July 31, 2007 - Original Post
Famine and Fasting
Nephi pleads with the Lord that the people don’t die by the sword rather that they die by hunger. In essence, Nephi is forcing the people to collectively fast. Whenever I truly fast, I am greatly humbled. I have found that I am more passive and willing to submit myself to the will of God when I fast. Not only am I more submissive, but I grow closer to the Spirit. My mind is quieter.
As we fast and grow closer to the Savior, we must strive to always remember His sacrifice. After spiritual experiences, we must be wary of temptations. We must avoid what the Nephites did time and time again. They humbled themselves and then studied the scriptures, only to fall away again. Why did they fall away? They fell because they did not follow the counsels of the prophets.
Contentions Concerning Doctrine
In Helaman 11:22, it says they contended over some points of the doctrine which had been laid down by the prophets.
What does this mean? It means that at some point in time before, the prophets clarified some points of the doctrine. Even today we will hear prophets counsel us again and again about points of the doctrine. Many times they are explicit about what we are to understand. They explain to us how we are to interpret the doctrine. They are the living oracles who see further and clearer than we.
The prophets then, as the prophet today, can settle contentions because they receive revelation. During this time in the Nephite history, the prophets were "having many revelations daily." (Helaman 11:23)
How different the Book of Mormon would have been if the Nephites would have followed the prophets!
Regarding contention, Elder Dallin H. Oaks said this, "It is noteworthy that the Savior did not limit his teaching about disputations and contention to those who had wrong ideas about doctrine or procedure. He forbade disputations and contention by everyone. The commandment to avoid contention applies to those who are right as well as to those who are wrong.” (Book of Mormon Symposium Series, 4 Nephi – Moroni, p. 177)
The Nephite Cycle in a Chapter
One time while reading this chapter, I noted what went on in the Nephite history in one decade. Chapter 11 is a perfect example of the Nephite cycle in one decade. The chapter begins in the Nephite year 72.
In year 73, Nephi asks the Lord to bring a famine to the land. Note that it only took one verse for Nephi to ask this of the Lord. Then for the next two years the Nephites suffer. Finally in year 75 the people ask Nephi to ask the Lord to stop the famine. This time, it takes Nephi seven verses to ask the Lord to stop the famine. In year 76, the famine ends.
For four years, the Nephites prosper and have peace. Then in year 80 the dissentions begin again and the GR are reborn. Basically, the GRs are terrorists as verse 32 points out. The Nephites and Lamanites send their armies to destroy the GRs twice, but fail both times. The chapter ends in year 85 with the people “ripening again for destruction.”
So in the space of 13 years (from year 72 to year 85) we see in this one chapter the Nephites go from being wicked, to being humbled, to having prosperity and peace, to dissentions, to war and finally to wickedness again. It took the Nephites thirteen years for one complete cycle.
September 13, 2012 - Addition
A curious thought crossed my mind this morning while reading Helaman 11:10.
The person speaking is Nephi - a prophet of God. A few years earlier, he was granted the sealing power of the priesthood - whatever he sealed on earth would be sealed in heaven. He then used that power, after seeing the desctruction of the war, to plead with God to not let the people be destroyed by war, but by famine. The famine came; the people repented.
In Helaman 10:10, Nephi begins his plea to God to save them from the famine. He tells God that the band of Gadianton has been swept away and has become extinct. This is crucial - there are no Gadianton robbers anymore - they have been wiped out ... as verse 10 states, "they have become extinct." Now comes the curious statement: "they have concealed their secret plans in the earth." Nephi knows they (the people who wiped out the Gadianton robbers) concealed the robbers' plans. But my question is: why did the people or Nephi allow the secret plans to be buried? Why not destroy the plans too?
As we find out in Helman 11:26, the band of robbers is resurrected and then goes on to "search out all the secret plans of Gadianton."
Showing posts with label Helaman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Helaman. Show all posts
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Helaman 16
Nephites Falter Again
I find myself in disbelief at the attitude of the Nephites. After the prophecies of Nephi and Samuel, the people still did not believe. There were some who believed and repented, but most of them did not. Even when I know what is going to happen next in the Book of Helaman, I still think that the Nephites are going to pull themselves out of sin, just like they have done many times before. But like a person aging, the older they get, the harder it is to change their ways. Each time the Nephites dip down into that terrible cycle, the harder it is for them to come back up. They will recover two more times but they will not recover after that. The recovery becomes too long and too steep. Also, the times they do recover and repent, are short. The only bright side to this commentary is that the Lord's hand is ever-extended to the Nephites. They will always have the chance to change!
False Reasoning
The Nephites began to reason among themselves that Christ didn’t exist. Through some unknown, strange line of reasoning, they believed that the sign of God would never come to the world, let along to the Americas. In 2 Nephi 26:9 and Alma 16:20, previous Book of Mormon prophets teach the people that Christ would visit them in the Americas. Somewhere along the line, this bit of knowledge was lost among the Nephites.
How much do we reason in like manner today? Do we find ourselves rationalizing a sin? Faith is the antidote to rationalization. We must develop our testimonies to the point that we do not doubt the counsels or revelations of the prophets. We do not develop our testimonies with blind faith. Instead, we put to trial our faith and we prove the word of God. We plant a seed, nourish it and then we see that it is a good seed. We will eventually come to a point in the nourishment process where we know with certainty because our minds have been opened. We must then continue our pursuit to know the truth. Thus, bit by bit we come to know that the prophets speak the truth and we can trust them and follow them.
Hardened Hearts
The people hardened their hearts against that which is good and against that which is to come.
We too, in today’s world, tend to harden our hearts against good things. We watch too much TV rather than read the scriptures. We waste time playing video games rather than spend quality time with our family. In other words, when we harden our hearts against good, we really are turning our backs to good things and to turn our back to good things means that we turn to things that are of lesser importance.
I find myself in disbelief at the attitude of the Nephites. After the prophecies of Nephi and Samuel, the people still did not believe. There were some who believed and repented, but most of them did not. Even when I know what is going to happen next in the Book of Helaman, I still think that the Nephites are going to pull themselves out of sin, just like they have done many times before. But like a person aging, the older they get, the harder it is to change their ways. Each time the Nephites dip down into that terrible cycle, the harder it is for them to come back up. They will recover two more times but they will not recover after that. The recovery becomes too long and too steep. Also, the times they do recover and repent, are short. The only bright side to this commentary is that the Lord's hand is ever-extended to the Nephites. They will always have the chance to change!
False Reasoning
The Nephites began to reason among themselves that Christ didn’t exist. Through some unknown, strange line of reasoning, they believed that the sign of God would never come to the world, let along to the Americas. In 2 Nephi 26:9 and Alma 16:20, previous Book of Mormon prophets teach the people that Christ would visit them in the Americas. Somewhere along the line, this bit of knowledge was lost among the Nephites.
How much do we reason in like manner today? Do we find ourselves rationalizing a sin? Faith is the antidote to rationalization. We must develop our testimonies to the point that we do not doubt the counsels or revelations of the prophets. We do not develop our testimonies with blind faith. Instead, we put to trial our faith and we prove the word of God. We plant a seed, nourish it and then we see that it is a good seed. We will eventually come to a point in the nourishment process where we know with certainty because our minds have been opened. We must then continue our pursuit to know the truth. Thus, bit by bit we come to know that the prophets speak the truth and we can trust them and follow them.
Hardened Hearts
The people hardened their hearts against that which is good and against that which is to come.
We too, in today’s world, tend to harden our hearts against good things. We watch too much TV rather than read the scriptures. We waste time playing video games rather than spend quality time with our family. In other words, when we harden our hearts against good, we really are turning our backs to good things and to turn our back to good things means that we turn to things that are of lesser importance.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Helaman 15
The Lord Chastens Those He Loves
The Lord will humble us or chasten us because he loves us. Sometimes we need to be hit in the head to knock some sense in us and to get us back on the right path. We must remember when we have a humbling experience that Heavenly Father doesn’t want to knock us down so that we stay down. He does it so that we get back up and do better. We become stronger that way and we learn to humble ourselves.
Repentance Brings Freedom
Another point I enjoyed was the idea that faith in Christ and repentance brings us true freedom and happiness. The only way to remain out of the bondage of Satan is to repent. First you have to be humble, then repent, then you are free.
Fear to Sin
Another thing I learned is that I need to “fear to sin.” I think many times I justify in doing a little evil now and again, but the Lamanites feared to sin so much that they would rather die than to sin. How dedicated as I to not sinning and in turn doing good? Not nearly as much as the Lamanites.
More Prophecies from Samuel
As I read chapter 15 this time, I noted that Samuel makes a couple of more prophecies. He warns the Nephites that their houses will become desolate and their women will suffer if the Nephites do not repent. As evidenced in Mormon chapter 4, these prophecies come true.
Another point I noted when reading today was Samuel telling the Nephites that the salvation came to the Lamanites through the Nephites and now it is the Lamanites who must 'save' the Nephites. I can't help but think of North American missionaries going and preaching to Central and South Americans for two years. Their salvation came through the preaching of North American missionaries. Now the church is thriving and growing tremendously in South America. I believe the members are very diligent and faithful. If not now, there will come a time when we will have Latin general authorities and prophets preaching repentance to us, just as Samuel the Lamanite preached to the Nephites.
Samuel makes another prophecy about the restoration of the Lamanites. In Helaman 15:11, Samuel prophecies that the Lamanites will be restored again to the knowledge of truth after they have dwindled in unbelief. D&C 49:24 contains a prophecy from Joseph Smith, which says that “before the great day of the Lord shall come, Jacob shall flourish in the wilderness, and the Lamanites shall blossom as the rose.”
Finally, in this chapter we see again the Lamanites burying their weapons of war (verse 9). They would rather suffer themselves to be killed than to take up arms and kill others. The Anti-Nephi-Lehis did this and now we read of this new generation of Lamanites who take upon themselves the 'bear-no-weapon' oath. I am fascinated with their complete faith and dedication to keeping the commandments!
The Lord will humble us or chasten us because he loves us. Sometimes we need to be hit in the head to knock some sense in us and to get us back on the right path. We must remember when we have a humbling experience that Heavenly Father doesn’t want to knock us down so that we stay down. He does it so that we get back up and do better. We become stronger that way and we learn to humble ourselves.
Repentance Brings Freedom
Another point I enjoyed was the idea that faith in Christ and repentance brings us true freedom and happiness. The only way to remain out of the bondage of Satan is to repent. First you have to be humble, then repent, then you are free.
Fear to Sin
Another thing I learned is that I need to “fear to sin.” I think many times I justify in doing a little evil now and again, but the Lamanites feared to sin so much that they would rather die than to sin. How dedicated as I to not sinning and in turn doing good? Not nearly as much as the Lamanites.
More Prophecies from Samuel
As I read chapter 15 this time, I noted that Samuel makes a couple of more prophecies. He warns the Nephites that their houses will become desolate and their women will suffer if the Nephites do not repent. As evidenced in Mormon chapter 4, these prophecies come true.
Another point I noted when reading today was Samuel telling the Nephites that the salvation came to the Lamanites through the Nephites and now it is the Lamanites who must 'save' the Nephites. I can't help but think of North American missionaries going and preaching to Central and South Americans for two years. Their salvation came through the preaching of North American missionaries. Now the church is thriving and growing tremendously in South America. I believe the members are very diligent and faithful. If not now, there will come a time when we will have Latin general authorities and prophets preaching repentance to us, just as Samuel the Lamanite preached to the Nephites.
Samuel makes another prophecy about the restoration of the Lamanites. In Helaman 15:11, Samuel prophecies that the Lamanites will be restored again to the knowledge of truth after they have dwindled in unbelief. D&C 49:24 contains a prophecy from Joseph Smith, which says that “before the great day of the Lord shall come, Jacob shall flourish in the wilderness, and the Lamanites shall blossom as the rose.”
Finally, in this chapter we see again the Lamanites burying their weapons of war (verse 9). They would rather suffer themselves to be killed than to take up arms and kill others. The Anti-Nephi-Lehis did this and now we read of this new generation of Lamanites who take upon themselves the 'bear-no-weapon' oath. I am fascinated with their complete faith and dedication to keeping the commandments!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Helaman 14
Samuel the Lamanite continues in this chapter by prophesying of Christ’s birth and death. The reason he does so is first, he is a prophet and prophets prophesy, but they always prophesy for a purpose which leads to my second point. Why did Samuel make these prophecies?
No Cause for Unbelief
In Helaman 14:28, Samuel explains that there will be so many wonders and signs given that there will be no cause for doubting and that if they do not believe those signs and wonders, they will be condemned and they will be responsible for their own condemnation.
In other words, Samuel is saying that there will be so many signs that if the people don’t believe in them and repent, then they are pretty stupid and will have to reap the consequences.
It is like a teacher telling you exactly what will be on the final exam and that your whole grade depends on this final exam. The students would be pretty ignorant not to study the given material.
Prophets tell us what to beware of and what to do to gain salvation. I think prophets know and see much more than we think. They interpret what they know into the things we must change and do.
I think it is symbolic how Samuel was standing on the city wall when he prophesied all these things. He saw the big picture and the Lord told him what to say to the Nephites.
The Prophecies
I wanted to briefly add to this commentary the things Samuel prophesied. I think the previous entry accurately describes what I got out of this chapter this time around.
Sign of Christ's coming:
1. Great lights in heaven.
2. The night before Christ comes to earth; there will be a day, a night and a day of light.
3. A new star will appear.
4. Many signs and wonders in heaven.
5. The people will be amazed at the signs and fall to the earth.
Signs of Christ's death:
1. Thunder, lightening, earthquakes, tempests, general destruction of the land.
2. Darkness for three days.
3. The resurrection of many saints who will appear unto many people.
As I stated before, every one of these prophecies came true.
No Cause for Unbelief
In Helaman 14:28, Samuel explains that there will be so many wonders and signs given that there will be no cause for doubting and that if they do not believe those signs and wonders, they will be condemned and they will be responsible for their own condemnation.
In other words, Samuel is saying that there will be so many signs that if the people don’t believe in them and repent, then they are pretty stupid and will have to reap the consequences.
It is like a teacher telling you exactly what will be on the final exam and that your whole grade depends on this final exam. The students would be pretty ignorant not to study the given material.
Prophets tell us what to beware of and what to do to gain salvation. I think prophets know and see much more than we think. They interpret what they know into the things we must change and do.
I think it is symbolic how Samuel was standing on the city wall when he prophesied all these things. He saw the big picture and the Lord told him what to say to the Nephites.
The Prophecies
I wanted to briefly add to this commentary the things Samuel prophesied. I think the previous entry accurately describes what I got out of this chapter this time around.
Sign of Christ's coming:
1. Great lights in heaven.
2. The night before Christ comes to earth; there will be a day, a night and a day of light.
3. A new star will appear.
4. Many signs and wonders in heaven.
5. The people will be amazed at the signs and fall to the earth.
Signs of Christ's death:
1. Thunder, lightening, earthquakes, tempests, general destruction of the land.
2. Darkness for three days.
3. The resurrection of many saints who will appear unto many people.
As I stated before, every one of these prophecies came true.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Helaman 13
The Curse of the Land
Samuel seems to talk a lot about riches, treasures, gold and silver in this chapter. He also tells the people how the land is cursed so that they lose their treasures and they cannot find them when they look for them.
I was trying to think of how this could be applied in our day. While I was reading this chapter, I wondered “why don’t they put their riches in a type of bank or safe?” Then it hit me. Today, a widespread loss of wealth might occur if the stock market crashed or if other financial markets suffered. In a sense, that could be today’s curse of the land.
Wickedness Never Was Happiness
Samuel warns the people that they have sought happiness in doing iniquity. Alma taught this principle earlier when he said that wickedness never was happiness. Samuel warns the people that happiness in doing iniquity is contrary to the nature of righteousness. In other words, there is a difference between joy and pleasure. Finding pleasure in doing iniquity eventually leads to utter sadness while finding pleasure in serving, praying and doing Christ-like things leads to complete and full joy. Samuel warns the people about finding pleasure in doing iniquity. He says that it is contrary to God and therefore contrary to our eternal happiness.
A Great Prophet
I have wondered why is Samuel considered to be such a great prophet? The other times I read about Samuel, I focused on his cry of repentance to the people … a pretty common cry for Book of Mormon prophets. But this time, I noticed all the prophecies of Samuel. Every single one of his prophecies came true. The first one in chapter 13 is about the Nephites being completely destroyed in 400 years (Helaman 13:5). We later read in Mormon that this came true. This is really the only one in this chapter. The rest can be found in the next chapter which I'll document when I get there.
The City of Gideon
Another thing that I wondered about was the city of Gideon (Helaman 13:15). Out of curiosity, I looked up in 3 Nephi 9 where Christ tells the people what happened to the various cities. I expected to find in 3 Nephi 9 that the city of Gideon was burned by fire or that it was flooded or something horrific. But to my surprise, I did not find anything about the city of Gideon. I looked Gideon up in the index and read the references. Gideon was a contemporary to Alma the elder. Gideon led the people against the wicked King Noah. He almost killed King Noah, but was stopped when King Noah plead for his life when he saw the armies of the Lamanites approaching. Gideon spared him. After the people of Alma returned to Zarahemla, the anti-Christ Nehor and Gideon got into an argument in the which they drew swords and Nehor killed Gideon. Later, a city was established in a valley named after Gideon. This city was east of the river Sidon. The last instance of the name Gideon (man, valley or city) is mentioned is in Helaman 13 when Samuel pronounces a 'wo' on the people that inhabit the city of Gideon. Interestingly enough, it is not mentioned in 3 Nephi.
Did the people of the city of Gideon repent after Samuel the Lamanite pronounced a 'wo' on them? We'll probably never know. But the fact that the city of Gideon is not mentioned in the list of destruction in 3 Nephi is a good sign that they may have repented.
Agency
Lastly, I wondered why Samuel told the people that their "days of probation are past" (Helaman 13:38). He continues in the same verse, "your destruction is made sure." Why even preach to them if they are already hell-bound?
My explanation would be that he preached to the people because, first, the Lord commanded him to and second, every soul's worth is great (D&C 18). If Samuel's preaching saved a handful of people that heard him that day, then it was all worth the trouble. Also, no matter what we've done in our past, we always have a choice today. As bad as a position the Nephites were in, they still had a choice … they could always choose to repent.
As I stated with the city of Gideon, there is a very good chance that thye decided to change the day they listened to Samuel.
A third reason he preached to the people despite their guaranteed destruction was so that they would know of the signs of the coming of Christ. As will be read in the next chapter, Samuel makes many prophecies about the birth and death of Christ.
Samuel seems to talk a lot about riches, treasures, gold and silver in this chapter. He also tells the people how the land is cursed so that they lose their treasures and they cannot find them when they look for them.
I was trying to think of how this could be applied in our day. While I was reading this chapter, I wondered “why don’t they put their riches in a type of bank or safe?” Then it hit me. Today, a widespread loss of wealth might occur if the stock market crashed or if other financial markets suffered. In a sense, that could be today’s curse of the land.
Wickedness Never Was Happiness
Samuel warns the people that they have sought happiness in doing iniquity. Alma taught this principle earlier when he said that wickedness never was happiness. Samuel warns the people that happiness in doing iniquity is contrary to the nature of righteousness. In other words, there is a difference between joy and pleasure. Finding pleasure in doing iniquity eventually leads to utter sadness while finding pleasure in serving, praying and doing Christ-like things leads to complete and full joy. Samuel warns the people about finding pleasure in doing iniquity. He says that it is contrary to God and therefore contrary to our eternal happiness.
A Great Prophet
I have wondered why is Samuel considered to be such a great prophet? The other times I read about Samuel, I focused on his cry of repentance to the people … a pretty common cry for Book of Mormon prophets. But this time, I noticed all the prophecies of Samuel. Every single one of his prophecies came true. The first one in chapter 13 is about the Nephites being completely destroyed in 400 years (Helaman 13:5). We later read in Mormon that this came true. This is really the only one in this chapter. The rest can be found in the next chapter which I'll document when I get there.
The City of Gideon
Another thing that I wondered about was the city of Gideon (Helaman 13:15). Out of curiosity, I looked up in 3 Nephi 9 where Christ tells the people what happened to the various cities. I expected to find in 3 Nephi 9 that the city of Gideon was burned by fire or that it was flooded or something horrific. But to my surprise, I did not find anything about the city of Gideon. I looked Gideon up in the index and read the references. Gideon was a contemporary to Alma the elder. Gideon led the people against the wicked King Noah. He almost killed King Noah, but was stopped when King Noah plead for his life when he saw the armies of the Lamanites approaching. Gideon spared him. After the people of Alma returned to Zarahemla, the anti-Christ Nehor and Gideon got into an argument in the which they drew swords and Nehor killed Gideon. Later, a city was established in a valley named after Gideon. This city was east of the river Sidon. The last instance of the name Gideon (man, valley or city) is mentioned is in Helaman 13 when Samuel pronounces a 'wo' on the people that inhabit the city of Gideon. Interestingly enough, it is not mentioned in 3 Nephi.
Did the people of the city of Gideon repent after Samuel the Lamanite pronounced a 'wo' on them? We'll probably never know. But the fact that the city of Gideon is not mentioned in the list of destruction in 3 Nephi is a good sign that they may have repented.
Agency
Lastly, I wondered why Samuel told the people that their "days of probation are past" (Helaman 13:38). He continues in the same verse, "your destruction is made sure." Why even preach to them if they are already hell-bound?
My explanation would be that he preached to the people because, first, the Lord commanded him to and second, every soul's worth is great (D&C 18). If Samuel's preaching saved a handful of people that heard him that day, then it was all worth the trouble. Also, no matter what we've done in our past, we always have a choice today. As bad as a position the Nephites were in, they still had a choice … they could always choose to repent.
As I stated with the city of Gideon, there is a very good chance that thye decided to change the day they listened to Samuel.
A third reason he preached to the people despite their guaranteed destruction was so that they would know of the signs of the coming of Christ. As will be read in the next chapter, Samuel makes many prophecies about the birth and death of Christ.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Helaman 12
Unsteadiness and Scripture Study
How true and correct are the words of Mormon’s commentary! In my own life, I have been blessed tremendously. Yet, I become prideful and I begin to do things I shouldn’t and I forget whose hand has blessed my life.
Mankind’s heart is unsteady. It is no wonder the prophets counsel us to read and study the scriptures every day and to pray often every day. Our hearts need the anchor of prayer and scripture study in our lives to keep us on the paths of righteousness.
Recently, I came across an article in the August 2007 Ensign entitled “Savoring the Scriptures”. The article had a quote from Marion G. Romney. He said, “As I began to practice law, members of my family were a little uneasy. They were afraid I would lose my faith. I wanted to practice law, but I had an even greater desire to keep my testimony, and so I decided upon a little procedure which I recommend to you. For thirty minutes each morning before I began the day’s work I read from the Book of Mormon. … I know that it kept me in harmony … with the Spirit of the Lord. … It will hold us as close to the Spirit of the Lord as anything I know.” (Conference Report, Apr. 1949, 36, 41)
I really needed to read this chapter today. I needed to remember how important it is for me to read the Book of Mormon and to pray every day. I needed to remember what happens to those who forget the Lord and his mercy.
Trample Under Their Feet
The phrase “trample under their feet the Holy One” occurs a few times in the Book of Mormon – 1 Nephi 19:7, Alma 5:53, Helaman 12:2 and 3 Nephi 28:35.
This seems to be a figurative term symbolizing our willful disrespect for things that are holy and sacred.
To trample the Holy One means to willfully not listen to God’s counsels or the counsels of His prophets.
The Nothingness of Man
I really like Bryan Richards commentary on this subject. I will include it here.
“When it comes to the value of human existence, there is a doctrinal dichotomy which deserves some discussion. In the Mormon Church, the doctrine is commonly taught that all of God’s children are very literally sons and daughters of God with the same divine potential as their spiritual parents. Scriptures which confirm this principle teach that ‘we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together’ (Rom 8:16-17, see also Gal 4:1-7; Jn10:33-36). As his children, the Lord has asked us to remember that ‘the worth of souls is great in the sight of God’ (DC 18:10).
“On the other hand, Mormon reminds us about the great nothingness of man, that we are even ‘less than the dust of the earth.’ Well you can’t get much more worthless than that! Moses concluded that ‘man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed’ (Moses 1:10). Benjamin asked, ‘Can ye say aught of yourselves? I answer you, Nay. Ye cannot say that ye are even as much as the dust of the earth’ (Mosiah 2:25).
“Well, which is it? Are we worth less than the dust of the earth, or do we have great intrinsic worth as heirs of God? Can both of these things be true simultaneously? Mormon helps us to understand this doctrine. He explains that the dust moves according to the commands of God, but that man, by virtue of his agency, is the only being in the universe which defies the commandments of God. Therefore, as sinners, we are less than the dust of the earth.
“Our potential, however, is divine. It was this great transformation, from sinner to joint-heir, to which Paul referred, ‘the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant (or slave)…in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son…to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons…and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.’ (Gal 4:1-7) The proud need to be taught that they are less than the dust of the earth. If any boast of their divine potential, it is because they do not understand that such a glorious potential is available to them not because of their greatness but because of the condescension of Christ. As the Master in all things, Christ understands both ends of this great dichotomy, for he was God, yet he was forced to suffer all things—in effect, he was made lower than the dust of the earth that we might be glorified. ‘He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth’ (DC 88:6).
“What a piece of work is a man!…in action how like
an angel! in apprehension how like a god! the beauty of
the world! the paragon of animals! And yet, to me, what
is this quintessence of dust? man delights not me; no,
nor woman neither.”
(Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act II, Scene 2)
Saved or Cast Out
“Blessed are they who will repent and hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; for these are they that shall be saved.” (Helaman 12:23)
“But we read that in the great and last day there are some who shall be cast out, year, who shall be cast off from the presence of the Lord.” (Helaman 12:25)
“Save for those few who defect to perdition after having known a fulness, there is no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no transgression, no offense exempted from the promise of complete forgiveness.” (Boyd K. Packer, “The Brilliant Morning of Forgiveness,” Ensign, Nov 1995, 18)
How true and correct are the words of Mormon’s commentary! In my own life, I have been blessed tremendously. Yet, I become prideful and I begin to do things I shouldn’t and I forget whose hand has blessed my life.
Mankind’s heart is unsteady. It is no wonder the prophets counsel us to read and study the scriptures every day and to pray often every day. Our hearts need the anchor of prayer and scripture study in our lives to keep us on the paths of righteousness.
Recently, I came across an article in the August 2007 Ensign entitled “Savoring the Scriptures”. The article had a quote from Marion G. Romney. He said, “As I began to practice law, members of my family were a little uneasy. They were afraid I would lose my faith. I wanted to practice law, but I had an even greater desire to keep my testimony, and so I decided upon a little procedure which I recommend to you. For thirty minutes each morning before I began the day’s work I read from the Book of Mormon. … I know that it kept me in harmony … with the Spirit of the Lord. … It will hold us as close to the Spirit of the Lord as anything I know.” (Conference Report, Apr. 1949, 36, 41)
I really needed to read this chapter today. I needed to remember how important it is for me to read the Book of Mormon and to pray every day. I needed to remember what happens to those who forget the Lord and his mercy.
Trample Under Their Feet
The phrase “trample under their feet the Holy One” occurs a few times in the Book of Mormon – 1 Nephi 19:7, Alma 5:53, Helaman 12:2 and 3 Nephi 28:35.
This seems to be a figurative term symbolizing our willful disrespect for things that are holy and sacred.
To trample the Holy One means to willfully not listen to God’s counsels or the counsels of His prophets.
The Nothingness of Man
I really like Bryan Richards commentary on this subject. I will include it here.
“When it comes to the value of human existence, there is a doctrinal dichotomy which deserves some discussion. In the Mormon Church, the doctrine is commonly taught that all of God’s children are very literally sons and daughters of God with the same divine potential as their spiritual parents. Scriptures which confirm this principle teach that ‘we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together’ (Rom 8:16-17, see also Gal 4:1-7; Jn10:33-36). As his children, the Lord has asked us to remember that ‘the worth of souls is great in the sight of God’ (DC 18:10).
“On the other hand, Mormon reminds us about the great nothingness of man, that we are even ‘less than the dust of the earth.’ Well you can’t get much more worthless than that! Moses concluded that ‘man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed’ (Moses 1:10). Benjamin asked, ‘Can ye say aught of yourselves? I answer you, Nay. Ye cannot say that ye are even as much as the dust of the earth’ (Mosiah 2:25).
“Well, which is it? Are we worth less than the dust of the earth, or do we have great intrinsic worth as heirs of God? Can both of these things be true simultaneously? Mormon helps us to understand this doctrine. He explains that the dust moves according to the commands of God, but that man, by virtue of his agency, is the only being in the universe which defies the commandments of God. Therefore, as sinners, we are less than the dust of the earth.
“Our potential, however, is divine. It was this great transformation, from sinner to joint-heir, to which Paul referred, ‘the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant (or slave)…in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son…to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons…and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.’ (Gal 4:1-7) The proud need to be taught that they are less than the dust of the earth. If any boast of their divine potential, it is because they do not understand that such a glorious potential is available to them not because of their greatness but because of the condescension of Christ. As the Master in all things, Christ understands both ends of this great dichotomy, for he was God, yet he was forced to suffer all things—in effect, he was made lower than the dust of the earth that we might be glorified. ‘He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth’ (DC 88:6).
“What a piece of work is a man!…in action how like
an angel! in apprehension how like a god! the beauty of
the world! the paragon of animals! And yet, to me, what
is this quintessence of dust? man delights not me; no,
nor woman neither.”
(Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act II, Scene 2)
Saved or Cast Out
“Blessed are they who will repent and hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; for these are they that shall be saved.” (Helaman 12:23)
“But we read that in the great and last day there are some who shall be cast out, year, who shall be cast off from the presence of the Lord.” (Helaman 12:25)
“Save for those few who defect to perdition after having known a fulness, there is no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no transgression, no offense exempted from the promise of complete forgiveness.” (Boyd K. Packer, “The Brilliant Morning of Forgiveness,” Ensign, Nov 1995, 18)
Monday, July 30, 2007
Helaman 10
Unwearyingness
Nephi was indeed a mighty prophet to have the Lord give him these powers! Because Nephi was diligent and sought the Lord’s will with “unwearyingness” the Lord gave Nephi power to seal things in heaven and on Earth. The key word in this chapter is unwearyingness. This is the type of attitude the Lord wishes that we all have when it comes to building His kingdom on the earth.
Repentance
Repentance is a lot like exercise and keeping the body fit. If we exercise on a daily basis, then our bodies stay fit and toned. Once our bodies are in shape, keeping them fit requires little effort compared to getting them fit. But once we stop exercising regularly, our bodies fall out of shape. When we begin exercising again, the road to fitness is very difficult at first, but with persistence and discipline, we are fit again.
Therefore, we must repent on a daily basis. I recall reading something by Elder Eyring which talked about daily repentance. He knelt every night and asked Heavenly Father where he had gone amiss that day and then he repented of it. This greatly improved his spiritual sensitivity. In another talk (Henry B. Eyring, “Because of Your Steadiness,” Ensign, May 1988, 39), he mentions a quote, from President George Q. Cannon, that he keeps with him. President Cannon counseled, "Some people have an idea that because they have entered the waters of baptism and repented of their sins then that is an end of it. What a mistake! We need to have this spirit of repentance continually; we need to pray to God to show us our conduct every day. Every night before we retire to rest we should review the thoughts, words, and acts of the day and then repent of everything we have done that is wrong or that has grieved the Holy Spirit. Live this way every day and endeavor to progress every day. (Gospel Truth, Jerreld L. Newquist, ed., Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1987, p. 129)
If we try to do this every night when we pray, then we will become more keenly aware of the spirit and learn where we can improve in our life.
Nephi was indeed a mighty prophet to have the Lord give him these powers! Because Nephi was diligent and sought the Lord’s will with “unwearyingness” the Lord gave Nephi power to seal things in heaven and on Earth. The key word in this chapter is unwearyingness. This is the type of attitude the Lord wishes that we all have when it comes to building His kingdom on the earth.
Repentance
Repentance is a lot like exercise and keeping the body fit. If we exercise on a daily basis, then our bodies stay fit and toned. Once our bodies are in shape, keeping them fit requires little effort compared to getting them fit. But once we stop exercising regularly, our bodies fall out of shape. When we begin exercising again, the road to fitness is very difficult at first, but with persistence and discipline, we are fit again.
Therefore, we must repent on a daily basis. I recall reading something by Elder Eyring which talked about daily repentance. He knelt every night and asked Heavenly Father where he had gone amiss that day and then he repented of it. This greatly improved his spiritual sensitivity. In another talk (Henry B. Eyring, “Because of Your Steadiness,” Ensign, May 1988, 39), he mentions a quote, from President George Q. Cannon, that he keeps with him. President Cannon counseled, "Some people have an idea that because they have entered the waters of baptism and repented of their sins then that is an end of it. What a mistake! We need to have this spirit of repentance continually; we need to pray to God to show us our conduct every day. Every night before we retire to rest we should review the thoughts, words, and acts of the day and then repent of everything we have done that is wrong or that has grieved the Holy Spirit. Live this way every day and endeavor to progress every day. (Gospel Truth, Jerreld L. Newquist, ed., Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1987, p. 129)
If we try to do this every night when we pray, then we will become more keenly aware of the spirit and learn where we can improve in our life.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Helaman 9
The Five
After Nephi tells the people that the Chief Judge has been murdered, five men go to find out if it is true. Once they arrive on the scene, they see that the Chief Judge is dead and they are astonished and pass out.
After the funeral, the five men rebuked and confounded the judges as the judges tried to make it look like the five had worked with Nephi. The judges were not satisfied and wanted to make Nephi look the fool. They had Nephi arrested and they began to question him.
The Wickedness of the Judges
The audacity of the judges is really quite amazing. Obviously they want to silence Nephi because he testifies of their wickedness. If Nephi is right, then the judges are evil and will lose power. They offer Nephi money and his life if he will but agree that he sent a man to kill the judge (Helaman 9:20). They aren’t even interested in executing the law.
Another Sign
Nephi proves to them again that he is a prophet sent from God. He tells them who killed the chief judge and even how to question him by making it look like Nephi is not a true prophet. They went to Seantum’s place and did as Nephi instructed and found that Seantum confessed just as Nephi predicted. Nephi was liberated and more importantly, was proven to be a true prophet from God.
Some Believe
The hardness of the Nephites was incredible. Despite Nephi’s two prophecies regarding the murder of the Chief Judge and the capture of the murderer, only some people believed.
The main point of this chapter, in my opinion, is not that Nephi is a true prophet. Rather by Nephi giving the people signs in order that they might believe him it shows that the people’s destruction is imminent. For as the Savior has taught, a wicked and adulterous generation seek after signs (Matthew 16:4).
After Nephi tells the people that the Chief Judge has been murdered, five men go to find out if it is true. Once they arrive on the scene, they see that the Chief Judge is dead and they are astonished and pass out.
After the funeral, the five men rebuked and confounded the judges as the judges tried to make it look like the five had worked with Nephi. The judges were not satisfied and wanted to make Nephi look the fool. They had Nephi arrested and they began to question him.
The Wickedness of the Judges
The audacity of the judges is really quite amazing. Obviously they want to silence Nephi because he testifies of their wickedness. If Nephi is right, then the judges are evil and will lose power. They offer Nephi money and his life if he will but agree that he sent a man to kill the judge (Helaman 9:20). They aren’t even interested in executing the law.
Another Sign
Nephi proves to them again that he is a prophet sent from God. He tells them who killed the chief judge and even how to question him by making it look like Nephi is not a true prophet. They went to Seantum’s place and did as Nephi instructed and found that Seantum confessed just as Nephi predicted. Nephi was liberated and more importantly, was proven to be a true prophet from God.
Some Believe
The hardness of the Nephites was incredible. Despite Nephi’s two prophecies regarding the murder of the Chief Judge and the capture of the murderer, only some people believed.
The main point of this chapter, in my opinion, is not that Nephi is a true prophet. Rather by Nephi giving the people signs in order that they might believe him it shows that the people’s destruction is imminent. For as the Savior has taught, a wicked and adulterous generation seek after signs (Matthew 16:4).
Friday, July 27, 2007
Helaman 8
Look and Live
The main message Nephi was trying to portray to the people in this chapter is "look and live." Exactly halfway through the chapter, Nephi talks about the brazen serpent that was raised in the wilderness while the Israelites were wandering. The Israelites were bitten by some sort of serpent. Moses instructed them that they could be healed if they but look at the brazen serpent. That serpent is symbolic of Christ. Just as the Israelites looked on the serpent, they lived. If we look upon Christ, we too will live forever.
To take this symbolism one step further – a prophet (Moses) was the one that told the people how to be healed. In this chapter, Nephi is trying to persuade them that he too is a prophet and that he is trying to help them repent. Nephi lists the numerous other prophets who have tried to help the people gain eternal life through repentance.
Evidence of Destruction of Jerusalem
I think verse 21 is a crucial verse. Laman, Lemuel and all those who doubted Lehi's prophecy concerning the destruction of Jerusalem were proven to have doubted unwisely. One giant piece of evidence comes from one of the sons of King Zedekiah whose name was Mulek. All of Mulek's brothers were killed by the invading King of Babylon – Nebuchadnezzar (see 2 Kings 25). Mulek survived, escaped Jerusalem and was guided to the Americas where later his people were discovered by Mosiah I (Omni 1:15). Here the Nephites had evidence of Jerusalem being destroyed just as Lehi prophesied.
Lay Up Treasures
In verse 25, Nephi talks of laying up treasures in heaven rather than on Earth. To me this means doing what is morally right on earth so that Heavenly Father will reward you with eternal life. Also, to me this means that all your possessions can be taken from you, but what you learn and your knowledge cannot be taken from you. This reminds me of the scripture in D&C 130:18-19 which states, “whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.”
Chief Judge Murdered
Lastly, in this chapter, Nephi will prove to the people that he is truly is a prophet of God. He tells them that the chief judge was murdered by his brother and that they both belonged to the GR. In the next chapters, we will see that only a prophet could have told the people the things Nephi told them.
The main message Nephi was trying to portray to the people in this chapter is "look and live." Exactly halfway through the chapter, Nephi talks about the brazen serpent that was raised in the wilderness while the Israelites were wandering. The Israelites were bitten by some sort of serpent. Moses instructed them that they could be healed if they but look at the brazen serpent. That serpent is symbolic of Christ. Just as the Israelites looked on the serpent, they lived. If we look upon Christ, we too will live forever.
To take this symbolism one step further – a prophet (Moses) was the one that told the people how to be healed. In this chapter, Nephi is trying to persuade them that he too is a prophet and that he is trying to help them repent. Nephi lists the numerous other prophets who have tried to help the people gain eternal life through repentance.
Evidence of Destruction of Jerusalem
I think verse 21 is a crucial verse. Laman, Lemuel and all those who doubted Lehi's prophecy concerning the destruction of Jerusalem were proven to have doubted unwisely. One giant piece of evidence comes from one of the sons of King Zedekiah whose name was Mulek. All of Mulek's brothers were killed by the invading King of Babylon – Nebuchadnezzar (see 2 Kings 25). Mulek survived, escaped Jerusalem and was guided to the Americas where later his people were discovered by Mosiah I (Omni 1:15). Here the Nephites had evidence of Jerusalem being destroyed just as Lehi prophesied.
Lay Up Treasures
In verse 25, Nephi talks of laying up treasures in heaven rather than on Earth. To me this means doing what is morally right on earth so that Heavenly Father will reward you with eternal life. Also, to me this means that all your possessions can be taken from you, but what you learn and your knowledge cannot be taken from you. This reminds me of the scripture in D&C 130:18-19 which states, “whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.”
Chief Judge Murdered
Lastly, in this chapter, Nephi will prove to the people that he is truly is a prophet of God. He tells them that the chief judge was murdered by his brother and that they both belonged to the GR. In the next chapters, we will see that only a prophet could have told the people the things Nephi told them.
Helaman 8
Look and Live
The main message Nephi was trying to portray to the people in this chapter is "look and live." Exactly halfway through the chapter, Nephi talks about the brazen serpent that was raised in the wilderness while the Israelites were wandering. The Israelites were bitten by some sort of serpent. Moses instructed them that they could be healed if they but look at the brazen serpent. That serpent is symbolic of Christ. Just as the Israelites looked on the serpent, they lived. If we look upon Christ, we too will live forever.
To take this symbolism one step further – a prophet (Moses) was the one that told the people how to be healed. In this chapter, Nephi is trying to persuade them that he too is a prophet and that he is trying to help them repent. Nephi lists the numerous other prophets who have tried to help the people gain eternal life through repentance.
Evidence of Destruction of Jerusalem
I think verse 21 is a crucial verse. Laman, Lemuel and all those who doubted Lehi's prophecy concerning the destruction of Jerusalem were proven to have doubted unwisely. One giant piece of evidence comes from one of the sons of King Zedekiah whose name was Mulek. All of Mulek's brothers were killed by the invading King of Babylon – Nebuchadnezzar (see 2 Kings 25). Mulek survived, escaped Jerusalem and was guided to the Americas where later his people were discovered by Mosiah I (Omni 1:15). Here the Nephites had evidence of Jerusalem being destroyed just as Lehi prophesied.
Lay Up Treasures
In verse 25, Nephi talks of laying up treasures in heaven rather than on Earth. To me this means doing what is morally right on earth so that Heavenly Father will reward you with eternal life. Also, to me this means that all your possessions can be taken from you, but what you learn and your knowledge cannot be taken from you. This reminds me of the scripture in D&C 130:18-19 which states, “whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.”
Chief Judge Murdered
Lastly, in this chapter, Nephi will prove to the people that he is truly is a prophet of God. He tells them that the chief judge was murdered by his brother and that they both belonged to the GR. In the next chapters, we will see that only a prophet could have told the people the things Nephi told them.
The main message Nephi was trying to portray to the people in this chapter is "look and live." Exactly halfway through the chapter, Nephi talks about the brazen serpent that was raised in the wilderness while the Israelites were wandering. The Israelites were bitten by some sort of serpent. Moses instructed them that they could be healed if they but look at the brazen serpent. That serpent is symbolic of Christ. Just as the Israelites looked on the serpent, they lived. If we look upon Christ, we too will live forever.
To take this symbolism one step further – a prophet (Moses) was the one that told the people how to be healed. In this chapter, Nephi is trying to persuade them that he too is a prophet and that he is trying to help them repent. Nephi lists the numerous other prophets who have tried to help the people gain eternal life through repentance.
Evidence of Destruction of Jerusalem
I think verse 21 is a crucial verse. Laman, Lemuel and all those who doubted Lehi's prophecy concerning the destruction of Jerusalem were proven to have doubted unwisely. One giant piece of evidence comes from one of the sons of King Zedekiah whose name was Mulek. All of Mulek's brothers were killed by the invading King of Babylon – Nebuchadnezzar (see 2 Kings 25). Mulek survived, escaped Jerusalem and was guided to the Americas where later his people were discovered by Mosiah I (Omni 1:15). Here the Nephites had evidence of Jerusalem being destroyed just as Lehi prophesied.
Lay Up Treasures
In verse 25, Nephi talks of laying up treasures in heaven rather than on Earth. To me this means doing what is morally right on earth so that Heavenly Father will reward you with eternal life. Also, to me this means that all your possessions can be taken from you, but what you learn and your knowledge cannot be taken from you. This reminds me of the scripture in D&C 130:18-19 which states, “whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.”
Chief Judge Murdered
Lastly, in this chapter, Nephi will prove to the people that he is truly is a prophet of God. He tells them that the chief judge was murdered by his brother and that they both belonged to the GR. In the next chapters, we will see that only a prophet could have told the people the things Nephi told them.
Helaman 7
Chapter 7 is short, but it shows exactly how the Nephites were progressing towards destruction. Here we read of the seeds of destruction beginning to grow stronger.
In verse 5, we read that the GR have infiltrated the government completely and how they condemn the righteous because they are righteous. Meanwhile, the guilty are set free because of their money. In today's terms, the guilty are set free because they can afford the most devious lawyers.
As I am thinking of this, I am reminded of the Lord's statement that says that when the majority of the people are wicked, then they are ripe for destruction (see Alma 10:19; Helaman 5:2). Just this summer, the Supreme Court ruled that sodomy was legal (Lawrence v. Texas). Here in the great state of Texas, we had a law that made sodomy illegal. When two men were caught, they were arrested and fined. They in turn sued the State of Texas since they felt they did not have equal rights as heterosexual couples. The suit went all the way to the Supreme Court. The SC should have sent it back to Texas to let the people of Texas decide, but the SC wanted to make a political statement. They decided to make sodomy legal. Now, as part of their decision, they stated that the general sentiment of public opinion of what you do in the privacy of your own home is private and that the government cannot dictate what you do therein. The fact that the SC rules according to general sentiment of the public is another debate. But the point that I'm making here is that to some degree, what the SC judges as the general sentiment of the public is generally an accurate assessment. If you can gage what the SC rules on morality as the morality of the citizens, then we are heading for a ripening of destruction. Now, since this decision came out, the Congress and the President are working on a measure to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman We are in a point in history where we have to define marriage in terms of sex whereas the sex of the two people getting married has always been implied.
At the same time we are faced with these moral issues, I think and feel that many people are becoming firmer in keeping the commandments rather than slipping into the moral decline that the rest of the world seems to be heading to. I think an accurate way to describe these stalwart people is found in Helaman 7:7. They are "easy to be entreated, firm to keep the commandments of God, and slow to be led to do iniquity … quick to hearken unto the words of the Lord."
Just as God's work and glory is to bring about the immortality and eternal life of man, Satan's goal is to "hurl away [our] souls down to everlasting misery and endless wo" (verse 16).
Lastly, the word 'repent' is repeated 9 times in the last 12 verses.
In verse 5, we read that the GR have infiltrated the government completely and how they condemn the righteous because they are righteous. Meanwhile, the guilty are set free because of their money. In today's terms, the guilty are set free because they can afford the most devious lawyers.
As I am thinking of this, I am reminded of the Lord's statement that says that when the majority of the people are wicked, then they are ripe for destruction (see Alma 10:19; Helaman 5:2). Just this summer, the Supreme Court ruled that sodomy was legal (Lawrence v. Texas). Here in the great state of Texas, we had a law that made sodomy illegal. When two men were caught, they were arrested and fined. They in turn sued the State of Texas since they felt they did not have equal rights as heterosexual couples. The suit went all the way to the Supreme Court. The SC should have sent it back to Texas to let the people of Texas decide, but the SC wanted to make a political statement. They decided to make sodomy legal. Now, as part of their decision, they stated that the general sentiment of public opinion of what you do in the privacy of your own home is private and that the government cannot dictate what you do therein. The fact that the SC rules according to general sentiment of the public is another debate. But the point that I'm making here is that to some degree, what the SC judges as the general sentiment of the public is generally an accurate assessment. If you can gage what the SC rules on morality as the morality of the citizens, then we are heading for a ripening of destruction. Now, since this decision came out, the Congress and the President are working on a measure to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman We are in a point in history where we have to define marriage in terms of sex whereas the sex of the two people getting married has always been implied.
At the same time we are faced with these moral issues, I think and feel that many people are becoming firmer in keeping the commandments rather than slipping into the moral decline that the rest of the world seems to be heading to. I think an accurate way to describe these stalwart people is found in Helaman 7:7. They are "easy to be entreated, firm to keep the commandments of God, and slow to be led to do iniquity … quick to hearken unto the words of the Lord."
Just as God's work and glory is to bring about the immortality and eternal life of man, Satan's goal is to "hurl away [our] souls down to everlasting misery and endless wo" (verse 16).
Lastly, the word 'repent' is repeated 9 times in the last 12 verses.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Helaman 5
I usually spend a couple of days on Helaman 5 because this is one of my favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon. The main reason I love this chapter so much is because it is celestial. Nephi and Lehi appear as if they were standing in fire and angels came down from heaven to minister.
As I have read these past two days, I’ve noticed parts of the chapter that seem to make it a testimony of sorts. It has so many gems in it!
Names
In verse 6, Helaman talks to two of his sons whom he named after Lehi and Nephi. He tells them that when they remember their names, they should remember their first parents and when they remember them, they should remember their works and know that they were good.
Then Helaman admonishes them to do as their first fathers did. I believe that Nephi and his father Lehi were proud of their descendants Nephi and Lehi. They had good works.
Likewise, we have taken upon ourselves the name of Christ … we are Christians. When we remember we are Christian, then we should remember Christ. When we remember Christ, we should remember what he has done for us. And when we remember what he has done for us, we should desire to follow and obey him.
The Rock of Our Redeemer
Verse 12 contains the well-known verse that talks about building your foundation on the rock of Christ. This is such a wonderful analogy. When I read this verse recently, I remembered the story of the Guatemala temple. I forget the name of the pioneer who opened the missionary work in Guatemala (I think it is John O’Donnel). He had a dream where he saw a temple in Guatemala. This disturbed him because he knew of no area in Guatemala that had solid rock strong enough upon which to build a temple. Almost 40 years later, a temple was built in Guatemala City. They had to dig something like a hundred feet to find solid rock, but they did it!
Also, we can substitute rock for revelation in this verse it still applies. If we build our foundation on the revelations of the prophets who are ordained of Christ, then we will not and cannot fall.
The Voice of God
It is interesting to note how the voice of God is described. In Helaman 5:30-31, it says, "it was a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul - And notwithstanding the mildness of the voice, behold the earth shook exceedingly, and the walls of the prison trembled."
Helaman 5:46 says, "And it came to pass that there came a voice unto them, yea, a pleasant voice, as if it were a whisper."
3 Nephi 11:3 says, "it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice, nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn."
The account in 3 Nephi continues by saying that the people had to "open their ears" to hear the voice. How often do we block out all other "voices" and open our ears to the voice of the Spirit?
Look to the Prophet
I love the theme of ‘Look to the Prophet’ in this chapter. I remember this lesson first being taught my freshman year in college. My Book of Mormon teacher, Brother Yorgason, talked about the Nephite Aminadab who told the people to “turn and look” at Nephi and Lehi. This is the same answer to many of people’s questions today. They want to know what they must do to have happiness and darkness dispelled. The answer is to “turn and look” to the prophets.
When I read this again, I was reminded of the time President Hinckley visited the missionaries in Guatemala in 1996. I feel that verse 44 describes how I felt when I was listening to President Hinckley as a missionary. I was filled “with that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory.” (Helaman 5:44)
The day that I heard and felt a prophet’s voice in Guatemala, I shall never forget!
After a Spiritual Experience
Later in verse 49, a commandment is given to those who were converted at that time “to go forth and marvel not, neither … doubt.” I think that after one has had a spiritual experience, Satan will try to tempt him to “marvel” at the experience and to try to rationalize it away. He soon forgets that God has touched his life. But if he would simply believe and doubt not, his faith would increase greatly.
Convinced
Another verse I love when I read this chapter is verse 50. It reads, “the more part of the Lamanites were convinced of them, because of the greatness of the evidences which they had received.” I believe that the time will come that all people will be convinced that the LDS church is the Church of Christ again established in these latter-days. They will come to know and feel that this is the true church on the earth today.
Helaman 5 is such a wonderful chapter!
As I have read these past two days, I’ve noticed parts of the chapter that seem to make it a testimony of sorts. It has so many gems in it!
Names
In verse 6, Helaman talks to two of his sons whom he named after Lehi and Nephi. He tells them that when they remember their names, they should remember their first parents and when they remember them, they should remember their works and know that they were good.
Then Helaman admonishes them to do as their first fathers did. I believe that Nephi and his father Lehi were proud of their descendants Nephi and Lehi. They had good works.
Likewise, we have taken upon ourselves the name of Christ … we are Christians. When we remember we are Christian, then we should remember Christ. When we remember Christ, we should remember what he has done for us. And when we remember what he has done for us, we should desire to follow and obey him.
The Rock of Our Redeemer
Verse 12 contains the well-known verse that talks about building your foundation on the rock of Christ. This is such a wonderful analogy. When I read this verse recently, I remembered the story of the Guatemala temple. I forget the name of the pioneer who opened the missionary work in Guatemala (I think it is John O’Donnel). He had a dream where he saw a temple in Guatemala. This disturbed him because he knew of no area in Guatemala that had solid rock strong enough upon which to build a temple. Almost 40 years later, a temple was built in Guatemala City. They had to dig something like a hundred feet to find solid rock, but they did it!
Also, we can substitute rock for revelation in this verse it still applies. If we build our foundation on the revelations of the prophets who are ordained of Christ, then we will not and cannot fall.
The Voice of God
It is interesting to note how the voice of God is described. In Helaman 5:30-31, it says, "it was a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul - And notwithstanding the mildness of the voice, behold the earth shook exceedingly, and the walls of the prison trembled."
Helaman 5:46 says, "And it came to pass that there came a voice unto them, yea, a pleasant voice, as if it were a whisper."
3 Nephi 11:3 says, "it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice, nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn."
The account in 3 Nephi continues by saying that the people had to "open their ears" to hear the voice. How often do we block out all other "voices" and open our ears to the voice of the Spirit?
Look to the Prophet
I love the theme of ‘Look to the Prophet’ in this chapter. I remember this lesson first being taught my freshman year in college. My Book of Mormon teacher, Brother Yorgason, talked about the Nephite Aminadab who told the people to “turn and look” at Nephi and Lehi. This is the same answer to many of people’s questions today. They want to know what they must do to have happiness and darkness dispelled. The answer is to “turn and look” to the prophets.
When I read this again, I was reminded of the time President Hinckley visited the missionaries in Guatemala in 1996. I feel that verse 44 describes how I felt when I was listening to President Hinckley as a missionary. I was filled “with that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory.” (Helaman 5:44)
The day that I heard and felt a prophet’s voice in Guatemala, I shall never forget!
After a Spiritual Experience
Later in verse 49, a commandment is given to those who were converted at that time “to go forth and marvel not, neither … doubt.” I think that after one has had a spiritual experience, Satan will try to tempt him to “marvel” at the experience and to try to rationalize it away. He soon forgets that God has touched his life. But if he would simply believe and doubt not, his faith would increase greatly.
Convinced
Another verse I love when I read this chapter is verse 50. It reads, “the more part of the Lamanites were convinced of them, because of the greatness of the evidences which they had received.” I believe that the time will come that all people will be convinced that the LDS church is the Church of Christ again established in these latter-days. They will come to know and feel that this is the true church on the earth today.
Helaman 5 is such a wonderful chapter!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Helaman 4
Chapter 4 is a stark contrast to chapter 3. Where the leaders of the church were astonished at the growing numbers, the leaders of the church mourn as they see the "many dissensions in the church." The people began to contend and there was "much bloodshed."
Twice there were a large number of dissenters who tried to persuade the Lamanites to battle the Nephites. They failed the first time, but the second time they were successful. The dissenters and the Lamanites then took possession of Zarahemla and most of the Nephite's land.
What was the cause of this terrible crisis? It was the wickedness and abominations among the people and those who "professed to belong to the church of God." Could the hypocrisy of the "church members" have been the reason for many dissensions? We may never know.
Verse 12 lists all the sins of which the Nephites were guilty. The sins range from oppressing the poor to denying the spirit of prophecy and revelation to lying to dissenting. In today's society, one can easily identify an example of each of the sins by reading the news. On a bright note, I do not believe that the majority of people commit these sins. I believe that the majority of people think these sins are repulsive.
Despite some repentance and successful battle campaign's to regain their lands, the Nephites were still in a predicament. They were outnumbered by the Lamanites and the Lamanites were no longer weak. The Lamanites were now just as powerful as the Nephites and they were more numerous. This caused great fear among the Nephites.
At this point, the Nephites began to remember. They remembered the prophecies of Alma and Mosiah. They found that they had altered the laws of Mosiah and that they were wicked. They were in a state of "unbelief and awful wickedness."
As you read this chapter, you get a sense that the future does not look too good for the Nephites. Thankfully, they had great leaders who helped them get out of the quagmire they put themselves in.
Twice there were a large number of dissenters who tried to persuade the Lamanites to battle the Nephites. They failed the first time, but the second time they were successful. The dissenters and the Lamanites then took possession of Zarahemla and most of the Nephite's land.
What was the cause of this terrible crisis? It was the wickedness and abominations among the people and those who "professed to belong to the church of God." Could the hypocrisy of the "church members" have been the reason for many dissensions? We may never know.
Verse 12 lists all the sins of which the Nephites were guilty. The sins range from oppressing the poor to denying the spirit of prophecy and revelation to lying to dissenting. In today's society, one can easily identify an example of each of the sins by reading the news. On a bright note, I do not believe that the majority of people commit these sins. I believe that the majority of people think these sins are repulsive.
Despite some repentance and successful battle campaign's to regain their lands, the Nephites were still in a predicament. They were outnumbered by the Lamanites and the Lamanites were no longer weak. The Lamanites were now just as powerful as the Nephites and they were more numerous. This caused great fear among the Nephites.
At this point, the Nephites began to remember. They remembered the prophecies of Alma and Mosiah. They found that they had altered the laws of Mosiah and that they were wicked. They were in a state of "unbelief and awful wickedness."
As you read this chapter, you get a sense that the future does not look too good for the Nephites. Thankfully, they had great leaders who helped them get out of the quagmire they put themselves in.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Helaman 2 & 3
The Gadianton Robbers
What Kishkuman started, Gadianton took to the next level. Gadianton "was exceedingly expert in many words, and also in his craft, to carry on the secret work of murder and of robbery." (Helaman 2:3) He premeditated and thought out all the strategy of carrying out murders and robbing. He was no common criminal hoping to get a buck from a quick robbery. He made it a profession. Taking it to the next level is what proved to be the legacy of the Gadianton Robbers. They were the mafia and drug cartel in their day.
"And behold, in the end of this book ye shall see that this Gadianton did prove the overthrow, yea, almost the entire destruction of the people of Nephi." (Helaman 2:13)
The Northward Migration
The year 2007 has proven to be the year about the immigrant. The United States has had a massive influx of Latinos from Mexico, Central American and even South America. There is much political debate about this issue.
The Book of Mormon had its share of a massive migration too. The migrations that took place toward the end of Alma and into the book of Helaman were because of great contentions and dissentions. People were fed up with whatever was going on in Zarahemla. So they moved north to find some form of freedom from these oppressions.
The Church and the People Prosper
During this same period of time, the church grew very rapidly. So many found religion and the church, that even the priests and teachers were astonished by the rapid success.
Because of the great peace found in the land, many people prospered materially. The Lord had poured out blessings on them.
The Gate is Open
Many protest (from all denominations) that our temples should be open to the public and what goes on in them should be made known to all. The leaders of the Church have claimed that what goes on in the temples is not secret, but sacred and that anyone can enter the temple to find out for himself, granted that he is a member of the Church and has proved himself worthy. The gate and temple are indeed open unto all. What prevents people from entering is their faithfulness.
The Word of God: Quick and Powerful
Mormon says, "we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a straight and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked." (Helaman 3:29)
The word of God has a two-fold mission. In the rod, (like the Iron Rod) it can help us and lead us on the straight and narrow path. It guides us and supports us in our journey through this life. It is corrective and supportive.
In the sword, it cuts down the temptations and lies and snares of the devil. It is a defense and weapon.
I can't fully go into all the comparisons, but there are two articles that do delve extensively into the comparisons of the word of God being a rod and a sword.
The first is entitled "Rod and Sword as the Word of God" by John A. Tvedtnes published by the Maxwell Institute at BYU. The second draws on the first and was posted as a blog entry at newcoolthang.com under the post "The Rod Along the Bank (more on Lehi's dream)". Both are excellent articles.
Yield Your Heart to God
No one really likes a fence-sitter. Many of us have done it with something in our life … we sit in the middle not wanting to commit one way or the other. We're afraid of the repercussions. We've been burned before when we've committed ourselves to someone or something only later to have our hearts broken when the other end of the commitment fell through or the deal wasn't what we thought it was when we signed up. So whenever someone or something asks us to be committed to him or her or it, we hesitate. We want to be sure that we fully understand what we're getting into and what we have to do and what we will get. We have to find out if we can trust the other party.
The one person we can fully trust is God. He wants us to be committed to him and in return he will bless us beyond measure. But the enticing of the devil constantly beats in our ears. We think we know what will make us happy, but unless we submit to God, we will never know true happiness. So we sin in our own wish and find that we are not happy. Once we've been disappointed enough times, we may eventually turn to God and submit our heart to him. Thankfully, he will always be there for us.
Elder Maxwell gave a wonderful talk on "Willing to Submit" back in April 1985.
What Kishkuman started, Gadianton took to the next level. Gadianton "was exceedingly expert in many words, and also in his craft, to carry on the secret work of murder and of robbery." (Helaman 2:3) He premeditated and thought out all the strategy of carrying out murders and robbing. He was no common criminal hoping to get a buck from a quick robbery. He made it a profession. Taking it to the next level is what proved to be the legacy of the Gadianton Robbers. They were the mafia and drug cartel in their day.
"And behold, in the end of this book ye shall see that this Gadianton did prove the overthrow, yea, almost the entire destruction of the people of Nephi." (Helaman 2:13)
The Northward Migration
The year 2007 has proven to be the year about the immigrant. The United States has had a massive influx of Latinos from Mexico, Central American and even South America. There is much political debate about this issue.
The Book of Mormon had its share of a massive migration too. The migrations that took place toward the end of Alma and into the book of Helaman were because of great contentions and dissentions. People were fed up with whatever was going on in Zarahemla. So they moved north to find some form of freedom from these oppressions.
The Church and the People Prosper
During this same period of time, the church grew very rapidly. So many found religion and the church, that even the priests and teachers were astonished by the rapid success.
Because of the great peace found in the land, many people prospered materially. The Lord had poured out blessings on them.
The Gate is Open
Many protest (from all denominations) that our temples should be open to the public and what goes on in them should be made known to all. The leaders of the Church have claimed that what goes on in the temples is not secret, but sacred and that anyone can enter the temple to find out for himself, granted that he is a member of the Church and has proved himself worthy. The gate and temple are indeed open unto all. What prevents people from entering is their faithfulness.
The Word of God: Quick and Powerful
Mormon says, "we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a straight and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked." (Helaman 3:29)
The word of God has a two-fold mission. In the rod, (like the Iron Rod) it can help us and lead us on the straight and narrow path. It guides us and supports us in our journey through this life. It is corrective and supportive.
In the sword, it cuts down the temptations and lies and snares of the devil. It is a defense and weapon.
I can't fully go into all the comparisons, but there are two articles that do delve extensively into the comparisons of the word of God being a rod and a sword.
The first is entitled "Rod and Sword as the Word of God" by John A. Tvedtnes published by the Maxwell Institute at BYU. The second draws on the first and was posted as a blog entry at newcoolthang.com under the post "The Rod Along the Bank (more on Lehi's dream)". Both are excellent articles.
Yield Your Heart to God
No one really likes a fence-sitter. Many of us have done it with something in our life … we sit in the middle not wanting to commit one way or the other. We're afraid of the repercussions. We've been burned before when we've committed ourselves to someone or something only later to have our hearts broken when the other end of the commitment fell through or the deal wasn't what we thought it was when we signed up. So whenever someone or something asks us to be committed to him or her or it, we hesitate. We want to be sure that we fully understand what we're getting into and what we have to do and what we will get. We have to find out if we can trust the other party.
The one person we can fully trust is God. He wants us to be committed to him and in return he will bless us beyond measure. But the enticing of the devil constantly beats in our ears. We think we know what will make us happy, but unless we submit to God, we will never know true happiness. So we sin in our own wish and find that we are not happy. Once we've been disappointed enough times, we may eventually turn to God and submit our heart to him. Thankfully, he will always be there for us.
Elder Maxwell gave a wonderful talk on "Willing to Submit" back in April 1985.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Helaman 1
The Sons of Pahoran
After Pahoran's death, three of his sons contended for the judgment seat. Pahoran was elected to be the leader. Pacumeni chose accept the voice of the people and the rule of law. Paanchi, on the other hand, desired power so much that he was willing to start a rebellion to get his wish. As he was about to start the rebellion, he was taken and executed by the voice of the people. Perhaps, after the Nephites had seen what Amalickiah had done when he failed to become the Nephite king, supposed it was better to take out Paanchi while they had the chance … before he could dissent to the Lamanites and begin another bloody war.
After Paanchi was executed, his followers devised a sinister plan to murder Pahoran. They sent Kishkuman to do the dirty work. Once Pahoran was murder, Pacumeni was appointed to be the leader.
The Beginning of the End
For me, the Book of Mormon takes a much darker tone from Helaman to the coming of Christ. In the days of Alma and Moroni, the Nephites' history, although mired in war, seemed glorious. But with the introduction of Kishkuman and later the Gadianton robbers, the Nephites' civilization becomes marked for death. Indeed the Gadianton Robbers are weeded out before Christ arrived, but they later return because these secret oaths and combinations were originally introduced by Kishkuman.
Coriantumr vs. Moronihah
Coriantumr was a descendent of Zarahemla. He was known for his strength and wisdom. (Helaman 1:16) This Coriantumr is not to be confused with the Coriantumr who fought Shiz in the last battle of the Jaradites.
Because of all the intrigues and contentions in the Nephite government, Coriantumr and his army were able to capture the capitol of the Nephites … Zarahemla. Moronihah had supposed that the Lamanites would attack outlying cities before attacking Zarahemla, so he employed most of the armies on the borders, leaving Zarahemla unguarded. Once he seized and secured Zarahemla, Coriantumr continued northward in hopes of capturing those lands. By doing this, he plunged his army right in the middle of all the Nephites. This was Coriantumr's fatal mistake.
Moronihah's mistake was thinking inside the box. He did not look at the strategy with cold eyes. He relied too much on historical data and planned according to what had happened in the past and not what could happen. But he quickly rallied the troops and sent Lehi to head Coriantumr off before he reached Bountiful. Then Moronihah pursued Coriantumr and cut off his escape.
The Lamanites had no where to run and Coriantumr was killed.
Personal Application
For me, I can apply Moronihah's failed strategy to my personal life. Moronihah failed to focus on keeping the core safe. Indeed he should have kept the outlying cities safe, but he should never have risked leaving Zarahemla unprotected. He lost focus about what really mattered. How often do we begin to focus on things that are less important than the most important things? For example, do we focus too much on work and providing temporally for our family that we focus less on strengthening our families' testimonies? We can virtually apply this principal anywhere in our life. The key point is that we need to set our priorities straight and then keep our focus on them. Once our focus begins to drift, we are open and prone to temptations and being led by a flaxen cord.
Elder Oakes gave a wonderful talk several years ago, on focus and priorities. He said, " how much time does a family allocate to learning the gospel by scripture study and parental teachings, in contrast to the time family members spend viewing sports contests, talk shows, or soap operas? I believe many of us are overnourished on entertainment junk food and undernourished on the bread of life.
"In terms of priorities for each major decision (such as education, occupation, place of residence, marriage, or childbearing), we should ask ourselves, what will be the eternal impact of this decision? Some decisions that seem desirable for mortality have unacceptable risks for eternity. In all such choices we need to have inspired priorities and apply them in ways that will bring eternal blessings to us and to our family members." (Dallin H. Oaks, “Focus and Priorities,” Ensign, May 2001, 82)
For me, the core priorities in my life are daily prayer and scripture study with weekly church meetings and Family Home Evening. If I can keep my focus on these things, then everything else should fall into place.
After Pahoran's death, three of his sons contended for the judgment seat. Pahoran was elected to be the leader. Pacumeni chose accept the voice of the people and the rule of law. Paanchi, on the other hand, desired power so much that he was willing to start a rebellion to get his wish. As he was about to start the rebellion, he was taken and executed by the voice of the people. Perhaps, after the Nephites had seen what Amalickiah had done when he failed to become the Nephite king, supposed it was better to take out Paanchi while they had the chance … before he could dissent to the Lamanites and begin another bloody war.
After Paanchi was executed, his followers devised a sinister plan to murder Pahoran. They sent Kishkuman to do the dirty work. Once Pahoran was murder, Pacumeni was appointed to be the leader.
The Beginning of the End
For me, the Book of Mormon takes a much darker tone from Helaman to the coming of Christ. In the days of Alma and Moroni, the Nephites' history, although mired in war, seemed glorious. But with the introduction of Kishkuman and later the Gadianton robbers, the Nephites' civilization becomes marked for death. Indeed the Gadianton Robbers are weeded out before Christ arrived, but they later return because these secret oaths and combinations were originally introduced by Kishkuman.
Coriantumr vs. Moronihah
Coriantumr was a descendent of Zarahemla. He was known for his strength and wisdom. (Helaman 1:16) This Coriantumr is not to be confused with the Coriantumr who fought Shiz in the last battle of the Jaradites.
Because of all the intrigues and contentions in the Nephite government, Coriantumr and his army were able to capture the capitol of the Nephites … Zarahemla. Moronihah had supposed that the Lamanites would attack outlying cities before attacking Zarahemla, so he employed most of the armies on the borders, leaving Zarahemla unguarded. Once he seized and secured Zarahemla, Coriantumr continued northward in hopes of capturing those lands. By doing this, he plunged his army right in the middle of all the Nephites. This was Coriantumr's fatal mistake.
Moronihah's mistake was thinking inside the box. He did not look at the strategy with cold eyes. He relied too much on historical data and planned according to what had happened in the past and not what could happen. But he quickly rallied the troops and sent Lehi to head Coriantumr off before he reached Bountiful. Then Moronihah pursued Coriantumr and cut off his escape.
The Lamanites had no where to run and Coriantumr was killed.
Personal Application
For me, I can apply Moronihah's failed strategy to my personal life. Moronihah failed to focus on keeping the core safe. Indeed he should have kept the outlying cities safe, but he should never have risked leaving Zarahemla unprotected. He lost focus about what really mattered. How often do we begin to focus on things that are less important than the most important things? For example, do we focus too much on work and providing temporally for our family that we focus less on strengthening our families' testimonies? We can virtually apply this principal anywhere in our life. The key point is that we need to set our priorities straight and then keep our focus on them. Once our focus begins to drift, we are open and prone to temptations and being led by a flaxen cord.
Elder Oakes gave a wonderful talk several years ago, on focus and priorities. He said, " how much time does a family allocate to learning the gospel by scripture study and parental teachings, in contrast to the time family members spend viewing sports contests, talk shows, or soap operas? I believe many of us are overnourished on entertainment junk food and undernourished on the bread of life.
"In terms of priorities for each major decision (such as education, occupation, place of residence, marriage, or childbearing), we should ask ourselves, what will be the eternal impact of this decision? Some decisions that seem desirable for mortality have unacceptable risks for eternity. In all such choices we need to have inspired priorities and apply them in ways that will bring eternal blessings to us and to our family members." (Dallin H. Oaks, “Focus and Priorities,” Ensign, May 2001, 82)
For me, the core priorities in my life are daily prayer and scripture study with weekly church meetings and Family Home Evening. If I can keep my focus on these things, then everything else should fall into place.
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