In Alma 41:10 we read:"10 Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness."
The Institute manual explained this passage: "The following counsel reinforces the importance of seeking happiness by living gospel standards:“Many people try to find happiness and fulfillment in activities that are contrary to the Lord’s commandments. Ignoring God’s plan for them, they reject the only source of real happiness. They give in to the devil, who ‘seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself’ (2 Nephi 2:27). Eventually they learn the truth of Alma’s warning to his son Corianton: ‘Wickedness never was happiness’ (Alma 41:10). . . . “As you seek to be happy, remember that the only way to real happiness is to live the gospel. You will find peaceful, eternal happiness as you strive to keep the commandments, pray for strength, repent of your sins, participate in wholesome activities, and give meaningful service. You will learn to have fun within the limits set by a loving Father in Heaven” (True to the Faith, 79–80)."
There's nothing wrong with having fun. But if it's done within the limits set by God, our loving Heavenly Father, we find true happiness which last for all eternity rather than temporary or fleeting pleasure. The laughter and smiles are not just on the outward but also in the inside. It lives in the heart and don't go away after a certain fun activity is over. I got this experience many times as I join the activities with my friends from and other members of the church, the church where I belong--The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Alma 40: 1-26
"23 The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame."
The Institute Manual explains: "Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve
Apostles referred to the comfort brought by knowing that defects will be corrected in the Resurrection: “What a comfort to know that all who have been disadvantaged in life from birth defects, from mortal injuries, from disease, or from the natural deterioration of old age will be resurrected in ‘proper and perfect frame.’ . . . “The assurance of resurrection gives us the strength and perspective to endure the mortal challenges faced by each of us and by those we love, such things as the physical, mental, or emotional deficiencies we bring with us at birth or acquire during mortal life. Because of the resurrection, we know that these mortal deficiencies are only temporary!” (in Conference Report, Apr. 2000, 16–17; or Ensign, May 2000, 14).
I feel I'm enough as I am, yet it's truly a comfort to know that my physical body will become perfect during the resurrection. My infirmities right now are only temporary. I will have this same body, but it will be significantly enhanced naturally during the resurrection. So, I don't need artificial enhancements at all--while here in mortality.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Alma 39: 1-19
12 And now the Spirit of the Lord doth say unto me: Command thy children to do good, lest they lead away the hearts of many people to destruction; therefore I command you, my son, in the fear of God, that ye refrain from your iniquities;
13 That ye turn to the Lord with all your mind, might, and strength; that ye lead away the hearts of no more to do wickedly; but rather return unto them, and acknowledge your faults and that wrong which ye have done.
14 Seek not after riches nor the vain things of this world; for behold, you cannot carry them with you.
15 And now, my son, I would say somewhat unto you concerning the coming of Christ. Behold, I say unto you, that it is he that surely shall come to take away the sins of the world; yea, he cometh to declare glad tidings of salvation unto his people.
16 And now, my son, this was the ministry unto which ye were called, to declare these glad tidings unto this people, to prepare their minds; or rather that salvation might come unto them, that they may prepare the minds of their children to hear the word at the time of his coming."
Here's an explanation from the Institute Manual: "In Alma 39:11–12, Alma explained to Corianton, his wayward son, the fact that our negative examples can lead others away from the gospel. President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876–1972) warned of the seriousness of leading people away from the truth: “I think the greatest crime in all this world is to lead men and women, the children of God, away from the true principles. We see in the world today philosophies of various kinds, tending to destroy faith, faith in God, faith in the principles of the gospel. What a dreadful thing that is. “The Lord says if we labor all our days and save but
one soul, how great will be our joy with him; on the other hand how great will be our sorrow and our condemnation if through our acts we have led one soul away from this truth.
“He who blinds one soul, he who spreads error, he who destroys, through his teachings, divine truth, truth that would lead a man to the kingdom of God and to its fullness, how great shall be his condemnation and his punishment in eternity. For the destruction of a soul is the destruction of the greatest thing that has ever been created” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 1:314).
Teaching Moral as a subject is indeed a great opportunity for me to instill in the minds of my students correct doctrines and principles of the gospel. I'm grateful for this privilege I've been given to teach this subject to the Thai children for already 7 years now. I do hope my students are able to remember our lessons. One of my old students told me one time that he could actually use in his life what he learned in Moral unlike the lessons in other subjects. I was so happy that he's able to recognize the value of Moral as a subject in school. I do hope all my students are able to appreciate this subject.
one soul, how great will be our joy with him; on the other hand how great will be our sorrow and our condemnation if through our acts we have led one soul away from this truth.
“He who blinds one soul, he who spreads error, he who destroys, through his teachings, divine truth, truth that would lead a man to the kingdom of God and to its fullness, how great shall be his condemnation and his punishment in eternity. For the destruction of a soul is the destruction of the greatest thing that has ever been created” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 1:314).
Teaching Moral as a subject is indeed a great opportunity for me to instill in the minds of my students correct doctrines and principles of the gospel. I'm grateful for this privilege I've been given to teach this subject to the Thai children for already 7 years now. I do hope my students are able to remember our lessons. One of my old students told me one time that he could actually use in his life what he learned in Moral unlike the lessons in other subjects. I was so happy that he's able to recognize the value of Moral as a subject in school. I do hope all my students are able to appreciate this subject.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Alma 38: 1-15
In verses 10-12 we read: " 10 And now, as ye have begun to teach the word even so I would that ye should continue to teach; and I would that ye would be diligent and temperate in all things.
11 See that ye are not lifted up unto pride; yea, see that ye do not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength.
12 Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness."
What is a bridle? In the Institute Manual we read this: "A bridle is the headgear used on a horse. It includes reins and a bit, which give the rider control.
Elder Bruce C. Hafen of the Seventy and his wife Marie explained that a bridle was meant to direct, not destroy, desires and passions: “Is self-denial wise because something is wrong with our passions, or because something is right with our passions? Alma taught his son: ‘See that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love.’ (Alma 38:12; emphasis added.) He did not say eliminate or even suppress your passions, but bridle them—harness, channel, and focus them. Why? Because discipline makes possible a richer, deeper love” (The Belonging Heart [1994], 302)."
This makes so much sense--bridling our all our passions is just the right thing to do. It is more rewarding when we do so. We would also be feeling more at peace since we discipline ourselves to do what we know is right. When we know we are doing the right thing, we are in harmony with God's will. We know God wants us to do what is right. We please Him when we do so. And when we know that He is pleased with our actions, we feel at peace inside.
This makes so much sense--bridling our all our passions is just the right thing to do. It is more rewarding when we do so. We would also be feeling more at peace since we discipline ourselves to do what we know is right. When we know we are doing the right thing, we are in harmony with God's will. We know God wants us to do what is right. We please Him when we do so. And when we know that He is pleased with our actions, we feel at peace inside.
Alma 37: 38-47
In verses 38-44 we read: "38 And now, my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the thing which our fathers call a ball, or director—or our fathers called it Liahona, which is, being interpreted, a compass; and the Lord prepared it.
39 And behold, there cannot any man work after the manner of so curious a workmanship. And behold, it was prepared to show unto our fathers the course which they should travel in the wilderness.
40 And it did work for them according to their faith in God; therefore, if they had faith to believe that God could cause that those spindles should point the way they should go, behold, it was done; therefore they had this miracle, and also many other miracles wrought by the power of God, day by day.
41 Nevertheless, because those miracles were worked by small means it did show unto them marvelous works. They were slothful, and forgot to exercise their faith and diligence and then those marvelous works ceased, and they did not progress in their journey;
42 Therefore, they tarried in the wilderness, or did not travel a direct course, and were afflicted with hunger and thirst, because of their transgressions.
43 And now, my son, I would that ye should understand that these things are not without a shadow; for as our fathers were slothful to give heed to this compass (now these things were temporal) they did not prosper; even so it is with things which are spiritual.
44 For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land."
The Institute Manual gave this explanation: "Over the years several General Authorities have described different means in which the Lord continues to guide us in our journey of life, like a Liahona.
Elder W. Rolfe Kerr of the Seventy compared the words of Christ to the Liahona: “So we see, brethren
and sisters, that the words of Christ can be a personal Liahona for each of us, showing us the way. Let us not be slothful because of the easiness of the way. Let us in faith take the words of Christ into our minds and into our hearts as they are recorded in sacred scripture and as they are uttered by living prophets, seers, and revelators. Let us with faith and diligence feast upon the words of Christ, for the words of Christ will be our spiritual Liahona telling us all things what we should do” (in Conference Report, Apr. 2004, 38; or Ensign, May 2004, 37).
President Thomas S. Monson compared the Liahona to an individual’s patriarchal blessing: “The same Lord who provided a Liahona for Lehi provides for you and for me today a rare and valuable gift to give direction to our lives. . . . The gift to which I refer is known as a patriarchal blessing” (Live the Good Life [1988], 36).
President Spencer W. Kimball compared the Liahona to the light of Christ, or our conscience: “Wouldn’t you like to have that kind of a ball . . . ? “. . . The Lord gave to . . . every person, a conscience which tells him everytime he starts to go on the wrong path. . . . “. . . Every child is given it” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1976, 117; or Ensign, Nov. 1976, 79).
Elder David A. Bednar compared the Liahona to the gift of the Holy Ghost: “As we each press forward along the pathway of life, we receive direction from the Holy Ghost just as Lehi was directed through the Liahona. . . . “The Holy Ghost operates in our lives precisely as the Liahona did for Lehi and his family, according to our faith and diligence and heed. . . . “And the Holy Ghost provides for us today the means whereby we can receive, ‘by small and simple things’ (Alma 37:6), increased understanding about the ways of the Lord. . . . “The Spirit of the Lord can be our guide and will bless us with direction, instruction, and spiritual protection during our mortal journey” (in Conference Report, Apr.
2006, 31; or Ensign, May 2006, 30–31).
I came home late from Annie's last night so I wasn't able to continue this blog. I'm glad we got a lot of free time at work today because we're just preparing to start teaching and the students will start coming on Friday. So we got today and tomorrow to prepare. And since I did a lot of preparation already I really don't have a lot to prepare anymore. So, here am I..Glad I got this time at work to write this blog. I slept through my alarm this morning so...will just do my blog for today when I get home tonight. I already read the chapter while I'm on the bus on my way to work today. I'm grateful that I got some time to adjust to going back to work. I'm grateful for the Holy Ghost who is directing me in the things that I do. I will strive to be more sensitive to its promptings. It did help me when I was preparing to visit the Milligans this past weekend. I am able to prepare something which I would need.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Alma 37:36-37
In verses 36-37 we read: "36 Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.
37 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day."
We must keep our faith in God all the time in order for us to please Him. How comforting it is to know that someone greater than us is there for us. He never fails to give us strength...His blessings for us is always available. But even though He is always ready to shower us blessings that we need, He understands that we can only appreciate them when we make our own choice to have those blessings. He provided the way for us to avail of those blessings. If we sincerely desire something, we can do our best and turn to the Lord in prayer.
We can talk to God all the time. We can have a conversation with Him and discuss our concerns with Him as we discuss it with a friend or a family member. There is a purpose for everything that we encounter in this earthly life. We may not be able to see at the moment but we can always turn to God and know and remember that He is in charge of everything.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Alma 37: 20-35
In verse 35 we read, "O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God." I would often hear this back in my younger years...And it did serve as a great reminder for me to chart my course while I am young so I would be heading to the right direction.
The Institute Manual gave us this explanation to this verse: "President Ezra Taft Benson described the power that comes from learning to keep the commandments early in life while still young: “Give me a young man who has kept himself morally clean and has faithfully attended his Church meetings. Give me a young man who has magnified his priesthood and has earned the Duty to God Award and is an Eagle Scout. Give me a young man who is a seminary graduate and has a burning testimony of the Book of Mormon. Give me such a young man and I will give you a young man who can perform miracles for the Lord in the mission field and throughout his life” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1986, 59; or Ensign, May 1986, 45).
• The scriptures give several examples of the Lord calling those who are still in their youth to be His
leaders: Joseph Smith was 14 years old (see Joseph Smith—History 1:7); Mormon was 15 years old (see
Mormon 1:15); the Old Testament Samuel was still a “child” when called by the Lord (1 Samuel 3:1–10).President Joseph F. Smith testified of the relationship between keeping the commandments early in life and being called to serve the Lord later: “You may look around today, and who are the leaders among the
people but those who early and zealously devoted themselves to the faith? And you may foretell who are
to be the leaders by observing the boys who show self-respect and purity and who are earnest in all good
works. The Lord will not choose men from any other class of his people. . . . The opposite course, waiting
to serve the Lord until the wild oats of youth are sown, is reprehensible. There is always something lacking
in the man who spends his youth in wickedness and sin, and then turns to righteousness in later years. . . .
There are regrets and heartburnings in repenting late in life from the follies and sins of youth, but there are
consolation and rich reward in serving the Lord in the vigorous days of early manhood” (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 335).
It's plain to see that one of the reasons my parents accepted and embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ is for them to be able to raise their children in righteousness. I am so grateful for having the kind of parents I have who love their children enough to give up their old ways to make sure their children will be living better lives. That's a sacrifice--giving up something good for something better. My parents were good people being raised by their goodly parents in their religion. But they recognized what potential they and their children have and the privilege to reach such great potential with their new faith that they chose to embrace back in the days.
Alma 37: 9 - 19
In verse 19, we read, "19 And now behold, one purpose hath he fulfilled, even to the restoration of many thousands of the Lamanites to the knowledge of the truth; and he hath shown forth his power in them, and he will also still show forth his power in them unto future generations; therefore they shall be preserved."
From the Institute Manual we read this explanation: "Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles listed some ways in which the power of the Book of Mormon is and will be demonstrated: 'What then is the power of the Book of Mormon? It will proclaim the everlasting gospel; it will gather Israel; it will build the New Jerusalem; it will
prepare a people for the Second Coming; it will usher in the Millennium—at least it will play such an important part in all of these that its value and power can scarcely be overstated.' (The Millennial Messiah [1982], 171).
There is power in the Book of Mormon. As I study its words everyday and write something that I am learning about it in this blog, I've been gaining more personal strength which enables me to keep going with this worthy endeavor. I've had down moments just recently (particularly yesterday) but it was easier for me to pull myself up and stop dwelling on those negative thoughts which were coming in my head due to some expectations I have which couldn't be met. It was easier to sort my thoughts out. The dark thoughts lurking in my mind were swept by those enlightened thoughts. I know it's the Holy Ghost, my constant companion, who guided me along as I struggle with some unsettling thoughts and turned them into comforting ones. And this becomes possible because of my regular study of the Book of Mormon. Personal revelation does come when we needed it the most when we study the scriptures every day especially the Book of Mormon.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Alma 37 : 1 - 8
In verses 6-7 we read, "6 Now ye may suppose that this is afoolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by bsmall and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.
7 And the Lord God doth work by ameans to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very bsmall means the Lord dothcconfound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls."
The Institute manual beautifully explain these verses:"Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught the importance of giving heed to small and simple things:
'We observe vast, sweeping world events; however, we must remember that the purposes of the Lord in our personal lives generally are fulfilled through the small and simple things and not the momentous and spectacular...
'Great and marvelous events seem to motivate us, but small things often do not hold our attention. Noting that the Liahona worked by faith, Alma stated, 'Nevertheless, because those miracles were worked by small means...[the people of Lehi] were slothful, and forgot to exercise their faith and diligence and then those marvelous works ceased, and they did not progress in their journey' (Alma 37:41).
'Is our journey sometimes impeded when we forget the importance of small things? (see Alma 37: 46). Do we realize that small events and choices determine the direction of our lives just as small helms determine the direction of great ships? (see James 3:4; D&C 123:16)...
'...We need to have family and personal prayers; study the scriptures, particularly the Book of Mormon; hold family home evenings; follow the admonition of the Savior to love one another; and be thoughtful, kind and gentle within the family. Through these and other similar small and simple things, we have the promise that our lives will be filled with peace and joy.' (in Conference Report, Apr. 1990, 4, 8; or Ensign, May 1990, 6, 8).
The small and simple things, not the complicated ones contribute much to our peace and joy in this life. If we just stick to the basic and not make things complicated, we will not get confused with what truly matters. It's our choice to remember the small and simple things and set them to be on top of our priorities. Then everything will fall in its proper order.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Alma 36 : 1 -30
I'm facing another trial as I keep up with this blog. My little netbook (Aspire One) has been acting up since early this morning. So I've already restarted this machine a million times. It's dropping and dropping after just a few minutes. I'm glad my draft is being saved here. Well, the very first paragraph I wrote was not saved so I did it all over again. Looks like somebody is working hard against me. But I'll keep going. Nothing can stop me. I'm determined to keep this up.
In verse 30 we read: "But behold, my son, this is not all; for ye ought to know as I do know, that ainasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall bprosper in the land; and ye ought to know also, that inasmuch as ye will not keep the commandments of God ye shall be cut off from his presence. Now this is according to his word."
The Institute Manual explained this verse this way: "Alma referred to a recurring theme in the Book of Mormon of prospering in the land. Alma 36: 30 gives contextual meaning to that phrase. It is not necessarily intended that all inhabitants will become materially rich in this life. Rather, there is a spiritual meaning to the word prosper. This verse teaches us that if we do not "keep the commandments of God," then we shall not prosper but be "cut off from his presence." Therefore, those who prosper in the land are those who are successful in obtaining the spiritual blessings of being close to the Lord. They are on a track that will lead to entering the Lord's presence."
There we go. The word prosper doesn't necessarily mean being rich in material possessions. We prosper when we are enjoying the spiritual blessings of having a close relationship with the Lord. That is spiritual abundance. We neither thirst or hunger spiritually. There's nothing wrong with seeking to prosper in terms of material possessions as long as we are keeping our close relationship with the One who is providing us all our blessings--both temporal and spiritual.
Alma 35: 1 - 16
This is supposed to be done first thing in the morning but I got caught up in a number of things today. I should be able to get back to getting up at 4AM or even earlier so I could keep up with this when I get back to work next week. I should be able to keep myself up--fight my sleepiness (I wonder what is making me sleepy today. It's probably the weather...). Well, if I could get myself into bed by 10PM (as planned), I think I could be up by 4AM or even earlier. I'll do my best to be in bed by 10PM tonight.
Chapter 35 is really short. Let me quote the chapter heading: "The preaching of the word destroys the craft of the Zoramites--They expel the converts, who then join the people of Ammon in Jershon--Alma sorrows because of the wickedness of the people."
And in verse 7 it says, "And it came to pass that Alma and his brethren did minister unto them." The Institute Manual mentioned: "The converted Zoramites, being 'cast out of the land; and they were many' (v. 6), went and dwelt among the people of Jershon (people of Ammon). Here they were nourished, clothed, given lands for their inheritance, and had all of their wants satisfied (see v. 9). In their previous land they were looked upon as poor, filthy, and course (see Alma 32: 2-3).
In Matthew 20: 28, we read: "28 Even as the
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we also are supposed to minister to others just as Jesus and his prophets and apostles did. I'm reminded of an experience I had when I was new here in Thailand. My place is about an hour from the church depending on the traffic. It could be more than an hour at times. But there is a local Thai church which is only 10 minutes away by bus. It's really a lot easier to go there instead of going to the International Ward. So, there were 2-3 times I did go to such Thai Ward. When I was there, the missionaries who were fluent in Thai would translate for me. And I felt great at first. But then I felt I'm making others serve me and I'm not able to serve them myself. I don't speak Thai so I could only listen while I'm in the Sunday classes. I couldn't express my own thoughts and ideas and share my testimony to others. It was not a good feeling. I was making other minister unto me while I'm supposed to minister to others myself. So I decided to go back to the International Ward where I could speak to everybody in English and so I could minister to others. I'm glad I did listen to my heart. I'm a lot happier when I am able to contribute my time and effort in service to my fellow brothers and sisters in the church.
Yesterday while reading Chapter 34, one thing stood out but there was no time to expand it. Let's go back to that passage now. In Alma 34 : 38, Alma exhorts us to "live in thanksgiving daily." President Dieter Utchdorf shed more light on this in his talk entitled, "Grateful in Any Circumstances" during the latest general conference. I really love everything President Utchdorf said. But let me quote his explanation of gratitude--how is it possible for us to be grateful no matter what.
"We can choose to be grateful, no matter what.
This type of gratitude transcends whatever is happening around us. It surpasses disappointment, discouragement, and despair. It blooms just as beautifully in the icy landscape of winter as it does in the pleasant warmth of summer.
When we are grateful to God in our circumstances, we can experience gentle peace in the midst of tribulation. In grief, we can still lift up our hearts in praise. In pain, we can glory in Christ’s Atonement. In the cold of bitter sorrow, we can experience the closeness and warmth of heaven’s embrace.
We sometimes think that being grateful is what we do after our problems are solved, but how terribly shortsighted that is. How much of life do we miss by waiting to see the rainbow before thanking God that there is rain?
Being grateful in times of distress does not mean that we are pleased with our circumstances. It does mean that through the eyes of faith we look beyond our present-day challenges.
This is not a gratitude of the lips but of the soul. It is a gratitude that heals the heart and expands the mind."
We are commanded to be thankful in all things. It makes so much sense. If we are to minister to others, being grateful no matter what would empower us and we will be able to serve others just as the Lord would if He is here on earth. Nothing could stop us from putting others' needs ahead of our own. We can lose ourselves in service to others. This kind of gratitude does transform us to become more like our Savior.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Alma 34: 35 - 41
Life is not easy. When you are doing something right, challenges pop up and try our patience. I am not able to post my Day 7 on facebook yesterday because I suddenly got a hard time signing in. The screen initially said I'm using an old password and I never tried changing my password or anything like that for a long time. Well, to solve the problem, I tried to create a new password and to be able to sign in but to no avail. So, I left to go to church without being able to post my recent blog on facebook. This morning I tried to solve this problem but realized it would take much time to be able to fix it. How is that for giving me a reason to get discouraged with keeping up with this blog? I know the adversary is working to put me down...But I will not succumb to his temptation. This blog will keep going no matter what. I know I can keep up with this with determination, effort and faith. I'm reminded of this quote: "That we persist on doing becomes easier to do, not that the nature of the thing has changed, but our capacity to do has increased." This was spoken by one of the leaders of the church. I learned this back in high school or college while I was under the Seminary and Institute program. And this has been a guide for me. I know my capacity to become more organized will increase. I will be able to keep up with my scripture study even after my two-months-break from teaching at Sarasas Witated Romklao School. I will be able to get back to my regular routine of getting up early. And this time I will be able to keep up with my regular scripture study especially my daily Book of Mormon study even though I will be busy due to the demands of my teaching job
38 That ye acontend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the bname of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and cworship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving dailythanksgivingdaily, for the many emercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.
39 Yea, and I also aexhort you, my brethren, that ye be bwatchful unto prayer continually, that ye may not be led away by the temptationsctemptations of the devil, that he may not overpower you, that ye may not become his subjects at the last day; for behold, he rewardeth you dno good thing.
40 And now my beloved brethren, I would exhort you to haveapatience, and that ye bear with all manner of bafflictions; that ye do not crevile against those who do cast you out because of yourdexceeding poverty, lest ye become sinners like unto them;
41 But that ye have apatience, and bear with those bafflictions, with a firm hope that ye shall one day rest from all your afflictions.
Verse 38 mentioned living in thanksgiving daily. That reminds me of the talk given by President Dieter Utchdorf during the recent General Conference. I will go back and review that talk and will quote from it--not today though. In the interest of time, I will do that tomorrow. For now, let me share with you some of my thoughts on what Alma said in the last view verses in Alma 34.
The Zoramites were exhorted by Alma to have patience, and bear all manner of afflictions, and not revile against those who cast them out...I mentioned how my patience is being tested by not being able to post my daily blog in facebook. I should bear all manner of afflictions...I just realized that Facebook changed something in its system which means more work to do before I could access my facebook account again. It's quite a long process. It's not easy for me since my technological capacity is limited. I'm tempted to complain and get discouraged...But I'm happy for the guidance of the Lord. The verses I studied today are exactly what I needed to know what to do with what's I'm going through at the moment. I should not revile against Facebook...I got to be patient instead and have the faith that those people working with Facebook will search more ways to serve their clients to the best of their ability. And I'm hoping that my account will become available for my use as soon as possible.
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