A Study of the Book of Mormon

Alma 35:5-14 Through deceptive means, those who rejected the words of Christ taught by Alma and his brethren actively sought to punish those of their community who did believe. They were cast out of the land of the Zoramites and were then received in the land of Jershon among the Ammonites. There they were openly received "and it came to pass that Alma and his brethren did minister unto them." ( vs. 7 ) This is a simple verse but so profoundly significant to me, in light of recent changes to the Church's ministering efforts. In verse 8 and 9 , the chief ruler of the Zoramites appears to be the one who is most agitated by the conversion of many of the people of his community. It is he who goes so far as to demand that the Ammonites cease to minister to those who are being cast out of his land. But such demands fall on deaf ears especially when it's among a people who have first hand experience with being refugees themselves: And now the people of Ammon did not ...

Alma 32:30-43 I am reading through the process of how to nurture the seed of faith. This morning, I am particularly interested in how I can continue to cultivate the principle of gratitude which I have recently made a dedicated study of. As I have studied gratitude and humility , I've found the application over this past week to be proof of the principles and their soundness. I'm past this first step of testing the seed. Now I want the fruit, but I feel that the seedling is faltering a little. Verse 37 reads: And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit. I'm grateful that Alma didn't stop there though, and also addressed what happens if we neglect the seed. Verse 38 is a warning that if we neglect the seed, when the heat of the sun comes, w...