Alma 8

Okay, so I am finally sitting down to write about what I'm reading... Chapter 8 is pretty cool - you should read it if you haven't in a while. :) It is basically introducing Alma and Amulek to talk about their experiences preaching the gospel together from chapters 9-14.

Verse 11 talks about the people rejecting Alma because of his "foolish traditions." I thought that was interesting, especially because we see people use that excuse a lot even now. "America isn't a Christian nation" stated by our current president illustrates the point that people see our Christian values as foolish traditions of our forefathers.

In verse 15 an angel is talking to Alma and says, "thou hast great cause to rejoice; for thou hast been faithful in keeping the commandments of God from the time which thou receivest thy first message from Him." If we are keeping the commandments we DO have great cause to rejoice. Look at all of the examples of people that have endured great tribulations in the scriptures and in our LDS history. Where are they now? With our Heavenly Father...all of us should rejoice if we are keeping the commandments and working toward our goal of returning to our Father in Heaven.

In verse 18 Alma follows the angel's instructions and "speedily" returned to the city. Not casually, or even the same pace he left...speedily. When I go to general conference and get direction from the Lord's prophets I usually resolve to change little things in my life. We should come home from conference and speedily change those things we need to, as little as they are. Then Alma goes into the city another way...we should try sharing the gospel with different approaches.

Finally, the last 2 verses of the chapter (31-32) talks about the power of God, which will be illustrated in the next couple chapters...they will be good ones!

Alma 2

WARNING: If you don't want to hear my view on politics then don't read this post.

This chapter is awesome! It is the story of Amilici and his attempt to reinstate a monarchical government and become king by using his cunningness and wisdom of the world. In the manual it says "this is another example of how wicked men sometimes seek governmental power in order to enforce their will on others. It also teaches that there are times when righteous people must take up arms to defend their laws and liberty."

I know that I shouldn't bring politics into my scripture reading, but I am today...sorry for those of you that don't agree with me, but I have to get this off my chest.

Amilici had intentions to change their government to ways of the world and in a way that would compromise the churches laws and liberties. Now, I know that in America we don't need to worry about our freedom of religion. However, when laws keep being put in place to not use certain religious words or actions in public (including schools) it makes me a little frustrated. You can see numerous examples of this in the last few years especially. America is not the nation our forefathers intended it to become.

Another thing that worries me is the current situation we are in. Right now our leaders are supporting abortion, gay marriage, etc. and we are all going along with it! The media is so liberal and so corrupt that when anyone stands up for their values they are slaughtered!! Look at Miss America. Yes, I know that she is not the best example of a virtuous woman, but at least she stood up for the Christian values she had, after which she was called all sorts of profanities on t.v. I know that a LOT of people LOVE our current president. I just really don't see how you can believe in the gospel and the standards and morals of the church and support him!! Honestly!

Okay, I will move onto more about this chapter. Obama, I mean Amlici got all of his followers together (and there were a lot) and led them to war against the righteous Nephites. The Nephites started out with the upper hand, however, soon the Amlicites joined the Lamanites and had the advantage. But, the Nephites had the Lord on their side and "did pursue them with their might, and did slay them." The remainder of the Lamanites were driven into the wilderness and eaten by wild beasts. :)

I think that we need to learn from the Nephites. We need to pursue righteousness with all our mights. We need to stand up for our values and standards and be the examples. We need to pray mightily for the Lord's direction and help and be strengthened by Him in all of our righteous endeavors.