Women Read Scripture

Dru and Marianna talk about the power of words - for good and for evil in Alma 30-31. Words can make us feel prideful, hurt, angry, and loved. This is the third anti-Christ that we meet in Alma 30 - Korihor. Korihor told people that they can do anything they want in their life because there is no God, no Christ, and no eternal law. To counteract these teachings, we need to make time for the Lord every day and do those things that allow the Holy Ghost to be with us always. The Spirit teaches us what is true. We are preparing ourselves and the world for the Savior's return. But the current state of the world would try to take us away from Christ. The world will mix small truths with false doctrine. The prayer of the Zoramites illustrate teachings of the world that are seductive to the natural man. Alma put together a dream team of missionaries to try to change these people through the Word of God. They became instruments in the hands of God.

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Dru Huffaker and Marianna Richardson discuss the power of the Atonement to help us overcome our weaknesses in Alma 23-29. The Lord is there, waiting for us to turn to Him for His help. We can become converted, but we need to realize that it is a process. The Lamanites who were converted were completely changed, even to the point of taking on a new name (Anti-Nephi-Lehi) and they never fell away. We should also think about our own conversion. Are we willing to permanently change like they did? Conversion is always a miracle. Ammon found great joy in the conversion of others. He understood that his success was the Lord's success, not Ammon's success. The Nephites also opened their arms in fellowship to the converted Lamanites. We, too, must be one in Christ and lovingly welcome new members of the Church.

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Dru and Marianna discuss the journey of the sons of Mosiah to preach to the Lamanites in Alma 17-22. They wanted to preach the gospel to every person - even their enemies. The traditions of their fathers or the teachings of their families caused the Lamanites to believe that the Nephites were their enemies, and the Nephites taught false beliefs. Ammon and his brothers became instruments in the hand of God. It was not easy. Their mission lasted for fourteen years, and they did not have success at the beginning. But through their service and love for the Lamanites, these missionaries softened hearts through the Word. This is the Lord's work, and He will enable miracles to happen, even though our efforts may be humble. Once the Lamanites became converted, they gave up their previous beliefs and everything else for the Lord.

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In these Book of Mormon chapters, Dru and Marianna talk about two people who change a lot - Amulek and Zeezrom. Amulek was a wealthy, good man, but did not acknowledge the Lord in his life. Zeezrom was a wicked lawyer and had a lot of changing to do. Amulek gained an understanding of the hand of the Lord in His life and gave it all up to serve the Lord. Zeezrom's change is more dramatic. Also, there are groups of people who do change and give up their lives for the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lord is so merciful and will give us every opportunity to change. We also talked about the Lord's rest which is the peace of knowing the plan of salvation and having faith in hope in future peace in the Lord. In Ammonihah, the blood of the innocent becomes a witness against the evil people of Ammonihah who are eventually destroyed. Yet these people who die in the Lord, they will receive the rest of the Lord. Alma and Amulek are put into prison, stripped of their clothes, without food, and slapped every day. Alma and Amulek cry to the Lord after the wicked priests asked them to show them their power. They were all slain by the fall of the prison, but Alma and Amulek leave unscathed. Zeezrom is found when they leave Ammonihah in a state worried that he had cause the death of prophets. Alma heals Zeezom and Zeezrom leaps to his feet and becomes an active member of Christ's church. Amulek also leaves his home and his people to live with Alma.

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Dru and Marianna talk about Pres. Nelson's reminder that the most important work that we can do in these latter-days is to gather Israel. Part of that work is to do missionary work. Sometimes, missionary work can be difficult and maybe even scary. But missionary work should be natural and normal as we love, share, and invite. Friendships open up opportunities to discuss our faith. We should listen to other people's spiritual experiences and how their religion brings them joy. Alma also finds a friend, Amulek, who helps him in the city of Ammonihah and who will become a lifelong friend. With God's blessings come great responsibilities. The people of Ammonihah had become very prosperous and they denied the Church and became caught up in their wealth and wickedness. Alma and Amulek are confronted by wicked lawyers who are not trying to observe the law. Instead, they manipulate the law for their own gain. After this life, we will be restored to wickedness or righteousness, based on the actions that we have chosen to do while on earth. These lawyers had hardened their hearts and would not listen to the words of a prophet.

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Dru Huffaker and Marianna Richardson talk about changed hearts and how we can keep our hearts changed. It takes an every day effort. As we change our hearts to become like Him, we will develop Christlike attributes. Previously, Alma had been both a political and spiritual leader to his people. Now, he decides to give up his political responsibilities to be a full-time Church leader. Alma goes throughout the Church to regulate the doctrine and make sure the members of the Church are still strong in the gospel of Jesus Christ. He starts in the city of Zarahemla. He asks his people over 40 questions. These questions allow us to double check and make sure our hearts are in the right place. We must gain a personal spiritual witness of Christ through a complete effort - not a half-hearted effort - to gain and keep a testimony of Christ. Alma teaches about the coming of Christ and tries to prepare them to be in His presence. Alma also goes to the city of Gideon, and he finds the people are righteous there, following the gospel of Christ. We must see Jesus who is walking beside us during our life's journey and acknowledge Him in all we do and say.

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In this conversation, Marianna Richardson and Dru Huffaker discuss the major changes happening among the Nephites as they transition from a prophet-king system to a government separate from the Church. They explore the importance of having a voice in the decision-making process and the separation of church and state. They also discuss the challenges of facing opposition and temptation during times of change. The conversation highlights the dangers of priestcraft and the importance of staying true to one's beliefs. They emphasize the need for unity, tolerance, and service in both local and global communities.

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Marianna and Dru discuss reunions of the Nephite people with Alma and his people, Limhi and his people, and the people in Zarahemla. The sons of Mosiah and Alma the Younger were wicked, but they repented and became powerful missionaries. They highlight the themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the power of prayer. They emphasize the importance of supporting and loving those who strayed from the path, and the hope for eternal reunions with loved ones.

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Marianna and Dru discuss the power of covenants in our lives. Covenants bind us with God. We start on the covenant path with the baptismal covenant. The April 2024 General Conference theme focused on covenants and temple worship. Personal commitments and societal covenants are also important for us to follow. There are consequences for breaking covenants. The stories of Alma and his people and Limhi and his people highlight the difference between covenant keepers and those who do not keep covenants. Yet, the Lord allows people to repent and return to Him. The Lord is a deliverer to His people who keep His covenants.

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Dru and Marianna discuss the story of King Noah and Abinadi, focusing on the theme of standing as a witness of Jesus Christ and truth, even in the face of physical danger. The conversation explores the concept of being a light that can never be darkened and the importance of standing alone if necessary. There is a balance between living the gospel and understanding it. The conversation delves into the roles of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father, the concept of divine priesthood authority, and concludes with a discussion on Abinadi's testimony of the Savior and the power of bearing witness of Jesus Christ in our own lives. We will never know how our positive examples have lifted others.

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