Read: Alma 27-29
Mark: Alma 27:27
True converts are those who "listen to the teachings and testimonies of missionaries and change their lives, leaving the past behind and moving forward into a new life." --President Gordon B. Hinckley
To ponder:
What is zeal? What difference does it make to have "zeal towards God"?
Monday, June 30, 2014
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Day 50, June 29, 2014
Get back on schedule: Use your reading chart (or this blog) to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through: Alma 26.
OR,
If you are up-to-date on your reading, take time to study Alma 17.
To ponder:
What are the things that make the sons of Mosiah successful missionaries? What is your duty in sharing the gospel now and preparing for future full-time missionary service?
OR,
If you are up-to-date on your reading, take time to study Alma 17.
To ponder:
What are the things that make the sons of Mosiah successful missionaries? What is your duty in sharing the gospel now and preparing for future full-time missionary service?
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Day 49, June 28, 2014
Read: Alma 24-26
Mark: Alma 26:11-12
"As children of God we are somebody. He will build us, mold us, and magnify us if we will but hold our heads up, our arms out, and walk with him. What a great blessing to be created in his image and know of our true potential in and through him! What a great blessing to know that in his strength we can do all things!" --Elder Marvin J. Ashton
To ponder:
What do you think some of the "mighty miracles" may be that the Lord will work through you?
Mark: Alma 26:11-12
"As children of God we are somebody. He will build us, mold us, and magnify us if we will but hold our heads up, our arms out, and walk with him. What a great blessing to be created in his image and know of our true potential in and through him! What a great blessing to know that in his strength we can do all things!" --Elder Marvin J. Ashton
To ponder:
What do you think some of the "mighty miracles" may be that the Lord will work through you?
Friday, June 27, 2014
Day 48, June 27, 2014
Read: Alma 21-23
Mark: Alma 22:15-18
"No part of walking by faith is more difficult than walking the road of repentance. However, with 'faith unto repentance,' we can push roadblocks out of the way, moving forward to beg God for mercy...One simply surrenders, caring only about what God thinks, not what 'they' think...Giving away all our sins is the only way we can come to know God." --Elder Neal A. Maxwell
To ponder:
What are you willing to give to know Him?
Mark: Alma 22:15-18
"No part of walking by faith is more difficult than walking the road of repentance. However, with 'faith unto repentance,' we can push roadblocks out of the way, moving forward to beg God for mercy...One simply surrenders, caring only about what God thinks, not what 'they' think...Giving away all our sins is the only way we can come to know God." --Elder Neal A. Maxwell
To ponder:
What are you willing to give to know Him?
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Day 47, June 26, 2014
Read: Alma 19-20
Mark: Alma 20:17
"Anger is not an expression of strength. It is an indication of one's inability to control his thoughts, words, his emotions...When the weakness of anger takes over, the strength of reason leaves." --President Gordon B. Hinckley
To ponder:
When is it most difficult to control your anger? Why is it important to stay in control of your thoughts, words, and actions?
Mark: Alma 20:17
"Anger is not an expression of strength. It is an indication of one's inability to control his thoughts, words, his emotions...When the weakness of anger takes over, the strength of reason leaves." --President Gordon B. Hinckley
To ponder:
When is it most difficult to control your anger? Why is it important to stay in control of your thoughts, words, and actions?
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Day 46, June 25, 2014
Read: Alma 17-18
Mark: Alma 17:2-3
"Fasting can help us overcome personal flaws and sins. It can help us overcome our weaknesses--help them become strengths. Fasting can help us become more humble, less prideful, less selfish, and more concerned about the needs of others. It can help us see more clearly our own mistakes and weaknesses and help us be less prone to criticize others...Throughout the scriptures the term fasting is usually combined with prayer...Fasting without prayer is just going hungry for 24 hours. But fasting combined with prayer brings increased spiritual power." --Elder Carl B. Pratt
To ponder:
What experiences have you had with fasting?
Mark: Alma 17:2-3
"Fasting can help us overcome personal flaws and sins. It can help us overcome our weaknesses--help them become strengths. Fasting can help us become more humble, less prideful, less selfish, and more concerned about the needs of others. It can help us see more clearly our own mistakes and weaknesses and help us be less prone to criticize others...Throughout the scriptures the term fasting is usually combined with prayer...Fasting without prayer is just going hungry for 24 hours. But fasting combined with prayer brings increased spiritual power." --Elder Carl B. Pratt
To ponder:
What experiences have you had with fasting?
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Day 45, June 24, 2014
Read: Alma 14-16
Mark: Alma 14:10-11
"The right question to ask is not why good people have trials, but how shall good people respond when they are tried?" --Elder Marion D. Hanks
"Suffering can make saints of people as they learn patience, long suffering and self-mastery. The sufferings of our Savior were part of his education."
To ponder:
How do you respond to adversity?
Mark: Alma 14:10-11
"The right question to ask is not why good people have trials, but how shall good people respond when they are tried?" --Elder Marion D. Hanks
"Suffering can make saints of people as they learn patience, long suffering and self-mastery. The sufferings of our Savior were part of his education."
To ponder:
How do you respond to adversity?
Monday, June 23, 2014
Day 44, June 23, 2014
Read: Alma 12-13
Mark: Alma 13:2-4
"God has saved for the final inning some of His strongest and most valiant children...Make no mistake about it--you are a marked generation. There has never been more expected of the faithful in such a short period of time than there is of us...The final outcome is certain--the forces of righteousness will finally win. But what remains to be seen is where each of us personally, now and in the future, will stand in this battle--and how tall we will stand. Will we be true to...our foreordained mission? --President Ezra Taft Benson
To ponder:
To what callings do you think you've been foreordained?
Mark: Alma 13:2-4
"God has saved for the final inning some of His strongest and most valiant children...Make no mistake about it--you are a marked generation. There has never been more expected of the faithful in such a short period of time than there is of us...The final outcome is certain--the forces of righteousness will finally win. But what remains to be seen is where each of us personally, now and in the future, will stand in this battle--and how tall we will stand. Will we be true to...our foreordained mission? --President Ezra Taft Benson
To ponder:
To what callings do you think you've been foreordained?
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Day 43, June 22, 2014
Get back on Schedule!
Use your reading chart to find the chapters that you still need read to be caught up through: Alma 11
OR
If you're up to date on your reading, take time to study Alma 5
What are some of the questions Alma asks in order to ponder the process of becoming converted or reborn?
Use your reading chart to find the chapters that you still need read to be caught up through: Alma 11
OR
If you're up to date on your reading, take time to study Alma 5
What are some of the questions Alma asks in order to ponder the process of becoming converted or reborn?
Friday, June 20, 2014
Day 42, June 21, 2014
Note: I am posting Saturday's reading a bit early! :)
Read: Alma 10-11
Mark: Alma 11:42-44
"What a comfort to know that all who have been disadvantaged in life from birth defects, from mortal injuries, from disease, or from natural deterioration of old age will be resurrected in "proper and perfect frame." --Elder Dallin H. Oaks
To ponder:
How does it bring you hope knowing that because of Christ we will all live again?
Read: Alma 10-11
Mark: Alma 11:42-44
"What a comfort to know that all who have been disadvantaged in life from birth defects, from mortal injuries, from disease, or from natural deterioration of old age will be resurrected in "proper and perfect frame." --Elder Dallin H. Oaks
To ponder:
How does it bring you hope knowing that because of Christ we will all live again?
Day 41, June 20, 2014
Read: Alma 7-9
Mark: Alma 7:11-12
"To succor means to 'run to.' I testify that in my fears and in my infirmities the Savior has surely run to me. I will never be able to thank Him enough for such personal kindness." -- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
To ponder:
Why is it helpful to remember that the Savior knows what it's like to have your problems?
Mark: Alma 7:11-12
"To succor means to 'run to.' I testify that in my fears and in my infirmities the Savior has surely run to me. I will never be able to thank Him enough for such personal kindness." -- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
To ponder:
Why is it helpful to remember that the Savior knows what it's like to have your problems?
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Day 40, June 19, 2014
Read: Alma 5-6
Mark: Alma 5:14, 26
"The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature." --President Ezra Taft Benson
To ponder:
What would someone see in your countenance?
Mark: Alma 5:14, 26
"The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature." --President Ezra Taft Benson
To ponder:
What would someone see in your countenance?
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Day 39, June 18, 2014
Read: Alma 2-4
Mark: Alma 2:18, 28
"Safety can't be won by tanks and guns and airplanes and atomic bombs. There is only one place of safety and that is in the realm of the Almighty God that he gives to those who keep his commandments and listen to his voice." --President Harold B. Lee
To ponder:
Why were the Nephites strengthened by the Lord? How can we receive the Lord's help in the challenges we face?
Mark: Alma 2:18, 28
"Safety can't be won by tanks and guns and airplanes and atomic bombs. There is only one place of safety and that is in the realm of the Almighty God that he gives to those who keep his commandments and listen to his voice." --President Harold B. Lee
To ponder:
Why were the Nephites strengthened by the Lord? How can we receive the Lord's help in the challenges we face?
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Day 38, June 17, 2014
Read: Mosiah 29 - Alma 1
Mark: Alma 1:6, 16
"The Nephite prophets repeatedly identified the wearing of costly clothing with apostasy and failure to live by gospel standards." --Elder Bruce R. McConkie
To ponder:
What might your way of dressing say about you?
Mark: Alma 1:6, 16
"The Nephite prophets repeatedly identified the wearing of costly clothing with apostasy and failure to live by gospel standards." --Elder Bruce R. McConkie
To ponder:
What might your way of dressing say about you?
Monday, June 16, 2014
Day 37, June 16, 2014
Read: Mosiah 26-28
Mark: 26:29-30
"You always need to confess your sins to the Lord. If they are serious transgressions, such as immorality, they need to be confessed to a bishop or stake president. Please understand that confession is not repentance. It is an essential step, but is not of itself adequate. Partial confession by mentioning lesser mistakes will not help you resolve a more serious, undisclosed transgression. Essential to forgiveness is a willingness to fully disclose to the Lord and, where necessary, His priesthood judge all that you have done." --Elder Richard G. Scott
To ponder:
Why is confession an essential part of repentance?
Mark: 26:29-30
"You always need to confess your sins to the Lord. If they are serious transgressions, such as immorality, they need to be confessed to a bishop or stake president. Please understand that confession is not repentance. It is an essential step, but is not of itself adequate. Partial confession by mentioning lesser mistakes will not help you resolve a more serious, undisclosed transgression. Essential to forgiveness is a willingness to fully disclose to the Lord and, where necessary, His priesthood judge all that you have done." --Elder Richard G. Scott
To ponder:
Why is confession an essential part of repentance?
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Day 36, June 15, 2014
Get back on schedule!
Use your reading chart to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through:
Mosiah 25
or
If you're caught up to date with your reading, take time to study:
Mosiah 14-15
To ponder:
Abinadi quoted Isaiah to testify of the Savior. What did Isaiah teach about Christ? What can you learn about the Savior from Abinadi's testimony?
Use your reading chart to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through:
Mosiah 25
or
If you're caught up to date with your reading, take time to study:
Mosiah 14-15
To ponder:
Abinadi quoted Isaiah to testify of the Savior. What did Isaiah teach about Christ? What can you learn about the Savior from Abinadi's testimony?
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Day 35, June 14, 2014
Read: Mosiah 24-25
Mark: Mosiah 24:14-15
"We should seek to be happy and cheerful and not allow Satan to overcome us with discouragement, despair, or depression." --Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin
To ponder:
How can we submit more cheerfully to the will of the Lord?
Mark: Mosiah 24:14-15
"We should seek to be happy and cheerful and not allow Satan to overcome us with discouragement, despair, or depression." --Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin
To ponder:
How can we submit more cheerfully to the will of the Lord?
Friday, June 13, 2014
Day 34, June 13, 2014
Read: Mosiah 21-23
Mark: Mosiah 23:21-22
"Life is full of difficulties, some minor and others of a more serious nature. There seems to be an unending supply of challenges for one and all. Our problem is that we often expect instantaneous solutions to such challenges, forgetting that frequently the heavenly virtue of patience is required." --President Thomas S. Monson
To ponder:
When is it most difficult for you to be patient? Why is patience important?
Mark: Mosiah 23:21-22
"Life is full of difficulties, some minor and others of a more serious nature. There seems to be an unending supply of challenges for one and all. Our problem is that we often expect instantaneous solutions to such challenges, forgetting that frequently the heavenly virtue of patience is required." --President Thomas S. Monson
To ponder:
When is it most difficult for you to be patient? Why is patience important?
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Day 33, June 12, 2014
Read: Mosiah 18-20
Mark: Mosiah 18:8-10
"We show by our behavior what we believe. Surely we are standing as witnesses of God when we sustain his living prophets, especially when we know what it means to sustain. We will abide by the direction and counsel of the prophets. We indeed become witnesses when we make this solemn covenant." --Sister Janette Hales Beckham
To ponder:
What commitments are part of our baptismal covenant? In what ways do you try to keep those commitments?
Mark: Mosiah 18:8-10
"We show by our behavior what we believe. Surely we are standing as witnesses of God when we sustain his living prophets, especially when we know what it means to sustain. We will abide by the direction and counsel of the prophets. We indeed become witnesses when we make this solemn covenant." --Sister Janette Hales Beckham
To ponder:
What commitments are part of our baptismal covenant? In what ways do you try to keep those commitments?
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Day 32, June 11, 2014
Read: Mosiah 15-17
Mark: Mosiah 17:11-12
"You don't need to compromise your standards to be accepted by good friends. The more obedient you are...the more the Lord can help you overcome temptation. You can also help others because they will feel your strength. Let them know about your standards by consistently living them...No one intends to make serious mistakes. They come when you compromise your standards to be more accepted by others. You be the strong one. You be the leader. Choose good friends and resist peer pressure together." --Elder Richard G. Scott
To ponder:
Why did King Noah not resist the pressure from the evil priests? What helps you to resist peer pressure?
Mark: Mosiah 17:11-12
"You don't need to compromise your standards to be accepted by good friends. The more obedient you are...the more the Lord can help you overcome temptation. You can also help others because they will feel your strength. Let them know about your standards by consistently living them...No one intends to make serious mistakes. They come when you compromise your standards to be more accepted by others. You be the strong one. You be the leader. Choose good friends and resist peer pressure together." --Elder Richard G. Scott
To ponder:
Why did King Noah not resist the pressure from the evil priests? What helps you to resist peer pressure?
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Day 31, June 10, 2014
Read: Mosiah 12-14
Mark: Mosiah 13:15
"When I was a little boy...I came home from school one day, threw my books on the table, and took the name of the Lord in vain in expressing my relief that school was out for the day. My mother heard me. She was shocked. She took me by the hand and led me to the bathroom...then proceeded to wash my mouth out with that terrible soap...and then said, 'Don't let me ever hear such words from your lips again.' The taste was terrible. The reprimand was worse. I have never forgotten it, and I hope that I have never used the Lord's name in vain since that time." --President Gordon B. Hinckley
To ponder:
How can we keep the Lord's name sacred?
Mark: Mosiah 13:15
"When I was a little boy...I came home from school one day, threw my books on the table, and took the name of the Lord in vain in expressing my relief that school was out for the day. My mother heard me. She was shocked. She took me by the hand and led me to the bathroom...then proceeded to wash my mouth out with that terrible soap...and then said, 'Don't let me ever hear such words from your lips again.' The taste was terrible. The reprimand was worse. I have never forgotten it, and I hope that I have never used the Lord's name in vain since that time." --President Gordon B. Hinckley
To ponder:
How can we keep the Lord's name sacred?
Monday, June 9, 2014
Day 30, June 9, 2014
Read: Mosiah 9-11
Mark: Mosiah 9:17, 10:10-11
"The enabling and strengthening aspect of the Atonement helps us to see and to do and to become good in ways that we could never recognize or accomplish with our limited mortal capacity. I testify and witness that the enabling power of the Savior's Atonement is real." --Elder David A. Bednar
To ponder:
In what ways do we depend on our own strength? How can we more fully receive the strength of the Lord?
Mark: Mosiah 9:17, 10:10-11
"The enabling and strengthening aspect of the Atonement helps us to see and to do and to become good in ways that we could never recognize or accomplish with our limited mortal capacity. I testify and witness that the enabling power of the Savior's Atonement is real." --Elder David A. Bednar
To ponder:
In what ways do we depend on our own strength? How can we more fully receive the strength of the Lord?
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Day 29, June 8, 2014
Get back on schedule!
Use your reading chart (or this blog) to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through: Mosiah 8
OR
If you're up to date with your reading, take time to study Mosiah 3-4
Once we've felt the Lord's forgiveness, how do we retain the remission of our sins?
Use your reading chart (or this blog) to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through: Mosiah 8
OR
If you're up to date with your reading, take time to study Mosiah 3-4
Once we've felt the Lord's forgiveness, how do we retain the remission of our sins?
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Day 28, June 7, 2014
Read: Mosiah 5-8
Mark: Mosiah 5:2-7
"No one can be born again without baptism, but the immersion of water and the laying on of hands to confer the Holy Ghost do not of themselves guarantee that a person has been or will be born again. The new birth takes place only for those who actually enjoy the Gift or companionship of the Holy Ghost, only for those who are fully converted, who have given themselves without restraint to the Lord." --Elder Bruce R. McConkie
To ponder:
How can you more fully give yourself to the Lord to experience the mighty change of heart?
Mark: Mosiah 5:2-7
"No one can be born again without baptism, but the immersion of water and the laying on of hands to confer the Holy Ghost do not of themselves guarantee that a person has been or will be born again. The new birth takes place only for those who actually enjoy the Gift or companionship of the Holy Ghost, only for those who are fully converted, who have given themselves without restraint to the Lord." --Elder Bruce R. McConkie
To ponder:
How can you more fully give yourself to the Lord to experience the mighty change of heart?
Friday, June 6, 2014
Day 27, June 6, 2014
Read: Mosiah 3-4
Mark: Mosiah 4:30
"Work at keeping your thoughts clean by thinking of something good. The mind can think of only one thing at a time. Use that fact to crowd out ugly thoughts. Above all, don't feed thoughts by reading or watching things that are wrong. If you don't control your thoughts, Satan will keep tempting you until you eventually act them out." --Elder Richard G. Scott
To ponder:
What helps you control your thoughts?
Mark: Mosiah 4:30
"Work at keeping your thoughts clean by thinking of something good. The mind can think of only one thing at a time. Use that fact to crowd out ugly thoughts. Above all, don't feed thoughts by reading or watching things that are wrong. If you don't control your thoughts, Satan will keep tempting you until you eventually act them out." --Elder Richard G. Scott
To ponder:
What helps you control your thoughts?
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Day 26, June 5, 2014
Read: Mosiah 1-2
Mark: Mosiah 2:17
"Our focus should be on righteousness, not recognition, on service, not status. The faithful visiting teacher, who quietly goes about her work month after month, is just as important to the work of the Lord as those who occupy what some see as more prominent positions in the Church. Visibility does not equate to value...When we understand why we serve we will not worry about where we serve." -- President Howard W. Hunter
To ponder:
How often do you serve?
Mark: Mosiah 2:17
"Our focus should be on righteousness, not recognition, on service, not status. The faithful visiting teacher, who quietly goes about her work month after month, is just as important to the work of the Lord as those who occupy what some see as more prominent positions in the Church. Visibility does not equate to value...When we understand why we serve we will not worry about where we serve." -- President Howard W. Hunter
To ponder:
How often do you serve?
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Day 25, June 4, 2014
Read: Jarom - Words of Mormon
Mark: Jarom 1:5
"We have become a nation of pleasure seeking Sabbath breakers...What fits the purpose of the Sabbath? Activities that contribute to greater spirituality...I don't believe that it is possible to keep our spirituality on a high plane by spending our Sabbaths on the beach, on the golf course...or in our own homes...looking at the television." --President Ezra Taft Benson
To ponder:
How can you more fully keep the Sabbath day holy?
Mark: Jarom 1:5
"We have become a nation of pleasure seeking Sabbath breakers...What fits the purpose of the Sabbath? Activities that contribute to greater spirituality...I don't believe that it is possible to keep our spirituality on a high plane by spending our Sabbaths on the beach, on the golf course...or in our own homes...looking at the television." --President Ezra Taft Benson
To ponder:
How can you more fully keep the Sabbath day holy?
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Day 24, June 3, 2014
Read: Jacob 6 - Enos
Mark: Enos 1:4
"How many of you, with or without serious transgressions, have ever prayed all day and into the night? Have you ever wept and prayed for many hours? How many of you have prayed for five hours? for one? for thirty minutes? for ten?" -- President Spencer W. Kimball
To ponder:
How often do you cry unto the Lord in mighty prayer? How can you make prayer more meaningful?
Mark: Enos 1:4
"How many of you, with or without serious transgressions, have ever prayed all day and into the night? Have you ever wept and prayed for many hours? How many of you have prayed for five hours? for one? for thirty minutes? for ten?" -- President Spencer W. Kimball
To ponder:
How often do you cry unto the Lord in mighty prayer? How can you make prayer more meaningful?
Monday, June 2, 2014
Day 23, June 2, 2014
Read: Jacob 5
Mark: Jacob 5:61-62
"Give me a young man who has kept himself morally clean and has faithfully attended his Church meetings. Give me a young man who has magnified his priesthood and has earned the Duty of God Award and is an Eagle Scout. Give me a young man who is a seminary graduate and has a burning testimony of the Book of Mormon. Give me such a young man, and I will give you a young many who can perform miracles for the Lord in the mission field and throughout his life." -- President Ezra Taft Benson
To ponder:
How can you prepare now to labor diligently in the Lord's vineyard?
Mark: Jacob 5:61-62
"Give me a young man who has kept himself morally clean and has faithfully attended his Church meetings. Give me a young man who has magnified his priesthood and has earned the Duty of God Award and is an Eagle Scout. Give me a young man who is a seminary graduate and has a burning testimony of the Book of Mormon. Give me such a young man, and I will give you a young many who can perform miracles for the Lord in the mission field and throughout his life." -- President Ezra Taft Benson
To ponder:
How can you prepare now to labor diligently in the Lord's vineyard?
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Day 22, June 1, 2014
Get Back on Schedule!
Use your reading chart (or this blog) to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through: Jacob 4
or
If you're up to date with your reading, take time to study: 2 Nephi 31-33
To ponder:
What is the doctrine of Christ? What are some things the Holy Ghost can do for us? As Nephi finishes his record, what are the things it seems like he most wants us to know?
Use your reading chart (or this blog) to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through: Jacob 4
or
If you're up to date with your reading, take time to study: 2 Nephi 31-33
To ponder:
What is the doctrine of Christ? What are some things the Holy Ghost can do for us? As Nephi finishes his record, what are the things it seems like he most wants us to know?
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