helaman 12: 14 - 26
how can remembering God's greatness help us avoid pride? what else can we do to be humble instead of prideful?
--> i love the references to us being less than the dust of the earth in this section. even the dust and the winds and the waters obey the voice of the Lord and go withersoever he listeth to send them. this has always been a good reminder to me. humility isn't my strong characteristic, but i like to pretend it is... for recognition... ha ha. remembering that we are literally nothing helps me to remember God's greatness and helps me remember to be humble. i appreciate the opportunity to feel God's love for me, and to feel that i matter to Him, but also appreciate the reminders that i am so small and weak compared to His greatness. i need to be submissive to Him. "if God were a novelist, He would use a pen to write your story. be a willing and meek pen." - elder nashif of my mtc district once said that quote. i've always loved it.
september.29
helaman 12: 1 - 13
why do you think people who are prosperous sometimes forget the Lord? why do you think people sometimes need to be chastened before they remember the Lord?
--> when things are going well in our lives, it is easy to give the credit to ourselves, saying that we have worked so hard and earned this, or that we are making decisions in our lives that would lead us to that point. however, when things are going wrong, we often blame outside circumstances or the Lord. i'm guilty of having less consistent and less meaningful scripture study and prayers when things are going right, then when something happens and i really need the Lord's help, just pouring out my soul to Him. it's backwards. we should be just as close to our Father in times of joy and prosperity as we are in times of despair, hurt, and discouragement. just last night, i was thinking about how i wanted to be better at more consistent prayer and scripture study (the same thing i've been wanting to be better at for 2 and a half years now - WHY CAN'T I KICK INTO GEAR?!) reading about the pride cycle this morning reminded me that i totally relate to the things these people are going through, and the patterns that are so prevalent in the book of mormon. sometimes when reading about other people, it's easy to be judgmental and think things like "wow, how could they forget the Lord, after all He's done for them?" when just last night, i was complaining to God about the smallest thing that was (or wasn't) happening in my life, and i had a realization that, "wow, sara, look at all the blessings you DO have. i bet God just feels disappointed when He listens to you sometimes because of how ungrateful you are. He's given you so much, but it's never enough. it's a constant, 'when i have this.... i will be happy'. or 'when this happens, i will go to the temple more'... etc" what i'm trying to say is that the pride cycle is so prevalent today. sometimes we do need that chastening as a wake-up call! i want to be closer to the Lord. i am grateful for the chance to ponder this question today.
why do you think people who are prosperous sometimes forget the Lord? why do you think people sometimes need to be chastened before they remember the Lord?
--> when things are going well in our lives, it is easy to give the credit to ourselves, saying that we have worked so hard and earned this, or that we are making decisions in our lives that would lead us to that point. however, when things are going wrong, we often blame outside circumstances or the Lord. i'm guilty of having less consistent and less meaningful scripture study and prayers when things are going right, then when something happens and i really need the Lord's help, just pouring out my soul to Him. it's backwards. we should be just as close to our Father in times of joy and prosperity as we are in times of despair, hurt, and discouragement. just last night, i was thinking about how i wanted to be better at more consistent prayer and scripture study (the same thing i've been wanting to be better at for 2 and a half years now - WHY CAN'T I KICK INTO GEAR?!) reading about the pride cycle this morning reminded me that i totally relate to the things these people are going through, and the patterns that are so prevalent in the book of mormon. sometimes when reading about other people, it's easy to be judgmental and think things like "wow, how could they forget the Lord, after all He's done for them?" when just last night, i was complaining to God about the smallest thing that was (or wasn't) happening in my life, and i had a realization that, "wow, sara, look at all the blessings you DO have. i bet God just feels disappointed when He listens to you sometimes because of how ungrateful you are. He's given you so much, but it's never enough. it's a constant, 'when i have this.... i will be happy'. or 'when this happens, i will go to the temple more'... etc" what i'm trying to say is that the pride cycle is so prevalent today. sometimes we do need that chastening as a wake-up call! i want to be closer to the Lord. i am grateful for the chance to ponder this question today.
september.28
helaman 11: 21 - 38
what can we learn from the cycle of righteousness and wickedness that is seen many times in the scriptures?
--> we can learn that it is real and still happening today. it is almost comical to take a look at the state of the world and see the same patterns occurring that happened in the book of mormon. but that's what the scriptures are there for... to warn us of the dangers of certain things happening by helping us see patterns in people of the past. often we have to experience the same heartache of going through it ourselves to learn our lessons anyway, but i think it's safe to say it becomes a little easier when we've read about it before and can recognize the cycle. right?
what can we learn from the cycle of righteousness and wickedness that is seen many times in the scriptures?
--> we can learn that it is real and still happening today. it is almost comical to take a look at the state of the world and see the same patterns occurring that happened in the book of mormon. but that's what the scriptures are there for... to warn us of the dangers of certain things happening by helping us see patterns in people of the past. often we have to experience the same heartache of going through it ourselves to learn our lessons anyway, but i think it's safe to say it becomes a little easier when we've read about it before and can recognize the cycle. right?
september.27
helaman 11: 1 - 20
when has a "famine" in your life brought you closer to God? what blessings did you see by getting through it?
--> there are a number of times i could speak to, but i was thinking this morning about times of famine on my mission in calgary, canada. the people of calgary are warm and friendly as a general rule, but many are wealthy and worship money as their God. they are happy and have everything they need monetarily, so they don't see a need for anything else in their lives. there were definitely times we had a famine of investigators. i often wondered what more i needed to be doing. what else did i need to figure out or fast about or pray about or work out with the Lord to see success? when would the famine end? even sometimes when i felt like i was doing all i could do, no investigators came. strange as it sounds, i think this grew my confidence in the Lord and His timing. i really learned that no matter how hard i worked, it was never up to me when we would find someone that was ready to hear the gospel. i think about my mission nearly every day, and really appreciate the lessons i learned while serving. the lesson about trusting the Lord's timing is so applicable every single day. especially in the dating realm, or anything i feel like i am righteously waiting for and anxiously wanting to happen.
when has a "famine" in your life brought you closer to God? what blessings did you see by getting through it?
--> there are a number of times i could speak to, but i was thinking this morning about times of famine on my mission in calgary, canada. the people of calgary are warm and friendly as a general rule, but many are wealthy and worship money as their God. they are happy and have everything they need monetarily, so they don't see a need for anything else in their lives. there were definitely times we had a famine of investigators. i often wondered what more i needed to be doing. what else did i need to figure out or fast about or pray about or work out with the Lord to see success? when would the famine end? even sometimes when i felt like i was doing all i could do, no investigators came. strange as it sounds, i think this grew my confidence in the Lord and His timing. i really learned that no matter how hard i worked, it was never up to me when we would find someone that was ready to hear the gospel. i think about my mission nearly every day, and really appreciate the lessons i learned while serving. the lesson about trusting the Lord's timing is so applicable every single day. especially in the dating realm, or anything i feel like i am righteously waiting for and anxiously wanting to happen.
september.26
helaman 10: 1 - 19
what have you done in your life lately to show the Lord that His will is more important than your own?
--> tomorrow is the perfect example of this. there is a utah football game (which we have season tickets to), and the general women's meeting for conference at the same time. i've been having an internal struggle about where i should go. my dad paid good money for the tickets and i missed the last game... but after some discussion with a few people and that guilty feeling from the spirit that i appreciate so much, i knew that the general meeting was where i was supposed to be. so, i gave up my ticket to utah football and am going to the general women's meeting. and i'm actually really excited about it. i feel peace knowing that is where i need to be, and am anxious for the revelation i am going to receive while there.
what have you done in your life lately to show the Lord that His will is more important than your own?
--> tomorrow is the perfect example of this. there is a utah football game (which we have season tickets to), and the general women's meeting for conference at the same time. i've been having an internal struggle about where i should go. my dad paid good money for the tickets and i missed the last game... but after some discussion with a few people and that guilty feeling from the spirit that i appreciate so much, i knew that the general meeting was where i was supposed to be. so, i gave up my ticket to utah football and am going to the general women's meeting. and i'm actually really excited about it. i feel peace knowing that is where i need to be, and am anxious for the revelation i am going to receive while there.
september.25
helaman 9: 18 - 41
what experiences have strengthened your testimony that we have true prophets on the earth today?
--> i get the strongest testimony strengthening when i choose to follow something the prophet has asked me to do and experience the blessings and peace that come from it.
what experiences have strengthened your testimony that we have true prophets on the earth today?
--> i get the strongest testimony strengthening when i choose to follow something the prophet has asked me to do and experience the blessings and peace that come from it.
september.24
helaman 9: 1 - 17
unlike most prophets, nephi offered the people a sign or further witness of his prophetic calling. what does the judges' reaction tell you about why prophets do not generally give signs?
--> rather than let themselves believe the miraculous fact that nephi had prophesied what was going to happen in the murder, the judges thought he orchestrated it himself for accolades. "a wicked and idolatrous generation seeketh after a sign", as the scriptures say. this is why prophets are careful to produce signs. they can always be thwarted and twisted in detrimental ways. sometimes in the scriptures i wonder if these signs did more damage than good?
unlike most prophets, nephi offered the people a sign or further witness of his prophetic calling. what does the judges' reaction tell you about why prophets do not generally give signs?
--> rather than let themselves believe the miraculous fact that nephi had prophesied what was going to happen in the murder, the judges thought he orchestrated it himself for accolades. "a wicked and idolatrous generation seeketh after a sign", as the scriptures say. this is why prophets are careful to produce signs. they can always be thwarted and twisted in detrimental ways. sometimes in the scriptures i wonder if these signs did more damage than good?
september.23
helaman 8: 11 - 28
to have a "contrite spirit", as expressed in helaman 8:15, is to be humble, repentant, and receptive to the Lord's will. Why is this attitude essential as we look to the Savior?
--> the path of discipleship is a path of learning, a path of growth. a path of correction and a path of light. if we are not humble, we are not teachable. if we are so set in our own ways, we cannot see the ways that the Lord has provided for us to change and become better people. in this verse 15, it couples that humility with faith... we can't have a contrite spirit without first having faith. then, as the verse suggests, we can look upon the Son of God and live. just as easy as it was for the people of moses to look on the serpent and live, so we can look to the Savior and live! therein lies life eternal.
to have a "contrite spirit", as expressed in helaman 8:15, is to be humble, repentant, and receptive to the Lord's will. Why is this attitude essential as we look to the Savior?
--> the path of discipleship is a path of learning, a path of growth. a path of correction and a path of light. if we are not humble, we are not teachable. if we are so set in our own ways, we cannot see the ways that the Lord has provided for us to change and become better people. in this verse 15, it couples that humility with faith... we can't have a contrite spirit without first having faith. then, as the verse suggests, we can look upon the Son of God and live. just as easy as it was for the people of moses to look on the serpent and live, so we can look to the Savior and live! therein lies life eternal.
september.22
helaman 7: 13 - 8: 10
have there been times in your life when you have raised your voice to support the living prophet, even though his teachings have been unpopular? how did this make a difference in your life? how did it influence others?
--> recently, with all this ordain women stuff that's been going on, i feel it more important now more than ever to stand up for what the prophet teaches! it's been an interesting movement to watch unfold... people with very strong views that oppose that of official church doctrine who continue to openly rebel against what the Lord has revealed to the prophet. i may not go march somewhere about my belief to follow the prophet, but in my quiet interactions with people, i make sure to stand up for what i believe. in classes there are ample opportunities to show support for the prophet by making comments that show testimony and faith. there are ways to be involved in online discussions through forums or facebook or blogs - not being silent, but standing up for what is good and right. i honor president thomas s. monson and i know with all my heart that he won't lead us astray. he is in constant communication with our Father, and is continually doing what is best for the church as a collective whole.
have there been times in your life when you have raised your voice to support the living prophet, even though his teachings have been unpopular? how did this make a difference in your life? how did it influence others?
--> recently, with all this ordain women stuff that's been going on, i feel it more important now more than ever to stand up for what the prophet teaches! it's been an interesting movement to watch unfold... people with very strong views that oppose that of official church doctrine who continue to openly rebel against what the Lord has revealed to the prophet. i may not go march somewhere about my belief to follow the prophet, but in my quiet interactions with people, i make sure to stand up for what i believe. in classes there are ample opportunities to show support for the prophet by making comments that show testimony and faith. there are ways to be involved in online discussions through forums or facebook or blogs - not being silent, but standing up for what is good and right. i honor president thomas s. monson and i know with all my heart that he won't lead us astray. he is in constant communication with our Father, and is continually doing what is best for the church as a collective whole.
september.21
helaman 7: 1 - 12
why did nephi feel such great sorrow? what can we learn from his example?
--> nephi went to zarahemla to preach the gospel to the people there. he was not welcomed. in fact, he was brutally rejected and he was forced to return to the land he came from. in the verses that follow, he spoke of his sorrow due to the wickedness of the people who chose to follow the gadianton robbers. he was saddened that the guilty and wicked went unpunished because they had money, that none were open to hearing the words of the Lord, none wanted to repent.
why did nephi feel such great sorrow? what can we learn from his example?
--> nephi went to zarahemla to preach the gospel to the people there. he was not welcomed. in fact, he was brutally rejected and he was forced to return to the land he came from. in the verses that follow, he spoke of his sorrow due to the wickedness of the people who chose to follow the gadianton robbers. he was saddened that the guilty and wicked went unpunished because they had money, that none were open to hearing the words of the Lord, none wanted to repent.
september.20
helaman 6: 32 - 41
what are you doing to avtively invite the influence of the Holy Ghost into your life and to keep satan's influence out of your heart?
--> one of the best ways to invite the spirit into my heart is to act on the promptings i've received. when the Lord sees that i am willing to do whatver He asks, He gives me more promptings and inspirations. we have to be in the right mindset to receive those promptings though, by taking time to be silent, reading the scriptures, and prayerfully asking Heavenly Father how we can serve Him each day.
in this passage of scripture, i love this verse: "and thus we see that the Lord began to pour out his Spirit upon the lamanites, because of their easiness and willingness to believe in his words." i wish to live in a way that the Lord can say the same about me :)
what are you doing to avtively invite the influence of the Holy Ghost into your life and to keep satan's influence out of your heart?
--> one of the best ways to invite the spirit into my heart is to act on the promptings i've received. when the Lord sees that i am willing to do whatver He asks, He gives me more promptings and inspirations. we have to be in the right mindset to receive those promptings though, by taking time to be silent, reading the scriptures, and prayerfully asking Heavenly Father how we can serve Him each day.
in this passage of scripture, i love this verse: "and thus we see that the Lord began to pour out his Spirit upon the lamanites, because of their easiness and willingness to believe in his words." i wish to live in a way that the Lord can say the same about me :)
september.19
helaman 6: 15 - 31
what do these verses teach us about our hearts?
--> there is a key phrase in verse 30 - "according as he can get hold upon the hearts of the children of men"... this phrase teaches me that satan can only have as much power over my heart as i let him have. i have control over my actions and body, and that is something he will never have, so he spends his days trying to get us to relinquish that control as he takes control over our hearts little by little. it's no wonder that repentance, by very definition, means turning your heart back to God.
what do these verses teach us about our hearts?
--> there is a key phrase in verse 30 - "according as he can get hold upon the hearts of the children of men"... this phrase teaches me that satan can only have as much power over my heart as i let him have. i have control over my actions and body, and that is something he will never have, so he spends his days trying to get us to relinquish that control as he takes control over our hearts little by little. it's no wonder that repentance, by very definition, means turning your heart back to God.
september.18
helaman 6: 1 - 14
what does it mean to you to be firm and steady in the faith?
--> when we are confident in our decision to follow Jesus Christ, we don't need any outside influences telling us what to do or giving us validation. we are firm and immovable. we have made up our mind to follow His teachings and nothing can shake us from that resolve. the word steady causes me to think of how great of an example we can be to others when we are not shaky in our testimony. no matter what situation we are in, or who we are with, we choose to be steady and immovable in our resolve to do what is right. great blessings are in store for those who choose to live their lives this way.
what does it mean to you to be firm and steady in the faith?
--> when we are confident in our decision to follow Jesus Christ, we don't need any outside influences telling us what to do or giving us validation. we are firm and immovable. we have made up our mind to follow His teachings and nothing can shake us from that resolve. the word steady causes me to think of how great of an example we can be to others when we are not shaky in our testimony. no matter what situation we are in, or who we are with, we choose to be steady and immovable in our resolve to do what is right. great blessings are in store for those who choose to live their lives this way.
september.17
helaman 5: 28 - 52
from these verses, what do you learn about repentance?
--> one part i've always loved about this story is the nature of the invitation to repent. "it was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of great tumultuous noise, but behold, it was a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul". when i feel to repent, that is the inviting voice that i follow. not a wrathful, angry God that wants justice to be served, but a loving God that wants all His children to change their hearts and return to Him. the spirit works in quiet ways, prodding our soul this way and that, closer and closer to our Heavenly Father and our goal of eternal life. in verse 45, it says "behold, the Holy Spirit of God did come down from heaven, and did enter into their hearts, and they were filled as if with fire, and they could speak forth marvelous words."
from these verses, what do you learn about repentance?
--> one part i've always loved about this story is the nature of the invitation to repent. "it was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of great tumultuous noise, but behold, it was a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul". when i feel to repent, that is the inviting voice that i follow. not a wrathful, angry God that wants justice to be served, but a loving God that wants all His children to change their hearts and return to Him. the spirit works in quiet ways, prodding our soul this way and that, closer and closer to our Heavenly Father and our goal of eternal life. in verse 45, it says "behold, the Holy Spirit of God did come down from heaven, and did enter into their hearts, and they were filled as if with fire, and they could speak forth marvelous words."
september.16
helaman 5: 5 - 27
what does it mean to build our foundation on Jesus Christ?
--> building our foundation on Christ means keeping His commandments. He has provided the framework by which we can experience a happy life. all we have to do is follow His teachings and seek to do good each day, utilizing the atonement to change and become better. when i think of a foundation of a house, it is sturdy, it is permanent, it is strong and thick. as we do the little things, we are able to establish a strong, sturdy life built upon the Savior, Jesus Christ. of all the principles and people in this world, there is none greater than He. what better place to build our foundation then, if not on Him?
what does it mean to build our foundation on Jesus Christ?
--> building our foundation on Christ means keeping His commandments. He has provided the framework by which we can experience a happy life. all we have to do is follow His teachings and seek to do good each day, utilizing the atonement to change and become better. when i think of a foundation of a house, it is sturdy, it is permanent, it is strong and thick. as we do the little things, we are able to establish a strong, sturdy life built upon the Savior, Jesus Christ. of all the principles and people in this world, there is none greater than He. what better place to build our foundation then, if not on Him?
september.15
helaman 4: 18 - 5: 4
nephi resigned as chief judge so he and his brother lehi could devote themselves to preaching the word of God. how can we make missionary work a higher priority in our lives?
--> i feel like lately there have been lots of great talks on missionary work and how to implement it into our daily lives. one thing i heard this past week that has just been stuck in my head is that every calling is a missionary calling. in clayton christensen's book "the power of everyday missionaries", he tells a story about his calling to get the sacrament bread for the sacrament each sunday. he decided to call the 3 or 4 women in his area that he knew were excellent bread makers and asked them to teach him how to make bread, which led to a great discussion about why he needed it and what the sacrament was, etc. after reading this story i was thinking, wow... if he can take a calling as simple as getting the sacrament bread and turn it into a great missionary opportunity, i can do the same with every calling i've been given.
being a missionary isn't really work at all, it's just a lifestyle and a mindset. change your mind and change your life. when you're wearing missionary on your sleeve, you don't need to work at it, you simply act as a missionary out of second nature :)
nephi resigned as chief judge so he and his brother lehi could devote themselves to preaching the word of God. how can we make missionary work a higher priority in our lives?
--> i feel like lately there have been lots of great talks on missionary work and how to implement it into our daily lives. one thing i heard this past week that has just been stuck in my head is that every calling is a missionary calling. in clayton christensen's book "the power of everyday missionaries", he tells a story about his calling to get the sacrament bread for the sacrament each sunday. he decided to call the 3 or 4 women in his area that he knew were excellent bread makers and asked them to teach him how to make bread, which led to a great discussion about why he needed it and what the sacrament was, etc. after reading this story i was thinking, wow... if he can take a calling as simple as getting the sacrament bread and turn it into a great missionary opportunity, i can do the same with every calling i've been given.
being a missionary isn't really work at all, it's just a lifestyle and a mindset. change your mind and change your life. when you're wearing missionary on your sleeve, you don't need to work at it, you simply act as a missionary out of second nature :)
september.14
helaman 4: 1 - 17
in the nephites' experience, being left to their own strength meant losing battles and lands. what battles might we lose if we do not have the Holy Ghost with us?
--> it scares me to think about not having the spirit in my life... i heard a speaker last week at a regional conference i attended who said that in our world today, we can't go out without family prayer and scripture study in the morning. doing those simple things to invite the spirit into our lives will do wonders in allowing us to come off conquerors. i am grateful for the spirit in my life!
in the nephites' experience, being left to their own strength meant losing battles and lands. what battles might we lose if we do not have the Holy Ghost with us?
--> it scares me to think about not having the spirit in my life... i heard a speaker last week at a regional conference i attended who said that in our world today, we can't go out without family prayer and scripture study in the morning. doing those simple things to invite the spirit into our lives will do wonders in allowing us to come off conquerors. i am grateful for the spirit in my life!
september.13
helaman 3: 19 - 37
what actions did the persecuted people take that contributed to their increase in faith? how can we pail this to our lives?
--> they laid hold to the word of God. they fasted and prayed often. they grew in their humility and trust in the Lord. they sanctified their hearts and souls to God. the reason we have the scriptures is to apply them to our own lives... if we do the same things, we will receive the same blessings! :)
what actions did the persecuted people take that contributed to their increase in faith? how can we pail this to our lives?
--> they laid hold to the word of God. they fasted and prayed often. they grew in their humility and trust in the Lord. they sanctified their hearts and souls to God. the reason we have the scriptures is to apply them to our own lives... if we do the same things, we will receive the same blessings! :)
september.12
helaman 3: 1 - 18
what do these verses teach us about having faith even when we feel we are in a place of desolation? how can we act in faith believing that things will get better?
--> i was just having a conversation tonight about faith and how it plays such an important role in our lives. we were talking about elder bednar's talk and having faith if the miracle we are waiting for isn't granted. "but if not faith", i like to call it. the faith that you will continue to be faithful even when things don't go your way, even when you're in that place of desolation. things WILL get better. if they aren't getting better, it's not the end yet. we know the outcome... that we will eventually find peace and happiness and joy...
what do these verses teach us about having faith even when we feel we are in a place of desolation? how can we act in faith believing that things will get better?
--> i was just having a conversation tonight about faith and how it plays such an important role in our lives. we were talking about elder bednar's talk and having faith if the miracle we are waiting for isn't granted. "but if not faith", i like to call it. the faith that you will continue to be faithful even when things don't go your way, even when you're in that place of desolation. things WILL get better. if they aren't getting better, it's not the end yet. we know the outcome... that we will eventually find peace and happiness and joy...
september.11
helaman 2: 1 - 14
what is the difference between how the Lord wants us to deal with sin and the way the gadianton robbers dealt with sin?
--> the gadianton robbers did a lot in the dark. they work in secret. they rationalized. they accepted, even embraced, sin. the Lord would have us avoid sin, avoid the situations that cause us to be tempted to sin. and when we do sin, to utilize the atonement to overcome and change, forsake and be better.
what is the difference between how the Lord wants us to deal with sin and the way the gadianton robbers dealt with sin?
--> the gadianton robbers did a lot in the dark. they work in secret. they rationalized. they accepted, even embraced, sin. the Lord would have us avoid sin, avoid the situations that cause us to be tempted to sin. and when we do sin, to utilize the atonement to overcome and change, forsake and be better.
september.10
helaman 1: 18 - 34
how might contentious feelings weaken us when we face temptation? how can we avoid contentious behavior?
--> contention drives the spirit away, and when we don't have the spirit, we fall into temptation more easily. simply put.
how might contentious feelings weaken us when we face temptation? how can we avoid contentious behavior?
--> contention drives the spirit away, and when we don't have the spirit, we fall into temptation more easily. simply put.
september.9
helaman 1: 1 - 17
in what ways might we benefit from remembering that contention is a tool of satan?
--> when the love of God is rooted in our hearts, our desire to contend with people around us decreases. when we feel how God feels about His children, it becomes easier to get along with them, no matter the circumstance. in a world where it's "cool" to have your own opinion about things, people often get tied up in contentions or debates about social or political issues, or even religious conversations. because it is encouraged to think for ourselves, i think satan takes that to the extreme and causes people to believe it's ok to fight and have contention because they are just "expressing their views". satan is super tricky and knows us better than we know ourselves (scary). he knows who is prone to contention, and also who can be persuaded to contend when the right issues are brought up. be careful... contention is of the devil, as they say.
in what ways might we benefit from remembering that contention is a tool of satan?
--> when the love of God is rooted in our hearts, our desire to contend with people around us decreases. when we feel how God feels about His children, it becomes easier to get along with them, no matter the circumstance. in a world where it's "cool" to have your own opinion about things, people often get tied up in contentions or debates about social or political issues, or even religious conversations. because it is encouraged to think for ourselves, i think satan takes that to the extreme and causes people to believe it's ok to fight and have contention because they are just "expressing their views". satan is super tricky and knows us better than we know ourselves (scary). he knows who is prone to contention, and also who can be persuaded to contend when the right issues are brought up. be careful... contention is of the devil, as they say.
september.8
alma 63: 1 - 17
what lessons have you learned from the book of alma? who do you know that has faced adversity and affliction and has chosen to have a soft heart and increased trust in God?
--> one of my all time favorite scriptures is in alma: by small things shall great things be brought to pass. there are so many instances in the book of alma where this simple sentiment is proven again and again. there are so many instances in my life where this simple sentiment is proven again and again. when i think of dealing with adversity with faith and patience, i think of the perkins family. it seems like there is just one health concern after another after another. both their children have dealt with some serious physical limitations and illnesses, and they also have their share of physical and emotional pain. but through it all, they are so optimistic and trusting in the Lord. i wish to have this kind of faith in whatever i am dealing with or facing.
what lessons have you learned from the book of alma? who do you know that has faced adversity and affliction and has chosen to have a soft heart and increased trust in God?
--> one of my all time favorite scriptures is in alma: by small things shall great things be brought to pass. there are so many instances in the book of alma where this simple sentiment is proven again and again. there are so many instances in my life where this simple sentiment is proven again and again. when i think of dealing with adversity with faith and patience, i think of the perkins family. it seems like there is just one health concern after another after another. both their children have dealt with some serious physical limitations and illnesses, and they also have their share of physical and emotional pain. but through it all, they are so optimistic and trusting in the Lord. i wish to have this kind of faith in whatever i am dealing with or facing.
september.7
alma 62: 34 - 52
as you have read the book of mormon chapters on war, what have they taught you about being a disciple of Jesus Christ in times of war or contention?
--> i've learned that being a disciple of Jesus Christ needs to become a lifestyle long before the wars and contentions happen. those that were blessed with the most confidence, peace, and help during the war are those that were consistently living the gospel of Jesus Christ long before the war broke out. they had developed an attitude of righteousness and trust in the Lord. when the war came they were blessed with strength and peace in times of turmoil. and so it is with us :)
as you have read the book of mormon chapters on war, what have they taught you about being a disciple of Jesus Christ in times of war or contention?
--> i've learned that being a disciple of Jesus Christ needs to become a lifestyle long before the wars and contentions happen. those that were blessed with the most confidence, peace, and help during the war are those that were consistently living the gospel of Jesus Christ long before the war broke out. they had developed an attitude of righteousness and trust in the Lord. when the war came they were blessed with strength and peace in times of turmoil. and so it is with us :)
september.6
alma 62: 19 - 33
why wouldn't the lamanites come out to fight on the plains of nephihah? how does the adversary avoid a direct confrontation today?
--> the lamanites knew about the "exceedingly great courage" and the "greatness of their numbers", so they were afraid to come to the plains. today, the adversary avoids confrontation by enticing us into "his" places. by taking us little by little off the path by small justifications and rationalizations until one day we are so far gone.
why wouldn't the lamanites come out to fight on the plains of nephihah? how does the adversary avoid a direct confrontation today?
--> the lamanites knew about the "exceedingly great courage" and the "greatness of their numbers", so they were afraid to come to the plains. today, the adversary avoids confrontation by enticing us into "his" places. by taking us little by little off the path by small justifications and rationalizations until one day we are so far gone.
september.5
alma 62: 1 - 18
in what things did moroni find joy? in what things did he mourn? how can we relate to these verses?
--> moroni found joy in the faithfulness of pahoran. his standard of liberty. freedom. his followers. the Lord. obeying the law. covenants. he mourned in the iniquity of the people who had driven pahoran from the judgment seat. the wickedness of the people. those that chose to not follow the Savior. bondage.
again, though we are not fighting a physical battle, the same things that brought moroni happiness will be the things that bring us happiness... freedom, following the Savior, choosing to keep covenants, faithfulness of ourselves and those around us.
in what things did moroni find joy? in what things did he mourn? how can we relate to these verses?
--> moroni found joy in the faithfulness of pahoran. his standard of liberty. freedom. his followers. the Lord. obeying the law. covenants. he mourned in the iniquity of the people who had driven pahoran from the judgment seat. the wickedness of the people. those that chose to not follow the Savior. bondage.
again, though we are not fighting a physical battle, the same things that brought moroni happiness will be the things that bring us happiness... freedom, following the Savior, choosing to keep covenants, faithfulness of ourselves and those around us.
september.4
alma 61: 6 - 21
what lessons can we learn from the way pahoran responded to moroni's accusations? how can we choose not to be offended?
--> i'm sure when pahoran read moroni's letter he chuckled a little bit and was also a little angry, but he chose not to act out in a way that would be detrimental to the situation or either army. i admire him for his ability to deal with a hard situation with class and tact. it's a hard thing to choose not to be offended in today's world. there are things that happen every single day that could cause offense or give reason to act out or judge others. the way pahoran responded shows me that he was so comfortable with who he was in God's sight, and had enough confidence to know he was "right", that he didn't let what moroni say get to him. he could've easily been upset or angry, but chose to be optimistic and move forward.
what lessons can we learn from the way pahoran responded to moroni's accusations? how can we choose not to be offended?
--> i'm sure when pahoran read moroni's letter he chuckled a little bit and was also a little angry, but he chose not to act out in a way that would be detrimental to the situation or either army. i admire him for his ability to deal with a hard situation with class and tact. it's a hard thing to choose not to be offended in today's world. there are things that happen every single day that could cause offense or give reason to act out or judge others. the way pahoran responded shows me that he was so comfortable with who he was in God's sight, and had enough confidence to know he was "right", that he didn't let what moroni say get to him. he could've easily been upset or angry, but chose to be optimistic and move forward.
september.3
alma 60: 29 - 61: 5
what false accusations did moroni make about pahoran? what can we learn from these verses?
--> similar to my post two day ago where i quoted that girl, pahorn was misjudged. i can see why moroni acted the way he did and thought things were going wrong the way he did. i am also glad that things were sorted out and there was a happy ending to the story.
what false accusations did moroni make about pahoran? what can we learn from these verses?
--> similar to my post two day ago where i quoted that girl, pahorn was misjudged. i can see why moroni acted the way he did and thought things were going wrong the way he did. i am also glad that things were sorted out and there was a happy ending to the story.
september.2
alma 60: 14 - 28
in what ways do we become idle and/or complacent? how can we make better use of the time and resources God has given us?
--> i went hiking last night and had this talk with a friend! we were talking about how easy it is to be active in the church but inactive in the gospel. how, especially growing up in a predominantly mormon community and culture, it is so easy to be mormon and be active in the church. but are we really doing the things that allow us to be active in the gospel?? are we going through the motions, or are we truly converted? are we living the telestial, terrestrial, or celestial law? today in institute, we talked about the difference between those 3, and the people who live the celestial law have become the commandments, rather than just keep them. like Christ said, "i am the way, the truth, and the life."
in what ways do we become idle and/or complacent? how can we make better use of the time and resources God has given us?
--> i went hiking last night and had this talk with a friend! we were talking about how easy it is to be active in the church but inactive in the gospel. how, especially growing up in a predominantly mormon community and culture, it is so easy to be mormon and be active in the church. but are we really doing the things that allow us to be active in the gospel?? are we going through the motions, or are we truly converted? are we living the telestial, terrestrial, or celestial law? today in institute, we talked about the difference between those 3, and the people who live the celestial law have become the commandments, rather than just keep them. like Christ said, "i am the way, the truth, and the life."
september.1
alma 60: 1 - 13
what can these verses teach us about being patriotic? how can you show better patriotism?
--> i love what "allieswalberg" posted on the insta feed today, so i'm going to quote her here: "this is one of my favorite parts of alma, in these verses pahoran is being strongly chastised and called a traitor. but if you go to the next chapter and read he was falsely accused, and i love verse 9 of chapter 61, where he says that he was not angry by what was assumed, and that he only wanted liberty for his people. i think it showed real leadership on both sides, pahoran was quick to forgive false accusations against him, and moroni was quick to admit his mistakes, and because they did this, together they were able to move forward and regain their freedom." amen, sista.
what can these verses teach us about being patriotic? how can you show better patriotism?
--> i love what "allieswalberg" posted on the insta feed today, so i'm going to quote her here: "this is one of my favorite parts of alma, in these verses pahoran is being strongly chastised and called a traitor. but if you go to the next chapter and read he was falsely accused, and i love verse 9 of chapter 61, where he says that he was not angry by what was assumed, and that he only wanted liberty for his people. i think it showed real leadership on both sides, pahoran was quick to forgive false accusations against him, and moroni was quick to admit his mistakes, and because they did this, together they were able to move forward and regain their freedom." amen, sista.
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