An Amalickiah Virus

As I’ve watched what’s been happening in our country during this last month, I see an Amalickiah at work. His plan was subtle, and he started a war that lasted for years. Many people died including Amalickiah and his brother. We can expect similar results if we refuse to see what is happening today.

The story of Amalickiah can be found in Alma 21. For those of you who are not familiar with the story, I’ve included a brief synopsis at the end of this post. 

What are some of the lessons that we can learn from this story?

#1 POWER Amalickiah wanted power over all of the people and was willing deceive and murder to obtain that power. He flattered the lower judges and said they could also have power if they would help him.

Is there a world organization that is currently seeking to control the world? What is their agenda? What means will be employed to obtain their goal? Is the World Health Organization controlled by those who seek a one world government? Are they using the corona-virus to promote their agenda?  If they accomplish their goal, will it destroy the freedom of all nations?

#2 ALLIANCE  To accomplish his design, Amalickiah needed to unite the Lamanite army. He needed their cooperation and unification. He couldn’t accomplish his plan with his own strength. He hoodwinked the Lamanite king, Lehonti, and the Lamanite army. Many lost their lives because of their misplaced trust. 

Has this corona-virus united the liberals and conservatives? People who used to say “Over my dead body!” are now willingly and obediently submitting to martial law. 

#3 BAND WAGON The Lamanites’ love and affection for their king was used against them. Amalickiah blinded them when he rallied them together to chase after the king’s guards who had witnessed the murder. The gullible Lamanites were willing to chase after the king’s guards just because they were told that those guards were the murderers. Everyone else was doing it, so they followed the crowd without thinking.

Are we following the crowd? Are we looking at the evidence? Are we thinking for ourselves?

#4 IGNORING COMMON SENSE If the king’s guards wanted to kill the king, do you think they would do it right in front of the commander of the Lamanite army? If any one of the Lamanites would have looked at the situation with common sense, they could have easily guessed that the king’s guards did not kill the king. Also, did they think it was a little strange that Lehonti died shortly after becoming commander over the whole army? Did it raise suspicion when Amalickiah just happened to be second in command? 

What does your common sense tell you about the common flu and the coronavirus?

34,157 deaths in the United States due to Influenza 2018-2019

61,099 deaths in the United States due to Influenza 2017-2018

38,230 deaths in the United States due to Influenza 2016-2017

22,705 deaths in the United States due to Influenza 2015-2016

51,376 deaths in the United States due to Influenza 2014-2015

37,930 deaths in the United States due to Influenza 2013-2014

42,570 deaths in the United States due to Influenza 2012-2013

17,995 deaths in the United States due to Corona Virus 2020 (worldometers as of April10, 2020)

Most of the people dying from influenza every year are old. Coronavirus is following the same pattern.

#5 FEAR and FORCE Amalickiah put the obedient part of the Lamanite army in a situation where they feared for their lives. He counted on the fact that they would be willing to surrender to Lehonti because of their fear. 

Many people are motivated by fear. This corona-virus pandemic is propagated by people’s fears. People are willing to trade away their freedom because they are afraid. 

Here are the facts. . .

We’ve had over 16,205,600 deaths this year (as of April 10, 2020 worldometers). Only 100,450 of them are the result of corona-virus. For every 160 deaths in the world, one death is the result of the coronavirus. People die every day. There is no reason to be alarmed. Yet, people are paranoid and afraid. In their fear, they have easily submitted to martial law. 

#6 MEDIA and PROPAGANDA Forcing the Lamanites to go to war didn’t work, so Amalickiah built towers where he had men speak to them until they wanted to go to war. If you lie to someone long enough, they will start believe it.

Do you believe what you are hearing from the media? Are you allowing yourself to be sucked in by the propaganda? Why? Where is your evidence?

#7 FALSE COVER STORIES The Lamanite king trusted Amalickiah with the army and ended up dead. Lehonti trusted Amalickiah to be second in command and ended up dead. The queen believed the witness of those who had murdered the king and ended up marrying the murderer. The Lamanites believed Amalickiah’s words and many lives were lost in the war. 

What are the stories being told? Are they true? What’s really going on?

#8 DISREGARD FOR HUMAN LIFE In his quest for power, Amalickiah did not care how many died. He was a murderer, but he pretended to care about the life of the one he had murdered.

Is this lockdown really about saving lives? Or is it about promoting an agenda? 

As of today there have been over 11,714,000 abortions in 2020. It doesn’t look like our world values human life.

Over 3,579,144 people have died of communicable diseases this year in the world. There have only been 100,450 coronavirus deaths. I don’t think this coronavirus  “pandemic” warrants the attention it is receiving.

Synopsis of the Story of Amalickiah:

Amalickiah wanted to be king, so he told the lower judges he would make them rulers over the people if they would help him be king.

When Captain Moroni heard what Amalickiah was doing, he tore off a piece of his coat and wrote on it, “In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children.” He prayed to God for help. Then he carried this title of liberty throughout the land calling for the people to come and help protect their liberty.

The people came together and promised to obey God or be destroyed by their enemies. When Amalickiah saw Moroni's large army, he snuck away with those who would go with him. Moroni did not want them to go because they might convince the Lamanites to fight against the Nephites. Moroni’s armies were able to stop most of them, but Amalickiah escaped with a few of his men.

Amalickiah stirred the Lamanites up to anger until their king wanted to go to war with the Nephites. Most of the Lamanites refused to go to war and fled to the hill Onidah. They chose a man named Lehonti to be their leader. The Lamanite king told Amalickiah to lead the obedient part of his army and force Lehonti and his men to go to war.

Instead of obeying the king, Amalickiah made a deal with Lehonti. He said Lehonti's men could surround the king's army during the night. The king’s army would surrender, if afterward Lehonti would make Amalickiah second in command. Lehonti became commander over the whole army. Then Amalickiah had his servant slowly poison Lehonti. When Lehonti died, Amalickiah became commander of the entire army.

Amalickiah returned with the army. The king thought Amalickiah had done what he had asked him to do, so the king and his servants went out to meet them. Amalickiah's servants went and bowed before the king. When the king put out his hand to raise them, one of Amalickiah's servants stabbed the king to the heart, and he died. The king’s servants who saw the murder were frightened and ran away.

Amalickiah pretended to be angry. He lied to the army and said the king had been killed by his own servants. He encouraged those who loved the king to chase and kill the king’s servants. Amalickiah then went with those who had killed the king to speak with the queen. They lied to her about her husband's death, and Amalickiah married the queen. 

After Amalickiah became king of the Lamanites, he had men speak from their towers against the Nephites. He did this until he had hardened the Lamanites’ hearts and blinded their minds. This continued until they were angry and wanted to go to war. Amalickiah’s desire was to be king over all the land.

While this was happening among the Lamanites, Captain Moroni was preparing the minds of the Nephites to be faithful to God. The Nephite army built forts to protect themselves. They did not want to fight the Lamanites. But when the Lamanites would come to destroy their families, they would be prepared to defend themselves.

This time the Lamanites wore thick clothing and armor. They thought their large army could easily beat the Nephites. But they were afraid to fight the Nephites when they saw a high ridge of dirt around their city. The leaders of the Lamanites swore with an oath they would destroy the next Nephite city they came to.

The Lamanites were disappointed to find the next city was even stronger. Because of their oath, they had to attack. When they tried to go through the entrance or dig away the dirt, they were slain. After all their chief captains were dead, they went home. Amalickiah was angry with his people because he had not gotten what he wanted.

Beware of False Prophets Among Us

True prophets do not advance their own agenda or volunteer to deliver a message of their own. They don’t look at their own wisdom, intelligence, or bona-fide acceptance of man to prepare a conference or sabbath sermon. The words they speak and the message delivered are not determined by popular vote, surveys, or public opinion polls. They generally do not quote from other authorities nor include clever quotes and emotional spiritual stories that tend to “move people”, who think they are feeling the spirit, but are deceived through emotion.

False prophets, imitators and deceivers often use charismatic influence, religious rhetoric, calculated language, prestige, and wealth to gain favor and respect from the people. It is common that they preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion. (2 Nephi 26:29) In one form or another, they try to place themselves between you and God and profit from it. Priestcraft has gone viral and priesthood that is a Holy Order after the Order of the Son of God and includes an association with the Father is rare indeed.

Although they claim to speak the word of God with power and actually do throw in verbal phrases and words about Zion that sound good and pleasing to the majority, the delicious fruit they vaguely talk about or occasionally refer to is utterly void and non-existent in them. 

Unlike the cherished hypocrites and honored impostors with religious and worldly credentials, the true Prophets of God have been in and came from the Holy presence of God with an authorized message from God Himself. This being the case, true messengers receive a commission from God to call repentance, which is seldom a pleasing message to the hearers. The fruit of their work is to offer those who will listen a chance to be humble, repent, and return to God. Very rarely are these prophets popular or appreciated by the beholder, much less recognized, honored and received for who they actually are and what they have to offer.

These prophets that come from the presence of God do not take the Lord’s name in vain. They cannot take the Lord’s name in vain when they are speaking His word that He (God) told them to speak, nothing more and nothing less. They have been authorized to speak in the Lord’s name, and therefore their words are His. (D&C 1:38) He will vindicate the words of His servants because they do not speak an idle thing or in their own behalf. They speak with His authority and deliver His message as He commanded.

It's important to understand, as the Book of Mormon teaches and bears multiple witnesses, how prophets are called. They come into God’s presence alone and experience a one on one meeting of redemption with God Himself and receive individual instruction from Him. These individuals receive from Him an endowment of knowledge pertaining to the ways of God to sufficiently enable them to deliver a valid and authorized message of repentance.

That's probably why it is so important to be able to correctly identify His messengers with His message and why He warned saying, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits ..." (Matthew 7:15-16)

"And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." (Matthew 24:11,24)

Like in every other dispensation, the test is precisely the same today, here and now! Each individual must correctly identify and give strict heed to the messages from God delivered through true prophets in order to gather further light and obtain knowledge. It is perhaps at least equally important to recognize and reject the false ones, even if they appear as "an angel of light" or in any other desired, above normal, or convincing manner. Based on history and prophecy, almost everyone is deceived and gets it wrong, therefore, very few indeed choose correctly.

Joseph Smith warned, “When a man goes about prophesying, and commands men to obey his teachings, he must either be a true or false prophet. False prophets always arise to oppose the true prophets and they will prophesy so very near the truth that they will deceive almost the very chosen ones”

He also taught: “The world always mistook false prophets for true ones, and those that were sent of God they considered to be false prophets; and hence they killed, stoned, punished and imprisoned the true prophets, and they had to hide themselves ‘in deserts and dens, and caves of the earth’; and although the most honorable men of the earth, they banished them from their society as vagabonds; whilst they cherished, honored, and supported knaves, vagabonds, hypocrites, impostors, and the basest of men”

Sooo … What do you choose today? Who speaks His word as an authorized servant of God? Have you chosen correctly? Are you sure? Upon what are you basing your judgments and decisions? For a common sojourner in this world of deception, chances are that you have chosen incorrectly. If you are certain that you have chosen correctly, then you are not likely concerned about it. On the other hand, if you are unsure, what are you going to do about a matter of such importance?

Deceptions … Delicious and Delightful?

Real eyes realize real lies.

It is not a shame to be deceived but it is to stay in the deception.

If the words don't add up, it's usually because the truth was not included in the equation.

The art of pleasing is the art of deceiving.

All warfare is based on deception.

Life is the art of being well deceived and in order that the deception may succeed, it must be habitual and uninterrupted.

Deception may give us what we want for the present, but it will always take it away in the end.

Belief is a deception you play on yourself.

Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me.

With the deception of a lie, a true carp is caught.

Be not deceived with the first appearance of things, for show is not substance.

There are two ways to be fooled: One is to believe what isn't true; the other is to refuse to accept what is true.

The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions.

Wipe your mouth, there is still a tiny bit of bullshit around your lips.

Deception can be amazingly annoying ... even after sincere and friendly warnings!

A Cloud of Deception

At the end of December I felt impressed to be more diligent in teaching our children the Word of God. I also started a blog dedicated to Teaching the Book of Mormon to Children. The children are learning, but I have benefited the most from this exercise in faith. As I seek to find ways to teach the Book of Mormon to each child at their level, I am learning in a new and expanded way. As I study the chapter from a preschool, elementary, teenage, and young adult point of view, I am noticing significant things that I glossed over in my personal study. Many times a post on A Little Peace in Paradise is inspired by the lessons learned while teaching the children.

This post comes from lessons learned while studying Alma 47. Many more questions are asked on the Teenage Challenge Questions – Alma 47 post. If you take the time to read through the teenage challenge questions, this blog post will have more meaning. At least read through and become familiar with the story found in Alma 47 before answering the questions below.

Here is the back-story to Alma 47.

Amalickiah seeks to be king of the Nephites. He is supported by lower judges of the land, who are also seeking for power. Moroni raises the title of liberty. Amalickiah flees with a small number of his men, and goes over and stirs the Lamanites up to anger against the Nephites. (see Alma 46)

Watch how Amalickiah uses anger, fear, flattery, lust for power, and revenge to manipulate the Lamanites and accomplish his design. Because the Lamanites are governed by these emotions, it is easy for Amalickiah to control them. A cloud of deception impairs their vision and they fall for Amalickiah's hypocrisy. There is a powerful lesson for me in this story.

1 Now we will return in our record to Amalickiah and those who had fled with him into the wilderness; for, behold, he had taken those who went with him, and went up in the land of Nephi among the Lamanites, and did stir up the Lamanites to anger against the people of Nephi, insomuch that the king of the Lamanites sent a proclamation throughout all his land, among all his people, that they should gather themselves together again to go to battle against the Nephites.

What would have happened if the king of the Lamanites wasn't stirred up to anger? What would have been the result if the king had not lusted for power over the Nephites?

2 And it came to pass that when the proclamation had gone forth among them they were exceedingly afraid; yea, they feared to displease the king, and they also feared to go to battle against the Nephites lest they should lose their lives. And it came to pass that they would not, or the more part of them would not, obey the commandments of the king.

3 And now it came to pass that the king was wroth because of their disobedience; therefore he gave Amalickiah the command of that part of his army which was obedient unto his commands, and commanded him that he should go forth and compel them to arms.

What emotion was motivating the Lamanite's decision? What would have happened if the king listened to his people and did not seek to control them? Did Amalickiah ignite and sooth the king's wrath by stirring the king up to anger and then providing a solution to the king's problems? While the king was caught in his anger, was he open to Amalickiah's suggestions? Is this how Amalickiah got command of the king's army?

4 Now behold, this was the desire of Amalickiah; for he being a very subtle man to do evil therefore he laid the plan in his heart to dethrone the king of the Lamanites.

5 And now he had got the command of those parts of the Lamanites who were in favor of the king; and he sought to gain favor of those who were not obedient; therefore he went forward to the place which was called Onidah, for thither had all the Lamanites fled; for they discovered the army coming, and, supposing that they were coming to destroy them, therefore they fled to Onidah, to the place of arms.

6 And they had appointed a man to be a king and a leader over them, being fixed in their minds with a determined resolution that they would not be subjected to go against the Nephites.

7 And it came to pass that they had gathered themselves together upon the top of the mount which was called Antipas, in preparation to battle. Alma 47

Why did the Lamanites flee to Mount Antipas? What emotion was guiding them? How determined were they in their resolution not to go against the Nephites to battle? How did Amalickiah get them to change their minds?

[Alma 48]

1 And now it came to pass that, as soon as Amalickiah had obtained the kingdom he began to inspire the hearts of the Lamanites against the people of Nephi; yea, he did appoint men to speak unto the Lamanites from their towers, against the Nephites.

2 And thus he did inspire their hearts against the Nephites, insomuch that in the latter end of the nineteenth year of the reign of the judges, he having accomplished his designs thus far, yea, having been made king over the Lamanites, he sought also to reign over all the land, yea, and all the people who were in the land, the Nephites as well as the Lamanites.

3 Therefore he had accomplished his design, for he had hardened the hearts of the Lamanites and blinded their minds, and stirred them up to anger, insomuch that he had gathered together a numerous host to go to battle against the Nephites.

How did Amalickiah control them? How did he harden their hearts and blind their minds? If they hadn't allowed themselves to be stirred up to anger, would Amalickiah have had any power over them?

[Back to Alma 47]

8 Now it was not Amalickiah’s intention to give them battle according to the commandments of the king; but behold, it was his intention to gain favor with the armies of the Lamanites, that he might place himself at their head and dethrone the king and take possession of the kingdom.

9 And behold, it came to pass that he caused his army to pitch their tents in the valley which was near the mount Antipas.

10 And it came to pass that when it was night he sent a secret embassy into 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. 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.

Why was Lehonti suspicious of Amalickiah until Amalickiah offered him power? Because Lehonti also lusted for power, did he overlook the obvious? Did he know that when he was dead, Amalickiah would take his place? Why did he trust someone who would betray the king's army? Did lust for power cloud Lehonti's senses?

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 pled 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 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.

Why did the king's army plead with Amalickiah that he would suffer them to fall in with their brethren? Were they afraid? How easy is it for Amalickiah to manipulate a fearful people? What would have happened if they weren't afraid?

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.

19 Now, when Lehonti was dead, the Lamanites appointed Amalickiah to be their leader and their chief commander.

Because Lehonti died slowly, did Amalickiah's plan go undetected? Can an automatic line of succession be breeding grounds for mischief? How did Amalickiah use flattery to gain favor with the Lamanites? Did the army trust Amalickiah? Why?

20 And it came to pass that Amalickiah marched with his armies (for he had gained his desires) to the land of Nephi, to the city of Nephi, which was the chief city.

21 And the king came out to meet him with his guards, for he supposed that Amalickiah had fulfilled his commands, and that Amalickiah had gathered together so great an army to go against the Nephites to battle.

Did the king trust Amalickiah? Why?

22 But behold, as the king came out to meet him Amalickiah caused that his servants should go forth to meet the king. And they went and bowed themselves before the king, as if to reverence him because of his greatness.

Did the king expect others to reverence him because of his greatness? Did the king even suspect foul play when he saw Amalickiah coming with the army? Why or why not?

23 And it came to pass that the king put forth his hand to raise them, as was the custom with the Lamanites, as a token of peace, which custom they had taken from the Nephites.

24 And it came to pass that when he had raised the first from the ground, behold he stabbed the king to the heart; and he fell to the earth.

25 Now the servants of the king fled; and the servants of Amalickiah raised a cry, saying:

26 Behold, the servants of the king have stabbed him to the heart, and he has fallen and they have fled; behold, come and see.

Is the Lamanite army blind to the obvious? The king's guards are with him most of the time. If they had a plan to kill him, why would they do it in front of the entire army? Were the servants of the king afraid? What would have happened if didn't run away?

27 And it came to pass that Amalickiah commanded that his armies should march forth and see what had happened to the king; and when they had come to the spot, and found the king lying in his gore, Amalickiah pretended to be wroth, and said: Whosoever loved the king, let him go forth, and pursue his servants that they may be slain.

28 And it came to pass that all they who loved the king, when they heard these words, came forth and pursued after the servants of the king.

29 Now when the servants of the king saw an army pursuing after them, they were frightened again, and fled into the wilderness, and came over into the land of Zarahemla and joined the people of Ammon.

30 And the army which pursued after them returned, having pursued after them in vain; and thus Amalickiah, by his fraud, gained the hearts of the people.

How does Amalickiah use retaliation and revenge to further his design? Did the Lamanite army even think through what had happened or were they influenced by the propaganda? What would it mean if they didn't pursue the servants of the king? Would it mean they didn't love the king? Did they have any choice but to invest their hearts in Amalickiah's story and chase after the servants of the king? How did jumping on the bandwagon of revenge cloud their vision?

31 And it came to pass on the morrow he entered the city Nephi with his armies, and took possession of the city.

32 And now it came to pass that the queen, when she had heard that the king was slain—for Amalickiah had sent an embassy to the queen informing her that the king had been slain by his servants, that he had pursued them with his army, but it was in vain, and they had made their escape—

33 Therefore, when the queen had received this message she sent unto Amalickiah, desiring him that he would spare the people of the city; and she also desired him that he should come in unto her; and she also desired him that he should bring witnesses with him to testify concerning the death of the king.

34 And it came to pass that Amalickiah took the same servant that slew the king, and all them who were with him, and went in unto the queen, unto the place where she sat; and they all testified unto her that the king was slain by his own servants; and they said also: They have fled; does not this testify against them? And thus they satisfied the queen concerning the death of the king.

Why did Amalickiah take possession of the city? Why would the Queen need to ask Amalickiah to spare the city if he was the good guy he pretended to be? Why did the Queen believe the witness of the murderer? Did Amalickiah use flattery to gain favor with the queen?

35 And it came to pass that Amalickiah sought the favor of the queen, and took her unto him to wife; and thus by his fraud, and by the assistance of his cunning servants, he obtained the kingdom; yea, he was acknowledged king throughout all the land, among all the people of the Lamanites, who were composed of the Lamanites and the Lemuelites and the Ishmaelites, and all the dissenters of the Nephites, from the reign of Nephi down to the present time.

36 Now these dissenters, having the same instruction and the same information of the Nephites, yea, having been instructed in the same knowledge of the Lord, nevertheless, it is strange to relate, not long after their dissensions they became more hardened and impenitent, and more wild, wicked and ferocious than the Lamanites—drinking in with the traditions of the Lamanites; giving way to indolence, and all manner of lasciviousness; yea, entirely forgetting the Lord their God.

After studying this chapter for two weeks and asking hundreds of questions, I asked myself, “Would I have seen through Amalickiah's deception? Or would I fall into the trap just like the Lamanites?”

I saw that it was anger, fear, flattery, revenge, lust for power and control which blinded the minds of the Lamanites and covered them with a cloud of deception. But what is the lesson for me? I could see this story is a model of the game the adversary plays with me. When I allow these emotions to govern my decisions, I am only a pawn in the devil's game of chess. Ouch!

Every negative emotion that influences my thoughts, words, and deeds can and will be held against me. Look at what happened to the Lamanites. The king was assassinated, Lehonti was murdered, the queen married her husband's killer, and the Lamanites who didn't want to go to war were now marching toward a deadly battle. How could they be so gullible and be controlled so easily? Yet the finger points back at me. Why am I so foolish to give in to the same emotions which led to their downfall?

I've known for a long time that having negative emotion isn't good for me, but after studying this chapter and seeing how those negative emotions are used against me, I desire to make another choice. I am trading my anger for peace, my lust for power for meekness, my fear for faith, my revenge for forgiveness, my people pleasing for an eye single to the glory of God, my envy for kindness, my ignorance for intelligence, my frustration for long-suffering, my vanity for humility, my doubts for belief, my greed for generosity, my hate for love, my captivity for freedom, my jealousy for contentment, and my fear of men for my love of God.

A Tool of Discernment

Because of lessons learned in this story, I have been given a powerful tool to help me recognize deceit. When negative emotions surface, I automatically know I am being deceived. So instead of reacting to the emotion, I take a step back, notice what emotion is being brought to the surface, look behind the curtain, and ask Jesus to show me the deception. What is the devil's plan? What is being hidden from my view? How am I being deceived? What is hiding in plain sight? What is my false belief that brings such misery? “Jesus, show me how to replace my false assumptions with the truth.”

When I choose to believe the truth, peace is restored. And so life continues to unveil one false belief after another. I can now use all of the negativity in my life as a barometer, as a teacher. Instead of engaging in the negative emotion, I get to watch and observe.. It is an opportunity to learn the truth.

The story of Amalickiah has helped me see what the enemy of my soul is doing in my life. My desire to cast off these things has moved to a new level. I choose to act and not be acted upon.

Firm Mind

Great things await those who have a firm mind. What does it mean to have a firm mind? How does feasting on and receiving the pleasing word of God help me develop a firm mind? Why is it difficult to feel His love when my mind is unstable?

O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever. Jacob 3:2

If I only allow the things of God to occupy my time, attention, and heart, will my eye be single to His glory? Will darkness flee when I do not allow anger, fear, flattery, doubt, jealousy, revenge, lust for power, etc. to have place in my mind or heart. Will I then see through all of the deceptions of the devil and be able to comprehend all things? When my mind is firm will I be prepared to enter the presence of the Lord?

And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things. Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will. D&C 88:67-68

What is the power of replacing doubt with belief in God? Is He the only One I listen to and obey? Is it possible to exercise faith without a firm mind? Do I put my trust in God continually and lean not to my own understanding but seek Him and His ways? When I exercise faith in God do I reject all the devil has to offer and steadfastly look to Jesus Christ?

And now, their preservation was astonishing to our whole army, 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. 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 57:26-27

Do those who have faith in Christ cleave to every good thing and reject every evil thing? Miracles always follow believers. Believers don't need to see to believe; but because they believe, they see heaven manifested here on earth. Why is strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness essential?

For he hath answered the ends of the law, and he claimeth all those who have faith in him; and they who have faith in him will cleave unto every good thing; wherefore he advocateth the cause of the children of men; and he dwelleth eternally in the heavens. And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men. For behold, they are subject unto him, to minister according to the word of his command, showing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness. Moroni 7:28-30

Peace

Through the Holy Ghost I am taught the things of God. Jesus is the prince of peace and I receive peace when I follow Him. Why does Jesus tell me “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”? Why does He instruct me to leave judgment and revenge alone? Can I have peace when I am caught up in these things?

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:26-27

Leave judgment alone with me, for it is mine and I will repay. Peace be with you; my blessings continue with you. D&C 82:23

For what purpose does the Lord ask me to keep His commandments? Does it please him to see me happy? Is this why he gives me instructions? Is this why asks me to depart from evil and come unto Him? If I am full of mercy and truth, will I be at peace? When I trust in the Lord with all my heart, is there anything that can destroy my peace?

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. Proverbs 3:1-7

What did Melchizedek do to exercise mighty faith? Of what did the people repent? What is the result of Melchizedek's faith? Why is he called the prince of peace? If I exercise faith and reject my fears, doubts, and insecurities will I too obtain peace and become a princess of peace?

But Melchizedek having exercised mighty faith, and received the office of the high priesthood according to the holy order of God, did preach repentance unto his people. And behold, they did repent; and Melchizedek did establish peace in the land in his days; therefore he was called the prince of peace, for he was the king of Salem; and he did reign under his father. Alma 13:18

Working By Mental Exertion and Words

If working by faith is working by mental exertion and words, then to exercise mighty faith must my mind be free of the devil's cloud of deception? Can I be double minded and work by faith? Or in other words, can I succumb to anger, fear, doubt, flattery, and lust, and still work by faith? How do Christ's words make me sure, steadfast, and immovable? How do the devil's words make me unstable? Can I tell the difference between the two voices in my head?

We ask, then, what are we to understand by a man's working by faith? We answer: We understand that when a man works by faith he works by mental exertion instead of physical force: it is by words instead of exerting his physical powers, with which every being works when he works by faith. Lectures on faith 7:3

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. James 1:5-8

If I cry unto Him, will Jesus Christ remove the cloud of darkness that overshadows me? Will he show me my false beliefs and teach me the truth? Is this what it means to repent and have faith in Jesus Christ? When the cloud of darkness is gone, is that when I am at peace with God and men? Do I want my fears, doubts, anger, jealousies, and false beliefs; or am I willing to trade them for unspeakable joy? What is this baptism of fire that fills me with joy to exceed my strength? What did this pleasant voice say to those who were baptized with joy? Is peace always the result of casting away my unbelief, my doubts, my fears, and my anger? How does marveling and doubting get in the way of faith?

And Aminadab said unto them: You must repent, and cry unto the voice, even until ye shall have faith in Christ, who was taught unto you by Alma, and Amulek, and Zeezrom; and when ye shall do this, the cloud of darkness shall be removed from overshadowing you. And it came to pass that they all did begin to cry unto the voice of him who had shaken the earth; yea, they did cry even until the cloud of darkness was dispersed.

And it came to pass that when they cast their eyes about, and saw that the cloud of darkness was dispersed from overshadowing them, behold, they saw that they were encircled about, yea every soul, by a pillar of fire. And Nephi and Lehi were in the midst of them; yea, they were encircled about; yea, they were as if in the midst of a flaming fire, yet it did harm them not, neither did it take hold upon the walls of the prison; and they were filled with that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory. And behold, the Holy Spirit of God did come down from heaven, and did enter into their hearts, and they were filled as if with fire, and they could speak forth marvelous words.

And it came to pass that there came a voice unto them, yea, a pleasant voice, as if it were a whisper, saying: Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world. And now, when they heard this they cast up their eyes as if to behold from whence the voice came; and behold, they saw the heavens open; and angels came down out of heaven and ministered unto them. And there were about three hundred souls who saw and heard these things; and they were bidden to go forth and marvel not, neither should they doubt. Helaman 5:41-49

Chains, Iron Yoke, Strong Bands, Handcuffs, Shackles, and Fetters of Hell

Following Jesus is not about being a good boy or girl. It is not about living a certain set of rules so I don't disappoint God. It pleases Jesus that I follow Him because if I am willing, he can bring me out of captivity and fill my life with peace and joy. It pleases Him to see me happy. He knows the way. He is the perfect guide to set the captives free.

I have a choice. I am free to act if only I will. I am free to choose happiness, liberty, and peace; or I can choose misery, captivity, and turmoil. The choice is mine.

And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given. Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself. And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit; And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom.2 Nephi 2:26-29

Repentance is all about changing my mind and seeing a better way.

For the kingdom of the devil must shake, and they which belong to it must needs be stirred up unto repentance, or the devil will grasp them with his everlasting chains, and they be stirred up to anger, and perish; For behold, at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good. 2 Nephi 28:19-20

Anger, lies, oppression, fear, confusion, insecurity, and anxiety have great hold upon me until I see my life in the light.

It is an imperative duty that we owe to God, to angels, with whom we shall be brought to stand, and also to ourselves, to our wives and children, who have been made to bow down with grief, sorrow, and care, under the most damning hand of murder, tyranny, and oppression, supported and urged on and upheld by the influence of that spirit which hath so strongly riveted the creeds of the fathers, who have inherited lies, upon the hearts of the children, and filled the world with confusion, and has been growing stronger and stronger, and is now the very mainspring of all corruption, and the whole earth groans under the weight of its iniquity. It is an iron yoke, it is a strong band; they are the very handcuffs, and chains, and shackles, and fetters of hell. D&C 128:7-8

Amalickiah is described as being cunning.

Yea, we see that Amalickiah, because he was a man of cunning device and a man of many flattering words, that he led away the hearts of many people to do wickedly; yea, and to seek to destroy the church of God, and to destroy the foundation of liberty which God had granted unto them, or which blessing God had sent upon the face of the land for the righteous’ sake. Alma 46:10

What does it mean to be cunning? How are the cunning able to trick and deceive?

Cunning: Art; artifice; artfulness; craft; shrewdness; the faculty or act of using stratagem to accomplish a purpose. Hence in a bad sense, deceitfulness or deceit; fraudulent skill or dexterity.

What is my defense and protection against the enticings of that cunning one? What brings death and misery? Do I want to see through the wiles of the devil? Do I want to perceive his devious and cunning stratagems which he employs to manipulate and persuade me to do what he wants? Am I willing to reject his words?

O, my beloved brethren, remember the awfulness in transgressing against that Holy God, and also the awfulness of yielding to the enticings of that cunning one. Remember, to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal. 2 Nephi 9:39

Jesus is very willing and able to teach me, guide me, and lead me out of hell. All mysteries, truth, light, and peace are available to me. Or I can harden my heart, reject the Word, hide in the darkness, and live in captivity.

And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full. And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell. Alma 12:10-11

Live by Faith That My Burdens May Be Light

And now, my brethren, I desire that ye shall plant this word in your hearts, and as it beginneth to swell even so nourish it by your faith. And behold, it will become a tree, springing up in you unto everlasting life. And then may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son. And even all this can ye do if ye will. Amen. Alma 33:23

What do I desire? Am I willing to cast out the evil word and live by faith? Am I willing to step out of the cloud of deception and live in the light? God Bless Us All

Hypocrisy and Deception Among Us

Nearly two millennia ago, Jesus said a very interesting thing about His church. “And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses’ name then it be Moses’ church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel. . . And if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel then will the Father show forth his own works in it. But if it be not built upon my gospel, and is built upon the works of men, or upon the works of the devil, verily I say unto you they have joy in their works for a season, and by and by the end cometh, and they are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence there is no return” 3 Nephi 27:8,10-11.

Jesus set out two fascinating contingencies to meet the criteria to actually be His church. First, be called in Christ’s name. Second, the church must be built upon His gospel, not upon the works of men, or upon the works of the devil.

What is His gospel? D&C 39:5-6 What is the doctrine of Christ? 2 Nephi 31:17-21 What did He teach? Do we teach the doctrine that Jesus embodies? Do we live what He exemplified? Do we actually embrace and live the gospel of Jesus Christ? Or do we merely manifest the pretense of righteousness, make it appear all is well, and are proud of it?

Do we consider ourselves a chosen and a holy people while believing others are wrong and corrupt? The poor foolish souls just miss out while we are welcomed into heaven, right? Do we cling to the false notions that we are favored of God, elected, and saved while everyone else is cast down to hell by the wrath of God? Alma 31:16-18   

Do we assert that others are lead away after foolish traditions and wander far from God? It seems like it’s always the other guy that “draws near to [Jesus] with their lips, but their hearts are far from [Him], they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.” Joseph Smith—History 1:19

We don’t do any of that stuff, do we? Aren’t we part of the only true church upon the face of the earth? There aren’t any abominations in a church that professes the name of Jesus Christ, right? Or is there? D&C 50:4 If we strictly follow men who claim to be prophets, can we ever be led astray? Hmmm?

What if a leader teaches something that is wrong and contrary to the doctrine of Christ? Am I held accountable for following false doctrines promoted or taught by a respected leader? Am I justified in my corrupt actions since it is endorsed by my authorized leader, and he counsels me to follow him? Walking off a cliff with or without a leader’s approval almost always hurts.

Do religious leaders, who claim to speak the word of God, have the power to save me? D&C 18:23 Do we essentially “have it made” because we are members of a legitimate and bona fide institution? Odds are we’ll be exalted anyway, right?

There are many honored and venerated leaders in the church that bears Christ’s name, but should any man be trusted and followed without question? Should we evaluate each message and receive a confirmation given by the power of the Holy Ghost before accepting any principle? 2 Nephi 28:31 

Nephi put his trust in the Lord 2 Nephi 4:34. He doesn’t entertain these false notions, but glories in plainness and truth 2 Nephi 33:6. “Yea, wo be unto him that hearkeneth unto the precepts of men, and denieth the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost!" 2 Nephi 28:26 Do we prefer the precepts and power of men and deny the power of God? Do we honor, praise and prop up men while ignoring the gift of the Holy Ghost? Do we take on a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof? If so, would it be best to repent and turn away from such practices? 2 Timothy 3:5

Alma spoke to his son Corianton, “Suffer not yourself to be led away by any vain or foolish thing; suffer not the devil to lead away your heart again after those wicked harlots” Alma 39:11. Are we involved in any way with the mother of harlots, which is the great and abominable church of all the earth? Do we hang on to any foolish traditions or proclaim any incorrect beliefs of our fathers?

Does the wicked one come and take away our light and truth? Do we value and trust the philosophies of men and the false traditions of our fathers more than God himself? D&C 93:39 Are we righteous, or do we just put up a pretense? Do we conduct opinion polls so we can blend in with Babylon, practice poplar trends, and work on our image? Do we track the world and mimic it? Or do we connect with heaven, call upon God, ask questions, get answers, and obey Him?

Do we put forth extreme energy and effort to appear perfect and faultless on the outside, but on the inside feel seriously undone, guilty, and unclean? Are we like the scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who “are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness?” Matthew 23:27

Do we go through the motions at church and other places where we think others are watching? Are we hypocrites that reek with sin and have a beam in our own eye? Luke 6:42 Do we see that in our present condition we stand naked with shame, uncovered, and unsaved before God? Isaiah 47:3 Does this cause us to feel hesitant, insecure, uncertain and uncomfortable?

The Lord cannot and will not be fooled by a façade, appearance, or an outer shell. I find comfort in believing that “the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name” 2 Nephi 9:41. Christ, through His atoning blood, is the only One who can redeem and save Helaman 5:9. Men cannot.

The Lord has made it clear that He will not be fooled by appearances, and He has warned us not to be false to Him or to others. He has cautioned us to be wary of those who project a false front and who put on a bright pretense that hides a darker reality. We know that the Lord looketh on the heart and not on the outward appearance 1 Sam. 16:7.

The Savior taught us to judge not according to the appearance John 7:24 and warned us against wolves who come to us in sheep’s clothing. The deception of the wolves can only be discovered by examining their fruits Matt. 7:15–16. Nephi taught that we must walk the path of faith with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God 2 Ne. 31:13.

The angel clearly communicated to Nephi and said, “Behold there are save two churches only; the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the devil; wherefore, whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God belongeth to that great church, which is the mother of abominations; and she is the whore of all the earth.” 1 Nephi 14:10

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways James 1:8. We cannot serve two masters” Matt. 6:24. Still, there are many who try to serve the Lord without offending the devil and perhaps a greater number who try to serve the devil without wounding the Lord. Who do we serve, God or mammon? To which church do we belong, the church of the Lamb of God or the church of the devil? We cannot belong to both.