Under Amulon's gross abuse, "so great were their afflictions that they began to cry mightily to God." Amulon threatened death to those praying, so Alma's people quietly "poured out their hearts to [God]."
The Lord heard their pleas and miraculously, the burdens of Alma's people were made light, though not immediately removed. The people were faithful and patient DESPITE their burdens, while waiting for deliverance. (Mosiah 24:15)
"Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage." (Mosiah 24:13)
How reassuring. Let's press forward in faith, knowing our lives and eternal destiny are in the very best of hands. We will be delivered from sin and sorrow.
Opening Song:
"Cast Thy Burden Upon the Lord"
- Begin study session with prayer
- Scripture Study: Mosiah 24-26 (listen)
- Study Guide: (here)
- Video: Discussions on the Book of Mormon
- Video: "Alma and His People Escape
- Video: "Burden's Made Light" by Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Mosiah 26:24 "For behold, in my name are they called; and if they know me they shall come forth; and shall have a place eternally at my right hand."
Having trouble FORGIVING those
who have wronged you??
Mosiah 26:29-31 will help...and...
watch these two short video clips:
Video: "Forgive 70 Times 7-- So beautifully done.
- Record thoughts and favorite verses in your journal.
- Close with prayer and have a beautiful day!
So many times an answer to my prayer comes as one word--- forgive. It is easier done than said when I do it for the Savior. The natural man at times makes it harder than need be. Sometimes the ability to forgive is just not there within us but Christ can quickly turn night to day as we turn to him. I remember mom Seable explain once how we can pray for that gift. We try to justify not forgiving-- thinking that by not granting forgiveness, we make the wrongdoer pay. This train of thought is so deceiving and easy to get caught up in. We are counseled to do ALL things for Christ. We forgive for Christ. As we focus on Him-- the powers of heaven are released on our behalf and miracles occur. We don't even do it for the miracle-- we do it for Christ. For love of Him--we are then filled with love--the feeling is so sweet. It works. Forgiveness and love make the mind clear. It doesn't mean things won't be hard-- but the better and more focused we become through practice-- the lighter our burdens become through the grace and power of God. This is the very process we become like Him. His yoke is easy and His burden light. Light is good.
ReplyDeleteOn another note-- I have never quite understood how Alma had the priesthood power to baptize. Did I miss a visitation from an angel somewhere. Was he ordained as a little chap before joining King Noah? Did King Mosiah have the keys of the priesthood?
ReplyDeleteSorry! Just noticed this answer was not made as a "reply,"so you likely didn't see it. To address your priesthood question:
Delete"...the Spirit of the Lord was upon [Alma], and he said: Helam, I baptize thee, having authority from the Almighty God..." (Mosiah 18:13.)
"I, Alma (the younger), having been consecrated by my father, Alma, to be a high priest over the church of God, he having power and authority from God to do these things..." (Alma 5:5.)
The BOM is an abridgment with many details lacking. We accept the fact that Lehi, when he left Jerusalem, held divine authority. We equally must surmise that Alma received priesthood authority in the days of Zeniff, before Noah came to power.
To address your priesthood question:
ReplyDelete"...the Spirit of the Lord was upon [Alma], and he said: Helam, I baptize thee, having authority from the Almighty God..." (Mosiah 18:13.)
"I, Alma (the younger), having been consecrated by my father, Alma, to be a high priest over the church of God, he having power and authority from God to do these things..." (Alma 5:5.)
The BOM is an abridgment with many details lacking. We accept the fact that Lehi, when he left Jerusalem, held divine authority. We equally must surmise that Alma received priesthood authority in the days of Zeniff, before Noah came to power.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMosiah 24
ReplyDelete14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions
how many times have we been blessed by the comfort of the holy ghost.
I know I have,and it came at times when I thought there was no light at the end of the tunnel.during trials in life ,stress,feers,and burdens have been eased
as I have turned to the lord in prayer and have received his comfort and guidance.