Alma 5

This weeks reading included Alma 5.  In Alma chapter 5 there at 42 questions. It's actually a really good chapter for self review.  My favorite part about this weeks lesson and gathering was the lesson that our lead student gave on the study skill of visualization. She pointed out that there is ample opportunity for visualization in Alma chapter 5. Namely because Alma asks the people in Zarahemla to do just that.

Alma 5:16 I say unto you, can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth? 

17 Or do ye imagine to yourselves that ye can lie unto the Lord in that day, and say—Lord, our works have been righteous works upon the face of the earth—and that he will save you? 18 Or otherwise, can ye imagine yourselves brought before the tribunal of God with your souls filled with guilt and remorse, having a remembrance of all your guilt, yea, a perfect remembrance of all your wickedness, yea, a remembrance that ye have set at defiance the commandments of God? (emphasis added)

He basically asks us to use visualization to do a self evaluation of where we stand before God. Thinking about the judgement day and truly visualizing it, is powerful. If this exercise is done with real intent and introspection, then I would hope that it can be life changing. On the other hand it might be life affirming. While I am not where I would like to be in all things. I hope that am I closer to verse 16 than verse 18.

This weeks reading was Enos-Mosiah 3. These are jam packed chapters, but I want to focus on King Benjamin's address regarding service. Mosiah 2:17 states "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." Serving those around us brings us closer to our Heavenly Father because we are becoming more like Him and His son Jesus Christ.

Christ is the ultimate example of service. He gave of his time, his love, his wisdom and ultimately his life. I found the following quote insightful.

"He paid a dept he did not owe, to free us from a debt we can never pay." ~ Elder Wirthlin

I seek to follow His example of service and as I do I am blessed. I have found in my life that if I am irritated with somebody I can make that irritation go away by serving them. I know that as I continue to serve the Lord, He will continue to bless me.

All Nations Shall Write

This week our reading for my religion class was 2 Nephi 28-33. One of the things that stuck out to me during this reading and the videos surrounding this reading was the fact that the Lord spoke to all nations.

Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?

For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it.2 Nephi 29:7, 12

Several things stuck out to me in these verses.

1. The Lord has spoken scripture to more than just the Jews and those who lived at Christ time (and shortly thereafter). He spoke to many nations and commanded them to write His words.
2. At some point we will have the writings of all these other nations.
3. The Book of Mormon and the Bible are part of these writings.

Elder Nelson stated the following about the Bible and the Book of Mormon

"Each book refers to the other. Each book stands as evidence that God lives and speaks to His children by revelation to His prophets. Love for the Book of Mormon expands one's love for the Bible and vice versa. stated in General conference " Ensign Nov 2007

I am grateful to have both the Bible and the Book of Mormon in my life and I do believe that they support each other. I also believe that the Lord still speaks to all Nations today through His living prophet.