3 Nephi - Chapter 4

Lots of interesting lessons on economics in this chapter.  The robbers couldn't imagine a time when resources would not sustain them.  They expected there would always be plenty for the taking.  Our government officials seem to have the same mentality.  While we don't call them robbers, they seem to have the same motives, to take from the producers and distribute to those who've done no producing.  Already we're beginning to see that it won't sustain itself any more than it did for the Gadiantons.  I suppose there will come a time, when like in Ayn Rand's novel Atlas Shrugged, those upon whose backs the current system rides will have had enough and withdraw from the system, causing it to collapse.  I think we are increasingly living a Plutocracy that is operated quite similarly to the Gadianton system.  Neither system is just.  Neither system can long survive.

The Nephites survived this mess because they chose leaders who were prophets and then followed them.  We may do the same.  How many of us though, will say, "But I want my share of the pie and join the wrong team?

3 Nephi - Chapter 3

Giddianhi was quite the spin doctor.  I doubt if he believed the things he wrote to Lachoneus.  If he did he was also stupid.  Thankfully, Lachoneus wasn't conned by his opponent's malarkey.  I wonder who Giddianhi thought they'd plunder and rob from if everybody united themselves with the Gadianton Robbers?  Its a lot like today.  Who will pay the taxes if everybody gets on welfare?

I love Lachoneus' inspired strategy.  It is tempting to do the same thing today.  Imagine what would happen if the United States completely withdrew from the rest of the world.  Imagine if all the money and lives we spend abroad were brought back home and we simply defended our borders and lived here, isolated in our own land.  Surely, our enemies would we caught in a wilderness of their own making and find themselves in a world of hurt.

Now I'm not advocating that we do that.  Not yet at least.  There is much good that is being done abroad that helps innocent, deserving people.  People whose lives would be devastated by the departure of our presence and influence.  Are there negative consequences to our present policy?  Of course.  But I think the good far outweighs the bad.

I know of families who are presently using Lachoneus' tactics.  They've withdrawn from the world and from the influence of their enemies by home schooling their children.  I have two very fine, very good friends who did this and who now, publicly lament their choice.  They both have come to believe that we are to "be in the world, but not of it."  They both believe now, that they cheated their children by withdrawing them from the world.  I think they also cheated the world.  Now, I suppose there a ways to home school without withdrawing from the world, but these two brethren, didn't find such a way.

I believe there may come a time when we, like the Nephites, are called upon, even forced to collectively withdraw from the world for our safety.  But that time is not yet.  We must mix with the rest in order to be the leaven of the loaf.  If and when we withdraw, it will most certainly mean the destruction of those not invited to join us.  We Latter-day Saints are the children of Abraham and it is ordained that through us and our influence and our presence, that the balance of God's children may be blessed.  If we, for our own safety and selfish concerns, choose to withdraw from the world, it will be to our condemnation.  We are called to bring light into dark places.  If we do, the light will dispel the darkness.

Let us follow the prophet.  He has invited us to go into ALL the world and share the light of the gospel.  If the time ever comes that we must do otherwise; we'll also have a prophet then.  One who will, like Lachoneus, give us appropriate counsel for our time.

3 Nephi - Chapter 2

This chapter describes something I love about Church membership, or the fellowship of the Saints.  Along with that fellowship comes a true brotherhood and sisterhood.  Our differences dissolve and we become one.  This is not to say we lost our individuality.  It is not to say that we become homogenized.  It just that with one heart we love and are loved and stand united in our love for the Savior.

The big distinctions in our relationships with others have nothing to do with our country of origin.  It is not a matter of high birth or skin color.  The biggest distinction lies in whether or not we choose the Savior as our guide.

Ultimately, when the line gets drawn in the sand of eternity the distinction will be who stands on the Lord's side.  Who?

3 Nephi - Chapter 2

This chapter describes something I love about Church membership, or the fellowship of the Saints.  Along with that fellowship comes a true brotherhood and sisterhood.  Our differences dissolve and we become one.  This is not to say we lose our individuality.  It is not to say that we become homogenized.  It just that with one heart we love and are loved and stand united in our love for the Savior.

The big distinctions in our relationships with others have nothing to do with our country of origin.  It is not a matter of high birth or skin color.  The biggest distinction lies in whether or not we choose the Savior as our guide.

Ultimately, when the line gets drawn in the sand of eternity the distinction will be who stands on the Lord's side.  Who?

3 Nephi - Chapter 1

Talk about high drama!  Right down to the wire, the believers' lives are at stake.  Some have criticized this as indicative that The Book of Mormon is fiction.  I on the other hand, believe that it was a matter of God giving the Nephites enough rope to hang themselves with.  We are all tested and tried and the endurance, patience part of our trials seem to be the most critical and therefore the most beneficial.  We could all have faith and trust if it were for only a moment.  The trial comes in awaiting the Lord's timing, which is perfect.

Helaman - Chapter 16

Samuel was a wake up call for some.  Might he be a wake up call for us?  He could.  We could choose today  to respond to his call to repentance.  Why would we wait?  We can make excuses.  I'm sure the Nephites did.  "I'm not listening to no Lamanite!"

15 Nevertheless, the people began to harden their hearts, all save it were the most believing part of them, both of the Nephites and also of the Lamanites, and began to depend upon their own strength and upon their own wisdom,

Interesting that we harden our own hearts.  Soft hearts depend upon God.  Hard and hardened heart depend upon their own strength.  How much history do we have to read before we get this.  How difficult is it to observe that depending upon one's own strength always ends in disaster.  We may delude ourselves into thinking it is otherwise, but it the end, everyone discovers the truth.  Hard hearts learn the hard way.

Helaman - Chapter 15

7 And behold, ye do know of yourselves, for ye have witnessed it, that as many of them as are brought to the knowledge of the truth, and to know of the wicked and abominable traditions of their fathers, and are led to believe the holy scriptures, yea, the prophecies of the holy prophets, which are written, which leadeth them to faith on the Lord, and unto repentance, which faith and repentance bringeth a change of heart unto them-

  8 Therefore, as many as have come to this, ye know of yourselves are firm and steadfast in the faith, and in the thing wherewith they have been made free.

I love Mormon's observation that having a change of heart amounts to being made free.  Sin is bondage or the captivity of the devil.  Faith in Jesus Christ, Repentance which leads to that liberating change of heart.

A change of heart is not a one time event.  I ask for a new heart every day.  Repentance and redemption are a process.  In Elder Bruce R. McConkie's wonderful song I Believe in Christ the phrase is "..He ransoms me.."  not He ransomed me.  Big difference.  Ransom: to make free.

Helaman - Chapter 14

Prophet after prophet in The Book of Mormon and yet the message is the same - faith and repentance.  Why are we so slow to accept the fact Jesus is the way, the only way?  Why to mortal men continue to seek happiness and salvation in other ways?  It just fills my heart with sorrow that we, including myself, waste so much of our lives in selfish fruitless pursuits that yield nothing by heartache and sorrow.

The message of salvation is so beautiful, so joyous and yet we persist in doing things the hard way.  Repentance is such a wonderful gift, as are it's resulting blessings.  I hope there were some in Samuel's audience who had ears to hear.  As I read his teachings in my heart the words of the old Testament echoed in my heart, "how long I have gathered you as a hen gathered her chickens and ye would not."  What a bunch of dumb clucks we are.  And yet, "his hand is stretched out still."  Still, the prophets beckon us to come partake of the waters of life and for the most part, we will not.  Just like the Nephites we are ripening for destruction.  Just like the Nephites we are too caught up in the things of this world.  Just like the Nephites we are seeing and anticipating signs and wonders that indicate His coming.  Just like the Nephites, I'm concerned that we will not heed the warnings and invitations of the prophets until it is too late and that long period of destruction and darkness awaits.

While the time frame of five years may not apply directly, everything else Samuel declared from the walls of Zarahemla, have direct and literal application in our lives today.  Will we shoot arrows and throw stones or will we, finally, come unto Christ and the shelter of His wings.

Helaman - Chapter 13

Such a  time.  The Lamanites are righteous and the Nephites are not.  Someone once said that the two biggest surprises we'll find in Heaven will be who is there and who is not.  Such is the kind of arrogance we can easily fall into if we think our righteousness has anything to do with who we are.  Our righteousness is wholly a function of who God is.  It is about humility rather than pride.

While it is true that "man is that he might have joy."  Samuel the Lamanite makes it plain that the endless pursuit of happiness in the realm of iniquity is an absolutely fruitless endeavor.  I have a friend who asked why I was so happy.  He complained that he wanted happiness.  He had been certain that when he made his million dollars he would be happy.  Failing that, he shot for ten million.  Having achieved that goal and still finding himself unhappy, he approached me, bewildered about the elusive gift of joy.  Without elaborating on his life, it was obvious he'd put his eggs in the wrong basket.  Well might he learn from Samuel the Lamanite.

Helaman - Chapter 12

Here Mormon takes a breather from his abridgment to do a little editorializing.  He draws the basic conclusion we all might draw from the story of the Nephites.  He reiterates God's promise that we might prosper in the land if we will keep the commandments.  But that because of pride, the refusal to acknowledge the Hand of God in all things, the promise is frequently revoked.  We can clearly see the same cycle happening in the modern day land of promise.  Not only do we see it collectively though, I for one, can see the same cycle in my own life.  I can only express gratitude for a loving Father who has graciously extended my probation that I might, yet again give righteousness and prosperity a try.  How grateful I am that I was not a casualty of my own infidelity in the past and remain to try one more time, to enjoy His blessings while remaining humble and grateful.  I am thankful for the cycle though, for it has taught and prodded my to a deeper understanding and love for my Savior.  I just know that another crash into prideful rebellion may be my last and more devastating than I can imagine.

I rejoiced today as I read verse twenty-five and noticed that Mormon has selected the word some when he was referring to those who would, in the end, be lost.  He might have chosen many, or multitudes or few, but instead he left it open to discovery.  It truly remains to be seen who will choose bondage and sorrow over freedom and joy.  So to me, some, then becomes a hopeful word for me and for you.  One day in the Temple  one of the Presidency spoke to us.  In his remarks he quoted Wilford Woodruff, I think.  I wish I could reference the quote for you.  Essentially, it said that the vast majority of the people for whom we were laboring in the Temple, were accepting the work.  They were receiving the ordinances and the blessings of the Atonement.  This was a thing I had not before supposed.  What a joyful, hopeful statement.  The vast majority will enjoy the blessings of Exaltation and only some will choose otherwise.  Praise God! that His a Plan of Salvation not one of damnation!

Helaman - Chapter 11

It is always pride that takes the Nephites and Lamanites down.  I can't help but wonder about the cycle that took place within this very chapter.  First they were humbled by famine and so they returned to the Lord.  He blessed them and they rejoiced and the church flourished.  Here's where I wonder.  At this point they're doing great, or are they?  Could it be that they are merely going through the motions?  Could it be that they are keeping the commandments, but only a measure to get what they want from God rather than giving God what He wants - their hearts?  Could it be that going through the motions, without completely, humbly, surrendering our will, turns out to be a hollow unsustainable venture?

I think it could.  In fact I think it was so.  I know this from experience.  You see I've had my own pride cycles, throughout my life.  Each time I repented and turned to the Lord by redoubling my efforts; I began to depend upon my efforts, rather than depending upon God.  Depending upon my own efforts, while it may have looked good on paper IE, attendance rolls, etc., was utterly exhausting and ultimately unsustainable, because all it amounted to was pride.  It was the notion that I could save myself.

Since I gave up that notion and began to depend, wholly, upon God; He has sustained me and the cycle has stopped.  Humility is, after all, the fully accepted awareness of our utter dependence upon God.  A dependence that not only includes that which sustains physical life, but spiritual life as well.

Helaman - Chapter 10

 I don't know of any sweeter words spoken to mortal man that these:

   4 Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments. 

   5 And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will.

How wonderful would it be to have such words spoken to me.  I suspect that at this moment, Nephi's calling and election is made sure.  I would like to come to a point at which it might be said of me that I have not sought mine own life but only to do the will of the Father.  It is my hope and dream to become sufficiently humble that such a state could be true.

As I look around me, I sure can see a ton of evidence to the contrary.  I've certainly spent a lot of time and resources seeking my own wants and desires.  I think my attitudes are changing and pray there is yet time enough to utterly lose myself in His service.  Time yes, and trust.  I hope I can trust Him enough to let him be the driver and so doing, let Him take me where he will.

I love this story, because amid all the wickedness and turmoil, amid all the sorrow and betrayal, here we find, for one man, the sweetest approbation of all.  Clearly the message is that it could be thus for each of us as well and that all the excuses we might muster are as naught.   

Helaman - Chapter 9

 These men are they who have murdered the judge, and God has smitten them that they could not flee from us.

This is an interesting statement from verse 8.  Here are people who have rejected Nephi's message, yet still profess to believe in God.  They profess to believe that God punishes the wicked, but somehow seem to excuse themselves.

This is also a common practice today.  So many profess to believe in God while excusing their own wickedness. They seem to think they'll be redeemed in their sins while everyone else will be punished for theirs.  I think reality calls for us to look inside our own selves a lot more and pass judgement upon others a lot less.

While Nephi's prophecy regarding the Chief Judge was enough to turn the tide for some, it is remarkable that many still chose to explain it away.  How blessed are those who in humility are able to admit in the face of truth that they are weak and do err.  How sad for those who won't.

Helaman - Chapter 8

Apparently Nephi wasn't very politically correct as he "spake plainly."  So like often happens these days he got shouted down by those who were desirous to remain in power and who were threatened by the truth.

The truth threatens all who seek to do wickedly and those who seek to stir up anger in the population.  Today we have  those who would stir up anger on both side of the aisle.  I think it might be wise to beware of all of such.  I think it is such a telling thing to realize the level of trust we have for our leaders, no matter which political persuasion.  Most of us are fully aware that our leaders have more political self serving intentions than they have in the interest of the public good.   It follows then, that Nephi's warnings apply today as well.  We, unless we repent must also expect destruction.  The solution to the problem remains the same as well, "look to God and live!"

Helaman - Chapter 7

One wonderful thing I've overlooked in the past as I've read this story, is that Nephi was audibly lamenting the wicked choices of the people.  I guess, heretofore, I thought of him as angry and condemning.  As I consider his tower prayer and subsequent conversation with the people, I see him in a different light.

Nephi is not condemning the people; they've already condemned themselves.  He is sorry for their choices because he loves and cares about them.  He only wants their happiness.  It appears that he knows they know how miserable they've made themselves and he invites them to repent so they can once again experience the joy and peace of righteous living.  A call to repentance is a call to happiness, not a call to compliance.

We believe in agency after all.  Far better that we invite to joy than to scold or cajole to conformity.  I believe that it was Nephi's genuine remorse for their suffering that compelled the people to gather to him.  Had he been hollering threats instead, they'd probably have stayed away.  Look around, no body is more cognizant of threat and doom and gloom than are those who have turned their backs on the Lord.  They don't need to be told of their fate, they're living in it.  They need to be compassionately invited to step into the light and peace and joy of forgiveness.

Helaman - Chapter 6

37 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did hunt the band of robbers of Gadianton; and they did preach the word of God among the more wicked part of them, insomuch that this band of robbers was utterly destroyed from among the Lamanites.

I think this is one of the most remarkable scriptures in the entire Book of Mormon.  The Lamanites destroyed the Gadianton Band not with weapons of war and strategy of battle.  They preached the word of God to them and did so with such power that even the more wicked among the Gadiantons were converted and abandoned their wicked ways.

If we were to actually, trustingly liken this scriptures unto ourselves, who would we teach the gospel to?  Who would we cease to judge unworthy of God's precious gifts?  I spoke to a youth group the other day.  The Spirit was there in abundance.  During my testimony I felt to promise those young people that in their lifetimes they would witness miracles the like of which the world has never seen.  Now, I've never felt I had the spirit of prophecy, but looking back on that statement, I have no doubt that it will come to pass.  Since that occasion I've come to wonder what those miracles might be.

Could we see the Muslim nations embrace the gospel?  Could we see Temples in Riyadh, or Kabul, Jakarta?
Can we expect to find Wards and Stakes across the breadth of China?  I don't have any idea what marvelous things might transpire in our lives.  This much I do know.  The miracles and blessings that will most please the Lord will not transpire as a result of military conquest, or because of shifts in economic or political boundaries.  Those miracles will come because of the powerful preaching of God's word among his children, even the more wicked part of them.

Earlier in the chapter mention is made of the Lamanites preaching to the Nephites with power.  Too often, our preaching lacks power.  I personally think that part of that power comes of the authority of experience.  The testimony of God's grace, goodness and redeeming love becomes powerful as we share our own very real and poignant experience with those things.  So it was with Alma.  Also, Amulek.

If we are trying to persuade folks to seek the blessing of being born again, might it not seem pretty hollow if, in fact, we have not yet been born again ourselves?  Can you see how speaking of that, or another principle of the Gospel gains power when taught and testified of from our own personal experience?  Can you see how the Spirit might lend greater strength to such a testimony too?  We need to prepare ourselves to teach with such power.

Helaman - Chapter 5

In the last chapter things looked pretty bleak.  Now in this Chapter a few righteous individuals, who had not given up hope and who persisted in faith and who trusted the Lord, stepped forward and with God's divine assistance, changed everything.

The scriptures don't admonish us to bellyache about our afflictions.  They don't teach us to whine and complain about the faults and failings of others.  They don't teach us to quit hoping for the recovery of the lost, the strengthening of the weak or the softening of hardened hearts.

While I think there is a place for entering into the political arena and seeking through legal and legislative means to turn things around; this chapter seems to indicate that the real, effective, lasting answer to society's problems was and is the simple sharing of the gospel facilitated and made efficacious by the power and witness of  the Holy Ghost.  You might put your money and effort behind this political party or that candidate.  As for me, my money is on the missionaries and primary teachers and home teachers and other humble Saints who, like Nephi and Lehi, focus their efforts of sharing the blessed news of the gospel of Christ.

Helaman - Chapter 4

According to the footnote, this chapter encompassed eight short years from 38 to 30 BC.  During that short period of time they experienced an marked decline in their righteousness, their liberty, their prosperity.  How have we done in the past eight years of our lives?  Could the same thing be said of us?  Collectively, it is plain to see that we are not prospering as we once did.  How are we doing spiritually?  How are we prospering militarily?  Economically?  Environmentally?

If we watch the news, we hear a pretty gloomy state of affairs.  I'll let you judge whether or not we have reached the bottom of our present decline.  Might I suggest that we notice in the following chapters, how quickly things could turn around if we were to humble ourselves and trust the Lord.  We can take a nose dive alarmingly fast as is apparent to all.  It is important to observe that the Lord can help us recover just as quickly if we will individually and then collectively turn to Him in humility and faith.  Consider the eight years between 1941 and 1949.

I, for one, am very hopeful for the next eight years.  I see many who have chosen to humble themselves because of the current level of dismay.  The most important things to watch for in the next few chapters are the means by which the marvelous improvements take place.  They don't come by military might and intellectual mastery.  They come by the Spirit as people humble themselves and yield their hearts to God.  How much nicer it would be if we would just stay humble.

Helaman - Chapter 3

35 Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.

I think this is one of the great verses in all of scripture.  There is so much I cannot do for myself.  I cannot resurrect myself, I cannot redeem myself, I cannot live, eat or breathe without the sustaining grace of God.  But I can fast and pray often.  In so doing I can increase in humility and faith.  The best, most joyful, most satisfying, most beneficial thing I ever did was yield my heart to God.  Have I done it perfectly?  Of course not.  Is there much room for improvement?  Absolutely!  But the joy, peace and blessings that have come from giving my heart to God to the extent that I have been able, has been so magnificent that my only desire is to submit to his will with ever more entire submission.

Helaman - Chapter 2

Here's another example of Satan and his minions failing to support their own.  Kishkumen cooks up his evil plans and secret club and Gadianton takes over and gets all the credit.  Then, on another errand when found out, Satan doesn't bother to warn Kishkumen, he just seals his fate and gathers him up to hell.

I liked the initiative taken by the servant of Helaman.  It's nice when servants see what needs to be done and just step up and do it.  Don't you suspect that servant was prompted by the Spirit to protect the Lord's anointed?  I do.  The Lord does not fail to support His own.  This is not to say that bad things don't happen to good people; they do.  But, you can count on the Lord's purposes to be upheld and we are much more likely to be supported while carrying out what God has called us to do.  Then, when we've done all the Lord has asked of us, whether we live or die is of little lasting consequence.   

Helaman - Chapter 1

I think it is so horrendously sad how many times the cycle of pride, dissension and destruction had to repeat itself in the Nephite history.  Mostly, it appears, the Lamanites were pawns in the process.  Usually, it was a wicked Nephite who stirred them up to do battle.  So many times the righteous Nephites chose to forebear the shedding of Lamanite blood and sent them home or even off to live with the Ammonites in Jershon.  I think these righteous Nephites were fully aware that the Lamanites were being used as fodder for the wicked purposes of their own dissenters.  It must have been woefully tiresome, to have to continually deal with the wickedness of their fellows.

Such is the nature of agency.  We were fully informed before we chose and entered into mortality that we'd likely become the victims of someone's mistreatment.  We were fully aware of those risks and we chose to come anyway.  In the end, it doesn't really matter what afflictions we suffer or in what manner we die.  What really matters is, given the choice, that we chose compassion and righteousness.  This principle is likely to matter in our lives every bit as much as it did in the days of Helaman and Moronihah.

Alma - Chapter 63

I have Maori friend who says ancient Maori chants delineate a long line of ancestors tracing back to one named Hagota.  If this it happens that Hagoth and Hagota are one and the same, it seems to indicate that the Polynesians may have descended from Nephites rather than Lamanites.  Of course there might not be any connection at all.  One thing is for sure.  The Polynesians are children of Israel and fulfill the promise given to their Father Abraham that through them all the earth would be blessed.  I can trace the strength of my own faith back to one such inspired descendant of Lehi.

The Introduction in the current edition of The Book of Mormon states that the Lamanites are "among the ancestors of the American Indians."  Again, I have had broad experience with these indigenous people and find the Covenant of Abraham apparent in their lives and service.

I don't know if the seafaring history of Polynesia and Haida Gwaii are directly related to Hagoth and his voyages, but it seems likely and very intriguing.  I can't help but wonder how far he sailed and to what extent he spread the blood of Israel as a result of his voyages.  A Nephew of mine served among the Ainu, indigenous people of Japan, some of whom also lay claim to Book of Mormon ancestral connections.

Alma - Chapter 62

I think Ammoron had one too many M's in his name, if you catch my drift.  (Hint, remove the first M and leave the space blank.)  Teancum was pretty good at getting to the root of a problem.  I hope to meet him one day.

41 But behold, because of the exceedingly great length of the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become hardened, because of the exceedingly great length of the war; and many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility.

It is interesting that the affliction of war hardened some and softened others.  Apparently, it is a choice.  We all have affliction of one sort or another.  Do we let it humble and soften us?   Or do we let it harden and embitter us?  The important realization is that which of the two choices we take is up to us and NOT up to our circumstances.  Remember Lehi reminded us that we are free to act and not be acted upon.  We get to choose our response to the things that happen to us.

Alma - Chapter 61

The polarizing effect of "much flattery" is with us today.  In this case it is a matter of telling the population what they want to hear and making promises of some advantage or other.

We get that all the time from both sides of the political spectrum.  Dishonesty, spin, promised favors to special interests are destroying our political system.  I don't blame the politicians so much as those among us who want special entitlements not equally available to all.  If every citizen were more individually responsible, politicians would have no advantage in making promises of special favors.  Satan will use the divisiveness of greed and flattery to destroy us if we let him.  We are not called upon to take up arms at present, but we can take a stand against dishonesty, greed and corruption in our governmental systems.  The attitude, "If I don't take this money from the government, someone else will." is a destructive notion and causes the perpetuation of the programs and policies that are wasting our strength.

Alma - Chapter 60

I love this chapter.  When I was serving as a missionary in Dumaguete, Philippines this chapter was influential in our receiving an answer to our prayers.  Dumaguete is a university town with a highly educated population.  Elder Johnson and I were the first Elders to serve there.  We brought a case of Book of Mormons with us when we arrived.  So interested were the people in this new book of scripture that we ran out in a very short while.  We ordered more from the Mission Home in far away Manila, but they didn't come.  We ordered again and again and still no books.  Weeks turned into months and we had no scriptures to share with out contacts.  We began to take orders which we intended to fill as soon as the stock arrived.  Approaching four months in the community our order list was approaching 1200 books and still no supplies.  One evening I opened The Book of Mormon and read this chapter.  I inspired me.  It was the end of the week, time to write and mail reports.  In my report I wrote of our severe need to have our ever growing requisition of books.  To emphasize the seriousness of our predicament I addressed the report to Pahoran and signed it Captain Moroni.  We received 1400 books the following week.  It took nearly a month to get them all distributed.

While I probably wouldn't  have gone to Manila, sword in hand, to collect them; I was profoundly grateful for the scriptural reinforcement that finally persuaded the Mission Home to respond to our need.  The Elders up there eventually admitted that it took that letter to finally get them to take us seriously.  The scriptures come in pretty handy and the do have the answers we need.

Alma - Chapter 59

Helaman's success compounded Captain Moroni's problems, yet Moroni still rejoiced in Helaman's success.  Rather than being jealous, angry or feeling sorry for himself, Moroni realized the real problem.  There remained a number of the Nephites who chose not to seek or be worthy of the blessings they collectively needed.  Section 121 of the Doctrine and Covenants teaches us that if our thoughts are filled with virtue (this is virtue in the broader sense, including all that is wholesome and good) then our confidence with wax strong in the presence of the Lord.  This works individually and as groups.  If some of the group aren't making right choices then it stands to reason that confidence in the outcome for the group will diminish in the minds and hearts of all, even the righteous.

You and I may be justified in lacking confidence in America, or the world for that matter.  Fortunately, we also belong to smaller groups.  Some of which, the church being the classic example, are prospering because a vast majority of that group share the confidence of which we speak.  The same could be said of our own local communities and families.  Of course it applies to our own individual lives.

Alma - Chapter 58

More important than the battle field armor the warriors in this chapter wore was the Armor of God.  Obtained through prayer they were spiritually outfitted with miraculous protection.

10...."we did pour out our souls in prayer to God, that he would strengthen and deliver us.

This humble expression of need and of dependence upon God and His grace had wonderful results.

11  "Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him." 

Not only to these faithful men attribute their deliverance to God.  They also acknowledge that God is the source of their assurance, faith, peace and hope.  Sometimes we seem to think we need to conjure those things up for ourselves.  Not so, God is the source of all that is good.  He not only requires that we have faith, He supplies it at our request.  As well as peace, assurance, hope and deliverance.  He is so very good to those who seek Him.

I think this story puts what He expects of us in a sweet nutshell.  First, He expects us to be humble, to recognize Him as the source of our deliverance; both physically and spiritually.  Second, He expects us to ask for His grace.  Then, having been fortified by Him as an answer to our prayers, must go forth and carry that peace, assurance faith and hope into demonstrated action.  (See verse 13)  How wonderful that in doing so, their deliverance wasn't easy, but resulted in success without the loss of a single life.  What a miracle!  Especially considering that they were out numbered, out provisioned, outside fortifications.  We may be at similarly apparent disadvantages in our lives but may rest assured that we, if we follow the Nephite's example, may enjoy similar outcomes in the battles we face.

Alma - Chapter 57

One of the characteristics that distinguished the Stripling Warriors was firmness of mind.  Among the definitional nuances of the word firm, we find the term settle.  The Stripling Warriors had settled the matter, their minds were made up.  They'd decided where they stood and didn't have to waste time making up their minds as each new crisis arose.  Another nuance of firm is strengthen.  As we strengthen our muscles by exercise so might we strengthen our minds.  Do we hit the mental gym often enough to eliminate flab from our minds?  Might we?  Heres another facet of the definition, vigorous.  This implies activity and enthusiasm, these young men had set their minds to something that inspired and invigorated them.  How about steady and steadfast and resolute, or even improve.  All qualities of firmness.  We too, can have firm minds if we settle them on obedience, faith and loyalty.

I can think of no higher praise than to be said to have a firm mind.  I say this being one who has spent the majority of his life with a mind that was mush.

Alma - Chapter 56

I love that Helaman "supposed" that God would care for the people of Ammon, as well as the Nephites who cared for them, because the Ammonites were keeping their covenants.  Might we not suppose that God will also care for us when we keep our covenants?

Verse 28 seems to indicate that when the Nephites went off to war they took their wives and children with them.  While, logistically, this must have been enormously difficult, think what it meant for morale.  Even more, when compared to modern experience, think what it mean to morality.  I don't know what policies apply in the current wars.  But WWII, Korea and Vietnam were stained by military assisted prostitution.

How wonderful to thing that though the horror of war was very real for these Nephite soldiers, their families were close by to sustain, support and motivate them in their cause.  Which cause was to defend their homes and families as well as their liberty.  My heart breaks as I see families on TV tearfully sending their heroic husbands, fathers and sons off to war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

One mother called me recently, full of grief and fear as her son was soon to be deployed to Afghanistan.  She wanted to know if there was church support over there.  I made some phone calls and helped them make some connections.  I was so gratified to discover that the church was strong and widely present in that war zone.  He'll have plenty of support.  Imagine, having your wife and children close by, rather than far away at home.  Of course these days, no husband would want his family in harm's way.  What a blessing it is to have Skype and Oovoo.  Soldiers can talk and look into the loving eyes of their loved ones and express their love frequently from so far away.

Alma - Chapter 55

I amuses me that Satan is incapable of supporting his own.  He cajoles, entices and tempts but he never helps, even when it might be to his own advantage.  He certainly helped the Lamanites become desperate for alcohol.  He had them convinced that wine would strengthen them.  He had them fully involved in an unholy war in which they were taking innocent lives and casing mayhem and hardship.  He had them set up as lords over a large population of prisoners with every intention of imprisoning the whole Nephite nation.  Satan's plans were working out so well.  Then Laman shows up with a cart load of booze and Satan's followers can't resist.  Surely, Satan could see what was about to happen, but it appears he still couldn't bring himself to warn his minions.  That's the kind of thing the Holy Ghost would do.  Satan couldn't even consider warning his followers, even if it was to his own advantage.  And this is why he can never win, because he destroys everything and everyone he conquers so that in the end he'll be left with nothing.  He is the destroyer and will end up destroying every thing he subjects.

Alma - Chapter 54

If the history of the Nephite/Lamanite wars had been written by the Lamanites it would have been entirely different.  That is evident as we see Captain Moroni's views of the conflict when compared with Ammoron's view.  Clearly, in this story it is evident that Moroni's view is honest and accurate while his opponent is trying to spin the facts to his own advantage.  Nevertheless, if the only account we had of this story came from Ammoron, we might have a totally different understanding of the account.

I'm confident Moroni's account is true because of the promise of Moroni 10:4 wherein we're given the invitation of check the book's veracity directly with the Lord.  While, it would be unlikely that Ammoron would have included such a promise in his account, the promise remains true.  Each of us could examine that account equally well by approaching God in prayer, "with a sincere heart" and asking God if it's true.  Whereby we might know for ourselves that it is not.  This is a vital concept in today's world.  History is being written, rewritten even reinvented all the time.  When we are taught things in today's more secular books, news and other media, even there we may, through prayer and discernment, know the truth of all things.

Alma - Chapter 53

As we observe the pride cycle repeated over and over in The Book of Mormon we sometimes find ourselves shaking our heads in wonder about the Nephites.  The fact that many wavered, dissented and otherwise let pride rule their lives in well documented.  Still, it is very apparent, that while all suffered because of those who strayed, there were also many who remained faithful, humble, valiant and true.

This chapter seems to me to be a tribute to those who remained righteous.  They did so under great duress and grave danger.  They did so in at great sacrifice.  They must have been extraordinarily faithful.  I think the most telling of the evidences is their willingness to defend the people of Ammon who were Lamanites.  This was a time when it would have been easy to be prejudiced against Lamanites.  Yet living among them were a large population of Lamanites that these Nephites defended at the peril of their own lives.  Even when the people of Ammon offered to break their covenant and take up arms to assist in the defense of their country these marvelous people said no, insisting that the Ammonites keep their covenants with the Lord.

Additionally, these are people who were forced to stand up to Nephites who had dissented from among them.  How many difficult decisions had they made?  How many people who had worshiped along side them, been members of their families, married their own sons and daughters had chosen wrongly and had now become mortal enemies?

I can only admire their courage, tenacity and faith.  It must have been difficult to stand against the wind of affliction in a storm such as this, but stand they did.