Choice 2: 2 Samuel 1-10. David Anointed King
a. Search 2 Samuel 1-10 and make a list of King David’s accomplishments.
King David’s accomplishments:
Ch. 1: Kills Saul’s killers
Ch. 2: David is made King, David’s armies defeat Abner and the other men of Isreal
Ch. 3: Long War
Ch. 4: Kill the murders of a righteous person
Ch. 5: Israel make’s David King, David’s armies take Jerusalem. They conquer the Philistines
Ch. 6:
Ch. 7:David is blessed to have his house established
Ch. 8: David defeats many different places because he walks with the Lord
Ch. 9:
Ch.10: Because David’s servants are harassed they are avenged through the Lord by defeat.
b. Read 1 Chronicles 22:7-8 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for 2 Samuel 7:1-17, “Why Was David Not Allowed to Build the Temple?” (pgs. 289-90). Write your explanation of why the Lord did not want David to build a temple.
The reason that we are given for the Lord’s refusing is that David had shed too much blood for that time. The Lord didn’t feel that David was worthy to build him a temple because there had been so much war and bloodshed. The reason’s for David wanting to build the temple was pure and the Lord blessed his house but didn’t allow him to build the temple.
c. Read 2 Samuel 7:12-17 and write one or two sentences describing how you would feel if you were in a situation similar to David’s. Write one or two sentences describing how 2 Samuel 7:16 is a Messianic prophecy. Then read 2 Samuel 7:18-29 and summarize David’s response to the Lord’s message to him.
I think that having that much responsibility would be terrifying but to know that your righteousness will bless your children and be something that will bless generations after you. I just think that receiving that revelation from Nathan would be a blessing and David recognized the good of it. 2 Samuel 7:16 is a Messianic prophecy because the prophecy is telling David that through his lineage the Savior will come to the world. 18-29 are basically David’s thoughts about his own inadequacy feelings. David offers a prayer of thanks for being allowed to be part of the Lord’s linage.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Choice 1: Judges 13-16 “The Woman Bare a Son, and Called His Name Samson”
Choice 1: Judges 13-16. “The Woman Bare a Son, and Called His Name Samson”
a. Study Judges 13-16 looking for both the possible greatness of Samson and his failings. Fill in the chart below, indicating Samson’s blessings and his sins.
Promises and Blessing
• Promise that no razor shall come on his head (never cut hair)
• Promise to never eat of the vine
• He shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.
• Never drink wine or strong drink
• If he kills he must cleanse and the shave his head
Sins
• He marries a Philistine
• Kills to pay his debts
• Burned Corn of the Philistines
• He drank after he killed Lehi
• Showing off his mind and strength
b. After completing the chart above, write one or two paragraphs explaining why you think some people with so much potential make such bad decisions.
Those who have a lot of potential and don’t work very hard for their talent often forget where it came from. Sometimes it takes an injury or some kind of injustice for them to remember why they were given the gifts in the first place.
Like Sampson, he lost his eyes and strength before he truly remembers to ask the Lord for help. He was drinking and living an unholy life and didn’t remember the promises that were made by him and his mother to obey the Lord and live a holy life. Sometimes we need a little jolt to help us remember that everything we have, health, strength, talents, they all come from God.
c. Read Judges 13:5; Numbers 6:1-9 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Judges 13:5, “What Is a Nazarite?” (pg. 259). Make a list of the requirements for a Nazarite. From Judges 14-16 write a statement that describes which of his vows Samson broke.
• Nazarites take vows of separation from people and devote their lives to God
• Never Drink wine or strong drink
• Never eat of the vine
• Never cut hair
• Never be in the presence of the dead
• If they kill then he must shave his head and follow protocol for cleansing
Sampson actually broke all of these requirements, he didn’t exactly cut his own hair but it was cut, he drank, wasn’t apart form people, killed a lot of people and when he did kill he didn’t shave his head.
d. Using the account of Samson’s life, write a paragraph about how you could avoid yielding to temptation in your own life.
I think that the best way to avoid temptation would be to stay humble. It is often easy to succumb to things because you think that you are strong enough to stop or not get addicted. If we know that there isn’t any way that we won’t be sucked into a temptation then we must avoid it always. We know that with the spirit on our side we can avoid and overcome anything but if we willingly walking into places that the spirit can’t dwell then we are alone and that is when we are weak even though we might think we are strong. This is how pride got Sampson and how pride will get us all. We don’t really know how to not be natural man and without the spirit we will not able to move to the celestial plain that we all aspire to.
a. Study Judges 13-16 looking for both the possible greatness of Samson and his failings. Fill in the chart below, indicating Samson’s blessings and his sins.
Promises and Blessing
• Promise that no razor shall come on his head (never cut hair)
• Promise to never eat of the vine
• He shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.
• Never drink wine or strong drink
• If he kills he must cleanse and the shave his head
Sins
• He marries a Philistine
• Kills to pay his debts
• Burned Corn of the Philistines
• He drank after he killed Lehi
• Showing off his mind and strength
b. After completing the chart above, write one or two paragraphs explaining why you think some people with so much potential make such bad decisions.
Those who have a lot of potential and don’t work very hard for their talent often forget where it came from. Sometimes it takes an injury or some kind of injustice for them to remember why they were given the gifts in the first place.
Like Sampson, he lost his eyes and strength before he truly remembers to ask the Lord for help. He was drinking and living an unholy life and didn’t remember the promises that were made by him and his mother to obey the Lord and live a holy life. Sometimes we need a little jolt to help us remember that everything we have, health, strength, talents, they all come from God.
c. Read Judges 13:5; Numbers 6:1-9 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Judges 13:5, “What Is a Nazarite?” (pg. 259). Make a list of the requirements for a Nazarite. From Judges 14-16 write a statement that describes which of his vows Samson broke.
• Nazarites take vows of separation from people and devote their lives to God
• Never Drink wine or strong drink
• Never eat of the vine
• Never cut hair
• Never be in the presence of the dead
• If they kill then he must shave his head and follow protocol for cleansing
Sampson actually broke all of these requirements, he didn’t exactly cut his own hair but it was cut, he drank, wasn’t apart form people, killed a lot of people and when he did kill he didn’t shave his head.
d. Using the account of Samson’s life, write a paragraph about how you could avoid yielding to temptation in your own life.
I think that the best way to avoid temptation would be to stay humble. It is often easy to succumb to things because you think that you are strong enough to stop or not get addicted. If we know that there isn’t any way that we won’t be sucked into a temptation then we must avoid it always. We know that with the spirit on our side we can avoid and overcome anything but if we willingly walking into places that the spirit can’t dwell then we are alone and that is when we are weak even though we might think we are strong. This is how pride got Sampson and how pride will get us all. We don’t really know how to not be natural man and without the spirit we will not able to move to the celestial plain that we all aspire to.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Choice 2: Judges 1-8. “The Lord Raised Them up a Deliverer”
Choice 2: Judges 1-8. “The Lord Raised Them up a Deliverer”
a.The judges in the book of Judges weren’t the type of judges we have today. Read Judges 3:16-18. What word would be a good synonym for judge? What were they supposed to do for Israel?
The word that I chose and thought would be a good synonym was moderator. I think that the Judges were there to represent the people’s voice. They were needed to mediate between nations and to do what the whole of the people would want them to do.
b. After reading Judges 1-3, briefly describe how well the children of Israel obeyed the Lord during the early reign of the judges. Cite several examples from your reading to support your assessment.
At first like their father before them the Children of Israel were very obedient. They asked the Lord about leadership and constantly kept the commandments because they knew that they couldn’t receive blessing unless they followed his every commandment (1.1). Later they quit following his counsel and commandments and the Lord chastened them for their disobedience and forgetting him (2.2). After they repented and quickly began serving the Lord (2.4-5). After Joshua dies again the Children of Israel neglect the Lord and his commandments, they worship false Gods, then God quits blessing them (2).
c. Read Judges 2:10-15 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Judges 2:12-13, “Who Are Ball and Ashtoreth?” (pgs. 252-53).
Ball and Ashtoreth are the false gods that the children of Israel begin to follow after Joshua dies.
d. Read Judges 2:10-19 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Judges 2:11-13, “What Resulted from Israel’s Not Driving the Canaanites Out of the Promised Land?” (pg. 252). Detail in writing what lessons you think parents can learn from these sources.
I think that a valuable lesson for parents and everyone to learn is that when you forsake the Lord he will no longer bless your life. I don’t think that are any more golden calves but I do think that parents need to remember to not worship things that aren’t God, this is an example that needs to be set by parents for later generations. Trials will come either way but depending on how parents follow the Lord they can be strengthened and progress or continue to neglect and not teach their children about God. When we don’t do what the Lord commands and break covenants we are no longer privy to the blessings and promises that God gives.
e. The book of Judges contains some great Old Testament narrative, including those of Ehud, Deborah, and Gideon. Choose one of these accounts from Judges 3-8 and write a summary of the principles taught there.
I chose for my account the story of Gideon; he was called of God to save Israel fro the Midianites. One principal in particular that I liked in this story was how Gideon put his trust in the Lord because he was on the Lord’s errand. When we put faith in the Lord he will always help us win battles. When we do this and remember that we are only there to help the Lord we will prosper and win.
a.The judges in the book of Judges weren’t the type of judges we have today. Read Judges 3:16-18. What word would be a good synonym for judge? What were they supposed to do for Israel?
The word that I chose and thought would be a good synonym was moderator. I think that the Judges were there to represent the people’s voice. They were needed to mediate between nations and to do what the whole of the people would want them to do.
b. After reading Judges 1-3, briefly describe how well the children of Israel obeyed the Lord during the early reign of the judges. Cite several examples from your reading to support your assessment.
At first like their father before them the Children of Israel were very obedient. They asked the Lord about leadership and constantly kept the commandments because they knew that they couldn’t receive blessing unless they followed his every commandment (1.1). Later they quit following his counsel and commandments and the Lord chastened them for their disobedience and forgetting him (2.2). After they repented and quickly began serving the Lord (2.4-5). After Joshua dies again the Children of Israel neglect the Lord and his commandments, they worship false Gods, then God quits blessing them (2).
c. Read Judges 2:10-15 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Judges 2:12-13, “Who Are Ball and Ashtoreth?” (pgs. 252-53).
Ball and Ashtoreth are the false gods that the children of Israel begin to follow after Joshua dies.
d. Read Judges 2:10-19 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Judges 2:11-13, “What Resulted from Israel’s Not Driving the Canaanites Out of the Promised Land?” (pg. 252). Detail in writing what lessons you think parents can learn from these sources.
I think that a valuable lesson for parents and everyone to learn is that when you forsake the Lord he will no longer bless your life. I don’t think that are any more golden calves but I do think that parents need to remember to not worship things that aren’t God, this is an example that needs to be set by parents for later generations. Trials will come either way but depending on how parents follow the Lord they can be strengthened and progress or continue to neglect and not teach their children about God. When we don’t do what the Lord commands and break covenants we are no longer privy to the blessings and promises that God gives.
e. The book of Judges contains some great Old Testament narrative, including those of Ehud, Deborah, and Gideon. Choose one of these accounts from Judges 3-8 and write a summary of the principles taught there.
I chose for my account the story of Gideon; he was called of God to save Israel fro the Midianites. One principal in particular that I liked in this story was how Gideon put his trust in the Lord because he was on the Lord’s errand. When we put faith in the Lord he will always help us win battles. When we do this and remember that we are only there to help the Lord we will prosper and win.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Choice #3: Deuteronomy 10-11; 13-14; 22-24; 26; 28-29, Obedience Bring Blessings; Disobedience Brings Curses
A. Deuteronomy 10-15.
• Where did the Lord direct Moses to keep the tablets containing the Ten Commandments? ----- an ark made of wood.
• What do you think the instruction teaches us about the value the Lord places on the commandments? ------ because of the precise instruction on what the ark must be made of it shows that the Lord feel the commandments most precious.
• Notice the Joseph Smith Translation correction in the footnotes for v.2 Read D&C 84:14-27. What blessings did the Children of Israel deny themselves through their disobedience in the wilderness? ------they will not receive the mysteries or knowledge of God. They also are deprived of the godly ordinances and authority of the priesthood. Without these things Moses taught them that they couldn’t see God in the flesh and live but the children of Israel didn’t listen and so they didn’t get any of theses blessings.
B. Compare Deuteronomy 11:1, 13-14, 22, 30:6,19-20 with Matthew 22:36-40. Write a paragraph that explains why you think this is the most important commandment. Love is an emotion; can emotions be commanded? How can a person love someone they don’t even see? How can we learn to love God?
These scriptures show us that there are many things that we will be blessed with if we will dedicate our lives to loving God, land, blessings and that we might live. And not just ourselves will live but our “seed” as well. We can learn to love his by obeying his voice, I think this will teach us the wonderful things that the Lord is willing to bless us with if we just listen to him. I also think that this is first law because if we can learn to love God the following his commandments will be easier because we will have some understanding of why his subsequent laws are so important. We see that the second great law is loving thy neighbor, we can do this better when we can feel the eternal love of the Lord. I think that we can learn to love him without seeing him through faith, if we believe that he is there and supreme then we have to believe that all good comes from him, bad too but that comes more from agency. When we can understand and have faith then loving without seeing is a little easier.
C. Read Deuteronomy 10:12-13; 11:8-9; 13:4 and 26:17-19. Describe what theses verses have in common. Explain why you think the Lord places such a strong emphasis on obedience to the commandments. Also note in your paragraph how Mosiah 2:41 and D&C 130:20-21 applies to this question.
All of these scripture are telling us that if we will follow God then we can prosper and live a full life. If we will be true and faithful then we can be part of the chosen people of God. We have to love him and understand his power and authority, this is the only way that we can have all the blessings that are promised to the chosen people. Mosiah and D&C apply because they also tell us of the blessings of happiness and fulfillment that can only come through loving the Lord.
D. Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and list results of obeying the commandments; then skim through Deuteronomy 28:15-65 and list of the consequences of disobeying the commandments. Helaman 12:3 and write purposes the Lord has for sometimes chastening his children with “many afflictions.”
-Obeying the Commandments of God:
• On high above all nations of earth
• Blessed shalt thou be in the field
• Blessed fruit of the body
• Fruit of the ground
• Fruit of the cattle
• Increase of kine
• Increase of sheep
• Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store
• Blessed when coming out and in
• The Lord will smite your enemies
• Blessings upon your storehouse
• Everything you touch will be blessed
• The land you own
• Establish a holy place for you.
• Everyone will see you are of the Lord and be afraid of you
• Plenty of goods and children and animals and food
• The Lord will keep all the promises given to your fathers
• You will never have to borrow
• You will be the head and not the tail
• Always above never below
-Disobeying the Commandments of God
• Curse on your fields
• Curse on your basket and store
• Curse on your children, flocks and food
• Cursed when coming and going
• You will be destroyed and perish quickly
• Pestilence cleave unto you
• You will be sick always
• Your crops will not grow
• Your enemies will defeat you
• Botch of Egypt on you
• You will not prosper
• Nothing will go right for you
• All your flocks and cattle will disease and die
• You will oppressed and crushed always
• Your body will be ruined
• Your nation will not prosper and be ruled by others
• You will be always hungry and thirsty
• You will be destroyed
Helaman tells us that if the Lord doesn’t bring these things to the people and show them when they aren’t following the Lord that they will not remember him. These afflictions are to remind us the importance of the Lord.
E. The Lord clearly stated consequences of disobedience, but He does not desire to curse His children. Deuteronomy 4:29-31; 26:7-11; Isaiah 55:6-7; Ezekiel 18:21-23; and Mosiah 26:30. Write a paragraph describing the Lord’s mercies and what His greatest desires are. Include in you statement how it makes you feel to know that God is kind, loving and merciful.
The Lord will continue to give us hardships and afflictions when we forget him because he will not forget about us. He wants us to realize and recognize our faults so that we can return to him. I love the scripture in Isaiah when he tells us to seek the Lord while he is near, because he is easier to find. This is true and when we are able to find him then we know that the Lord will forgive our fault and mistakes. The Lord giving us many chances to be forgiven and v. 23 of Ezekiel when it is obvious that the Lord would have rather had the wicked turn from the wickedness than have them die. God loves us and wants us to live and return to him. While reading this week I was troubled by the men woman and children killed, this is a comfort to understand then they wouldn’t have helped further God’s purpose and wouldn’t have changed. If there were a chance that they could have left their evil ways then God would have let them live. In Mosiah it tells us that God will continue to let us live and forgive us as long as there is a chance that we will repents, and every time that we repent he will forgive us. I know that we must fear God and respect him but it is a comfort to know that He loves us so much that it doesn’t matter how many times we sin, if they are repent able sins then we will be forgiven if we just reach out to him.
A. Deuteronomy 10-15.
• Where did the Lord direct Moses to keep the tablets containing the Ten Commandments? ----- an ark made of wood.
• What do you think the instruction teaches us about the value the Lord places on the commandments? ------ because of the precise instruction on what the ark must be made of it shows that the Lord feel the commandments most precious.
• Notice the Joseph Smith Translation correction in the footnotes for v.2 Read D&C 84:14-27. What blessings did the Children of Israel deny themselves through their disobedience in the wilderness? ------they will not receive the mysteries or knowledge of God. They also are deprived of the godly ordinances and authority of the priesthood. Without these things Moses taught them that they couldn’t see God in the flesh and live but the children of Israel didn’t listen and so they didn’t get any of theses blessings.
B. Compare Deuteronomy 11:1, 13-14, 22, 30:6,19-20 with Matthew 22:36-40. Write a paragraph that explains why you think this is the most important commandment. Love is an emotion; can emotions be commanded? How can a person love someone they don’t even see? How can we learn to love God?
These scriptures show us that there are many things that we will be blessed with if we will dedicate our lives to loving God, land, blessings and that we might live. And not just ourselves will live but our “seed” as well. We can learn to love his by obeying his voice, I think this will teach us the wonderful things that the Lord is willing to bless us with if we just listen to him. I also think that this is first law because if we can learn to love God the following his commandments will be easier because we will have some understanding of why his subsequent laws are so important. We see that the second great law is loving thy neighbor, we can do this better when we can feel the eternal love of the Lord. I think that we can learn to love him without seeing him through faith, if we believe that he is there and supreme then we have to believe that all good comes from him, bad too but that comes more from agency. When we can understand and have faith then loving without seeing is a little easier.
C. Read Deuteronomy 10:12-13; 11:8-9; 13:4 and 26:17-19. Describe what theses verses have in common. Explain why you think the Lord places such a strong emphasis on obedience to the commandments. Also note in your paragraph how Mosiah 2:41 and D&C 130:20-21 applies to this question.
All of these scripture are telling us that if we will follow God then we can prosper and live a full life. If we will be true and faithful then we can be part of the chosen people of God. We have to love him and understand his power and authority, this is the only way that we can have all the blessings that are promised to the chosen people. Mosiah and D&C apply because they also tell us of the blessings of happiness and fulfillment that can only come through loving the Lord.
D. Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and list results of obeying the commandments; then skim through Deuteronomy 28:15-65 and list of the consequences of disobeying the commandments. Helaman 12:3 and write purposes the Lord has for sometimes chastening his children with “many afflictions.”
-Obeying the Commandments of God:
• On high above all nations of earth
• Blessed shalt thou be in the field
• Blessed fruit of the body
• Fruit of the ground
• Fruit of the cattle
• Increase of kine
• Increase of sheep
• Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store
• Blessed when coming out and in
• The Lord will smite your enemies
• Blessings upon your storehouse
• Everything you touch will be blessed
• The land you own
• Establish a holy place for you.
• Everyone will see you are of the Lord and be afraid of you
• Plenty of goods and children and animals and food
• The Lord will keep all the promises given to your fathers
• You will never have to borrow
• You will be the head and not the tail
• Always above never below
-Disobeying the Commandments of God
• Curse on your fields
• Curse on your basket and store
• Curse on your children, flocks and food
• Cursed when coming and going
• You will be destroyed and perish quickly
• Pestilence cleave unto you
• You will be sick always
• Your crops will not grow
• Your enemies will defeat you
• Botch of Egypt on you
• You will not prosper
• Nothing will go right for you
• All your flocks and cattle will disease and die
• You will oppressed and crushed always
• Your body will be ruined
• Your nation will not prosper and be ruled by others
• You will be always hungry and thirsty
• You will be destroyed
Helaman tells us that if the Lord doesn’t bring these things to the people and show them when they aren’t following the Lord that they will not remember him. These afflictions are to remind us the importance of the Lord.
E. The Lord clearly stated consequences of disobedience, but He does not desire to curse His children. Deuteronomy 4:29-31; 26:7-11; Isaiah 55:6-7; Ezekiel 18:21-23; and Mosiah 26:30. Write a paragraph describing the Lord’s mercies and what His greatest desires are. Include in you statement how it makes you feel to know that God is kind, loving and merciful.
The Lord will continue to give us hardships and afflictions when we forget him because he will not forget about us. He wants us to realize and recognize our faults so that we can return to him. I love the scripture in Isaiah when he tells us to seek the Lord while he is near, because he is easier to find. This is true and when we are able to find him then we know that the Lord will forgive our fault and mistakes. The Lord giving us many chances to be forgiven and v. 23 of Ezekiel when it is obvious that the Lord would have rather had the wicked turn from the wickedness than have them die. God loves us and wants us to live and return to him. While reading this week I was troubled by the men woman and children killed, this is a comfort to understand then they wouldn’t have helped further God’s purpose and wouldn’t have changed. If there were a chance that they could have left their evil ways then God would have let them live. In Mosiah it tells us that God will continue to let us live and forgive us as long as there is a chance that we will repents, and every time that we repent he will forgive us. I know that we must fear God and respect him but it is a comfort to know that He loves us so much that it doesn’t matter how many times we sin, if they are repent able sins then we will be forgiven if we just reach out to him.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Numbers 21:4-9
Heather Orme
Numbers 21:4-9 and Point to Ponder sec. 212.
1.What did the Children of Israel do that resulted in the curse of the “fiery serpents”?
First the Children of Israel were “discouraged because of the way” (v. 4). Then they began to murmur against the Lord, and Moses. They were angry that the journey was hard; they didn’t have enough water or food.
2.In what ways are people today sometimes like unto the children of Israel anciently? (Nephi 17:45)
The scripture tells us that children of Israel were quick to sin and slow to remember all the things the Lord has done for them. The Lord has sent angles and spoken to them but they are still unwilling to feel and listen to the Spirit. We are just like that today, look around us! We have so many wonderful blessings, Television, internet, comfortable cars and homes but not only do we want more but we abuse these wonderful resources that we have. Instead of watching information or uplifting things we watch terrible movies and shows. The internet is such a wonderful tool that we use for learning and for furthering the work of the Lord instead we fill it with pornography and trashy images for children and other innocent victims to find. Our cars and homes are so nice and fully capable of keeping us warm and comfortable but still we want nicer cars, better homes and more things to fill them with. God has created this world for us and in creating it he has spoken to us, shows that he loves us but still we turn away. Still we are quick to sin and slow to listen and remember our God. It is terrifying to think about wandering around in the desert for 40 years but I wonder how long we have all been wondering because of the iniquity on the earth today. We are blessed with the true gospel but do we always adhere to the teachings and use these resources for good? I think that we can do better, for the third phase to come we must prepare and be ready just like the Children of Israel had to be ready to find the promised land.
3. According to Alma 33:18-22 what did the brazen serpent symbolize?
It was as symbol of belief in the Lord. If the people really believed then they would have quickly looked at the serpent, but because some really didn’t adhere to the teaching of Moses nor truly believe in the teachings of the Lord. We learn from Alma that by looking to be healed as the believers in Moses’ day then we can be.
4. How does one “look to” Jesus Christ for healing?
The children of Israel literally only had to “look” to be healed. We must look also but in a more symbolic way. We have seek for healing. While I read this passage I couldn’t help but think of the talk by Elder Scott in the 2008 conference. His talk was on the consequences of abuse. In the talk it talks to the victims and tells them that while they can’t make the abuser apologize but through the Lord they can be fully healed. God is there to make us happy and Christ died for our sins so that we can move past them. Victims of abuse aren’t sinning by being abused but they might be by not forgiving. In this they can turn to or “look to” the Lord for healing their emotional and physical wounds wholly.
5. Aside from physical healing, how can “looking to” the Savior heal a person in other ways?
I like Elder Scott's talk tells us “There are many ways to begin healing, but remember that a full cure comes through the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, our Master and Redeemer.” I think that when we are hurt in anyway, whether physically or as Elder Scott is talking about emotionally we can truly and entirely be healed only through Christ. There are so many times in our lives that we need to be healed and that can come better and quicker if we only look to our Heavenly Father.
6.Where else do people sometimes turn to healing other than the Savior?
I know that when I have my feelings hurt I often turn to my husband or family. I come from a family of all girls, my sisters often take the “it’s their problem and they are a bad person” approach when it comes to a hurtful action or word. When I go to my husband he is opposite, its more of the “maybe they were having a bad day, try and look at it from their point of view.” Obviously this is the right way but I know that when I hear mean thing about the person that hurt me I feel better for about 3 seconds but the hurt doesn’t leave, it only turns to anger or pride on my part. If I would be more Christ like or ask for understanding the conflict would be resolved much quicker. The world I think often turns to the easier and much more offending alternative like me. They might turn to drinking or revenge for hurt. Often violence is an outlet for hurt. If everyone would turn to Christ for healing I can’t imagine the kinds of hurt that would be avoided in the world.
7. What are simple things in the gospel of Jesus Christ that can heal us?
I think that prayer is something that can heal us. Often instead of turning to gossip and rumors we can let tell God of our frustration and those feelings of being understood and loved can enter our hearts and minds. This will lead to a less hurtful resolution.
Numbers 21:4-9 and Point to Ponder sec. 212.
1.What did the Children of Israel do that resulted in the curse of the “fiery serpents”?
First the Children of Israel were “discouraged because of the way” (v. 4). Then they began to murmur against the Lord, and Moses. They were angry that the journey was hard; they didn’t have enough water or food.
2.In what ways are people today sometimes like unto the children of Israel anciently? (Nephi 17:45)
The scripture tells us that children of Israel were quick to sin and slow to remember all the things the Lord has done for them. The Lord has sent angles and spoken to them but they are still unwilling to feel and listen to the Spirit. We are just like that today, look around us! We have so many wonderful blessings, Television, internet, comfortable cars and homes but not only do we want more but we abuse these wonderful resources that we have. Instead of watching information or uplifting things we watch terrible movies and shows. The internet is such a wonderful tool that we use for learning and for furthering the work of the Lord instead we fill it with pornography and trashy images for children and other innocent victims to find. Our cars and homes are so nice and fully capable of keeping us warm and comfortable but still we want nicer cars, better homes and more things to fill them with. God has created this world for us and in creating it he has spoken to us, shows that he loves us but still we turn away. Still we are quick to sin and slow to listen and remember our God. It is terrifying to think about wandering around in the desert for 40 years but I wonder how long we have all been wondering because of the iniquity on the earth today. We are blessed with the true gospel but do we always adhere to the teachings and use these resources for good? I think that we can do better, for the third phase to come we must prepare and be ready just like the Children of Israel had to be ready to find the promised land.
3. According to Alma 33:18-22 what did the brazen serpent symbolize?
It was as symbol of belief in the Lord. If the people really believed then they would have quickly looked at the serpent, but because some really didn’t adhere to the teaching of Moses nor truly believe in the teachings of the Lord. We learn from Alma that by looking to be healed as the believers in Moses’ day then we can be.
4. How does one “look to” Jesus Christ for healing?
The children of Israel literally only had to “look” to be healed. We must look also but in a more symbolic way. We have seek for healing. While I read this passage I couldn’t help but think of the talk by Elder Scott in the 2008 conference. His talk was on the consequences of abuse. In the talk it talks to the victims and tells them that while they can’t make the abuser apologize but through the Lord they can be fully healed. God is there to make us happy and Christ died for our sins so that we can move past them. Victims of abuse aren’t sinning by being abused but they might be by not forgiving. In this they can turn to or “look to” the Lord for healing their emotional and physical wounds wholly.
5. Aside from physical healing, how can “looking to” the Savior heal a person in other ways?
I like Elder Scott's talk tells us “There are many ways to begin healing, but remember that a full cure comes through the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, our Master and Redeemer.” I think that when we are hurt in anyway, whether physically or as Elder Scott is talking about emotionally we can truly and entirely be healed only through Christ. There are so many times in our lives that we need to be healed and that can come better and quicker if we only look to our Heavenly Father.
6.Where else do people sometimes turn to healing other than the Savior?
I know that when I have my feelings hurt I often turn to my husband or family. I come from a family of all girls, my sisters often take the “it’s their problem and they are a bad person” approach when it comes to a hurtful action or word. When I go to my husband he is opposite, its more of the “maybe they were having a bad day, try and look at it from their point of view.” Obviously this is the right way but I know that when I hear mean thing about the person that hurt me I feel better for about 3 seconds but the hurt doesn’t leave, it only turns to anger or pride on my part. If I would be more Christ like or ask for understanding the conflict would be resolved much quicker. The world I think often turns to the easier and much more offending alternative like me. They might turn to drinking or revenge for hurt. Often violence is an outlet for hurt. If everyone would turn to Christ for healing I can’t imagine the kinds of hurt that would be avoided in the world.
7. What are simple things in the gospel of Jesus Christ that can heal us?
I think that prayer is something that can heal us. Often instead of turning to gossip and rumors we can let tell God of our frustration and those feelings of being understood and loved can enter our hearts and minds. This will lead to a less hurtful resolution.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Leviticus 11/ Word of Wisdom
Student choice Assignment Choice #1
A) Leviticus 11:1-30
Clean Animals
• Any fish in the waters that have scales and fins
• Whatever Parte the hoof
• Is cloven footed
• Chew the Cud
• Locust
• Bald Locust
• Beetle
• Grasshopper
Unclean Animals
Camel
• Coney
• Hare
• Swine
• Eagle
• Ossifrage
• Ospray
• Vulture
• Kite
• Raven
• Owl
• Night Hawk
• Cuckow
• Hawk
• Little Owl
• Cormorant
• Great Owl
• Swan
• Pelican
• Gier Eagle
• Stork
• Heron
• Lapwing
• Bat
• Weasel
• Mouse
• Tortoise
• Ferret
• Chameleon
• Lizard
• Snail
• Mole
B) The Student Manual tells us that the fowl of the air were normally birds that were birds of prey with the exception of the Heron and Stork but they might have eaten things that were considered unclean. Land animals had to have a foot separated into two parts and chew a cud. The whole dietary code is said to be symbolic and a system. God used this as a teaching tool. People had to make conscious choices to stay obedient to the laws of God each time they ate, it also helped set them apart as Hebrews.
C) Doctrine and Covenants 89:5-17
Ordained for Use
• Pure wine of the Grape
• Tobacco is a herb for bruises and sick cattle
• Herbs in season
• Flesh of beasts (sparingly)
• Flesh of fowls(sparingly)
• Grain
• Fruit (from ground or not)
• Mild Drinks
Restricted from Use
• Wine
• Strong Drink
• Tobacco
• Hot Drinks
D) Leviticus 1:43-47/ Corinthians 6:19-20/ D&C 89 1-4,18-21. Why did the Lord declare some things clean and other unclean. How does the Word of Wisdom part of the Sanctification process and what is a way that I can be more clean in my life.
I think that somethings were said to be unclean because first it might have just been another way for the Hebrews to set themselves apart as God’s people. It also says in Leviticus 11 that it will help sanctify them as God is. It is possible this helped bring them closer to God. Corinthians really paints the picture that by not following the Laws of Moses they weren’t respecting the gift of a body that God gave them. We have to learn that by respecting our bodies we are honoring our Father in Heaven because he paid for them they were” bought with a price” (v. 20).
The Word of Wisdom I think is another way that the Lord asks us like he did the Children of Israel to make commitments to him. By choosing to pass on wine or tobacco we are renewing our promises to follow his commandments. We are promised great knowledge and protection when we follow him, this helps in the sanctification process because when our minds are clear we are able to hear, understand and complete the tasks that the Lord gives us.
I can remember that my body is a temple, that by taking care of if I am showing my Heavenly Father that I love him. I need to be better about eating good food and exercising more.
A) Leviticus 11:1-30
Clean Animals
• Any fish in the waters that have scales and fins
• Whatever Parte the hoof
• Is cloven footed
• Chew the Cud
• Locust
• Bald Locust
• Beetle
• Grasshopper
Unclean Animals
Camel
• Coney
• Hare
• Swine
• Eagle
• Ossifrage
• Ospray
• Vulture
• Kite
• Raven
• Owl
• Night Hawk
• Cuckow
• Hawk
• Little Owl
• Cormorant
• Great Owl
• Swan
• Pelican
• Gier Eagle
• Stork
• Heron
• Lapwing
• Bat
• Weasel
• Mouse
• Tortoise
• Ferret
• Chameleon
• Lizard
• Snail
• Mole
B) The Student Manual tells us that the fowl of the air were normally birds that were birds of prey with the exception of the Heron and Stork but they might have eaten things that were considered unclean. Land animals had to have a foot separated into two parts and chew a cud. The whole dietary code is said to be symbolic and a system. God used this as a teaching tool. People had to make conscious choices to stay obedient to the laws of God each time they ate, it also helped set them apart as Hebrews.
C) Doctrine and Covenants 89:5-17
Ordained for Use
• Pure wine of the Grape
• Tobacco is a herb for bruises and sick cattle
• Herbs in season
• Flesh of beasts (sparingly)
• Flesh of fowls(sparingly)
• Grain
• Fruit (from ground or not)
• Mild Drinks
Restricted from Use
• Wine
• Strong Drink
• Tobacco
• Hot Drinks
D) Leviticus 1:43-47/ Corinthians 6:19-20/ D&C 89 1-4,18-21. Why did the Lord declare some things clean and other unclean. How does the Word of Wisdom part of the Sanctification process and what is a way that I can be more clean in my life.
I think that somethings were said to be unclean because first it might have just been another way for the Hebrews to set themselves apart as God’s people. It also says in Leviticus 11 that it will help sanctify them as God is. It is possible this helped bring them closer to God. Corinthians really paints the picture that by not following the Laws of Moses they weren’t respecting the gift of a body that God gave them. We have to learn that by respecting our bodies we are honoring our Father in Heaven because he paid for them they were” bought with a price” (v. 20).
The Word of Wisdom I think is another way that the Lord asks us like he did the Children of Israel to make commitments to him. By choosing to pass on wine or tobacco we are renewing our promises to follow his commandments. We are promised great knowledge and protection when we follow him, this helps in the sanctification process because when our minds are clear we are able to hear, understand and complete the tasks that the Lord gives us.
I can remember that my body is a temple, that by taking care of if I am showing my Heavenly Father that I love him. I need to be better about eating good food and exercising more.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Exodus 20:3-17
Choice 1 Exodus 20:3-17
A. The 10 Commandments
1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me (Love God)
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven images or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. (Love God)
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. (Love God)
4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. (Love God)
5. Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. (Love Neighbor)
6. Thou shalt not kill. (Love Neighbor)
7.Thou shalt not commit adultery. (Love Neighbor)
8. Thou shalt not steal. (Love Neighbor)
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. (Love Neighbor)
10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house; thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s. (Love Neighbor)
2 Great Commandments:
1. Thou shalt love the lord thy God with all thy heart and with all they soul and with all they mind.
2. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
B. The three commandment that I feel are neglected today most and that would make the most difference if followed are:
1. Thou salt have no other gods before me
2. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
3. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house.
The first commandment is that we shouldn’t have anything above God, honestly I always thought that this was because we should appreciate his love and sacrifice that he has always given us freely. After reading the manual I see that there are many more reasons, I didn’t think of the fact that God said himself that his work is to bring man to immortality and eternal life. When we don’t remember him then we can’t make it back to him, therefore we mess with his goal. We have to have God first in our lives, it makes it easier to hear and listen to him, if we put things like money first then we are only ruining our communication ability with God. If the world would put God first then we could all listen harmoniously making the world work flawlessly.
The second thing I feel the world is not following is keeping the Sabbath day holy. I know that even we as church members do this too. This doesn’t even mean just going out and spending money on Sunday but remembering God the whole day. I watch movies and visit friends on this day when I should be reading scripture or writing in journals. There are so many good things to do, but because we put things before the Lord we quickly and easily forget Him. Imagine if no one ever spent money on anything on Sunday, it would eliminate the need for people to work making it possible for everyone to be at home with family, focus on the Lord and to rest their bodies from the 6 other days of labor.
The last commandment that I thought would make a huge difference in the world if followed by everyone is to not covet thy neighbor’s house. I feel that coveting others’ things is the source for people breaking other commandments. Do not kill, do not steal, do not commit adultery; theses all happen when you covet something of someone else. The manual explains how this commandment is so intertwined with the other commandments and I see how that is so true. This is the reason that we can’t really pick and choose commandments to keep. When we don’t follow one then it is interesting how other commandments follow in the decline. Not following one commandment is the very epitome of a slippery slope. If the world were to learn to not covet there would be less crime, murder, discontent and anger. Peace and charity would reign.
A. The 10 Commandments
1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me (Love God)
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven images or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. (Love God)
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. (Love God)
4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. (Love God)
5. Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. (Love Neighbor)
6. Thou shalt not kill. (Love Neighbor)
7.Thou shalt not commit adultery. (Love Neighbor)
8. Thou shalt not steal. (Love Neighbor)
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. (Love Neighbor)
10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house; thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s. (Love Neighbor)
2 Great Commandments:
1. Thou shalt love the lord thy God with all thy heart and with all they soul and with all they mind.
2. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
B. The three commandment that I feel are neglected today most and that would make the most difference if followed are:
1. Thou salt have no other gods before me
2. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
3. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house.
The first commandment is that we shouldn’t have anything above God, honestly I always thought that this was because we should appreciate his love and sacrifice that he has always given us freely. After reading the manual I see that there are many more reasons, I didn’t think of the fact that God said himself that his work is to bring man to immortality and eternal life. When we don’t remember him then we can’t make it back to him, therefore we mess with his goal. We have to have God first in our lives, it makes it easier to hear and listen to him, if we put things like money first then we are only ruining our communication ability with God. If the world would put God first then we could all listen harmoniously making the world work flawlessly.
The second thing I feel the world is not following is keeping the Sabbath day holy. I know that even we as church members do this too. This doesn’t even mean just going out and spending money on Sunday but remembering God the whole day. I watch movies and visit friends on this day when I should be reading scripture or writing in journals. There are so many good things to do, but because we put things before the Lord we quickly and easily forget Him. Imagine if no one ever spent money on anything on Sunday, it would eliminate the need for people to work making it possible for everyone to be at home with family, focus on the Lord and to rest their bodies from the 6 other days of labor.
The last commandment that I thought would make a huge difference in the world if followed by everyone is to not covet thy neighbor’s house. I feel that coveting others’ things is the source for people breaking other commandments. Do not kill, do not steal, do not commit adultery; theses all happen when you covet something of someone else. The manual explains how this commandment is so intertwined with the other commandments and I see how that is so true. This is the reason that we can’t really pick and choose commandments to keep. When we don’t follow one then it is interesting how other commandments follow in the decline. Not following one commandment is the very epitome of a slippery slope. If the world were to learn to not covet there would be less crime, murder, discontent and anger. Peace and charity would reign.
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