Dear sisters,
This week's Book of Mormon reflection was written by Marissa Sena-Sheley, of the Thornton Creek ward. I am so grateful for Marissa's faith, her questions, and the spirit she brings to our stake. Thank you Marissa!
Message:
As I read this week’s assignment there was one chapter that really stuck out to me, and that was Alma chapter 30.
In this chapter Korihor speaks of the following (summarized):
- Prophecies are foolish traditions of our fathers
- You cannot be sure of things that you cannot see
- Seeing a remission of your sins is the effect of a frenzied mind
- There is no atonement, every man prospers according to his genius and every man conquered according to his strength
- Foolish ordinances by ancient priests, binds people down
I have to admit that his words, questions, and skepticism are all too familiar to me, as I once shared some of those same feelings and spoke some of his words. As I was reading this chapter it became very clear to me that it was the adversary working hard within me prior to and when I started investigating the church. I realized that the adversary uses the same tactics today as he did back even beyond the Book of Mormon.
It is inevitable that as a result of Satan’s efforts we will all face trials in our faith. For some, testimonies are being tried more than ever right now. With so much controversy around the church, so much violence throughout the world, so much pain that people are experiencing it is evident that the adversary is working hard against all that is good. And it is during these times that we need to remind ourselves and each other of those sacred moments where Heavenly Father has blessed us, and has reached out and lent you a hand. Rely on the times of when your testimony was strong, and rely on others. I will leave you with the words from Elder Holland “if your faith is a little tested in this or any season, I invite you to lean on mine.”
With love,
Marissa Sena-Sheley
Thornton Creek Ward
This week's readings:
Day 58 (11.22.15)
Read: Alma 42-43
Mark: Alma 42:14-15
“How great the wisdom and the love
That filled the courts on high
And sent the Savior from above
To suffer, bleed and die!” ~ Hymn 195
How does understanding the Fall help you more fully love Jesus and appreciate what He did for us?
Day 59 (11.23.15)
Read: Alma 44-46
Mark: Alma 46:12
“The value of a country rests upon the values of its people. For the people of God, for the people who want peace, for their women and their children, there is only one way, one church and one Lord.” ~ Elder Charles Didier
Why do the wicked go to war? How are their motives different from the reasons why the righteous go to war?
Day 60 (11.24.15)
Read: Alma 47-49
Mark: Alma 48:11-13, 17
“Be true to your own convictions. You know what is right, and you know what is wrong. You know when you are doing the proper thing… We need not fear as long as we have in our lives the power that comes from righteously living by the truth.” ~ President Gordon B. Hinckley
The Lamanites did not want to go to battle against the Nephites, but they also did not want to displease the king (Alma 47:2). Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to do the right thing, but were afraid you would displease someone? Why is it always better to do the right thing than to worry about what others might think of you?
Day 61 (11.25.15)
Read: Alma 50-51
Mark: Alma 50:19
“Mormon wants to teach what will be of most worth to us, and his use of the words thus and thus we see make the lessons easier to recognize and understand. Pay close attention to the ‘thus we see’ phrases in the Book of Mormon. Here Mormon wants you to understand that the Lord is keeping His word to Lehi and blessing the Nephites with prosperity when they keep the commandments.” ~ Elder Henry B. Eyring
In what ways has the Lord kept his word to you?
Day 62 (11.26.15)
Read: Alma 52-54
Mark: Alma 53:20-21
“In the spiritual battles you are waging, I see you as today’s sons of Helaman.” ~ President Ezra Taft Benson
Notice how Mormon describes these young men. How are you living so that you can be likened to the stripling warriors?
Day 63 (11.27.15)
Read: Alma 55-56
Mark: Alma 56:47-48
“We need more mothers who know the truth, whose children do not doubt their mothers know it.” ~ Elder Neal A. Maxwell
What important lessons have you learned from your mother?
Day 64 – Catch Up or Extra Study (11.28.15)
Use your reading chart to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through: Alma 56
or
If you’re up to date with your reading, take time to study: Alma 42
What things does Alma teach about the plan of salvation? How can God be “a perfect, just God and a merciful God also”?
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