Mormon Chapter 9

Assuming you read the chapter, did you love it? I’m sure I have read this chapter multiple times throughout my life, but this time through, I loved it! What an incredible blessing it is to know where we are going after we die, and that there is a plan for us! There is a process and we know about it! I know I take for granted the knowledge I have about the Plan of Salvation. And even still, after hearing this lesson many, many times, I still continue to learn more! We truly learn the mysteries of God line up line, precept upon precept! Our minds and knowledge continue to expand as we study the scriptures and learn of Him! It’s absolutely incredible! Everyone should hear what we know! :)

I already stated that  I loved this chapter, and I highly recommend reading this chapter if you haven’t already. Moroni is such an incredible man and this last chapter in Mormon is incredibly powerful!

A few parts stood out to me…

Moroni is addressing those who do not believe in Christ, and goes on to tell them…

v.4, “Behold, I say unto you that ye would be more miserable to dwell with a holy and just God, under a consciousness of your ^afilthiness before him, than ye would to dwell with the ^bdamned souls in ^chell.”

We truly have a loving God. I do not think of “hell” as a punishment really, but as an act of mercy.   How sad God will be that some of his children will not dwell in his presence, and if he “forced” it, this is exactly what it would be like. The final judgment will be a just judgment, and we will be in the best place for us.

I also find this principle fascinating and it rings true. Verse 14, “And then cometh the ^ajudgment of the Holy One upon them; and then cometh the time that he that is ^bfilthy shall be filthy still; and he that is righteous shall be righteous still; he that is happy shall be happy still; and he that is unhappy shall be unhappy still.” I find this interesting because we often live our lives in some degree of denial of who we, and others, really are! This life is a probationary state where we have the opportunity to become the best people we can! If we do not work on perfecting ourselves here, it will not be any easier (probably even more difficult) in the next life!  We will be the same after we die!

I really like the last parts of chapter 9, verses 21-29ish because there are many specific instructions given…

• Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature;(v.21)
• And he that ^abelieveth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be ^bdamned; (v.23)
• strip yourselves of all uncleanness, (v.28)
• See that ye are not baptized ^aunworthily; (v.29)
• see that ye partake not of the sacrament of Christ ^bunworthily (v.29)

I also find it interesting how Moroni explains their language…

(v.32 –34) ”And now, behold, we have written this record according to our knowledge, in the characters which are called among us the ^areformed Egyptian, being handed down and altered by us, according to our manner of speech.   And if our plates had been ^asufficiently large we should have written in Hebrew; but the Hebrew hath been altered by us also; and if we could have written in Hebrew, behold, ye would have had no ^bimperfection in our record.    But the Lord knoweth the things which we have written, and also that none other people knoweth our language; and because that none other people knoweth our language, therefore  hath prepared ^ameans for the interpretation thereof. “

Have a wonderful 2010!

3 Nephi Chapter 28

Nine of the Twelve desire and are promised an inheritance in Christ’s kingdom when they die—The Three Nephites desire and are given power over death so as to remain on the earth until Jesus comes again—They are translated and see things not lawful to utter, and they are now ministering among men.

This is an incredible chapter! I really want to quote 80% of it, but I wont. I definitely recommend that you READ IT.

Christ asks his chosen 12, "What is it that ye desire of me, after that I am gone to the Father? (v.1)"

9 of the12 asked that, "after we have lived unto the age of man, that our ministry, wherein thou hast called us, may have an end, that we may speedily come unto thee in thy kingdom.(v.2)"

And Christ responds, "Blessed are ye because ye desired this thing of me; therefore, after that ye are ^aseventy and two years old ye shall come unto me in my ^bkingdom; and with me ye shall find ^crest."

How positively wonderful! Isn't that what we want? I know that is what I want more than anything! How amazing is our Savior and Father in Heaven!

The other 3 are hesitant to tell the Savior what they  desire, but he knows their thoughts. He knows that they desire the same thing as John the Beloved. Versus 7-10 tell us what Christ thinks about this:

"Therefore, more blessed are ye, for ye shall ^anever taste of ^bdeath; but ye shall live to behold all the doings of the Father unto the children of men, even until all things shall be fulfilled according to the will of the Father, when I shall come in my glory with the ^cpowers of heaven. And ye shall never endure the pains of death; but when I shall come in my glory ye shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye from ^amortality to ^bimmortality; and then shall ye be blessed in the kingdom of my Father. And again, ye shall not have pain while ye shall dwell in the flesh, neither sorrow save it be for the ^asins of the world; and all this will I do because of the thing which ye have desired of me, for ye have desired that ye might ^bbring the souls of men unto me, while the world shall stand. And for this cause ye shall have ^afulness of joy; and ye shall sit down in the kingdom of my Father; yea, your joy shall be full, even as the Father hath given me fulness of joy; and ye shall be even as I am, and I am even as the Father; and the Father and I are ^bone; "

Then we learn of the events that took place, (13-17) "And behold, the heavens were opened, and they were ^acaught up into heaven, and saw and heard unspeakable things. And it was ^aforbidden them that they should utter; neither was it given unto them ^bpower that they could utter the things which they saw and heard;  And whether they were in the body or out of the body, they could not tell; for it did seem unto them like a ^atransfiguration of them, that they were changed from this body of flesh into an immortal state, that they could behold the things of God. "

Here is something I found very interesting from the Book of Mormon Student Manual about the definitions of Transfiguration and Translated Beings...

Translated beings. “Persons who are changed so
that they do not experience pain or death until their
resurrection to immortality” (Guide to the Scriptures,
“Translated Beings”).
“Many have supposed that the doctrine of translation
was a doctrine whereby men were taken immediately
into the presence of God, and into an eternal fullness,
but this is a mistaken idea. Their place of habitation is
that of the terrestrial order, and a place prepared for
such characters He held in reserve to be ministering
angels unto many planets, and who as yet have not
entered into so great a fullness as those who are
resurrected from the dead” ( Joseph Smith, History of
the Church, 4:210).

Transfiguration. “The condition of persons who are
temporarily changed in appearance and nature—that
is, lifted to a higher spiritual level—so that they can
endure the presence and glory of heavenly beings”
(Guide to the Scriptures, “Transfiguration”).

The three were transfigured and then translated if I'm not mistaken. Fascinating!

They are now known as the "Three Nephites" and they were able to endure some pretty incredible situations like...

• being cast into prison, and "the prisons could not hold them (19)",
• they were buried and "they did smite the earth with the word of God, insomuch that by his power they were delivered out of the depths of the earth...(20)",
• "they were cast into a furnace and received no harm(21)", and 
• "they were cast into a den of wild beasts... and received no harm(22)"

I find it interesting in verse 25, Mormon tells us that he was about to "write the names of those who were never to taste of death, but the Lord forbade; therefore I write them not, for they are hid from the world." He also tells us that "great and marvelous works shall be wrought by them" both among the Jews and Gentiles and they shall know them not.

Mormon also explains that he inquired of the Lord, "and He hath made it manifest unto me that there must needs be a change wrought upon their bodies, or else it needs be that they must taste of death;  Therefore, that they might not taste of death there was a ^achange wrought upon their bodies, that they might not ^bsuffer pain nor sorrow save it were for the sins of the world. Now this change was not equal to that which shall take place at the last day; but there was a change wrought upon them, insomuch that Satan could have no power over them, that he could not ^atempt them; and they were ^bsanctified in the flesh, that they were ^choly, and that the powers of the earth could not hold them. And in this state they were to remain until the judgment day of Christ; and at that day they were to receive a greater change, and to be received into the kingdom of the Father to go no more out, but to dwell with God eternally in the heavens. "

Incredible, absolutely incredible!

3 Nephi Chapter 16

Jesus will visit others of the lost sheep of Israel—In the latter days the gospel will go to the Gentiles and then to the house of Israel—The Lord’s people shall see eye to eye when he brings again Zion. [A.D. 34]

Right off, in verse one, Jesus says, "And verily, verily, I say unto you that I have ^aother sheep, which are not of this land, neither of the land of Jerusalem, neither in any parts of that land round about whither I have been to minister".

I automatically think of the isles of the sea. In Hawaii, there are stories about the God "Lono", who is associated with the clouds, harvest and peace. The stories tell that Lono left with a promise to return.  It is not widely acknowledged that this could indeed be our Savior, but among the saints on the islands, it is a very real possibility.

It makes me wonder where He is talking about and if these "other sheep" kept a record of his visits...?

Christ goes on to explain the promises of the gathering of Israel by the Gentiles. He also explains how the Gentiles are blessed when they believe on His name but  if the gentiles  "shall ^asin against my gospel, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, and shall be ^blifted up in the pride of their hearts above all nations, and above all the people of the whole earth, and shall be filled with all manner of lyings, and of deceits, and of mischiefs, and all manner of hypocrisy, and ^cmurders, and ^dpriestcrafts, and whoredoms, and of secret abominations; and if they shall do all those things, and shall ^ereject the fulness of my gospel, behold, saith the Father, I will bring the fulness of my gospel from among them."

This makes me just a little bit nervous because of the way our country is going. God is slowly (or quickly depending on how you view it) trying to be taken out of the foundation of our country.

Again, I love this part of the scriptures. There is nothing that compares to the words of our Savior! 

3 Nephi Chapter 10

There is silence in the land for many hours - The voice of Christ promises to gather his people as a hen gathereth her chickens - The more righteous part of the people had been preserved.

Christ promises to gather his people as a hen gathereth her chickens.  "How oft have I gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and have nourished you.(v.4)"  "How oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens, and ye would not.(v.5)" "...how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart.(v.6)"  I think this goes right along with what Elise said yesterday. Isn't this exactly how we feel about our own children? Aren't we quite the mother hens and would love nothing more than for our children to just come to us and let us nourish, protect, teach and love them?! I love this analogy.

What an awful time in the scriptures. Loved ones and friends and a government have been destroyed! Without knowing what blessings will come next (which we do, because we know this story) they must feel incredibly lost! I know I would! I'm not a big fan of darkness anyhow and this would send me into some sort of confusion and possibly even incomparable fear. Do you think they are scared that the quakes and destructions aren't really over? What about being a mother during this time, trying to care for her children in impenetrate darkness! Or what about being pregnant?!  I'm sure there were women in these circumstances.

It is explained that "it was the more righteous part of the people who were saved, and it was they who received the prophets and stoned them not; and it was they who had not shed the blood of the saints, who were spared-(v12)". Doesn't sounds like it would have been that difficult to be the more righteous part of the people. I guess we may be surprised to know just how unrighteous  the people were!

Then, in verse 14 there is a message directed to the readers about these things were repeatedly prophesied of by the prophets, Zenos, Zenock, and their "father" Jacob. 

It  is also mentioned that those who had been spared, "did have great favors shown unto them, and great blessings poured out upon their heads, insomuch  that soon after the ascension of Christ into heaven he did truly manifest himself unto them-" My absolute favorite part of the Book of Mormon!  I imagine that this is what it will be like when Christ  returns! This is what it is all about!

Helaman Chapter 14

Samuel predicts light during the night and a new star at Christ’s birth—Christ redeems men from temporal and spiritual death—The signs of his death include three days of darkness, the rending of the rocks, and great upheavals of nature. About 6 B.C.

Samuel predicts signs of Christ's Birth

• "there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day."(v3)
• "there shall a new ^astar arise, such an one as ye never have beheld" (v5)

And signs of Christ's death:

• behold, in that day that he shall suffer death the sun shall be darkened and refuse to give his ^blight unto you; and also the moon and the stars; and there shall be no light upon the face of this land, even from the time that he shall suffer death, for the space of ^cthree days, to the time that he shall rise again from the dead. (v20)
• there shall be ^bthunderings and lightnings for the space of many hours, and the earth shall shake and tremble (v21)\
• there shall be great ^atempests, and there shall be many mountains laid low, like unto a valley, and there shall be many places which are now called ^bvalleys which shall become mountains, whose height is great. (v23)
• many ^agraves shall be opened, and shall yield up many of their dead; and many saints shall appear unto many. (v25)

A great, all encompassing truth in verse 8, "And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall ^abelieve on the Son of God, the same shall have everlasting life." Isn't this what it is all about?

I like verse 29 because it explains what the purpose of the signs is, "And this to the intent that whosoever will believe might be saved, and that whosoever will not believe, a ^arighteous judgment might come upon them; and also if they are condemned they bring upon themselves their own condemnation."

Verses 30-31 really sum up accountability and put the responsibilities where they belong!

"And now remember, remember, my brethren, that whosoever perisheth, perisheth unto ^ahimself; and whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself; for behold, ye are ^bfree; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for behold, God hath given unto you a ^cknowledge and he hath made you free. He hath given unto you that ye might ^aknow good from evil, and he hath given unto you that ye might ^bchoose life or death; and ye can do good and be ^crestored unto that which is good, or have that which is good restored unto you; or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil restored unto you."

Helaman Chapter 7

I've been behind on my reading and have been trying to catch up, and missed 2 weeks (SORRY!) so I decided to skip ahead to catch up and do my chapter today! I briefly read over the headings - and without reading the details of the chapters, I have started up again in Helaman 7. SO MUCH HAS CHANGED in so little time! And that's what it says in verse 6 ("Now this great iniquity had come up on the Nephites, in the space of not many years...") .

In verse 5 it explains specifically how and why the Nephites had fallen into transgression, "Condemning the righteous because of their righteousness; letting the guilty and the wicked go unpunished because of their ^bmoney; and moreover to be held in office at the head of government, to rule and do according to their wills, that they might get gain and glory of the ^cworld, and, moreover, that they might the more easily commit adultery, and steal, and kill, and do according to their own wills—"

I found it interesting that in verses 7-8, Nephi tells us  how he wishes he could have lived in the days that Lehi had first reached the promise land... "That I could have ^ajoyed with him in the promised land; then were his people easy to be entreated, ^bfirm to keep the commandments of God, and slow to be led to do iniquity; and they were quick to hearken unto the words of the Lord— Yea, if my days could have been in those days, then would my soul have had joy in the righteousness of my brethren."

The reason I find it interesting is because we know from studying the Book of Mormon, that there were still very very wicked people... I guess there just weren't as many - and they certainly hadn't overthrown the government... yet.

And I think verse 9 is applicable to most generations ( and definitely now), "But behold, I am consigned that these are my days, and that my soul shall be filled with ^asorrow because of this the wickedness of my brethren." Have you ever felt that your life would have been easier or happier in some other time of the world?

After a multitude had gathered to wonder why Nephi was lamenting so,  he begins his lecture. One of my favorite parts is verse 16, "Yea, how could you have given way to the enticing of him who is seeking to hurl away your souls down to ^aeverlasting misery and endless wo?" What great imagery! If we thought of sin like this, and really believed it, I think we would be less likely to commit any sins!

Verse 26 is also profound, and very applicable to our days, "Yea, ^awo shall come unto you because of that pride which ye have suffered to enter your hearts, which has lifted you up beyond that which is good because of your exceedingly great riches!"

Hm... there are many similarities between this time in the Book of Mormon, and our current time. Anyone agree?

Alma chapter 47

Amalickiah uses treachery, murder, and intrigue to become king of the Lamanites—The Nephite dissenters are more wicked and ferocious than the Lamanites.

I find this chapter intriguing. How one man (Amalakiah) goes so far to gain power (in his case, he doesn't even seem to care whom over!). Amalakiah is just straight up evil!  He cares for no one but himself, going so far as to manipulate and murder!  I encourage you to read this chapter yourself.

I find the story with Lehonti most relevant.  Lehonti would not (at first) come down from his safe keep in the top of Mt. Antipas, but after subtle persistence from Amalakiah he came down just a little. And that was all it took for Amalakiah to accomplish his desires. And ultimately, Lehonti was poisoned until dead.

How often do we compromise our safe hold just a little bit?  How often do we just barely step over the line of sure safety? How often do we allow ourselves to do the little things we have been asked by the prophets not to?

Satan just needs us to take one step away from our Heavenly Father and with that he will poison us by degrees until we are spiritually dead - If we allow him to. We have knowledge other do not. We know there is a war going on, consisting of daily battles for our souls. Our choices determine the outcome of these battles.  Always remember the story of Lehonti who did not want to be subjected, yet came down from the top of the mountain just enough that Amalakiah was able to destroy him. Lehonti did not know Amalakiahs intentions or what he was capable of. But we do. We know Satan's intentions is to destroy us - subtlety and indefinitely.

Now have a great day! :D (Sorry if that was a little intense, but this is something I feel strongly about!)

Alma Chapter 42

Hey there! Sorry I was M.I.A.! But I'm back! :) This chapter is pretty deep and the doctrine is incredible! How blessed we are to have this knowledge!

Mortality is a probationary time to enable man to repent and serve God—The fall brought temporal and spiritual death upon all mankind—Redemption comes through repentance—God himself atoneth for the sins of the world—Mercy is for those who repent—All others are subject to God’s justice—Mercy cometh because of the atonement—Only the truly penitent are saved.

Verse 4 sums up what this life is all about! "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."

Basically, Alma continues to talk with Corianton because Corianton is worried about what he cannot understand - "concerning the justice of God in the punishment of the sinner..." This is such an amazing chapter, one I think we all  need to read and re-read to truly understand the laws of God concerning sin, repentance, the atonement and resurrection.  When I read it, I felt like this was all stuff I'd heard before... but there are a bunch of verses that have caught my attention for one reason or another...

Alma explains that because our first parents partook of the fruit and gained knowledge of good and evil, the Lord protected the Tree of Life in such a way that they would not partake of it and live forever in their sins. Thus, we are given this "probationary time"/life on earth to repent of our sins and serve God, before we die and are brought into his presence to be judged.

I found verse 10-13 interesting, "Therefore, as they had become ^acarnal, sensual, and devilish, by ^bnature, this ^cprobationary state became a state for them to prepare; it became a preparatory state. And now remember, my son, if it were not for the plan of redemption, (laying it aside) as soon as they were dead their souls were ^amiserable, being cut off from the presence of the Lord. "

I don't know exactly how man became carnal, sensual and devilish by nature, but we can clearly see this is true. I believe that the biggest trial of this life is overcoming that "nature" which is the opposite of what we need to be to attain Celestial Glory!

It is fascinating to me the connection between Justice and Mercy in regards to the Laws of Heaven. It's simple, yet complicated. Simply put, mercy cannot rob justice. Christ's suffering will satisfy the demands of justice for those who sincerely repent.  But read verses 14-26ish for the in-depth explanation.

I also love the counsel Alma give Corianton in verses 29-30. "And now, my son, I desire that ye should let these things ^atrouble you no more, and only let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance. O my son, I desire that ye should deny the ^ajustice of God no more. Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point because of your sins, by denying the justice of God; but do you let the justice of God, and his ^bmercy, and his long-suffering have full sway in your heart; and let it bring you down to the dust in ^chumility. "

What wise counsel of a loving parent who truly understands!

Alma Chapter 29

Alma desires to cry repentance with angelic zeal—The Lord grants teachers for all nations—Alma glories in the Lord’s work and in the success of Ammon and his brethren.

I love this chapter because of Alma's joy, appreciation and over all positivity. My favorite passage is in verse 9. "... yes, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy."

It reminds me of that song "If it so be that ye should labor all your days..." you know the one I'm talking about? How great shall be your joy!

This joy that Alma is experiencing is unlike any joy the world encourages or understands. It is a pure and unselfish joy. It is the joy that comes from knowledge of the Plan of Happiness, seeing the fruits of your labors and those of whom you care about. It is an indescribable joy.

Oh, how I want to experience that joy!

Alma 23

Religious freedom is proclaimed—The Lamanites in seven lands and cities are converted—They call themselves Anti-Nephi-Lehies and are freed from the curse—The Amalekites and the Amulonites reject the truth.

After the king of the Lamanites is converted, not only does he proclaim religious freedom on the lands he rules, but he he also proclaims that no one should lay their hangs on Ammon, Aaron, Omner or Himni. It is decreed that no one should put them in prison, spit on them, smite them, cast stones at them or cast them out of their places of worship, but that they should have free access to the peoples homes, temples and sanctuaries. The king does all in his power to clear the way for the gospel of Jesus Christ to be taught. What a missionaries dream! (I would think!)

The Lamanites in 7 cities are converted. And in verse 6 we read, "... 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." Which is absolutely incredible!

But we learn that the Amalekites and Amulonites (Nephites who fell away from the Church and joined up with the Lamanites) were not converted. "...but they hardened their hearts, and also the hearts of the Lamanites in that part of the land wheresoever they dwelt..."  So, not only were these rebellious Nephites a problem for the Nephites, but their hard hearts were a canker sore for the progression of the gospel among the Lamanites as well.  It's like they are poison. How is it that so many have accepted the Truth, yet they refuse to be humble and believe the truth!? Pride truly is the downfall of man.

in verse 16 we learn that "the king and those who were converted were desirous that they might have a name, that thereby they might be distinguished from their brethren..." and we learn that they decided on the name Anti-Nephi-Lehi "and they were no more called Lamanites."

"And they began to be a very industrious people; yea, and they were friendly with the Nephites; therefore, they did open a correspondence with them, and the curse of God did no more follow them."

Alma 17

I love this story! I was able to tell it in my CTR 5 Primary class 2 weeks ago... and got the 2 boys in my class all fired up about it! It was so fun!

Then reading it yesterday, it just all made perfect sense to me how important service is, and how directly it is linked to the gospel of Jesus Christ! I'm getting ahead of myself...  that's in the next few chapters... :D

We don't hear about the Sons of Mosiah until Alma runs into them on his way to Manti, and they are on their way to Zarahemla.

I found it interesting that "they had been teaching the word of God for the space of fourteen years among the Lamanites" v.4. Fourteen Years! It makes me wonder if they left behind sweethearts in Zarahemla before they left or possibly among the Lamanites...? Do you think any of them started families? I bet they did.  Fourteen years is a long time.

My favorite quote in this chapter is in verse 11, the last part. "... I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls." I want to be an instrument!!!

When the Sons of Mosiah reach the borders of the land of the Lamanites, they go their separate ways "...trusting in the Lord that they should meet again at the close of the harvest..." (v13).

I could go on and on about the faith they must have had! I'd like to think that their mom had something to do with that faith... ;)

Let's move onto Ammon's story...

Read it HERE. Verses 18-39. To summarize,

Ammon goes to the land of Ishmael. He is bound and taken to the king of the land - King Lamoni. King Lamoni asks Ammon if he wants to stay in Ishmael or return to the Nephites, and Ammon tells him that his desire is to dwell among the Lamanites perhaps until the day he dies. This (for some reason) makes King Lamoni so happy that he offers Ammon one of his daughters as a wife.  Ammon responds, "Nay, but I will be thy servant." 

This says a lot about Ammon, instead of taking a princess for a wife he would rather be a servant. Like is earlier decision to not become the Nephite king, he would rather be a missionary. He knew what was most important on an eternal scale.

Ammon works with other servants, watching the kings sheep. While they are "watering" their sheep, other Lamanites scatter the kings sheep. The servants Ammon is working with murmur and even cry because they feared being slain by the king like previous servants had been when the flocks were scattered. Ammon takes this opportunity to show what he is capable of. He tells them not to worry and they gather the sheep together and preserve the flocks so the king wont slay them. The "bad" Lamanites try to scatter the flock again, but the servants encircle them while Ammon goes to contend with these men...

It is written that "they were in number not a few. "

35 "Therefore, they did not fear Ammon, for they supposed that one of their men could slay him according to their pleasure, for they knew not that the Lord had promised Mosiah that He would deliver his sons out of their hands..."

36 But ^aAmmon stood forth and began to cast stones at them with his sling; yea, with mighty power he did sling stones amongst them; and thus he slew a ^bcertain number of them insomuch that they began to be astonished at his power; nevertheless they were angry because of the slain of their brethren, and they were determined that he should fall; therefore, seeing that they ^ccould not hit him with their stones, they came forth with clubs to slay him.

  37 But behold, every man that lifted his club to smite Ammon, he smote off their arms with his sword; for he did withstand their blows by smiting their arms with the edge of his sword, insomuch that they began to be astonished, and began to flee before him; yea, and they were not few in number; and he caused them to flee by the strength of his arm.

  38 Now six of them had fallen by the sling, but he ^aslew none save it were their leader with his sword; and he smote off as many of their arms as were lifted against him, and they were not a few.

  39 And when he had driven them afar off, he returned and they watered their flocks and returned them to the pasture of the king, and then went in unto the king, bearing the arms which had been smitten off by the sword of Ammon, of those who sought to slay him; and they were carried in unto the king for a testimony of the things which they had done.

Come back for the rest of the story!!!

Alma 11

Alrighty, I'm back. I was a few chapters behind and I never reported last Tuesday, I apologize. I got caught up this morning, reading 4 chapters, amazingly my children slept in and I was able to even do that! And I loved it! What a great feeling it is to be filled with such words of truth! My husband bought me some highlighting crayons which has helped me study more efficiently. I have divided the colors into "topics", of popular scriptures (Scripture Mastery, ones I have somewhat memorized or heard repeatedly), commandments, promises, phrases or passages I like, pondering questions and counsel/doctrine.

You can read chapter 11 HERE.

Nephite coinage set forth—Amulek contends with Zeezrom—Christ will not save people in their sins—Only those who inherit the kingdom of heaven are saved—All men shall rise in immortality—There is no death after the resurrection.

Oh, the coinage! Versus 4-19 breaks down the Nephite coinage, or currency. Honestly, I find this part boring, but definitely see the benefit of having the records. I'm sure there are many people who find this information fascinating; I am not one of those people. But! It's there.

I found it interesting in verse 20 that it's pointed out about the lawyears that, "Now, it was for the sole purpose to get gain, because they received their wages according to their ^bemploy, therefore, they did ^cstir up the people to ^driotings, and all manner of disturbances and wickedness, that they might have more employ, that they might ^eget ^fmoney according to the suits which were brought before them; therefore they did stir up the people against Alma and Amulek." Which sets the stage for the infamous encounter with Zeezrom.

Verses 21-45 covers the conversation held between Zeezrom, the corrupt lawyer, and Amulek, a servant of God. I have, thankfully, never been in a situation like this where the words I say could mean life or death. I know that is not what was most important to Amulek, but I find it incredible how strong the spirit was with him; that he was able to "contend" with this cunning, skilled, manipulator of words! 

The first of my 2 favorite phrases are in verse 22, after Zeezrom asks them if he can ask them a few questions, and Alma responds, "Yea, if it be according to the Spirit of the Lord, which is in me; for I shall say nothing which is contrary to the Spirit of the Lord." Isn't that the way it should always be? We should live our lives and speak our words by the Spirit of the Lord. Alma and Amulek are just amazing. What great examples of the believers!

And the second is in verse 23 when Amulek chastises Zeezrom after he offered him money to deny the existence of a Supreme Being, he says, "O thou child of hell, why tempt ye me? Knowest thou that the righteous yeildeth to no such temptation?"  So many probably would deny His existence for monetary gains, but not the righteous! I just love that. And the fact that he called him a child of hell, just tickles me. It would probably be inappropriate to repeat that now days though...

Amulek goes on to testify of the resurrection and how the final judgement will go. By the end of Amulek's words, "the people began to be astonished, and also Zeezrom began to tremble." Sheesh. It would have been incredible to be there, and hear that.

Mosiah 28

The sons of Mosiah shall have eternal life—They go to preach to the Lamanites—Mosiah translates the Jaredite plates with the two seer stones.

The sons of Mosiah want to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Lamanites. They have six purposes for doing this (v. 2-3):

• to bring them to the knowledge of the Lord their God
• to convince them of the iniquity of their fathers
• to cure them of their hatred towards the Nephites
• to rejoice in the Lord their God
• to become friendly to one another
• they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble.

v. 4 "And thus did the Spirit of the Lord work upon them, for they were the very ^avilest of sinners. And the Lord saw fit in his infinite ^bmercy to spare them; nevertheless they suffered much anguish of soul because of their iniquities, suffering much and fearing that they should be cast off forever."

- I don't know about you, but that is pretty heavy. They were the vilest of sinners. I don't even want to imagine what you would have to have done to be labeled that. It such a blessing to repent, and the sons of Mosiah must have had an incredible understanding of the gospel to want so desperately to share it and undo what wrongs they could.

Mosiah inquire of the Lord, and receives a promise that "they shall have eternal life; and [The Lord] will ^adeliver thy sons out of the hands of the Lamanites." (v.6-7)

Again, the sons of Mosiah must have had an incredible understanding of the gospel, because they all refused their father's kingdom! They would rather be missionaries than kings! What an example!

We learn more about the "adventures" of the sons of Mosiah, and the story of the Jaredite people later in the Book of Mormon.

Mosiah 22

Read Chapter 22 HERE.

Plans are made for the people to escape from Lamanite bondage—The Lamanites are made drunk—The people escape, return to Zarahemla, and become subject to King Mosiah.

When Ammon is with Limhi and his people, they "brainstorm" about a way to escape from Lamanite bondage. I think it's interesting that they consulted with the people, "and even they did cause that all the people should gather themselves together; and this they did that they might have the voice of the people concerning the matter."

I guess I would have expected the leaders to make a decision and instruct the people likewise, but here we see a "true" democracy...

I think Gideon is the bomb. He is a valiant servant of his God and country, and eventually seals his valiance with his death. I wish we knew more about him! Well, Gideon comes up with a plan to get the Lamanite guards drunk, and escape through the back wall.

This plan is successful and the people of Limhi join with King Mosiah in the city of Zarahemla!

Mosiah 16

Are the words of Abinadi not inspiring? How pure and simple are the words throughout the Book of Mormon! I love it! Literally words of God.

Chapter 16 is relatively short, but full of doctrine!

"The time shall come when all shall see the salvation of the Lord; when every nation, kindred, tongue and and people shall see eye to eye and shall confess before God that his judgements are just." (v.1)

But even though everyone will know of God and that He is God... not everyone will accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There will still be sin and wickedness and, until the devil is bound, "organized temptation" as well.  I guess I cannot comprehend how some will not be converted and believe in Christ after witnessing his Return. I suppose it goes to say that "seeing isn't believing".

"And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the bands of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death should have no sting, there could have been no resurrection.

But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ." (v. 7-8)

I try not to dwell on what it would be like if there were no resurrection, but that's just depressing! I am so grateful for the atonement and the blessing of resurrection! When my 20 year old brother died after a motorcycle accident it was truly the most real the Plan of Salvation had ever been to me. I have always been a "believer", but after Ryan's death I really had to ask myself, "Do I really believe that I will see him again?" My answer was,  "Yes! Yes, I will see Ryan again! Yes, this is real!"  And because I knew this, and it is real, I need to get my act together! This is the real deal. I know what I have to do. Ever since, my life has been more focused and I am more determined to be obedient. I'm not perfect by any means, but I want to attain eternal perfection so badly!

"Teach them that redemption cometh through Christ the Lord, who is the very Eternal Father..." (v.15)

When I read this verse, my thought was that this is what I need to teach my children. It was direct instruction from the Lord of what I need to focus on when teaching my family. :) I love moments like that.

Mosiah Chapter 10

King Laman dies - His people are wild and ferocious and believe in false traditions - Zeniff and his people prevail against them.

(1-2) "And I caused that there should be weapons of war made of every kind, that thereby I might have weapons for my people against the time the Lamanites should come up again to war against my people."  Zeniff doesn't say "if" they come, it sounds more like "when" they come. What would it be like to live in fear and constantly preparing for war? I am so grateful to live in such a big country that we can pretty much live in ignorance (not recommended ;-p) of the war outside of our communities, and feel safe. 

(4-5) The men raised grain and fruit and the women made cloth.

They lived in Peace for 22 years.

When King Laman died, his son became the new king and got the Lamanites riled up to war against Zeniff's people.

The women and children were hid in the wilderness and the rest of the men (old and young) joined the ranks. This would be so hard for me, as a mother and wife to send my boys and husband off to war! What faith those women had to have! Even if their side won the battle, there would undoubtedly be losses.  Hopefully the time will never come that I will have to send my boys to war (though I have a feeling I am raising little warriors). I draw strength knowing that there are Women of God who had enough faith to do what the Lord required of them.

v.11 - "... the Lamanites knew nothing concerning the Lord... therefore they depended on their own strength."

If you've read the Book of Mormon before, you know that this is only the beginning of the many many many wars to come. But there is a lesson to be learn about relying on ones own strength. It doesn't work near as well as relying on the Lord! It is proven time and time again!  I think this is so important to remember and teach our children! Not only in the case of wars, but in all we do!

v.12-16 The Lamanites believe in false traditions and are what they are because of the teachings and beliefs of their fathers (Laman, Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael). "they were wronged... they were wronged... they were wroth because they were wronged... " I don't know about you, but this sounds like a ZERO Accountability attitude to me! Blaming the Nephites (or Nephi) for all of their problems! That is no way to live!

v. 20-21 Zeniff's people defeat the Lamanites, and go back to their "chores".

Mosiah 4

I love King Benjamin's address! Don't miss out - make sure you Read it!

Here are some notes I jotted down"

v.2 less than the dust of the earth, 5 nothingness and worthless and fallen state, 11 unworthy creatures (insulting?! maybe. but it is what it is. This is a good test to see how humble we are... how would you react to being called  these things?)

v.6 "...the atonement which has been prepared from the foundation of the world, that thereby salvation might come to him that put his trust in the Lord, and should be diligent in keeping his commandments and continue in the faith even unto the end of his life..."

v.9& 10... Believe:

• in God;
• that He is, and that he created all things both in heaven and in earth;
• that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth;
• that man doth not comprehend all things which the Lord can comprehend.
• that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you (v.10)

"...and now, if you believe all these things, see that ye do them." (10)

I love finding if/then promises in the scriptures... like this one:

v.11 If you...

• Remember the... greatness of God
• Humble yourself
• Call on the name of the Lord daily
• Stand steadfast in the faith

v.12 Then, "ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God, and always retain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true."

v 16-23 King Benjamin talks about helping those who are in need of help. How we are not to judge, and we should impart of our substances. "For behold, are we not all ^abeggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?"19

I think this is a very very important principle that we too often forget. It is the tool of the devil to use prosperity to cause pride and cause us to neglect the second great commandment "Love they neighbor as thyself." Which goes back to what Elise said yesterday about why we do what we do. We have to be careful not to judge other that choose differently than we do!

I am guilty of judging, and while reading this got a "reality check" and realized how much I need to improve. Maybe this was for me!?

I found verse 27 comforting: "And see that all these things are done in wisdom and ^aorder; for it is not requisite that a man should run ^bfaster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize..." We shouldn't fool ourselves into thinking we can do more than we really can because we will end up burnt out and will more than likely be less of a help to those who need us.

Wow, and verse 30 "But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not ^awatch yourselves, and your ^bthoughts, and your ^cwords, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and ^dcontinue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not."

Remembering the things we hear and learn is the key.

-I am so glad to be doing this again! Thanks, ladies!!

2 Nephi 24

This chapter has a lot of imagery! My favorite is in verse 5 "The Lord hath broken the staff of the wicked, the scepters of the rulers."

Then it goes on to talk about Satan, and how he will be "cut down to the ground" or cast out of Heaven... and I like verse 16 "They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and shall say: Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms?".

This section about Satan made me think about how the wicked, or those who have chosen to "follow" Satan will be turned on. Satan doesn't care about those who follow him, and will just as soon destroy them. He is the ultimate liar and master of deceit. It's not like people expect to have their souls destroyed when they make bad decisions with eternal consequences - but in essence, that's how it goes. I think if we thought about it like that, we would do a lot of things differently.

2 Nephi Chapter 18

Read it HERE

The things that I found interesting in this chapter, starts at verse 16. Isaiah instructs us to "bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples". We have to solidify our testimonies (be learning about the gospel principles, and practicing them). Then, in verse 19,

19 And when they shall say unto you: Seek unto them that have ^afamiliar spirits, and unto ^bwizards that peep and mutter—^cshould not a people seek unto their God for the living to hear from the dead?

  20 To the ^alaw and to the testimony; and if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

I find this interesting because I think one of the most trying parts of life is making the right choices. But how do we even know what the right choice is? We have to learn so that we know. If we don't know how to tell evil from righteousness, we will rarely make the choices that bring us closer to our Savior. In the scriptures there are countless times that we are told how to discern evil from righteousness. These versus are one of these. Sorcery is not God's way. If we desire "for the living to hear from the dead", we should not seek the ways of the world (sorcery) we should seek God. simple. Now I am in no wise saying that we can expect to hear from the dead... it's simply an example of how to discern the right way to do things.

Yet, of all the times I have read the Book of Mormon, I have never really thought of it like that. Makes me wonder what else I miss!!!

 

2 Nephi Chapter 6

Read it HERE

(1)The words of Jacob, the brother of Nephi, which he spake unto the people of Nephi.

Jacob is such a great leader.  He is desirous for the welfare of [their] souls (v.3). He has exhorted the people with diligence (3). Taught them the words of the prophet, and from the scriptures (4). He is teaching them that they may learn and glorify the name of [their] God (v.4)

He goes on to tell the people "the Lord has shown me that those who were at Jerusalem, from whence we came, have been slain and carried away captive (v8)."

Here, we learn that Lehi's prophecy has been fulfilled. How do you think Nephi's people, those who believed Lehi, felt in learning this? How do you think the Lamanites would feel if they had somehow received this revelation themselves? Just a thought.

Jacob quotes Isaiah when he teaches  the people about the gathering of Israel both physically and spiritually.

versus 13-18 prophecy that those who "fight against Zion and the covenant people of the Lord", will ultimately be destroyed.

I know which Side I want to be on!