God is With Us

Alma 56:46—“…Behold our God is with us, and he will not suffer that we should fall.”

There is a truth about life that is not only important to accept, but also understand; God will allow us to experience the hardest of trials. Never forget that He will also provide away for us to overcome and learn from each of the challenges we face in life. In the 56^th chapter of the book of Alma, we learn a divine attribute of our loving Heavenly Father from the courageous strippling warriors.

These young men rose to the challenge of going to battle to fight for the liberty of their families. Being young and outnumbered, they had every reason to fear and run away from this trial. However, they chose to stand tall, put their trust in God and go to work. In verse 47, we learn the reason why they did not fear death. “…if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.” This precious truth taught to them by their mothers gave them exceedingly great courage. As they were obedient to every command with exactness, they were successful and the lives of their families were blessed.

Doubt is one of Satan’s greatest tools. At times, we let doubt creep into our lives and we live under our potential. Allowing doubt to control our thoughts restricts us from being actively engaged in a good cause. As soon as we decide to cast out all doubt, we receive strength and courage from our faith in the Lord. Putting our trust in God will always result in success. Perhaps a temporary failure will teach us valuable lessons, but continual confidence in God will infinitely lead to success and progression.

Use Boldness, but not Overbearance

Alma 38:11-12—“See that ye are not lifted up unto pride; yea, see that ye do not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength.

12 Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness.”

The 38^th chapter of Alma is one of my favorites because it contains so many precious yet simple teachings that can impact our lives greatly if we apply the commandments Alma teaches exhorts son Shiblon to keep. Verse 11 reads, “See that ye are not lifted up unto pride…”. Pride is the beginning of all problems. We are continually encouraged by prophets of God to avoid pride and stay humble.

Verse 12 contains several guidelines for molding our character into something closer to Christ’s. What does it mean to use boldness, but not overbearance? I once served as a full-time missionary in the greatest mission ever; the Taiwan, Taipei mission. Many missionaries have the responsibility to use boldness and not overbearance on a daily and even hourly basis. A bold missionary humbly bears testimony and gives as many people as they can an opportunity to feel the spirit. An overbearing missionary tends to force others to listen and neglects their opinions, beliefs and needs. This principle is applicable to “civilian” (non-missionary… even though every member is a missionary) life in our relationships with others. We must respect others. Yes, we must always stand for what is right and do good things and all of that, but this must never lead to attacking someone personally.

I know that as we diligently the teachings in these short verses along with the countless teachings found throughout a study of the Book of Mormon, we can become better people, we will be “filled with love” and create a safer and happier environment to be in.

Burrying Our Weapons of War

Alma 24:19—“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.”

As children of God living in this mortal world, we all fight daily battles. These battles are often between us and some outside source of evil trying to destroy our lives. Sometimes the daily battle is fought within, between a desire to do good and a natural tendency to do evil. Seen and unseen battles of both forms are difficult to fight.

In the twenty-fourth chapter of Alma, we read the story of a group of converted Lamanites who would “suffer even unto death rather than commit sin...” Originally, their unconverted Lamanite brethren were angry with them. They were so angry that they decided to go to war with these newly converted followers of Jesus Christ. At some point before the battle, the converts later known as the Anti-Nephi-Lehies, hear a powerful testimony shared to them by their king. Inspired by his words and motivated by their love of Christ, the Anti-Nephi-Lehies decided to bury their weapons deep inside the Earth. They covenanted to never use their weapons again to shed blood.

Sometimes we face battles that we shouldn’t be facing in the first place. Occasionally, our pride acts as a weapon, destroying our humility and creating contentions. We should consider daily what weapons of war we can bury to create peace in our lives.

What are You Willing to Give?

Alma 22:15—“Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy.”

The Book of Mormon contains many significant accounts of missionaries and their experiences of helping others come unto Christ. One of these valiant missionaries, Aaron, had the unique opportunity to be of great service to the King of all the land. Originally, that was Aaron’s humble offer to the king; to simply be his servant. However, the king denied the offer and became curious when he realized Aaron was one of Ammon’s brethren.

The King continues to ask Aaron questions about the things spoken of by Ammon. Aaron then magnifies his ultimate calling as a servant of the Lord, and teaches and testifies of God. He also teaches the king of the joy we find in following Jesus Christ. The king becomes so desirous to obtain this joy Aaron describes, that he declares he would be willing to give up all that he owns. In verse 15 of chapter 22 the king askes Aaron, “What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which though 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.”

Unlike this eager king, many of us have already received this great joy, or felt it in some degree in our lives. It is import however, that we frequently ask ourselves, “What am I willing to give up that I may continue to have this pure joy from the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life?” or better, “What more must I give up in order to become more committed to following our Savior?”

Can Ye Feel so Now?

Alma 5:26—“And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?”

How many times a day do you feel the love of God swelling within your soul? Do you remember the last time you felt the power of redemption through Christ take hold of you? I feel the Lord has given us sufficient means as to embrace these joyful emotions daily. As we strive to faithfully live a life devoted to righteousness and following the Savior, we can feel “to sing the song of redeeming love” constantly and let this song drive our actions to the benefit of our life and the lives of those around us.

I testify of the Gospel; the truthfulness of it, and the joy it brings into our lives. Mosiah 4:11 reads, “… as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have tasted of his love, and have received a remission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, …and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily,…”

The key to continually feeling such peace and joy in our lives is to REMEMBER. Always remember Him. I would suggest the reason we are commanded to pray daily, is to help us to always remember him. As we humble ourselves and strive to follow Him daily, it becomes easier to have retain in our hearts the greatest sense of happiness.

Trusting in the Lord

Mosiah 23:22, 24:13-15—“(22) …whosoever puteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day. (15) …the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.”

I’ve realized the two most powerful life lessons learned from studying the Book of Mormon are: 1. Jesus Christ is our Redeemer and we are saved in and through His atoning sacrifice, and 2. Life is full of challenges. Both lessons one and two are blessings we should be thankful to Heavenly Father for every day. We’ll always be thankful for the Atonement and how it effects our eternal existence, but have you ever thanked God for your challenges?

Some may think a loving God would never let His people go through hardships and trials. However, I’ve come to learn that God loves us enough to let us face challenges. There is no growth in the comfort zone, and there is no comfort in the growth zone. I would also suggest God chastens us to help us always remember Him. He wants us to turn to Him and partake of the true joy that comes through following Jesus Christ and applying the principles of his gospel. However, we wouldn’t be able to do so if we don’t encounter the challenges of life.

So how do we find joy even when facing hard times, and how can we be grateful for those hard times? Chapters 21 through 24 of Mosiah tell the story of two different groups of people; the people of Limhi, and the people of Alma. Both groups of people were in bondage, but they handled the trial in two separate ways. Limhi and his people complained and tried to handle their problems in their own prideful ways, neglecting the hand of the Lord. Three times, they struggled in feebleness attempting to power their own way out of bondage, and three times they failed. Finally, they humbled themselves down to the dust and depths of humility, and began to “cry unto the Lord”. The Lord slowly eased their burdens.

They second group of people, the people of Alma, never forgot the Lord in their afflictions. Even after a sentence of death was threatened to anyone who would pray to God, the people of Alma poured out their hearts to God, and God heard them as he does all prayers. Mosiah 24 verse 14 reads, “And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.”

As we put our trust in God, and know that he will come to us in times of need, we will find happiness, even in times of struggle. Know there are always opportunities of growth and learning found in challenges. Always remember Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will provide their enabling grace to those that seek for it in their lives.

”Don't ever think you're by yourself. Take a stand for that which is right, and the world may misunderstand you and criticize you, but you never go alone, for somewhere I read that ‘One with God is a majority,’ and God has a way of transforming a minority into a majority. Walk with him this morning and believe in him and do what is right and he'll be with you even until the consummation of the ages. Yes, I've seen the lightning flash, I've heard the thunder roll, I've felt sin's breakers dashing trying to conquer my soul but I heard the voice of Jesus saying still to fight on, he promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone”—Martin Luther King, Jr.

In the Service of Our God

Mosiah 2: 17-18—“(17) …when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. (18) Behold, ye have called me your king; and if I, whom ye call your king, do labor to serve you, then ought not ye to labor to serve one another?”

The first few chapters of the book Mosiah, contains one of the greatest sermons found in holy scriptures. As we read this powerful speech delivered by King Benjamin we learn of different teachings and doctrine of the gospel. He speaks about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how salvation can only come in and through Christ. He mentions the role of prophets and the importance of overcoming the “natural man” in each of us through submissiveness, meekness, humility, patience and love. He also urges us to be active in serving others.

Service is an act of help or work motivated by humility and love that is performed for someone else. I believe in the simple happiness that we create for ourselves through hobbies, or successes small and big, or many other things. However, I have found that no happiness compares to the joy felt as you put forth honest effort in making others happy. As you serve others sincerely, there comes a special power that can bring light to not only the receiver’s darkest days, but also the giver’s.

King Benjamin prophetically declares that “when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” When we are happy, Heavenly Father is happy. We operate as tools in the hands of the Lord as we serve others. An act of service directly blesses the life of who we are serving, and God’s tender mercies flow into our lives as we are honest in service.

I see a symbolic nature in verse 18 of chapter 2 as we relate it to our lives. Who do we call our King? We proclaim Jesus Christ to be the King of Kings. In what ways has your King labored to serve you? Our Savior has served us in infinite measures. We can humbly choose to follow His example and constantly be seeking opportunities to serve another. Our lives can become more meaningful as we apply such a divine privilege daily.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”—Mahatma Gandhi

A Wrestle Before God

Enos 1: 5-6—“(5) And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed. (6) And I, Enos, knew that God could not lie; wherefore, my guilt was swept away.”

I grew up in a family of 5 boys. That’s one older brother and 3 younger than me. I don’t think I have to say much else for you to guess there’s always been plenty of rough-housing. I think of opposition when it comes to wrestling. And oh what great feelings of satisfaction and joy come when you are triumphant, both in physical wrestles (especially when your little brother who’s actually bigger than you, thinks he take you) and in spiritual wrestles.

These spiritual wrestles may come in different forms. Maybe you feel prompted to do something, but aren’t exactly comfortable with the idea of doing it. Perhaps you’ve already done something that’s making you uncomfortable because you shouldn’t have done it, and now you must figure out how to fix it. Whatever shape these spiritual wrestles come, they tend to be a bit more difficult than physical wrestles.

A common theme found in the Book of Mormon is the power of forgiveness that can flow into our lives through faithful application of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Sometimes we do make mistakes, we sin. We can receive a forgiveness of these mistakes, and this forgiveness is truly a one of the greatest forms of happiness one can embrace. However, before we feel this incredible power, there tends to be a wrestle. Please don’t let this make you hesitant to seek for that power in your life. I say you shouldn’t be hesitant, because these wrestles happen “before” God. God is on our side, and He is fighting with us.

Something I’ve learned in life is nothing worth keeping is easy getting. I’ve also found that it is in the struggle that we learn the most. We come to find and know ourselves, and we become better through it. One of the best fights we can make in this life is to be honest with ourselves. What is holding you back from your potential? What is getting in the way of your true happiness? Find it. Fight it. With the help of God, you can overcome.

The Vineyard of the Lord

             Jacob 5: 24—“And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said again unto his servant: Look hither, and behold another branch also, which I have planted; behold that I have nourished it also, and it hath brought forth fruit.”

              One of my favorite passages of scripture is found in the book of Jacob. Chapter 5 is where we find the illustrious Allegory of the Olive Trees. Jacob quotes another prophet named Zenos, relating the allegory. Basically, the allegory is a representation of us, our interaction with the world and our relationship with the Lord.

              Zenos was prophetically explaining the scattering and gathering of Israel. However, as we diligently read and ponder on the meaning of this allegory, we realize the personal applications. I don’t know much about gardening. Much is mentioned about pruning and digging and so forth. The Lord will prune us, or take things from our lives that are hindering us from achieving our potential. He will dig around the roots of our soul, in other words drive us to be humble. He will nourish us with His word, through His servants, in His way. He will graft new blessings into our daily lives. Finally, He will burn those things that are of no importance.

              I’m grateful for the process by which the Lord develops us. At times it may seem hard, bitter, never-ending, lonely. But in the end, the Lord’s work and His glory is to make us happy. Look to the future and trust Him.

Follow the Prophet, Don't Go Astray.

              Jacob 4: 6—“Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy…”

              Prophet: a person who speaks for God, or by divine inspiration. I believe in Prophets of God. In other words, I believe in a loving Heavenly Father who is willing to speak to us through his chosen servants. We frequently refer to the living prophet of God as the Lord’s mouthpiece. Today, we are blessed to have the loving guidance of our dear prophet and current president of the Church, Thomas S. Monson.

              President Monson receives revelation directly from the Lord for the benefit of us. Us! It seems as if there’s this odd misconception that the one I see as a literal servant of the Lord, is considered someone who is lying to us. Those of us who have humbly followed the counsel of holy prophets of God can boldly join me in proclaiming that is far from the truth. Prophets have been called of God to lead us. To protect us. To bring us come closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. To help us have happiness in greater abundance.

              Chapter 4 in the book of Jacob shares key principles in our attitude towards following the prophet. Receiving the words of the prophets with thankful hearts can help us recognize the blessings bestowed in our lives, and will raise us to a higher plane of living allowing us to receive a fullness of blessings prepared for us. Obedience is the key to happiness in this life. Prophets are the key to learning obedience.

              I’m grateful for the continuation of the Lord’s generous pattern in calling prophets. Our prophet speaks to us frequently. Most recently he’s encouraged us to sincerely show Christ-like love in our interactions with others in a message called titled As I Have Loved You. What a holy privilege we have in listening and heeding the words of the Prophet. I know that as we do so, it can bring power and hope into our daily lives.

              “The words of the prophets are like manna to our souls.”—Carl F. McConkie

Bringing the Power of Deliverance into Our Lives

2 Nephi 9: 21—“And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto this voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of every living creature, both men, women and children… “

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the single most important principle and doctrine of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the life blood of the Gospel, and the core of everything we know, feel, and do as we strive to follow the example of Jesus Christ. Experiencing joy the Atonement provides should be our life-long goal and our day to day desire. I am grateful for the power that it can bring into our lives. This power of “deliverance” is the healing and saving power that the Redeemer Himself intends to lift us with.

Imagine you’ve made a big mistake (this shouldn’t be hard because chances are we each have, myself included). This mistake has probably brought pain, maybe physical, most likely emotional. The guilt from this mistake weighs you down to the point where regret is just too small of a word to describe your feelings. There is a law that keeps everything in order, so of course you must pay for this mistake. That is what Justice requires. Now imagine your own brother steps in and says, “I will pay the price.”

The purpose of Jesus Christ coming to Earth was to meet the demands of justice. In what we call His Atonement for mankind, he suffered for our sins. As we study the scriptures we learn that he experienced all the “pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind..” (Alma 7:11). However, our Savior didn’t do this just so we could be freed from our sins. He experienced all of these things so that He may know how to help and to save us.

He came into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have given us this gift of grace because they love us dearly. If we will but “hearken unto his voice” the power of deliverance which comes in and through the Atonement of Jesus Christ will carry us. The greatest blessing that comes from following Christ and applying the principles of the Gospel into our lives isn’t just becoming cleansed but also being changed.

God desires our happiness and will raise us to become something greater than we are if we strive to do what He has asked of us. They way we bring the power of deliverance into our lives is simply by diligently obeying the Gospel. Follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. Love God. Do all that we can to stay humble and faithful. The Atonement is infinite in reach and perfect by design. God will not fail us. Come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.
             

              “Some injuries are so hurtful and deep that healing comes only with help from a higher power and hope for perfect justice and restitution in the next life. . . . You can tap into that higher power and receive precious comfort and sweet peace.”—James E. Faust

Knock, and it Shall be Opened unto You

1 Nephi 15: 8—“… Have ye inquired of the Lord?”

Life is for learning. A few months ago, I was searching high and low for a new car. As I looked at hundreds of potential buys, I would always ask myself one question, “Can this car get me from A to B?” (and most cars listed in the KSL classifieds couldn’t). However, I hope that when we examine our lives we do not ask ourselves, “Have I made it to B?” or “Will I ever make it to B?” Instead I hope that we can have faith. I pray that I can constantly look forward in confidence and know that the Lord will provide a way for me to make it to ‘B’. I also feel it is important that we ask ourselves, “What have I learned or what have I become in the process of traveling to point B?”

Life is full of questions. These questions are the foundation of our learning. Each question we face faithfully and courageously helps us to grow. I feel like the Lord will occasionally let us face confusion and uncertainty. He wants us to turn to him and inquire of Him. 1 Nephi 15 proceeds the account of Lehi’s dream and later Nephi’s vision, which is an interpretation of his father’s dream. In the first few verses, we read yet another interesting interaction between Nephi and his elder brothers. Nephi understands what his father is teaching, his brothers do not. Keep in mind they all heard their father’s dream at the same time. They each heard it the same way the others did. But there was a big difference between what Nephi did with the information he received and what his brothers did.

Nephi is an excellent learner. He desired to know what Lehi was talking about, and he believed that the Lord was able to teach him what it meant. He pondered in his heart and then received revelation in the same manner as his father. Laman and Lemuel disputed over the subject. When Nephi asked them, “..have ye inquired of the Lord?” they told him they had not, because they did not believe the Lord would answer their question.

Heavenly Father is the creator of the universe. He is all-knowing, and gives freely to those that ask. So why do we not ask? Doubt can be overcome as we humble ourselves, ask by the prayer of faith, and wait patiently for him to answer. I know God answers prayers. He may not do it when we want him to, or in the way we want him to, but He will answer our faith filled prayers. When we receive answers from a sincere inquiry to the most high, it brings much peace into our lives. This knowledge we gain shapes and defines our lives. It helps us to become what God needs us to be along the path from A to B.

The next time you have a question that just seems unanswerable, I challenge you to ask yourself, “Have you inquired of the Lord?” I promise that as we do so with a sincere hear and pure intent, we will receive answers.

              “The best way to obtain truth and wisdom is not to ask from books, but to go to God in prayer, and obtain divine teaching”—Joseph Smith Jr.

Don't just go through trials, Grow through trials.

1 Nephi 2: 15—“And my father dwelt in a tent.”

The Book of Mormon contains eternal truth and simple teachings that can bring joy into our daily lives and divine direction in an ever so darkening world.  A common theme found in this volume of holy scripture is that happiness is within our reach. I believe in a loving God who is the father of our spirits. He wants to see His children succeed, find true joy, and become something greater than what we are now, although He is very proud of how hard we work and how far we’ve come.

As we read from the pages of the Book of Mormon, we learn that God usually does not teach us in the most comfortable circumstances. I grew up in the church (I’ll be forever grateful for that, mom and dad). I’ve studied the Book of Mormon for Seminary, Sunday School, personal study, and even daily with my family. Every time I came across 1 Nephi 2:15, I thought the passage was a little irrelevant. Never have I thought it had any significant meaning, until class on Wednesday (Religion 275. Go Cougs. Go Brother Griffin).

The “tent” that Lehi dwelt in represents the stepping stone between the sacrifices he’s made to obey the commandments of the Lord (WILLINGLY), and the “promised land” or the blessings (happiness) promised to us by our loving Heavenly Father. Remember, Lehi and his family most likely enjoyed a great life back in Jerusalem. Leaving was indeed a sacrifice, but it was necessary for fulfilling the purposes of God. Again remember, that purpose is our success. Our happiness. Our potential.

When you find yourself in your “tents”, be faithful. At times we (I’m included in ‘we’) let our environment or our circumstances get the best of us. Life is hard. However, location does not determine happiness. I’m certain Lehi was happy in that tent of his. Be confident that God is making you great in something we call the refiner’s fire. Know that Heavenly Father has happiness and joy in store for us, so long as we keep His commandments and endure to the end. GROW through trials!

              “Don’t let distractions or circumstances keep you from your future.” -Jim Rohn