Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 31:16, 34-35

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 31:16, 34-35

"Holy God, we believe that thou hast separated us from our brethren; and we do not believe in the tradition of our brethren, which was handed down to them by the childishness of their fathers; but we believe that thou hast elected us to be thy holy children; and also thou hast made it known unto us that there shall be no Christ.

O Lord, wilt thou grant unto us that we may have success in bringing them again unto thee in Christ.

Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious, and many of them are our brethren; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren again unto thee."

In this chapter Alma leads a mission to the Zoramites. There he and his fellow missionaries to their great astonishment witness the perverted way the Zoramites worship in their synagogue. They would climb upon the high tower called the Rameumptom seat offering the same prayer. In this chapter it explains how this had came about, for they were once members of the church. 

"But they had fallen into great errors, for they would not observe to keep the commandments of God, and his statutes, according to the law of Moses.

Neither would they observe the performances of the church, to continue in prayer and supplication to God daily, that they might not enter into temptation."

(Almas 31:9-10)

This does make me appreciate the Handbook of Instructions being placed online by the church prior to this pandemic happening. For the people all can read it and not fall into gross errors and practices in the way that they worship in their homes. 

What struck me this time in reading the chapter was the vast difference between the Zoramites prayer and the prayer by Alma. It's sounds like the Zoramites are reciting the articles of faith instead of praying. They are giving statements of their beliefs to God. In fact I count five times they tell God what they believe, and never once ask God a questions or ask for his assistance in their lives, or the lives of others. They instead state how they have been elected above others and only then thank God for that in the closing of their prayer. Yeah, that would be a rather astonishing prayer to hear. 

In contrast Alma's prayer is full of desire on how they can help their brethren come to the truth. He does tell God what he is witnessing among the people and how sorrowful his heart is over it. He asks for comfort for his soul, and the souls of those serving with him. In all of Alma's prayer you see a personal relationship and need for his God. Where as the Zoramites have totally shut God out of their lives. This really reinforces the need for daily personal prayer, and how not having it we can shut God out of our lives.  

Day 1889

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 30:25

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 30:25
"Ye say that this people is a guilty and a fallen people, because of the transgression of a parent. Behold, I say that a child is not guilty because of its parents."

I had the hardest time finding which verse is my favorite today. That is because this chapter is so very rich with Alma dealing with Korihor, the anti-christ. I see so many parallels to our day, for our land is possessed with anti-christ's. This chapter also shows the signs that can lead a person that belongs to the church of God to fall away. So with that I selected this verse to ponder on because it is a snare towards that downward progression.

I have this in my notes on this scripture.

"Sometimes others claim that Latter-day Saints believe something that we don't believe. They claim that the false belief is false and then show that it is false. It has nothing to do with what we really believe but is an attempt to make us seem to be in error. Korihor did this to Giddonah: "This argument is called a straw man. That is, he attributed to Giddonah something that Giddonah does not believe - the idea that children inherit guilt through Adam's transgression. Korihor knows that he cannot fight truth fairly and come off victorious, so he attributes bad doctrine to Giddonah, a straw man to which he can give a good verbal licking."
(Joseph Fielding McConkie and Robert L. Millet, Sustaining and Defending the Faith [1985], 90)

I am so familiar with this tactic because I have a straw man that loves to come around and cause chaos. The only way to defeat them is to not respond to their invitation. This is exactly what we see happen in this chapter. After this and other lies are made by Korihor the high priest and chief judge do the right thing, "they would not make any reply to his words" (verse 29). Korihor is then bound and delivered to Alma, the chief judge. I find so many important steps in this. First, it shows the importance of knowing what true doctrine is, for if we do not, then the straw man could add confusion on what a person believes. Claiming your faith believes something when it doesn't, then you begin to open the door to doubts. The second is not to contend with such a person. Why? because the spirit will leave as false doctrine and lies are contentiously batted around you. It takes spiritual maturity to not jump in the midst of the fray. It is only pride that will make you think that you can win this battle. Leave such a person in the hands of the Lord, be it his judgment or those in authority, for this is what you are dealing with. For the anti-christ is hardly in a position to hear truth.

"Behold, I know that thou believest, but thou art possessed with a lying spirit, and ye have put off the Spirit of God that it may have no place in you; but the devil has power over you, and he doth carry you about, working devices that he may destroy the children of God."
(Alma 30:42)

Korihor then makes the grave mistake before Alma asking for a sign that there is a God (verse 48). I have two quotes on this verse about those that seek a sign. The first is by the Prophet Joseph Smith, "Whenever you see a man seeking after a sign, you may set it down that he is an adulterous man"
(History of the Church, 3:385)

The other I think is so pertinent to that slippery slope.

"President Joseph F. Smith (1838-1918) further explained the dangers of depending on miracles of our faith: "Show me Latter-day Saints who have to feed upon miracles, signs and visions in order to keep them steadfast in the Church, and I will show you members of the Church who are not in good standing before God, and who are walking in slippery paths"
(Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 7).

Had you ever thought of a person feeding on miracles, signs and visions being parallel to an anti-christ seeking a sign?

The last couple of days I have been somewhat obsessed with this news story involving people that claimed to be members of my faith. I was fascinated by this interview given by their friend, and that slippery slope that has lead this couple down to hell. A connecting thread was attending conferences and seminars that dwelt on the subject of the last days. They shared their personal revelations, dreams, and near death experiences. The weaker among them began to feed on the claims of others and take their "experiences" as new doctrine. I went back and read Elder M. Russell Ballard's, Oct 2017 General Conference talk "The Trek Continues!" and found all these warnings signs that applied to their situation. Now I see in this chapter and the quote by President Joseph F. Smith that there is true danger in feeding on the sensational, even if they are signs of your faith. The problem is thriving on them to keep your spirit going. In such a condition they have not entered into the rest of the Lord. They are open to becoming an anti-christ.

Day 1888

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 29:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 29:1-2
"O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!
Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth."
(Alma 29:1-2)

I love these verses, and the hymn that carries these words. This time though I reflected on the "voice of thunder" and the meaning those words would have had for Alma. He along with the sons of Mosiah had seen an angel of God, that spoke to them in the voice of thunder, and called them to repentance.

"And as I said unto you, as they were going about rebelling against God, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto them; and he descended as it were in a cloud; and he spake as it were the voice of thunder, which caused the earth to shake upon which they stood;"
(Mosiah 27:11)

"And behold, he spake unto us, as it were the voice of thunder, and the whole earth did tremble beneath our feet; and we all fell to the earth, for the fear of the Lord came upon us."
(Alma 26:7)

Later after serving his own mission, and having been cast out of the city of Ammonihah, this same angel appeared to him.

"And it came to pass that while he was journeying thither, being weighed down with sorrow, wading through much tribulation and anguish of soul, because of the wickedness of the people who were in the city of Ammonihah, it came to pass while Alma was thus weighed down with sorrow, behold an angel of the Lord appeared unto him saying:
Blessed art thou, Alma; therefore, lift up thy head and rejoice, for thou hast great cause to rejoice; for thou hast been faithful in keeping the commandments of God from the time which thou receivedst thy first message from him. Behold, I am he that delivered it unto you."
(Alma 8:15)

How Alma must have rejoiced at those words. How much deeper his dedication in preaching the gospel must have been. All he desired was to do more.



Day 1887

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 28:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 28:6
"And now surely this was a sorrowful day; yea, a time of solemnity, and a time of much fasting and prayer."

I was reading the news prior to reading my scriptures tonight and my heart was breaking. So much death and destruction and that's not even the pandemic going on. It seems one horrific news story after another and I just couldn't continue to read it. My scriptures are always my solace and that is what I turned to and here in this chapter is more death, destruction, and mourning. When I saw this verse I realized it was indeed time for much fasting and prayer. It is all that only as one person that I can do. I am grateful now that I have a purpose. Fast Sunday isn't for another week but no one says I have to wait.

Day 1886

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 27:27, 30

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 27:27, 30
"And they were among the people of Nephi, and also numbered among the people who were of the church of God. And they were also distinguished for their zeal towards God, and also towards men; for they were perfectly honest and upright in all things; and they were firm in the faith of Christ, even unto the end.
And thus they were a zealous and beloved people, a highly favored people of the Lord."

The other day an event in the news made me think of people that were over-zealous. I did a little research on where zeal is mentioned in the scriptures and found the zeal is not necessarily bad, but when it is out of balance they become over-zealous and soon do things on their time table and not the Lord's. This is where it appears they are incapable of thinking beyond the end of their noses. Zeniff is a good example of this.

"And ye all are witnesses this day, that Zeniff, who was made king over this people, he being over-zealous to inherit the land of his fathers, therefore being deceived by the cunning and craftiness of king Laman, who having entered into a treaty with king Zeniff, and having yielded up into his hands the possessions of a part of the land, or even the city of Lehi-Nephi, and the city of Shilom; and the land round about - "
(Mosiah 7:21)

"And yet, I being over-zealous to inherit the land of our fathers, collected as many as were desirous to go up to possess the land, and started again on our journey into the wilderness to go up to the land; but we were smitten with famine and sore affliction; for we were slow to remember the Lord our God."
(Mosiah 9:3)

The people of Ammon were a zealous people, but they stayed in remembrance of the Lord and sought to do his will. That is why they were so blessed. The Lord said to them "...blessed are this people in this generation, for I will preserve them." (Alma 28:12) The Lord did preserve them by bringing them out of the land. Later that blessing of protection extended to their sons the 2000 stripling warriors. This is a lesson in not becoming unbalanced in our lives.

Day 1885

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 26:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 26:3
"Behold, I answer for you; for our brethren, the Lamanites, were in darkness, yea, even in the darkest abyss, but behold, how many of them are brought to behold the marvelous light of God! And this is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work."

Ammon glories in the Lord and the marvelous miracle of the conversion of so many Lamanites. The Lamanites had a deeply rooted hatred of the Nephites due to the false traditions of the fathers. They were the cause of many wars and destruction among the Nephites. Once the sons of Mosiah were converted they desired to preach the gospel to the Lamanites. Some of the Nephites had said lets go to war with them and utterly destroy them from the face of the earth. But, the true answer was to convert them to the Lord. Ammon joy is full and he is praising the Lord for what has taken place.

I cannot help but see this is the light of a recent event that hurt my heart so badly. I have some Christian friends that were speaking so badly of one religion and were upset over food being provided for their holy days. How can you even do that? Let them practice their faith and if you believe in your God find a way to offer them more, even if its food as a start. You have to have a common ground to begin with. I am reminded of how Ammon approached teaching king Lamoni. He started with the great spirit that king Lamoni believed in and then said this was God.

I do wonder about this hatred of another faith. Would you not accept them as your brothers and sisters in Christ when these prophesies are being fulfilled among them?

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:"
(Acts 2:17) (Joel 2:28)

Day 1884

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 25:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 25:6
"For many of them, after having suffered much loss and so many afflictions, began to be stirred up to remembrance of the words which Aaaron and his brethren had preached to them in their land; therefore they began to disbelieve the traditions of their fathers, and to believe in the Lord, and that he gave great power unto the Nephites; and thus there were many of them converted in the wilderness."

I reflected on how this was both an amazing spiritual time and also a terrible time with much loss of life among the Lamanites. It was through the loss of life though that people's hearts were softened and they did turn to the Lord. I hope after this pandemic is over and life has stabilized that I will find myself closer to the Lord than I was when it started. That I would have grown in spiritual self-reliance, personal revelation, and have the spirit as my guide. All would be worth it then.

Day 1883

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 24:30

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 24:30
"And thus we can plainly discern, that after a people have been once enlightened by the Spirit of God, and have had great knowledge of things pertaining to righteousness, and then have fallen away into sin and transgression, they become more hardened, and thus their state becomes worse than though they had never known these things."

Sadly, I have seen that this is true by watching loved ones make this mistake. You cannot walk on neutral ground after making covenants. This is the note I have in my scriptures.

"A person who falls away from the Church after having been a member is typically "worse than [if] they had never known these things". The prophet Joseph Smith explained this position in a conversation with another member. A brother Isaac Behunin once told the Prophet Joseph Smith, "If I should leave this Church I would not do as those men have done: I would go to some remote place where Mormonism had never been heard of, settle down, and no one would ever learn that I knew anything about it."

"The great Seer immediately replied: 'Brother Behunin, you don't know what you would do. Before you joined this Church you stood on neutral ground. When the gospel was preached, good and evil were set before you. You could choose either or neither. There were two opposite master inviting you to serve them. When you joined this Church you enlisted to serve God. When you did that you left the neutral ground, and you never can get back on to it. Should you forsake the Master you enlisted to serve, it will be by the instigation of the evil one, and you will follow his dictation and be his servant."
(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 324)

Day 1882

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 23:6-7

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 23:6-7
"And as sure as the Lord liveth, so sure as many as believed, or as many as were brought to the knowledge of the truth, through the preaching of Ammon and his brethren, according to the spirit of revelation and of prophecy, and the power of God working miracles in them - 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."

What stood out to me was the passage that they, "never did fall away". Then I could see why. They were fully converted unto the Lord. Meaning they were not joining the church for its programs or because of their love for the missionaries. They were instead converted to the Lord, that is what was deep and abiding. That is what a good missionary would do. Not win converts to himself, but point the way to Jesus Christ.

The other reason they never fell away was they remained righteous and that takes a conscious effort to stay on the path. They also were peacemakers and appear to have avoided contention. They also did not fight against God. Which I take it they didn't rebel or challenge when told the word of the Lord, especially when it comes from a servant of God. When you lay down your weapons of rebellion I am reminded of giving up all our sins, even our favorite ones. Their hearts were broken and they were born again.

Day 1881

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 22:15

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 22:15
"And it came to pass that after Aaron had expounded these things unto him, the king said: What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may not be cast off at the last days? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy."

I am reminded of the earlier words of king Lamoni's father as he feared Ammon had the power to kill him.

"Now the king, fearing he should lose his life, said: If thou wilt spare me I will grant unto thee whatsoever thou wilt ask, even to half of the kingdom."
(Alma 20:23)

At that time his life over physical death was worth half of his kingdom. Yet when he is converted and desires eternal life it is worth all that he posses, including his kingdom. It is amazing the value things have considering which direction and master you are facing. We truly cannot be born again until we are willing to give up all our sins and that was the next step in king Lamoni's father conversion. 

"O God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee, and that I may be raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day. And now when the king had said these words, he was struck as if he were dead."
(Alma 22:18)

The king was then dead to the natural man within him and he was born again. When Aaron takes his hand and raises him the king begins to minister to them and his whole household is converted to the Lord. More than all the material possessions or status we may gain in this life, the giving up or all our sins, even our favorite sins, is what brings eternal life.

Day 1880

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 21:16-17

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 21:16-17
"And they went forth whithersoever they were led by the Spirit of the Lord, preaching the word of God in every synagogue of the Amalekites, or in every assembly of the Lamanites where they could be admitted.
And it came to pass that the Lord began to bless them, insomuch that they brought many to the knowledge of the truth; yea, they did convince many of their sins, and of the traditions of their fathers, which were not correct."

The key here is they went where they were led by the Spirit of the Lord. The Spirit would direct them in finding those prepared to receive the gospel. I pondered on how this pandemic could change so many hearts and make them receptive to the gospel of Jesus Christ. One thing is for sure a lot of families have been brought closer together during this time and that can soften hearts.

Day 1879

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 20:29

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 20:29
"And when Ammon did meet them he was exceedingly sorrowful, for behold they were naked, and their skins were worn exceedingly because of being bound with strong cords. And they also had suffered hunger, thirst, and all kinds of afflictions; nevertheless they were patient in all their sufferings."

This is in fulfillment of the words the Lord gave them at the start of their mission to the Lamanites.

"And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls."
(Alma 17:11)

I pondered on how different the experience of Ammon verses his brethren that were cast into prison and suffered many days there. One wasn't more righteous than the other. Both experiences were needed in the conversion of the Lamanites. When we are an instrument in the hands of the Lord we do not know in advance all that we will be called upon to experience. Once again I see the key is having patience, and the source of that strength comes from the Lord.

Day 1878

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 19:23

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 19:23
"Now we see that Ammon could not be slain, for the Lord had said unto Mosiah, his father: I will spare him, and it shall be unto him according to thy faith - therefore, Mosiah trusted him unto the Lord."

I pondered on how the Lord's promise to Mosiah, that his son would be spared, was vital in the conversion of the Lamanites. The promise was the will of the Lord. I love how it says "Mosiah trusted him unto the Lord."  I would take that to mean that he turned over any worry or concern for the welfare of his sons into the Lord's safe keeping. He trusted that they were in good hands. This is how Mosiah was to show his faith. Then peace would come to a father's heart in knowing that no matter what happened the life of his son would be spared.

Day 1877

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 18:5, 24-28

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 18:5, 24-28
"Now this was the tradition of Lamoni, which he had received from his father, that there was a Great Spirit. Notwithstanding they believed in a Great Spirit, they supposed that whatsoever they did was right; nevertheless, Lamoni began to fear exceedingly, with fear lest he had done wrong in slaying his servants;
And Ammon began to speak unto him with boldness, and said unto him: Believest thou that there is a God?
And he answered, and said unto him: I do not know what that meaneth.
And then Ammon said: Believest thou that there is a Great Spirit?
And he said, Yea.
And Ammon said: This is God. And Ammon said unto him again: Believest thou that this Great Spirit, who is God, created all things which are in Heaven and in the earth?"

I noticed in the first verse that king Lamoni believed in a Great Spirit but supposed whatever they did was right. Yet, now he fears thinking Ammon is the Great Spirit and that he had done wrong slaying his servants. I could see this as the light of Christ already working on king Lamoni. For the light of Christ will always testify of truth and by it man will always know right from wrong. It was making him receptive to hearing the message that Ammon would give and to feel the Holy Ghost as he speaks.

Then Ammon says the Great Spirit is God, which technically isn't true. For God does not believe that whatever we do is right. Ammon sets a wonderful teaching example. He taught Lamoni based on the knowledge he already had of a Supreme Being. He used that as common belief in the creator of the earth to then teach eternal truth. He did not destroy the knowledge Lamoni already had, but instead added to it. That is the invitation we need to extend to others.

In the words of President Gordon B. Hinckley.
"We say in a spirit of love, bring with you all that you have of good and truth which you have received from whatever source, and come and let us see if we may add to it. This invitation I extend to men and woman everywhere with my solemn testimony that this work is true, for I know the truth of it by the power of the Holy Ghost."
(President Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Marvelous Foundation of Our Faith", Oct 2002 General Conference)


Day 1876

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 17:11

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 17:11
"And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among the Lamanites, they brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, the ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls."

Learning patience is such a beautiful thing and I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to come on the other side of it. For in patience you come very close to the Lord because that is the only way you can endure the trial or affliction. Patience allows the spirit to direct our lives. As I was reading this I thought of people that say "There cannot be a God for why would he allow people to suffer?" These are not punishments they are opportunities to come to Christ and be one. These are chances for hearts to grow tender and see the hand of God in their lives, even when prayers are not answered the way we wanted. When I think of the sons of Mosiah and all that was accomplished by their service and mission to the Lamanites, the door would not have opened if they were not patient with long-suffering until the timing of the Lord was there. Their ability to serve even during trial set the example and filled others with the desire to be taught.

Day 1875

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 16:1, 5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 16:1, 5-6
"And it came to pass in the eleventh year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, on the fifth day of the second month, there having been much peace in the land of Zarahemla, there having been no wars nor contentions for a certain number of years, even until the fifth day of the second month in the eleventh year, there was a cry of war heard throughout the land.
Therefore, he that had been appointed chief captain over the armies of the Nephities, (and his name was Zoram, and he had two sons, Lehi and Aha) - now Zoram and his two sons, knowing that Alma was high priest over the church, and having heard that he had the spirit of prophecy, therefore they went unto him and desired of him to know whither the Lord would that they should go into the wilderness in search of their brethren, who had been taken captive by the Lamanites.
And it came to pass that Alma inquired of the Lord concerning the matter. And Alma returned and said unto them: Behold, the Lamanites will cross the river Sidon in the south wilderness, away up beyond the borders of the land of Manti. And behold there shall ye meet them, and the east of the river Sidon, and there the Lord will deliver unto thee thy brethren who have been taken captive by the Lamanites."

As I was reading this I pondered on the peace the world knew before this pandemic hit. Yes, we had contentions but there were no wars. Then out of no where this plague was released on the entire world. It has been a battle against the spread, cure, and now people battling against each other on how to handle it. I then thought how amazing it would be if someone asked President Russell M. Nelson, a prophet of God, how to end this?  He is a trained doctor after all.

I reflected on how Zoram and his sons knew Alma had the spirit of prophecy, for he had foretold the very destruction of the city and people of Ammonihah. They turned to a prophet to understand the will of the Lord and where they should go to rescue their brethren that were being held captive. Well that sounds like us. The impression came to me to see if President Nelson had made any prophesies on plagues or destruction before this. I got on the church website to look and that search didn't happen. For I found his latest message on the home page, "President Nelson Urges Caution amid COVID-19 Pandemic". Those words are his counsel from the Lord - Be Cautious.

These are the messages that stood out to me in his video.
"We will continue to be prayerful and proceed with an abundance of caution..
As we cautiously move forward to a more normal way of life...
We will clearly communicate, step by step, when and were such gatherings and other church sponsored activities maybe resumed.
Meanwhile, we rejoice in the peace that radiates from the Lord Jesus Christ. It will continue to fill us with hope and joy. Our Heavenly Father and his Beloved Son love us, are aware of us and will bless each of us. I love you, dear brothers and sisters, and assure you that wonderful days are ahead. Our commitment to follow the Lord is everlasting.”

I looked at some earlier articles and found this same counsel of caution.

Church leaders will continue to exercise an abundance of caution
Moving forward in all areas of the world with ample caution
take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others
In exceptional times, .... while exercising necessary precautions
After taking every necessary precaution
closely monitored and approached with caution

It made me remember a word in a verse that I highlighted this morning. It was the qualifier for those that would be burned up - the proud. Pride is the door that opens to all sorts of wickedness.

"For behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven, and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly shall burn as stubble; for they that come shall burn them, saith the Lord of Hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch."
(Joseph Smith-History 1:37) (Malachi 4:1)

It is the proud that also will not listen to the prophet and use an abundance of caution during these trying days ahead.

Day 1874

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 15:10-12

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 15:10-12
"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.
And when Alma had said these words, Zeezroom 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.
And Alma baptized Zeezrom unto the Lord; and he began from that time forth to preach unto the people."

In this chapter it tells how Zeezrom fearing that Alma and Amulek were killed was wracked with such guilt for his iniquities that fell ill with a burning fever. He was upon his bed sick with a burning fever when he heard Alma and Amulek were there in Sidom. He calls them to him and stretches out his hand for them to heal him. As Alma cries out for him to be healed I thought about how its always according to our faith and the Lord's will. In the next verse I see that the Lord's will is acknowledged for Zeezrom is miraculous healed as a witness to the people. This in turn opens the door for people to be receptive to Zeezrom preaching to them. I pondered on how this experience must have affected Zeezrom, and how powerful his witness and testimony of repentance and forgiveness would be to others. There is purpose in all that we go through.

Day 1873

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 14:11, 26

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 14:11, 26
"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.
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."

I was really struck with how much Alma and Amulek suffered waiting upon the will of the Lord. They were made to watch women and children being burned to death, and were constrained by the spirit to not stretch forth their hands and exercise the power of God to save them from the flames. They were smote on the cheeks and had to remain silent as they were told they and their God had no power to save the people from fire.  They were judged and cast into prison and had to remain silent still. Then leaders and judges visited them multiple times asking questions and again they were constrained by the spirit to remain silent. They withstood being smote, spit on, and mocked. They had food and water withheld from them. Their cloths were taken so they were naked and bound with strong cord. I think one of the very worst is to be told over and over your God doesn't have the power to save others and they died, and you can't save yourself and the whole time you know it was the will of the Lord and you must remain silent until he says otherwise. That takes a lot of faith to endure all that. Then when moved by the spirit you can stand and bare witness of the power of God. Then the prison walls shook and fell down to the earth.

This all made me think of our day, and first how many are showing they have no patience to endure. That what matters is their will instead of waiting for the power of God. I do not know what will become of them. Yet, I wonder on the other hand how many saints are learning to become like Alma and Amulek. How many spiritual giants are growing silently behind their prison doors?  I am so grateful for the many lessons I have had to learn patience these past few years. Learning to trust in the Lord and his timing. I had no idea back then that I would face what is around us today. I had to learn to accept a new normal sitting in a wheelchair. Now I'm out of the wheelchair but living a new normal under COVID-19. Right now we are going through such an amazing opportunity for spiritual growth and coming to understanding the will of the Lord is greater than our own. The Lord will deliver us from our afflictions, after we have proven our faith by submitting to His will.


Day 1872

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 13:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 13:12
"Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with adhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God.

I had so many wonderful notes added to many verses in this chapter. I enjoyed reading all of them. This one I have both sanctification and entering into the rest of the Lord and I can see how closely they fit together.

President Brigham Young defined sanctification as follows:
"I will put my own definition to the term sanctification, and say it consists in overcoming every sin and bringing all into subjection to the law of Christ. God has placed in us a pure spirit; when this [the spirit] reigns predominant, without let or hindrance, and the triumphs over the flesh and rules and governs and controls..., this I call the blessing of sanctification. Will the sin be perfectly destroyed? No, it will not, for it is not so designed in the economy of heaven.
Do not suppose that we shall ever in the flesh be free from temptations to sin. Some suppose that they can in the flesh be sanctified body and spirit and become so pure that they will never again feel the effects of the power of the adversary of truth. Were it possible for a person to attain to this degree of perfection in the flesh, he could not die, neither remain in a world where sin predominates. Sin has entered into the world, and death by sin. I think we shall more or less feel the effects of sin so long as we live, and finally have to pass the ordeals of death."
(Daniel H. Ludlow, "A Companion to Your Study of the Book of Mormon" [1976], 2:248-49); (Journal of Discourses, Vol 10, pg 173)

"President Joseph F. Smith commented on the meaning of this phrase when he said: "What does it mean to enter into the rest of the Lord? Speaking for myself, it means that through the love of God I have been won over to Him, so that I can feel at rest in Christ, that I may no more be disturbed by every wind of doctrine, by the cunning and craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; and that I am established in the knowledge and testimony of Jesus Christ, so that no power can turn me aside from the straight and narrow path that leads back into the presence of God, to enjoy exaltation in His glorious kingdom; that from this time henceforth I shall enjoy that rest until I shall rest with Him in the heavens"
(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 426)

I think a man is perfectly able to determine where they stand in this matter, supposing they are perfectly honest with themselves. When the time of final judge comes we will know the Lord judged us righteously.

Day 1871

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 12:4-5

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 12:4-5
"And thou seest that we know that thy plan, as to the subtlety of the devil, for to lie and to deceive this people that thou mightest set them against us, to revile us and to cast us out.
Now this was a plan of thine adversary, and he hath exercised his power in thee. Now I would that ye should remember that what I say unto thee I say unto all."

Alma gives the reminder that this warning applies to all. We are to do as Nephi said: "I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning." (1 Nephi 19:23)

I do believe I am seeing the subtlety of the devil, deceiving people to believe lies, all so that we will fight against each other. What is so impressive about this story of Alma and Zeezrom is that Zeezrom actually listened, and changed his heart. Oh, if only our society would let people sit and reasonably discussion all sides of a story, then truth would prevail. Society now feel its more important to win at any cost, no matter who or what gets in their way. What hard, hard lessons are ahead of us. The only joy is knowing there is a way out, and a way to not be deceived. It is by being worthy of personal revelation. Again I point back to this quote of President Russell M. Nelson

"Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."
(President Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", April 2018 General Conference)

Day 1870

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 11:34, 37

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 11:34, 37
"And Zeezrom said again: Shall he save his people in their sins? And Amulek answered and said unto him: I say unto you he shall not, for it is impossible for him to deny his word.
And I say unto you again that he cannot save them in their sins; for I cannot deny his word, and he hath said that no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore, how can ye be saved, except ye inherit the kingdom of heaven? Therefore, ye cannot be saved in your sins."

I reflected on the first time I read Zeezrom's question, if the Son of God would save his people in their sins. I was shocked when Amulek said no. I had not caught that very import word "in". That makes all the difference. Yet, even today I see some preach that everyone will be saved in their sins. You cannot keep your sins and be saved. You must get rid of them through the atoning blood of Christ and be washed clean. When you are clean you can then inherit the kingdom of heaven.

"And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end."
(3 Nephi 27:19)

Day 1869

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 10:22-23

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 10:22-23
"Yea, and I say unto you that if it were not for the prayers of the righteous, who are now in the land, that ye would even now be visited with utter destruction; yet it would not be by flood, as were the people in the days of Noah, but it would be by famine, and by pestilence, and the sword.
But it is by the prayers of the righteous that ye are spared; now therefore, if ye will cast out the righteous from among you then will not the Lord stay his hand; but in his fierce anger he will come out against you; then ye shall be smitten by famine, and by pestilence, and by the sword; and the time is soon at hand except ye repent."

Lots of great verses in this chapter. So much to ponder on. I selected these two verses as my favorite because I've been watching and pondering on some events I have seen taking place in the world and the treatment of Christians. Today I read stories that make me feel I am seeing pestilence returning. The interesting thing is the world won't make those connections. The prayers of the righteous, no matter how few, do make a difference in the preservation and protection of a land. Years ago after a tragic event a woman being interviewed said "I don't want your prayers. They do nothing. Don't pray for me." It was so sad that she didn't realize how much prayer can do.

Day 1868

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 9:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 9:13
"Behold, do ye not remember the words which he spake unto Lehi, saying that: Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper in the land? And again it is said that: Inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord."

I had a conversation with someone today on this very thing. Obedience is key to having the spirit of the Lord with us. When we are disobedient to the words He has given, and through his prophet we will be cut off. That means the spirit is no longer our guide. We are left to our own devices and wisdom. Which wisdom is foolishness. When we are foolish we will not prosper, for there are very hard lessons we must learn, which may lead to our utter destruction..

"For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness."
(1 Corinthians 3:19)

"O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish."
(2 Nephi 9:28)

Day 1867

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 8:31

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 8:31
"And they had power given unto them, insomuch that they could not be confined in dungeons; neither was it possible that any man could slay them; nevertheless they did not exercise their power until they were bound in bands and cast into prison. Now, this was done that the Lord might show forth his power in them."

An angel of the Lord had commanded Alma to go back to Ammonihah and preach to the people repentance or they would be destroyed. Amulek was prepared by an angel to receive Alma, and later to preach with him. What struck me is they went about accomplishing the commandment of the Lord, even if that meant they were bound with bands and cast into prison . You would think that being cast into prison would stop the work, but it had another effect. It allowed the Lord to show his power in them.

It made me ponder on the bands of captivity we have been under to fight this virus. Church has stopped, missionaries have returned home, and temples were closed, until they slowly reopen. Yet, the sermons that have been taught on the importance of revelation to prepare for this time. The church being able to bring relief to so many with the food it has stored, and funds it has saved for such a time as this. These efforts will not be forgotten by the world. This has all been for a wise purpose in the Lord's plan. If we are involved in this work by being good global citizens.

What effect does our obeying the prophet, 12th Article of Faith, and the laws of the land have on us, even if we give up our liberties and freedoms? It means we have faith enough that the Lord would show forth his power, even if we are called to suffer. When we think we are wiser and smarter and have a better plan we void the blessings the Lord has in store for us. It makes me remember the powerful quote by President Nelson.

"Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."
(President Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", April 2018 General Conference)

Nothing makes the spirit flee quicker than to be disobedient.

Day 1866

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 7:27

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 7:27
"And now, may the peace of God rest upon you, and upon your houses and lands, and upon your flocks and herds, and all that you possess, your women and your children, according to your faith and good works, from this time forth and forever. And thus I have spoken. Amen."

Alma was speaking to the righteous people in Gideon and ends by giving them an apostolic blessing. This is a blessing that we need over our homes and land. Then I remembered I had not recorded all the apostolic blessings that were given this last General Conference.  I started my record and the first one I entered is the last talk given by President Russell M. Nelson at the close of General Conference. He even said it was an apostolic blessing.

"Dear brothers and sisters, I express my love for you. During this time of tension and uncertainty, and invoking the authority vested in me, I would like to confer upon you an apostolic blessing.

I bless you with peace and increasing faith in the Lord.

I bless you with a desire to repent and become a little more like Him each day.

I bless you to know that the Prophet Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fulness.

Should there be illness among you or your loved ones, I leave a blessing of healing, consistent with the will of the Lord.

I so bless you, adding once more my expression of love for each of you, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen."
(President Russell M. Nelson, "Go Forward in Faith", April 2020 General Conference)


Day 1865

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 6:1,4

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 6:1,4
"And now it came to pass that after Alma had made an end of speaking unto the people of the church, which was established in the city of Zarahemla, he ordained priests and elders, by laying on his hands according to the order of God, to preside and watch over the church.
And thus they began to establish the order of the church in the city of Zarahemla."

Alma is traveling and setting up the church in all the land. In this chapter it speaks of setting up the church in Zarahemla. They baptized people not of the church, and removed those from the records of the church that would not repent of their wickedness. He was putting things in order and giving direction and council to the members. The most important thing was first to ordain priests and elders to watch over the church. They were given the authority by the laying on of hands. It is no different in Alma's time then it is now.

Day 1864

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 5:26-27

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 5:26-27
"And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?
Have ye walked, keeping yourselves blameless before God? Could ye say, if ye were called to die at this time, within yourselves, that ye have been sufficiently humble? That your garments have been cleansed and made white through the blood of Christ, who will come to redeem his people from their sins?"

So many wonderful verses in this chapter, which makes it so hard to choose what to ponder on. I asked myself which is my favorite? and it is these two. They are the verses that I ask of myself, to make sure I'm staying on track. Truly I hear the song of redeeming love and when it's missing I know things are not right. When I ponder on the second verse the spirit will let me know how I fair. How grateful I am for personal scripture study, especial now when the temple is closed and the passing of the sacrament is so much shorter at home. Those were places that I also did a lot of pondering on my condition before God. At least personal scripture reading is still there and I can nightly reflect on how I stand before the Lord and keep myself in remembrance of all He has done for me.

Day 1863

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 4:19

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 4:19
"And this he did that he himself might go forth among his people, or among the people of Nephi, that he might preach the word of God unto them, to stir them up in remembrance of their duty, and that he might pull down, by the word of God, all the pride and craftiness and all the contentions which were among his people, seeing no way that he might reclaim them save it were in bearing down in pure testimony against them.

I had these notes in my scriptures.

Elder M. Russell Ballard counseled Latter-day Saints to bear pure testimony:
“Simply stated, testimony—real testimony, born of the Spirit and confirmed by the Holy Ghost—changes lives. It changes how you think and what you do. It changes what you say. It affects every priority you set and every choice you make. …
“My experience throughout the Church leads me to worry that too many of our members’ testimonies linger on ‘I am thankful’ and ‘I love,’ and too few are able to say with humble but sincere clarity, ‘I know.’ As a result, our meetings sometimes lack the testimony-rich, spiritual underpinnings that stir the soul and have meaningful, positive impact on the lives of all those who hear them.
“Our testimony meetings need to be more centered on the Savior, the doctrines of the gospel, the blessings of the Restoration, and the teachings of the scriptures. We need to replace stories, travelogues, and lectures with pure testimonies. …
“… To bear testimony is ‘to bear witness by the power of the Holy Ghost; to make a solemn declaration of truth based on personal knowledge or belief’ (Guide to the Scriptures, “Testify”). Clear declaration of truth makes a difference in people’s lives. That is what changes hearts. That is what the Holy Ghost can confirm in the hearts of God’s children.
“Although we can have testimonies of many things as members of the Church, there are basic truths we need to constantly teach one another and share with those not of our faith. Testify that God is our Father and Jesus is the Christ. The plan of salvation is centered on the Savior’s Atonement. Joseph Smith restored the fulness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ, and the Book of Mormon is evidence that our testimony is true” (in Conference Report, Oct. 2004, 42–43; or Ensign, Nov. 2004, 40–41).

President Howard W. Hunter (1907–1995) offered a caution with regard to emotions in testimonies:
“Let me offer a word of caution on this subject. … I get concerned when it appears that strong emotion or free-flowing tears are equated with the presence of the Spirit. Certainly the Spirit of the Lord can bring strong emotional feelings, including tears, but that outward manifestation ought not to be confused with the presence of the Spirit itself.
“I have watched a great many of my brethren over the years and we have shared some rare and unspeakable spiritual experiences together. Those experiences have all been different, each special in its own way, and such sacred moments may or may not be accompanied by tears. Very often they are, but sometimes they are accompanied by total silence” (“Eternal Investments” [an evening with President Howard W. Hunter, Feb. 10, 1989], 3, www.ldsces.org).

Yesterday was Fast Sunday which was passes peacefully at home with family. My husband bore his testimony, which we rarely hear at church. It makes me wonder what testimonies we will hear at church when this pandemic is over. That is something I look forward to.

Day 1862

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 3:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 3:8
"And this was done that their seed might be distinguished from the seed of their brethren, that thereby the Lord God might preserve his people, that they might not mix and believe in incorrect traditions which would prove their destruction."

I pondered on how the law of Moses had outward signs and observances. In a way just like the Nephites had an outward sign of who they should and shouldn't mix with. Now I can no longer physically identify someone by their race or skin, if they are for or against the Lord. That means this quote from President Nelson is of even greater importance. I will not know who could be a wolf in sheep's clothing unless I have the spirit as my guide.

"In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."
(President Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", April 2018 General Conference)

Day 1861

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 2:6-8

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 2:6-8
"And thus they did assemble themselves together to cast in their voices concerning the matter; and they were laid before the judges.
And it came to pass that the voice of the people came against Amlici, that he was not made king over the people.
Now this did cause much joy in the hearts of those who were against him; but Amlici did stir up those who were in his favor to anger against those who were not in his favor."

No good comes when an election is decided and the opposing side does not agree with it. Then those that lost try to remove the person from office. In this chapter we see it led to blood shed. In our nation we were on that path, but its seems to have taken a pandemic to distract us from it. Either way it's a loss of lives. Now I see anger happening among the people and that is never the way to do things. I think some very hard lessons are coming our way because of it.

Day 1860

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 1:22-24

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 1:22-24
"Nevertheless, there were many among them who began to be proud, and began to contend warmly with their adversaries, even unto blows; yea, they would smite one another with their fists.
Now this was in the second year of the reign of Alma, and it was a cause of much affliction to the church; yea, it was the cause of much trial with the church.
For the hearts of many were hardened, and their names were blotted out, that they were remembered no more among the people of God. And also many withdrew themselves from among them."

After what I have seen today, I think we are at the verge of this. When you think you are the law unto yourself, the spirit and reasoning withdraw from you. Then it doesn't take long to be sifted, because you do it to yourself.

Day 1859