A few of my favorite things - Old Testament: Recent Episodes
Erin Perkins
Nephi obeys the Lords commands and after 3 attempts gets the Brass plates "I will go and do the things the Lord commands"
We take the name of God in Vain- or blaspheme when we don't repent, take His gift of the atonement. suffer needlessly
Jesus will bind Satan, it is He that will overcome- we are invited to the feast, to be with Him- Those who do not worship Satan. That is a pretty low bar. Does your life testify who you follow?
Elisha prayed..." Open his eyes that he may see." and the Lord opened the eyse of the young man...and behold the mountain was full of horses and chariots or fire round about Elisha."Revelations 7:9 "no man could number, of all nations, kindreds, people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothes with white robes.... "14 "These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have watshed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."
"Is that really all that was required" Sis Linda Reeves-
Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is the Christ
"As near as I can tell, Christ never once withheld His love from anyone, but He also never once said to anyone, because I love you, you are exempt from keeping My Commandments."
We grow line upon line, child upon child, calling upon calling, trial upon trial- all to make us more like our Savior.
Hath not God chosen the poor of this world.... rich in faith! Ether 12:23 Moroni- doesn't think he's enough. He worries we will "mock his words". Moroni does not realize HE is MORONI! You are enough! With God. How greatful I am for Pres Ballard and for all these men who give their lives to serve us!
"We are of them that believe! Cast not away your confidence! Those things which cannot be shaken remain. Submit yourselves, Pray for us, Make perfect in every good work to do His will! Grace (Jesus Christ enabling power) be with you all!"
"Chrisitianity is comforting but it is often not comfortable." (Holland) Philemon 21: "Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say." I hope to do more than God says, to prove I am His.
Who has been an example to you- Abounding in God's light and Love. Who has beckoned you to come and eat of the fruit?
Think Celestial! "I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therwith to be content. I know both how to be abased, adn I know how to abound."
Clark Gilbert- the parable of the slope
it is all about who we are becoming. Put your money where you mouth is and love. No comparison. Gal 6:17 "let no man troube me, for i bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus."
Have you ever noticed how trials make us "abound" or more charitable, compassionate, kind to others? What is a trial you have had in your life that you now consider a blessing?
Ambassadors for Christ- God's army as Pres Nelson said
Be ye Enlarged- Praise Jesus
Ye are the temple of the LIving God- I will dwell in them, and walk in them and I will be their God and they will be My people
Solomen asked for the gift of wisdom when told he could ask for 1 gift from God. Wisdom is the knowledge of how to act as God would act - Charity- Love as God would love.
We got the opportunity to be the leaven. To come when the Earth would be veiled in darkness. To bring others to the Feet of the Savior. To learn from each other (to thank Christ for that opportunity) and be made more.
"We cannot diviate from Heavenly Father's course and then blame Him for inferior outcomes." Dale G. Renlund
Pres Oaks once said we are called to preach the Celestial glory. He spoke of there being 3 kingdoms but their resposibility to teach us the way to dwell with God eternally. Alma 42: 29-30 "Let these things trouble you no more, and only let your sins trouble you...bring you down unto repentance... deny the justice of God no more. Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point...."
God loves all, but there are laws and consequences. We determine by our desires, our fruits where we will want to dwell, comfortably after this life.
Pres Nelson told us we needed to learn how the spirit speaks to us
Paul shares his conversion story 3 times- no guilt. God remembers our sins no more, we remember so we safe guard and change.
The Lord knows the desires of our hearts, will bring those to our path who are waiting to hear the gospel message
Paul had no fear of Man. He was told to preach boldly and did. He went where the spirit led and even his hankerchief healed those with diseases. We too are called to swallow our will in the will of the Father and by our actions lead others to Him.
Pres Nelson told us to look for those looking for God to prevail in their lives- Israel. Those who seek Christ are all one team! How grateful I am for all who seek Him and bless my life by their examples
We have examples of so many disciples of Christ in these 3 chapters. What are the patterns we see, so that we too can be chosen to lead others to the Savior?
As Peter and the apostles moved forward to teach Christ's words, we read what it means to be a witness, so we too can bring others to Christ.
The angel tells the women to tell the Disciples He is risen, that He will meet them in Galilee. Peter comes running to see. Most do not believe. If you knew where He was going to come (for the 2nd coming) what effort would you make to be there? We can find Him today, in the scriptures, in prayer, in the temple! GO find HIM!
God is a God who delights to honor and bless us! He is not a God of punishment! How will these people who showed up in these accounts be blessed? What greater blessings are we keeping ourselves from because we fear man, or we choose not to follow our Savior?
Light, delivered, comfort, peace
Darkness, despair, bound, secret, doomed, destruction
The scriptures illustrate the way our Father in Heaven and His son appear in our life, and how the advesary does. We are endowed with his power so that we can cast Satan out when we recognize his influence in our lives.
Let not your heart be troubled...
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: But be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
"The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak- help thou my unbelief." Both Judas and Peter betrayed Christ- the difference is their desire and what they learned from that.
Matt 24:22 “and except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elects sake those days shall be shortened.”
Luke 19:14 citizens hated him? - They did not want the master. Did not honor Him or want His rules. They did not want to follow Him. Do we?
Jesus Beholding him LOVED him. He saw the desires of His heart. God is a God that delights to honor and bless us. He has so much He wants to give us. All we give to Him- He will give 100 fold In Heaven. Eternal Perspective. What blessings am I keeping myself from?
Acting no Hypocrisy- God is a God of truth and Canst not lie! We reflect the Light He shines. We want to be HIs so we Hear and Follow Him. By our Fruits
Martha was "cumbered"- bothered comparing what she is doing with Mary doing "nothing". Comparison is the theif of joy. Who is greatest in the Kingdom- a little child. We are but babes in the gospel. Heavenely Father loves us and treats us with such compassion.
Martha was "cumbered"- bothered comparing what she is doing with Mary doing "nothing". Comparison is the theif of joy. Who is greatest in the Kingdom- a little child. We are but babes in the gospel. Heavenely Father loves us and treats us with such compassion.
Matt 15: 11 "Not that which goeth into the moth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth this defileth a man." Pres Nelson shared in conference a time in the operating room- making the decision never to hurl anything in anger- including words. Elder Holland gave a conference talk in 2007 "The tongue of Angels" In it he said "In this long eternal quest to be more like our Savior, may we try to be "perfect" men and women in at least this one way now- by offending not in word...by speaking with a new tongue, the tongue of angels."
"If it be thou....... we believe and are sure thou" It is a pendulum swing our entire lives. What do you believe, what do you know for sure?
As Conference approaches we need to pray to have hearts open to receive God's message and be Healed! we have to seek and to act so that He can heal us.
Matthew 12: 33 "Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt; for the tree is known by his fruit."
Wise as serpents, Harmless as Doves. We are given God's power- to make others whole. Bringing them to the Savior just as these 4 friends of the paralytic man did.
He that hath much forgiven, Loves much. Are we Pharisees, publicans, sinners or disciples? At times we are all of these.
A good tree bears Good fruit, a bad tree bears bad fruit. Too often we think we need to cut down the tree because we make mistakes! God knew we would need repentance. No turning to the Right or the Left- a straight course that needs course correction!
Blessed are those with any lack- because they sought Jesus to be healed. Woe to them who have all they think they need, because like the pharisees and Sadducees their pride prevents them from seeing the miracles and the good Jesus brought. How easy it is to be kind to those who love us, the challenge is to be like Christ and learn to love those who do not show love in return. "He is kind to the unthankful" we can practice that.
John 2: 5-6 "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it...
and they filled them to the brim."
John 4:23 "The hour cometh, and now is when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seekth such to worship Him."
Christ was full of the Holy Ghost when Satan came to tempt Him. We can follow the Savior's example- in scripture, prayer, our wilderness' being with God to be filled with the spirit and prepared when Satan comes. He came at Christ, He came at Joseph Smith, he will come at all of us he views as a threat to him. Take it as a compliment he sees you as a threat and do what we can to be prepared, be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Like John we are to lead others to Him- He who works miracles. Who offers grace and truth!
So many who were seeking the Savior. The Shepherds, the Wisemen, Simeon, Anna- all who knew what the signs were and went with Haste to where he was, following the star, or to the temple. What do you seek?
What have you done in your life because God commanded you to?
Have you ever taken the blame for something because you wanted to protect or sheild someone else?
Struggles and trials are not a sign that God wants you to fix something. That the works of God might be made manifest
What has God done that has been impossible in your life (what miracles has He worked)?
Willingly submit- marriage, parenthood, callings? - Abraham, Nephi, Esther, Joseph Smith
Huge miracles= Huge sacrifice
Just as with Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau... God knows if He is our priority. He knows our heart. He never turns from us! We need to repent often and check our hearts!
"It is significant that the Savior chose to appear to the people at the temple. It is His house. It is filled with His power. Let us never lose sight of what the Lord is doing for us now. He is making His temples more accessible. He is accelerating the pace at which we are building temples. He is increasing our ability to help gather Israel. He is also making it easier for each of us to become spiritually refined. I promise that increased time in the temple will bless your life in ways nothing else can." Pres Nelson (Oct 2022)
Joseph Smith History 1: 15- 20 Illustrates the way Satan presents himself, and the way our Heavenly Father and the Savior present themselves, their fruits. There are two distinct choices. The enemy is Satan. We can find God in the temple. He is the way to peace, to light, to progression.
3 in the scriptures means Divine, or complete. We have the promise that God will confirm all truth in the mouth of two or three witnesses. The God head is 3 people. Jonah was in the belly of the whale, cried out to God from the "depths of Hell" and was "vomited" by the fish back onto dry land. Alma the younger tells his son Helaman he was 3 days in the "darkest abyss." When he seemed to remember one Jesus Christ whom his father had testified of. The pains are swept away and Joy fills his heart! Alma spends the rest of his life trying to help others feel the joy he felt from God's gift of repentance. Jonah did not.
God will not remove "punishment" consequences of our actions. He wants us to learn and to grow and to CHOOSE to pair with Him. Our Prophets "roar" His message to the world. Whether they hear it or not! God's law makes life easier. Gives us peace, His enabling power, and ultimately a life with Him.
Joel 2:3 "The land is as the garden of Eden before them and behind them a desolate wilderness." Pres Nelson Oct 2022 Conf "My dear brothers and sisters, so many wonderful things are ahead. In coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen. Between now and the time He returns “with power and great glory,”1 He will bestow countless privileges, blessings, and miracles upon the faithful." Come Lord Jesus Come! What Joy awaits.
God showed Nebuchadnezzar 3 times He is the only God. First through Daniel and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego eating the food they are used to for 10 days and the King proving them. He found them far superior. Then through testing the magicians, the sorcerers, all his "wise" and seeing who could find out his dream and then tell him what it meant. God shows Daniel the dream and tells him the meaning. Only a God could do that the king declares. The King then builds a 90 foot statue of himself- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to bow to and worship it. The king is furious and throws them in the fiery furnace. They are accompanied by an angel and come out not even smelling of smoke. God wants all. God shines HIs light through Daniel and his friends, Working miracles! Proving to many He is the only God!
As parents, as missionaries, in callings...we are the shepherds. We are called to go after the sheep. To speak the words God calls us to speak! We are accountable to deliver God's message so we stand blameless before God. We can't control if they hear. We each get to answer how deep we want to be. Ankle, knee, thigh- or immersed in His living water. Water that brings life to the desolate land, to dry bones.
Jerimiah is weary with preaching and feels no one is listening. Do you ever feel that way as a parent? Baruch is asked to write the words of the prophet and go and read them in the ears of the people, since Jerimiah is in prison. Do you think he was afraid? He does it! Isn't that what we are asked? As parents, as followers of God- take the words of His prophets, the words of God to the hearing of the people?! The reward if we are faithful will come! We are promised all will know!
Follow the prophet! Pres Nelson just said in conference the exhausting thing is to run around the world searching for what will make us happy! It doesn’t exist! Gods plan is the only lasting happy! How grateful I am for prophets! For Jeremiah who gave his life doing Gods will.
Isaiah 59: 21 “My spirit that is upon thee and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, sainthood the Lord, from henceforth and forever.”
We are the bride, He is the bridegroom- Isaiah 56:5 “I give in my house…a place and a name…an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.”
Is Jesus glorified in you? Does your life preach a sermon of who you follow? He has graven us on the palms of His hands and He will save our children!
“Whenever any kind of upheaval occurs in your life the safest place to be spiritually is living inside your temple covenants.” Pres Nelson Oct 2021
The frustration of being a parent, teaching your children, having them turn away. Nothing can separate us from Gods love but we will eat the fruit of our doings.
"When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest in that moment God will endow us with power" Ezra T. Benson
Early will I seek thee! God has spoken once- twice I have heard this- that power belongeth to God! Psalms 62:11
When have you trusted God and He came through? How have you seen the hand of God in your life?
Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord and to do it and to teach in Israel! We as parents do this! It is a war! We are Gods army He will help us accomplish miracles.
When did you know the prophet was the mouthpiece of God? How did you gain that testimony?
David is displeased when the Lord smites Uzzah for steadying the ark- he in away is questioning the Lord. Jesus Christ is perfect at His job. We need to trust him to do it!
Have you proved God? Is he yours? What are your 5 things you use in your life that are proved that keep you bound to Him?
And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do ALL things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them. Is the Lord our God?
The greater miracles God performs I’m the sight of all Israel because of greater obedience and Israel sanctifying themselves. Pray for miracles as Pres Nelson has told us to do.
What is the definition of prosperity to God? How exactly are we prospered if we are obedient?
Be a do-er not a complainer! No evil speaking of the lords anointed- were all His anointed!! No fear! Faith in gods direction and His power! Act according to His direction to you and expect miracles! Do not go spiritually cold! Do the small and simple things every day!
Aaron and his sons pay the price for their actions. Just as the Israelites do. They are given the opportunity to give a gift- make a sacrifice to the Lord (with a willing heart). They then can return to Gods presence.
What greater light and knowledge, what greater blessings are we keeping ourselves from because we are afraid to go up to the mountain or content to remain where we are?
God gives an invitation for all of Israel to draw near to Him and hear his voice! To be sanctified and become His “peculiar” people. They fear and pull away and choose to let Moses go to God and speak for Him. What a missed opportunity.
Moses hands held up by Aaron and Hur. Lift the hands that hang down- whose hands need your help lifting? When Moses hands were lifted the Israelites prevailed! Much like the prayer circle in the temple. If you only have time for one thing each week- do the temple!
“I have made thee a God”. God has promised to do that for all of us who covenant with him in the temple!
Moses is learning his identity! He is learning Gods identity! He is Gods child with a work to do and with God- he is mighty!
Joseph's brothers come to get food. He accuses them of being spies. They declare they are men who are true. The very thing said of the Army of Helamen. Joseph places them in prison for 3 days, then allows them to return home as Simeon sits in prison. When they run out of food they know they have to go back, but they know they have to bring Benjamin. This time when they find Joseph's cup in Benjamin's pack Judah offers himself to stay in place of Benjamin. Judah who came up with the plan to sell Joseph... maybe they have changed. Such a beautiful reunion and Joseph offers such a great example of complete forgiveness.
Joseph is without guile. It is not in his nature to turn from doing Gods will. He tells his dreams knowing they are given by god not caring what man thinks. After 13 years in Egypt he becomes second only to Pharaoh. He has proven through everything God is first in his life.
Jacob embarks on his journey and is giving temple experiences and Covenants the God will be his God. He is led to Rachel. After working 20 years he is told by God to go back to his home. Esau and Jacob have this prodigal son moment all is forgiven! God truly has walked with Jacob, been with him and blessed him for his covenanting to make God his God.
Abraham’s servant goes and through faith and prayer finds Jacob a wife. Rebekah and her family, through faith accept it is of God. Esau and Jacob are born. Rebekah knows through faith as does Jacob that he is the birthright recipient. They obey God and Jacob receives the blessing.
Abraham is told to hearkening to Sarah marriage so important no contention. Is anything too hard for the Lord- all He promises will be fulfilled. Abraham willingness to lay his all on the altar- so will we all be required!
Abraham knew he could not have “the greater blessings” he was seeking for staying where he was surrounded by wickedness- so he departed! Constantly he prayed and asked Gods direction.
Methuselah left behind- like Moroni fulfill God fulfills His covenants to parents- willing sacrifice of children. 120 age of man. Noah offered sacrifices of gratitude- God so touched. Like tithing, fast offering. God gives us everything yet blesses us even more when we give even a little back
The veil of darkness- being cut off from Gods spirit- Enoch mourns for the wickedness and suffering the earth mourns. Enoch sees Christ come to earth and atone. He sees repentance and redemption and the millennium when Christ (King of Zion) will reign, Satan will be bound and the earth shall rest - and he had joy.
Satan transforms himself to appear like the Savior to deceive Eve- ha goal to thwart the plan. Eve transgressed hearkening to Satan and partaking of the fruit. She knows they need to progress and Adam follows Eves wisdom. Once they are cast out they cease not to call on God. They are filled with the Spirit and teach their children. Cain chooses to hearkening to Satan and follow him. He is upset when his offering is not accepted and taught if we seek God and seek His will we will always be accepted. Both teach us to seek god, to repent and call on His name, and to not cease! That is progress.
Abraham 4:18 "And the Gods watched those things which they had ordered until they obeyed."
I feel like this is such a representation of what we are doing when we create a family. We are watching...what we have dominion over, what we have been given charge over- told to subdue (take care of) until they obey. Loving...working with, patiently becoming more like God. ONe with God in His purpose and design.
What does a knowledge of who we are (sons and daughters of God) and whose we are (we are endowed with His power) empower you to accomplish? A knowledge of who we are and the power we hold, changes everything!
My testimony on these 2 declarations. H pop w grateful I am to be a witness to continuing revelation! To be led by a prophet of God! The church is true.
If we are seeking to bring others to Christ here...we will be so comfortable doing that very thing after we die as we are so busy teaching and leading others to Him...awaiting His second coming and the resurrection!
Joseph f smiths 65 years serving as an apostle and prophet, his familiarity with losing so many he dearly loved- led to the heavens being opened and him blessing the rest of us with a glimpse of what is to come!
All who die before baptism all who die before finding the gospel- who would have chosen to accept and make those covenants with God, SAVED!
Counsel for the journey to Zion! Do you think our counsel from God before we came was a lot the same?
Honor obey and sustain our leaders and our law! Vote good people, go through proper channels to change the law and if you can’t- honor obey sustain! Pray for our country and our leaders! Even bad government is better than no government
Those who will not accept the Savior and follow Him- will choose and remain in darkness. Weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth. Their choice. Much to Gods sorrow.
This was written 12 years before section 132. As you read how have the saints done fulfilling what God asked?
Plural marriage- Abraham and Sarah, David and Bathsheba- not an accident God uses these examples! It was Hard!!! But in order to live where Christ is, we have to be willing to sacrifice ALL! If God commands- we obey!
Temples! Marriage for all eternity through the priesthood keys and Gods sealing power! What a gift to be with our spouse- forever!
Eternal covenant of marriage…stronger love than here. People who have passed on are still on this earth- doing work with and for us. All we learn here- study and through life lessons, goes with us!
Joseph Smith and Moses have recorded for us their visitations from Satan. They contrast sharply with their visitations from God and other angels who visited! We have Gods power and He will manifest and deliver us from evil!
Blessings of the priesthood! Ordinances and covenants that bring great joy! Bind us to our dead as we work with others who have passed on to prepare for the saviors coming! Let the earth rejoice!
“Deep water is what I am won’t to swim in…Let all saints rejoice…and your works be redoubled… My prayer to God is that you will be saved. Your servant…” Joseph Smith
The Lord knows we are His by our keeping His commandments. Brigham Young and his wife were powerful examples of sacrificing and giving their all to the lord! It is said this revelation was a witness and a testament of how the Lord loved them.
Labor with your own hands that we may obtain the confidence of men. Our whole lives we work to build our character so others know who we are, who we follow, and that we can be trusted
Hyrum smith called as patriarch and to take Oliver Cowdry’s place - second to Joseph. Warnings and promises to several men if the will choose to listen! Gods word always comes true
Temples! “The safest place to be spiritually is living inside your temple covenant. Baptisms for the dead done outside the temple until it could’ve completed. Additional blessings and revelations promised once the temple was completed
Make a proclamation to the kings- leaders of the world of the gospels truth! Build the Nauvoo house- a house where God will dwell and others can come and learn His doctrine!
Wear out your lives in service! It’s work but we have to do all we can and then God will work miracles!
Thy days shall not be numbered less! What a compliment that Hell raged against Joseph! How awesome to be that incredible of a man! I’m so thankful for all he endured for us!
“The Holy Ghost thy constant companion.” There are times the heavens seem closed not for any wrong we have done. It is a refining. Heavenly Father also withdrew from the Savior for a moment. How hard for Him- but it is for our good!
Liberty jail. So hard to know God could intercede in our lives and spare us from heartache and trial and yet often He doesn’t! God loves us where we are but He does not intend to keep us that way! (Brad Wilcox) he will make of us more!
Check our covetousness, the littleness of our souls- and be all into the weighty matters of the kingdom! Here I am Lord- send me!
Name of the church, reemphasized by elder Anderson last conference. Importance of the temple emphasized by Pres Nelson. Adam ondi Ahmen waiting for the lords second coming
David Patten called on a mission- then shot and killed by the mob- I am positive he is serving a mission! Many are called but few are chosen- many of the 12 were excommunicated and others called to replace them. The lesson is to pair with God every day! Plead for his help that we not fall prey to our pride
Even Joseph smith had to search the words of Isaiah and pray for understanding! Search the scriptures there are mysteries found therein! The biggest “mystery” is Christ, His mission, His love.
Thomas Marsh called as president of the quorum of the 12- to admonish and lead out! There were negative feelings for the prophet and satan would take control and use those- leading to the extermination order! Yet 20 years later Marsh repents and whole heartedly is forgiven
Easter Sunday! The gifts Joseph Smith asked for are poured out and given! How has God manifest himself to you? how have you heard His voice in the temple?!!
The prophet prays for him, his family, those close to him, past prophets, the sick, the poor, his persecutors, the lamanites, the Jews- basically everyone to hear this glorious message! To come be in Gods fold and with the dead be caught up in the clouds to meet him and establish Zion.
Temple dedicatory prayer. Beautiful the words asking the Lord consecrated their sacrifices and sanctify His Holy house! That we may learn and be educated by Him.
Blessing to Lyman Sherman who was doubting himself and the calling he was just given. Love that he is forgiven and told to be at rest and resist no more Gods voice. In other words get to work!
Priesthood power- God's power! What have you been blessed with in your life because of the priesthood?
Gods assurance- gods grace! He calls and qualifies us if we humble ourselves and seek Him first!
Zions Camp. All the 12 apostles were on this march, the first quorum of the 70 was also all on this march. CONTINUE! Put one foot in front of the other and do what God asks! That is the charge. Not putting it off, not waiting for more...but acting TODAY! What great examples for us!
We are stewards over all God has blessed us with! We will be judged by how we gave and used what He gave us. It is never a wrong thing to give!
Zions March! Find 500, or 300, or 100…God will prevail! Go’s fights the battle! We obey every word so we are part of His team- known by his name!
Church courts designed with high council. Such a loving system set up hoping for the best of the accused.
The lands in Zion will be those saints in the millennium. God is the judge- seek for redress but then have faith and trust He will work out all for our good. Pray they will have their hearts softened.
Refining! Those lands are theirs! They became sanctified through their trials! We need to be unpolluted- the Savor of the earth. That comes through refining.
All we suffer here God will make up for, more than we can imagine in the next life! He is working all things for our good!! It’s hard to give thanks in trial and adversity but I know people who have done just that! It’s amazing
Wisdom! Gods inspiration through the spirit! What a gift these saints left us! Their sacrifices have blessed us so much
Whom the lord loves He chastens. Are you grateful for that chastening? Do you embrace His refining us? I’m trying to learn to! I know God works all things for our good!
TEMPLE!!!! according the pattern the Lord has set- What is that pattern?
sect 88- sactify yourselves, establish a house- order, prayer, God...
consecrate, dedicated, priesthood, temple at the center- all else built around it, no unclean thing (or God can't be there), do the will of the Lord.
Prioritize and put family first! Duty to teach our children intentionally who the Savior is and that He loves them!
The glory of God is intelligence! Knowledge comes from obedience and faith! God is a god of truth! His laws existed before we ever came and are unchanging
I look forward to the additional record of John the Baptist! The Savior’s cousin! What additional insight he can share about his life and being the fore runner of Christ - but also of Christ’s life! His youth! I look forward to that.
“A lively member...” be happy be cheerful be joyful be YOU! But the version of you God needs and wants you to be.
Joseph Smith is such a great example of humility and the revelations God have because of that humility!
God is so merciful, He loves us where we are but hopes to elevate us to become so much more
The great sign in heaven- god and all his holy angels, the City of Enoch, and if we are worthy- His glory will fill us and we will be caught up to meet Him- us too! How will anyone miss that?!
How have you shined Gods light for others? How has the Lord been glorified in you? “I am a son (daughter) of God! Where is thy glory, for it is darkness to me! Depart from me Satan, for this one God only will I serve!” Moses
Calling and election made sure (2nd comforter), choosing what kingdom we are happy in-want to abide that kingdoms laws. The three are all a kingdom of glory and better than anything we can imagine.
We are laborers in the vineyard- helping the wheat to grow! Working with all our might at this last hour till the Lord comes and gathers the harvest.
Don’t be an ark steadier! Do your job and trust God to do His! Repent and work to have our names recorded in the book of life!
2nd coming- using everything the Lord has blessed us with to build up His kingdom for His return
We are here to gather! To bring the world in darkness to the light we have! How blessed we are to have the Book of Mormon - the knowledge of God’s covenants!
What a gift and blessing the priesthood is! The power of God, the ability to see Him, to be sanctified and renewed, to be protected by angels! We have that privilege. Thanks to God.
Family Proclamation- We are stewards over spirits the Lord has entrusted to our care. Each of us in a family has the right to be loved and cared for, and each of us has the stewardship to help provide that to others in our family. How blessed we are to have the gospel that teaches principles that assure a happy family. Physically and Spiritually.
Forgive all! If we put God first- we honor our covenants- He cannot withhold His blessings! All we have is to build up His kingdom
Frederick G Williams called as a counselor to Joseph Smith in the first presidency. Magnify your office, and lift where you stand. Be someone God can use in the church!
The mission is the one time in our life where we can focus completely on serving God and doing His will. Open your mouth and testify of truths You Know!
We are but little children! God will lead us along! We just need to obey! All He has- we will inherit!
Celestial glory! Just men made perfect through Him! Attainable for everyone if we desire it!
Terrestrial- Good people who just aren’t valiant in following Christ. Luke warm. Telestial- lowest kingdom and still better than anything we can comprehend! Bound for 1,000 years-millennium. Being preached to and taught. God is so kind and merciful. He wants all
Christ exists to make life better for us. To bring us home to rule and reign with him. Satan exists to torment and deceive to bind us and destroy us. He seeks to rule over us.
Preach the gospel as with a trump! Bring others to a knowledge of the gospel! That is happiness! That is peace! That is the solution to all that is wrong with our world!
Bless our missionaries! Their faith and obedience. Speak the language of faith to your spouse when they are going through their “unbelieving” times. What a gift marriage is. A partnership centered on God
Newel k Whitney called as bishop in Ohio - we can go anywhere in the world recommended to the Lord
The lord wants us to know He will take care of our enemies we are to continue being true and faithful! Bearing witness of truth in all we do- and if necessary use words (as elder uchrtdorf says)
We are all stewards of what the Lord has blessed us with spiritually and temporally. We will answer for the job we have done.
Importance of record keeping. So grateful for early saints like John Whitaker who kept a record - for the good of the church!
Strip yourselves from jealousies and fears! Continue in patience until ye are perfected!
What lack I yet! What God says to William He could say to us all! “You are clean, but not all. Repent therefore of the things which are not pleasing in my sight.”
We are called to be forerunners to Christ just as John the Baptist was! To prepare the Kingdom of God so that Christ can come and reign! That is our prayer! To gather all who want to come- to come!
Be not weary! Tribe of Ephraim- gather, hold the priesthood, perform temple ordinances! The world will fear (stand in awe) and those who follow Christ will come!
The lord requires the heart of the children of men. That is the tithing- that is how we repent! And God turns and forgives again and again
Compensatory blessings! Twinkled in the millennium to live 1,000 years with our families and other believers with God! Surround yourself with your wise! Be patient and look to become more who He needs us to be- the reward is the next life!
Earth renewed - celestialized. Every thing the saints bought will be theirs- an inheritance but the reward is after this life! Daily earnest seeking that God dwells in us
Bearing testimony to others blesses us! Obedience to God is the goal- angels see it and record it in heaven
Do not burry your talents, fear man- proclaim not in haste! The gospel! Be a point of contact in bringing all to a knowledge of our Savior
Peace is the gift in this life! Eternal life is the gift in the next! The reward for all we endure!
Adversity- trials come 1- we’ve sinned and need correction 2- others have and we suffer along with them 3- THIS IS THE ONE WE FORGET, God has greater blessings than we can imagine waiting for us! This life is but a small moment- if we endure it well the joy comes in the next life!
We get a choice- honor our covenants, or break them and be cut off. Great examples of men who covenanted and then broke those covenants and others who honored them over and over, going from place to place honoring and giving their all to God. For an EVERLASTING INHERITANCE. "They will be my people and I will be their God." What a reward that will be.
Endure, eye single to the glory of God, broken covenants. It’s all about putting God first in our life. Placing him before everything! Every day every day every day!
John 15:2 “every branch that bears fruit He purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit!”
The lord provides according to our circumstances, our wants, and our needs! He is such a generous God
That which is of god is light and growth brighter and brighter! It edifies!! If it doesn’t it isn’t of God.
Marriage is ordained of God! It is Hos plan - His workshop- our greatest joy is in families!
Jesus Christ is Heavenly Father’s only begotten son. He came and stoned and will come again. No man knows when that will take place. Lemon Copley called on a mission to correct the Shakers misconceptions
All these saints so willingly sacrificed and gave- again and again. Truly the Lord came first in their lives!
John Whitmer called as the church historian- overwhelmed. He is promised he will be given what to record by the Spirit
The three disciples “sleeping from sorrow” in the garden of gethsemane. What great men!!
Amazing the prophecy that wars would be in their land but they would be safe- in a place of refuge- gathered to Zion! How true as the Civil War comes 14 years after they arrive in Utah. God is amazing
The parable of the fig tree- He’s coming! The parable of the 10 virgins- where do you stand?
Stand in Holy places and be not moved! The opposite of the scattering- we gather through a knowledge of the Lord! He is the peace the World is needing
Jesus is our advocate! He pleads our case! He is our comforter and wants us to dwell with Him eternally! He is coming! Cleave to His light!
4th general conference- spirit poured down. Oh how I love general conference! How much I look forward to and need its messages every 6 months!
The prophet is the mouthpiece of God! He only receives revelation for the Church! We are preparing for the Saviors second coming- His voice is as a trump through all the natural disasters and Covid! We look forward to the Millennium when Satan will be bound for 1000 years!
Importance of marriage- not something to enter in lightly or get out of quickly! Importance of church courts! The love God reveals in those- He truly wants all! The importance of taking people privately and fixing our grievances.
The Lord gives this new church, this group gathering to Ohio, His law. His way to become as He is!
Edward Partridge called as the first bishop of the church! What a heavy load. How important was his personal revelation from god to guide this growing church with so many different, human people! Love that the lord knows his pure heart
The story of James Covill, a Methodist minister, is heart breaking! Does God come first in our lives? When we covenant to follow Him would we give all to do just that? To me the definition of Hell is going back and realizing the Lord had so much more in store for us if we just would have been willing to sacrifice what we thought mattered!
The church is called to gather in Ohio! What a huge sacrifice and yet- God is gathering and taking His growing church further and further West to be His people! Temple blessings await and that is far greater than any sacrifice made!
Edward partridge the first bishop of the church - comes to meet Joseph smith and joins the church; At significant cost to him financially and family relationships. Another great example of someone who gave everything to build Gods kingdom and benefit all of us!
Sidney Rigdon called as a scribe for the translation of the Bible. He Elvis called to stand by Joseph and to watch over him, which he does! He brings so many great leaders into the church! These people he has gathered seeking for truth! They find it and embrace it
Orson Pratt was amazing!! So much like Joseph smith- searching and praying for truth from a young age! Finally being taught it by his brother Parley! He embraced it with all his heart at 19. He was a missionary and an apostle for 60 years!
Ezra Thayer is a powerhouse! Like Lehi and Amulek! he did not fear man! He willingly put God first and became a great missionary for the church
Two other men, Ziba Peterson and Parley P Pratt, join Oliver and David Whitmer in their mission to the lamanites. 300 miles through trackless snow. Expelled from the Lamanite territory (after teaching the Shawnees and Delewares and having some success) they could view this as extremely hard and unsuccessful. However They taught Sidney Rigdon and many others in his congregation and in a matter of 2-3 weeks baptized and confirmed 127 new members of the church. The largest congregation up to this point. I love that the Lord tells them He will be with them!
Thomas is called to be a missionary! HE is promised his family will be watched over and provided for. He has just joined the church and leaves 3 boys, the oldest of whom is 9. Much like Joseph Smith, he has to put his trust in God's caring for his family and go and do God's work. Love that HE is called a physician. Much as the Savior was called. He was sent to heal those who needed healing through the gospel word.
Fear not what man can do! I Am with you! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
All things created spiritually first! Adam and Eve sinned in hearkening to Satan. Repentance was granted! We too learn and grow- by deciding who we will hearken to!
Oh the sermon that is being preached- calling all to come to the God of peace, hope, forgiveness! Come Lord Jesus come!
Three things stood out as the Lord has Oliver go and tell Hiram he is wrong 1-take him privately 2-Oliver has a relationship with him, someone he loves correcting him. 3- Oliver was deceived too- chastening coming from someone else who also needed to repent. God is a God of forgiveness and love.
How grateful we all should be to this revelation- we are entitled to receive our own! For ourselves and anyone we preside over (our families) but never for anyone over us! And never for the church! The prophet alone holds the keys to do that.
Huge awesome Sacrament meeting with the Savior in the millennium! All who choose to follow the Savior will be included! Along with Moroni,John, Joseph, etc ... the prophets we so long to meet! If we do our all- God does His!
Continue to study the scriptures! This man just translated the record and is told to continue studying! All things done in common consent- we sustain one another, support one another! Forgive weakness and faults and trust god will help us all become more than we are on our own.
Thou art under no condemnation- thy duty is to exhortation, strengthen the church- to thy family forever. This church was a family affair! The entire smith family gave their all- took up the cross.
Just as the law of Moses was done when Christ was crucified, previously baptized members needed to be re-baptized with the proper authority!
Joseph is called as the first prophet in these latter days! How blessed we are to have the mouthpiece of God to guide us!
Joseph’s prayer about baptism- the correct way, the correct authority, all outlined for us along with priesthood offices and sacrament!
11 years after the first vision and finally the Church of Jesus Christ is restored! His authority, His power, His covenants!
What an opportunity to give all to the Lord- Martin does! “Canst thou be humble and meek, and conduct thyself wisely before me? Yea, come unto me thy Savior!” What an invitation to us all.
Endless punishment, eternal punishment =God’s punishment. God who suffered for us, knows is, wants us all back! We suffer only until we turn to Him and accept His gift!
“By their desires and their works you shall know them!” Our apostles and our prophet are amazing examples of Christ! What do your actions testify of you?
I love the comparison the Lord gives Oliver to that of Paul. What a compliment to his missionary work but also what a warning for his pride
I love the 3 witnesses praying to get to see the plates! Love their faith- like the brother of Jared! They stayed true to their testimony of the plates to their deaths
I love that John and Peter Whitmers desire was to know what is the best, the greatest thing they could do with their life?! I too have wondered that very thing.
I am so touched by people who have obviously given so much and yet desire to know what more they can do for the Lord.
How blessed we are to have the priesthood power! God’s power on earth again! I did want to mention Joseph and Oliver were given the Melchizedek priesthood after by Peter James and John. I just meant we have no account that I can find of the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, we just know they are filled with it after their baptism.
The persecution became more bitter and severe! Is that possible!!! God will back us with help- angels on both sides of the veil! If we are singular in purpose as Joseph was!
When you feel condemned, guilty- remember we were sent to be tried and tested, to learn! When we humble ourselves and repent man the miracles that await! The love god has for us and oh how He wants to use us in His army! I love Joseph Smith’s example of this!!
Count down to conference! 5 days people!! Studying Joseph Smith’s History in preparation ❤️. ***Elijah not Elisha
What a gift! We have the priesthood we have ordinances, covenants that tether us to God! He lives to make our life easier! To help us back to Him! Our joy is in helping others find the truth of what we have! What was restored!
Hyrum is told for now his job is to study and gather truth to be ready to stand and teach it when you are called. He is also told for now to be Obedient to the Lord with all his heart. I think this so parallels what we are asked right now in Covid. Study, gather truth, be obedient with all our heart and be ready when we are called!
Who are we choosing to follow?! Satan only has the power God allows! Pray always- that we may conquer with God at our side!
Stand fast in the work where with I have called you! Love the message to do your calling, your role as parent, spouse, child the best you can... God is teaching us and training us to be more.
What are your gifts? How are you applying yourself to them? God gave us gifts to bless His church- the world!
If ye have the DESIRE to do good- Oh how I have the desire!!! God will use you! And me.
God will manifest the truth of all things in the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses! A witness born of the spirit is the greatest witness we can receive. How good is God to offer Martin Harris a chance to repent and be one of those witnesses
Do we care too much what man thinks? In a world of social media the cry is YES! How do we learn from Joseph’s example and become singular in our focus of serving only our God?!
Last lesson for seminary this semester. Students shared what brought them closer to Christ- what 1 question they would ask the Lord if like Joseph Smith they got to ask Him a question
“You are good enough, you are loved, but that does not mean that you are yet complete!” This life is the opportunity to become more like Him! What a gift. The Book of Mormon is true! Pray and ask but then be prepared to act because your life will never be the same! It will be so much better!
Labor diligently!!! His mercy, his long suffering, his glory, rest in your mind forever! A hope of Eternal Life! Fight! Fight every day! The next life is the reward! We are His team.
Pray with all the energy of heart to have the pure love of God- charity! That we may be like Him!
What a gift to have these ordinances these prayers word for word! Thank heavens Moroni continued to write.
The entire destruction of the Jaredites. Ether’s prophecy is fulfilled, Coriantumr is the last one living and witnessed the entire destruction of his people.
God offers refuge. The scriptures teach us it is by the wicked the wicked are destroyed. If we turn from God we are left to Satan and how quickly the destruction comes. Satan leaves everything He touches desolate.
Even Moroni was humbled thinking his writing was not good enough, not like the brother of Jared! The Lord tells him it mattereth not! Thy garments shall be made clean- our covenants in the temple, The Savior’s atonement makes us clean! Have faith, have hope- we will dwell with them eternally.
Putting the Lord first in our lives leads to great happiness. What does it mean to not do justice to ourselves as it says about Morianton?
What are we seeking for? What do you desire most? Do we desire what God desires for us?
The daughter of Jared is beyond wicked! To search the scriptures for such evil purposes! Love Moroni’s testimony this story is here as a wake up call to all of us to be steadfast and vigilant
No wonder God has his prophets warn against kings. We can’t guarantee a righteous king and man the problems that arise from a wicked king. It’s all about remembering and aligning our life with God.
Gratitude! The Lord did cause the wind to blow furiously to the promised land! His goal, our goal is to get there!
Behold oh lord thou canst do this! We know thou canst show forth great power which looks small unto the understanding of men.
Sometimes the Lord gives us an answer and we work to do what He asks, sometimes He tells us to figure it out and then come and ask if what we have come to is the right or acceptable solution, and sometimes His answer is to trust Him implicitly and let Him direct our life.
The power of prayer. What blessings does God desire to give us, but has to wait for us to ask.
It is all about Jesus Christ! When’s the last time you remember Him answering your prayers. Try Him, take Him at His word! From the beginning prophets and saints have prayed for us to believe in Him and come home
Moroni finishes his fathers record. He alone remains... he writes pleading to us. Are we the few he saw that will remain faithful?
Beautiful testimony from our prophet Mormon. It is all about Christ! I hope we learn from their mistakes and repent and come unto Him
Awful scene of wickedness. So sad the hard hearted ness of the people, sacrificing women and children and burning cities. This continual scene of war in stark contrast to captain Moroni’s title of liberty and the wars which describe there never was a happier people. It’s all about who we rely on and go through our trials with.
Nephites have victory over the Lamanites and boast in their own strength. They then swear by the Heavens and God that they will now go seek out war and avenge the deaths. That is definitely taking Gods name in vain and God declares, “vengeance is mine!”
Grandma, mother, worker. Praying for miracles, for peace, kindness, for all of us to forgive
How has the lord magnified you? What great things have you accomplished because God was with you?
Mormon was 10 when he was chosen record keeper, future prophet. What things has God told you through your patriarchal blessing, await you? Are you preparing?
My 3rd son and his wife Anna. Graduating college as Covid hit. The job market and uncertainty- knowing God has a plan, righteousness wins!
The time after the Savior has visited and established His church. This is what the millennium will be like!
2nd coming prophecies- refined and purified, charitable. The Savior leaves, the people do what He has taught. They are one.
Words of Isaiah- the savior is the groom, the church is the bride, He will bless us for everything we endure here to stay true to Him. Record your spiritual experiences ❤️
My second daughter, 5th child, recently returned missionary! College student, young single adult. The miracle of contentment
Sacrament, prayer, Holy Ghost, missionary work....all are gifts through covenants we have the privilege of making with our Father and being part of His team!
What effort would you go to, to bring others to the feet of the Savior? Who would you bring? What blessings do we keep ourselves from because we do not ask?
Engaged during Covid, the trial of feeling like a failure but realizing God is there and things work out, usually better than you even imagine!!!
Taylor is my second son. He and Bergen have been married 6.5 years. They are parents to 2 girls and are expecting a son in December. The miracle of family suport
The great I Am - I am HE! He fulfilled the law of Moses and we now obey His commandments which bring us to Him. We are all His! He wants all his sheep.
Art teacher, wife, primary president, and aunt. The process, the learning, the creating is what matters! Not the end product.
Old law fulfilled, all things new! Jesus is the way- come to Him, repent, and become complete (perfect).
Single mother of 3 little boys, Seminary teacher. Finding joy even in Covid. Alexa dance parties!!
The Savior appears! Many are gathered at the temple marveling at what has taken place! Waiting for prophecy to be fulfilled!
FINALLY the day has come, The entire earth mourns for 3 days, their great creator has been crucified. God will cause to be preached a sermon of fire, earthquakes, floods, etc....that all may know He is the Lord!
The government is destroyed, the gadianton robbers- led by Jacob chased out and the people divided in tribes.
There was not a living soul among the Nephites who did doubt the words of the prophet! And yet 4 years after destroying the gadianton robbers, secret combinations are back! How do we remain steadfast and immovable
There never was known so great a slaughter since Lehi left Jerusalem....and their hearts were swollen with joy...,because of the great goodness of God.
Wife and mother! Joseph had the first vision and leaned on the mantle and said “all is well!” Like the Liver this is a chance for us to rid ourselves of all the things that are not good and decide what to take that will build and make us healthier, wiser, and better human beings.
“The people began to forget those signs and wonders they had heard.” How do we keep from forgetting?
Greater signs and greater miracles began to happen yet the unbelievers said the day had passed and set a day to kill the believers.
My 17 year old senior. Looking forward to school and a unique year, making that memorable
Sister Whitney - at home MTC, no temple to be endowed, leaves for her mission in Pittsburgh Pa weds!!!
“Satan did get great hold upon the hearts of the people on all the face of the land.... notwithstanding the signs and wonders which were wrought among the people......”. where is our focus? Signs and wonders or fear?
Desolate vs. refuge; loved vs. hated- what does Samuel the lamanite mean? God truly wants us all!!!
How have you seen the hand of god in your life the last 4+ months since Covid hit? Do you feel our world wide fast has been answered? How?
Samuel the Lamanite goes on to prophecy all about Jesus Christ Birth and Death. Those signs are all for the purpose of increasing faith on the Savior, so they will repent and be redeemed!
When is the last time the lord blessed you? Can you recall? If we are obedient God prospers us! Do we recognize it?!
Life is not a race! It is a marathon and god wants all to finish! Nephi suffered the famine, along with the wicked, trusting it would humble the people and bring them to Christ
Do you know the prophet is the mouthpiece of God? How do you know? It is imperative we know that! Nephi is the prophet for these people- most did not believe and fell away.
Oh that I could have had my days in the days when my father Nephi first came out of the land of Jerusalem..... If you could pick any time to live, when would it be? Would it be today? Our days? The winding up scenes before the Savior comes to rule and reign
When have your prayers been the most heartfelt and sincere? When have they been the most casual? We were sent to be tried and tested, to learn and become more! What is happening to you during all of this adversity- are you being humbled and coming closer to god?
Aminidab and 300 prisoners are in jail with Nephi and Lehi who are encircled with fire. They are in darkness but “turn them about and look!” They become God’s missionaries and convert thousands of lamanites!
What blessing from God would you most want at this time in your life? What commandment are we told, if we obey, we will receive that blessing? Could you work on your obedience to that commandment?
We have Helaman (Helaman’s son) as prophet and chief judge and the gadianton robbers. It tells us the blessings of god were so great the leaders were astonished beyond measure! What does god’s prosperity look like?
Moroni chosen at 25 to lead the nephite army (Alma 43 details why) vs coriantumr who is chosen to lead the lamanites. What a difference. His pride leads to his destruction and the loss of thousands of lives on both sides
Is all that is going on in our world right now- hardening our hearts or humbling us and refining us? Gratitude, remembering what God has done for us, praying are key to becoming who God needs us and wants us to be
Talk about a man of God! How do we become Pahoran and act- not re-act?!!! Only with the spirit are we able to see through accusations and threats to what the Lord would have us center on and learn.
“And it came to pass that Moroni was angry with the government.....”. Out of anger comes this letter of accusations, threats, lecturing.... what can we learn from this?! Anger is absolutely a voice of Satan and oh the hurt it causes!
“But behold it mattereth not- we trust God will deliver us! Not withstanding our weakness....and deliver us out of the hands of our enemies.”
“ by keeping God‘s Commandments we can find joy even in the midst of our worst circumstances.”
“What will happen as you more intentionally hear, hearken, and heed what the Savior has said and what He is saying now through His prophets?.....I promise miracles in your marriage, family relationships, and daily work!” This is illustrated so clearly through this army of Helaman
Moroni was so inspired to arm the prisoners within the city and his army without- they took the city without any loss of life. How are we arming ourselves and our families within and without?
We may be inspired how to act, but that does not mean the outcome or response will be what we hope it is! God uses us for our strengths and knows we can overcome our weakness’. Moroni was not perfect! But he was a warrior for God and he did not mince words.
It is so hard to retake our strongholds once they have been lost. It is a war! We have to give heed and diligence daily to fortifying and maintaining our strongholds!
Alma’s blessing to Shiblon! What would you want your 15 verses to say? Endure! Continue! Be sober!
“And thus ended the days of Amalikiah”. What will your reward be? What have you spent your life pursuing? What a stark contrast to Moroni and Teancum
How are we fortifying defensively and offensively against the enemy so we have all power and we remove his strongholds?!
Heed and Diligence! What do those words mean to you? We learn because of those 2 words the Nephites had all power over their enemies! That is awesome
What does it mean to have perfect understanding? What is the constant stream or noise we listen to? How do we offset the negativity of the world? It is by small and simple things! Daily!
A huge added ahha for me as I studied this morning. So grateful for this lesson on what “do not revile” means
A bitter fountain can not bring forth good water, a good fountain cannot bring forth bitter water. By their fruits you shall know them! Amalikiah’s desires and intents never changed!!! Just as Satan’s never change!
What have you hoisted on the walls of your home as a reminder of what you are fighting for? What is your cause?
“The central message of the Book of Mormon is to restore the true knowledge of the essential role of Jesus Christ in the salvation and exaltation of mankind.” He is the power the protected and saved the Nephites. He is who walks with and helps us- if we do our part!
“As followers of Christ we are not spared challenges and trials in our lives. We are often required to do difficult things that if attempted alone would be overwhelming! As we accept the Saviors invitation to come unto me- He will provide the support, comfort, and peace that are necessary.”
“Only the gospel will save the world from the calamity of its own self destruction. Only the gospel will unite men and women if all races and nationalities in peace. Only the gospel will bring joy, happiness, and salvation to the human family.” Elder Holmes March 2020 conference
Alma shares praying to know what happens to us after we die and while we wait for the resurrection. This goes so well with Joseph f smiths vision D&C 138- praying to know what those spirits are doing! What a treasure to have these! I got cut off at the end- hope you know the Savior loves you!
Why is corianton’s sin (sleeping with the harlot) next to murder or denying the Holy Ghost? Thou shouldst have tended to the ministry where with thou wast entrusted! Come to the tree, partake the fruit!
Alma turns the records over to Helaman. By small means (keeping the record of god’s hand in their lives) great things are brought to pass! Anti Nephi Lehi’s brought to a knowledge of the truth. Confounding the wise- zeezrom also brought to a knowledge of the truth! Are we using these “small means” to work miracles in our lives?
Alma shares with his son Helaman his conversion! It’s been 26 years since the angel came. He testifies if we are obedient god prospers us! And he testifies he knows when he dies he will dwell with God! This vile sinner knows repentance and change!! It is all about becoming!
Amulek teaches and is another witness to the prophets words! The converted Zoramites are cast out to Jershon! This awful trial they think they are going through is a huge blessing as the join with the anti Nephi Lehi’s and get to live with these giants in the gospel!
Alma opens the scriptures to testimonies from Zenos, Zenock, and Moses all of whom testify of prayer and of the atonement of Christ! If you believe in the scriptures as you say you do, then you have to know there is a Christ!
How lucky are these zoramites?! After going through the trial of poverty, they are compelled to be humble and ready to hear the word of God and return to His fold!!! What a gift!
How do we keep our children from falling into errors? How do we reclaim those that have gone astray as the zoramites had?
Korihor gives us so many arguments the world uses to disprove there is a god! “I have all things as a testimony that these things are true! All things denote there is a god!”
Repentance =no more sorrow! “Repentance isn’t His backup plan in the event we might fail. Repentance is His plan, knowing we will!”
Are you a seeker of happiness? Have you experienced incomprehensible joy? When? I love how the anti Nephi lehis honor their covenants and I love how the nephites welcome them in, give them lands, protect them and love them as their brothers and sisters in Christ.
God fulfills every word of the prophet! Abinadi’s prophecies are fulfilled. “Who can glory too much in the Lord?!” I love Alma’s rejoicing! Sis reeves conference talk in oct 2015 echos this! “Was that all that was required?!”
Is it better to find the truth later in life- to be converted and have our sins washed away? We have conference talks that witness of converts words- oh how I wish I would have known these truths! It would have spared me so much heartache! We are so blessed to know these truths! Now we need to pattern the anti Nephi Lehi’s and be valiant!!
When has someone been your answer to prayer? Your miracle? When have you been the answer to prayer (the miracle) for someone else?
“Surely this is more than a man!” Our faithfulness and the power of God working in us- make us more!!
Do we have joy when trial or adversity appears at the opportunity to be used by God and to see His miracles! I love Ammon’s confidence in God and his preparation to be used by Him!
Was it worth it? Was it a blessing to Amulek and his household? I love that God mourns with us and strengthens us but He does allow the trial and heartache because He knows the blessings that await!
What are we willing to lay on the altar to the lord? Are we willing to submit to all the will of the Lord?
Why do you study the scriptures? What is your desire? I love this glimpse we have of Zeezrom’s desire change! He truly wants to know!
“You don’t have to wonder about what is true. You do not have to wonder whose you can safely trust!” Pres Nelson. Vs. 27 “and Amulek said Yea, there is a true and living God!”
Amulek stands to teach the people! No fear of man-he has been born of God and changed! Love his testimony of conversion!!
Ammonihah- the people Would Not listen. Amulek (I love Amulek! He is my hero) is told by an angel of God to feed Alma and he will be a blessing to his house. Amulek and his household are converted.
If you could have a conversation tonight with the Savior, what do you think He would say to you? When He comes will He see himself in your countenance?
Every day we choose who we follow. Our lives, our actions bear witness to who we are choosing. In the end only a life focused on Christ leads to joy.
If you could write your next 50 chapters of your life history, what would you wabt them to say? These chapters are all about the power of one person! When used by God!
Can you imagine the damage the prophets son could do pulling people away from God’s teachings! How heartbreaking for Alma and yet his prayers, his faith, his goodness bring the miracle of the angel turning the heart of his son! Love the truths taught in this story! God wants us all! Even a wicked sinner like the prophets son Alma the younger
Alma receives revelation that we use as our church court system today! The most important thing we can teach our children is who Christ is and that He loves them! But if they will not believe and repent then they will be cut off. Which is a kindness from god so they aren’t accountable
Alma, limhi, and mosiah’s people are unified as covenant children of god! We can learn so much from each other as we share our own witness of how we have seen the hand of God in our lives and truly strive to become one - mourning with those that mourn and glorying in others triumphs!
Compare and contrast Limhi and his people escaping their bondage to the lamanites and Alma and his 450 who are now covenant followers of Christ and their escape from Amulon and the Lamanites and their bondage! God will try and test and prove His people. He will make of us far greater people than we can ever make ourselves!
What trials are happening in your life that God may be waiting until you cry to Him to deliver you? How is He easing your burdens, prospering you, protecting you? Are we waiting upon the Lord and trusting in His timing, His plan, His deliverance?
The lamanites come to battle looking for their missing 24 daughters! I love king limhi listens to Gideon! I love that they have such faith they meet the lamanites without weapons trusting their king will pacify his people
Isn’t it interesting how willing and grateful they were to pay 50% tax in exchange for their lives! God is so good because this time in bondage is turning them back to God! What a gift.
What a perfect Easter lesson! Abinadi’s martyrdom so mirrored the Saviors! Sealing his testimony with his death. How blessed we are to have the Savior as our redeemer and advocate with the Father! To be on His team! To be His
God always sends a warning voice! Abinadi comes and with Gods power teaches truth about the law of Moses, obedience to commandments = being saved! And teaches all about the Savior!
We need to be careful vs casual in our commitment to god! Was zeniff casual? Did his casual commitment to god contribute to Noah his son being so wicked? We need to be intentional as our prophet and apostles have taught! Pres. Russell M Nelson- Intentional parenting.
“Sometimes our needed growth is achieved better by suffering and adversity than by comfort and tranquility”. Pres Oaks April 2020 conference
****ALMA not AMMON! about minute 14 Alma escapes with the believers! Sorry About that
We are called the children of Christ! Through faith on His name we have become His sons and daughters!
No matter what our situation is, no matter where we are in our life, we can hear the word of the Lord to us through the scriptures! How grateful I am for the scriptures! They have brought me such peace through the death of my father!
2:41 “and moreover I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold they are blessed in all things both temporal and spiritual: and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with god in a state of never ending happiness. I remember, remember that these things are true; for the lord god has spoken it.”
My day was spent in the hospital with my dad. We don’t know if it’s covid19 or pneumonia but he is super sick. Again and again I have been So grateful for a knowledge of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and of our Savior Jesus Christ! For a prophet of God! There is truly peace In Christ!
I love how Enos praying for a remission of sins so parallels Joseph Smith praying to know his standing with God! Both brought great miracles and blessings
5.7 earthquake in Salt Lake City Utah today. With coronavirus it truly feels as if the Lord is begging us to listen, to come to Him, to prepare for His 2nd coming! I hope to say as Jacob did- and I could not be shaken!
We are living a pruning of the vineyard- coronavirus has given us all an opportunity to realize how blessed we are to gather at church, at conference, even at seminary and school, to examine our preparations. The biggest message to me in these chapters is the love of the Lord of the vineyard- the Savior loves us and His arm is stretched out still!
Always be worthy of a temple recommend. So grateful for the gift of the gospel and a knowledge that being sealed in the temple to our families and the lord is the greatest gift the lord gives us! What joy and happiness! Nothing greater
We were asked to teach the law of chastity- to be very clear and plain. To leave no room for question or doubt. It was awesome to go to the temple, to pray, to fast, to be a partner with the lord and talk to these amazing kids about chastity, I loved it and look forward to part 2!
If you knew you were dying and could only say one sentence what would it be? Nephi prayed for us, he cried for us! He so badly wanted us to believe in Christ (and all that means)! I’m sure our prophets and apostles do the same today!
What is the most important decision you made today, this week, this year, so far in your life? Who helped you make that decision? Loved listening to them share how they hear the word of the Lord in their lives!!
What do you Believe of Christ? What do you Know of Christ? How did that belief or knowledge come? Was it your own personal experiences, scripture stories, family or friends?
The kids read parts of 3 talks and interviews given by pres Nelson, pres oaks, and elder Wickman on “truth and tolerance”, “love and laws of god.” And the interview from the public affairs committee on same gender attraction. It was awesome to hear the share what they learned, what they loved.
I so loved learning over the last two weeks, the message God wanted delivered today- our job is to love as HE loves and leave judgement to Him. Love. That’s it. That sure simplifies things! These kids... they get it! And they loved this message!
What was the curse? Being cut off from the spirit. Where are laman and Lemuel now? Adam and Eve cut off, Nephi saw in a vision the entire destruction of his people and the wicked lamanites, laman and Lemuel want you kill the prophet! 3rd Nephi those who were destroyed- they who killed the prophets.
“ I love the Lord, in Him my soul delights” what a beautiful psalm. Nephi illustrates the perfect way out of despair- “oh wretched man am I”. Loved sharing this message!
Choice and accountability- sometimes we fail, we fall, we hurt... but we try again and we succeed and have joy. Sometimes we do everything we possibly can and it doesn’t work! And yet we know god is with us and is aware and we just have to trust him.
Loved the opportunity to talk about the fall and why choice, trial, hardships are necessary. Love that we paired that with mental illness and suicide. Such a beautiful spirit- witnessed gods love, His plan...choose to stay
What 1 thing do you love most about your family, what 1 thing drives you most crazy? We are placed in families to learn and become a better version of ourselves! So fun to testify of the gift of eternal families and the proclamation to the world.
How in the world do you cover so much in 80 min?! Loved breaking this down and having them teach each other in groups.
Picnic game, priests of Baal, Henry Moyle- so amazing how the spirit prompts and guides and all of the sudden this lesson becomes a powerful starting point for students to commit to learn for themselves the Book of Mormon is true. Loved how it fit together
How did you know your spouse was the one? What gave you the courage and faith to move forward and get married? How did lehi’s sons “pick” their wives?
God’s plan is always the best plan! Nephi and his brother’s 3 attempts to get the plates. What in your life are you working towards? Marriage, mission, college, etc. might that be harder than you think, might it take a different path than you planned?
Awesome compare and contrast session on the obedience of Nephi and sam, Laman and Lemuel. Loved the students answers to where was christ in these chapters and what do they teach me about Him?