They Did Obey-Every Word of Command with Exactness

There was an Indian Chief who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.
The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall.
When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.
The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted.
The second son said "No it was covered with green buds and full of promise."
The third son disagreed; he said "it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen."
The last son disagreed with all of them; he said "it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment."
The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.
He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up.
If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, fulfillment of your Harvest time.

Days at Apple - culture - think differently - look at the solution as though you have the answer and work backwards to how you got the answer. The solution is in the details!

Ffrom the book entitled, "Reflections on Pearl Harbor " by Admiral Chester Nimitz.
Sunday, December 7th, 1941--Admiral Chester Nimitz was attending a concert in Washington D.C. He was paged and told there was a phone call for him. When he answered the phone, it was President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on the phone. He told Admiral Nimitz that he (Nimitz) would now be the Commander of the Pacific Fleet.
Admiral Nimitz flew to Hawaii to assume command of the Pacific Fleet. He landed at Pearl Harbor on Christmas Eve, 1941. There was such a spirit of despair, dejection and defeat--you would have thought the Japanese had already won the war. On Christmas Day, 1941, Adm. Nimitz was given a boat tour of the destruction wrought on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese.. Big sunken battleships and navy vessels cluttered the waters every where you looked.
As the tour boat returned to dock, the young helmsman of the boat asked, "Well Admiral, what do you think after seeing all this destruction?" Admiral Nimitz's reply shocked everyone within the sound of his voice.
Admiral Nimitz said, "The Japanese made three of the biggest mistakes an attack force could ever make, or God was taking care of America . Which do you think it was?"
Shocked and surprised, the young helmsman asked, "What do mean by saying the Japanese made the three biggest mistakes an attack force ever made?" Nimitz explained:
Mistake number one : the Japanese attacked on Sunday morning. Nine out of every ten crewmen of those ships were ashore on leave. If those same ships had been lured to sea and been sunk--we would have lost 38,000 men instead of 3,800.
Mistake number two : when the Japanese saw all those battleships lined in a row, they got so carried away sinking those battleships, they never once bombed our dry docks opposite those ships. If they had destroyed our dry docks, we would have had to tow every one of those ships to America to be repaired. As it is now, the ships are in shallow water and can be raised. One tug can pull them over to the dry docks, and we can have them repaired and at sea by the time we could have towed them to America . And I already have crews ashore anxious to man those ships.
Mistake number three : every drop of fuel in the Pacific theater of war is in top of the ground storage tanks five miles away over that hill. One attack plane could have strafed those tanks and destroyed our fuel supply. That's why I say the Japanese made three of the biggest mistakes an attack force could make or God was taking care of America .
I've never forgotten what I read in that little book. It is still an inspiration as I reflect upon it. In jest, I might suggest that because Admiral Nimitz was a Texan, born and raised in Fredricksburg , Texas --he was a born optimist. But anyway you look at it--Admiral Nimitz was able to see a silver lining in a situation and circumstance where everyone else saw only despair and defeatism.
President Roosevelt had chosen the right man for the right job. We desperately needed a leader that could see silver linings in the midst of the clouds of dejection, despair and defeat.
;
There is a reason that our national motto is, IN GOD WE TRUST
Why have we forgotten?

Application - Mormon saw our day - he had the answers - chose only the most important for us. He like Admiral Nimitz who looked at the destruction a little differently - he was able to see forward and derive from the mistakes the opportunities ahead. To show the blessings, the opportunities and the pitfalls that lie ahead.

What did Mormon see in our day that would have caused him to include these verses? Interesting note these appear to be taken from letters written back and forth. Now at the time that Mormon is abridging the records some 300 years have passed away - so we might easily conclude that the letters were written as part of the plates. So they must have been thought to be quite important as nothing was to be written upon the plates except as Nephi put it : “Wherefore, I shall give commandment unto my seed, that they shall not occupy these plates with things which are not of worth unto the children of men.” why would you include 20 plus chapter on war Alma 43-63]

** ALMA CHAPTER 53
The Lamanite prisoners are used to fortify the city Bountiful—Dissensions among the Nephites give rise to Lamanite victories—Helaman takes command of the two thousand stripling sons of the people of Ammon. [About 64 B.C.]

What did Mormon see in our day that would have caused him to include these verses? see Verses 10-15 The law of Justification and its consequences.

10 And now behold, I have somewhat to say concerning the people of Ammon, [ His way of saying pay attention to what I am about to say. ] who, in the beginning, were Lamanites; but by Ammon and his brethren, or rather by the power and word of God, they had been converted unto the Lord; and they had been brought down into the land of Zarahemla, and had ever since been protected by the Nephites.

11 And because of their oath they had been kept from taking up arms against their brethren; for they had taken an oath that they never would shed blood more; and according to their oath they would have perished; yea, they would have suffered themselves to have fallen into the hands of their brethren, had it not been for the pity and the exceeding love which Ammon and his brethren had had for them.

12 And for this cause they were brought down into the land of Zarahemla; and they ever had been protected by the Nephites.

13 But it came to pass that when they saw the danger, and the many afflictions and tribulations which the Nephites bore for them, they were moved with compassion and were desirous to take up arms in the defence of their country.

14 But behold, as they were about to take their weapons of war, they were overpowered by the persuasions of Helaman [This is the sign of true leadership, he gets a whole group of people to change course or at least keep them on the proper course. What logic did Helaman employ to persuade the people to keep their covenants? see Alma 56:8 "But I would not suffer them that they should break this covenant which they had made, supposing that God would strengthen us, insomuch that we should not suffer more because of the fulfilling the oath which they had taken." In otherwords just as Saul was told it is better to be obedient than to sacrifice. ] and his brethren, for they were about to break the oath which they had made. [ I call this the Law Of Justification - sometimes life deals us a set of circumstances so unthinkable that we consider the ramifications of breaking a covenant- for example “I did not ever consider what I would do when I covenanted to pay an honest tithe of 10% of my income if I lost my job, put my son in the hospital and wrecked both family cars in the same month. Surely the Lord does not expect me to pay this month. How could the people have justified the breaking the oath and taking up arms? Surely the Lord would not require the people to continue to keep their covenant to not bear arms when their very lives were at stake? Or would he? ]

15 And Helaman feared lest by so doing they should lose their souls; [ Why would Helaman have feared that if they broke this covenant the might loose their souls? What is the problem with breaking oaths and covenants? What happens when we break one covenant? makes it easier to break another until we are without bounds What is the lesson for us in our day regarding covenant breaking? ] therefore all those who had entered into this covenant were compelled to behold their brethren wade through their afflictions, in their dangerous circumstances at this time.

READ Verses 16-21 Know What is True, Being True to What You Know

16 But behold, it came to pass they had many sons, who had not entered into a covenant that they would not take their weapons of war to defend themselves against their enemies; therefore they did assemble themselves together at this time, as many as were able to take up arms, and they called themselves Nephites.

17 And they entered into a covenant to fight for the liberty of the Nephites, [ Why do you think the sons of Helaman were so valiant in the war efforts? because they had seen first hand how their parents decided to keep their covenants at the very peril of their own life - so if their parents believed this much then it made it easier to give their very life if they had to for the liberty of their parents - they did it with their own will - they were not compelled to fight. Why are commitments we choose to make of our own will more enduring than those we are encouraged or induced to make by other people? ] yea, to protect the land unto the laying down of their lives; yea, even they covenanted that they never would give up their liberty, but they would fight in all cases to protect the Nephites and themselves from bondage. [ Interesting also to note that once these young men had made this covenant, they never had to be reminded of it. No verse in these chapters implies that any leader ever had to remind them that they had promised to fight. Why are we different why do we need to be reminded from the pulpit to pay our tithing, serve missions, complete our home teaching and give a generous fast offering. Why do we, who have entered into a covenant, need to be reminded? Why do we need to be pushed to do what we have agreed to do? Does how we keep our covenants reflect out commitment?
Once there was a bishop who would go to the train station every morning before work to watch the train pull out of the station. someone asked him the reason for this rather peculiar behavior and he said that he went down to the railroad station every morning because it made him feel so good to see something move on its own power without him having to push it. (Sterling W. Sill, The Upward Reach, p. 248) ]

18 Now behold, there were two thousand of those young men, who entered into this covenant and took their weapons of war to defend their country. [Interesting to note that the "Temple of the Warrior"s, at Chichen Itza, Mexico has 200 columns in it, which is also called the plaza of a thousand columns]

19 And now behold, as they never had hitherto been a disadvantage to the Nephites, they became now at this period of time also a great support; for they took their weapons of war, and they would that Helaman should be their leader. [ How does the choice of the leader effect the result? What qualities should we look for in a leader? Helaman was the leader of the Church—the Prophet. Why would the decision to follow a prophet into battle increase their effectiveness? What kind of behavior would you expect from a person in our day who has chosen the prophet as his/her leader? What other kinds of leaders might we choose to follow that would weaken us in the spiritual battles we fight? The story is told in the early days of the Church—particularly, I think, at Kirtland—where some of the leading brethren in the presiding councils of the Church met secretly and tried to scheme as to how they could get rid of the Prophet Joseph’s leadership. They made the mistake of inviting Brigham Young to one of these secret meetings. He rebuked them, after he had heard the purpose of their meeting. This is part of what he said: “You cannot destroy the appointment of a prophet of God, but you can cut the thread that binds you to the prophet of God and sink yourselves to hell.” (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p.334; CR April 1963, p. 81.)]

20 And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant [ What do we learn about being valiant from the scriptures - see D&C 76:79? one quality of those who inherit the Terrestrial Kingdom is that they were not valiant in the testimony of Jesus. What does it mean to be valiant? If we use these young men as a standard of being valiant what do we need to do to be considered valiant? The stripling warriors were valiant in at least four ways. 1) Courage probably does not mean the absence of fear, but the willingness to proceed in spite of it. 2) The strength of mind to endure the trails that we have and excel in them - the strength to commit, 3) and the word activity suggests that they were “anxiously engaged” in the cause of the freedom of the Nephites. When things needed to be done, they did them, without waiting for commands or directions. 4) They we true, consistent, faithful, they could be counted upon.] for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted. [ What does this say for the character of these young men? It's one thing to know the Church is true. It's another thing to have the courage to choose to be true to what you know to be right. To know the Church is true is to be convinced . To be true to what you know is to be converted .]

21 Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him. [ What does it mean to walk uprightly before God, and what privileges accompany those who do so? D&C 121 wherein we are told that if we abide by certain requirements, our confidence will wax strong in the presence of God. We will be confident enough to stand upright in his presence. We will be confident enough to ask for want we need knowing that he will grant our request. How would it be to be in battle with that kind of confidence? ]

ALMA CHAPTER 54
Ammoron and Moroni negotiate for the exchange of prisoners—Moroni demands that the Lamanites withdraw and cease their murderous attacks—Ammoron demands that the Nephites lay down their arms and become subject to the Lamanites. [About 63 B.C.]

[What did Mormon see in our day that would have caused him to include these verses?

Do not read, just discuss Alma 54 Verses 5-14 Fear God more than the Armies of Man

5 Behold, Ammoron, I have written unto you somewhat concerning this war which ye have waged against my people, or rather which thy brother hath waged against them, and which ye are still determined to carry on after his death.

6 Behold, I would tell you somewhat concerning the justice of God, and the sword of his almighty wrath, which doth hang over you except ye repent and withdraw your armies into your own lands, or the land of your possessions, which is the land of Nephi.

7 Yea, I would tell you these things if ye were capable of hearkening unto them; yea, I would tell you concerning that awful hell that awaits to receive such murderers as thou and thy brother have been, except ye repent and withdraw your murderous purposes, and return with your armies to your own lands.

8 But as ye have once rejected these things, and have fought against the people of the Lord, even so I may expect you will do it again.

9 And now behold, we are prepared to receive you; yea, and except you withdraw your purposes, behold, ye will pull down the wrath of that God whom you have rejected upon you, even to your utter destruction.

10 But, as the Lord liveth, our armies shall come upon you except ye withdraw, and ye shall soon be visited with death, for we will retain our cities and our lands; yea, and we will maintain our religion and the cause of our God.

11 But behold, it supposeth me that I talk to you concerning these things in vain; or it supposeth me that thou art a child of hell; therefore I will close my epistle by telling you that I will not exchange prisoners, save it be on conditions that ye will deliver up a man and his wife and his children, for one prisoner; if this be the case that ye will do it, I will exchange.

12 And behold, if ye do not this, I will come against you with my armies; yea, even I will arm my women and my children, and I will come against you, and I will follow you even into your own land, which is the land of our first inheritance; yea, and it shall be blood for blood, yea, life for life; and I will give you battle even until you are destroyed from off the face of the earth.

13 Behold, I am in my anger, [ Can you imagine the feelings of Moroni as he pen's this epistle? What is he so angry about? Why is it not good to write your epostle in anger? You might say some things that you really do not mean - Moroni said he would exchange prisoners - did he really mean it or was he angry when he wrote the epistle so he later decided he would not exchange prisoners] and also my people; ye have sought to murder us, and we have only sought to defend ourselves. But behold, if ye seek to destroy us more we will seek to destroy you; yea, and we will seek our land, the land of our first inheritance.

14 Now I close my epistle. I am Moroni; I am a leader of the people of the Nephites.

20 Nevertheless, I will grant to exchange prisoners according to your request, gladly, that I may preserve my food for my men of war; and we will wage a war which shall be eternal, either to the subjecting the Nephites to our authority or to their eternal extinction. [ What does it sound like when we talk about waging a war that is eternal? a type of the war that has been and continues forward - the war between good and evil. The interesting thing is that both think that they are right - they both are justified in what they are fighting for. It is easy to end up of a side in a conflict sometimes without any real choice - along family lines, neighborhoods, religion... How do we know if the side that we are choosing is in the right?]

** ALMA CHAPTER 55
Moroni refuses to exchange prisoners—The Lamanite guards are enticed to become drunk, and the Nephite prisoners are freed—The city of Gid is taken without bloodshed. [About 63 B.C.]

[ What did Mormon see in our day that would have caused him to include these verses?
verses 29-32 Be Cautious That No Poison Is Administered among You ]

READ 55:29-32 Remebering the Lord keeps us from being taken in snares; be cautious that no poison is administered to you

29 Many times did the Lamanites attempt to encircle them about by night, but in these attempts they did lose many prisoners. [ The Laminites think hey that was a great plan that the Nephites had with the wine and if the strategy of bringing wine worked for the Nephites why not try the same approach on the Nephites. Why did the same strategy not work on the Nephites? How is the war sometimes won in the subtile one-toone battles and not always the major knock down drag out fight to the death? Are different battles fought differently? Do we fight differently in different battles - one on one vs armies?]

30 And many times did they attempt to administer of their wine to the Nephites, that they might destroy them with poison or with drunkenness.

31 But behold, the Nephites were not slow to remember the Lord their God in this their time of affliction. [ How does remembering the Lord their God protect the Nephites? Keeps them alert, on guard, alway watching for evil, maybe even keeps the spirit with them so the are not tricked. What is the lesson for our day? ] They could not be taken in their snares; yea, they would not partake of their wine, save they had first given to some of the Lamanite prisoners.

32 And they were thus cautious that no poison should be administered among them; [ What poisons are administered among us today? How subtle are they to us? What cautions do you personally have in place to protect you for their ingestion?] for if their wine would poison a Lamanite it would also poison a Nephite; and thus they did try all their liquors.

Another word about poison - Let’s look also at the story of ALMA CHAPTER 47
Amalickiah uses treachery, murder, and intrigue to become king of the Lamanites—The Nephite dissenters are more wicked and ferocious than the Lamanites. [72 B.C.]
[ What did Mormon see in our day that would have caused him to include these verses?
someone Tell the story - see Verses 10-18 Don't Come Down from Your Mountain - for if you come down even a little you might get poisoned ]

10 And it came to pass that when it was night he sent a secret embassy into the mount Antipas, [ Why do it at night? What is going on at the mount Antipas? ] desiring that the leader of those who were upon the mount, whose name was Lehonti, that he should come down to the foot of the mount, for he desired to speak with him.

11 And it came to pass that when Lehonti received the message he durst not go down to the foot of the mount. [He knew better - you do not ever leave the high places.] And it came to pass that Amalickiah sent again the second time, desiring him to come down. And it came to pass that Lehonti would not; and he sent again the third time.

12 And it came to pass that when Amalickiah found that he could not get Lehonti to come down off from the mount, he went up into the mount, nearly to Lehonti’s camp; and he sent again the fourth time his message unto Lehonti, desiring that he would come down, and that he would bring his guards with him.

13 And it came to pass that when Lehonti had come down with his guards to Amalickiah, that Amalickiah desired him to come down with his army in the night-time, and surround those men in their camps over whom the king had given him command, and that he would deliver them up into Lehonti’s hands, if he would make him (Amalickiah) a second leader over the whole army. [If something sounds to good to be true it most likely is not good]

14 And it came to pass that Lehonti came down with his men and surrounded the men of Amalickiah, so that before they awoke at the dawn of day they were surrounded by the armies of Lehonti.

15 And it came to pass that when they saw that they were surrounded, they plead with Amalickiah that he would suffer them to fall in with their brethren, that they might not be destroyed. Now this was the very thing which Amalickiah desired.

16 And it came to pass that he [Amalickiah] delivered his men, contrary to the commands of the king. Now this was the thing that Amalickiah desired, that he might accomplish his designs in dethroning the king.

17 Now it was the custom among the Lamanites, if their chief leader was killed, to appoint the second leader to be their chief leader.

18 And it came to pass that Amalickiah caused that one of his servants should administer poison by degrees to Lehonti, that he died. [The scriptures contain many types and shadows of Christ, and my conviction is that the story of Amalickiah provides us with the opposite: a type and shadow of Satan. Think of the parallels! Amalickiah wanted to be king, he was cast out, and he took his followers with him. Similarly, Satan wanted to: exalt [his] throne above the stars of God (2 Nephi 24:13), was cast out, and took his followers with him. Amalickiah is described as cunning, flattering, and a murderer. Satan is also described as cunning, flattering, and a murderer. Amalickiah poisoned Lehonti “by degrees.” Satan leads us “carefully” or “by degrees” down to hell (2 Nephi 28:21). Amalickiah did “not care for the blood of his people” ( Alma 49:10). Satan will not support his children at the last day ( Alma 30:60).

Amalickiah succeeded in persuading the king of the Lamanites to attack the Nephites, but a large part of the Lamanite army refused to fight the Nephites. They found refuge on top of the mount Antipas and appointed Lehonti to be their leader. Three different times, Amalickiah invited Lehonti to come down from the mountain. Lehonti refused each time. Eventually, Amalickiah went up, nearly to the camp of Lehonti, and persuaded Lehonti to come down “just a little.” Amalickiah convinced Lehonti that he was not really an enemy, but a friend who only wanted to be second in command. Eventually, Lehonti agreed to Amalickiah's scheme, and was unknowingly poisoned “by degrees” until he died.

As Latter-day Saints, we have gone up to the “mountain of the Lord” and made covenants. Satan continually invites us to come down. We refuse. so he invites us to come down just a little. If we do, we subject ourselves to his power where we will eventually be poisoned by degrees. If we are wounded by a gunshot, or a sword, we know about it! But if we are slowly poisoned, we might not even realize it's happening. Poison is a perfect metaphor for Satan's tactics, because a victim of poison may not even realize what's happening, and may still believe he's in control up until the moment he dies.

The spiritual message is powerful and chilling: Don't come down from your mountain! Keep your covenants! Satan wants us to come down so he can poison us by degrees. (It's interesting to note that Jesus was invited to come down three times from the pinnacle of the temple, but he never did. See Matthew 4:1-11).]

** ALMA CHAPTER 56
Helaman sends an epistle to Moroni recounting the state of the war with the Lamanites—Antipus and Helaman gain a great victory over the Lamanites—Helaman’s two thousand stripling sons fight with miraculous power and none of them are slain. [About 66—62 B.C.]

What is the setting?

[ What did Mormon see in our day that would have caused him to include these verses?
see verses 44-48 if they did not doubt, God would deliver them & The Righteous Need Not Fear Death ]

READ 8-10; 44-48 Great leaders are like fathers, feared not death because of the teachings of their mothers

8 But I would not suffer them that they should break this covenant which they had made, supposing that God would strengthen us, insomuch that we should not suffer more because of the fulfilling the oath which they had taken. [In otherwords as Saul was told it is better to be obedient than to sacrifice.]

9 But behold, here is one thing in which we may have great joy. For behold, in the *twenty and sixth year, I, Helaman, did march at the head of these two thousand young men to the city of Judea, to assist Antipus, whom ye had appointed a leader over the people of that part of the land.

10 And I did join my two thousand sons, (for they are worthy to be called sons) [ How endearing this must have been for the young men to have a father figure at their head. How do you think this relationship helped them in their battles? I remember Coach Edwards - he often did not have to say to much You just knew that you had done well or disappointed him and that was enough - even though he was not your real dad - your respect was to never disappoint him. ] to the army of Antipus, in which strength Antipus did rejoice exceedingly; for behold, his army had been reduced by the Lamanites because their forces had slain a vast number of our men, for which cause we have to mourn.

44 Therefore what say ye, my sons, will ye go against them to battle?

45 And now I say unto you, my beloved brother Moroni, that never had I seen so great courage, nay, not amongst all the Nephites.

46 For as I had ever called them my sons (for they were all of them very young) even so they said unto me: Father, behold our God is with us, and he will not suffer that we should fall; then let us go forth; we would not slay our brethren if they would let us alone; therefore let us go, lest they should overpower the army of Antipus.

47 Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; [ Why do you suppose they did not fear death - were they just to young? Their lives were centered in the Plan of happiness that their mothers had taught them so death was not something to fear. Their lives were in order and they knew that - so there was no need to fear. What is the lesson for us?] and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. [It is one thing to be taught something - it is entirely another to believe what you have been taught when your life is in danger. Why do you suppose that there is no mention of their fathers? It would not be hard to assume that such strong mothers would have also made, or encouraged such strong fathers, but most likely I assume is that most of them were raised by the mothers - most of them were fatherless see Alma 28:1-5 "mourning for their husbands and fathers", their fathers were among the casualties of the first Lamanite aggression before they were converted and moved to Jershon.]

48 And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it. [ What had their mothers done to instill this spirit into their children so completely? Why is it important for children to know the strength and certainty of their parents’ testimonies? ]

** ALMA CHAPTER 57
Helaman recounts the taking of Antiparah and the surrender and later the defense of Cumeni—His Ammonite striplings fight valiantly and all are wounded, but none are slain—Gid reports the slaying and the escape of the Lamanite prisoners. [About 64—63 B.C.]

What is the setting?

[ What did Mormon see in our day that would have caused him to include these verses? see verses 19-22 they did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness & some Were about to Give Way , some Were Firm and Undaunted]

19 But behold, my little band of two thousand and sixty fought most desperately; yea, they were firm before the Lamanites, and did administer death unto all those who opposed them.

20 And as the remainder of our army were about to give way before the Lamanites, behold, those two thousand and sixty were firm and undaunted. [Two different attitudes here in the same battle. Which attitude do you have in the battle - are you about to give way or firm and un-daunted? How do we insure that we become and stay firm and undaunted? choose wisely which group we want to belong to fashins of the world, media influences...weaken our foundation.]

21 Yea, and they did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness; [ How did obeying every word with exactness give this young army so much strength? When a group moves together their is more strength than when the group all moves the same direction but at different times. How does obeying every word of our leaders with exactness give us strength today? What assignments in the church need to be performed with exactness? What duties of parents? Do you have family home evening every week with exactness? Do you fulfill your home teaching or visiting teaching assignment with exactness? Do you involve your family in family prayer and family gospel study with exactness? When the prophets speak and give counsel and direction, do you “observe” that counsel and plan to comply with exactness? Interesting to watch the opening ceremony of the 2008 summer olympics as the boxes were moved up and down with exactness and percision What would have been the result if a couple of chinamen would have gone rouge during the display? What happens when a group moves with exactness? Tough of war - they win! ] yea, and even according to their faith it was done unto them; and I did remember the words which they said unto me that their mothers had taught them.

22 And now behold, it was these my sons, and those men who had been selected to convey the prisoners, to whom we owe this great victory; for it was they who did beat the Lamanites; therefore they were driven back to the city of Manti.

Alma 57:24-27 Being on the Lords Team does not mean we will not get beat up - just that we will ultimately win the war.

24 And it came to pass that after the Lamanites had fled, I immediately gave orders that my men who had been wounded should be taken from among the dead, and caused that their wounds should be dressed.

25 And it came to pass that there were two hundred, out of my two thousand and sixty, who had fainted because of the loss of blood; nevertheless, according to the goodness of God, and to our great astonishment, and also the joy of our whole army, there was not one soul of them who did perish; yea, and neither was there one soul among them who had not received many wounds. [ Is there a message here about fighting on the Lords team? Do we ever think that because we are on the Lords team our battles should be easy, that we will not get beat up a little? What is the message here for us? We might get beat up - we might loose some of the battles, but we will win the war so continue forward with faith.]

26 And now, their preservation was astonishing to our whole army, [See Alma 56:55-56 How they fought was astonishing as well - they fought with powers greater than man.] yea, that they should be spared while there was a thousand of our brethren who were slain. And we do justly ascribe it to the miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith in that which they had been taught to believe—that there was a just God, and whosoever did not doubt, that they should be preserved by his marvelous power.

27 Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually.

ALMA CHAPTER 58
Helaman, Gid, and Teomner take the city of Manti by a stratagem—The Lamanites withdraw—The sons of the people of Ammon are preserved as they stand fast in defense of their liberty and faith. [About 63 B.C.]

[ What did Mormon see in our day that would have caused him to include these verses?
do not read - see verses 7-12 God will comfort us in the middle of the strom.
do not read - verses 37-40 Stand fast - trusting in God ]

7 And it came to pass that we did wait in these difficult circumstances for the space of many months, [ What were the difucult circumstances? ] even until we were about to perish for the want of food.

8 But it came to pass that we did receive food, which was guarded to us by an army of two thousand men to our assistance; and this is all the assistance which we did receive, to defend ourselves and our country from falling into the hands of our enemies, yea, to contend with an enemy which was innumerable.

9 And now the cause of these our embarrassments, or the cause why they did not send more strength unto us, we knew not; therefore we were grieved and also filled with fear, [Why did they fear or what did they fear now? ] lest by any means the judgments of God should come upon our land, to our overthrow and utter destruction.

10 Therefore we did pour out our souls in prayer to God, that he would strengthen us and deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, yea, and also give us strength that we might retain our cities, and our lands, and our possessions, for the support of our people.

11 Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him.

12 And we did take courage with our small force which we had received, and were fixed with a determination to conquer our enemies, and to maintain our lands, and our possessions, and our wives, and our children, and the cause of our liberty.

37 But, behold, it mattereth not—we trust God will deliver us, notwithstanding the weakness of our armies, yea, and deliver us out of the hands of our enemies.

38 Behold, this is the twenty and ninth year, in the latter end, and we are in the possession of our lands; and the Lamanites have fled to the land of Nephi.

39 And those sons of the people of Ammon, of whom I have so highly spoken, are with me in the city of Manti; and the Lord has supported them, yea, and kept them from falling by the sword, insomuch that even one soul has not been slain.

40 But behold, they have received many wounds; nevertheless they stand fast in that liberty wherewith God has made them free; and they are strict to remember the Lord their God from day to day; yea, they do observe to keep his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments continually; and their faith is strong in the prophecies concerning that which is to come.

ALMA CHAPTER 59
Moroni asks Pahoran to strengthen the forces of Helaman—The Lamanites take the city of Nephihah—Moroni is angry with the government. [About 62 B.C.]

[ What did Mormon see in our day that would have caused him to include these verses? see verse 9 Better to Prepare and Prevent than Repair and Repent]

9 And now as Moroni had supposed that there should be men sent to the city of Nephihah, to the assistance of the people to maintain that city, and knowing that it was easier to keep the city from falling into the hands of the Lamanites than to retake it from them, [ What is the lesson for us in our lives here? Better to Prepare and Prevent than Repair and Repent President Ezra Taft Benson expressed the same idea in similar words regarding our attitude towards sin and repentance: “It is better to prepare and prevent than it is to repair and repent” ( Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson , 285).] he supposed that they would easily maintain that city.

ALMA CHAPTER 60
Moroni complains to Pahoran of the government’s neglect of the armies—The Lord suffers the righteous to be slain—The Nephites must use all of their power and means to deliver themselves from their enemies—Moroni threatens to fight against the government unless help is supplied to his armies. [About 62 B.C.]

[ What did Mormon see in our day that would have caused him to include these verses? see verse 21-29 Cleanse the Inner Vessel ]

21 Or do ye suppose that the Lord will still deliver us, while we sit upon our thrones and do not make use of the means which the Lord has provided for us? [ Good question for us today - what exactly is our responsibility - will the Lord deliver us when we sit back and not make good use of our means? ]

22 Yea, will ye sit in idleness while ye are surrounded with thousands of those, yea, and tens of thousands, who do also sit in idleness, while there are thousands round about in the borders of the land who are falling by the sword, yea, wounded and bleeding?

23 Do ye suppose that God will look upon you as guiltless while ye sit still and behold these things? Behold I say unto you, Nay. Now I would that ye should remember that God has said that the inward vessel shall be cleansed first, [What is meant by the inward vessel? The heart - soul How do we cleanse the inward vessel? ] and then shall the outer vessel be cleansed also. [What point is he trying to get across by using the term the outward vessel? That our actions will follow - as we cleanse our hearts our actions of good will follow. So just because you appear to look good on the outside - act righteous does not mean that you are - Holier than thou attitude?]

24 And now, except ye do repent of that which ye have done, and begin to be up and doing, and send forth food and men unto us, and also unto Helaman, that he may support those parts of our country which he has regained, and that we may also recover the remainder of our possessions in these parts, behold it will be expedient that we contend no more with the Lamanites until we have first cleansed our inward vessel, yea, even the great head of our government.

25 And except ye grant mine epistle, and come out and show unto me a true spirit of freedom, and strive to strengthen and fortify our armies, and grant unto them food for their support, behold I will leave a part of my freemen to maintain this part of our land, and I will leave the strength and the blessings of God upon them, that none other power can operate against them—

26 And this because of their exceeding faith, and their patience in their tribulations—

27 And I will come unto you, and if there be any among you that has a desire for freedom, yea, if there be even a spark of freedom remaining, behold I will stir up insurrections among you, even until those who have desires to usurp power and authority shall become extinct.

28 Yea, behold I do not fear your power nor your authority, but it is my God whom I fear; and it is according to his commandments that I do take my sword to defend the cause of my country, and it is because of your iniquity that we have suffered so much loss.

29 Behold it is time, yea, the time is now at hand, that except ye do bestir yourselves in the defence of your country and your little ones, the sword of justice doth hang over you; yea, and it shall fall upon you and visit you even to your utter destruction.

ALMA CHAPTER 61
Pahoran tells Moroni of the insurrection and rebellion against the government—The king-men take Zarahemla and are in league with the Lamanites—Pahoran asks for military aid against the rebels. [About 62 B.C.]

[ What did Mormon see in our day that would have caused him to include these verses? see verse Alma 61:9, 13,19-20 God Has Not Commanded Us to Be Subject to Our Enemies]

9 And now, in your epistle you have censured me, but it mattereth not; I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart. [ What about the heart of Pahoran - he is chastised and how does he accept the chastisement? some would be bitter, offended - you can't talk to me that way I am your superior - instead he is happy that Moroni has such a good foundation in the gospel. Secondly; I suppose that Pahoran knew where his heart was, and therfore was not stirred by in-correct accusations - he maintained self-control and composure, How does being right with the Lord help us maintain self-control and composure in life? ] I, Pahoran, do not seek for power, save only to retain my judgment-seat that I may preserve the rights and the liberty of my people. My soul standeth fast in that liberty in the which God hath made us free.

13 But behold he doth not command us that we shall subject ourselves to our enemies, but that we should put our trust in him, and he will deliver us. [What is our message today in this? God has never commanded us to be subject to Satan. We don't have to give in. We don't have to compromise. We don't have to be subject to Satan. If we put our trust in God, he will deliver us, as he delivered the Nephites.]

19 And now, Moroni, I do joy in receiving your epistle, for I was somewhat worried concerning what we should do, [Pahoran was not sure what to do about his own dissenters - what is the right choice to attack your people because they oppose you or just let them be. But the epistle from Moroni made it clear what he should do see Alma 60:33] whether it should be just in us to go against our brethren. [ When is it right to fight - when is it right to turn the other cheek? ]

20 But ye have said, except they repent the Lord hath commanded you that ye should go against them. [ So if the Lord commanded you to do it then we know the coarse of action that we should take as well. Why does the Lord us others to help us get answers sometimes? sometimes we are so heavy in the battle we cannot hear the answers - even though we are trying to hear them.]

ALMA CHAPTER 62
Moroni marches to the aid of Pahoran in the land of Gideon—The king-men who refuse to defend their country are put to death—Pahoran and Moroni retake Nephihah—Many Lamanites join the people of Ammon—Teancum slays Ammoron and is in turn slain—The Lamanites are driven from the land, and peace is established—Helaman returns to the ministry and builds up the Church. [About 62—57 B.C.]

[ What did Mormon see in our day that would have caused him to include these verses? see verse 41 Respond to Afflictions with Faith]

41 But behold, because of the exceedingly great length of the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become hardened, because of the exceedingly great length of the war; and many were softened [ Why are some softened and some hardened in trial - and what makes the difference? War is a horrible, messy, hellish business. War is almost always accompanied by famine, disease, immorality and wickedness, especially in ancient times. Same war, different responses - some were hardened some were softned. We can use our God-given agency to choose how we will respond to our afflictions and problems. - it was all based on their disposition to be subject to the spirit, their righteousness, their humility. ] because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility.