David Journal

Tag: Alma

  • By small means

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    by

    David
    in

    It seems to me that the message here is that the Lord operates at the inflection points of life. In those quantum points where the smallest change makes an order of magnitude difference it is easy to create miraculous results from undetectable amounts of influence.

  • Taught not because of worthiness

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    by

    David
    in

    I think it is instructive that Alma points out that he was taught these gospel truths not because of any worthiness on his part. It is easy for us to recognize that when Alma was taught her was not in a state of any worthiness. I believe the real importance is that the truth was…

  • Compelled conformity

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    by

    David
    in

    One of the hallmarks of an idea driven by wickedness is the insistence by those promoting it that others must be compelled to implement the idea. The leaders of the Zoramites decided that those who believes Alma should be cast out and they tried to insist that the people in Jershon should also cast those…

  • Pray unto the Lord

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    by

    David
    in

    Is there a circumstance where prayer can be counterproductive? If we are unwilling or unable to bend our will to His that could lead to conflict that drives us away when prayer of meant to draw us closer to Him. If we do not have the capacity to hear Him it recognize His answers to…

  • Understanding: helpful but not required

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    by

    David
    in

    The serpent on the staff in the wilderness shows us that people can receive the benefits of the promises of the Lord without understanding them. In other words, following blindly still brings benefits even if they are less comprehensive than the benefits of following with real understanding. It is only those who let their lack…

  • Plant the Seed & Nourish the Tree

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    by

    David
    in

    I have not received so much comfort from Alma’s sermon on the seed of faith in a long time. I feel hope in knowing that simply giving place for the seed opens the door to having the seed swell and sprout and begin to be delicious. I also see anew the critical importance of continuing…

  • Hope for things not seen

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    David
    in

    The difference between my response and Laura’s to the years of challenge behind us and potentially ahead of us is that she no longer hopes for things not seen – she simply despairs for the things she does see (some of which aren’t even true).

  • Invited to Humility

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    by

    David
    in ,

    I hear Alma’s words about those who were compelled to be humble because of their poverty and I see our family. We are emotionally and materially poor. In an effort to escape true poverty of spirit Laura has opted for enmity toward God. She is kicking against the pricks and losing her light.

  • I am infirm

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    by

    David
    in

    Alma’s prayer to be strengthened in Christ resonates with me because I am being pushed to my limits – by Laura’s abandonment of seeking faith more than anything else. She wants me to pay tithing on only half my salary so that she can use that other half for other things – even though those…

  • No law against belief

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    by

    David
    in

    It was against the statutes of the Lord that people should be judged for their beliefs – only for their actions. I wonder if we should push to apply that standard to our laws today.