September 10, 2018 - Building a Fortress

This past week I was reading the war chapters in the book of Alma. Now these chapters are kind of boring to me and so I just flew through them trying to get past them and onto something better. As I looked back on them, I noticed something interesting. The Lamanites - all that they wanted was to take over the Nephite cities. All that the Nephites wanted was to keep their cities and their possessions. Let’s say that the Lamanites are Satan and we are the Nephite cities. It talks about how the Nephites strengthened their cites by making large mounds of dirt all around the city so that they could cast stones and arrows down at the Lamanites. Then they would build large walls of wood at the top of the mound of dirt for more protection from the Lamanites. When the Nephites were in their cities, the Lamanites couldn't overthrow them they were just too strong. But on occasion, there would be contention within the city and because of that the Lamanites would take over and kick out the Nephites. The Nephites then knowing how strong the city was, knew they could not overtake it unless they used strategy. So that is what they did, they planned how to draw out the Lamanites and through God’s help, they were able to do it and take over the city again.

Donald & Elder Hulsey

If we relate this to ourselves, we must build mounds of dirt and walls to be prepared and fight against Satan. The scriptures and modern day prophets council us on how to do this. It’s not always simple but if we read the scriptures and pray daily, and go to church weekly then our walls will always get stronger and stronger. But sometimes there is contention within ourselves, we sin, we mess up and Satan takes some of our city. So by strategy and through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can take back over, we can change from our sins and continually improve.

When we obey the commandments of God, he is willing to bless us with anything we may be in need of if it is in his time table. We have been super busy this past week and had a lot of success! I have really come to appreciate the guidance of the Holy Spirit because without it I don't know what I would do in so many situations. God is good. Sorry I don't really have any pictures from this week. Hopefully I will next week.

 -Elder Robbins

David Hill Vineyard