What better person to tell all your problems to? What better person to give advise, comfort, and peace?
"And it came to pass that he commanded the multitude that they should cease to pray, and also his disciples. And he commanded them that they should not cease to pray in their hearts."
Jesus Christ is teaching the Nephites here. Previously, they were all praying, but He told them to stop praying. He wanted to teach them some more. He commands them to never cease praying in their hearts. We must always have a prayer in our hearts. We should pray all throughout the day and earnestly plead with Heavenly Father to know what He would have us do. What better person to tell all your problems to? What better person to give advise, comfort, and peace?
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Sexual Sin is Bad!
Alma 39:5
"Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood to denying the Holy Ghost?"
Alma has this talk with his son Corianton because Corianton committed fornication. Alma explains to him how serious that sin is, and how desperately Corianton needs to repent. Sex is not to be played around with, because it created life. It is a sacred act only to be performed by Husband and Wife. In the world today, so many people have sex and see no problem with it. It has become a normal thing. It's crazy how people can commit a huge sin and not worry about it.
"Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood to denying the Holy Ghost?"
Alma has this talk with his son Corianton because Corianton committed fornication. Alma explains to him how serious that sin is, and how desperately Corianton needs to repent. Sex is not to be played around with, because it created life. It is a sacred act only to be performed by Husband and Wife. In the world today, so many people have sex and see no problem with it. It has become a normal thing. It's crazy how people can commit a huge sin and not worry about it.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Retaining Brightness
Alma 37:5
"And now behold, if they are kept they must retain their brightness; yea, and they will retain their brightness; yea, and also shall all the plates which do contain that which is holy writ."
The plates which contained the scriptures were kept bright. The writers took good care of the metals and made sure they would not dim. Literally they were shiny, but they held other light as well. The words of Christ bring light and knowledge to the reader. They fill you with warmth, joy, and understanding. But, that light can dim as well. We must continually read and study to we retain the brightness within us. We need to work on always having the light of Christ within us.
"And now behold, if they are kept they must retain their brightness; yea, and they will retain their brightness; yea, and also shall all the plates which do contain that which is holy writ."
The plates which contained the scriptures were kept bright. The writers took good care of the metals and made sure they would not dim. Literally they were shiny, but they held other light as well. The words of Christ bring light and knowledge to the reader. They fill you with warmth, joy, and understanding. But, that light can dim as well. We must continually read and study to we retain the brightness within us. We need to work on always having the light of Christ within us.
Friday, January 24, 2014
Change through Repentance
Alma 36:24
"Yea, and from that time even until now, I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste; that they might also be born of God, and be filled with the Holy Ghost."
Alma, in his youth, went about drawing people away from the Church. He committed all kinds of sin and did not care for the Church in any way. When he was visited by an angel of God and everything changed. Alma completely changed how he lived. He traveled and corrected his wrongs. He then devoted his life to missionary work because he wanted everyone to know what he knew and feel what he felt. He wanted all to be born of God as he had, and to be full of that pure joy. He went from extreme wickedness to extreme righteousness.
"Yea, and from that time even until now, I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste; that they might also be born of God, and be filled with the Holy Ghost."
Alma, in his youth, went about drawing people away from the Church. He committed all kinds of sin and did not care for the Church in any way. When he was visited by an angel of God and everything changed. Alma completely changed how he lived. He traveled and corrected his wrongs. He then devoted his life to missionary work because he wanted everyone to know what he knew and feel what he felt. He wanted all to be born of God as he had, and to be full of that pure joy. He went from extreme wickedness to extreme righteousness.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Submissive
Moses 4:2
"But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me- Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever."
Christ was willing to do whatever the Father wanted Him to do, and give the Father all the glory. Christ was truly submissive to the Father, and His personal wants where what the Father wanted. He chose to come to the earth and be our Savior because He loves the Father so much and loves each of us so much! I am so glad I chose to follow Him and that I choose to follow Him each day.
"But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me- Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever."
Christ was willing to do whatever the Father wanted Him to do, and give the Father all the glory. Christ was truly submissive to the Father, and His personal wants where what the Father wanted. He chose to come to the earth and be our Savior because He loves the Father so much and loves each of us so much! I am so glad I chose to follow Him and that I choose to follow Him each day.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Charity in Action
Alma 35:9
"And he breathed out many threatenings against him. And now the people of Ammon did not fear their words; therefore they did not cast them out, but they did receive all the poor of the Zoramites that came over unto them; and they did nourish them, and did clothe them, and did give unto them lands for their inheritance; and they did administer unto them according to their wants."
Even though some wicked Zoramites wanted the people of Ammon to cast out the Zoramite believers, they would not do it. Instead they embraced the people, clothed them, fed them, nourished them, housed them, and loved them! What a wonderful welcome! The people of Ammon were true followers of Christ and lived their lives with charity.
"And he breathed out many threatenings against him. And now the people of Ammon did not fear their words; therefore they did not cast them out, but they did receive all the poor of the Zoramites that came over unto them; and they did nourish them, and did clothe them, and did give unto them lands for their inheritance; and they did administer unto them according to their wants."
Even though some wicked Zoramites wanted the people of Ammon to cast out the Zoramite believers, they would not do it. Instead they embraced the people, clothed them, fed them, nourished them, housed them, and loved them! What a wonderful welcome! The people of Ammon were true followers of Christ and lived their lives with charity.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Work Today
Alma 34: 32
"For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors."
This chapter is full of good doctrine, but I thought this verse was a good one to share today. Today holds so much power. There are so many good things we can do today that will help me prepare for my judgement. This life is a preparatory life. We need to choose the right, be kind, and serve others each day. We need to fill our lives with the Spirit so we do what the Lord wants us to do. Some things just don't matter, but Spiritual preparation does!
"For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors."
This chapter is full of good doctrine, but I thought this verse was a good one to share today. Today holds so much power. There are so many good things we can do today that will help me prepare for my judgement. This life is a preparatory life. We need to choose the right, be kind, and serve others each day. We need to fill our lives with the Spirit so we do what the Lord wants us to do. Some things just don't matter, but Spiritual preparation does!
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Choices
Alma 30:8
"For thus saith the scripture: Choose ye this day, whom ye will serve."
We all have choices to make. We can choose so many things. One of our choices is who we will serve: God, or the Devil. It is such an important choice and will impact our eternity. We cannot force people to choose God, but we can teach them and hope they choose happiness.
"For thus saith the scripture: Choose ye this day, whom ye will serve."
We all have choices to make. We can choose so many things. One of our choices is who we will serve: God, or the Devil. It is such an important choice and will impact our eternity. We cannot force people to choose God, but we can teach them and hope they choose happiness.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Inquire of the Lord
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."
It's so simple: Inquire of the Lord. And yet, it takes so much faith and reliance on the Lord to answer. This king had lived for a long time going against the Lord. He never wanted to do that again. He and his people were willing to stay in their lands and be killed if it was what the Lord wanted them to do. He would not flee unless it was what the Lord wanted. We can be like this with decisions in our lives. Should we take this job? Should we move to this place? Inquire of the Lord. Ask Him and see what He thinks about it. He has our best interest in mind and will help us as we ask Him.
"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."
It's so simple: Inquire of the Lord. And yet, it takes so much faith and reliance on the Lord to answer. This king had lived for a long time going against the Lord. He never wanted to do that again. He and his people were willing to stay in their lands and be killed if it was what the Lord wanted them to do. He would not flee unless it was what the Lord wanted. We can be like this with decisions in our lives. Should we take this job? Should we move to this place? Inquire of the Lord. Ask Him and see what He thinks about it. He has our best interest in mind and will help us as we ask Him.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Humility
Alma 26:11
"But Ammon said unto him: I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God."
It is so easy to take credit for good things that happen to us. In reality, it's God who is making all these great things happen. He has a hand in our life, and He joys in making us happy. Shouldn't we give Him the credit He deserves and express gratitude daily? I want to seek the Lord's hand more in my daily life.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Alma 25:17
"And now behold, Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and Himni, and their brethren did rejoice exceedingly, for the success which they had had among the Lamanites, seeing that the Lord had granted unto them according to their prayers, and that he had also verified his word unto them in every particular."
The Lord does answer our prayers, especially if we pray for something that He wants too. These men prayed for missionary opportunities, and they certainly got them!
"And now behold, Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and Himni, and their brethren did rejoice exceedingly, for the success which they had had among the Lamanites, seeing that the Lord had granted unto them according to their prayers, and that he had also verified his word unto them in every particular."
The Lord does answer our prayers, especially if we pray for something that He wants too. These men prayed for missionary opportunities, and they certainly got them!
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Strong Faith and Courage
Alma 24:19
"And thus we see that, when these Lamanites were brought to believe and to know the truth, they were firm, and would suffer even unto death rather than commit sin; and thus we see that they buried their weapons of peace, or they buried the weapons of war, for peace."
This act took so much courage, faith, and complete trust in the Savior. These Lamanites did not doubt one bit that the Lord would protect them. Their enemies were on their way to kill them, but these people did not want to commit sin in killing. They would rather succumb to their enemies and die than to shed man's blood. They wanted to put their bloody past far behind them. What faith! They buried all their weapons and put their lives in God's hands.
"And thus we see that, when these Lamanites were brought to believe and to know the truth, they were firm, and would suffer even unto death rather than commit sin; and thus we see that they buried their weapons of peace, or they buried the weapons of war, for peace."
This act took so much courage, faith, and complete trust in the Savior. These Lamanites did not doubt one bit that the Lord would protect them. Their enemies were on their way to kill them, but these people did not want to commit sin in killing. They would rather succumb to their enemies and die than to shed man's blood. They wanted to put their bloody past far behind them. What faith! They buried all their weapons and put their lives in God's hands.
Friday, January 10, 2014
True Conversion
Alma 23:6-7
"...yea, I say unto you, as the Lord liveth, as many of the Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away.
For they became a righteous people; they did lay down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more, neither against any of their brethren."
These Lamanites accepted the Gospel into their lives and into their hearts. They completely changed their habits to live the Gospel. They never fell away, because they truly knew God and had no desire to go against Him. They were completely converted!
"...yea, I say unto you, as the Lord liveth, as many of the Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away.
For they became a righteous people; they did lay down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more, neither against any of their brethren."
These Lamanites accepted the Gospel into their lives and into their hearts. They completely changed their habits to live the Gospel. They never fell away, because they truly knew God and had no desire to go against Him. They were completely converted!
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Complete Faith
Alma 22:11
"And he said: Yea, I believe that the Great Spirit created all things, and I desire that ye should tell me concerning all these things, and I will believe thy words."
King Lamoni's father, the King over all the land, was so touched by Ammon that he wished to know about his teachings. Aaron teaches this king about God. The king feels the Spirit of the Lord and knows that what Aaron is teaching is true. This king had complete faith and was willing to give up everything to know more about God.
"And he said: Yea, I believe that the Great Spirit created all things, and I desire that ye should tell me concerning all these things, and I will believe thy words."
King Lamoni's father, the King over all the land, was so touched by Ammon that he wished to know about his teachings. Aaron teaches this king about God. The king feels the Spirit of the Lord and knows that what Aaron is teaching is true. This king had complete faith and was willing to give up everything to know more about God.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Preach the Scriptures
Alma 21:9
"Now Aaron began to open the scriptures unto them concerning the coming of Christ, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and that there could be no redemption for mankind save it were through the death and sufferings of Christ, and the atonement of his blood."
Aaron used the scriptures as the basis of his preaching. He knew the scriptures and knew what the people needed to learn.
"Now Aaron began to open the scriptures unto them concerning the coming of Christ, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and that there could be no redemption for mankind save it were through the death and sufferings of Christ, and the atonement of his blood."
Aaron used the scriptures as the basis of his preaching. He knew the scriptures and knew what the people needed to learn.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Power of Love
Alma 20:26
"And when he saw that Ammon had no desire to destroy him, and when he also saw the great love he had for his son Lamoni, he was astonished exceedingly, and said: Because this is all that thou hast desired, that I would release thy brethren, and suffer that my son Lamoni should retain his kingdom, behold, I will grant unto you that my son may retain his kingdom from this time and forever; and I will govern him no more-"
Lamoni's father almost killed Lamoni because he was angry. Ammon protected Lamoni, and this expression of his love softened Lamoni's father. That great love made a difference on an old king's heart. Love is so powerful and can do so much good.
"And when he saw that Ammon had no desire to destroy him, and when he also saw the great love he had for his son Lamoni, he was astonished exceedingly, and said: Because this is all that thou hast desired, that I would release thy brethren, and suffer that my son Lamoni should retain his kingdom, behold, I will grant unto you that my son may retain his kingdom from this time and forever; and I will govern him no more-"
Lamoni's father almost killed Lamoni because he was angry. Ammon protected Lamoni, and this expression of his love softened Lamoni's father. That great love made a difference on an old king's heart. Love is so powerful and can do so much good.
Monday, January 6, 2014
Endure
3 Nephi 15:9
"Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life."
It's not a free ride. We have to work for our salvation. We must endure and continually look to Christ for inspiration and guidance. We are blessed with a Prophet who preaches as Christ. We must follow the Prophet and live righteously if we want true joy.
"Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life."
It's not a free ride. We have to work for our salvation. We must endure and continually look to Christ for inspiration and guidance. We are blessed with a Prophet who preaches as Christ. We must follow the Prophet and live righteously if we want true joy.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Repent and Believe!
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."
The wicked Lamanites repented and believed in Christ. They were able to change themselves because of the Gospel. They became righteous and happy. All people can repent, change their ways, and come unto Christ. They just need to want it and work for it.
"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."
The wicked Lamanites repented and believed in Christ. They were able to change themselves because of the Gospel. They became righteous and happy. All people can repent, change their ways, and come unto Christ. They just need to want it and work for it.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Obedience
Alma 18:10
"Now when king Lamoni heard that Ammom 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."
Being obedient ans trustworthy are admirable characteristics. Ammon was able to teach Lamoni the gospel because he was a good servant. Lamoni was so impressed with the qualities Ammon had that he wanted to learn more about him and his power. Obedience is a great missionary tool. You never know who is watching you, or who you are being an example to.
"Now when king Lamoni heard that Ammom 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."
Being obedient ans trustworthy are admirable characteristics. Ammon was able to teach Lamoni the gospel because he was a good servant. Lamoni was so impressed with the qualities Ammon had that he wanted to learn more about him and his power. Obedience is a great missionary tool. You never know who is watching you, or who you are being an example to.
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