Alma 30-31

“The Virtue of the Word of God”

July 6-12

Scripture: Alma 31:5

“And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.”-Alma 31:5

The word of God- the scriptures, the love of God that is manifest in the pages that teach and testify of Jesus Christ. These words change us. They change us from the inside out.

I’ve thought a lot about this in my parenting journey. I feel like so many times we try to change behaviors from the outside in. An example from today: my son didn’t want to put his things away and in desperation to get him to listen, I told him that only those who get there stuff picked up would be getting a treat and I gave him a choice of what to do. He did it and changed his behavior. Only for the external reward. I was trying to change his behavior from the outside in. But it isn’t effective. And I know it.

Also this past week I slept wrong and woke up not being able to rotate my head. I was in pain and I needed some help. I asked my kids to help me with a few things and they went above and beyond to help me. They were motivated by their goodness and love for me to help because they could see a need. Their love motivated them to help and obey. This is working from the inside out.

God helps change our motivations by working on our insides by reading and studying His word in the scriptures. The Holy Ghost works on us and changes us from the inside out. Lasting change is possible only from inside out.

If we want POWERFUL and lasting change we have to change our motivations.

Have you felt the power of the word of God in your life? How has that changed you?

Activity Idea: 10 Household Objects and Figure out How they Can Testify of God.

“all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator.”

I think it would be awesome to figure out together as a family (or make it a game!) how to make everyday objects remind us of God.

Don’t stress about what items you choose. Go around the house and grab what you see and what is left out. You don’t have to have it figured out how it connects us to God, this is a great chance to work together as a family and to try and figure it out.

Let’s see how I do. The first thing I notice is… a shoe. God created our bodies and our feet. Shoes cover our feet. Our shoes help us walk more comfortably. I want to use my feet to walk the path of discipleship and come closer to Christ. When I put on my shoes I can remember that I want to use my feet and energy to draw closer to God.

What about you? What do you see? How do these objects denote that there is a God?

Activity Idea from the church: Paper Prayer Planes (Friend, July 2020)

• Sing “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29).
• The Zoramites believed they could only pray once a week from a tall tower, using the same words (see Alma 31:12–22). But Alma knew he could pray to God about anything, anytime, anywhere (see Alma 31:26–36).
• Read “Prayers and Planes” (page 4). How did Heavenly Father answer Vern’s prayers? How has He answered your prayers?
• Now help everyone make a paper airplane. Take them outside and see how far they fly!