Well, this was my last lesson. I am being released tomorrow. I am one lesson away from where I started in this calling. I have been in this calling for 4 years! I was technically put in this calling in October but I had substituted this class for quite a while before that. I will miss this calling, I never thought I would, but I have learned a lot! I've grown more than I can even tell you. I've learned to feel and recognize the spirit's whisperings as I have prayed for ideas and inspiration. I have learned to pull things from the scriptures that are personal and have personal significance. I've tried to put into practice the things I have learned and I see that my life is becoming better. Not better as in we are monetarily rich but I feel more patient, more kind, I feel closer to the Lord than I ever have been before. I can see and recognize the Lord's hand in my life so easily now; not just as I look back but as I live in the present. I have a testimony of the gospel and the scriptures. I know that they were written just for me! I know that the Lord's timing amazes me. I always seem to have a lesson at the exact time I am dealing with that problem. I have a testimony that we are all connected. I have had many experiences that happen to me just in time to share them with my class and sure enough someone else needed the same answer I did to help them get through their struggles. It is all truly inspiring and amazing how the Lord can take simple, slightly dysfunctional people an use them as an instrument for good.
I don't know if i will continue this blog, I created it mainly to share my lessons with my mom. I did use it for personal updates as well but I'm not sure I like publishing it for all to read. So if I don't write again, you'll know why. One of the reasons I am being released is because I am going into the nursing program and need all my gospel doctrine prep time to study that stuff. I am going from teacher to piano player in primary till September then I will move to primary Choister. I've had that calling before and enjoyed it and I love the kids! It will be great again. Good Luck to all who read this blog and got anything out of it except for being driven nuts from all the grammatical errors. Thanks for any and all comments that were unsolicited and way too kind. Good Luck and may the Lord bless you as much in your lives as He has blessed me! In the name of Jesus Christ amen.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
#23 "The Lord Be Between Thee and Me For Ever"
1 Sam. 18-20 & 23-24
Where are my bread bakers? How many recipes did you have to try or tweak to get just the right bread recipe? What would you say was the most important ingredient? Flour? Sugar? Yeast? Salt? What if we left out the salt? It is such a small amount what difference does that little bit of salt make? It makes a huge difference because salt brings in the flavor and enhances all the other ingredients, salt is also a preservative. Let’s talk about the process behind making it? Is kneading the dough a critical element in making it wonderful? Is the order with which we add ingredients important? Is it safe to say then that the process with which you make bread just as important as what goes into it?
What would you say are some critical ingredients in a true friendship? Honesty, trust, loyalty, love, support, shoulder or ear to cry on or listen to, optimistic, kindness, charity, unselfishness, integrity, etc. just as salt is a critical element in bread despite it’s small quantity, so are all these qualities.
True friendship to me is a critical thing in our lives.
We need to measure very carefully who our true friends are. The measure of a true friend is one who will not have us choose between his way and the Lord's way. A true friend makes it easier for us to live the commandments of the Lord. A true friend will not let us do anything we want. True friends will correct us when we do something wrong and bring us back on the straight and narrow path that leads to exaltation.
Every one of us needs to know when to walk or run away from those who would call themselves friends but in reality are not. Joseph of old recognized the evil in Potiphar's wife and ran from it (see Gen. 39:7—12). We too must recognize evil and shun it. If we allow machoism to overtake our personal lives and influence choices and decisions we make, we can severely limit our progression in this life and in the eternities (Robert D. Hales, "Return with Honor," Ensign, June 1999, 12).
What if you were to take away one of those ingredients? Let’s just take away optimism you can have friends who are negative right? Or will that negative attitude eventually get old and get in the way of you wanting to spend time with them?
I have made it a practice to surround myself with friends who are optimistic so that when I get feeling grumpy and down they can help lift me up.
What is that old saying though? If you want a friend with all these qualities you yourself must have them right? What if I was always grumpy, negative and down? How long would that friendship last?
Now what about the process in making a friend what must happen throughout the process of making a friend? Kneading the dough is critical in making light fluffy bread, so is the process behind developing a true friendship. Our friendship is developed through our experiences together. This is illustrated through the story of Jonathon and David. They both exhibited the same qualities in their friendship as we talked about above. It is true that in order for some of these qualities to come to light they had to experience some trying things together, help each other through some tough times as well as have some good times to solidify their relationship. We are going to go through their story and point out some of the things that strengthened their relationship as well as develop the qualities needed in a friendship.
We start at the beginning where they first met. David had just killed Goliath and had just come back and spoke to Saul. When they had finished speaking the attitude of Jonathon concerning David was this: 1 Sam. 18:1 He loved him as his own soul. Now how could someone love someone so deeply just because David stated that he killed a little old giant, and he was the “son of thy servant Jesse the Beth-lehemite” (17:58)? Jonathon could’ve looked at David a cocky punk kid who just got lucky, but he didn’t, he had to do something first, he had to open up his heart to this boy and respect and love him. Sometimes in this day and age it’s hard to open up our hearts to others, maybe you’ve been burned before, and maybe you’ve told yourself for so long that you don’t need any more friends. How do we open up our hearts? First we have to put ourselves in places where we can meet new friends that may mean going to ward things. We had a RS bbq last Thursday, those who came had a great time, we met new friends, strengthened old friendships, laughed, experienced good food and new recipes and learned a new skill. If you’ve ever heard yourself say, “I don’t know anyone in this ward or I don’t have any friends in this ward” ask yourself if you make it a priority to go to ward things where you meet new people and open your hearts up to them.
The phrase where David tells them that he is the “son of thy servant Jesse” tells me that he was proud of who he was and where he came from, he also stated that Jesse was “thy” servant meaning that he was a loyal subject to him as king.
So what does Jonathon do next? 1 Sam 18:3 He makes a covenant with him to always treat him with kindness and respect, to always be aware of one another and help each other. A covenant, you remember is a two-way thing.
1 Sam 18:4 Jonathan gives him all he has, his clothing and weapons. His robe is very symbolic; His robe is his very authority as future king. He is willing to follow him and love him even though he’s going to be taking over the throne that should’ve been his.
This brings up two important friendship qualities unselfishness-he gave him all he had. This also exhibits helpfulness he wanted to help him, and didn’t ask for anything in return.
*I have a family member who always offers his help to his family members however, after he helps he expects something in return, and if he doesn’t get it he talks bad about you to others and he won’t help again. Are we willing to help gladly or do expect a ‘thank you’ or cookies or money? Think about that. On the other hand I have friends and family who help me with things and never expect anything back. My mom for example made half of the cinnamon rolls because she loves to do it and wanted to help me. She didn’t expect anything back. I strive to be like that with my friends and family.
Through this experience, let’s look at David- 1 Sam. 18:5 He behaved himself wisely meaning he had total bragging rights for killing Goliath; however he was humble, accepted the gifts from Jonathon with thankfulness and humility.
1Sam. 18:7-9 we know that women and people were building up David as a grand hero. Saul being a not-so-great friend allowed himself to get jealous. Jonathon had his day in battle and made some major accomplishments (1 Sam 14:1-16) but his name wasn’t even mentioned in the song and yet he didn’t get jealous. When good things happen to our friends are we excited for them or do we allow ourselves to get jealous of their successes.
Because of Saul’s jealousy he seeks to kill David, Jonathon was a true friend and helps David, this puts trust between them, 1 Sam 19:1-3 David had no real reason to trust Jonathon, how does he know that if Jonathon had to choose between his own father and him, how would he know that he wouldn’t turn on him. He doesn’t but this experience built trust. Sometimes when we go through tough times and we allow our friends to help us we build that foundation of trust.
To build that trust with our friends we don’t need to save their lives, but we can start small by making dinner for them, and show them that we didn’t kill them even though we had every opportunity to spike the food. (J/K) Can we take turns tending each other’s kids? Can we build trust by going places together? Or just by talking with each other and keeping those things confident? Small things build trust.
1 Sam 19:4 Jonathon spoke good of David unto Saul. Do we speak good of others? When I am meeting someone new I try hard to notice the things they say about others. If they are kind I know that they are people I want to be around more often. If they are unkind to their friends when they aren’t there then I know that they aren’t going to be too nice about me behind my back either, so I won’t be rude but I will keep my distance. This is one I struggle with daily. To be honest people frustrate me and I don’t understand them and my first instinct is to be wary and I am not always kind in my opinion with others either, but I am learning that I need to keep this big mouth shut so that I am not that same kind of person that I don’t appreciate.
1 Sam. 20:18 In this chapter David is trying to tell Jonathon that his father is seeking his life again, Jonathon promises to look into it. David tells him that he can’t go to the feast at the palace because of threat on his life. Jonathon tells him that he will be missed. When we have noticed that someone hasn’t been to church in a while do we get off our chairs and walk over and tell them they have been missed, or that their absence has left emptiness? Everyone needs reassurance that they are needed and missed even if they don’t hold a calling. Sometimes it’s hard to get out of our comfort zone, but that is what a good friend does. Okay so maybe you’re the type of person that says, “why should I go out of my way to tell them they were missed, I don’t care if people tell me I’m missed and I think those who need people to say that just so they go to church are a bunch of pansies!” I understand that too, however if you knew that purple pansy was going to be the one to help your spouse or son or daughter to become active again or feel of worth and you did nothing, when all you needed to do was to say 3 words, “you’ve been missed” then how would you feel? That’s were unselfish kindness comes in doesn’t it?
1 Sam 20:41-42 & 23:16 How many of you are willing to cry with your friends? Jonathon just found out Saul was trying to kill him and he has to let David go escape to save his life and they are both devastated. Are you willing to cry with you friends? Or are you the type that stands back and says, they are obviously dealing with some major issues I think I will just allow them to work them out privately? Sometimes that is needed, but other times it helps just to put yourself in a position of being that shoulder if they need one by offering to go get some ice cream or go hit some softballs at the park together. Sometimes that opportunity to talk it out really helps them gain the perspective they need to get through their issues.
1 Sam 24:4-5 David runs across Saul in a cave and has every opportunity to kill him, however he couldn’t do it. He felt bad for cutting off the hem of his skirt, which the footnote signifies is symbolic for cutting off his authority. Saul had taken David’s family and home from him as well as tried to kill him several times; David has every right to hate the guy and want to kill him, yet he forgives and let’s things go because of respect (1 Sam. 24:10)
Wouldn’t you want your friends to be forgiving to you when you do things that may be hurtful? Then we also need to be as David and say 1 Sam. 24:12 I will forgive and forget and still be loving and kind and let the Lord take care of the rest.
Through Jonathon and David’s friendship and the experiences that they went through we see the strong bonds that were forged and lasted forever. We too can make wonderful friendships that will last forever if we exemplify the same qualities that they both exhibited. I know that to make and be true friends we need to put into our bread exactly what we want to get out of it. It is not just about adding ingredients it is a process with steps that we need to take; effort needs to be expended in order to make the end result something which will edify everyone involved. Above all that make sure your friendships are forged with the Lord between them and that will make the recipe one that you can use forever! In the name of Jesus Christ amen.
Where are my bread bakers? How many recipes did you have to try or tweak to get just the right bread recipe? What would you say was the most important ingredient? Flour? Sugar? Yeast? Salt? What if we left out the salt? It is such a small amount what difference does that little bit of salt make? It makes a huge difference because salt brings in the flavor and enhances all the other ingredients, salt is also a preservative. Let’s talk about the process behind making it? Is kneading the dough a critical element in making it wonderful? Is the order with which we add ingredients important? Is it safe to say then that the process with which you make bread just as important as what goes into it?
What would you say are some critical ingredients in a true friendship? Honesty, trust, loyalty, love, support, shoulder or ear to cry on or listen to, optimistic, kindness, charity, unselfishness, integrity, etc. just as salt is a critical element in bread despite it’s small quantity, so are all these qualities.
True friendship to me is a critical thing in our lives.
We need to measure very carefully who our true friends are. The measure of a true friend is one who will not have us choose between his way and the Lord's way. A true friend makes it easier for us to live the commandments of the Lord. A true friend will not let us do anything we want. True friends will correct us when we do something wrong and bring us back on the straight and narrow path that leads to exaltation.
Every one of us needs to know when to walk or run away from those who would call themselves friends but in reality are not. Joseph of old recognized the evil in Potiphar's wife and ran from it (see Gen. 39:7—12). We too must recognize evil and shun it. If we allow machoism to overtake our personal lives and influence choices and decisions we make, we can severely limit our progression in this life and in the eternities (Robert D. Hales, "Return with Honor," Ensign, June 1999, 12).
What if you were to take away one of those ingredients? Let’s just take away optimism you can have friends who are negative right? Or will that negative attitude eventually get old and get in the way of you wanting to spend time with them?
I have made it a practice to surround myself with friends who are optimistic so that when I get feeling grumpy and down they can help lift me up.
What is that old saying though? If you want a friend with all these qualities you yourself must have them right? What if I was always grumpy, negative and down? How long would that friendship last?
Now what about the process in making a friend what must happen throughout the process of making a friend? Kneading the dough is critical in making light fluffy bread, so is the process behind developing a true friendship. Our friendship is developed through our experiences together. This is illustrated through the story of Jonathon and David. They both exhibited the same qualities in their friendship as we talked about above. It is true that in order for some of these qualities to come to light they had to experience some trying things together, help each other through some tough times as well as have some good times to solidify their relationship. We are going to go through their story and point out some of the things that strengthened their relationship as well as develop the qualities needed in a friendship.
We start at the beginning where they first met. David had just killed Goliath and had just come back and spoke to Saul. When they had finished speaking the attitude of Jonathon concerning David was this: 1 Sam. 18:1 He loved him as his own soul. Now how could someone love someone so deeply just because David stated that he killed a little old giant, and he was the “son of thy servant Jesse the Beth-lehemite” (17:58)? Jonathon could’ve looked at David a cocky punk kid who just got lucky, but he didn’t, he had to do something first, he had to open up his heart to this boy and respect and love him. Sometimes in this day and age it’s hard to open up our hearts to others, maybe you’ve been burned before, and maybe you’ve told yourself for so long that you don’t need any more friends. How do we open up our hearts? First we have to put ourselves in places where we can meet new friends that may mean going to ward things. We had a RS bbq last Thursday, those who came had a great time, we met new friends, strengthened old friendships, laughed, experienced good food and new recipes and learned a new skill. If you’ve ever heard yourself say, “I don’t know anyone in this ward or I don’t have any friends in this ward” ask yourself if you make it a priority to go to ward things where you meet new people and open your hearts up to them.
The phrase where David tells them that he is the “son of thy servant Jesse” tells me that he was proud of who he was and where he came from, he also stated that Jesse was “thy” servant meaning that he was a loyal subject to him as king.
So what does Jonathon do next? 1 Sam 18:3 He makes a covenant with him to always treat him with kindness and respect, to always be aware of one another and help each other. A covenant, you remember is a two-way thing.
1 Sam 18:4 Jonathan gives him all he has, his clothing and weapons. His robe is very symbolic; His robe is his very authority as future king. He is willing to follow him and love him even though he’s going to be taking over the throne that should’ve been his.
This brings up two important friendship qualities unselfishness-he gave him all he had. This also exhibits helpfulness he wanted to help him, and didn’t ask for anything in return.
*I have a family member who always offers his help to his family members however, after he helps he expects something in return, and if he doesn’t get it he talks bad about you to others and he won’t help again. Are we willing to help gladly or do expect a ‘thank you’ or cookies or money? Think about that. On the other hand I have friends and family who help me with things and never expect anything back. My mom for example made half of the cinnamon rolls because she loves to do it and wanted to help me. She didn’t expect anything back. I strive to be like that with my friends and family.
Through this experience, let’s look at David- 1 Sam. 18:5 He behaved himself wisely meaning he had total bragging rights for killing Goliath; however he was humble, accepted the gifts from Jonathon with thankfulness and humility.
1Sam. 18:7-9 we know that women and people were building up David as a grand hero. Saul being a not-so-great friend allowed himself to get jealous. Jonathon had his day in battle and made some major accomplishments (1 Sam 14:1-16) but his name wasn’t even mentioned in the song and yet he didn’t get jealous. When good things happen to our friends are we excited for them or do we allow ourselves to get jealous of their successes.
Because of Saul’s jealousy he seeks to kill David, Jonathon was a true friend and helps David, this puts trust between them, 1 Sam 19:1-3 David had no real reason to trust Jonathon, how does he know that if Jonathon had to choose between his own father and him, how would he know that he wouldn’t turn on him. He doesn’t but this experience built trust. Sometimes when we go through tough times and we allow our friends to help us we build that foundation of trust.
To build that trust with our friends we don’t need to save their lives, but we can start small by making dinner for them, and show them that we didn’t kill them even though we had every opportunity to spike the food. (J/K) Can we take turns tending each other’s kids? Can we build trust by going places together? Or just by talking with each other and keeping those things confident? Small things build trust.
1 Sam 19:4 Jonathon spoke good of David unto Saul. Do we speak good of others? When I am meeting someone new I try hard to notice the things they say about others. If they are kind I know that they are people I want to be around more often. If they are unkind to their friends when they aren’t there then I know that they aren’t going to be too nice about me behind my back either, so I won’t be rude but I will keep my distance. This is one I struggle with daily. To be honest people frustrate me and I don’t understand them and my first instinct is to be wary and I am not always kind in my opinion with others either, but I am learning that I need to keep this big mouth shut so that I am not that same kind of person that I don’t appreciate.
1 Sam. 20:18 In this chapter David is trying to tell Jonathon that his father is seeking his life again, Jonathon promises to look into it. David tells him that he can’t go to the feast at the palace because of threat on his life. Jonathon tells him that he will be missed. When we have noticed that someone hasn’t been to church in a while do we get off our chairs and walk over and tell them they have been missed, or that their absence has left emptiness? Everyone needs reassurance that they are needed and missed even if they don’t hold a calling. Sometimes it’s hard to get out of our comfort zone, but that is what a good friend does. Okay so maybe you’re the type of person that says, “why should I go out of my way to tell them they were missed, I don’t care if people tell me I’m missed and I think those who need people to say that just so they go to church are a bunch of pansies!” I understand that too, however if you knew that purple pansy was going to be the one to help your spouse or son or daughter to become active again or feel of worth and you did nothing, when all you needed to do was to say 3 words, “you’ve been missed” then how would you feel? That’s were unselfish kindness comes in doesn’t it?
1 Sam 20:41-42 & 23:16 How many of you are willing to cry with your friends? Jonathon just found out Saul was trying to kill him and he has to let David go escape to save his life and they are both devastated. Are you willing to cry with you friends? Or are you the type that stands back and says, they are obviously dealing with some major issues I think I will just allow them to work them out privately? Sometimes that is needed, but other times it helps just to put yourself in a position of being that shoulder if they need one by offering to go get some ice cream or go hit some softballs at the park together. Sometimes that opportunity to talk it out really helps them gain the perspective they need to get through their issues.
1 Sam 24:4-5 David runs across Saul in a cave and has every opportunity to kill him, however he couldn’t do it. He felt bad for cutting off the hem of his skirt, which the footnote signifies is symbolic for cutting off his authority. Saul had taken David’s family and home from him as well as tried to kill him several times; David has every right to hate the guy and want to kill him, yet he forgives and let’s things go because of respect (1 Sam. 24:10)
Wouldn’t you want your friends to be forgiving to you when you do things that may be hurtful? Then we also need to be as David and say 1 Sam. 24:12 I will forgive and forget and still be loving and kind and let the Lord take care of the rest.
Through Jonathon and David’s friendship and the experiences that they went through we see the strong bonds that were forged and lasted forever. We too can make wonderful friendships that will last forever if we exemplify the same qualities that they both exhibited. I know that to make and be true friends we need to put into our bread exactly what we want to get out of it. It is not just about adding ingredients it is a process with steps that we need to take; effort needs to be expended in order to make the end result something which will edify everyone involved. Above all that make sure your friendships are forged with the Lord between them and that will make the recipe one that you can use forever! In the name of Jesus Christ amen.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
#22 The Lord Looketh on the Heart
1 Sam. 9-11; 13; 15-17
*Hand out a half sheet of paper and pencil to each person. I’m going to have my class divide their paper into 3rds. On the 1st third I will have them write what they think of themselves, and ask that they be nice to themselves. Then on the 2nd third they write what they’ve heard others tell them about themselves. Then I will read the 1st half of 1 Sam. 16:7 where the Lord is telling Samuel how we and others see ourselves and each other.
*Do you think that is true? Now we will read the last half of the verse where we read how the Lord sees us. Now on the 3rd section pretend its Christ writing Even if you write that you have a desire to be good, or that you strive to be obedient etc.
So now what? What does the Lord do with the potential that’s just sitting there? He nurtures that potential just a little at a time through small experiences, new ideas, and thoughts, piece by piece. He gives us opportunities to either accept or decline, then if we accept He can mold us through promptings of the spirit just like he does with David. Let’s look at David’s heart:
1 Sam. 16:12 he’s ruddy (healthy), beautiful countenance, goodly to look to
16:13 Spirit of the Lord was with Daniel
16:21 & 17:17 he’s obedient to His Father and His king. He takes opportunities that come and trusts that they’ll be the right experience.
16:23 he plays the harp
17:26 he has faith stronger than the older men! He talks smack too that says that something, that maybe he’s a teenager.
17:28 Still a normal kid & must’ve wanted to see the battle or participate or his brother wouldn’t have said that.
17:33-37 Courageous, feisty and has faith in the Lord
17:39-40 Goes with what he knows, doesn’t take the armor because he chooses to use what he’s always used-the Lord’s power.
17:45-46 “Come to thee in name of the Lord”-willing to fight for God and with His name to prove to whole earth that the Lord is real.
17:48 Courage-he ran toward Goliath, not stood there waiting; he’s aggressive-doesn’t hang back.
17:49 It took one shot to take Goliath down, He’s efficient, has great aim, he hit his target, or his goal on his 1st try!
Now as I was pondering on this info. About David and as I saw how his life’s experiences worked I thought about my own life and how the Lord is taking my raw materials or my desires or potential and molding me? I know that the Lord can mold us through jobs, kids, callings etc. He has with me in many areas, but I just thought about the callings I’ve had-there haven’t been but a handful, but the rate at which I learned and the things I’ve learned have been amazing to me as I look back. I want to illustrate a bit of my experience because I want you to see how you can look through your own life experiences and see how the Lord has worked with your potential.
I started my 1st calling in the nursery and continually learned and proved to myself and the Lord that I could do this calling, I could be reliable, I could learn to love the kids, I could learn how to teach little people who love and accept you no matter what. Since then I have had many other callings that have stretched me and forced me to go into places that I really didn’t think I was capable of going to. I ended up here for one thing and have been here for 4 years, I just realized I am 2 lessons from where I started. I have grown more here than in any other calling; but no matter what, we all know that to keep growing we all have to keep getting new callings, and having new opportunities; who knows when that will happen, but whatever and whenever that happens we know that whoever will take this calling will grow and learn tons, and where I go will be where I need to be to keep growing. The Lord will continue shaping our lives through our potential just as he did for David. Our job is as David’s was, to notice the miracles, embrace new experiences and life changing events with faith and confidence, trusting the Lord in everything He did. I bare testimony that if we let the Lord shape the potential He sees in our hearts we will be strong warriors that will continue to fight our Goliath’s throughout our entire lives, in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
*I have a really short lesson because I am ending early because we have people in our ward who have a fit about having food in the Relief Society Room and so we are adjourning early to go to the gym and have the cinnamon rolls that I promised my class this week for losing the game last week.
*Hand out a half sheet of paper and pencil to each person. I’m going to have my class divide their paper into 3rds. On the 1st third I will have them write what they think of themselves, and ask that they be nice to themselves. Then on the 2nd third they write what they’ve heard others tell them about themselves. Then I will read the 1st half of 1 Sam. 16:7 where the Lord is telling Samuel how we and others see ourselves and each other.
*Do you think that is true? Now we will read the last half of the verse where we read how the Lord sees us. Now on the 3rd section pretend its Christ writing Even if you write that you have a desire to be good, or that you strive to be obedient etc.
So now what? What does the Lord do with the potential that’s just sitting there? He nurtures that potential just a little at a time through small experiences, new ideas, and thoughts, piece by piece. He gives us opportunities to either accept or decline, then if we accept He can mold us through promptings of the spirit just like he does with David. Let’s look at David’s heart:
1 Sam. 16:12 he’s ruddy (healthy), beautiful countenance, goodly to look to
16:13 Spirit of the Lord was with Daniel
16:21 & 17:17 he’s obedient to His Father and His king. He takes opportunities that come and trusts that they’ll be the right experience.
16:23 he plays the harp
17:26 he has faith stronger than the older men! He talks smack too that says that something, that maybe he’s a teenager.
17:28 Still a normal kid & must’ve wanted to see the battle or participate or his brother wouldn’t have said that.
17:33-37 Courageous, feisty and has faith in the Lord
17:39-40 Goes with what he knows, doesn’t take the armor because he chooses to use what he’s always used-the Lord’s power.
17:45-46 “Come to thee in name of the Lord”-willing to fight for God and with His name to prove to whole earth that the Lord is real.
17:48 Courage-he ran toward Goliath, not stood there waiting; he’s aggressive-doesn’t hang back.
17:49 It took one shot to take Goliath down, He’s efficient, has great aim, he hit his target, or his goal on his 1st try!
Now as I was pondering on this info. About David and as I saw how his life’s experiences worked I thought about my own life and how the Lord is taking my raw materials or my desires or potential and molding me? I know that the Lord can mold us through jobs, kids, callings etc. He has with me in many areas, but I just thought about the callings I’ve had-there haven’t been but a handful, but the rate at which I learned and the things I’ve learned have been amazing to me as I look back. I want to illustrate a bit of my experience because I want you to see how you can look through your own life experiences and see how the Lord has worked with your potential.
I started my 1st calling in the nursery and continually learned and proved to myself and the Lord that I could do this calling, I could be reliable, I could learn to love the kids, I could learn how to teach little people who love and accept you no matter what. Since then I have had many other callings that have stretched me and forced me to go into places that I really didn’t think I was capable of going to. I ended up here for one thing and have been here for 4 years, I just realized I am 2 lessons from where I started. I have grown more here than in any other calling; but no matter what, we all know that to keep growing we all have to keep getting new callings, and having new opportunities; who knows when that will happen, but whatever and whenever that happens we know that whoever will take this calling will grow and learn tons, and where I go will be where I need to be to keep growing. The Lord will continue shaping our lives through our potential just as he did for David. Our job is as David’s was, to notice the miracles, embrace new experiences and life changing events with faith and confidence, trusting the Lord in everything He did. I bare testimony that if we let the Lord shape the potential He sees in our hearts we will be strong warriors that will continue to fight our Goliath’s throughout our entire lives, in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
*I have a really short lesson because I am ending early because we have people in our ward who have a fit about having food in the Relief Society Room and so we are adjourning early to go to the gym and have the cinnamon rolls that I promised my class this week for losing the game last week.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
#21 God Will Honor Those Who Honor Him
1 Samuel 2-3; 8
So you know that game that women play at baby showers where there is a tray of baby items that gets passed around, everyone gets a look, it gets covered again and they get 2 minutes to write down as many items as they can remember? That is the game we are playing; as a group they will try and come up with all 17 items before the allotted time while one person is writing them on the board. I won’t tell them how many and I won’t help at all because the deal I’m making is if they get them all I have to make and bring a treat next week, if they don’t I won’t.
After that game is over I will pick random people to pick out one item listed on the board and we will talk about what scripture that one item represents and how that person either honored or dishonored the Lord by their actions. I do have a couple items on the tray that represent ways we can honor the Lord that don’t go with a scripture but the lesson manual suggests we mention.
1-Tithing envelope the next 3 go together I just needed more items to put on my tray, but in essence we honor the Lord when we pay a full tithe and give to fast offerings, we won’t discuss in detail today of all the honor we receive back from the Lord because we pay our tithes and offerings, but if you’ve ever paid your tithing you should already know of the blessings and honor that have come from that.
2-Tithing slip
3-Change
4-Food item (can be anything) 1 Sam 2:15-16 a priest, Eli’s son, dishonors the Lord by taking food from off the altar before it is sacrificed (he’s robbing God) Do we honor food over the Word of Wisdom, or the Lord? Are we praying over our food, or just eating it? If we are choosing not to pray over it is that dishonoring the Lord?
5-Book of Miracles or paper that reads “IT”S A MIRACLE” 1 Sam 2:1 Hannah rejoices to the Lord in prayer. She honors Him, He honors her back because as she honors him her power (horn) and confidence (mouth enlarged) over her enemies!
6-Hand mirror 1 Sam 2:22-24 Son’s of Eli honor themselves by gratifying their own lusts and desires without thinking of long term consequences. What instances do we do this which can easily be corrected? We could talk about anything here, pornography, movies, music, worldly goods, Just fill your weakness in the blank.
7-Picture of my children 1 Sam. 2:29 Eli dishonors the Lord by honoring his sons over the Lord. He worried about alienating his sons by coming down hard on them and making them stop taking the sacrifices from off the altar. When we refuse to teach our children difficult doctrine because we don’t want to hurt their feelings, we are saying that our children’s feelings are more important than the word of God.
8-Ceramic hands clasped in prayer 1 Sam. 3:1 & 10 ‘The Lord was precious’ means that the word of the lord wasn’t shared or talked about very often, Samuel had no idea that the Lord was talking to him because even though he lived with Eli, Eli had stopped being as valiant of a servant as he once was and hadn’t taught him the basics of prayer, including who to pray to and how to recognize his voice. Are we teaching each other and our children these basic principles?
9-Movie we either honor or dishonor the Lord with every movie we watch or games we play. Elder Bednar gave a talk recorded in this month’s Ensign that cautions heavily about gaming and chatting on the internet. We need to think about our entertainment items very closely.
10-Baby doll 1 Sam. 2:20-21 She gave Samuel (Her only child at the time) to the Lord so that he would become the prophet, He honored her by blessing her with many more sons and daughters.
11-Clock Time-how we use our time reflects whether we are honoring or dishonoring the Lord. In what ways can we give our time to the Lord? Scripture reading, prayer, taking & doing our callings, visit/home teaching, speaking in sacrament, attending & helping at the ward activities,
12-Recorder (like the musical instrument) developing our talents and seeking opportunities to share them with others, is one way we honor the Lord. Hiding them, denying that we have them or being ungrateful for what we do have are ways we dishonor the Lord.
13-Ensign 1 Sam. 8:19 People refused the word of a prophet, we also dishonor the Lord and His words when we don’t take the time to read the latest counsel and apply it to our lives. Does anyone know the latest counsel of the 1st presidency?
14-Man of God or servant of Lord (either a picture of our Bishop) 1 Sam. 2:27& 31 Because of the dishonor Eli’s sons brought upon the church a man of God or another servant of the Lord came to tell him that The Lord has had enough and because Eli hadn’t stopped the action of His son’s (taking the sacrificial meat from the Lords altar and seducing women @ the temple) the Lord would displace Eli and his son’s out of the picture completely!
15-Crown 1 Sam. 8:5-7 &22 the people had enough of the priests that had presided unrighteously; they request a king. He tries to counsel them against it by listing all the things that would happen to them if they had a king (vs. 10-18) they don’t care and still desire a king, so they get one. We too dishonor the Lord by desiring what the world desires rather than what the Lord wants to honor us with, a better way and life, albeit different from the world.
16-Pres. Monson’s picture 1 Sam. 3:19-20 Samuel grew and none of the Lord’s words fell to the ground, meaning that whatever the Lord instructed He did and revealed His words to the people. Where there once was no prophet, Samuel became the newest prophet of the Lord. We honor the Lord by honoring his prophets!
17-Coat (a Barbie coat so it will fit on the tray) 1 Sam. 2:19 every year Hannah and her husband came to the temple to offer sacrifice and she visited with her son and provided him with some things. This time it talks about a coat she had given him. What I get out of this is that she is bringing love and basic necessities to the prophet of the Lord, how can we follow this example of giving honor? We can pray for the brethren, as well as give the basic necessities to the church so that they may be used to help those who have none.
I want to end with one last scripture 1 Sam. 2:30 the Lord makes it very clear those who honor Him, He will honor, those who despise Him or bring dishonor to Him, He esteems them lightly, He doesn’t say He will stop loving them, but following the footnotes to Malachi 2:9 says He will make them contemptible to others, meaning they will have lost all respect for them, forever. I have challenged myself to pick one way to honor the Lord that I studied out here today and am not currently doing and incorporate it into my daily routine starting this week. The Lord challenges us to do all we can to honor him and I pray that we will, in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
So you know that game that women play at baby showers where there is a tray of baby items that gets passed around, everyone gets a look, it gets covered again and they get 2 minutes to write down as many items as they can remember? That is the game we are playing; as a group they will try and come up with all 17 items before the allotted time while one person is writing them on the board. I won’t tell them how many and I won’t help at all because the deal I’m making is if they get them all I have to make and bring a treat next week, if they don’t I won’t.
After that game is over I will pick random people to pick out one item listed on the board and we will talk about what scripture that one item represents and how that person either honored or dishonored the Lord by their actions. I do have a couple items on the tray that represent ways we can honor the Lord that don’t go with a scripture but the lesson manual suggests we mention.
1-Tithing envelope the next 3 go together I just needed more items to put on my tray, but in essence we honor the Lord when we pay a full tithe and give to fast offerings, we won’t discuss in detail today of all the honor we receive back from the Lord because we pay our tithes and offerings, but if you’ve ever paid your tithing you should already know of the blessings and honor that have come from that.
2-Tithing slip
3-Change
4-Food item (can be anything) 1 Sam 2:15-16 a priest, Eli’s son, dishonors the Lord by taking food from off the altar before it is sacrificed (he’s robbing God) Do we honor food over the Word of Wisdom, or the Lord? Are we praying over our food, or just eating it? If we are choosing not to pray over it is that dishonoring the Lord?
5-Book of Miracles or paper that reads “IT”S A MIRACLE” 1 Sam 2:1 Hannah rejoices to the Lord in prayer. She honors Him, He honors her back because as she honors him her power (horn) and confidence (mouth enlarged) over her enemies!
6-Hand mirror 1 Sam 2:22-24 Son’s of Eli honor themselves by gratifying their own lusts and desires without thinking of long term consequences. What instances do we do this which can easily be corrected? We could talk about anything here, pornography, movies, music, worldly goods, Just fill your weakness in the blank.
7-Picture of my children 1 Sam. 2:29 Eli dishonors the Lord by honoring his sons over the Lord. He worried about alienating his sons by coming down hard on them and making them stop taking the sacrifices from off the altar. When we refuse to teach our children difficult doctrine because we don’t want to hurt their feelings, we are saying that our children’s feelings are more important than the word of God.
8-Ceramic hands clasped in prayer 1 Sam. 3:1 & 10 ‘The Lord was precious’ means that the word of the lord wasn’t shared or talked about very often, Samuel had no idea that the Lord was talking to him because even though he lived with Eli, Eli had stopped being as valiant of a servant as he once was and hadn’t taught him the basics of prayer, including who to pray to and how to recognize his voice. Are we teaching each other and our children these basic principles?
9-Movie we either honor or dishonor the Lord with every movie we watch or games we play. Elder Bednar gave a talk recorded in this month’s Ensign that cautions heavily about gaming and chatting on the internet. We need to think about our entertainment items very closely.
10-Baby doll 1 Sam. 2:20-21 She gave Samuel (Her only child at the time) to the Lord so that he would become the prophet, He honored her by blessing her with many more sons and daughters.
11-Clock Time-how we use our time reflects whether we are honoring or dishonoring the Lord. In what ways can we give our time to the Lord? Scripture reading, prayer, taking & doing our callings, visit/home teaching, speaking in sacrament, attending & helping at the ward activities,
12-Recorder (like the musical instrument) developing our talents and seeking opportunities to share them with others, is one way we honor the Lord. Hiding them, denying that we have them or being ungrateful for what we do have are ways we dishonor the Lord.
13-Ensign 1 Sam. 8:19 People refused the word of a prophet, we also dishonor the Lord and His words when we don’t take the time to read the latest counsel and apply it to our lives. Does anyone know the latest counsel of the 1st presidency?
14-Man of God or servant of Lord (either a picture of our Bishop) 1 Sam. 2:27& 31 Because of the dishonor Eli’s sons brought upon the church a man of God or another servant of the Lord came to tell him that The Lord has had enough and because Eli hadn’t stopped the action of His son’s (taking the sacrificial meat from the Lords altar and seducing women @ the temple) the Lord would displace Eli and his son’s out of the picture completely!
15-Crown 1 Sam. 8:5-7 &22 the people had enough of the priests that had presided unrighteously; they request a king. He tries to counsel them against it by listing all the things that would happen to them if they had a king (vs. 10-18) they don’t care and still desire a king, so they get one. We too dishonor the Lord by desiring what the world desires rather than what the Lord wants to honor us with, a better way and life, albeit different from the world.
16-Pres. Monson’s picture 1 Sam. 3:19-20 Samuel grew and none of the Lord’s words fell to the ground, meaning that whatever the Lord instructed He did and revealed His words to the people. Where there once was no prophet, Samuel became the newest prophet of the Lord. We honor the Lord by honoring his prophets!
17-Coat (a Barbie coat so it will fit on the tray) 1 Sam. 2:19 every year Hannah and her husband came to the temple to offer sacrifice and she visited with her son and provided him with some things. This time it talks about a coat she had given him. What I get out of this is that she is bringing love and basic necessities to the prophet of the Lord, how can we follow this example of giving honor? We can pray for the brethren, as well as give the basic necessities to the church so that they may be used to help those who have none.
I want to end with one last scripture 1 Sam. 2:30 the Lord makes it very clear those who honor Him, He will honor, those who despise Him or bring dishonor to Him, He esteems them lightly, He doesn’t say He will stop loving them, but following the footnotes to Malachi 2:9 says He will make them contemptible to others, meaning they will have lost all respect for them, forever. I have challenged myself to pick one way to honor the Lord that I studied out here today and am not currently doing and incorporate it into my daily routine starting this week. The Lord challenges us to do all we can to honor him and I pray that we will, in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
#20 All the City...Doth Know that Thou art a Virtuous Woman
Ruth; 1 Samuel 1
Think to yourself what qualities you hope that others would describe you as having.
Ruth 3:11 Says that Ruth is Virtuous which speaks volumes, the BD says that she is Chaste, clean, good, holy, modest, pure, and sacred. Not only is she this way but the whole city, a new city, where she had just moved to, knows that she is this way. What does that tell you about Ruth? That whomever she came into contact with found this out just by talking to her, or interacting with her or watching her. She lived these qualities in everything she did, not just at church, not just in public, but in private too.
We too can have these kinds of qualities and we can live them. In our story today we have 3 characters: Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz, all three of these people exhibited amazing qualities and we are going to find out what they are and how we can exhibit these qualities in our own lives.
We are going to split up into 6 groups; I have scriptures specifically about our 3 characters that I will give each of the groups with a blank paper and pencil. Your job is to read the scripture, decipher what quality our character is exhibiting, and come up with at least one way we can exhibit that quality into our daily lives. Then we will go through the story and discuss the qualities you came up with as well as what we can do to apply them to our lives.
Naomi (2 groups) (split the following scriptures in half):
Ruth 1:8 Selflessness-thinks of her daughter-in-laws before herself
Ruth 2:20 she’s grateful to the Lord and others
Ruth 2:22 she encourages Ruth in her desires
Ruth 3:1-3 Helps Ruth by allowing her happiness and teaches her the customs and traditions of her people, thus allowing Ruth to thrive.
Ruth 3:18 she exhibits and teaches Ruth to BE STILL and patient.
Ruth 4:16 motherly the loved freely Boaz and Ruth’s Child (not even her own grandchild)
What we can do:
Put others before ourselves (visit/home teaching) (callings)
Send Thank You notes or verbally tell people how much you appreciate things-even the small things. Say thanks to the Lord by temple worship, attending our meetings, singing hymns, contributing to gospel and praying
Encouraging others happens by not discouraging their ideas and suggestions. We can Compliment each other freely.
Teach converts or each other to understand things/ be happy for others in their successes allow them to rejoice and be happy without putting a damper on their party.
We can exhibit patience by trusting in the Lord and knowing that each of us have to figure out life for ourselves whether It’s the hard way or easy way, we gain patience by praying for others to find the Lord as well as for ourselves to allow them to be who they are without our medaling.
Love all people and children by serving them, taking callings and opening your hearts to those who serve you as well as those whom you serve.
BOAZ:
Ruth 2:4 He is kind and loving to his employees, he brings the Lord to work with him daily.
Ruth 2:8-9 & 15-16 He is kind to strangers, generous, giving and chivalrous
Ruth 2:11-12 He is complimentary to her and observant, respecting others opinion of her.
Ruth 3:13 respects customs of their day and how things work, he respects the rights of others, before going off and following his desires.
Ruth 3:15 He is giving, kind, and loving, making sure that she has enough barley and wheat to take home to her mother in law and herself, as well as offering her food and drink while she works.
We can do:
We can be kind to our coworkers, offer to do things for them, bring them a drink, help them with their workload, etc.
We can take the Lord wherever we go by treating others with the same kindness and love that the Lord would show to them.
We can give what we have spiritually and temporally to others through fast offerings and tithing.
We can compliment others work and choices; we can observe or look for things to compliment them on.
We can respect others lives and not judge by being curious about their upbringing and cultures. Respect that all people are amazing and have a purpose in your life.
RUTH:
Ruth 1:14 She loves with all her heart.
Ruth 1:16-17 she is Loyal, her heart was converted to the Lord
Ruth 2:2 she desires to work
Ruth 2:7 she is determined, and dedicated to being a hard worker and providing for herself and her family.
Ruth 2:10 She is grateful
Ruth 2:11 Sacrifices her life for others.
Ruth 2:12-13 she trusts in God, she is faithful, and she is friendly to others.
Ruth 2:23 she is persistent in working daily till the harvest is over.
Ruth 3:5 she is obedient and respectful of Naomi’s opinion and advice.
Ruth 3:9 she humbles herself to ask for Boaz’s hand in marriage and his protection.
Ruth 3:11 Virtuous and kind to everyone she came in contact with.
We can do:
Don’t hold back our love from people. Love others deeply as we would want to be loved.
We can be Loyal to the Lord, our spouse, ourselves, our kids, and all people.
We should have a desire to work and work hard in whatever we do @ our jobs, @ our home, @ church.
We can be determined to work at something, even if its hard-life can be hard we need to be dedicated and never give up.
We can practice being grateful by taking lessons from our kids that go around enjoying rocks and smelling flowers, watching sunsets.
Sacrifice for others our time, talents, love, and life for the good of others in all aspects of our lives.
We can be friendly to everyone, what happened to the day when we’d go around saying hi to everyone and smiling at all people even when we didn’t know them. Try an experiment walk around with a permanent smile on your face all day and see what kind of comments and reactions you get. Some might think that you have a secret or that something awesome just happened to you. This experiment will teach you a couple of things, 1-you don’t smile enough 2-that people really do love getting smiled at and 3- smiling is contagious!
Trust in God-know that he has a plan for our lives, just as Ruth had to seek it out and do something about it, so must we. Seek it through prayer, do hard things if you must, and then trust that God will lead your life.
Be persistent in working, do projects thoroughly and completely to the jobs end and do it well so that you can be proud of a job well done.
Obedience to the Lord and our church leaders, even if we may not like what they say, or even agree with what they say, obedience brings great blessings.
We can humble ourselves by asking for help or putting ourselves in a position to hear and apply all the counsel we hear in sacrament meetings and other meetings.
Virtuous means=chastity, cleanliness, goodness, holiness, modesty, purity, sacred. Be all these in thought and action in every facet of life-walk it-talk it and OUR entire city will know that we are Amazing and wonderful people just as the people in Ruth’s city knew that she was.
I know that we all have many if not all of these qualities, but I also know there is always room for improvement. May we all seek these qualities and desire to be them. This brings us to Christ’s feet and His image will be in our countenances daily, in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Think to yourself what qualities you hope that others would describe you as having.
Ruth 3:11 Says that Ruth is Virtuous which speaks volumes, the BD says that she is Chaste, clean, good, holy, modest, pure, and sacred. Not only is she this way but the whole city, a new city, where she had just moved to, knows that she is this way. What does that tell you about Ruth? That whomever she came into contact with found this out just by talking to her, or interacting with her or watching her. She lived these qualities in everything she did, not just at church, not just in public, but in private too.
We too can have these kinds of qualities and we can live them. In our story today we have 3 characters: Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz, all three of these people exhibited amazing qualities and we are going to find out what they are and how we can exhibit these qualities in our own lives.
We are going to split up into 6 groups; I have scriptures specifically about our 3 characters that I will give each of the groups with a blank paper and pencil. Your job is to read the scripture, decipher what quality our character is exhibiting, and come up with at least one way we can exhibit that quality into our daily lives. Then we will go through the story and discuss the qualities you came up with as well as what we can do to apply them to our lives.
Naomi (2 groups) (split the following scriptures in half):
Ruth 1:8 Selflessness-thinks of her daughter-in-laws before herself
Ruth 2:20 she’s grateful to the Lord and others
Ruth 2:22 she encourages Ruth in her desires
Ruth 3:1-3 Helps Ruth by allowing her happiness and teaches her the customs and traditions of her people, thus allowing Ruth to thrive.
Ruth 3:18 she exhibits and teaches Ruth to BE STILL and patient.
Ruth 4:16 motherly the loved freely Boaz and Ruth’s Child (not even her own grandchild)
What we can do:
Put others before ourselves (visit/home teaching) (callings)
Send Thank You notes or verbally tell people how much you appreciate things-even the small things. Say thanks to the Lord by temple worship, attending our meetings, singing hymns, contributing to gospel and praying
Encouraging others happens by not discouraging their ideas and suggestions. We can Compliment each other freely.
Teach converts or each other to understand things/ be happy for others in their successes allow them to rejoice and be happy without putting a damper on their party.
We can exhibit patience by trusting in the Lord and knowing that each of us have to figure out life for ourselves whether It’s the hard way or easy way, we gain patience by praying for others to find the Lord as well as for ourselves to allow them to be who they are without our medaling.
Love all people and children by serving them, taking callings and opening your hearts to those who serve you as well as those whom you serve.
BOAZ:
Ruth 2:4 He is kind and loving to his employees, he brings the Lord to work with him daily.
Ruth 2:8-9 & 15-16 He is kind to strangers, generous, giving and chivalrous
Ruth 2:11-12 He is complimentary to her and observant, respecting others opinion of her.
Ruth 3:13 respects customs of their day and how things work, he respects the rights of others, before going off and following his desires.
Ruth 3:15 He is giving, kind, and loving, making sure that she has enough barley and wheat to take home to her mother in law and herself, as well as offering her food and drink while she works.
We can do:
We can be kind to our coworkers, offer to do things for them, bring them a drink, help them with their workload, etc.
We can take the Lord wherever we go by treating others with the same kindness and love that the Lord would show to them.
We can give what we have spiritually and temporally to others through fast offerings and tithing.
We can compliment others work and choices; we can observe or look for things to compliment them on.
We can respect others lives and not judge by being curious about their upbringing and cultures. Respect that all people are amazing and have a purpose in your life.
RUTH:
Ruth 1:14 She loves with all her heart.
Ruth 1:16-17 she is Loyal, her heart was converted to the Lord
Ruth 2:2 she desires to work
Ruth 2:7 she is determined, and dedicated to being a hard worker and providing for herself and her family.
Ruth 2:10 She is grateful
Ruth 2:11 Sacrifices her life for others.
Ruth 2:12-13 she trusts in God, she is faithful, and she is friendly to others.
Ruth 2:23 she is persistent in working daily till the harvest is over.
Ruth 3:5 she is obedient and respectful of Naomi’s opinion and advice.
Ruth 3:9 she humbles herself to ask for Boaz’s hand in marriage and his protection.
Ruth 3:11 Virtuous and kind to everyone she came in contact with.
We can do:
Don’t hold back our love from people. Love others deeply as we would want to be loved.
We can be Loyal to the Lord, our spouse, ourselves, our kids, and all people.
We should have a desire to work and work hard in whatever we do @ our jobs, @ our home, @ church.
We can be determined to work at something, even if its hard-life can be hard we need to be dedicated and never give up.
We can practice being grateful by taking lessons from our kids that go around enjoying rocks and smelling flowers, watching sunsets.
Sacrifice for others our time, talents, love, and life for the good of others in all aspects of our lives.
We can be friendly to everyone, what happened to the day when we’d go around saying hi to everyone and smiling at all people even when we didn’t know them. Try an experiment walk around with a permanent smile on your face all day and see what kind of comments and reactions you get. Some might think that you have a secret or that something awesome just happened to you. This experiment will teach you a couple of things, 1-you don’t smile enough 2-that people really do love getting smiled at and 3- smiling is contagious!
Trust in God-know that he has a plan for our lives, just as Ruth had to seek it out and do something about it, so must we. Seek it through prayer, do hard things if you must, and then trust that God will lead your life.
Be persistent in working, do projects thoroughly and completely to the jobs end and do it well so that you can be proud of a job well done.
Obedience to the Lord and our church leaders, even if we may not like what they say, or even agree with what they say, obedience brings great blessings.
We can humble ourselves by asking for help or putting ourselves in a position to hear and apply all the counsel we hear in sacrament meetings and other meetings.
Virtuous means=chastity, cleanliness, goodness, holiness, modesty, purity, sacred. Be all these in thought and action in every facet of life-walk it-talk it and OUR entire city will know that we are Amazing and wonderful people just as the people in Ruth’s city knew that she was.
I know that we all have many if not all of these qualities, but I also know there is always room for improvement. May we all seek these qualities and desire to be them. This brings us to Christ’s feet and His image will be in our countenances daily, in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
#19 The Reign of the Judges
Judges 2; 4; 6-7; 13-16
I want to start off by taking a poll-by raise of hands I want you to classify yourselves as either a lover or a fighter.
If you are a fighter your tendency is to be feisty, looking for a cause, your personality is such, that when someone says you have to do such and such, you’re the type that says, “I don’t have to do anything I don’t want to!”
You’re a fighter whether you fight for yourself or someone else. You may like fighting for the underdog.
You are a lover if you tend to back down when confronted, or when someone is making a fuss you are the one to put yourself in others shoes before acting on any feeling. A lover wants all situations to be fair for all those involved. You are a lover who says, “They are doing the best they can!” Even if what they are doing is completely idiotic.
Now I realize there are many of you that could be classified as both depending on the situation and circumstance, but for now just raise your hand for the type that you are most of the time. Then I will ask you to raise your hands if you would be both depending on the circumstance.
My next question is this-how would you say that the Lord fights his battles; by loving or fighting? The stories in our lesson say He fights both ways depending on the situation.
Last question-whom does the Lord use to fight His battles with him? Us of course!
Because there are both lovers and fighters in this room, is it safe to say that at one time or another we will all be involved in a battle for/with the Lord?
All of us have been put on this battlefield called Earth, whether you will be face to face fighting you whole lives or face to face loving-at one time or another we will all be faced with choices that determine which way we are fighting. Sometimes it may be fighting both ways, sometimes the lovers may need the fighters to instill in us that “fight” that will get that fire lit underneath us.
Whether you are a lover of fighter there is one thing we must all learn-when to be lover and when to be fighter.
We will discuss 3 battles today the characters involved are some of each (lovers/fighters). We will figure out who is what type and if they used their personality type at the correct time and in the right ways.
Before we move on to the stories we need to mention that we are in Judges. Judges is the book where Israel doesn’t have a particular prophet to lead them because Joshua has died and there isn’t the mention of another to take his place. There are many who are strong leaders that act as judges; these judges are more like ministers or advisors rather than sitting on a judgment seat making major decisions. They help others as they are called upon to do or as the Lord calls upon them to do.
1st Story: Our 1st story is found in Judges 4; the stars of our story are: Deborah, Barak and Jael.
Here we have the children of Israel choosing other Gods again. The Lord doesn’t like it, He had asked Barak to gather the troops and fight against it. (4:6) but Barak must not have listened or perhaps we can assume that Barak is more of a lover and doesn’t want to fight, so it takes Deborah to call him on the fact he needs to obey the Lord. Barak makes a request 4:8 that she come with him, Deborah responds 4:9 that she will go. Is she a lover or a fighter? Fighter because she’s willing to go fight and help him be ready to fight, but she’s also a lover because she loves God and wants to do what must be done. She gives a stipulation that they go for the Lord not for his honor; she states that if they go for the Lord He will help them by delivering the leader of their armies to a woman who is on the Lord’s side, who is also a fighter and will do what must be done, named Jael.
The battle comes and Deborah, who is both a lover and a fighter stays close enough to the Lord that she knows which day the Lord delivers the leader of their Army, Sisera. The leader is killed by Jael (4:21), this instance puts in motion the Israelites conquering the Canaanites and brings Israel out of bondage again and into God’s good graces.
What can we learn from these lovers and fighters? From Barak we learn that He was motivated to fight by a fighter-a friend-both of who wanted the Lord’s will. When we have friends with the same righteous goals and desires as we do we should get together and fight, whether it’s to sign petitions, stand up for what benefits us and our families and stand together against things we don’t like.
From Deborah what do we learn? To stay close to the Lord, do what He asks, when he asks and fight when it’s necessary-motivate others to fight for right causes, in a loving way.
From Jael we learn what? I’m not sure because it doesn’t say, but I believe that because of the way this whole scenario played out; the Lord told her what to do and say as far as killing Sisera goes; just as the Lord showed Deborah it would. Jael saw what needed to be done and who needed to be conquered; whether she enjoyed the killing or not she did what had to be done. Just like Nephi had to do to Laban to retrieve the plates. Now this doesn’t tell us that we should go around killing people, but it does tell us that we must be prepared to fight and follow through with unpleasant things at times for the sake of good and righteous purposes.
2nd Story: Judges 6 Israel is in bondage again by the Midianites 6:1they did evil against God again. 6:6 Israel cries again-Lord sends a prophet 6:8 to warn them. He also sends an angel to Gideon 6:12 requesting Him to stand and fight! 6:16 by verse 15 we see that he is a lover, I’m poor, I can’t fight. He gives excuses for not fighting; I like to believe because he doesn’t like the idea of fighting and causing contention. I believe this because He begins to wonder if perhaps this is an evil spirit or the Lord speaking, so he asks for a sign 6:17 in D&C 129 is says that it is okay to ask for a sign so that we can determine if the spirit we are receiving communication from is from the Lord or the other source. The angel tells him what to bring, meat, bread & broth. The angel tells him what to do then hits the rock with his staff which causes fire (which is glory) to come out of the rock (Christ) and consume everything, as it was consumed the angel is caught up into heaven.
Gideon’s response? 6:22-23 He is now ready to fight for the Lord!
6:25-26 He cuts down a grove (a place where evil worship(immorality) took place) as well as destroyed the altar, built his own altar and sacrificed a 7 year old (7=covenant to the Lord) bullock. Gideon is called to lead the army of Israel and ready to fight. (Ch 7) Here is where we learn a big lesson about whom the Lord will have fight for Him and with Him!
Gideon has 22,000 people ready to fight-the Lord wants them to be sure that they know that He is the one that will be delivering them, not themselves. So He tells Gideon to reduce the army to the most valiant and best fighters-those who are ready physically and spiritually.
He first tells Gideon to tell those who are afraid or have any fear to go home! So what that tells me that to fight for/with the Lord we cannot FEAR! Can we fight our battles w/o fear? Are we willing to trust in the Lord-sometimes that’s asking a lot-but if we can’t trust him we don’t deserve Him! This cuts the number to less than ½ (10,000 men). Then He has Gideon tell them to get a drink. The Lord says 7:5 if they kneel on knees and cup their hand for water, they are the ones with physical strength and restraint enough to take their time to drink, as well as being a humble people-they are the ones He wants to fight with Him! That # ends up equaling 300 men. Now I understand why the Lord would want those who love their bodies enough to respect them and have the physical restraint to take their time; but why would He want them to be humble? I believe so we would be open to His instructions as well as humble enough to give credit to the Lord and testify of His help afterwards.
Now that he’s chosen the men who will fight, He gives them their weapons-now I don’t know about you but when I think of battle I think of swords and sharp things-the Lord has another weapon in mind (7:8) The Lord has them use musical instruments, split up 7:16 on every side of the enemies camp, blow their trumpets and visceral’s in the middle of the night and yell (7:18) “Sword of the Lord and of Gideon” 7:19-20 As they did so 7:21 it scared their enemies so bad they were running and crying and fled. That started the battle where the Lord delivered them.
So what do we learn about being a lover/fighter from Gideon?
3rd Story: Judges 13-16
Here Israel again is in bondage to the Philistines and Samson is our main Character I would classify him as a fighter through and through, a selfish fighter (14:3) In fact the more I read this story I realize Samson’s “fight” turns on when He needs Revenge for being offended. (14:19; 15:3-7; 15:14-15; etc.) He doesn’t turn to the Lord much. Even though the scriptures say “the spirit of the Lord was with Him” the OT manual says that this isn’t to be taken in the sense we would normally take it. This tells us that He has a spiritual gift, that of physical strength, but not necessarily the Spirit of the Lord in him, otherwise why would he act out of revenge every time? The long hair was symbolic of the covenant between Him and the Lord. Most all the fight’s he got into were because of his own selfishness and desires of revenge. He did seek and receive help from the Lord at the end when He had been shaven, taken, & used for sport. The Philistines had taken him and used him as part of their entertainment-mocking him about his God. God doesn’t stand for that so when Samson calls on him for strength (16:28) and help in knocking down their temple and killing everyone involved, he does. Sad as that story is even in the end Samson was after revenge more than helping God.
Now I didn’t dwell on this story too much because I’m not sure I’ll have time to get to it as well as the fact I just wanted to mention what being a fighter w/o being a bit of a lover can do to a person. If we don’t love God and want to fight for Him and with Him then being a fighter doesn’t accomplish as much good as it could and help as many people as it would. The prophecy that he would BEGIN to destroy the Philistines was true, he did kill many of them and obviously his life’s purpose was fulfilled. But what I learned from Samson and the others is this: I know that the Lord wants us to fight when it’s time to fight and love when it’s time to love- He wants us to learn when those times are in our lives. But whether we’re lovers or fighters we are always fighting either FOR or AGAINST Him. Let us be fighters for good let us be humble and stay close to the Lord so we know how to fight the way the Lord would have us fight-with Him at our sides! In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
I want to start off by taking a poll-by raise of hands I want you to classify yourselves as either a lover or a fighter.
If you are a fighter your tendency is to be feisty, looking for a cause, your personality is such, that when someone says you have to do such and such, you’re the type that says, “I don’t have to do anything I don’t want to!”
You’re a fighter whether you fight for yourself or someone else. You may like fighting for the underdog.
You are a lover if you tend to back down when confronted, or when someone is making a fuss you are the one to put yourself in others shoes before acting on any feeling. A lover wants all situations to be fair for all those involved. You are a lover who says, “They are doing the best they can!” Even if what they are doing is completely idiotic.
Now I realize there are many of you that could be classified as both depending on the situation and circumstance, but for now just raise your hand for the type that you are most of the time. Then I will ask you to raise your hands if you would be both depending on the circumstance.
My next question is this-how would you say that the Lord fights his battles; by loving or fighting? The stories in our lesson say He fights both ways depending on the situation.
Last question-whom does the Lord use to fight His battles with him? Us of course!
Because there are both lovers and fighters in this room, is it safe to say that at one time or another we will all be involved in a battle for/with the Lord?
All of us have been put on this battlefield called Earth, whether you will be face to face fighting you whole lives or face to face loving-at one time or another we will all be faced with choices that determine which way we are fighting. Sometimes it may be fighting both ways, sometimes the lovers may need the fighters to instill in us that “fight” that will get that fire lit underneath us.
Whether you are a lover of fighter there is one thing we must all learn-when to be lover and when to be fighter.
We will discuss 3 battles today the characters involved are some of each (lovers/fighters). We will figure out who is what type and if they used their personality type at the correct time and in the right ways.
Before we move on to the stories we need to mention that we are in Judges. Judges is the book where Israel doesn’t have a particular prophet to lead them because Joshua has died and there isn’t the mention of another to take his place. There are many who are strong leaders that act as judges; these judges are more like ministers or advisors rather than sitting on a judgment seat making major decisions. They help others as they are called upon to do or as the Lord calls upon them to do.
1st Story: Our 1st story is found in Judges 4; the stars of our story are: Deborah, Barak and Jael.
Here we have the children of Israel choosing other Gods again. The Lord doesn’t like it, He had asked Barak to gather the troops and fight against it. (4:6) but Barak must not have listened or perhaps we can assume that Barak is more of a lover and doesn’t want to fight, so it takes Deborah to call him on the fact he needs to obey the Lord. Barak makes a request 4:8 that she come with him, Deborah responds 4:9 that she will go. Is she a lover or a fighter? Fighter because she’s willing to go fight and help him be ready to fight, but she’s also a lover because she loves God and wants to do what must be done. She gives a stipulation that they go for the Lord not for his honor; she states that if they go for the Lord He will help them by delivering the leader of their armies to a woman who is on the Lord’s side, who is also a fighter and will do what must be done, named Jael.
The battle comes and Deborah, who is both a lover and a fighter stays close enough to the Lord that she knows which day the Lord delivers the leader of their Army, Sisera. The leader is killed by Jael (4:21), this instance puts in motion the Israelites conquering the Canaanites and brings Israel out of bondage again and into God’s good graces.
What can we learn from these lovers and fighters? From Barak we learn that He was motivated to fight by a fighter-a friend-both of who wanted the Lord’s will. When we have friends with the same righteous goals and desires as we do we should get together and fight, whether it’s to sign petitions, stand up for what benefits us and our families and stand together against things we don’t like.
From Deborah what do we learn? To stay close to the Lord, do what He asks, when he asks and fight when it’s necessary-motivate others to fight for right causes, in a loving way.
From Jael we learn what? I’m not sure because it doesn’t say, but I believe that because of the way this whole scenario played out; the Lord told her what to do and say as far as killing Sisera goes; just as the Lord showed Deborah it would. Jael saw what needed to be done and who needed to be conquered; whether she enjoyed the killing or not she did what had to be done. Just like Nephi had to do to Laban to retrieve the plates. Now this doesn’t tell us that we should go around killing people, but it does tell us that we must be prepared to fight and follow through with unpleasant things at times for the sake of good and righteous purposes.
2nd Story: Judges 6 Israel is in bondage again by the Midianites 6:1they did evil against God again. 6:6 Israel cries again-Lord sends a prophet 6:8 to warn them. He also sends an angel to Gideon 6:12 requesting Him to stand and fight! 6:16 by verse 15 we see that he is a lover, I’m poor, I can’t fight. He gives excuses for not fighting; I like to believe because he doesn’t like the idea of fighting and causing contention. I believe this because He begins to wonder if perhaps this is an evil spirit or the Lord speaking, so he asks for a sign 6:17 in D&C 129 is says that it is okay to ask for a sign so that we can determine if the spirit we are receiving communication from is from the Lord or the other source. The angel tells him what to bring, meat, bread & broth. The angel tells him what to do then hits the rock with his staff which causes fire (which is glory) to come out of the rock (Christ) and consume everything, as it was consumed the angel is caught up into heaven.
Gideon’s response? 6:22-23 He is now ready to fight for the Lord!
6:25-26 He cuts down a grove (a place where evil worship(immorality) took place) as well as destroyed the altar, built his own altar and sacrificed a 7 year old (7=covenant to the Lord) bullock. Gideon is called to lead the army of Israel and ready to fight. (Ch 7) Here is where we learn a big lesson about whom the Lord will have fight for Him and with Him!
Gideon has 22,000 people ready to fight-the Lord wants them to be sure that they know that He is the one that will be delivering them, not themselves. So He tells Gideon to reduce the army to the most valiant and best fighters-those who are ready physically and spiritually.
He first tells Gideon to tell those who are afraid or have any fear to go home! So what that tells me that to fight for/with the Lord we cannot FEAR! Can we fight our battles w/o fear? Are we willing to trust in the Lord-sometimes that’s asking a lot-but if we can’t trust him we don’t deserve Him! This cuts the number to less than ½ (10,000 men). Then He has Gideon tell them to get a drink. The Lord says 7:5 if they kneel on knees and cup their hand for water, they are the ones with physical strength and restraint enough to take their time to drink, as well as being a humble people-they are the ones He wants to fight with Him! That # ends up equaling 300 men. Now I understand why the Lord would want those who love their bodies enough to respect them and have the physical restraint to take their time; but why would He want them to be humble? I believe so we would be open to His instructions as well as humble enough to give credit to the Lord and testify of His help afterwards.
Now that he’s chosen the men who will fight, He gives them their weapons-now I don’t know about you but when I think of battle I think of swords and sharp things-the Lord has another weapon in mind (7:8) The Lord has them use musical instruments, split up 7:16 on every side of the enemies camp, blow their trumpets and visceral’s in the middle of the night and yell (7:18) “Sword of the Lord and of Gideon” 7:19-20 As they did so 7:21 it scared their enemies so bad they were running and crying and fled. That started the battle where the Lord delivered them.
So what do we learn about being a lover/fighter from Gideon?
3rd Story: Judges 13-16
Here Israel again is in bondage to the Philistines and Samson is our main Character I would classify him as a fighter through and through, a selfish fighter (14:3) In fact the more I read this story I realize Samson’s “fight” turns on when He needs Revenge for being offended. (14:19; 15:3-7; 15:14-15; etc.) He doesn’t turn to the Lord much. Even though the scriptures say “the spirit of the Lord was with Him” the OT manual says that this isn’t to be taken in the sense we would normally take it. This tells us that He has a spiritual gift, that of physical strength, but not necessarily the Spirit of the Lord in him, otherwise why would he act out of revenge every time? The long hair was symbolic of the covenant between Him and the Lord. Most all the fight’s he got into were because of his own selfishness and desires of revenge. He did seek and receive help from the Lord at the end when He had been shaven, taken, & used for sport. The Philistines had taken him and used him as part of their entertainment-mocking him about his God. God doesn’t stand for that so when Samson calls on him for strength (16:28) and help in knocking down their temple and killing everyone involved, he does. Sad as that story is even in the end Samson was after revenge more than helping God.
Now I didn’t dwell on this story too much because I’m not sure I’ll have time to get to it as well as the fact I just wanted to mention what being a fighter w/o being a bit of a lover can do to a person. If we don’t love God and want to fight for Him and with Him then being a fighter doesn’t accomplish as much good as it could and help as many people as it would. The prophecy that he would BEGIN to destroy the Philistines was true, he did kill many of them and obviously his life’s purpose was fulfilled. But what I learned from Samson and the others is this: I know that the Lord wants us to fight when it’s time to fight and love when it’s time to love- He wants us to learn when those times are in our lives. But whether we’re lovers or fighters we are always fighting either FOR or AGAINST Him. Let us be fighters for good let us be humble and stay close to the Lord so we know how to fight the way the Lord would have us fight-with Him at our sides! In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
#18 Be Strong and of a Good Courage
Joshua 1-6; 23-24
****After each question I have asked someone to give an example whether from their own lives or an example from someone they know that lives the principles we will be teaching.
I liked the attention activity in the book: Display a sheet of paper and a book. Ask a class member to stand the paper on its edge and try to balance the book on top of it. There is a way to make the paper strong enough to support the book. Roll the paper into a tube and secure it with a rubber band or tape. Stand the tube on end on a flat surface. Carefully place the book on top. Joshua became strong as he allowed God to shape his character.
The way God shapes our characters is by making covenants with us. He asks us to do things and when we do them He blesses us; this in turn gives us more faith, more confidence in Him and ourselves and turns us slowly into the person we are looking to become; just as our Savior is. Through our readings we will read about covenants the Lord gives them/us and talk about how they will shape them/us as we live them and how living them makes us stronger and more powerful in our everyday battles.
In Joshua 1:5-6 the Lord tells Joshua to do as He asks which is to take the people across the Jordan River into the Promised Land. He promises him that as they proceed, this: “I will be with thee: I will not fail thee nor forsake thee” “Be strong and of good courage”.
*At what times does the Lord tell us this? How/when would/have these words be a comfort to you?
Josh 1:8 The Book of the law is the scriptures- He promises Joshua that if he reads the scriptures a promise will attend, that is: “thou shalt make thy way prosperous and then thou shalt have good success.”
Now there was one phrase that stuck out to me okay 2 phrases the first one is that “thy way will be prosperous and successful” the other one: THOU shalt make thy way, meaning that by US reading and conforming our lives to the counsel we find, is the only way we will be prosperous and successful. In other words He isn’t promising that if WE read HE will make us successful, but by us studying and seeking answers in these books will WE find true success.
*How do you think this works; can you illustrate this with an experience in your own life?
*Example: The scriptures say love everyone-what result could happen if we really do that? We’d have more friends than we’d want, you’d have a network like verizon’s network a big pack of people backing you up in all your endeavors. Whether you need a job? Whether you need a place to stay in a different state or country etc? Now who doesn’t want that?
1:16-17 what a response- A prophet asks them to do something and their response is fabulous! They’re even ready to put to death those who don’t follow the prophet.
*How can following the prophet’s counsel make us strong, courageous and shape our character? How would having food storage make one strong and courageous? How would repenting shape your character?
Joshua 3:5 our part of the covenant is that we need to sanctify ourselves; the footnote says this means make yourselves clean, Holy, and proper behavior and the Lord’s part of the covenant is that He will do wonders among us.
*an example of this would be: say you need a job, you’ve prayed you’ve repented, you’ve involved yourself in service, you’ve done all you can possibly do to stand before the Lord spotless and pure; then you go to the temple fasting and put your name on the rolls, afterwards you go to the scriptures looking for an answer and say you are directed to go apply at a certain place and you go and put faith in the Lord that He will direct your path, and lo and behold eventually things work our for your highest good; whether that application leads to another application and job or that you find a job right away.
In Joshua 6 you may want to refer to the handout I gave out a couple of weeks ago that explains what the #’s are symbolic of. It makes more sense if you understand the #’s but not crucial.
6:3 &10 First I want you to pay close attention to the detail and preciseness of these covenants and what they remind us of. He tells them all to compass (go around) the city Jericho one time a day for 6 days NOT making any noise at all.
6:4 then on the 7th day He tells them to go around it 7 times then shout. By going through these motions the Lord and Israel are making covenants with each other.
*Where and when have we made covenants that are very specific and detailed? Baptismal covenants (Mosiah 18:8-10) and temple covenants.
Some of those Baptismal covenants are to mourn and comfort others, as well as bear one another’s burdens. How does comforting mourning and bearing other’s burdens make us strong and courageous instead of depressed?
I was told a story the other day by a student body officer; one of the officers had to have an unexpected surgery and she was laid up for a while. While she was laid up she was becoming a little discouraged because she was involved in competing for the keys to success Ken Garff program and couldn’t do all that was required of her to compete. The other officers decided to pay her a visit to keep her company, this is where she told them of her discouragement and they offered to help her out by passing out the things that she needed to. They did and she competed. I don’t know the outcome of the competition, however I do know the result of that service, that group of kids were very close, they became like family, they continued to share more moments like this and created more memories together that would last forever. They have a feeling of love and trust in their hearts for each other. They have a group that is bound by a power that you just can’t describe to people, a bond that can help them fight the adversary!
Our temple covenants hold the same power; as we keep them we gain strength and courage. Think of a time when keeping those covenants helped you to fight Satan off. Whether those covenants gave you the courage to take a calling you never thought you would or that time that you determined to read your scriptures daily even if you had to take them to work with you. Etc.
Back to our story in Joshua 6:16 so the people have all marched around for 7 days all the while making covenants; before anything even happens (as far as conquering goes) Joshua says, “shout; for the Lord hath given you the city”
If I was to be there going through this ritual I’d be thinking, “you’re insane dude- the city still looks the same and we didn’t attack or use swords or anything how can that be?” But 6:20 says the people shouted and that wall fell flat-then of course they used their swords and took the city.
A story in the manual helped me understand the way this kind of faith works.
Elder Boyd K. Packer said:
“Shortly after I was called as a General Authority, I went to Elder Harold B. Lee for counsel. He listened very carefully to my problem and suggested that I see President David O. McKay. President McKay counseled me as to the direction I should go. I was very willing to be obedient but saw no way possible for me to do as he counseled me to do.
“I returned to Elder Lee and told him that I saw no way to move in the direction I was counseled to go. He said, ‘the trouble with you is you want to see the end from the beginning.’ I replied that I would like to see at least a step or two ahead. Then came the lesson of a lifetime: ‘You must learn to walk to the edge of the light, and then a few steps into the darkness; then the light will appear and show the way before you’” (The edge of the light BYU Mar. 1991, 22-23)
Can’t you empathize with Elder Packer? I too just want to see a step or 2 ahead of my starting place, but this story as well as the wall of Jericho is teaching us that we’ve made covenants-things have been promised to us, stuff will always work out for our highest good, but there will be occasions when we must step forth into the darkness first then we can see the light. Our covenants and promises from the Lord can make us strong enough to take these 1st steps and then our faith in those covenants is also strengthened because things do work out for us.
The last 2 chapters 23 & 24 of Joshua occur at the end of Joshua’s life when he is speaking to the people- he reviews all the things the Lord had done for them then in Joshua 24:14-17 He asks them who they will serve? He states that He and His house will serve the Lord. They promise to obey the Lord. He reminds them 24:21-15 to worship only God and makes a covenant with them as they witness to themselves about the promise they have made.
*What do you choose to serve today? Do you choose to serve the Lord or otherwise?
I want to close with Elder Ashton’s opinion on this subject.
Elder Marvin J. Ashton said: “Joshua reminds us of the importance of making decisions promptly: ‘choose you this day whom ye will serve;…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord’ Not tomorrow, not when we get ready, not when it is convenient-but ‘this day,’ straightway, choose whom you will serve. He who invites us to follow will always be out in front of us with His spirit and influence setting the pace. He has charted and marked the course, opened the gates, and shown the way. He has invited us to come unto Him, and the best time to enjoy His companionship is straightway. We can best get on the course and stay on the course by doing as Jesus did-make a total commitment to do the will of His Father” ( Ensign, May 1983, 30-31)
****After each question I have asked someone to give an example whether from their own lives or an example from someone they know that lives the principles we will be teaching.
I liked the attention activity in the book: Display a sheet of paper and a book. Ask a class member to stand the paper on its edge and try to balance the book on top of it. There is a way to make the paper strong enough to support the book. Roll the paper into a tube and secure it with a rubber band or tape. Stand the tube on end on a flat surface. Carefully place the book on top. Joshua became strong as he allowed God to shape his character.
The way God shapes our characters is by making covenants with us. He asks us to do things and when we do them He blesses us; this in turn gives us more faith, more confidence in Him and ourselves and turns us slowly into the person we are looking to become; just as our Savior is. Through our readings we will read about covenants the Lord gives them/us and talk about how they will shape them/us as we live them and how living them makes us stronger and more powerful in our everyday battles.
In Joshua 1:5-6 the Lord tells Joshua to do as He asks which is to take the people across the Jordan River into the Promised Land. He promises him that as they proceed, this: “I will be with thee: I will not fail thee nor forsake thee” “Be strong and of good courage”.
*At what times does the Lord tell us this? How/when would/have these words be a comfort to you?
Josh 1:8 The Book of the law is the scriptures- He promises Joshua that if he reads the scriptures a promise will attend, that is: “thou shalt make thy way prosperous and then thou shalt have good success.”
Now there was one phrase that stuck out to me okay 2 phrases the first one is that “thy way will be prosperous and successful” the other one: THOU shalt make thy way, meaning that by US reading and conforming our lives to the counsel we find, is the only way we will be prosperous and successful. In other words He isn’t promising that if WE read HE will make us successful, but by us studying and seeking answers in these books will WE find true success.
*How do you think this works; can you illustrate this with an experience in your own life?
*Example: The scriptures say love everyone-what result could happen if we really do that? We’d have more friends than we’d want, you’d have a network like verizon’s network a big pack of people backing you up in all your endeavors. Whether you need a job? Whether you need a place to stay in a different state or country etc? Now who doesn’t want that?
1:16-17 what a response- A prophet asks them to do something and their response is fabulous! They’re even ready to put to death those who don’t follow the prophet.
*How can following the prophet’s counsel make us strong, courageous and shape our character? How would having food storage make one strong and courageous? How would repenting shape your character?
Joshua 3:5 our part of the covenant is that we need to sanctify ourselves; the footnote says this means make yourselves clean, Holy, and proper behavior and the Lord’s part of the covenant is that He will do wonders among us.
*an example of this would be: say you need a job, you’ve prayed you’ve repented, you’ve involved yourself in service, you’ve done all you can possibly do to stand before the Lord spotless and pure; then you go to the temple fasting and put your name on the rolls, afterwards you go to the scriptures looking for an answer and say you are directed to go apply at a certain place and you go and put faith in the Lord that He will direct your path, and lo and behold eventually things work our for your highest good; whether that application leads to another application and job or that you find a job right away.
In Joshua 6 you may want to refer to the handout I gave out a couple of weeks ago that explains what the #’s are symbolic of. It makes more sense if you understand the #’s but not crucial.
6:3 &10 First I want you to pay close attention to the detail and preciseness of these covenants and what they remind us of. He tells them all to compass (go around) the city Jericho one time a day for 6 days NOT making any noise at all.
6:4 then on the 7th day He tells them to go around it 7 times then shout. By going through these motions the Lord and Israel are making covenants with each other.
*Where and when have we made covenants that are very specific and detailed? Baptismal covenants (Mosiah 18:8-10) and temple covenants.
Some of those Baptismal covenants are to mourn and comfort others, as well as bear one another’s burdens. How does comforting mourning and bearing other’s burdens make us strong and courageous instead of depressed?
I was told a story the other day by a student body officer; one of the officers had to have an unexpected surgery and she was laid up for a while. While she was laid up she was becoming a little discouraged because she was involved in competing for the keys to success Ken Garff program and couldn’t do all that was required of her to compete. The other officers decided to pay her a visit to keep her company, this is where she told them of her discouragement and they offered to help her out by passing out the things that she needed to. They did and she competed. I don’t know the outcome of the competition, however I do know the result of that service, that group of kids were very close, they became like family, they continued to share more moments like this and created more memories together that would last forever. They have a feeling of love and trust in their hearts for each other. They have a group that is bound by a power that you just can’t describe to people, a bond that can help them fight the adversary!
Our temple covenants hold the same power; as we keep them we gain strength and courage. Think of a time when keeping those covenants helped you to fight Satan off. Whether those covenants gave you the courage to take a calling you never thought you would or that time that you determined to read your scriptures daily even if you had to take them to work with you. Etc.
Back to our story in Joshua 6:16 so the people have all marched around for 7 days all the while making covenants; before anything even happens (as far as conquering goes) Joshua says, “shout; for the Lord hath given you the city”
If I was to be there going through this ritual I’d be thinking, “you’re insane dude- the city still looks the same and we didn’t attack or use swords or anything how can that be?” But 6:20 says the people shouted and that wall fell flat-then of course they used their swords and took the city.
A story in the manual helped me understand the way this kind of faith works.
Elder Boyd K. Packer said:
“Shortly after I was called as a General Authority, I went to Elder Harold B. Lee for counsel. He listened very carefully to my problem and suggested that I see President David O. McKay. President McKay counseled me as to the direction I should go. I was very willing to be obedient but saw no way possible for me to do as he counseled me to do.
“I returned to Elder Lee and told him that I saw no way to move in the direction I was counseled to go. He said, ‘the trouble with you is you want to see the end from the beginning.’ I replied that I would like to see at least a step or two ahead. Then came the lesson of a lifetime: ‘You must learn to walk to the edge of the light, and then a few steps into the darkness; then the light will appear and show the way before you’” (The edge of the light BYU Mar. 1991, 22-23)
Can’t you empathize with Elder Packer? I too just want to see a step or 2 ahead of my starting place, but this story as well as the wall of Jericho is teaching us that we’ve made covenants-things have been promised to us, stuff will always work out for our highest good, but there will be occasions when we must step forth into the darkness first then we can see the light. Our covenants and promises from the Lord can make us strong enough to take these 1st steps and then our faith in those covenants is also strengthened because things do work out for us.
The last 2 chapters 23 & 24 of Joshua occur at the end of Joshua’s life when he is speaking to the people- he reviews all the things the Lord had done for them then in Joshua 24:14-17 He asks them who they will serve? He states that He and His house will serve the Lord. They promise to obey the Lord. He reminds them 24:21-15 to worship only God and makes a covenant with them as they witness to themselves about the promise they have made.
*What do you choose to serve today? Do you choose to serve the Lord or otherwise?
I want to close with Elder Ashton’s opinion on this subject.
Elder Marvin J. Ashton said: “Joshua reminds us of the importance of making decisions promptly: ‘choose you this day whom ye will serve;…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord’ Not tomorrow, not when we get ready, not when it is convenient-but ‘this day,’ straightway, choose whom you will serve. He who invites us to follow will always be out in front of us with His spirit and influence setting the pace. He has charted and marked the course, opened the gates, and shown the way. He has invited us to come unto Him, and the best time to enjoy His companionship is straightway. We can best get on the course and stay on the course by doing as Jesus did-make a total commitment to do the will of His Father” ( Ensign, May 1983, 30-31)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
