Picking up where I left off yesterday.

Verse 6 - This verse packs a lot of meat.

First Alma bears testimony that he only knows what he knows because the Spirit of God made it known unto him. It is the same for you and I. When we want to know the truth, we have to put ourselves in a position where the Spirit of God can bear witness of the truth to us.

Second Alma points out the fact that if he had not been born of God, or, in other words, put himself in a position to receive instruction from the Spirit, he would not have known the things He knew.

Verses 7-8  -

God is merciful and loves us. He will extend that love to us, even in our darkest hour when we seem bent on destruction of ourselves and others. If we are humble enough, in the midst of our pain and anguish, to call out to God and Christ for mercy, they will hear our cries.

I had personal experience with this. No, I've never been trying to destroy the church or lead others to spiritual destruction, but I've been on the path of my own spiritual demise. I know for myself that God is merciful and am here writing today because of His abundant love and tender mercies. Had He not helped me know and understand that I was His son, and of infinite worth, I would probably just become another suicide statistic. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel in my heart for the arm of mercy that was extended toward me. I cannot begin to give voice to the joy I feel when I look upon my beautiful wife and children and recognize the multitude of blessings that are mine.

Gotta go for now.

11/14/17 - Reading Alma 38 today where Alma counsels with his son Shiblon. I've always found it interesting how Alma's account of his conversion is a lot more condensed in this chapter than in Alma 36. However, it makes sense that Alma would take more time and go into greater detail with Helaman given that he was going to be the next prophet and the High Priest over the church.

Though this chapter is short, there are some great nuggets of truth in here.

1. Verse 1 - As we keep the commandments we prosper. As we don't keep the commandments we don't prosper and we are cut off from God's presence.
   
2. Verses 2-3 - Shiblon earned his father's confidence by the example he set and the work he did among the Zoramites. In other words, Shiblon made a deposit in his father's trust bank through his actions. We do the same thing when we keep God's commandments. We make deposits in His trust bank and He is willing to trust us to do greater things and willing to poor greater blessings upon us.
   
3. Verse 4 - Shiblon had great patience in the face of tremendous challenges. Despite being in bonds and going through a stoning (which had to be excruciating) Shiblon set a good example for the people around him and he trusted that God would deliver him. This is a great reminder for us. As we put our faith in God and bear challenges with patience, no matter how great they may be, we can come through victorious and set a good example for everyone around us, including our tormentors. We can, in other words, follow Christ's example and do as He did.
   
4. I love verse five. Alma reiterates the need to trust God always and gives the promise that as we do so He will deliver us out of out trials, troubles, and afflictions. Does that mean He will take them all away? No, of course not. If He did that His whole plan would be frustrated. We have to go through trials, troubles, and afflictions in order to grow. What it does mean is that as we exercise faith in God, like the people of Alma the elder who were put into bondage by the Lamanites (see Mosiah 24:10-16), He will ease our burdens and strengthen us so we can deal with them and not be overcome by them. In some cases, according to His wisdom because He knows what is best for us, He will fully deliver us from them. In other cases, we may be burdened out entire lives but in God's strength we can bear those burdens with courage and determination and carry on in spite of them.
   

Well, I need to run for today. More tomorrow! If these notes are helpful to you, let me know by leaving a comment. I'd love to get your thoughts and perspectives