Day 115: Ether 2-3

Thomas S. Monson

“Are we today serving the God of the land, even the Lord Jesus Christ? Do our lives conform with His teachings? Are we entitled to His divine blessings?

Headlines from America's leading newspapers, depicting recent events, pass silently in review, that you and I may judge: ‘Serious Crime Registers 10% Increase in Past Year,’ ‘Violence Rocks South,’ ‘Racial Strife Hits East.’ Murder, rape, arson, burglary, assault, narcotics violations are all on the increase in the America of today. These are the headlines of today's newspapers.

The revered Abraham Lincoln accurately described our plight: ‘We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown; but we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.’ (Proclamation for a National Fast Day, March 30, 1863.)

“Can we extricate ourselves from this frightful condition? Is there a way out? If so, what is the way? We can solve this perplexing dilemma by adopting the counsel given by Jesus to the inquiring lawyer who asked: ‘Master, which is the great commandment in the law?’ Jesus said unto him, ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.’ (Matthew 22:36-39.)” (Be Your Best Self, p. 96-97)

Day 114: Mormon 9 - Ether 1

Mormon 9:4 ye would be more miserable to dwell with a holy and just God…than ye would with the damned souls in hell...

“Later, when I began a serious study of the scriptures, I noticed references to being spiritually clean. One verse says, ‘Ye would be more miserable to dwell with a holy and just God, under a consciousness of your filthiness before him, than ye would to dwell with the damned souls in hell.’ “I could understand that. I remembered how I felt that day in Los Angeles. I reasoned that to be spiritually unclean would bring shame and humiliation immeasurably more intense than I felt then. I found references—there are at least eight of them—which say that no unclean thing can enter the presence of God. While I realized those references had little to do with dirty clothes or soiled hands, I decided I wanted to stay spiritually clean.” (President Boyd K. Packer, Conference Report, May 1997, “Washed Clean”)

"We are responsible for our reactions when we see imperfections in others." - Elder Neal A. Maxwell

“Do you get answers to your prayers? If not, perhaps you did not pay the price. Do you offer a few trite words and worn-out phrases, or do you talk intimately to the Lord? Do you pray occasionally when you should be praying regularly, often, constantly? Do you offer pennies to pay heavy debts when you should give dollars to erase that obligation? When you pray do you just speak, or do you also listen? Your Savior said, 'Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.' (Revelation 3:20.)….The Lord stands knocking. He never retreats. But he will never force himself upon us. If we ever move apart, it is we who move and not the Lord. And should we ever fail to get an answer to our prayers, we must look into our lives for a reason.” (President
Spencer W. Kimball, "Prayer," New Era, March 1978, pp. 16-17)

Day 113: Mormon 8

“I would like to call your attention to one thing in the Book of Mormon. The Lord has promised us greater knowledge, greater understanding than we find in the Book of Mormon, when we are prepared to receive it. When the brother of Jared went upon the mount to have the Lord touch stones to give them light to light their way across the great ocean, the Lord revealed to him the history of this world from the beginning of it to the end. We do not have it.

“…Now the Lord has placed us on probation as members of the Church. He has given us the Book of Mormon, which is the lesser part, to build up our faith through our obedience to the counsels which it contains, and when we ourselves, members of the Church, are willing to keep the commandments as they have been given to us and show our faith as the Nephites did for a short period of time, then the Lord is ready to bring forth the other record and give it to us, but we are not ready now to receive it. Why? Because we have not lived up to the requirements in this probationary state in the reading of the record which had been given to us and in following its counsels.” (President Joseph Fielding Smith, Conference Report, Oct. 1961, pp. 19-20)

Day 112: Mormon 5-7

The end of Mormon, we look back at the thousand years complied in previous books and chapters - the rise and fall of the peoples who once inhabited the Americas. In a few days we will be reading in Ether wherein Moroni compiles their civilization and life in a matter of a few pages. Why the contrast? Because there are many important lessons to be learned from these sacred words. “The tragedy of the Book of Mormon is not what became of the Nephites but what the Nephites became.” (Hugh Nibley, Since Cumorah)

“A loving father does not despise his children. These [Lamanites] are a chosen people, and this Church has an important part in restoring them to their rightful inheritance. The chasm between what they are and what they will be is opportunity. The gospel furnishes that opportunity; it is ours to give.” (President Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Dec. 1975, p. 7)

“Great nations do not fall because of external aggression; they first erode and decay inwardly, so that, like rotten fruit, they fall of themselves. The strength of a country is the sum total of the moral strength of the individuals in that country.” (President Ezra Taft Benson, This Nation Shall Endure, p. 95)

Day 111: Mormon 3-4

“That is our duty. When we see evil lurking, when we see dangers confronting the people, and especially the Latter-day Saints, it is our duty to raise the warning voice, and not only in behalf of the Latter-day Saints, but to warn all people, for our mission is one that is world-wide, and we should warn all men and give them the opportunity of repentance, of serving the Lord and keeping his commandments if they will. If they will not, then we have saved our souls. We are clear from the blood of this generation. That is our duty.” (President Joseph Fielding Smith, Conference Report, Oct. 1933, p. 61)

Day 110: Mormon 1-2

Regarding Mormon 2:13 "their sorrowing was not unto repentance…it was rather the sorrowing of the damned" is best summed up in the words from Elder Spencer W. Kimball:

“Often people indicate that they have repented when all they have done is to express regret for a wrong act. But true repentance is marked by that godly sorrow that changes, transforms, and saves. To be sorry is not enough. Perhaps the felon in the penitentiary, coming to realize the high price he must pay for his folly, may wish he had not committed the crime. That is not repentance. The vicious man who is serving a stiff sentence for rape may be very sorry he did the deed, but he is not repentant if his heavy sentence is the only reason for his sorrow. That is the sorrow of the world.

The truly repentant man is sorry before he is apprehended. He is sorry even if his secret is never known. He desires to make voluntary amends…Repentance of the godly type means that one comes to recognize the sin and voluntarily and without pressure from outside sources begins his transformation.” (Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 153)

“Recognition is a sacred moment…real remorse floods the soul…False remorse instead is like ‘fondling our failings.’ In ritual regret, we mourn our mistakes but without mending them.” (Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Conference Report, Nov. 1991 Ensign, “Repentance”)

“…the natural man never picks up the cross. His is the ‘sorrowing of the damned,’ which involves regret but not necessarily over the sin itself. Instead, it is because these sorrowers can no longer take pleasure in sin (see Mormon 2:13). Quite a difference, for the natural man still clings, not to the cross, but to his old ways” (Elder Neal A. Maxwell, That Ye May Believe, p. 48)

Day 109: 3 Nephi 29 - 4 Nephi

For many years following the visit of Jesus Christ among the people of the Americas, peace, love, and prosperity abounded. This society was living the consecrated life and keeping selfishness and judgment from tainting their society.

“We need to learn, practice, study, know and understand how angels live with each other. When this community comes to the point to be perfectly honest and upright, you will never find a poor person; none will lack, all will have sufficient. Every man, woman, and child will have all they need just as soon as they all become honest. When the majority of the community are dishonest, it maketh the honest portion poor, for the dishonest serve and enrich themselves at their expense.” (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 232)

The First Presidency “Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World”)

Day 108: 3 Nephi 27-28

To be a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, much is expected: perfection. However, as daunting as this little-big word sounds, this is a process undertaken one step, one day, one move at a time. It takes practice, failures, success, and humility to move forward. But He is always there for us.

"Hard to do? Of course. The Lord never promised an easy road, nor a simple gospel nor low standards, nor a low norm. The price is high, but the goods attained are worth all they cost. The Lord himself turned the other cheek; he suffered himself to be buffeted and beaten without remonstrance; he suffered every indignity and yet spoke no word of condemnation. And his question to all of us is: ‘Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be’ And his answer to us is: ‘Even as I am.’” (President Spencer W. Kimball, Conference Report, Oct. 1977, p. 71)

Day 107: 3 Nephi 24-27

3 Ne 24:7 Return unto me and I will return unto you...

“It is our conviction that one who accepts the Lord's invitation to return unto him makes no greater sacrifice when he pays his tithing than the farmer does when he sows his seed in the ground. Both require faith, and both bring their reward.” (LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work And A Wonder, p. 379)

Day 106: 3 Nephi 21-23

“Your own journal, like most others, will tell of problems as old as the world and how you dealt with them…Your journal should contain your true self rather than a picture of you when you are ‘made up’ for a public performance. There is a temptation to paint one's virtues in rich color and whitewash the vices, but there is also the opposite pitfall of accentuating the negative.

…Your journal is your autobiography, so it should be kept carefully. You are unique, and there may be incidents in your experience that are more noble and praiseworthy in their way than those recorded in any other life…What could you do better for your children and your children's children than to record the story of your life, your triumphs over adversity, your recovery after a fall, your progress when all seemed black, your rejoicing when you had finally achieved?

…Get a notebook, my young folks, a journal that will last through all time, and maybe the angels may quote from it for eternity. Begin today and write in it your goings and comings, your deepest thoughts, your achievements and your failures, your associations and your triumphs, your impressions and your testimonies. Remember, the Savior chastised those who failed to record important events.” (Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, pp. 350-1)

Day 105: 3 Nephi 20

"Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord." This means all people who wish to take upon them the name of Christ and fulfill His mission upon the Earth must be cleansed in the inside as well the outside.

“Be clean. Be clean in your thoughts. It is not easy in the environment in which you live. But if you work at it, you can do it. You can shut out those influences which destroy your soul, your spirituality, and can destroy your very life. The sleaze, the filth, the terrible pornography that is sweeping over the earth like a flood--stay away from it. Do not rent videos of a sleazy, filthy nature and sit around and look at them. They will destroy you. Do not go to shows which will tear down your principles. Do not read literature which will destroy your high ideals. You are a son or daughter of God, and He expects marvelous things of you.” (President Gordon B. Hinckley, September 15, 1996 as taken from Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, “Virtue”)

Day 104: 3 Nephi 18-19

Here we have a rare opportunity to read the words Jesus used in His prayers to the Father. We should follow the same pattern remembering the Spirit should guide our prayers. To quote Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "Perfect prayers are those which are inspired, in which the Spirit reveals the words which should be used." By beginning with pouring out our hearts in gratitude, we humble ourselves before the Lord and invite the Spirit into our lives. Then we will not ask amiss.

“…It is necessary for us thus to place our desires and needs genuinely and unselfishly before God in prayer. It is in this process of placing our desires before Him, to a greater extent than we usually do, that we can listen and learn concerning His will. Such could not be done if we were ritualistically submissive or only partially involved.

Of course, after we place our petitions before Him we are to be submissive: ‘Thy will be done.’ But this is the last part of the process of petition, not the first.

Learning to pray is, therefore, the work of a lifetime. If we keep on praying, we will keep on discovering.” (Elder Neal A. Maxwell, That Ye May Believe, p. 179)

Day 103: 3 Nephi 16-17

Do we have room for the Savior? Do we give Him the time? Have we prepared to receive His call, to serve another today?

Are we so rushed to miss His tender mercies and love, especially during this season?

"What power, what tenderness, what compassion did our Master and Exemplar thus demonstrate! We, too, can bless if we will but follow His noble example. Opportunities are everywhere. Needed are eyes to see the pitiable plight and ears to hear the silent pleadings of a broken heart. Yes, and a soul filled with compassion, that we might communicate not only eye to eye or voice to ear but, in the majestic style of the Savior, even heart to heart.” (President Thomas S. Monson “Never Alone,” Ensign, May 1991)

Day 102: 3 Nephi 14-15

"Remember that whatever you toss out mentally or verbally comes back to you according to God's plan of compensation: ‘For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.’ (3 Nephi 2) A critical, petty, or vicious remark is simply an attack on our own self-worth. On the other hand, if our minds are constantly seeing good in others, that, too, will return, and we will truly feel good about ourselves.” (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, On Earth As It Is In Heaven, p. 29)

Day 101: 3 Nephi 11-13

What a strengthening of the testimony should come from reading these passages. To solidify that The Book of Mormon is a true witness of Jesus Christ. He taught the same doctrine as when He lived on the Earth in Jerusalem. The laws and doctrine from God are unchanging. Another blessing we receive from The Book of Mormon is the exact translation - once; the Bible has gone through extensive translations and copies. But the doctrine is the same - "I am the Lord, I change not." There is so much here, so drink deep from this fountain of pure living water.

Day 100: 3 Nephi 10-11

We have now arrived at the crowning event of The Book of Mormon; the visitation of Jesus Christ to the peoples on the American continent. There's little I can say for the beginning of this marvelous event, but a few bits to note just prior to the Savior's descent includes:
- Repentance
- Promises fulfilled
- People gathering at the temple
- They heard the voice of their Heavenly Father

“He speaks and says simply, with a voice that penetrates the very marrow of your bones, ‘I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.’ (3 Nephi 11:10.)

There it is—or, more correctly speaking, there he is. The focal point and principal figure behind every fireside and devotional and family home evening held by those Nephites for the last six hundred years, and by their Israelite forefathers for thousands of years before that.

Everyone has talked of him and sung of him and dreamed of him and prayed—but here he actually is. This is the day and yours is the generation. What a moment! But you find you are less inclined to check the film in your camera than you are to check the faith in your heart.” (Elder
Jeffrey R. Holland, On Earth As It Is In Heaven, p. 125)

Day 99: 3 Nephi 7-9

“Here another lesson is obvious. Throughout ecclesiastical history we find that those who rejected the prophets and failed to repent of their wickedness were struck by calamities which caused them literally to weep and to mourn and to regret their failure to heed the warnings of the prophets. We know that Christ was crucified and some of his apostles persecuted and stoned simply for trying to establish the kingdom of God and bring people to repentance and a happier way of life.

Today the world is rejecting the messages of the prophets of God. Is it not true that there is weeping and wailing over the face of the land because men are at war one with another? Do we not have among us many who lament the waywardness of their youth and the tragedies that befall them as they turn away from righteousness and suffer the consequences of tampering with alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, and other forbidden things[pornography]? How many mourners do we have as a result of the lawlessness that is extant in our communities? We need to heed the lessons from the history of the past lest we be consumed as were some of those earlier civilizations.” (Elder N. Eldon Tanner, Conference Report, May 1975 Ensign, p. 34)

Let us look forward to the coming of Jesus Christ with hope and happiness, no matter what befalls around us. Let us keep the faith, fight the good fight, and be found worthy to present ourselves before our Savior in purity and love.

Day 98: 3 Nephi 6-7

“I have been deeply impressed with the beauty and power of this scriptural account in 3 Nephi, and with its great value for our time and our generation.

The record of the Nephite history just prior to the Savior’s visit reveals many parallels to our own day as we anticipate the Savior’s second coming. The Nephite civilization had reached great heights. They were prosperous and industrious. They had built many cities with great highways connecting them. They engaged in shipping and trade. They built temples and palaces.

But, as so often happens, the people rejected the Lord. Pride became commonplace. Dishonesty and immorality were widespread. Secret combinations flourished because, as Helaman tells us, the Gadianton robbers ‘had seduced the more part of the righteous until they had come down to believe in their works and partake of their spoils’ (Hel. 6:38). ‘The people began to be distinguished by ranks, according to their riches and their chances for learning’ (3 Ne. 6:12). And ‘Satan had great power, unto the stirring up of the people to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and the vain things of the world,’ even as today (3 Ne. 6:15).” (President Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, May 1987, p. 4)

Let us be wise in this short duration of life and do the best we can to build righteousness and extend the wonderful gift we have all been given - agency.

Day 97: 3 Nephi 4-5

3 Ne 5:1 "there was not a living soul…who did doubt in the least" - Conversion by crisis is the theme among the Nephites. Only when disaster strikes are they willing to repent and call upon the Lord, but it is always a last ditch effort to avoid extinction.

“…changing circumstances can like wise affect nearly a whole people's faith…Now, listen to this: ‘There began to be great doubtings and disputations among the people, notwithstanding so many signs had been given.’ (3 Nephi 8:4.)

As I check the years of these two verses, I note that this decline happened in the space of a mere ten years or less! Circumstances changed from one in which ‘not a living soul’ doubted the prophecies to a time in which there were ‘great doubtings.’ It isn't very confidence inspiring, is it?” (Elder Neal A. Maxwell, We Talk Of Christ, We Rejoice In Christ, p. 64)

“Someday when we kneel again in those corridors where that special shout once echoed, having been delivered from our last enemy, death, we will have hearts ‘swollen with joy, unto the gushing out of many tears.’ (3 Nephi 4:33.) It is a moment we must not miss! It is worth cheerfully enduring a few disappointments and pains now and letting a few mortal appetites go unsatiated.” (Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Notwithstanding My Weakness, p. 58)

Day 96: 3 Nephi 2-3

After such a marvelous experience with prophecies come to pass, blessings poured out, and faith following the miracles, why did the people fall so quickly into the traps of Satan? Oh...wait...faith following the miracle? This is why faith before the miracles are so important! Roughly 5 yeas had passed and the people were already blinded. If we do not have the faith, we too can be blinded within a very short time.

“How quickly [Satan] moves in even where people have had special spiritual experiences, seeking to get people who have seen signs ‘To disbelieve all which they had heard and seen.’ (3 Nephi 2:1-2.) The adversary has a better chance to persuade us that what we believe is foolish if we worry about looking foolish in front of our fellowmen. We read about the subtleties of the devil and that the adversary persuadeth not one man to do good. (Alma 12:4; Moroni 7:17.)” (Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Things As They Really Are, p. 41)

Day 95: Helaman 16 - 3 Nephi 1

Before brushing off the song below, think of the words when you remember what happened with the Nephites in the city of Zarahemla. The closing chapter of Helaman shows how Satan did stir up the hearts of the Nephites to do iniquity. They reasoned amongst themselves that a Christ is not needed nor is possible for one to be able to atone for all.

To add to this confusion, the great prophet Nephi departed from the land right before the prophecies of all the prophets were coming to pass! Many had mixed emotions, and the believers feared the prophesies they believed in, may not happen. Some continued to look steadfastly for the signs. To add to this turmoil, the more wicked part decided to "put to death...all those who believed in those traditions".

Thus we see, the Lord does not leave them hopeless. The night before, the Lord comforted Nephi by confirming His coming into the world the next day as He promised - "I will fulfil"! And we see the Jesus did come into the world, and the sign was given; the righteous spared. Truly the light shined in those dark streets and the hopes and fears, of the last 5 years specifically, were met in the Lord that night.

O little town, Zarahemla,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee to-night.

How silently, how silently,
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His Heaven.
No ear may hear His coming;
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him still
The dear Christ enters in.

"Joy to the world, the Lord is come!"

Day 94: Helaman 14-15

Helaman 14:30 ’Remember, my brethren...ye are free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for behold, God hath given unto you a knowledge and he hath made you free.’

"If you feel pressed in and pressured and not free, it may be for one of two reasons. One, if you have lost freedom, possibly it has been through some irresponsible act of your own. Now you must regain it. You may be indentured-indentured to some habits of laziness or indolence; some even become slaves to addiction. The other reason is that maybe if you are not free you have not earned it. Freedom is not a self-preserving gift. It has to be earned, and it has to be protected.

For instance, I am not free to play the piano, for I do not know how. I cannot play the piano…The ability to play the piano, the freedom to do that, has to be earned. It is a relatively expensive freedom. It takes an investment of time and of discipline. This discipline begins, as discipline usually does, from without. I hope that you do not have contempt for discipline that originates from without. That is the beginning. A parent usually presses a youngster to practice the piano. But somewhere, it is hoped, practice grows into self-discipline, which is really the only kind of discipline. The discipline that comes from within is that which makes a young person decide that he wants to be free to play the piano and play it well. Therefore, he is willing to pay the price. Then he can be free from supervision, from pressure, from whatever forms of persuasion parents use.”(Elder Boyd K. Packer, That All May Be Edified, p. 254)

“These words taken from the Book of Helaman indicate the purport of what I should like to say this afternoon…Among the immediate obligations and duties resting upon members of the Church today, and one of the most urgent and pressing for attention and action of all liberty loving people, is the preservation of individual liberty. Freedom of choice is more to be treasured than any possession earth can give. It is inherent in the spirit of man. It is a divine gift to every normal being. Whether born in abject poverty or shackled at birth by inherited riches, everyone has this most precious of all life's endowments -- the gift of free agency; man's inherited and inalienable right.

Free agency is the impelling source of the soul's progress. It is the purpose of the Lord that man become like him. In order for man to achieve this it was necessary for the Creator first to make him free. ‘Personal liberty,’ says Bulwer Lytton, ‘is the paramount essential to human dignity and human happiness.’” (President David O. McKay, Conference Report, Apr. 1950, p. 32)

“The great misery of departed spirits in the world of spirits, where they go after death, is to know that they come short of the glory that others enjoy and that they might have enjoyed themselves, and they are their own accusers.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 310-11)

Day 93: Helaman 12-13

“You and I need to be patient, and for a reason. A quick reading of the Book of Mormon, a few prayers, a shallow attempt at repentance, a casual regard for the covenants we've made—of course, that is not enough. The scriptures use over and over again the word ‘steadiness’ to describe faithful disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. When faith and repentance and diligent efforts to live the commandments have gone on long enough that virtue garnishes our thoughts unceasingly, then the doctrine of the priesthood, the truthful answers to the questions that really matter, will distill upon us as the dews from heaven.

That's been my experience with seeking the confirmation of truth by the Spirit of God. I have at times sought it by singular effort, in times of great need, and it has come. Investigators have that experience when they reach the point where they must know if the Book of Mormon is true.

But far more often for me, I notice the Spirit's presence in quiet confirmations at times when all I seem to have done is plod on in diligence, doing the simple things—searching the scriptures with a prayer in my heart and with more concern for others, and therefore less time for pursuits that let Satan, the father of lies, entice me. It's in periods of that steadiness that I notice the Holy Ghost, almost in the way you're surprised to discover that your shoes are wet from the dew formed on the grass overnight. (Elder Henry B. Eyring, "To Draw Closer to God", p. 120)

Day 92: Helaman 10-11

Pondering opens the channel of communication with our Father in Heaven. The problem most of us feel today is we do not have time. What? No time for our Heavenly Father? Yes. We feel we cannot take even 5-10 minutes to pray, study the scriptures, or ponder. Pondering takes time to sit back and reflect - reflect on our lives, what we've read, what we are praying or will pray about. Too often we feel the need to do something more; that pondering is a waste of time.

On the contrary! The Lord makes us the "lost time" by invigorating our minds, strengthening our bodies, increasing our capabilities. This seems so counter-intuitive, but the Lord has promised great blessings of similar sorts if we but give Him time. Do you have room enough for your Father?

“We all do a lot of studying, but most of us don’t do much meditation. We don’t take time to think. I’d like to suggest that next fast day . . . everybody in this hall set aside an hour or two. Sit by yourself. Go in the bedroom and lock the door. Go out in the yard under a tree. Go in your study if you have one and shut the door, and think about yourself and your worthiness. Read from this great book [Book of Mormon]…There’s a great word that’s used, ‘ponder.’

“’Ponder.’ What do we mean by ‘ponder’? Well, I think it simply means kind of quietly thinking things through. Ponder what you have read. Ponder your life. Are you worthy, are you living the commandments…?” (President Gordon B. Hinckley, Church News, 01/06/96)

Day 91: Helaman 8-9

Helaman 8:15 - speaking of the brazen serpent as Jesus Christ, those that would but look to Him will live and receive eternal life. We have opportunities each day to choose to look to Christ in gratitude and look for opportunities to serve others. In essence, we are looking towards the brazen serpent instead of ourselves, our pride that keeps us from being healed.

"That men have not enjoyed peace, happiness, and continual progress is, therefore, not because God has failed to make known the way by which these blessings could be had. It is because men have refused to obey the revealed laws upon which these blessings are predicated." - Elder Marion G. Romney, Look To God and Live, p8-9

Day 90: Helaman 6-8

"Yet it is not our part to master all the tides of the world, but to do what is in us for the succor of those years wherein we are set, uprooting the evil in the fields that we know, so that those who live after may have clean earth to till. What weather they shall have is not ours to rule." - J.R.R. Tolkein

“I have come to believe that this is worth knowing, not only for teachers, but for everyone. If you get a little depressed during those dreary days, do not begin to think that you're psycho-something-or-other.

For missionaries, this was well worth knowing. Occasionally a missionary told me in an interview, ‘I'm not doing very well. I just seem to be depressed and discouraged.’ Unless there was an unusual reason for these feelings, my answer was, ‘Well, I'm glad to hear that. At least now we know that you're normal. Enjoy the feeling—it probably won't last. And the first sunny day will do wonders for it.’

We know from the Book of Mormon that there must be opposition. ‘For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad.’ (2 Nephi 2:11.)

It helps a great deal if we realize that there is a certain healthy element in getting the blues occasionally. It is quite in order to schedule a good, discouraging, depressing day every now and again just for contrast.” (Elder Boyd K. Packer, "Teach Ye Diligently", p. 101–2)

Day 89: Helaman 5-6

“’Ye shall have faith in Christ, . . . and when ye shall do this, the cloud of darkness shall be removed from overshadowing you.’(Helaman 5:40-41.)

This brightness of hope and unspeakable joy in God's power and comfort comes, even in everyday matters for me, only as I prayerfully exert my right to his Spirit. If in my heart I go to God the moment I feel even the slightest intimation of fear (or darkness or worry) instead of waiting to let it accumulate, if I speak to God even as my most trusted friend, my wisest counselor, and stay there in my heart or on my knees talking to him long enough, I can always see a ray of light at the edge of those dark shadows. Most often I can then leave his presence with my heart singing. This does not mean that my troubles have dissolved—they probably haven't—but I somehow have the power to see above and around and through those clouds of darkness with greater calm and peacefulness. I know that he will, with time, help me to dissipate them completely.

Out of sorrow and despair we are, through the comforting, protecting grace of God, lifted out of our weakness to the very summit of spiritual, peaceful transcendence that, without the ‘Father of all comfort’ could only be dreamed about from afar.” (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland "On Earth As It Is In Heaven", p. 40)

Day 88: Helaman 4-5

Happy Thanksgiving!

What great luck that today we would be reading in Helaman 5 as Helaman exhorts his sons, Nephi and Lehi to always remember the commandments and their names. In remembering their names they should remember them - who they were, their words and works. Most important was the admonition to remember Jesus Christ who comes to redeem the world.

We must always remember Jesus Christ and that only through His atonement are we able to repent and build upon His foundation. When we remember, we feel the motivation to do what is right and fair and to look out for others in need.

“When you look in the dictionary for the most important word, do you know what it is? It could be ‘remember.’ Because all of you have made covenants-you know what to do and you know how to do it-Our greatest need is to remember. That is why everyone goes to sacrament meeting every Sabbath day-to take the sacrament and listen to the priests pray that they . . . may always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them. . . . Nobody should ever forget to go to sacrament meeting. ‘Remember’ is the word. ‘Remember’ is the program.” (President Spencer W. Kimball, Book of Mormon Symposium Series, Helaman 3 – 3 Nephi 8, edited by PR Cheesman, MS Nyman, and CD Tate, Jr., 1988, p. 243)

“Anchor your life in Jesus Christ, your Redeemer. Make your Eternal Father and his Beloved Son the most important priority in your life—more important than life itself, more important than a beloved companion or children or anyone on earth. Make their will your central desire. Then all that you need for happiness will come to you.” (Elder Richard G. Scott, Ensign, May 1993, pp. 32-4)

Day 87: Helaman 2-3

We enter the stage of a more devious destructive power under the men of Gadianton. Up to this point in the Book of Mormon, we've read much concerning wars, kingmen, traditions, and priestcraft. Now we read more explicit some of the dealings and works of secret combinations under Satan's influence.

"And our nation will continue to degenerate unless we read and heed the words of the God of this land, Jesus Christ, and quit building up and upholding the secret combinations which the Book of Mormon tells us proved the downfall of both previous American civilizations." (President Ezra Taft Benson, A Witness and a Warning, p6)

But we look on the bright side as well: Helaman 3:27-29 "Thus we see the Lord is merciful unto all who will...call upon His holy name...the gate of heaven is open unto all...and the word of God [will] lead the man of Christ in that strait and narrow course..."

“For ‘the man of Christ,’ the words of scriptures are like parachute flares above the trenches of life, illuminating the landscape only briefly, but long enough for him to see the enemy clearly and to make his way along the path he must take-and to help others so to do.” (Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Deposition of a Disciple, p. 95)

Day 86: Alma 62 - Helaman 1

Can you believe it?! Already into the book of Helaman! (But my thoughts come from Alma :-))

Following the great war that prevailed for many years, with much destruction and death, some turned away from the Lord; others turned ever closer to Him. Why such a dichotomy? We have our agency, and if we do not the little things to maintain our faith, our hearts may quickly be hardened.

“…great adversities are not without some eternal purpose or effect. They can turn our hearts to God…Such large-scale adversities as natural disasters and wars seem to be inherent in the mortal experience. We cannot entirely prevent them, but we can determine how we will react to them. For example, the adversities of war and military service, which have been the spiritual destruction of some, have been the spiritual awakening of others. The Book of Mormon describes the contrast: (quotes Alma 62:41).

“I read of a similar contrast after the devastating hurricane that destroyed thousands of homes in Florida some years ago. A news account quoted two different persons who had suffered the same tragedy and received the same blessing: each of their homes had been totally destroyed, but each of their family members had been spared death or injury. One said that this tragedy had destroyed his faith; how, he asked, could God allow this to happen? The other said that the experience had strengthened his faith. God had been good to him, he said. Though the family’s home and possessions were lost, their lives were spared and they could rebuild the home. For one, the glass was half empty. For the other, the glass was half full. The gift of moral agency empowers each of us to choose how we will act when we suffer adversity.” (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, July 1998, p. 7)

As we think of the many things to be grateful for, we can look deep within ourselves at the soul we have been given by our Father in Heaven. So I share a favorite poem of mine:

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

William Ernest Henley

Day 85: Alma 61-62

“…we must always realize that in a perfect church filled with imperfect people, there are bound to be some miscommunications at times. A noteworthy example occurred in ancient American Israel. Moroni wrote two times to Pahoran complaining of neglect because much-needed reinforcements did not arrive. Moroni used harsh language, accusing the governor of the land, Pahoran, of sitting on his throne in a state of ‘thoughtless stupor.’ (Alma 60:7.) Pahoran soon made a very patriotic reply, explaining why he could not do what Moroni wanted. Though censured, Pahoran was not angry; he even praised Moroni for ‘the greatness of your heart.’ (Alma 61:9) Given the intense, mutual devotion of disciples, discussions as to how best to move the Lord's work along are bound to produce tactical differences on occasion. Just as in this episode, sometimes scolding occurs that is later shown to be unjustified.

Parley P. Pratt recalled an episode when President Brigham Young chastened him and others for their management of the westward migration. In this instance also, there were two letters of a scolding nature, even alleging insubordination. Of this Elder Pratt wrote, ‘I could not realize this at the time, and protested that in my own heart, so far as I was concerned, I had no such motive; that I had been actuated by the purest motives. . . .’ Later it became clear to Elder Pratt that some of those scolded had motives that were not as pure as his. He commented further, ‘. . . yet I thank God for this timely chastisement; I profited by it, and it caused me to be more watchful and careful ever after.’ (Autobiography of Parley Parker Pratt [Deseret Book, 1961], pp. 341-42.)

It is worthy remembering that Elder Pratt protested in his heart, not publicly. He took it. Perhaps President Young, like Moroni, might have taken note of how Elder Pratt was even sick at the time—but, like Moroni, President Young did not know of the full conditions.

The stuff out of which offense is made is all around us, if we wish to seize upon it. What we learn, however, from men like Pahoran and Elder Pratt should give us pause, especially when we may be inclined to take umbrage instead of following the Brethren.” (Neal A. Maxwell "All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience", p. 119-20)

Day 84: Alma 59-60

Back to Moroni not knowing what is happening with the affairs of the government back in Zerahemla assumes the worst. He complains of the lack of support and assistance to the weary and hungry soldiers defending their lives. Moroni has been fighting for many years now and is tired; ready to cleanse the inner vessel again if needed.

So it must be with our own lives - to constantly guard against turmoils within because of our poor choices. If we have sinned; repent. If we are harboring doubts; study and pray to resolve and move forward. The Lord will not hold us guiltless for what we know to be right, but choose not to follow.

"All is not well in Zion. … We must cleanse the inner vessel, beginning first with ourselves, then with our families, and finally with the Church.’ (President Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, May 1986, p. 4.)

“There are two methods of cleansing the inner vessel. The first is repentance. But if we do not repent, the Lord will invoke the second method of cleansing—from without. One way or another, the vessel will be cleansed.” (Larry Tippetts, Ensign, Oct. 1992, p. 21)

Day 83: Alma 58-59

“Verse 11 probably provides one of the best descriptions of how the Lord responds to us, again through thoughts or feelings. He seems to do these four things:

1. He visits us with assurances that he will deliver us.
2. He speaks peace to our souls.
3. He grants us great faith.
4. He causes us that we should hope for our deliverance in him.

What a tremendous way the Lord has of blessing us! He doesn't just solve our problems but he gives us assurance, peace, faith, and hope so that we will move forward to resolve our own problems under the direction of the Lord. Thus he makes us strong.

He helps us grow, and if we pursue the process over the years, we will ultimately become as God is. The effects of the influence of the Spirit are described well in verse 12. After we have been filled with assurance, peace, faith, and hope, we are then willing to take courage and have a fixed determination to conquer our enemies, our problems, our sins. Where does that courage and determination come from? From the Spirit of the Lord. The Lord actually provides additional power and strength because we have humbled ourselves and sought God." (Gene R. Cook Raising Up a Family to the Lord, p. 127-8.)

Day 82: Alma 56-57

Back to the Two Thousand Stripling Warriors. Lessons on faith, love, courage, and obedience. Their lives were spared because of the tender mercies of the Lord, and the prayers of their mothers, and the faith of all in battle.

“[You are] out there as the sons of Helaman in a world that is full of destructive influences. . . . But if you put your trust in the Almighty and follow the teachings of this Church and cling to it notwithstanding your wounds, you will be preserved and blessed and magnified and made happy." (Gordon B. Hinckley, LDS Church News, 09/21/96)

"Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace" (President Ezra Taft Benson "Jesus Christ—Gifts and Expectations," Christmas Devotional, Salt Lake City, Dec. 7, 1986).

Day 81: Alma 54-55

Here we see the character of Moroni come to greater light. Though he lashes out in word, his principles are solid in action. We read Moroni does everything possible to prevent bloodshed. The Nephites think of a strategy to get the Lamanites drunk, then they take the city. Instead of slaughtering all the Lamanites, he offers them freedom on account of their covenant, or takes them as prisoner.

Sun Zi said: "To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence con sists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting. In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the enemy's country whole and intact; to shatter and destroy it is not so good. So, too, it is better to capture an army entire than to destroy it, to capture a regiment, a detachment, or a company entire than to destroy them."

Besides a tactical advantage of conquering without slaying, I believe this feeling comes from the heart and soul of someone who's testimony burns bright in the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Day 80: Alma 52-53

Before we can truly battle - and defeat - outside forces, we need to have our inner-vessel cleansed and free to partake of the Spirit in it's fullness. Moroni recognized this great truth and took measures to ensure the liberty of his people, by being united in one cause and not quarreling amongst themselves.

We all have inner conflict. Some of the greatest battles we fight are within our own minds and hearts. So how do we keep ourselves battle-ready sanctified by the Holy Spirit? Prayer and coming to know the will of the Lord. We must all make decisions daily to do the Lord's will. Many of us have entered into a covenant to always remember the Lord, and in so doing fight for our liberties. This can even be to fight for our liberty against sin, to be free from Satan's bondage.

Now enter the 2,000 stripling warriors - valiant and strong, true at all times.

Day 79: Alma 51-52

Within societies of great nations, a division has always been made - between those who love and cherish freedom, and those who wish for subjection, or to subject others, in the name of "security".

Like Moroni and Teancum, we must always "stand in readiness" to avoid being overtaken and destroyed by the enemy of light and freedom. The right and privilege to maintain freedom is hard won and requires effort; even sacrifice and lives. However, this freedom is what we all inherently desire. How unfortunate many have forgotten that vision or seek to take away another's freedom because of pride and inability to see others progress.

“One of our speakers yesterday said that we were living in a very critical time. For many years we have been living in peace and comparative prosperity, we have had no contentions with our neighbors; on the surface at least their feelings have been kindly, and apparently everything has been in the nature of peace and prosperity. But these are the times when Latter-day Saints should take heed concerning the revelations of the Lord and desire to keep his commandments with full purpose of heart, more perhaps than at any other time.” (President Joseph Fielding Smith, Conference Report, Apr. 1926, p. 54)

Day 78: Alma 49-50

Amidst all the conflict, death, and fear, those faithful Saints found gratitude in the mercies of the Lord. Because of obedience and faithfulness in keeping the commands of the Lord, the people of Nephi were delivered at all times.

The prophet Joseph Smith stated: "Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God."

The Lord will keep His faithful one step ahead of Satan, fear, and death. We see yet another example of this promise in the beginning of Chapter 50. Though the Lamanites thought they have adapted to equal the Nephites in preparation, the Lord through His servants, took one additional step. Digging heaps of earth and placing timber walls around. Above that towers were erected as lookouts and safety to cast arrows and stones.

So the Lord prepares for us; Church auxiliary, wards, stakes (like the timber :)), and watchmen for the towers. Thus we too can be prepared for the coming of the enemies of righteousness.

Day 77: Alma 48-49

I like reading the comparison between good and evil; to see the qualities of each side. For in this we can more easily make our decisions day by day when we remember each side.

In 48:7-10 we read the preparations Moroni oversaw among the people. This preparation can be likened to our own lives as we seek to further the work of the Lord by helping bring souls to Him. We are prepared in mind and heart by our leaders to be faithful through friendship, responsibility, and being taught by the good word of God.

"Erecting small forts" - establishing the gospel within the home of each member with gospel teaching and love.

"Throwing up banks of earth" - foundation of Christ through scripture study to strengthen our testimony and thwart Satan from entering.

"Building walls of stone" - sealing our protection in the Lord through prayer and faith. We can pray for ourselves to avoid the temptations that come, as well as pray for all those around us to maintain the faith and soften the hearts of our enemies.

"In their weakest fortifications...did place the greater number of men" - Home and visiting teachers can be great assets in making sure both strong and weak in the gospel are watched over and protected; looking for holes in the fortifications and strengthen them. Be a friend!

Day 76: Alma 46-47

Let us consider Amalickiah as Satan and Lehonti as a member of the church like you or me. We are prepared for battle on a high mountain; standing in a holy place. We know the enemy is coming and are ready for him.

Amalickiah sends his secret embassy to tempt you to lower your standards and come all the way down the mountain. Standing on high ground, you of course refuse. You would never do something that stupid. Yet, Amalickiah persists. Like Satan, he tempts you a second and a third time. Wisely, you decline his offer. Just as your confidence waxes strong, Amalickiah tries one more time. This time, he doesn’t ask for any great thing. Rather, he has come almost all the way up to your camp—pretending to be completely harmless. He guarantees your safety if you just leave your comfort zone for a moment. “Bring your guards!” he says, coaxing you into his lair. You don’t have to come all the way down the mountain, just a short distance. This is the moment of decision for Lehonti. He is completely safe with his armies on top of mount Antipas.

Satan wants us to descend just a little, to make a little compromise, to travel to the edge, to push the limits. Does it matter that we have three times rejected the temptation? Are we really safe because "Amalickiah" presents no immediate threat?

Finally, Amalickiah offers Lehonti something he can’t refuse. He gets power, authority, and strength for nothing. Too good to be true! A temptation wrapped in tinsel. It looks great on the surface but danger and destruction lie in wait. Lehonti falls into the trap like a fly on flypaper. Having made just a small compromise, he left himself open for a large temptation. “It does not matter how small the sins are, provided that their cumulative effect is to edge the man away from the Light and out into the Nothing… Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one.” (C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters, 48)

“Those who become followers of the evil one do not generally reach their captive state with one misdeed; they lose their freedom one sin at a time—one error after another—until almost all is lost. Flaxen cords are transformed into awful chains of steel as they allow themselves to follow the downward course. Each easy step away from the line of goodness and truth makes it more and more difficult to recover.” (Elder Carlos E. Asay, In the Lord's Service: A Guide to Spiritual Development [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1990], 74.)

Day 75: Alma 44-46

After reading these quotes, I figured this will suffice:

“We as a people have never known . Liberty has always been our blessed lot. Few of us have ever seen people who have lost their freedom-- their liberty. And when reminded of the danger of losing our liberty and independence our attitude has usually been: It cannot happen here.

We must never forget that nations may, and usually do, sow the seeds of their own destruction while enjoying unprecedented prosperity…

In that sacred volume of scripture, the Book of Mormon, we note the great and prolonged struggle for liberty. We also note the complacency of the people and their frequent willingness to give up their liberty for the promises of a would-be provider.

The record reveals that a man ‘of cunning device . . . and . . . many flattering words,’ . . . sought . . . ‘to destroy the foundation of liberty which God had granted unto them, . . .’ (Alma 46: 10.)

…This great general, Moroni…‘caused the title of liberty to be hoisted upon every tower which was in all the land.... and thus Moroni planted the standard of liberty among the Nephites.’ (Ibid., 46:36.)

This is our need today -- to plant the standard of liberty among our people throughout the Americas.

While this incident occurred some seventy years BC, the struggle went on through one thousand years covered by this sacred Book of Mormon record. In fact, the struggle for liberty is a continuing one -- it is with us in a very real sense today right here on this choice land of the Americas.” (President Ezra Taft Benson Conference Report, Oct. 1962, pp. 14-15)

“Of course, the war in heaven over free agency is now being waged here on earth, and there are those today who are saying ‘Look, don't get involved in the fight for freedom. Just live the gospel.’ That counsel is dangerous, self-contradictory, unsound…Now, part of the reason we may not have sufficient priesthood bearers to save the Constitution let alone to shake the powers of hell, is because unlike Moroni, I fear, our souls do not joy in keeping our country free, and we are not firm in the faith of Christ nor have we sworn with an oath to defend our rights and the liberty of our country.

Moroni raised a title of liberty and wrote upon it these words: ‘In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children.’ Why didn't he write upon it: ‘Just live your religion; there's no need to concern yourselves about your freedom, your peace, your wives, or your children’? The reason he didn't do this was because all these things were a part of his religion, as they are of our religion today.

Should we counsel people, ‘Just live your religion. There's no need to get involved in the fight for freedom’? No, we should not, because our stand for freedom is a most basic part of our religion; this stand helped get us to this earth, and our reaction to freedom in this life will have eternal consequences. Man has many duties, but he has no excuse that can compensate for his loss of liberty.” (President Ezra Taft Benson Conference Report, Oct. 1966, p. 122)

Day 74: Alma 43-44

Have you prepared yourself for today? We can learn some amazing lessons from the chapters focus on wars and turmoil. Alma 43 teaches us the importance of being prepared and following the Lord.

Verse 19 mentions Moroni had prepared his people with breastplates, arm-shields, helmets, etc. So it is with the armor of God. The Lord provides this armor for our protection. We can choose whether or not to put it on each day, but it is there nonetheless. The armor of God is a gift endowed upon each of us, each day, if we but get on our knees and pour our hearts in humble prayer and give the Lord equal time in the scriptures. The Lord will help us recognize chinks in our armor or if a lacing is loose.

Verse 20, in contrast, explains how the Lamanites were not adequately protected. Here are two lessons in one. First, without the Lord, we are not protected against the cares of this world, and the temptations that do easily beset us. Secondly, Satan leaves his followers to fend for themselves; near naked and alone. The guise of protection falls quickly when confronted with truth and the power of the word of God. Once we go into battle, we then discover the once "brave" general leaves us to our own power.

Keep the Lord in your mind and heart today. Put him first before all else; everything will then fall into place.

Day 73: Alma 42-43

How grateful I am for my Savior, Jesus Christ, atoning for my sins and weakness, my pains and sorrows. Should I not feel so inclined to share my gratitude to others? Should I not feel so inclined to show my gratitude to God by keeping His commands? Yes!

"As justice is the child of the fall, so mercy is the offspring of the atonement.” (Elder Bruce R. McConkie,The Promised Messiah, p. 245)

“We are being tested every minute of the day by the choices we make, by the reactions we have, by the things we say, by the things we think about. It's like the ancient Christian doctrine of the two ways, the way to the right and the way to left, whichever they are. You must make the choice, and you may have made the wrong choice every day of your life up until now, but as long as you are here it is still not too late. You can still make the right choice-every minute you can make the right choice. It's never too late to make the right one…We have a time to repent; ‘therefore this life became a probationary state.’ Well, it can't be anything else; it's a time to prepare to meet God. That's why we need the gospel here.” (Hugh Nibley, Teachings of the Book of Mormon, Lecture 48, p. 327)

Day 72: Alma 40-41

How fitting we read in Alma 41 about desires and appetites following a wonderful CES fireside with Elder Ballard. He asked us to look within ourselves and be honest with where we are, and where we want to be, then make changes now. Below is a quote from Elder Ballard from a previous talk given 31 years ago:

“If you have a bad habit, do you think death is going to change it? Do you think that habit will simply dissolve in some miraculous way and will no longer be with you? I believe that the Lord impresses upon you and me the need to repent and live the law, keep the commandments, and keep our lives aligned to the celestial goal; because it is when we are here in mortality that the body and the spirit can learn together.

For example, when a man who smokes dies and his body is placed six feet into the ground, is there any reason for us to believe that when his body comes back up out of the ground it will no longer have the desires that it had when it was laid down? I do not think so. I think that the body will rise in the resurrection with the same desires and that the body and the spirit together must work out this matter of eternal salvation." (Elder M. Russell Ballard, B.Y.U. Speeches of the Year, 1979, pp. 157-8.)

In order to help break habits we have formed that are not becoming of a disciple of Jesus Christ, we must set goals, pray for assistance, study the scriptures; in essence of what Elder Ballard said Sunday evening: "Always give the Lord equal time!"

We are in this together and can help one another.

Day 71: Alma 37-39

Alma reminds his son, Helaman, of the blessings from the Lord to their ancestors. He spoke of the Liahona which worked according to faith in God, and obedience to His commands. Alma states: "...by small means it did show unto them marvelous works..." but if they did not exercise faith in the Lord, and keep His commandments, they "...did not progress in their journey..."

So with us, when we fail to pray at least morning and night, study our scriptures daily, attend our church meetings, and become complacent in our obedience and faith, our progression is stopped. When we feel we are "doing well", or "okay", then we are in danger and need to reflect on what we are lacking in our life.

Small course corrections in our lives are easier than breaking large habits and temptations.

Day 70: Alma 36-37

“’There could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains.…On the other hand there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy.’ Perfect parallelism. And incidentally, when he says, ‘O Jesus,’ (v. 18) any Moslem or Jew would say, ‘Well, why not call on God directly? Why call on Jesus?’ Well, that's the point of the whole thing. It was God he had offended.

The last person in the world he wants to meet is God. He has offended God. What he wants is a kind person who will feel with him and know what he is going through. And, of course, that's the Lord, that's Christ. He descended below all things. He suffered all these things, so he knows. Alma appeals to the one he can appeal to. He's scared; he doesn't want to go to God. I'd sooner be extinct than have to face him [he feels]. But there is Jesus; he will get me out. He is the Savior-he knows. So he appeals to him, and then his work is really beginning.” (Hugh Nibley, Teachings of the Book of Mormon, lecture 56, p. 458)

Soon after receiving forgiveness, Alma does everything he can to prove himself before the Savior; to prove his repentance is true! O remember, remember to call upon the Lord in good times and bad, in thanksgiving, but also in repentance. He's waiting; prepared to run out and wrap His arms around you in His love once He sees your heart and willing mind.

Day 69: Alma 34-35

I love this month - to focus on our blessings and give thanks for who we are and what we possess. We should have these feelings all year, but this is a great time to slow down and reflect over the year. How appropriate we read today of the infinite atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I love the wording in 34:15-16; "the bowels of mercy, which overpowereth justice". The most deep portions of the heart and soul of the Lord have mercy enough to overcome justice. We can only tap into this mercy based on our willingness to repent. But even knowing of this sacrifice from our beloved Brother, we are prompted to repent and change. Once we repent, this mercy "encircles [us] in the arms of safety".

Since I was raised in Florida, I was privileged to view many space shuttle launches and landings. Thanks to the countless hours, calculations, and gifts from the Lord, we have been able to take man out and back into the atmosphere without tragedy. Heat plates are placed on the underside of the shuttle for re-entry for protection from the heat of entering the atmosphere. In like sense, when we repent and come back to safety, the fires of temptations, as well as eternal torment, are overcome by the arms of mercy. We are encircled about in safety and the arms of His love.

Day 68: Alma 32-33

Faith is to be had in every walk of life - it is the center around something unknown, but true.
- Goes beyond confirming evidence.
- Step into darkness/unknown.

"If everything has to be certified, then there is no room for faith. Faith moves people to action, but it takes gradual growth. The philosophy of the world states: Seeing is believing, but the spiritual philosophy states: Believing is seeing.

Spiritual belief preceds spiritual knowledge. When we believe things that are not seen but are nevertheless true, then we have faith." - Elder Boyd K. Packer

Plant the seed of faith today as you study from the scriptures and go before the Lord in humble prayer.

Day 67: Alma 31-32

Alma makes a crucial observance early in his mission to the Zoramites noted in 31:9-10. The Zoramites stopped doing the little "big" things to keep them in remembrance of the Lord. Truly by small and simple things are great things brought to pass, so it goes with losing love and faith; little by little. C.S. Lewis said: "The safest road to hell is the gradual one - the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts."

Another point to make is found in 31:38. We will have trials in life; no doubt about that. But if we are true and faithful, our sorrows will be swallowed up in Christ; His love and hope. We should look at trials - large and small - and opportunities to give thanks to the Lord, and increase our faith in Him.

Day 66: Alma 30

"Choose ye this day whom ye will serve..."

“…the Book of Mormon exposes the enemies of Christ. It confounds false doctrines and lays down contention. (See 2 Nephi 3:12.) It fortifies the humble followers of Christ against the evil designs, strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day. The type of apostates in the Book of Mormon is similar to the type we have today. God, with his infinite foreknowledge, so molded the Book of Mormon that we might see the error and know how to combat false educational, political, religious, and philosophical concepts of our time.” (President Ezra Taft Benson, Conference Report, Apr. 1975, pp. 94-95)

“One of Satan’s frequently used deceptions is the notion that the commandments of God are meant to restrict freedom and limit happiness. Young people especially sometimes feel that the standards of the Lord are like fences and chains, blocking them from those activities that seem most enjoyable in life. But exactly the opposite is true. The gospel plan is the plan by which men are brought to a fullness of joy. The gospel principles are the steps and guidelines which will help us find true happiness and joy.” (President Ezra Taft Benson, Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 357)

Day 65: Alma 27-29

“I believe that every Latter-day Saint who has received a testimony of the divinity of the work in which we are engaged has this same feeling that Alma had--a desire that all the world might hear the testimony of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. When men and women receive a testimony of the divine mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith, they are anxious that all the world should have that same knowledge and faith. They are anxious that the gospel should go to every honest soul. And there is no other labor in all the world that brings to a human heart, judging from my own personal experience, more joy, peace and serenity than proclaiming the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. - President Heber J. Grant

“True spirituality helps us to achieve balance between being too content with our present self and the equally dangerous human tendency we might have of wishing for more enlarged and impactful roles. Alma said, ‘But behold…I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me.’ However, note the often ignored, but tutoring, verse that follows: ‘Now, seeing that I know these things, why should I desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called?’ (Alma 29:3,6) To develop that kind of justifiable contentment to better use our existing opportunities—is obviously one of our challenges, particularly so when we seem to be in a ‘flat’ period of life. We may feel underused, underwhelmed, and underappreciated even though we are ignoring unused opportunities for service all about us.” (Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Notwithstanding My Weakness, pp. 115-6)