The Power of the Scriptures in our Daily Lives

As I have noted last week I have a more difficult area. However, there has been a scripture which has motivated me recently that I want to share. In the Book of Mormon in Alma 8:8-18, we read the story of Alma a missionary teaching to the people of the city of Ammonihah. When he got there he noticed that "Satan had gotten great hold upon the hearts of the people". However, "Alma labored much in the spirit, wrestling with God in mighty prayer, that he would pour out his Spirit upon the people." Alma comes in and tries doing the same thing he has done in the other cities, but it is not working. I imagine he's getting frustrated, upset, overwhelmed. It states that the people "hardened their hearts, saying unto him: Behold, … we are not of thy church, and we do not believe in such foolish traditions.  … thou art not the chief judge over us…"  and if that wasn't enough they "withstood all his words, and reviled him, and spit upon him, and caused that he should be cast out of their city". 

As you can imagine Alma. This solo missionary if he wasn't feeling frustrated before I imagine now was pretty dang ticked off. It describes him "being weighed down with sorrow, wading through much tribulation and anguish of soul," but as he was leaving the city "an angel of the Lord appeared unto him, saying: Blessed art thou, Alma; therefore, lift up thy head and rejoice, for thou hast great cause to rejoice; for thou hast been faithful in keeping the commandments of God."  Now this is one of my favorite parts. At times we all feel frustrated, we feel unbalanced or overwhelmed. In this life no matter where we are, we can feel the peace that comes from the Savior when we remember the God and the Saviors love for each and every one of us. When we are obedient to the commandments and diligent to do service for the Lord. 

Now that was not all the angel said. He continues by saying. "return to the city of Ammonihah, and preach again unto the people of the city" Notice that at times our trials aren't taken away from us, but the Lord will provide a way for us to accomplish his task. Alma responds, "Now it came to pass that after Alma had received his message from the angel of the Lord he returned speedily to the land of Ammonihah. And he entered the city by another way." Notice how Alma quickly turns around, I like to he was running and not dragging his feet. This is such an amazing example to me of obedience. For those of you who know the story he ran into his future missionary companion Amulek and they both enjoyed the blessings of God by opening the hearts of many, many people. 

As a missionary I promise that you can feel this inner peace as well. That God will provide the way for each and every one of you as you turn to him. Be obedient to his commandments and he will bless you.  These things I promise in the name of Jesus Christ amen.

We had a baptism this week, it was crazy. Nobody had the keys to the church and when we finally found those keys we did have keys to get into the font.  I eventually had to jump over the class screen into the baptismal font and unlock the door from the inside and after that everything went well. 

We have been praying for help to find new people ready to hear our message.  We found people who actually want to learn and had some key questions for us. Like why are there so many churches, what age should you get baptized, should we go to church if we have a bible and who has God’s authority? 

We are now going to focus our biggest effort in looking for others in this area.  This has been a refreshing week. 

Lastly, regarding how I am feeling. Like it says in Isaiah 58:8 - Then Shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be they rearward. - I'm great!