President Gordon B. Hinckley on the Book of Mormon

"I take in my hand the Book of Mormon. I read its words. I have read Joseph Smith's explanation of how it came to be. To the unbelieving it is a story difficult to accept, and critics for generations have worn out their lives writing books intended to refute that story and to offer other explanations than the one given by Joseph the Prophet. But to the open-minded, this critical writing has only stimulated them to dig deeper; and the more deeply they dig, the greater the accumulation of evidence for the validity of Joseph Smith's story. Still, as has been demonstrated for a hundred and fifty years, the truth of the Book of Mormon will not be determined by literary analysis or by scientific research, although these continue to be reassuring. The truth about the origins of the Book of Mormon will be determined today and tomorrow, as it has been throughout the yesterdays, by reading the book in a spirit of reverence and respect and prayer."
(Praise to the Man, Ensign, Aug 1983, 4)

Sunday, November 14, 2010

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!

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