Read: Alma 37-38
Mark: Alma 37:35-37
"I have little or no fear for the young man or the young woman, who honestly and conscientiously supplicate God twice a day for the guidance of His Spirit. I am sure that when the temptation comes they will have strength to overcome it by the inspiration that shall be given to them. Supplicating the Lord for the guidance of His Spirit places around us a safeguard, and if we...honestly seek the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord, I can assure you that we will receive it." --President Heber J. Grant
To ponder:
What are some things you talk to the Lord about? How does He direct you for good?
So many important truths taught in these scriptures: "Never be weary of good works," "Learn in thy youth to keep the commandments," "Let all thy thoughts be directed unto thy Lord," "Let the afflictions of thy heart be placed upon the Lord" and "Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee."
ReplyDeleteI love that we are taught about the importance of small and simple things; I know that if we don't do the small and simple things, we definitely are not going to be able to do the bigger things that we may someday be asked to do. We are reminded that it is through small and simple things that great works are accomplished.
And, I particularly love Alma 38:5 when Alma is talking to his son, Shiblon, and he teaches him to remember to trust in God and he will be delivered out of his trials, troubles and afflictions. I know this is true for us as well!
Do you love Alma 38:11, where we are reminded not to be lifted up in our boastings? Yikes! It's so easy to think we are 'amazing' and tell others how great we are! :) We are reminded again of the importance of being humble. And finally, Alma ends his PPI with Shiblon by saying: Be sober.
Love the scriptures!
My prayers as a child were much more sincere, earnest, and regular than they are now that I am older. Mostly because it seems that nearly every time I go to pray at this particular stage in my life I'm either interrupted or I fall asleep. Babies! Sometimes I had that problem in high school as well, so I started a habit of doing several short prayers or even just thoughts or "shout-outs" to God during the day. Kind of like a spiritual text message. Because by the end of the day I never remember everything I thought of or saw or did to talk with God about, and since he's always listening I just always send little blips up his way. Sometimes I'll even be watching TV and think, "Heavenly Father, I love this show. I'm so glad it exists. Thanks!" It may seem silly, but it works for me and I love it. It helps me feel closer to God, like he's actually actively involved with my life and not someone I just report to twice a day (although I DO try to do morning/evening prayers, even if they aren't always successful).
ReplyDeleteMy particular note for Alma 37:35 is that it becomes easier to do something the more often you do it. Learning to live by gospel principles while young makes it easier to stay that way the rest of your life. It's so true!
Chapter 37: Do not conspire to do evil. All things will be revealed. The best thing is to only have goods to deeds to speak of. Most of us will stumble - so repent! Reveal those errors yourself and early! Reveal them in humility and with sorrow and you'll be left with only the good to be revealed in that day.
ReplyDeleteLearn to keep the commandments sooner rather than later. Turning from sin is not an easy thing & should not be postponed.
Chapter 38: The Lord is the only permanent solution out of misery - out of despair - out of your deepest, darkest places. Cry unto him and he will bring you peace.