War Chapters!

It's been a month since my last post, but trust me, this one will be worth the wait. War, intrigue, stratagems, fortifications, faithfulness, and valiancy -- that's what it's all about.

Sister W did a fantastic (!) job of teaching these chapters, and her efforts are deeply appreciated. So, the thoughts shared here came from her, not from me. I'm not that smart.

Chapters 43-62 of Alma are called the "war chapters" as opposed to "peace chapters." The Nephites were living in a time of constant war, just as we are today. These chapters are meant for us, so we need to read, ponder, understand, and apply those teachings in order to be fortified against the enemy. It is vital to know that victory comes from unshakable faith in Jesus Christ.

Chapter 43: 1) the Lord is concerned with the desires of our hearts; 2) faith and works mean do what we can and the Lord will always help us with the rest; 3) the prophets know where the enemy will strike -- so listen up.

Chapter 44: 1) faith in Christ is powerful in any situation; 2) a testimony can be shared in unusual places, 3) we owe all of our happiness to the word of God; 4) if warring apostates can keep their covenants, so can we!

Chapters 46-47: 1) kings lead to bondage; 2) place reminders of your covenants everywhere: 3) don't come down from your mountain; 4) beware of little temptations that trick us into believing we have control; 5) beware of "friends" who tempt you.

Chapter 48: 1) spiritual preparation is our first priority; 2) the Christian attitude toward war should be one of reluctance and sorrow.

Chapter 49: 1) be prepared; 2) prophets prepare in unconvential ways; 3) the sword of the Spirit is our weapon for spiritual battles.

Chapter 50: 1) spiritual fortifications come from doing many things; 2) watchmen on towers see what we cannot see; 3) faith and works bring assurance.

Chapter 51: 1) people of God have a duty to defent their country; 2) united we stand, divided we fall.

Chapter 52: 1) don't leave your stronghold; 2) small temptations may lead to bigger temptations; 3) God doesn't trick us into being righteous; 4) when you're tempted, realize someone may be trying a stratagem on you.

Chapter 53: 1) when you know the Church is true, be true to the Church; 2) being spiritual means knowing and doing.

Chapter 54: 1) fear God more than man; 2) meekness is not weakness.

Chapter 55: 1) when you're high on drugs (or whatever), you're low on agency; 2) be cautious that no poison is administered among you; 3) if it will poison one, it will poison another.

Chapter 56: 1)the righteous need not fear death; 2) the best teaching happens at home.

Chapter 57: 1) some were firm and undaunted, others were about to give way; 2) real faith is faith in Christ and His will; 3) acknowledge the hand of the Lord in all things.

Chapter 58: 1) God will visit us with assurnaces when we're undersupplied; 2) there is no substitute for faith combined with work.

Additional Thoughts: 1) sometimes our toughest enemies come from within; 2) the armor of God only protect the front as we are to go forward boldly, not turn and run defenselessly; 3) we may not know why we are asked to do something -- just do it anyway; 4) are we Lamanite by lineage or by belief and practice; 5) God-fearing is God-respecting.

And finally -- Christ chose his disciples while they were working. Satan chooses his disciples while they are being idle. STAY BUSY and CTR!

Love,

Sister Mann