David Journal

Category: Scripture Notes

  • A hard balance

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    David
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    It is hard to find the right balance between emphasizing the seriousness of a sin and emphasizing the infinite nature of the Atonement and it’s cleansing power. We want people to feel that they can access the Atonement no matter their sin but at the same time we don’t want them to rationalize abusing the…

  • Short and sweet

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    David
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    Sometimes we may expect that Shiblon felt overlooked that Alma said so little to him compared to both of his brothers but I see that brevity from Alma as a sign of his confidence in his middle son. He encouraged Shiblon for his history of faithfulness and counseled him in some potential pitfalls but nothing…

  • Having charge of sacred things

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    David
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    I can imagine that when Joseph translated this portion of the plates he recognized the words and intent of Alma from his own experience with receiving the plates under the direction of Moroni.

  • A simple message

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    David
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    The message to Helaman could down to this: keep the commandments and remember the captivity of our fathers and their deliverance through Christ.

  • Such a time as this

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    David
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    Mordecai suggested to Esther that she was raised up to her station “for such a time as this” but i think the same could be said of him. He was, in many ways, similar to Joseph sold into Egypt.

  • The faith of Mordechai

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    David
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    We often speak of the courage of Esther (which is appropriate) but the faith of Mordechai should not be forgotten in the shadow of her courage. He trusted that the Jews would be saved even if Esther did not act. If we have real faith we can know that the Lord will accomplish His purposes…

  • Predecesor

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    David
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    How comfortable could Esther be to be chosen as written when she knew what had happened to the previous written? Also, I really love the sound of the name Hadassah.

  • Cheating democracy

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    David
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    The leading Zoramites provided an ancient example of an approach to cheat people out of their legal right to choose on a subject. They found out who was in favor of the teaching of Alma and forcibly removed them from the land. If there was ever a legal vote on questions relating to the teachings…

  • Should the perspective change? And how?

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    David
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    Before the coming of Christ the people were to offer sacrifice in anticipation of His sacrifice and look forward to the redeemer. After the death of Christ sacrifice was to end because the final sacrifice had been offered for justice and we are definitely supposed to look to Christ for redemption and salvation but I…

  • Prayer is key

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    David
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    Alma’s words remind me how crucial prayer is to keeping us tethered to God —and mine have been suffering.