Week 9
Day 57
GET BACK ON SCHEDULE
Use your reading chart to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through:
Alma 41 or If you’re up to date with your reading, take time to study: Alma 32
To what does Alma liken the seed? Why is faith important for the seed to grow? How can you know if it is a good seed?
Day 58
Read: Alma 42-43
Mark: Alma 42:14-15
“How great the wisdom and the love That filled the courts on high And sent the Savior from above To suffer, bleed and die!”
~ Hymn 195
How does understanding the Fall help you more fully love Jesus and appreciate what He did for us?
Day 59
Read: Alma 44-46
Mark: Alma 46:12
“The value of a country rests upon the values of its people. For the people of God, for the people who want peace, for their women and their children, there is only one way, one church and one Lord.”
~ Elder Charles Didier
Why do the wicked go to war? How are their motives different from the reasons why the righteous go to war?
Day 60
Read: Alma 47-49
Mark: Alma 48:11-13, 17
“Be true to your own convictions. You know what is right, and you know what is wrong. You know when you are doing the proper thing… We need not fear as long as we have in our lives
the power that comes from righteously living by the truth.”
~ President Gordon B. Hinckley
The Lamanites did not want to go to battle against the Nephites, but they also did not want to displease the king (Alma 47:2). Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to do the right thing, but were afraid you would displease someone? Why is it always better to do the right thing than to worry about what others might think of you?
Day 61
Read: Alma 50-51
Mark: Alma 50:19
“Mormon wants to teach what will be of most worth to us, and his use of the words thus and thus we see make the lessons easier to recognize and understand. Pay close attention to the ‘thus we
see’ phrases in the Book of Mormon. Here Mormon wants you to understand that the Lord is keeping His word to Lehi and blessing the Nephites with prosperity when they
keep the commandments.”
~ Elder Henry B. Eyring
In what ways has the Lord kept his word to you?
Day 62
Read: Alma 52-54
Mark: Alma 53:20-21
“In the spiritual battles you are waging, I see you as today’s sons of Helaman.”
~ President Ezra Taft Benson
Notice how Mormon describes these young men. How are you living so that you can be likened to the stripling warriors?
Day 63
Read: Alma 55-56
Mark: Alma 56:47-48
“We need more mothers who know the truth, whose children do not doubt their mothers know it.”
~ Elder Neal A. Maxwell
What important lessons have you learned from your mother?
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Week 8
Day 50
GET BACK ON SCHEDULE
Use your reading chart to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through: Alma 26 or If you’re up to date with your reading, take time to study: Alma 17
What are the things that made the sons of Mosiah successful missionaries? What is your duty in sharing the gospel now and preparing for future full-time missionary service?
Day 51
Read: Alma 27-29
Mark: Alma 27:27
True converts are those who “listen to the teachings and testimonies of missionaries and change their lives, leaving the past behind them, and moving forward into a new life.”
~ President Hinckley
What is zeal? What difference does it make to have “zeal towards God”?
Day 52
Read: Alma 30-31
Mark: Alma 30:37-39
“Korihor’s arguments sound very contemporary to the modern reader, but Alma used a timeless and ultimately undeniable weapon in response—the power of a personal testimony.”
~ Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
How did Alma respond to Korihor’s claim that there is no God?
Day 53
Read: Alma 32-33
Mark: Alma 32:21
“Of all our needs, I think the greatest is an increase of faith”
~ President Gordon B. Hinckley
How often do you exercise faith? What difference can “a particle of faith” make in our actions? (see Matthew 17:20)
Day 54
Read: Alma 34-36
Mark: Alma 34:32-33
“The thought of intentionally committing serious sin now and repenting later is perilously wrong. Never do that. Many start that journey of intentional transgression and never make it back.
Premeditated sin has greater penalties and is harder to overcome. If there is sin, repent now—while you can.”
~ Elder Richard G. Scott
What does Satan do to try to keep you from repenting? How many reasons can you think of for why it’s important to repent now?
Day 55
Read: Alma 37-38
Mark: Alma 37:35-37
“I have little or no fear for the young man or the young woman, who honestly and conscientiously supplicate God twice a day for the guidance of His Spirit. I am sure that when the temptation comes they
will have strength to overcome it by the inspiration that shall be given to them. Supplicating the Lord for the guidance of His Spirit places around us a safeguard, and if we….honestly seek the guidance of the
Spirit of the Lord, I can assure you that we will receive it.”
~ President Heber J. Grant
What are some things you talk to the Lord about? How does He direct you for good?
Day 56
Read: Alma 39-41
Mark: Alma 41:10
“You cannot do wrong and feel right. It is impossible.”
President Ezra Taft Benson
Alma uses four chapters (39-42) to counsel his son Corianton to repent. How important is it to you to follow the counsel of your parents and other righteous priesthood leaders? Read Alma 36:20.
During the time Alma was racked with torment for his sins whose words did he remember that caused him to cry out for forgiveness?
Day 50
GET BACK ON SCHEDULE
Use your reading chart to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through: Alma 26 or If you’re up to date with your reading, take time to study: Alma 17
What are the things that made the sons of Mosiah successful missionaries? What is your duty in sharing the gospel now and preparing for future full-time missionary service?
Day 51
Read: Alma 27-29
Mark: Alma 27:27
True converts are those who “listen to the teachings and testimonies of missionaries and change their lives, leaving the past behind them, and moving forward into a new life.”
~ President Hinckley
What is zeal? What difference does it make to have “zeal towards God”?
Day 52
Read: Alma 30-31
Mark: Alma 30:37-39
“Korihor’s arguments sound very contemporary to the modern reader, but Alma used a timeless and ultimately undeniable weapon in response—the power of a personal testimony.”
~ Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
How did Alma respond to Korihor’s claim that there is no God?
Day 53
Read: Alma 32-33
Mark: Alma 32:21
“Of all our needs, I think the greatest is an increase of faith”
~ President Gordon B. Hinckley
How often do you exercise faith? What difference can “a particle of faith” make in our actions? (see Matthew 17:20)
Day 54
Read: Alma 34-36
Mark: Alma 34:32-33
“The thought of intentionally committing serious sin now and repenting later is perilously wrong. Never do that. Many start that journey of intentional transgression and never make it back.
Premeditated sin has greater penalties and is harder to overcome. If there is sin, repent now—while you can.”
~ Elder Richard G. Scott
What does Satan do to try to keep you from repenting? How many reasons can you think of for why it’s important to repent now?
Day 55
Read: Alma 37-38
Mark: Alma 37:35-37
“I have little or no fear for the young man or the young woman, who honestly and conscientiously supplicate God twice a day for the guidance of His Spirit. I am sure that when the temptation comes they
will have strength to overcome it by the inspiration that shall be given to them. Supplicating the Lord for the guidance of His Spirit places around us a safeguard, and if we….honestly seek the guidance of the
Spirit of the Lord, I can assure you that we will receive it.”
~ President Heber J. Grant
What are some things you talk to the Lord about? How does He direct you for good?
Day 56
Read: Alma 39-41
Mark: Alma 41:10
“You cannot do wrong and feel right. It is impossible.”
President Ezra Taft Benson
Alma uses four chapters (39-42) to counsel his son Corianton to repent. How important is it to you to follow the counsel of your parents and other righteous priesthood leaders? Read Alma 36:20.
During the time Alma was racked with torment for his sins whose words did he remember that caused him to cry out for forgiveness?
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Week 7
Day 43
GET BACK ON SCHEDULE
Use your reading chart to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through: Alma 11 or If you’re up to date with your reading, take time to study: Alma 5
What are some of the questions Alma asks in order to ponder the process of becoming converted or reborn?
Day 44
Read: Alma 12-13
Mark: Alma 13:2-4
“God has saved for the final inning some of His strongest and most valiant children…Make no mistake about it – you are a marked generation. There has never been more expected of the
faithful in such a short period of time than there is of us…The final outcome is certain – the forces of righteousness will finally win. But what remains to be seen is where each of us personally, now and in the future, will stand in this battle – and how tall we will stand. Will we be true to…our foreordained mission?
~ President Ezra Taft Benson
To what callings do you think you’ve been foreordained?
Day 45
Read: Alma 14-16
Mark: Alma 14:10-11
“The right question to ask is not why good people have trials, but how shall good people respond when they are tried?”
~ Elder Marion D. Hanks
“Suffering can make saints of people as they learn patience, long suffering and self-mastery. The sufferings of our Savior were part of his education.”
~ President Spencer W. Kimball
How do you respond to adversity?
Day 46
Read: Alma 17-18
Mark: Alma 17:2-3
“Fasting can help us overcome personal flaws and sins. It can help us overcome our weaknesses—help them become strengths. Fasting can help us become more humble, less prideful, less selfish, and more
concerned about the needs of others. It can help us see more clearly our own mistakes and weaknesses and help us be less prone to criticize others…Throughout the scriptures the term fasting is usually combined with prayer… Fasting without prayer is just going hungry for 24 hours. But fasting combined with prayer brings increased spiritual power.”
~ Elder Carl B. Pratt
What experiences have you had with fasting?
Day 47
Read: Alma 19-20
Mark: Alma 20:17
“Anger is not an expression of strength. It is an indication of one’s inability to control his thoughts, words, his emotions… When the weakness of anger takes over, the strength of reason leaves.”
~ President Gordon B. Hinckley
When is it most difficult to control your anger? Why is it important to stay in control of your thoughts, words, and actions?
Day 48
Read: Alma 21-23
Mark: Alma 22:15-18
“No part of walking by faith is more difficult than walking the road of repentance. However, with ‘faith unto repentance,’ we can push roadblocks out of the way, moving forward to beg God
for mercy… One simply surrenders, caring only about what God thinks, not what ‘they’ think… Giving away all our sins is the only way we can come to know God.”
~ Elder Neal A. Maxwell
What are you willing to give to know Him?
Day 49
Read: Alma 24-26
Mark: Alma 26:11-12
“As children of God we are somebody. He will build us, mold us, and magnify us if we will but hold our heads up, our arms out, and walk with him. What a great blessing to be created in his image and know of our true potential in and through him! What a great blessing to know that in his strength we can do all things!”
~ Elder Marvin J. Ashton
What do you think some of the “mighty miracles” may be that the Lord will work through you?
Day 43
GET BACK ON SCHEDULE
Use your reading chart to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through: Alma 11 or If you’re up to date with your reading, take time to study: Alma 5
What are some of the questions Alma asks in order to ponder the process of becoming converted or reborn?
Day 44
Read: Alma 12-13
Mark: Alma 13:2-4
“God has saved for the final inning some of His strongest and most valiant children…Make no mistake about it – you are a marked generation. There has never been more expected of the
faithful in such a short period of time than there is of us…The final outcome is certain – the forces of righteousness will finally win. But what remains to be seen is where each of us personally, now and in the future, will stand in this battle – and how tall we will stand. Will we be true to…our foreordained mission?
~ President Ezra Taft Benson
To what callings do you think you’ve been foreordained?
Day 45
Read: Alma 14-16
Mark: Alma 14:10-11
“The right question to ask is not why good people have trials, but how shall good people respond when they are tried?”
~ Elder Marion D. Hanks
“Suffering can make saints of people as they learn patience, long suffering and self-mastery. The sufferings of our Savior were part of his education.”
~ President Spencer W. Kimball
How do you respond to adversity?
Day 46
Read: Alma 17-18
Mark: Alma 17:2-3
“Fasting can help us overcome personal flaws and sins. It can help us overcome our weaknesses—help them become strengths. Fasting can help us become more humble, less prideful, less selfish, and more
concerned about the needs of others. It can help us see more clearly our own mistakes and weaknesses and help us be less prone to criticize others…Throughout the scriptures the term fasting is usually combined with prayer… Fasting without prayer is just going hungry for 24 hours. But fasting combined with prayer brings increased spiritual power.”
~ Elder Carl B. Pratt
What experiences have you had with fasting?
Day 47
Read: Alma 19-20
Mark: Alma 20:17
“Anger is not an expression of strength. It is an indication of one’s inability to control his thoughts, words, his emotions… When the weakness of anger takes over, the strength of reason leaves.”
~ President Gordon B. Hinckley
When is it most difficult to control your anger? Why is it important to stay in control of your thoughts, words, and actions?
Day 48
Read: Alma 21-23
Mark: Alma 22:15-18
“No part of walking by faith is more difficult than walking the road of repentance. However, with ‘faith unto repentance,’ we can push roadblocks out of the way, moving forward to beg God
for mercy… One simply surrenders, caring only about what God thinks, not what ‘they’ think… Giving away all our sins is the only way we can come to know God.”
~ Elder Neal A. Maxwell
What are you willing to give to know Him?
Day 49
Read: Alma 24-26
Mark: Alma 26:11-12
“As children of God we are somebody. He will build us, mold us, and magnify us if we will but hold our heads up, our arms out, and walk with him. What a great blessing to be created in his image and know of our true potential in and through him! What a great blessing to know that in his strength we can do all things!”
~ Elder Marvin J. Ashton
What do you think some of the “mighty miracles” may be that the Lord will work through you?
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Week 6
Day 36
GET BACK ON SCHEDULE
Use your reading chart to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through:
Mosiah 25 or If you’re up to date with your reading, take time to study: Mosiah 14-15
Abinadi quoted Isaiah to testify of the Savior. What did Isaiah teach about Christ? What can you learn about the Savior from Abinadi’s testimony?
Day 37
Read: Mosiah 26-28
Mark: 26:29-30
“You always need to confess your sins to the Lord. If they are serious transgressions, such as immorality, they need to be confessed to a bishop or stake president. Please understand that confession is not repentance. It is an essential step, but is not of itself adequate. Partial
confession by mentioning lesser mistakes will not help you resolve a more serious, undisclosed transgression. Essential to forgiveness is a willingness to fully disclose to the Lord and, where necessary, His priesthood judge all that you have done.”
~ Elder Richard G. Scott
Why is confession an essential part of repentance?
Day 38
Read: Mosiah 29 – Alma 1
Mark: Alma 1:6, 16
“The Nephite prophets repeatedly identified the wearing of costly clothing with apostasy and failure to live by gospel standards.”
~ Elder Bruce R. McConkie
What might your way of dressing say about you?
Day 39
Read: Alma 2-4
Mark: Alma 2:18, 28
“Safety can’t be won by tanks and guns and airplanes and atomic bombs. There is only one place of safety and that is in the realm of the Almighty God that he gives to those who keep his
commandments and listen to his voice.”
~ President Harold B. Lee
Why were the Nephites strengthened by the Lord? How can we receive the Lord’s help in the challenges we face?
Day 40
Read: Alma 5-6
Mark: Alma 5:14, 26
“The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ
can change human nature.”
~ President Ezra Taft Benson
What would someone see in your countenance?
Day 41
Read: Alma 7-9
Mark: Alma 7:11-12
“To succor means to ‘run to.’ I testify that in my fears and in my infirmities the Savior has surely run to me. I will never be able to thank Him enough for such personal kindness and such loving care.”
~ Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Why is it helpful to remember that the Savior knows what it’s like to have your problems?
Day 42
Read: Alma 10-11
Mark: Alma 11:42-44
“What a comfort to know that all who have been disadvantaged in life from birth defects, from mortal injuries, from disease, or from the natural deterioration of old age will be resurrected in
‘proper and perfect frame.’”
~ Elder Dallin H. Oaks
How does it bring you hope knowing that because of Christ we will all live again?
Day 36
GET BACK ON SCHEDULE
Use your reading chart to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through:
Mosiah 25 or If you’re up to date with your reading, take time to study: Mosiah 14-15
Abinadi quoted Isaiah to testify of the Savior. What did Isaiah teach about Christ? What can you learn about the Savior from Abinadi’s testimony?
Day 37
Read: Mosiah 26-28
Mark: 26:29-30
“You always need to confess your sins to the Lord. If they are serious transgressions, such as immorality, they need to be confessed to a bishop or stake president. Please understand that confession is not repentance. It is an essential step, but is not of itself adequate. Partial
confession by mentioning lesser mistakes will not help you resolve a more serious, undisclosed transgression. Essential to forgiveness is a willingness to fully disclose to the Lord and, where necessary, His priesthood judge all that you have done.”
~ Elder Richard G. Scott
Why is confession an essential part of repentance?
Day 38
Read: Mosiah 29 – Alma 1
Mark: Alma 1:6, 16
“The Nephite prophets repeatedly identified the wearing of costly clothing with apostasy and failure to live by gospel standards.”
~ Elder Bruce R. McConkie
What might your way of dressing say about you?
Day 39
Read: Alma 2-4
Mark: Alma 2:18, 28
“Safety can’t be won by tanks and guns and airplanes and atomic bombs. There is only one place of safety and that is in the realm of the Almighty God that he gives to those who keep his
commandments and listen to his voice.”
~ President Harold B. Lee
Why were the Nephites strengthened by the Lord? How can we receive the Lord’s help in the challenges we face?
Day 40
Read: Alma 5-6
Mark: Alma 5:14, 26
“The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ
can change human nature.”
~ President Ezra Taft Benson
What would someone see in your countenance?
Day 41
Read: Alma 7-9
Mark: Alma 7:11-12
“To succor means to ‘run to.’ I testify that in my fears and in my infirmities the Savior has surely run to me. I will never be able to thank Him enough for such personal kindness and such loving care.”
~ Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Why is it helpful to remember that the Savior knows what it’s like to have your problems?
Day 42
Read: Alma 10-11
Mark: Alma 11:42-44
“What a comfort to know that all who have been disadvantaged in life from birth defects, from mortal injuries, from disease, or from the natural deterioration of old age will be resurrected in
‘proper and perfect frame.’”
~ Elder Dallin H. Oaks
How does it bring you hope knowing that because of Christ we will all live again?
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Visiting Teaching Message for October:
The October 2010 Liahona and Ensign will be a special issue focusing entirely on temples. The issue will not contain a specific First Presidency Message or Visiting Teaching Message. Home and visiting teachers are encouraged to prayerfully select their message from the contents of this special issue.
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