We know that Laman and Lemuel failed to establish a testimony of the Gospel. They never believed that their Dad was a Prophet of God, and they surely never excepted that their “younger brother would be a ruler over them.” They did not understand the scriptures because they did not apply themselves to understanding them. The visitations they had from the angels and the marvelous things they saw had little effect because they never truly believed or sought for the Lord to reveal the truth unto them.

When I say that we sometimes find ourselves acting like Laman and Lemuel I was not referring to the times that we tie our little brothers up (although I cant say I have never done that!), but more importantly the times in our trials that we murmur and complain about the hard things the Lord has asked us to do or things we are give to bare and overcome.

We have all received blessings that can not be numbered. If you have not had experiences in your life that can only be explained by an understanding and belief in the plan of salvation, it is time you seek for one!

What other explanation could there be for the angel appearing to Laman, Lemuel, Nephi and Sam, other then to help fulfill the will of God?

Nephi asks his bothers, “How is it that ye have not hearkened unto the word of the Lord? How is it that ye have forgotten that ye have seen an angel of the Lord? Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten what great things the Lord hath done for us…?” (1Nephi 7:9-11)

Do you ever find yourself in this same situation? Simply forgetting what the Lord has already done for you? Not remembering that he has promised if we will have faith in him and ask that he will bless us?

Nephi goes on to teach his brothers, and he says, “…the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him. Wherefore let us be faithful to him. And if it so be that we are faithful to him, we shall obtain the land of promise…” (1Nephi 7:12-13)

Their land of promise was the Americas. We have all been blessed to have been born here or to have been brought here to a country that provides us freedom and the ability for more opportunities then any other part of the world has to offer. This the United States of America is that very promise land which is spoken of by Nephi. We have that promise land already, so how can we apply this to our lives now today!?

We can say that our promise land will be our establishment in the Celestial Kingdom and that is true. That will be a promise land like none other we have ever seen or can comprehend. But where can we find a promise land here and now?

Do you have dreams, visions, and ambitions? Do you ever desire more for your life and your future? Sure you do!

So lets relate our dreams, visions, and ambitions to the lands of promise the scriptures are talking about. Each of us has a different promise land and we each determine weather or not we make it to our promise lands. The Lord has already told us that he will help us reach our promise land, but we have to travel through the wilderness for a period of time before we can get there.

If we endure the journey well, we will find our promise land ready for us to inhabit.

It may not be on the mountain height Or over the stormy
sea. It may not be at the battle’s front My
Lord will have need of me. But if, a still small
voice he calls to paths that I do not know, I’ll
answer dear Lord with my hand in thine: I’ll go where you want me to go.

I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord, Over
mountain or plain or sea; I’ll say what you want me to
say, dear Lord; I’ll be what you want me to be.
(Hymn 270)

If we look over our lives we will see a pattern emerge. We will see times when we were called by the Lord and willingly did what He asked of us. We will see other instances where we were called and failed to recognize the voice. Still there are those moments we willingly disobey and ignore the call.

The plan of salvation teaches that even before we came to this earth we looked forward with anticipation to the experiences this life would provide. We knew the purpose of this life, we knew it would not be easy and that we would have to work hard to return to our Father in Heaven. We excepted the separation from God and committed that we would find Him again and reestablish our relationship with Him. We knew that we would be required to do things that would seem impossible or beyond our ability. However, the Lord promised that he would provide a way for us to do the things He would ask of us.

Nephi understood this doctrine, he said “And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.”

Another prophet that understood this was the Brother of Jared. Given a task similar in nature to that of Lehi, told to take his family and follow God as he leads them to a promise land, the Brother of Jared provides a perfect example of one who was willing to go where the Lord wanted him, and be what the Lord wanted him to be.

Each of us are given experiences that may cause us to feel inadequate and uncertain. We may feel that the task is too much for us and there is no way we can accomplish the things the Lord has asked.

Some of the task given to the Brother of Jared may seem overwhelming or beyond our ability and I can only imagine that there were moments he may have felt the heavy load and wondered how it was to be done. But as we read through the first few chapters of Ether we can see consistence in the Brother of Jared’s resolve to do the will of God.

Chapter 2:16 “…And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did go to work, and also his brethren, and built barges after the manner which they had built, according to the instructions of the Lord…”

They were not left alone to figure everything out on their own, the Lord gave them instruction just as he is willing to give each of us the instruction we need to complete the task he has asked of us. We just have to ask. The brother of Jared points our that it is a commandment that we call upon God for the things we desire.

Chapter 3:2 “…O Lord, thou hast given us a commandment that we must call upon thee, that from thee we may receive according to our desires.”

Continued in verse 4 and 5, “And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man…”

“Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men.”

Sometimes it is difficult to see how our trials and experiences are beneficial. Sometimes we fail to see things in an eternal prospective, noticing only the immediate hardship or disaster.

When a young missionary was sent home from his mission due to medical reasons, his stake President offered wise council hoping to keep the missionary form getting discouraged he said “Don’t make Jesus Christ drag you kicking and screaming to your greatest blessings. “

We are often called to go places and do things we may not understand at first, but it is important that we try to see things from the Lords perspective. It is important that we seek understanding from the Lord so that we are not fighting against his will.

What made the Brother of Jared so successful in his journey? What did he do differently that provided him the opportunity to see our Savior?

I believe that there are three key elements to the brother of Jared’s success that we can apply to our own lives that will better prepare us to say, “I will go where you want me to, I will be what you want me to be.”

First: Increased Faith

I believe that each of us has faith, we may all be at different levels of faith, but none of us would be here today if we did not have faith.

The brother of Jared repeatedly makes the statement “I Know”. He came to this knowledge after learning from many experiences that the Lord is true to his word when we are obedient to his commandments.

Of the brother of Jared’s faith Moroni said, “And because of the knowledge of this man he could not be kept from beholding within the veil; and he saw the finger of Jesus, which, when he saw, he fell with fear; for he knew that it was the finger of the Lord; and he had faith no longer, for he knew, nothing doubting.”

It is possible for each of us to develop this same knowledge, it is possible for us to know, nothing doubting. We must first be diligent in our faith and resolve to be more obedient.

Second: Increased Obedience

In the beginning of their journey, the Lord led the Jaredites to the sea, where it says they lived for 4 years. However, during this 4 years they failed to be obedient and did not pray unto God. The brother of Jared was chastened by the Lord and commanded to repent. The Lord also offered a reminder that they must continue in obedience and said, “…but thou shalt not sin any more, for ye shall remember that my Spirit will not always strive with man…”

As we read the story of the brother of Jared we can see his increase obedience. In fact the brother of Jared shows exact obedience after each time he is given a task from the Lord.

Chapter 2:18, After building the barges he says “…O Lord, I have performed the work which thou hast commanded me, and I have made the barges according as thou hast directed me.”

We may find it difficult to act in exact obedience, but we must try. It is more important that we look forward with faith and trust in the Lord believing that he will provide a way for us to fulfill his commandments then it is for us to know how we will accomplish the task.

Third: Increased Trust and Reliance

In the story of the brother of Jared there is an instance where the Lord does not provide the instruction on how to solve one of the problems that arises. We all have these moments in our lives when we are faced with problems and the Lord requires that we first find a solution then ask for his assistance.

The Lord will never leave us completely alone, he has promised that we will have his spirit to be with us to guide and direct us. In the brother of Jared’s situation the Lord even does a little brain storming session with him, where he points out some of the solutions that will not work.

The brother of Jared could have wined and complained about the problem, he could have got upset and angry that the Lord was not willing to provide the solution, but instead he went to work to create a solution.

He trusted and relied on the Lord for everything, he new that if he did his part the Lord would also do his part.

We will all have opportunities to say, “I will go where you want me to go, I will be what you want me to be, dear Lord” And many times the timing may not seem right, and the task may seem unbearable, but the Lord has need for each of us. He needs for each of us to be more Faithful, Obedient and to increase our Trust in him.

It is my testimony that the Lord can do more with our lives than we can. God does not wish to modify our behavior, his goal is to transform our natures. To helps us become not only who he wants us to be, but to become the person he needs us to be!

I testify that God lives, He loves us, and he is determined to help us as much as we allow him too. That is why he gave his only begotten to the world.

President David O Mckay declared, “True happiness comes only by making others happy. The practical application of the Saviors doctrine of losing ones life to gain it. In short, the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit, that makes our hearts glow in brotherly love and friendship and prompts us to do kind deeds of service.”

It is the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and obedience which will bring peace on earth because it means good will toward all men.

Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit. Enemies are forgiven, friends remembered, and God obeyed. The spirit of Christmas illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the worlds busy life and become more interested in people than things.

President Monson said, “To catch the real meaning of the Christmas spirit we need only drop the last syllable and it becomes the spirit of Christ”.

What is it about the holiday season that makes us want to serve more and do more for others?

What creates that desire in us to be more charitable?

This time of year as we reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and all that it entails. We find ourselves thinking more of the Savior, his birth and the sacrifice he made for us. His life was one of unlimited service, he never ceased to give all of himself to the benefit of others. His life was about us, it was about saving our lives.

It seems that at this time of year we are more prone to open our doors and find ways in which we might become little ‘s’ saviors to others in need. We are taught in the Doctrine and Covenants that we are to bring souls unto Christ.

15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!
16 And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me! (D&C 18:15-16)

The Hymn ‘Brightly Beams Our Father’s Mercy’ teaches a very valuable lesson of our responsibility as saviors of men.

The first verse reads,

Brightly beams our Father’s mercy. From his lighthouse evermore,
But to us he gives the keeping of the lights along the shore.

Let the lower lights be burning; send a gleam across the wave.
Some poor fainting, struggling seaman you may rescue, you may save.

What a blessing it is that we have the opportunity to be reminded of this important responsibility each year. What a blessing it is that we have that burning desire that causes us to reach out to others.

The unfortunate thing is how quickly some retreat to the busyness of everyday living. Forgetting the importance of reaching out to those in need. It seems that as soon as the trees are set on the curb and the lights taken off the house, it is so easy for us to forget this spirit which for a time has filled our hearts.

I would like to suggest a few things we can do to ensure that we carry this spirit of Christmas or the spirit of Christ throughout the entire year.

1. Pray for this spirit to continue with us each day.
“And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.” (3 Nephi 18:20)

The spirit of this season seems to just automatically happen each year, as we start buying gifts and baking goodies. As the travel plans evolve and the exciting times of being with family draws closer and closer. But then as automatic as it comes it goes. It requires more work for us to maintain this spirit throughout the year, which is why we must rely on the the Lord to assist us. It has been promised that if we ask we shall receive.

2. Seek opportunities to help others and share the spirit of Christ that fills our hearts
“And now, if God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent for your lives and for all that ye have and are, doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith, believing that ye shall receive, O then, how ye ought to impart of the substance that ye have one to another.” (Mosiah 4:21)

During this time of year the opportunities seem endless because the needs of others become more apparent. The hardships that have been felt by many over the past year were felt even more this Christmas as parents struggled to hold to the traditions of Christmas giving for their children. These hardships will remain for many throughout the coming year as unemployment continues to rise. We are all at different levels when it comes to the help that we can and are able to provide, but by doing what we can where we can, the Lord will continue to bless us.

3. Be bold in the things the spirit prompts us to do
“Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of revelation which is in me.” (Alma 5:46)

Understanding how the Lord speaks to us and knowing his voice when we hear it is important if we are going to follow through on our desires to serve. The Lord sometimes provides us the opportunities we seek at times we may not be ready for them. He may do this as a test to determine the level of our commitment and the sincerity of our desire. It becomes important that when we are seeking and asking for these opportunities from the Lord that we act on them when they are presented. If we fail to act we may find the Lord will be hesitant to give us more of these opportunities.

4. Share your experience and strengthen others testimonies
“But if they reject not my words, which shall be established by the testimony which shall be given, blessed are they, and then shall ye have joy in the fruit of your labors.” (D&C 6:31)

As we learn, by faith, the gospel doctrines. We will then have opportunities to teach others. We will find that we can inspire others to reach out and bless those around them. Our testimonies are powerful tools we can use to inspire and motivate each other to take action and do the things we have been commanded to do. Our experiences become sacred and special, they strengthen our faith and our resolve to do the things that God has asked us to do.

Let us find more determination to carry this sacred creed throughout the whole year. As we do, we will find more joy and happiness then we ever thought possible. Our families will become more united and the love we have for all mankind will increase as we seek for ways to help and lift our Brothers and Sisters. This life is the time for us to prepare to meet our God, and if we are to accomplish our goal of returning to His presence we must become more like our Savior Jesus Christ. We must follow in his footsteps doing as he did, blessing those in need.

It is my prayer that we will have more resolve to pray for the spirit of this season to continue with us each day, and that we might also seek out opportunities to help others. May we be bold in those things the spirit prompts us to do and have courage to share our testimonies and experiences.

I want to always be directed by the Lord, in all things that I do…Not just in those times that I need a large measure of support, or have a big decision to make. I believe that the Lord can direct me through his spirit every minute of every day if I can live in a way that allows it!

What does it take for use to have spiritual experiences every day? How do we live in such a way that the spirit will always speak to us?

I have come up with these three things that if lived and practiced every single day will allow us that spiritual guidance we desire every minute of every day.

First. Choose Jesus & Salvation
Second. Lay down your weapons of rebellion (repentance)
Third. Never fall away

Choose Jesus and Salvation…

Every day we are faced with decisions, some are always the same, what to eat for breakfast or what to wear today? Others are new and challenging, requiring more attention and more effort. Each day we are placed in situations that require us to decide who we will be, who we will follow…

Some of these important decisions are easy, we have already decided what course we would take if ever tempted or presented with such a trial. Some of our daily decisions we have not been so bold as too just commit to follow the Savior. And when that trial presents itself we are slow to remember our God and fail to do as Joseph of old who ran in righteousness from Potiphar’s wife.

There is power in consistency, especially when we are dealing with our salvation. God has not asked that we keep his commandments once a week, or a few times a month it was a call to always keep the commandments. Everyday we must make the valiant decision to be bold in the face of adversity and look to our God for strength. And then what marvelous blessings he will poor out upon us!

Alma 37:44-47

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.
45 And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise.
46 O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever.
47 And now, my son, see that ye take care of these sacred things, yea, see that ye look to God and live. Go unto this people and declare the word, and be sober. My son, farewell.

Lay down your weapons of rebellion…REPENT

Repenting daily,

It is the process of failing to consistently repent of lesser sins that allows the adversary to entice us to commit a major sin.

I love the story of Limoni’s father, (tell short story)

Alma 20:23

23 Now the king, fearing he should lose his life, said: If thou wilt spare me I will grant unto thee whatsoever thou wilt ask, even to half of the kingdom.

Alma 22:15

Never fall away…

The scriptures teach us that after the Lamanites were converted they never did fall away.

Alma 24:19

19 And thus we see that, when these Lamanites were brought to believe and to know the truth, they were firm, and would suffer even unto death rather than commit sin; and thus we see that they buried their weapons of peace, or they buried the weapons of war, for peace.

Sure we all make mistakes and do things that we must continually repent for, but the falling away, is the losing of ones faith and a weakening of ones testimony. Never again should we suffer that the chains of hell should drag us away from our God.

The scriptures teach that those who fall away after being converted are then more hardened and their state becomes worse…

Alma 24:30

30 And thus we can plainly discern, that after a people have been once enlightened by the Spirit of God, and have had great knowledge of things pertaining to righteousness, and then have fallen away into sin and transgression, they become more hardened, and thus their state becomes worse than though they had never known these things.

The Bible teaches that we must work out our own salvation…I am not suggesting that we stop helping others until we are sure that our souls are saved, because that would be ridicules, and not realistic. What I am suggesting is that we spend more time reflecting on our need for some intervention in our own lives.

The Doctrine and Covenants teaches that our joy will be great if we bring but one soul unto God, and that one soul has to be ourselves! It goes on to teach that if we do labor to bring more souls unto God then our joy will increase. Showing that it is still important to spend our days laboring to save Gods children. (D&C 18)

As I was reading in Alma 26 today I found a new meaning to some of the verses there;

27 Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.

If we take out one part of this verse ‘Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and’ the verse reads;

27 Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.

Do you ever get depressed, or maybe overwhelmed by sin? Sometimes weighed down by guilt and sorrow for sins that have been committed? Sure we all do, and sometime we just want to give up, turn back, but the Lord will try to comfort us and if we listen the promise is made that if we bear with patience [our] afflictions, [God] will give unto [us] success.

What is this success that he will give to us? You know I would like to believe that it is success in more then just spiritual things. I am a firm believer that spiritual and temporal go together, there is no temporal blessing that is not first earned spiritually. And if we are obedient then we will be blessed in all things, thus receiving success, both spiritually and temporally.

You see sometimes we just need to be reminded of the comforting promises that have already been made.

In verse 30 we are taught again about the one soul;

30 And we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all this, that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul; and we supposed that our joy would be full if perhaps we could be the means of saving some.

Do you ever suffer afflictions? What about the pain of trials and temptations? Again, we all do, but we go through our own personal afflictions with the means of saving some soul. That soul is us, our trials our temptations and weaknesses are ours for a purpose. They have been given to us because God knew that we could overcome them, he knew that when we did overcome them, that it would make us holy and pure. Overcoming our afflictions will sanctify us and prepare us for eternal life with our Heavenly Father. Thus, providing the joy that is felt when we are the means of saving some soul. Our own soul!

No one can save us, no one can work out our salvation for us, it is completely up to each of us to save some soul, to save our soul. Jesus made it possible, now the rest is up to us.

Sure we might think that there would be more pleasure in life with out so many laws, but we would also be subjecting ourselves to much more pain and affliction too. War would be constant, death all around us, no one to trust and there would be no society as we know it today. We would not enjoy the commodities of life, because without laws who is going to respect the natural order of things. You would no longer pay for your food, if there was a store why not just take it, there is no law that forbids it! And the list of things could go on.

There was once a law that people had to keep, that was very restricting in some cases, but a very important law. The Law of Moses.

The Law of Moses taught the people about sacrifice, faith, sin, repentance, and it contained many symbols that taught and testified about the future life and ministry of the Savior.

Why was the law given?

In Mosiah 13 we read;

29 And now I say unto you that it was expedient that there should be a law given to the children of Israel, yea, even a very strict law; for they were a stiffnecked people, quick to do iniquity, and slow to remember the Lord their God;
30 Therefore there was a law given them, yea, a law of performances and of ordinances, a law which they were to observe strictly from day to day, to keep them in remembrance of God and their duty towards him.

The law was given to help the people remember the Lord their God and to keep them on the right path. There were strict laws that they were to observe from day to day. They were taught that obedience to the law was required to obtain salvation. We learn from Mosiah 13:28 that salvation does not come by the law alone…

28 And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish, notwithstanding the law of Moses.

The law was a stepping stone part of the process that helped the people live righteously and it prepared them for the Savior and all that he would do for the salvation of man.

We know that the Law of Moses was fulfilled with the Atonement of Christ, and it is no longer required that the law as it was be followed. Our laws today, are not structured like they were in the Law of Moses, but they serve the same purpose. People need guidance they need structure to help them through everyday and the decisions that they will make each day. There is always the teenager or the investigator and sometimes even the adult that says, “oh we have so many rules, they are so restricting and I can never have any fun!”

Then when we sit back and think about the thing that we feel would be “so fun” and that we are “missing out on”. What is it? A day at the beach or lake on a Sunday, dating before we are 16, tattoos, extra piercings, and the list goes on…But really are any of these things worth risking your salvation for. Sure they seem harmless enough, but sometimes we don’t see the dangers that are associated with the defiance of these laws. We are not as wise as our Father in Heaven and to think that he is doing something other then looking out for our best interest is ridiculous. He is not trying to make our life miserable, that would be Satan’s task.

In Alma 25 we learn more about the benefits of obeying the laws…

15 Yea, and they did keep the law of Moses; for it was expedient that they should keep the law of Moses as yet, for it was not all fulfilled. But notwithstanding the law of Moses, they did look forward to the coming of Christ, considering that the law of Moses was a type of his coming, and believing that they must keep those outward performances until the time that he should be revealed unto them.
16 Now they did not suppose that salvation came by the law of Moses; but the law of Moses did serve to strengthen their faith in Christ; and thus they did retain a hope through faith, unto eternal salvation, relying upon the spirit of prophecy, which spake of those things to come.

“…the Law of Moses did serve to strengthen their faith in Christ…” And our rules and laws should do the same. We learn that blessings come through obedience to the laws. And increased faith and strength are some of those blessings!

Doctrine and Covenants 130;

20 There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—
21 And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.

Laws and rules do not keep us from the fun, they keep us from damnation. They are like signs along the road, pointing out changes in speed, holes and bumps, sharp curves up ahead and so on. If we heed the signs and follow them with exact obedience then we shall be blessed according to our faith.

CES Fireside for Young Adults

Internet Broadcast

Speaker: Elder David A. Bednar

Listen to the Fireside

A CES fireside for young adults was held on Sunday, May 3, 2009. The speaker was Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The broadcast originated from the Brigham Young University–Idaho campus in Rexburg, Idaho.

For information on worldwide broadcast times and options, see the broadcast schedule.

Click Here to see this broadcast…

Reading from Alam 19,

7 Therefore, what the queen desired of him [Ammon] was his only desire. Therefore, he went in to see the king according as the queen had desired him; and he saw the king, and he knew that he was not dead.
8 And he said unto the queen: He is not dead, but he sleepeth in God, and on the morrow he shall rise again; therefore bury him not.
9 And Ammon said unto her: Believest thou this? And she said unto him: I have had no witness save thy word, and the word of our servants; nevertheless I believe that it shall be according as thou hast said.
10 And Ammon said unto her: Blessed art thou because of thy exceeding faith; I say unto thee, woman, there has not been such great faith among all the people of the Nephites.

How amazing that this woman can have so much faith with absolutely no knowledge of the things of God! This is way I assume that Ammon said what he said in verse 10.

There is also the story of King Lamoni’s father, who is king over all the Lamanites. He also being a wicked man, comes upon his son and Ammon as they are traveling to another city to rescue Ammons brothers from prison. With King Lamoni’s father sees them together he is angry and threatens many things, even the life of his son if he does not kill the Nephite (Ammon). Lamoni’s Father contends with Ammon with the sword, Ammon over powers him and threatens to take his life, the great King in fear tells Ammon,

Alma 20;

21 Now when the king saw that Ammon could slay him, he began to plead with Ammon that he would spare his life.
22 But Ammon raised his sword, and said unto him: Behold, I will smite thee except thou wilt grant unto me that my brethren may be cast out of prison.
23 Now the king, fearing he should lose his life, said: If thou wilt spare me I will grant unto thee whatsoever thou wilt ask, even to half of the kingdom.

So the King offers to give Ammon half of his kingdom if he will spare his life…I want to fast forward to the point where King Lamoni’s father is being taught the gospel by Aaron (Ammons brother), because I think it is fascinating what the desire for the great joy of the gospel will make one wiling to forsake.

Alma 22;

15 And it came to pass that after Aaron had expounded these things unto him, the king said: What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy.

WOW! He was willing to give half of his kingdom to save his life, but to experience the joy of the gospel he is willing to give up all that he possesses.

The gospel does some amazing things for those that are truly converted to it.

As we read on, in Alma 23 it tells us that thousands of the Lamanites are converted to the gospel, and then something very amazing is said,

Alma 23;

6 And as sure as the Lord liveth, so sure as many as believed, or as many as were brought to the knowledge of the truth, through the preaching of Ammon and his brethren, according to the spirit of revelation and of prophecy, and the power of God working miracles in them—yea, I say unto you, as the Lord liveth, as many of the Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away.
7 For they became a righteous people; they did lay down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more, neither against any of their brethren.
8 Now, these are they who were converted unto the Lord:

Those Lamanites that converted to the gospel NEVER fell away! To me this is simply amazing, when we read the many chapters about the Nephites, we see a pattern of a righteousness rebellion, separation from God, repentance, being reconciled with God and then the cycle starts over. But the Lamanites a more wicked people, are converted and then never falter, never forget their God!!?

The Nephites were mostly people that were raised in the gospel, sure many were converted, but most of them were born in the church, born into families that were already converted to the gospel. So why is it that they are a more rebellious people then those Lamanites that are converted? It seems to me that the Lamanites have more to tempt them more of a past to be corrupted by. There seems to be more tools that Satan can use to drive them way from their new truths, yet they NEVER fall away!

I see this same thing in the world today. I saw it on my mission and I see it in my own life. I was born and raised in the church, yet I screwed up so much of my life by making stupid decisions. I should know better, I should be stronger, I have the background and the knowledge of the gospel. And then there are those people are converted to the church through missionary work and the power of the Spirit, and they are the more righteous and more faithful people. This is not to say that 100% of converts today never fall, because that is not the case many do, but there are also many that become stronger and more faithful then the life members that they worship with.

I often contemplate on way this is the case, but I have never found a solid reason for it. I guess what if comes down to is decision, and this is the decision that the Lamanite converts made,

Alma 23;

7 For they became a righteous people; they did lay down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more, neither against any of their brethren.

They gave their wills to their God, no longer fighting against him and what we wanted for them.

Yet sometimes we forget, we forget how blessed we really are to be members of Gods Kingdom on this earth. Never has their been so much truth and understanding made available to one dispensation, and how blessed we are to know that we were selected to come and live on this earth at this time.  Sure we live in a world that seems to be rapidly spiraling out of control, where things seem to be getting worse and worse.  Society as a whole seems to be slowly adapting to the adversary and his wickedness.  As the numbers of the church grow so do the numbers of those that get lost and give in to the temptations.

We are not the first of Gods children to go through this type of a trial or time.  It is amazing how much we can learn form the Book of Mormon and the writings provided by Prophets from a long time ago.  In Alma 9, we learn about Alma the younger and his journeys throughout the different lands teaching the Nephites and trying to correct their ways.

In verses 19-24 we learn about a people that is a lot like us, a people that have allowed temptations to win and who have hardened their hearts to the truth. I want you to noticed the words that Alma uses here, notice what he says about how a people so blessed could forget their God.

19 For he will not suffer you that ye shall live in your iniquities, to destroy his people. I say unto you, Nay; he would rather suffer that the Lamanites might destroy all his people who are called the people of Nephi, if it were possible that they could fall into sins and transgressions, after having had so much light and so much knowledge given unto them of the Lord their God;
20 Yea, after having been such a highly favored people of the Lord; yea, after having been favored above every other anation, kindred, tongue, or people; after having had all things made known unto them, according to their desires, and their faith, and prayers, of that which has been, and which is, and which is to come;
21 Having been visited by the Spirit of God; having conversed with angels, and having been spoken unto by the voice of the Lord; and having the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and also many gifts, the gift of speaking with tongues, and the gift of preaching, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the gift of translation;
22 Yea, and after having been delivered of God out of the land of Jerusalem, by the hand of the Lord; having been saved from famine, and from sickness, and all manner of diseases of every kind; and they having waxed strong in battle, that they might not be destroyed; having been brought out of bondage time after time, and having been kept and preserved until now; and they have been prospered until they are rich in all manner of things—
23 And now behold I say unto you, that if this people, who have received so many blessings from the hand of the Lord, should transgress contrary to the light and knowledge which they do have, I say unto you that if this be the case, that if they should fall into transgression, it would be far more tolerable for the Lamanites than for them.
24 For behold, the promises of the Lord are extended to the Lamanites, but they are not unto you if ye transgress; for has not the Lord expressly promised and firmly decreed, that if ye will rebel against him that ye shall utterly be destroyed from off the face of the earth?

Do you see the contrast here in these scriptures. Have we not at times allowed ourselves to forget, and as I think about that statement made by Alma in verse 19, “…if it were possible that they could fall into sins and transgressions, after having had so much light and so much knowledge given unto them of the Lord their God.” I am just disgusted at myself, how true is this statement, how is that I can be so blessed to be a member of Gods church, to have the fullness of the Gospel at my fingertips and yet I fall, time and time again. I give into temptations, I allow Satan to win my battles. I need to be better, I need to be a better example, living the gospel and abiding by Gods commandments is not that difficult. And with the light and knowledge that we have been given through baptismal covenants and temple covenants we have the power to withstand the storms and survive the battles.

When I read verse 21, I instantly thought of my mission, and the dumb mistakes that I made once I got home. Why is it that so many missionaries can give two years of their lives to the service of their God, and yet return home and quit? Some just give up, others make bad decisions which lead to years of disobedience. After the 2 years of seeing the power of God work among his children, seeing people change their lives because they were taught by the spirit of God, and then to forget, what a waste!

I am constantly thinking, if I would have been more faithful and not made some of the mistakes that I made in my life where would I be today? How different would my life be? Have I been unworthy to keep the promise that I made to my Heavenly Father in the pre-mortal life? Why have I not been as valiant in this life as I was in that one?

I don’t know the answer to these questions, and I can not change the past…But I can change the future, no more forgetting the blessings the Lord has extended to me. No more forgetting the promises that I made, no more forgetting the covenants that I have made with my God!

President Hinckley said a long time ago, “it is time for us to stand a little taller!” We need to be better, God needs us to be better!

It can no longer be an option that we as members of Gods true Church can fall! We must no longer forget who we are and who our Father in Heaven needs us to be!

I believe that it is safe to assume that those who are left after the storm has passed are Gods elect, are the truly faithful that will remain steadfast and immovable and hold to the rod.

We read about this very thing happening in the first chapter of Alam. A man comes, preaching against the church, all manner of priestcrafts, he contends with one of the men who has been appointed a teacher over the people, and seeing that the man can withstand his words with truth, he pulls out his sward and kills him in anger. He is then put to death, according to the law.

Many more follow after him, becoming wise and finding ways to persecute the saints and preach false teachings without being held accountable by the law. The persecutions became great and the lies were deceiving, driving many away from the truth. Now there were those that were able to bear their persecution with patience, they new the Lord would deliver them…

In Alma 1: we read;

24 For the hearts of many were hardened, and their names were blotted out, that they were remembered no more among the people of God. And also many withdrew themselves from among them.

25 Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them.

26 And when the priests left their labor to impart the word of God unto the people, the people also left their labors to hear the word of God. And when the priest had imparted unto them the word of God they all returned again diligently unto their labors; and the priest, not esteeming himself above his hearers, for the preacher was no better than the hearer, neither was the teacher any better than the learner; and thus they were all equal, and they did all labor, every man according to his strength.

27 And they did impart of their substance, every man according to that which he had, to the poor, and the needy, and the sick, and the afflicted; and they did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely.

28 And thus they did establish the affairs of the church; and thus they began to have continual peace again, notwithstanding all their persecutions.

29 And now, because of the steadiness of the church they began to be exceedingly rich, having abundance of all things whatsoever they stood in need—an abundance of flocks and herds, and fatlings of every kind, and also abundance of grain, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious things, and abundance of silk and fine-twined linen, and all manner of good homely cloth.

30 And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need.

31 And thus they did prosper and become far more wealthy than those who did not belong to their church.

WOW! Even in their times of trials did they obey the commandments, and more then that they lived the law of consecration, giving of what they had to bless their brother both in and out of the faith.

And we see that they were blessed, extensively blessed, given all that they stood in need of. Having more then they needed of everything.

While those that were unfaithful or not marked among the believers were not blessed, and were left to their own ways. How much better life is, when we are obedient to our Gods laws and we do all that we can to live steadfast and immovable in his word.