Alma 47, 48 & 49

(I decided to split my post in to two halves. So here is the second. See last post for the entire thing. Or don't, because each half stands fine on it's own.

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     Now I am just going to share some thoughts from what I read today. I had a lot of thoughts, but there are only a couple particular ones that I want to share.

     Alma 47. Amalickiah, the very wicked ex-Nephite (right?) is very sneakely getting control of the Lamanite kingdom.

• The first obvious lesson from this chapter is, that evil is very persistent. We must always be on our guard, and pray for strength to fight it. 
• And the devil "poisons by degrees" (vs 18). He is subtle. He is like Amalickah. He flatters, he lies, he tries the same thing over and over until you break, he acts like he's your friend when he is your enemy. In short, he is very dangerous.

•      In order to be safe from him, we must do as Moroni did in chapters 48 and 49. We need to fortify! Build walls, dig trenches, send backup to the weakest areas. OR pray and read scriptures, go to church and write a journal, work on talents you do have and ask the Lord to help you develop the spiritual gifts that you want/need but don't have. 

     One more thought. In 47:6 and in 49:13 it mentions something about the determination of the Lamanties. But each time it is for a very different reason. In the first the were determined that they would not be forced to go against the Nephites, and in the second the were determined that they would destroy the city of Noah and the Nephites there.
     There is something interesting there about human nature. Humans tend to be very stubborn. We think we know what we want and then basically swear to die before ever changing our minds.

• However #1, if you let him Satan can sway even the most determined into doing exactly the opposite of what they had intended.

• And #2, you can be determined for good or for evil and it is completely your choice. But you had better know why you are so determined and think about the consequences, both good and bad. Remember to be humble and willing to let God strengthen you when you are right and teach and correct you when you are wrong or do not fully understand.

     Well I hope I have effectively communicated what I have meant to. Enjoy my novel and have a wonderful day! Whether you already are or you aren't, go pray and read your scriptures and I promise it will be better. :)