12-22-11 “He did deliver me from bondage” p.159, Day 2

12-22-11    “He did deliver me from bondage” p.159, Day 2

I like verse 16.  As a missionary desiring to share the gospel with those ‘of the world’, it’s hard sometimes to know where to begin or how to go about it.  In this verse, the Angel of the Lord tells Alma where to focus his attention, “To remember the captivity of his fathers” giving two examples.  I think this is a great place to start for the people of a nation who may have forgotten God.  In order to remember the ‘captivity of our fathers’ we must look to history to learn of their plight and how God delivered them.  If God is the same yesterday today and forever, then surely He will deliver us too if we obey the same way our Fathers did. 

I like v. 22.  This helps me know where to focus my efforts in fasting and prayers.  The specific what they prayed for was “that he would open the mouth of Alma, that he might speak, and also that his limbs might receive their strength” and the WHY they prayed for was “—that the eyes of the people might be opened to see and know of the goodness and glory of God.”.  This is SO much our need today.  If the people ‘know the goodness and glory of God’ they will know the character of God and Hi s dealings with the children of men, then they will come to know who they are and remember and do what matters most.

This one just takes the cake:

36 And thus they were instruments in the hands of God in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, to the knowledge of their Redeemer.

This is what I long for :  to be an instrument in the hand of God to bring many to a knowledge of the truth and to a knowledge of their Redeemer.  I think this would just about solve all the evil and chaos that we live in today.  I know it couldn’t happen overnight, but gradually and people come to know their Redeemer they would come to live his doctrine and learn to apply it in their lives. 

*Love your enemies

* Do good to those who use you and persecute you that they may BECOME the sons and daughters of God.

*If we all were to Keep the 10 commandments would reduce the need for the court system by at least 90% I bet.  That would be interesting to calculate and research.

*Every man would seek to give others ‘that which they were due’ and to live peaceably. 

It is our challenge in these times to try to figure out how to get the attention of a people who are addicted to ‘idolatry’ weather is be of those on the silver screen or the face they see in the mirror.  “We have all gone astray” and “every man seeketh after that which is his own”.    If every man but ‘knew their Redeemer’ we would all find peace and unity under His law- He too would be ‘their Jesus’ and we would rejoice together. 

Hilary Weeks “Greater Miracles”  Where do we turn when we need healing?  Such is where our faith is and will determine our results and the bounty of our harvest.

“Did you know that He can heal the widows broken heart; that his love can change your life; save a world torn apart.  Did you know that He holds the earth and sky at His command, but when you feel forgiveness come then you’ll understand: that’s the miracle, the Greatest Miracle.  Do you burdens weigh you down?  Go to him He will lift them.  As your brother as your friend, he has love enough love for all men.  Trust in Him, Take His hand. And he will lift you up and make you whole.  And if you put your faith in Him, you shall greater miracles than these!” 

I know how it feels to wonder how it feels to wonder how I can trust that which I do not see.  Another song by Hilary Weeks called “He’ll Speak Peace” describes by feelings too.  Right now in my day today I struggle as a Mother to give a ‘soft answer’ and keep peace in my home by merely being peaceful.  I understand the struggle it is and the pain.  But I also know that at times I must wade into the Red Sea up to my ankles before it will part.  This is the trial of my faith. … and perhaps yours too.