Ye Shall Prosper

Keeping the commandments of God always ensures prosperity because God keeps his promises.
That said, the prosperity of God doesn't necessarily equal material success.

"My son, give ear to my words; for I swear unto you, that inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper in the land." Alma 36:1

They Began to Be Offended

It's true the word of God can be strict and challenging to follow. It's also true dividends are paid in the past, the present, and the future.

" . . . the hearts of the people began to wax hard, and . . . they began to be offended because of the strictness of the word . . . " Alma 35:15

An Infinite Atonement

The big questions are:

• Who are we?
• Where does this life take us? and
• What truths help us navigate the journey well?

" . . . there can be nothing which is short of an infinite atonement which will suffice for the sins of the world . . . and that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal." Alma 34:12, 14

Your Burdens May Be Light

Plant a tiny seed of the word of God in your heart.
Feed it with the faith of action.
Continue as the seed turns into a tree.
Your burdens will become light through his Son, Jesus Christ.
You can do this if you will.

"And now, my brethren, I desire that ye shall plant this word in your hearts, and as it beginneth to swell even so nourish it by your faith, And behold, it will become a tree, springing up in you unto everlasting life. And then may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son. And even all this can ye do if ye will." Alma 33:23

Give Place for a Portion

Faith starts with a simple desire to believe.

" . . . even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my word."  Alma 32:27

Their Souls are Precious

What could be more essential than knitting one's soul to the Savior Jesus Christ?

"Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious, and many of them are our brethren; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee." Alma 31:35

I Always Knew

In the heart of every man, woman, or child resides an innate knowledge of the Creator.

" . . . I always knew that there was a God." Alma 30:52

According to Their Desire

In the end, and mostly even in the middle, we get what we desire and decide.

" . . . I know that (God) granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction. 
Yea, and I know that good and evil have come before all men; he that knoweth not good from evil is blameless; but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience." Alma 29:4-5

The Light of Christ

The Boston Marathon killings and the response of heroes surrounding those killings remind us that the light of Christ can pierce the depths of evil.

" . . . and thus we see the great reason of sorrow, and also of rejoicing--sorrow because of death and destruction among men, and joy because of the light of Christ unto life." Alma 28:13-14

Perfectly Honest in All Things

Perfect honesty requires being honest with everyone, even yourself.

" . . . they were perfectly honest and upright in all things; and they were firm in the faith of Christ, even unto the end." Alma 27:27

In His Strength

When weak people become instruments in God's hands, they can do unimaginable good in the world.

"Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things;" Alma 26:12

His Words Are Verified

Not a good idea to question whether the Lord comes through on details of his word.

" . . . (the Lord) had also verified his word unto them in every particular." Alma 25:17

Burying Weapons of War

The Anti-Nephi-Lehites buried their weapons of war after their conversion to the gospel because they had made a covenant with the Lord to refrain from murdering Nephites again.

Currently, the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution securing the right for citizens to keep and bear arms is being challenged. It is said by many that our nation would be safer without them. 

I disagree.

OK . . . I admire the Anti-Nephi-Lehites who willingly prostrated themselves on the ground before their enemies and met their deaths rather than break their covenants with the Lord. But law-abiding U.S. citizens aren't criminals, and they don't commit murder. They aren't and shouldn't be expected to willingly abandon their right to keep and bear arms in order to literally or figuratively prostrate themselves upon the ground, offering themselves or their families to criminals and demagogues out of an altruistic and ridiculous notion that the absence of weapons produces peace. 

" . . . and thus we see that they buried their weapons of peace, or they buried the weapons of war, for peace." Alma 24:19

Lay Down Weapons of Rebellion

Want God on your side? Stop rebelling against him and fighting people who are trying to help you.

"For they became a righteous people; they did lay down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more, neither against any of their brethren." Alma 23:7

Giving Away All My Sins

I'd like to know God, but how do I give away all my sins? 
One at a time.

" . . . I will give away all my sins to know thee . . . " Alma 22:18

Liberty of Worshiping

One right that distinguishes free people from those in bondage is the right to worship God according to their desires.

"And he also declared unto them that they might have the liberty of worshiping the Lord their God according to their desires, in whatsoever place they were in . . . " Alma 21:22

The Strength of the Lord

The way to access the strength of the Lord in all things is to demonstrate in all our thoughts, words and deeds that we are his disciples. 

". . . I know, in the strength of the Lord thou canst do all things . . . " Alma 20:4

No Desire to Do Evil

Changing our minds is common. It many cases, it can be easy.
Changing our hearts and our desires . . . not so much.

" . . . and they did all declare unto the people the selfsame thing--that their hearts had been changed; that they had no more desire to do evil." Alma 19:33

He Knows All

We often speak and act in certain ways because people hold us accountable for our words and deeds.
Since God also knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart, and since words and deeds get their start in thoughts and intentions, it might be a good idea to put a little more thought and intention into our thoughts and intentions.

"And Ammon said: Yea, and (God) looketh down upon all the children of men; and he knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart; for by his hand were they all created from the beginning." Alma 18:32

Search the Scriptures Diligently

Studying the scriptures is one thing.
Searching the scriptures diligently is for those who yearn for answers to life's compelling questions.

" . . . what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God." Alma 17:2

Because Of Its Greatness

Just when people think they know it all, they don't.

". . . and the people of Ammonihah were destroyed; yea, every living soul of the Ammonihahites was destroyed, and also their great city, which they said God could not destroy, because of its greatness.
But behold, in one day it was left desolate; and the carcases were mangled by dogs and wild beasts of the wilderness." Alma 16:9-10

How To Be Healed

Maybe it's oversimplifying to say that belief in Christ can heal anything.
But I don't think so.

"And Alma said: If thou believest in the redemption of Christ thou canst be healed." Alma 15:8

Alma Testified With Plainness

In Alma and Amulek's case, speaking "plainly" resulted in torture, many of their believing friends being burned to death, and the need to be rescued by a miracle.
In my case, I think I'll wait for convincing inspiration before following their example.

"And it came to pass after he had made an end of speaking unto the people . . . the more part of them . . . were angry with Alma, because of the plainness of his words . . . and they sought to put (Alma and Amulek) away privily." Alma 14:1-3

Angels Are Declaring Unto Many

Just think. Angels are declaring the word of God to people in their own lands, softening their hearts and preparing them for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

"For behold, angels are declaring it unto many at this time in our land; and this is for the purpose of preparing the hearts of the children of men to receive his word at the time of his coming in his glory.
And now we only wait to hear the joyful news declared unto us by the mouth of angels, of his coming; for the time cometh, we know not how soon. Would to God that it might be in my day; but let it be sooner or later, in it I will rejoice." Alma 13:24-25

Let Us Repent

When we know the truth, it's time to drop our pride, soften our hearts and move forward in faith.

" . . . seeing we know these things, and they are true, let us repent, and harden not our hearts . . . " Alma 12:37

We Shall Stand Before God

The day cometh that I shall rise from the dead . . . with my spirit and body reunited again in its perfect form . . . and will be brought to stand before God . . . to be judged according to my works, whether they be good or whether they be evil. 
And I wonder.
When the bright recollection of my life as it really was comes, accompanied by the inevitable judgment according to  my works . . .  
Will there be guilt and shame?
Or forgiveness and joy?

"The Son of God . . . shall come into the world to redeem his people; and he shall take upon him the transgressions of those who believe on his name; and these are they that shall have eternal life, and salvation cometh to none else.
Therefore the wicked remain as though there had been no redemption made, except it be the loosing of the bands of death; for behold, the day cometh that all shall rise from the dead and stand before God, and be judged according to their works.
Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death; and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death, that all shall be raised from this temporal death.
The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form . . . and we shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt.
Now, this restoration shall come to all . . . every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame . . . and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil . . .
I say unto you, that this mortal body is raised to an immortal body, that is from death, even from the first death unto life, that they can die no more; their spirits uniting with their bodies, never to be divided; thus the whole becoming spiritual and immortal, that they can no more see corruption." 
Alma 11:38-45

I Went on Rebelling

Maybe the way to heal hardening-of-the-heart syndrome is to stop rebelling against God.

"Nevertheless, I did harden my heart, for I was called many times and I would not hear; therefore I knew concerning these things yet I would not know; therefore I went on rebelling against God, in the wickedness of my heart . . . " Alma 10:6

Do Ye Not Remember?

God's commandments are universal and timeless. Adherence to them is like a sunrise that lights the dawn of our lives to its setting.

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

They May Destroy the Liberty

This week, we witnessed a bombing at the Boston Marathon that killed and maimed several people. These crimes were perpetrated by two men whose object was to destroy the liberty of American citizens. One of the men has since been killed, and the other was apprehended.
Other men and women study at this time that they may destroy the liberty of people around the world. Those who enjoy and value the blessings of liberty and those who can only desire to have it must stand with conviction and steadfastness for its cause. Only then can we maintain and strengthen it.

"For behold, they do study at this time that they may destroy the liberty of thy people, (for thus saith the Lord) which is contrary to the statues, and judgments, and commandments which he has given unto his people." Alma 8:17

One Most Important Thing

Just as in olden times, the time is not far distant that the Redeemer liveth and cometh among his people. This is the one thing which is of more importance than they all.
Preparing for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is the joyful task of every child of God.
Nobody knows whether there be many things to come before that time. The time to prepare is now.

"For behold, I say unto you there be many things to come; and behold, there is one thing which is of more importance than they all--for behold, the time is not far distant that the Redeemer liveth and cometh among his people." Alma 7:7

Gather Together Often

Strength lies in community.

"Nevertheless the children of God were commanded that they should gather themselves together oft, and join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God." Alma 6:6

He Changed Their Hearts

Learning happens in the mind, but change comes from the heart.

"Behold, he changed their hearts; yea, he awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God." Alma 5:7

To Wax Proud

I thought it was OK to take righteous pride in the industry and accomplishments of my husband and our family . . . that was before much affliction came. I'm still working to learn the lessons.

". . . the people of the church began to wax proud, because of their exceeding riches . . . which they had obtained by their industry;
Now this was the cause of much affliction . . . that the people began to be lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and to set their hearts upon riches . . . and thus the church began to fail in its progress." Alma 4:8-10

"In the scriptures there is no such thing as righteous pride." Ezra Taft Benson (April, 1989)

To Reap Eternal Happiness

My dear friend, Barbara Johns, passed from this life to the eternal world yesterday.
Hers was a life of service and obedience to God.
Her works were good. 
There is much evidence.
It's true she wasn't perfect.
It's also true she steadfastly listeth* to obey . . . a good spirit.
I join friends and family in mourning her loss.
Yet, we can be joyful today.
According to the words of the spirit of prophecy, she did all to reap eternal happiness.

"And in one year were thousands and tens of thousands of souls sent to the eternal world, that they might reap their rewards according to their works, whether they were good or whether they were bad, to reap eternal happiness or eternal misery, according to the spirit which they listed to obey, whether it be a good spirit or a bad one.
For every man receiveth wages of him whom he listeth to obey, and this according to the words of the spirit of prophecy; therefore let it be according to the truth. . . ." Alma 3:26-27

*listeth means chose

An Instrument In Thy Hands

Before we can become instruments in the hands of God to help others, we must be a man (woman, or child) of God, exercise faith, and ask for his help . . . not necessarily in that order.

"And it came to pass that Alma, being a man of God, being exercised with much faith, cried, saying: 

O Lord, have mercy and spare my life, that I may be an instrument in thy hands to save and preserve this people." Alma 2:30

They Were Steadfast and Immovable

Life consists of everyday choices that move us closer to or farther away from God.

"For the hearts of many were hardened, and their names were blotted out, that they were remembered no more among the people of God. And also many withdrew themselves from among them.
Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them." Alma 1:24-25

A Land of Liberty

A land of liberty can be secured only when citizens obey the law and bear their part.

"And now . . . I desire that this land be a land of liberty, and every man may enjoy his rights and privileges alike, so long as the Lord sees fit that we may live and inherit the land, yea,  even as long as any of our posterity remains upon the face of the land.
. . . And he told them . . . that the burden should come upon all the people, that every man (woman and child) might bear his part." Mosiah 29:32,34

Keep and Preserve the Records

It has been said that the faintest ink is of more value than the brightest memory.
Preserving things and keeping records, then handing them down from one generation to another
is perhaps the only way to assure a legacy.

" . . . king Mosiah . . . took the plates of brass, and all the things which he had kept, and conferred them upon Alma, who was the son of Alma; yea, all the records . . . and commanded him that he should keep and preserve them, and also keep a record of the people, handing them down from one generation to another, even as they had been handed down from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem." Mosiah 28:20

Thy Father has Prayed

Everyday parents can pray for their children with much faith every day.

". . . thy father . . . has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth;" Mosiah 27:14

Pray Without Ceasing

Every person has immediate access to God through prayer and can pray with the assurance of being heard and valued at any time, in any place, for any reason, with or without words, and perhaps most effectively . . . in their hearts.

". . . being commanded of God to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in all things." Mosiah 26:39