Monday, December 20, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
When is war justified
This is similar to the Nephite justification for going to war described in Alma 43. Their reason for going to war was solely defense. In this case they were also defending the people of Ammon who, for religious reasons, would not take up arms. In addition to defense, they would also go to war to free themselves or others from bondage (a massive violation of human rights of whole populations).
45 Nevertheless, the Nephites were inspired by a better cause, for they were not fighting for monarchy nor power but they were fighting for their homes and their liberties, their wives and their children, and their all, yea, for their rites of worship and their church.
46 And they were doing that which they felt was the duty which they owed to their God; for the Lord had said unto them, and also unto their fathers, that: Inasmuch as ye are not guilty of the first offense, neither the second, ye shall not suffer yourselves to be slain by the hands of your enemies.
47 And again, the Lord has said that: Ye shall defend your families even unto bloodshed. Therefore for this cause were the Nephites contending with the Lamanites, to defend themselves, and their families, and their lands, their country, and their rights, and their religion.
Friday, October 22, 2010
He is justice; she is mercy
21 And if there was no law given, if men sinned what could justice do, or mercy either, for they would have no claim upon the creature?
22 But there is a law given, and a punishment affixed, and a repentance granted; which repentance, mercy claimeth; otherwise, justice claimeth the creature and executeth the law, and the law inflicteth the punishment; if not so, the works of justice would be destroyed, and God would cease to be God.
23 But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God; and thus they are restored into his presence, to be judged according to their works, according to the law and justice.
24 For behold, justice exerciseth all his demands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly penitent are saved.
The American cultural icon shows justice as blind (and so equitable). However, we soon learn that man's justice is not fair. We are treated differently depending on social class, race, and it seems religion. Justice is also seen as female.
Alma makes justice male and mercy female (in verse 24). God is fair in meting out justice, but loving because he is merciful.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
All is as one day with God
In the Book of Mormon Alma teaches his son, Corianton, about the resurrection. God knows when the resurrection will occur, he says. It is not important that we know. In verse 8 Alma speaks about how God measures time. "All is one day with God," he says. Only men measure time.
"Now whether there is more than one time appointed for men to rise it mattereth not; for all do not die at once, and this mattereth not; all is as one day with God, and time only is measured unto men" (Alma 40:8).
The book of Genesis in the Bible and Abraham and Moses in the Pearl of Great Price tell about the creation. "In six days the Lord made heaven and earth" (Ex. 31: 17 ; D&C 77: 12).
The Apostle Peter taught that one day for God is like a thousand years. "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day" (2 Pet. 3: 8).
Whether it took six days or six thousand years or millions of years to create the earth, it doesn't matter for God doesn't measure time the same way we do. "All is as one day with God."
Monday, October 18, 2010
God loves his children in all times
In teaching his son Corianton, Alma addressed some of his concerns about the coming of Jesus Christ. Alma told Corianton that he shouldn't be surprised that God would tell before hand that his Son would come to the earth. After all, Jesus would redeem all his children.
Verse 17 Behold, you marvel why these things should be known so long beforehand. Behold, I say unto you, is not a soul at this time as precious unto God as a soul will be at the time of his coming?
18 Is it not as necessary that the plan of redemption should be made known unto this people as well as unto their children?
19 Is it not as easy at this time for the Lord to send his angel to declare these glad tidings unto us as unto our children, or as after the time of his coming?
We face a similar situation today. People say that we do not need prophets to teach us about Jesus Christ. We have all we need in the Bible. Yet, God loves his children today like in old times. We also are blessed because of the Savior's atonement. Jesus died for us like he died for people of olden times. So would God not be as concerned about his children today as in times past? Would he not reveal his secrets as he did in the past to his servants, the prophets? See Amos 3:7.
God has called living prophets, beginning with Joseph Smith. Through Joseph Smith, God restored the gospel of Jesus Christ and the priesthood authority that allows us to take upon us the name of Christ, repent of our sins, and be redeemed by Christ as were people that lived in his day and that of the ancient apostles.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Don't turn back
Since working with Elder Boyd K. Packer on my mission 40 years ago, I
have had great admiration for the man. His teachings and example have
influenced my life for good. In his conference talk this month he
talked about the power of repentance and forgiveness. This is what I
found most profound in his talk.
He quoted Mosiah 26:30: "As often as my people repent will I forgive
them their trespasses against me."
Then he told the following story.
President Joseph Fielding Smith told me of a repentant woman
struggling to find her way out of a very immoral life. She asked him
what she should do now.
In turn, he asked her to read to him from the Old Testament the
account of Lot's wife, who was turned to a pillar of salt. Then he
asked her, "What lesson do you gain from those verses?"
She answered, "The Lord will destroy the wicked."
"Not so!" President Smith said that the lesson for this repentant
woman and for you is "Don't look back!"
"Strangely enough, ... the simplest and most powerful prevention and
cure for pornography, or any unclean act," President Packer said, "is
to ignore and avoid it. Delete from the mind any unworthy thought that
tries to take root. Once you have decided to remain clean, you are
asserting your God-given agency. And then, as President Smith
counseled, 'Don't look back.'"
Lehi taught that men are free and must be "free . . . to act for
themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of
the law at the great and last day" (2 Nephi 2:26).
"The old saying "The Lord is voting for me, and Lucifer is voting
against me, but it is my vote that counts" describes a doctrinal
certainty that our agency is more powerful than the adversary's will.
Agency is precious. We can foolishly, blindly give it away, but it
cannot be forcibly taken from us," President Packer said.
Read his complete talk at
http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1298-23,00.html.
Or listen at http://tinyurl.com/34569h5.
Picture of Boyd K. Packer and Russell M. Nelson from Mormon Times.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Why scriptures are important
the command that he add to the record of the people.
"Behold, it has been prophesied by our fathers, that they should be
kept and handed down from one generation to another, and be kept and
preserved by the hand of the Lord until they should go forth unto
every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, that they shall know of the
mysteries contained thereon" (Alma 37:4)
Alma said further that "by small and simple things are great things
brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the
wise" (verse 6).
It is wisdom "in God that these things should be preserved; for
behold, they have enlarged the memory of this people, yea, and
convinced many of the error of their ways, and brought them to the
knowledge of their God unto the salvation of their souls" (verse 8).
Read more at http://scriptures.lds.org/en/alma/37
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Alma born of God
He heard a voice and saw an angel. The voice said to him: "If thou wilt of thyself be destroyed, seek no more to destroy the church of God." For three days and three nights he could not open his mouth nor use of his limbs. He suffered the pains of a damned soul, but before succumbing, he remembered what his father had taught him about the coming of Jesus Christ. He called upon the name of Jesus, and was then born of God. A sweet joy filled his soul.
16: And now, for three days and for three nights was I racked, even with the pains of a damned soul.
17 And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.
18 Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.
19 And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.
20 And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!
Picture: "Alma arise" by Walter Rane
Monday, October 11, 2010
Prophets witness of Christ
Alma in witnessing of Christ's coming, told about three others: Moses,
Zenos and Zenock.
In the wilderness Moses raised the symbol of Christ which was a
serpent of brass. Those who looked at the symbol were healed and
those who didn't died (verses 19-20).
Zenos bore testimony of the atonement of the Savior in his own life
when he said, "Thou hast turned away thy judgments because of thy Son"
(verse 13).
And Zenock spoke of the mercies of God bestowed upon his children
because of Jesus Christ (verse 16).
Finally, Alma bore his own witness in verse 22: "If so, wo shall come
upon you; but if not so, then cast about your eyes and begin to
believe in the Son of God, that he will come to redeem his people, and
that he shall suffer and die to atone for their sins; and that he
shall rise again from the dead, which shall bring to pass the
resurrection, that all men shall stand before him, to be judged at the
last and judgment day, according to their works."
Source: Alma 33 in the Book of Mormon (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/alma/33)
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
About Baptism
This Saturday I get to give a talk on Baptism at the baptism of a friend. Do you have any suggestions of something I could say for her?
Thanks, Heather
Answer
This is my favorite scripture about baptism. The story is good, but more importantly it explains the commitments we make at baptism and renew when we take the sacrament. It also describes the Lord's promises to us.
See Mosiah 18:8-10 (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/mosiah/18)
8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—
10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?
Baptism serves as a witness before Christ that
1. we desire to come into the fold of God (v. 8)
2. we want to be called his people (v. 8)
3. we are willing to bear each other's burdens (v. 8)
4. we are willing to mourn with those that mourn (v. 9)
5. we will comfort those who need comfort (v. 9)
6. we will stand as witnesses to God at all times in all things and places all our lives (v. 9)
7. we will serve him and (v. 10)
8. we will keep his commandments (v. 10)
In return God promises
1. that we will be redeemed (v. 9)
2. rise in the first resurrection (v. 9)
3. receive eternal life (v. 9)
4. and he will pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon us (v. 10)
Word stronger than sword
because as he wrote the word had greater power in changing people than
anything else. This is a lesson we could learn from and apply today.
However, it is as important in our day as in Alma's that our words be
honest and sincere.
Alma 31:5 And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency
to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more
powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or
anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it
was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.
See http://scriptures.lds.org/en/alma/31
Picture: Thomas Monson speaking at a General Conference of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Monday, October 04, 2010
Evidence of God
provides evidence of God. He confronts Korihor who has been teaching
that God does not exist and that Christ will not come. In verse 44
Alma says to Korihor:
Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of all
these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets? The scriptures are
laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even
the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its
motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form
do witness that there is a Supreme Creator.
In addition, if this is not enough, we can pray to God and ask for a
witness to our souls. Here is what the prophet Moroni
(http://scriptures.lds.org/en/moro/10) counseled:
4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye
would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these
things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with
real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it
unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
As I have read the scriptures and prayed about them, I have received a
confirmation from the Holy Ghost that they are true. In fact each time
I read the scriptures I get a feeling that confirms to my soul that
they are true witnesses of God's existence and of the divinity of
Jesus Christ. I use the same process when I do scholarly studies. I
read as much as I can. I ponder (or think) about what I'm studying.
I may draw a word map. Or write about what I'm reading. Things fit
together. And then my mind confirms this is true. I believe that is
how the Holy Ghost inspires and bears witness.
Picture: Astronomy Picture of the Day, Pinwheel Galaxy
Thursday, September 30, 2010
What is your religious IQ?
among the highest of all religion groups in their knowledge of
Christianity, the Bible and other religious information. The
nationwide poll of 3,412 individuals was conducted in May and June of
this year. While the study showed that "large numbers of Americans are
uninformed about the tenets, practices, history and leading figures of
major faith traditions — including their own," there were positive
findings.
In the study, Mormons scored higher than any other group in questions
about the Bible and Christianity. Church members are often asked
whether Latter-day Saints use the Bible. The Bible is one of the
foundational volumes of scripture used in The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints. It is used in conjunction with other scriptures,
including the Book of Mormon.
Read more at http://tinyurl.com/26rbypp
Take the Pew Research Center quiz at
http://features.pewforum.org/quiz/us-religious-knowledge/
Oh, that I were an angel
that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to
shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!
2 Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of
thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should
repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon
all the face of the earth.
3 But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be
content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me.
If you had your wish, would it be like Alma that you want to serve
God? In these few verses of this chapter Alma
(http://scriptures.lds.org/en/alma/29) praises God for his goodness
and declares God's love for us. This beautiful song of praise stands
out as one of my favorite scriptures.
In verse 5 he says that a person who doesn't know the difference
between good and evil is blameless before God. The person who can
distinguish between good and evil and chooses good shall be exalted.
Children are pure before God. Little children are alive in Christ
because of the atonement (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/moro/8). Those
who die without the law shall also receive a reward and have an
opportunity to hear the gospel
(http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/76/71-80#71).
Elsewhere, the scriptures say that we can discern good and evil
because of the spirit of Christ which each of us has
(http://scriptures.lds.org/en/moro/7/15-19#16).
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Inequality comes as a result of sin
The Book of Mormon describes how the people suffered because of war. War creates great inequality because of the suffering it causes people.
While war may not be the direct result of sin, inequality and suffering are caused by war. The victims most often are the innocent populations who are displaced, become refuges, and suffer from hunger and pain. The Book of Mormon shows how women and children suffered most because of war. They were often the innocent victims.
The same could be said about natural catastrophes. They result in great inequality and suffering. The victims are most often the poor who live in poorly constructed homes and unprotected conditions.
If sin is involved, it is the wickedness of leaders who bring about war and fail to prepare and of those of us with means who fail to help in times of war and natural disaster.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Converted Lamanites find a home among the Nephites
Lamanites (and they wouldn't take up arms to defend themselves), Ammon
suggested to the Lamanite king that they ask the Nephites to live
among them. The Lamanite king agreed if this is what the Lord
desired. When Ammon and his brothers put the idea before Alma and the
chief judge of the Nephites, the chief judge sent a proclamation to
the people to see what they wanted. It was decided to give them a
place of inheritance in the land of Jershon, by the east sea, south of
Bountiful. A Nephite army was set between the converts and the
Lamanites to protect the converts.
In our day we have similar situations in Israel and Mexico, but the
politicians have handled them quite differently. This situation was
unique because the Nephites were given an opportunity to decide
whether to give the Lamanite converts a homeland. Because of their
goodness, they decided to give them the land of Jershon.
Read more at http://scriptures.lds.org/en/alma/27
Artwork shows the Lamanite converts (the Anti-Nephi-Lehites) burying
their weapons.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Knowing the mysteries of God
Instead a person must exercise faith in Christ, repent and do good,
praying continually. (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/alma/26)
21 And now behold, my brethren, what natural man is there that
knoweth these things? I say unto you, there is none that knoweth these
things, save it be the penitent.
22 Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth
good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing—unto such it is
given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given
to reveal things which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be
given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentance, even as it
has been given unto us to bring these our brethren to repentance.
See information about the Ammon project in Japan.
http://collegeadam.wordpress.com/2010/05/16/the-ammon-pilot-project/
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Law of Moses brought believers to Christ
Lamanites converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ, they buried their
weapons of war and became a righteous people. They followed the law
of Moses. Although it did not provide them salavation, it did prepare
them and give them the hope for the coming of Jesus Christ.
14 And they did also bury their weapons of war, according as their
brethren had, and they began to be a righteous people; and they did
walk in the ways of the Lord, and did observe to keep his commandments
and his statutes.
15 Yea, and they did keep the law of Moses; for it was expedient
that they should keep the law of Moses as yet, for it was not all
fulfilled. But notwithstanding the law of Moses, they did look forward
to the coming of Christ, considering that the law of Moses was a type
of his coming, and believing that they must keep those outward
performances until the time that he should be revealed unto them.
16 Now they did not suppose that salvation came by the law of Moses;
but the law of Moses did serve to strengthen their faith in Christ;
and thus they did retain a hope through faith, unto eternal salvation,
relying upon the spirit of prophecy, which spake of those things to
come.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Converts refuse to take up arms to defend themselves
Lamanites were converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ, they buried
their weapons and covenanted to not go to battle again. When they
were attacked, rather than defend themselves, they lay down in front
of their enemies. Many were killed but many more of their enemies
were converted and joined them.
26 And it came to pass that the people of God were joined that day by
more than the number who had been slain; and those who had been slain
were righteous people, therefore we have no reason to doubt but what
they were saved.
27 And there was not a wicked man slain among them; but there were
more than a thousand brought to the knowledge of the truth; thus we
see that the Lord worketh in many ways to the salvation of his people.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Once converted the Lamanites never strayed from the truth
Listen to the Voice of the Spirit
In a world full of noise and many voices, President James E. Faust invites us to listen to and follow the voice of the Spirit, which is calm and quiet and leads to eternal life.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
The Book of Mormon as a personal guide
Monday, August 30, 2010
Knowest thou the condescension of God. 1 Nephi 11:16
haughtiness. In the context of 1 Nephi 11:16 the meaning is
completely opposite.
In a vision, the prophet Nephi is asked, "Knowest thou the
condescension of God?" His response is very profound.
"I do not know the meaning of all things," Nephi says. But, I do know
that he loves his children (1 Nephi 11:17).
The positive meaning of condescension is found in the scriptures,
particularly 1 Nephi 11. How does the Savior shows his love for us?
(The dictionary uses the words showing affinity, affability for
inferiors.)
1 Nephi 11 summarizes the mission of the Savior on the earth, up until
his death on the cross (1 Nephi 11: 33). That he would come to earth,
give us the gospel, his teachings, and provide us an example are all
ways he shows condescension or his love for us.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Book of Mormon Geography
Book of Mormon (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/alma/22).
27 And it came to pass that the king sent a proclamation throughout
all the land, amongst all his people who were in all his land, who
were in all the regions round about, which was bordering even to the
sea, on the east and on the west, and which was divided from the land
of Zarahemla by a narrow strip of wilderness, which ran from the sea
east even to the sea west, and round about on the borders of the
seashore, and the borders of the wilderness which was on the north by
the land of Zarahemla, through the borders of Manti, by the head of
the river Sidon, running from the east towards the west—and thus were
the Lamanites and the Nephites divided.
28 Now, the more idle part of the Lamanites lived in the wilderness,
and dwelt in tents; and they were spread through the wilderness on the
west, in the land of Nephi; yea, and also on the west of the land of
Zarahemla, in the borders by the seashore, and on the west in the land
of Nephi, in the place of their fathers' first inheritance, and thus
bordering along by the seashore.
29 And also there were many Lamanites on the east by the seashore,
whither the Nephites had driven them. And thus the Nephites were
nearly surrounded by the Lamanites; nevertheless the Nephites had
taken possession of all the northern parts of the land bordering on
the wilderness, at the head of the river Sidon, from the east to the
west, round about on the wilderness side; on the north, even until
they came to the land which they called Bountiful.
30 And it bordered upon the land which they called Desolation, it
being so far northward that it came into the land which had been
peopled and been destroyed, of whose bones we have spoken, which was
discovered by the people of Zarahemla, it being the place of their
first landing.
31 And they came from there up into the south wilderness. Thus the
land on the northward was called Desolation, and the land on the
southward was called Bountiful, it being the wilderness which is
filled with all manner of wild animals of every kind, a part of which
had come from the land northward for food.
32 And now, it was only the distance of a day and a half's journey
for a Nephite, on the line Bountiful and the land Desolation, from the
east to the west sea; and thus the land of Nephi and the land of
Zarahemla were nearly surrounded by water, there being a small neck of
land between the land northward and the land southward.
33 And it came to pass that the Nephites had inhabited the land
Bountiful, even from the east unto the west sea, and thus the Nephites
in their wisdom, with their guards and their armies, had hemmed in the
Lamanites on the south, that thereby they should have no more
possession on the north, that they might not overrun the land
northward.
34 Therefore the Lamanites could have no more possessions only in
the land of Nephi, and the wilderness round about. Now this was wisdom
in the Nephites—as the Lamanites were an enemy to them, they would not
suffer their afflictions on every hand, and also that they might have
a country whither they might flee, according to their desires.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Freedom to worship
receive their religious liberty. The same principle holds true today.
When people have the liberty to worship God according to their own
desires, the gospel of Jesus Christ is accepted by many.
Alma 21:22
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, if it were in the land which was under
the reign of king Lamoni.
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/alma/21
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Knowing that we know
a testimony when we get one. He told the story of Heber J. Grant.
When the 23-year-old Heber J. Grant was installed as president of the
Tooele Stake, he told the Saints he believed the gospel was true.
President Joseph F. Smith, a counselor in the First Presidency,
inquired, "Heber, you said you believe the gospel with all your heart,
… but you did not bear your testimony that you know it is true. Don't
you know absolutely that this gospel is true?"
Heber answered, "I do not." Joseph F. Smith then turned to John
Taylor, the President of the Church, and said, "I am in favor of
undoing this afternoon what we did this morning. I do not think any
man should preside over a stake who has not a perfect and abiding
knowledge of the divinity of this work."
President Taylor replied, "Joseph, Joseph, Joseph, [Heber] knows it
just as well as you do. The only thing that he does not know is that
he does know it."
Within a few weeks that testimony was realized, and young Heber J.
Grant shed tears of gratitude for the perfect, abiding, and absolute
testimony that came into his life.
Here is another story about gaining testimony:
Years ago I presided over a mission headquartered in the Midwest. One
day, with a handful of our missionaries, I spoke with an esteemed
representative of another Christian faith. This gentle soul spoke of
his own religion's history and doctrine, eventually repeating the
familiar words: "By grace ye are saved. Every man and woman must
exercise faith in Christ in order to become a saved being."
Among those present was a new missionary. He was altogether unfamiliar
with other religions. He had to ask the question, "But, sir, what
happens to the little baby who dies before he is old enough to
understand and exercise faith in Christ?" The learned man bowed his
head, looked at the floor, and said, "There ought to be an exception.
There ought to be a loophole. There ought to be a way, but there
isn't."
The missionary looked at me and, with tears in his eyes, said,
"Goodness, President, we do have the truth, don't we!"
The moment of testimony realization—when you know that you know—is
sweet and sublime.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Ammon rescues his brothers from prison
son, Lamoni.
Ammon and Lamoni meet Lamoni's father (the king of the Lamanites) on
the road to Middoni where Ammon's brothers are imprisoned. Lamoni's
father orders him to kill Ammon, a Nephite, the traditional enemies of
the Lamanites. When Lamoni refuses, his father picks up the sword to
kill Ammon, but Ammon resists his blows. When the king sees Ammon
could kill him, he promises Ammon anything up to half his kingdom.
Alma 20: 26 And when he saw that Ammon had no desire to destroy him,
and when he also saw the great love he had for his son Lamoni, he was
astonished exceedingly, and said: Because this is all that thou hast
desired, that I would release thy brethren, and suffer that my son
Lamoni should retain his kingdom, behold, I will grant unto you that
my son may retain his kingdom from this time and forever; and I will
govern him no more—
27 And I will also grant unto thee that thy brethren may be cast out
of prison, and thou and thy brethren may come unto me, in my kingdom;
for I shall greatly desire to see thee. For the king was greatly
astonished at the words which he had spoken, and also at the words
which had been spoken by his son Lamoni, therefore he was desirous to
learn them.
Ammon's example again opens doors for him to teach the gospel.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
The characteristics of reverence
Its quality is determined by the esteem in which one holds the object
of his reverence as evidenced by his behavior toward that object. When
that object is God, the genuinely reverent person has a worshipful
adoration coupled with a respectful behavior toward him and all that
pertains to him. The want of such appreciation or behavior smacks of
irreverence. Order is a part of reverence. So is cleanliness of
person, of apparel, of speech, of action, and of thought and impulse.
So also are courtesy, respect for one another, and kindred virtues.
Reverence is a sign of spiritual maturity, strength, and nobility."
--Marion G. Romney, "Reverence", Ensign, Oct. 1976, 2
Monday, August 16, 2010
Amalickiah uses trickery to gain power
requests even when we know it is wrong. An example would be someone
nagging about drinking alcohol. They make it sound so attractive and
try to persuade us that everyone is doing it. "A little bit won't
hurt you," the person says. "This tastes so good." Finally, we get
so tired that we take that first drink.
The story of Lehonti in the Book of Mormon (Alma 47) illustrates this
point. Amalickiah wanted to become king of the Lamanites. First, he
had to get control of the Lamanite armies. Lehonti and his army were
on the top of a high hill. Amalickiah invited him to come down to
meet with him three times. When he saw Lehonti would not come down,
Amalickiah sent an emissary to Lehonti saying he would deliver up his
army to Lehonti if Lehonti would make him second in command. Lehonti
agreed and took his army down in the middle of the night and
surrounded Amalickiah's force while they slept. When they awoke, they
pleaded with Amalickiah to let them join Lehonti. This is what
Amalickiah wanted. With the armies combined, Amalickiah had Lehonti
poisoned. As second in command, he became leader of the much larger
force.
Lehonti finally gave into Amalickiah, even though he knew it was
dangerous. We sometimes are tempted to make similar choices, with
promises that it is good for us or that it will make us popular. It
might be drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or it could be something like
getting ourselves in debt for a new car, furniture, or a TV set. Rather
than be tempted, it is better to stay away from dangerous situations.
Don't go to the bar with friends or go to parties where you might be
tempted.
See http://scriptures.lds.org/en/alma/47
Friday, August 13, 2010
Conversion of Lamoni - Alma 19
goodness and love of Jesus Christ. Lamoni lay for three days in a
trance. During that time he saw visions of the coming of the Savior
and was converted to his gospel. When he awoke, he taught his people
and many of them were also converted. Alma 19:33 declares, "their
hearts had been changed; that they had no more desire to do evil."
See http://scriptures.lds.org/en/alma/19
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Monday, August 09, 2010
Ammon is successful because of his great faith
Jesus Christ. Because of his faith, he had the strength to protect
the king's flocks and win the respect of the king. Because of his
faith, he was able to discern the thoughts of Lamoni say the right
words to teach him the gospel. Because of his faith, he was inspired
of the Lord. Alma 18:22 says, "Now Ammon being wise, yet harmless,
he said unto Lamoni: Wilt thou hearken unto my words, if I tell thee
by what power I do these things? And this is the thing that I desire
of thee."
See http://scriptures.lds.org/en/alma/18
Monday, August 02, 2010
Denver City Directories 1885-1890
Hansen, EF, Blksmith, bds., European Hotel
1886 Denver City Directory
Hansen, EF, Blksmith, bds., European Hotel
Fowler, WF, driver, Street Ry
1887 Denver City Directory
Fowler, WF, driver, Street Ry
no mention of Elwood F. Hansen, nor under blacksmiths in business directory
1888 Denver City Directory
Hansen, Elwood F., blksmith, 957 Santa Fe Av., r 915 7th Av. W
Hansen, Frederick W., hay and grain, 811 Santa Fe Av., r. 745 Santa Fe Av.
Hansen, Frederick W, Jr, elk, r. 745 Santa Fe Av.
Tankersley, E.D. (N.P. Sanders & Co.), 99 Opera House blk.
Sanders, NP & Co., (Nathan P Sanders & ED Takersley), real estate, 99
Opera House Blk.r. 1811 Boulder
no mention of Chappelle or Fowler family
In Business Pages, under blacksmiths
Hansen, E.F., 957 Santa Fe av.
1889 Denver City Directory
Fowler, Frederick C. (Fowler & Tankersley), r. 8 Anderson Blk
Fowler, James M., gripman, Denver Tramway Co., r. 8 Anderson Blk.
Fowler & Takersley (F.C. Fowler and E.D. Tankersley) grocery, 621 B
Hansen, Elwood F., blksmith, W.M. Frink, r. 2615 Lawrence
Frink, William M, blksmith & wagonmkr, 1730 Wazee, r. 2708 Franklin
Tankersley, E.D. (Fowler & Tankersley) r. 621 B
1890 Denver City Directory
Fowler, Fred C, mailing clerk PO, r 3243 Lafayette
Fowler, William, draftsman C&S Ry
Hansen, Elwood F., horseshoer, 1801 Blake, r 2714 Williams
Monday, July 26, 2010
The Great and Spacious Building
24 And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.
25 And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed.
26 And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth.
27 And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit.
28 And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
The sons of Mosiah show how to gain spiritual strength
spiritual strength. In Alma 17, Alma reunites with the sons of Mosiah
who had for 14 years served among the Lamanites. They had gained
spiritual strength because they had searched the scriptures
diligently, that they might know the word of God. They prayed and
fasted and so had the "spirit of prophecy" and "revelation." The
result was they had "the knowledge of the truth" and "sound
understanding" and "when they taught, they taught with power and
authority of God."
Read more at http://scriptures.lds.org/en/alma/17
Monday, July 12, 2010
No inequality among them
inequality among them; the Lord did pour out his Spirit on all the
face of the land to prepare the minds of the children of men, or to
prepare their hearts to receive the word which should be taught among
them at the time of his coming—
Let us seek to do the same and be equally blessed in our day.
Monday, July 05, 2010
Lessons from the story of Zeezrom (Alma 15)
forgiven. Such was Zeezrom's case. He felt his opposition to the
Church had led to the death of Alma and Amulek and others. However,
even in his situation, his faith in Christ was enough that he was
forgiven and also healed. See Alma 15
<http://scriptures.lds.org/en/alma/15>.
5 and they went in unto the house unto Zeezrom; and they found him
upon his bed, sick, being very low with a burning fever; and his mind
also was exceedingly sore because of his iniquities; and when he saw
them he stretched forth his hand, and besought them that they would
heal him.
6 And it came to pass that Alma said unto him, taking him by the hand:
Believest thou in the power of Christ unto salvation?
7 And he answered and said: Yea, I believe all the words that thou hast taught.
8 And Alma said: If thou believest in the redemption of Christ thou
canst be healed.
9 And he said: Yea, I believe according to thy words.
10 And then Alma cried unto the Lord, saying: O Lord our God, have
mercy on this man, and heal him according to his faith which is in
Christ.
11 And when Alma had said these words, Zeezrom leaped upon his feet,
and began to walk; and this was done to the great astonishment of all
the people; and the knowledge of this went forth throughout all the
land of Sidom.
12 And Alma baptized Zeezrom unto the Lord; and he began from that
time forth to preach unto the people.
We also learn in this chapter that sometimes when people accept the
gospel that their family rejects them. Such was the experience of
Amulek. (Alma 15:16)
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Why do the innocent suffer?
believed the word of God taught by Amulek and Alma were thrown into a
fire.
10 And when Amulek saw the pains of the women and children who were
consuming in the fire, he also was pained; and he said unto Alma: How
can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our
hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them
from the flames.
11 But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must
not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up
unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this
thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to
the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall
exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the
innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily
against them at the last day.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Good Things to Come
Friday, June 18, 2010
Glenn Beck - an unlikekly Mormon
http://www.glennbeckmormon.com/
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Missionary work important in Nephite nation
among the Nephite people at the time of Alma. Verses 5 and 6 say,
"Now I would that ye should understand that the word of God was
liberal unto all, that none were deprived of the privilege of
assembling themselves together to hear the word of God. 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 (who had
authority from God) ordained Elders and Priests to watch over and
teach the people of the Church.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Alma speaks about being spiritually born of God
Verse 14 And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have
ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your
countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?
Verse 15 Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created
you? Do you look forward with an eye of faith, and view this mortal
body raised in immortality, and this corruption braised in
incorruption, to stand before God to be judged according to the deeds
which have been done in the mortal body?
If we have not been spiritually born of God, we aren't prepared for
the judgment. One characteristics of a person who is spiritually born
of God is humility. Verse 28 says, "Behold, are ye stripped of pride?
I say unto you, if ye are not ye are not prepared to meet God."
Read and listen to Alma 5. http://scriptures.lds.org/en/alma/5
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Focus on helping others rather than on material things
focused on riches and material things and forgot the poor and needy.
Things became so bad that Alma gave up the judgment seat so he could
devote full-time to teaching the people.
Alma 4, verses 8-10 states:
8 For they saw and beheld with great sorrow that the people of the
church began to be lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and to set
their hearts upon riches and upon the vain things of the world, that
they began to be scornful, one towards another, and they began to
persecute those that did not believe according to their own will and
pleasure.
9 And thus, in this eighth year of the reign of the judges, there
began to be great contentions among the people of the church; yea,
there were envyings, and strife, and malice, and persecutions, and
pride, even to exceed the pride of those who did not belong to the
church of God.
10 And thus ended the eighth year of the reign of the judges; and the
wickedness of the church was a great stumbling-block to those who did
not belong to the church; and thus the church began to fail in its
progress.
Read more at:http://scriptures.lds.org/en/alma/4
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Final General Conference
By John Fisher
My cousin, Bruce Seely, will be singing at his last LDS General Conference before he retires from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on April 25th. LDS General Conference is broadcast by KBYU TV on Dish Network at 10 a.m and 2 p.m. MDT Saturday, April 3 and 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. MDT Sunday, April 4, 2010. (Bruce stands at the spot marked ME in the photo above. He sings bass.)
You might want to see a new documentary made by BYU Broadcasting last summer during the Choir Concert Tour. It is called"One Voice". It will be on BYU Television (www.byutv.org) Sunday, April 4th at noon (MDT), April 6th at 9:30 pm, April 13th at 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm and April 17th at 11:00 pm. If you subscribe to the Dish Network you can watch it there or check your local cable...otherwise you will have to see it online if your set up will allow it. If you click on this link (http://byutv.org/onevoice) you can see a short trailer about the documentary.
BYU Broadcasting also recorded the final concert of that tour at Red Rocks amphitheatre just outside of Denver. It will be broadcast April 4th at 5:30 pm MDT, the 6th at 8:00 pm, the 10th at 9:00 pm, and April
13th at Noon and 6:00 pm.
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), general conferences are a semiannual meeting where general authorities and other church leaders preach sermons and give guidance to the members of the church. Changes to church leadership are also proposed and sustained through the principle of common consent. General conferences are held on the weekends containing the first Sunday in April and the first Sunday in October. http://tinyurl.com/yea9n4a
Friday, April 02, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Lessons of the past prepare us to face the challenges of the future
prepare us to face the challenges of the future."
As we raise our children and chart our own courses we need to learn
from past mistakes, choose models to follow, build on traditions, and
set high expectations.
An important person in the raising of my children was their
grandfather who moved to Edmonton after my mother died – Melanie was
sick during her pregnancy with Annelise and their grandfather came to
take care of the other children.
In his retirement he wrote family history "Them of the Last Wagon" and
"Faithful Generation" and researched and found thousands of family
names for genealogy. He also raised horses.
Elder Packer said, "I have horses not because I raise horses. I have
horses because I'm raising children." Every summer my children spent
riding horses with their grandfather.
Their grandfather learned horsemanship from his father. His father,
Peirce Fisher, was 16 when he was called to serve a mission building
irrigation canals in Canada. One of his jobs was cutting prairie
grass as hay for the horses that pulled the graders that moved earth.
One cold fall day while cutting hay he accidentally cut his elbow. He
wrapped it as best he could, but soon his elbow was became stiff. He
built a fire to warm himself. The wind caught the fire and soon the
prairie was a blaze. Work was stopped on the canal to fight the fire.
As the last flames were put out, an old timer suggested he get on a
horse and flee across the border to the U.S. to avoid arrest.
Instead he chose to stay and face whatever consequences the law would
require. Several weeks later he met the Mounties who believed his
story and cleared him of any wrong doing. After that he always had
great respect for the red coats.
Elder Perry said, "When we received the special blessing of knowledge
of the gospel of Jesus Christ and took upon ourselves the name of
Christ by entering the waters of baptism, we also accepted the
obligation to share the gospel with others."
Missionary service had been established as a tradition in Peirce's family.
Harvey Peirce was 19 when he entered the Salt Lake Valley with the
first company of pioneers on July 24, 1847. Ten years later he was
among 70 men who were called as hand cart missionaries who left Salt
Lake pulling handcarts to the eastern United States. Three years
later he returned from his mission sick and never recovered, leaving
his children fatherless.
His son, Eli Harvey Peirce Jr., was born in 1851. In 1875 Eli was
working for the railroad.
"On the fifth day of October, 1875, at the Semi-annual Conference of
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints, I was called to
perform a mission to the United States. Just why my name was suggested
as a candidate for this mission, and presented at conference for
approval or rejection by the people, I cannot say. My mind prior to
that time had been entirely given up to temporalities. I had never
read to exceed a dozen chapters of the Bible in my life, and little
more than that from either the Book of Mormon or Doctrine and
Covenants, and concerning Church history was entirely ignorant. Had
never made but one attempt to address a public audience, large or
small, and that effort was no credit to me. Had been engaged in the
railroad business for a number of years, and this occupation would
have deprived me of meetings and religious services even had my
inclinations led in that direction, which I frankly confess they did
not. I had become almost an inveterate smoker, and bought cigars by
the wholesale, a thousand at a time. Was addicted to the use of
language which, if not profane, was at least vulgar, and
reprehensible."
"One of my fellow employees was at the conference; I was not, because
I did not care to be. He heard my name called, abruptly left the
meeting and ran over to the telegraph office to tell me the startling
news. This was the first intimation I had received that such a thing
was contemplated. At the very moment this intelligence was being
flashed over the wires, I was sitting lazily thrown back in an office
rocking chair, my feet on the desk, reading a novel and simultaneously
sucking an old Dutch pipe, of massive pro- portions, just to vary the
monotony of cigar smoking. As soon as I had been informed of what had
taken place, I threw the novel in the waste basket, the pipe in a
corner and started up town to buy a catechism. Have never read a novel
nor smoked a pipe from that hour. Sent in my resignation the same day,
to take effect at once, in order that I might have time for study and
preparation."
Remarkable as it may seem, and has since appeared to me, a thought of
disregarding the call, or of refusing to comply with the requirement,
never once entered my mind. The question I asked myself a thousand
times, and which seemed so all-important, was: "How can I accomplish
this mission? How can I, who am so shamefully ignorant and untaught in
doctrine, do honor to God and justice to the souls of men, and merit
the trust reposed in me by the Priesthood?"
I was rebaptized, confirmed, set apart, ordained a Seventy and started
on my mission, all within a month from the time I was called. And was
on my way to Pennsylvania.
Three years later he gave the following recapitulation: Baptisms, 108:
ordinations, 11; children blessed, 37; branches organized, 5; branches
re-organized, 1; marriages, 1; meetings held, 249; miles traveled,
9870; total cost, $1320. ELI H. PEIRCE.
One story that Eli told was about administering to a baby.
Was called in to administer to the youngest child of one of the branch
presidents. The mother, an apostate, seriously objected to anything of
the kind in her presence, and she refused to leave the bedside of the
dying child. Not wishing to intrude, we retired to an upper room to
pray, and she, designing our motives, sent her little girl to spy upon
us. In a secluded chamber we knelt down and prayed earnestly and
fervently, until we felt that the child would live and knew that our
prayers had been heard and answered. Turning round, we saw the little
girl standing in the half open door gazing intently into the room, but
not heeding our movements. She stood as if entranced for some seconds,
her eyes fixed immovably upon a certain spot, and did not stir until
her father spoke. She then said, "Papa, who was that other man in
there?" He answered, "Brother Peirce." She said, "No, I mean that
other man." He replied, "There was no other, darling, except Brother
Peirce and myself; we were praying for baby." She shook her head, and,
with perfect composure, said, "Oh, yes, there was; I saw him standing
between you and Mr. Peirce, and he was all dressed in white" This was
repeated to the mother, who tried every means in her power to persuade
the child that it was a mere delusion, but all to no purpose.
Entreaties, bribes, threats and expostulations were alike unavailing.
She knew what she had seen and nothing could shake that conviction.
The baby was speedily restored to perfect health. Eli Peirce had
gained a testimony.
Writing in the Ensign this month President Monson stated this about
Learning the Lessons of the Past.
"In the search for our best selves, several questions will guide our
thinking: Am I what I want to be? Am I closer to the Savior today than
I was yesterday? Will I be closer yet tomorrow? Do I have the courage
to change for the better? …
"The years have come and the years have gone, but the need for a
testimony of the gospel continues paramount. As we move toward the
future, we must not neglect the lessons of the past."
My grandfather Peirce Fisher met my Grandmother in Canada. They
married the 16 January 1901, traveling several days by train to Salt
Lake where they could be sealed in the temple. He never left the
mission field. In the 1950s, he asked a general authority for a
release so he could return to live near his family in Salt Lake. "Who
called you on your mission?" the general authority asked. "Lorenzo
Snow." "Then he will have to release you."
Peirce Fisher served as a patriarch for 36 years until his death in
1962. When I was 10, before we left to live in Europe, I received my
patriarchal blessing from him.
Your patriarchal blessing is your Personal Liahona, writes President Monson.
"Your patriarchal blessing is yours and yours alone. It may be brief
or lengthy, simple or profound. Length and language do not a
patriarchal blessing make. It is the Spirit that conveys the true
meaning. Your blessing is not to be folded neatly and tucked away. It
is not to be framed or published. Rather, it is to be read. It is to
be loved. It is to be followed. Your patriarchal blessing will see you
through the darkest night. It will guide you through life's dangers. …
Your patriarchal blessing is to you a personal Liahona to chart your
course and guide your way. …
"Patience may be required as we watch, wait, and work for a promised
blessing to be fulfilled."3
We need to set high expectations for ourselves and for our children.
Missionary service was set early in our home as a high expectation.
President Gordon B. Hinckley taught: "So many of us look upon
missionary work as simply tracting. Everyone who is familiar with this
work knows there is a better way. That way is through the members of
the Church. Whenever there is a member who introduces an investigator,
there is an immediate support system. The member bears testimony of
the truth of the work. He is anxious for the happiness of his
investigator friend. He becomes excited as that friend makes progress
in learning the gospel."
My father's brother Jim drowned at 21 and his insurance was used to
send my father on a mission to the Northwestern States Mission. He
was called in 1939 before Canada went to war and served until 1941.
He made the mistake of going across the border to the temple in
Cardston and was required to spend 6 weeks in the midst of his mission
in boot camp. During WWII he spent two years in England and while he
was there he did genealogy and sent the names home to his mother who
had the work done in the Cardston temple.
President Monson wrote we need to build on A Foundation of Faith.
"If we do not have a deep foundation of faith and a solid testimony of
truth, we may have difficulty withstanding the harsh storms and icy
winds of adversity which inevitably come to each of us.
"Mortality is a period of testing, a time to prove ourselves worthy to
return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. In order for us to be
tested, we must face challenges and difficulties. These can break us,
and the surface of our souls may crack and crumble—that is, if our
foundations of faith, our testimonies of truth are not deeply embedded
within us."
Come unto Him
"Remember that you do not walk alone. … As you walk through life,
always walk toward the light, and the shadows of life will fall behind
you. …
"As I [have] turned to the scriptures for inspiration, a particular
word [has] stood out time and time again. The word [is] 'come.' The
Lord said, 'Come unto me.' He said, 'Come learn of me.' He also said,
'Come, follow me.' I like that word, come. My plea is that we would
come to the Lord."
Sources:
Thomas S. Monson, "On Being Spiritually Prepared," Liahona, Feb 2010, 4–6
Thursday, February 11, 2010
All the prophets testified of the Messiah's coming
Mosiah 13: 33 Abinadi stated: "For behold, did not Moses prophesy unto
them concerning the coming of the Messiah, and that God should redeem
his people? Yea, and even all the prophets who have prophesied ever
since the world began—have they not spoken more or less concerning
these things?"
