Day 32: Alma 5-6

Welcome to Day 32!

Today, Alma poses several soul searching questions, attempting to lead his people to a "mighty change of heart."
                         

He reminded his wicked people that their fathers had been delivered from physical and spiritual captivity, and that Jesus had "changed their hearts...awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God...they were in the midst of darkness, nevertheless their souls were illuminated by the light of the everlasting word..." (Alma 5:7-9)
                          
He testified of Christ and implored,"If ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?" (Alma 5:26)
                                   
Do WE feel to sing the Savior's song? If not, "Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended toward them and he saith: Repent and I will receive you...come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life...bring forth works of righteousness..." (Alma 5:33)
                                   
The Good Shepherd invites us to come partake of the joyous fruit and all that He has (Alma 5:37-39).

Now on to the spiritual self-assessment in today's reading!

• Opening Song: "Song of Testimony"

• Begin study session with prayer
• Scripture Study: Alma 5-6 (listen)

• Study Guide:  (here)

• Video: Discussions on the Book of Mormon Alma 5-7

Alma 5:7 " Behold, he changed their hearts; yea, he awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God. Behold, they were in the midst of darkness; nevertheless, their souls were illuminated by the light of the everlasting word; yea, they were encircled about by the bands of death, and the chains of hell, and an everlasting destruction did await them."
                      
HEART SURGERY: "A mighty change of heart..." means being "spiritually born of God", becoming a "new creature" and "receiving his image in your countenance"...being humble and "putting..trust in the true and living God." (Alma 5:12-14)

Watch Video "A Mighty Change of Heart":

I love this explanation...when King Benjamin’s people also experienced a “mighty change” in their hearts, which caused them to have “no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.” (Mosiah 5:2)
                     
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained: “You may ask, Why doesn’t this mighty change happen more quickly with me? You should remember that the remarkable examples of King Benjamin’s people, Alma, and some others in scripture are just that—remarkable and not typical. For most of us, the changes are more gradual and occur over time. Being born again, unlike our physical birth, is more a process than an event. And engaging in that process is the central purpose of mortality.” (“Born Again,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2008, 78).

Alma 6:6 "Nevertheless the children of God were commanded that they should gather themselves together oft, and join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God."
                                        

“Over the years, my active participation in the Church has provided me access to the counsel and inspiration of the leaders of the Church on things I should do as a husband and father and leader in my family. Again and again, in stake and general conferences, in priesthood quorums, and in Sunday School classes, I have been taught and inspired by wonderful and experienced fathers, mothers, and grandparents. I have sought to follow those teachings to improve my participation in those associations that will persist for eternity.” Dallin H. Oaks

Alma invites all to follow the Good Shepherd, our Savior Jesus Christ.
Alma 5:37–42, 53–62
                   

Seminary Video:

• Closing Song: "A Mighty Change of Heart"

• Record thoughts and impressions in your journal.

• Close study session with prayer

Inspirational Music and thoughts on "Change".

    

PLAYING NOW

Change - Episode 27 (Mormon Channel)

Music with a Message

Music with a Message

Music with a Message is a 30-minute radio program that explores gospel themes through inspirational music and poignant narration. Each episode investigates one important gospel topic including faith, repentance, service, charity, sacrifice, and many others.

This episode of Music with a Message, entitled "Change," combines inspirational music with messages about change and growth for our personal lives. It discusses the "mighty change of heart" that we all must experience to increase our motivation and develop positive habits.

View all series

Day 31: Alma 2-4

Welcome to Day 31...

When Amlici was rejected by the majority of the people, he took his followers, teamed up with the Lamanites and immediately prepared for war against the Nephites. 

The Amlicites changed their appearance to set themselves apart from the righteous Nephites,  fulfilling a prophecy in the process!  

God marked the Lamanites, but the Amlicites marked themselves. Alma took several verses to expound on this thought (Alma 3: 4-19).

The Nephites were strengthened in their battles against the Amlicite/Lamanites because they turned to the Lord. All that battling “awakened [the Nephites] to a remembrance of their duty” and they “began to establish the church more fully." 

In time, many of the Nephites fell into wicked ways and Alma left the judgement seat to preach the gospel full-time. His own incredible conversion spurred him on, and he spent the rest of his days persuading others to repent and come to Christ. 

His words and example persuade US to come to Christ for healing and rebirth, as well. So grateful to know of Alma's redemption through Jesus Christ. Inspirational and hope-infusing for us all! 

• Opening Song:  "No Ordinary Man" 

• Begin study session with prayer

• Scripture Study: Alma 2-4 (listen)
• Study Guide: (here)
• Video: Discussions of the Book of Mormon Alma 1-4

Video: Book of Mormon Stories, "The Amlicites"

"And in one year were thousands and tens of thousands of souls sent to the eternal world, that they might reap their rewards according to their works, whether they were good or whether they were bad, to reap eternal happiness or eternal misery, according to the spirit which they listed to obey, whether it be a good spirit or a bad one. For every man receiveth wages of him whom he listeth to obey, and this according to the words of the spirit of prophecy; therefore let it be according to the truth. And thus endeth the fifth year of the reign of the judges." Alma 3:26-27

                           
"And this he did that he himself might go forth among his people, or among the people of Nephi, that he might preach the word of God unto them, to stir them up in remembrance of their duty, and that he might pull down, by the word of God, all the pride and craftiness and all the contentions which were among his people, seeing no way that he might reclaim them save it were bearing down in pure testimony against them." Alma 4:19

                

“Deep and enduring testimonies grow and strengthen as they are daily nurtured. They increase as they are shared.”  --Marvin J. Ashton

Video: The Book of Mormon--a Book from God

• Record thoughts, impressions in your journal.

• Close study session with prayer and enjoy a spirit filled day!!

Day 30: Mosiah 27-29, Alma 1

Welcome to Day 30...

                  

Alma's conversion is an inspiring portrayal preserved to infuse us with hope. As a young man, Alma and the sons of King Mosiah were flamboyantly sinful and caused many to follow in their wicked ways. His father Alma poured out his soul to God for divine intervention, and an angel “with a voice of thunder” paid those naughty boys a visit!



After the angel's tongue lashing, Alma was “carried helpless” to his father who “rejoiced, for he knew that it was the power of God” that had disabled his son  - the very miracle he sought. 

When he could speak he shared,"My soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was wracked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more." 

To show his eternal gratitude, he dedicated the rest of life to building the kingdom of God on the earth, even in the most perilous missionary situations imaginable.

Derive hope from one of the most redeeming stories of the Book of Mormon. Let's seek rebirth, as needed, and serve the Lord with renewed dedication.

• Opening Song: "The Spirit of God"

• Begin study session with prayer

• Scripture Study: Mosiah 27-29: Alma 1 (listen)

• Study Guide: (here)

• Video: Discussions on the Book of Mormon Mosiah 29

                        

• Video: Book of Mormon Stories "Alma the Younger Repents"

"But behold, he did deliver them because they did humble themselves before him; and because they cried mightily unto him he did deliver them out of bondage; and thus doth the Lord work with his power in all cases among the children of men, extending the arm of mercy towards them that put their trust in him." Mosiah 29:20

"And the Lord said unto me; Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters; And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God." Mosiah 27:25-26

Video: Elder Bednar on Being "Born Again"

“Along your pathway of life you will observe that you are not the only traveler. There are others who need your help.There are feet to steady, hands to grasp, minds to encourage, hearts to inspire, and souls to save.”--Thomas S. Monson

• Record impressions and favorite verses in your journal

• Close your feast with prayer and have a beautiful day! :)