STAKES OF ZION
Isaiah 54:2
What does the tent mentioned represent? (The Church of Jesus Christ.)
What do the tent stakes represent?
President Ezra Taft Benson said: “The term stake is a symbolic expression. Picture in your mind a great tent held up by cords extended to many stakes that are firmly secured in the ground. The prophets likened latter-day Zion to a great tent encompassing the earth. That tent was supported by cords fastened to stakes. Those stakes, of course, are various geographical organizations spread out over the earth. Presently, Israel is being gathered to the various stakes of Zion”
D&C 101:20–21
The first stakes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were organized in Kirtland, Ohio, and in Clay County, Missouri, in 1834. As the Church grew, more stakes were added as commanded by the Lord . Today there are hundreds of stakes located throughout the world.
Region Temples Missions Stakes Districts Wards Branches
World 170 406 3,104 554 22,083 7,381
United States 81 120 1,533 9 12,065 1,936
Utah 17 9 573 1 4,633 330
Outside U.S. 89 286 1,571 545 10,018 5,445
http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/statistics/units/
Back to Isaiah 54:1-2
What do you think is the meaning of the phrase “Enlarge the place of thy tent”?
What other counsel is given regarding the tent, or Church?
Isaiah’s Counsel What We Can Do
Stretch the tent curtains and lengthen the cords. Serve as full-time missionaries; share the gospel with friends and neighbors.
Strengthen the tent stakes. Strengthen our local stakes.
What can we do to strengthen the stake in which we live? (Develop personal spiritual strength, influence our families and friends to do the same, serve our member and nonmember neighbors, and accept calls from priesthood leaders to serve in the Church.)
How can stakes bless people’s lives? (see D&C 115:5–6.)
What examples have you seen where stake of Zion is a place of defense and refuge?
Groups of people whom the Lord wants to come to him and find safety in the gospel:
A. All who thirst (Isaiah 55:1–3)
B. The wicked who will repent. (Isaiah 55:6–7)
C. Strangers who do not know the Lord. (Isaiah 56:3, 5–8)
A) ALL WHO THIRST
Isaiah 55:1-2
2 Nephi 9:50-51
What kind of thirst is referred to in these verses? (Spiritual thirst)
Who does the water represent? (Jesus is the living water and the bread of life)
What is this call to all who thirst? (Come unto Christ, Receive Salvation)
How much does it cost?
2 Nephi 2:4 - Salvation is free
What is Salvation?
D&C 6:13 - Salvation if greatest gift
What happens when we try to satisfy spiritual thirst by spending money and effort on temporal things?
What kind of effort is needed in this life to obtain salvation?
* The invitation to come unto Christ and obtain those gifts without money and without price suggests not that they can be obtained without effort but that one does not need the goods of this world to obtain them.
What is the price we pay for salvation?
Elder Marion G. Romney explained what price is required: “When earth life is over and things appear in their true perspective, we shall more clearly see and realize what the Lord and his prophets have repeatedly told us, that the fruits of the gospel are the only objectives worthy of life’s full efforts. Their possessor obtains true wealth—wealth in the Lord’s view of values. I conceive the blessings of the gospel to be of such inestimable worth. The price, is within the reach of us all, because it is not to be paid in money nor in any of this world’s goods but in righteous living. What is required is wholehearted devotion to the gospel and unreserved allegiance to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A half-hearted performance is not enough. We cannot obtain these blessings and be like the rich young man who protested that he had kept the commandments from his youth up but who went away sorrowful when, in answer to the question, ‘What lack I yet?’ Jesus said unto him,‘If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor … and come and follow me.’ (Matt. 19:21.) Evidently he could live everything but the welfare program. There can be no such reservation. We must be willing to sacrifice everything. Through self-discipline and devotion we must demonstrate to the Lord that we are willing to serve him under all circumstances. When we have done this, we shall receive an assurance that we shall have eternal life in the world to come.”
SECOND COMING
Isaiah prayed fervently for the Second Coming of the Savior, which would bring retribution for the wicked and great rejoicing for the righteous
Isaiah 64:1–4
How does this message increase your desire to endure to the end in serving the Lord?
MILLENNIUM
The closing chapters of Isaiah’s record present a beautiful picture of the Millennium
Isaiah 65:17–25
What conditions will exist during the Millennium?
A. The Lord will create new heavens and a new earth (v.17).
B. There will be great joy and no more weeping for the Lord’s people (v.18–19).
C. People will not die young; they will live to be 100 years old (v.20).
D. People will enjoy the fruits of their own labors (v.21–23).
E. Prayers will be answered immediately (v.24).
F. There will be no enmity among beasts (v.25).
It is my prayer that we will be dedicated to help strengthen the stakes of Zion and prepare for the Second Coming and the Millennium.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Sunday, September 7, 2014
I Will Betroth Thee unto Me in Righteousness - Hosea 1-3, 11, 13-14
SETUP
Have you ever given love and trust, or even made solemn covenants, and then been betrayed? Or have you ever been loved and trusted by someone but then, in weakness, betrayed that trust and damaged the relationship and thus know the yearning to be loved and trusted again?
Hosea describes God’s feelings toward those who have covenanted with Him and then betrayed the trust. Examine your own life for experiences that will help you understand Hosea’s message.
BACKGROUND
During the time of Hosea, the Israelites were influenced heavily by the worship and ways of the Canaanites. The sophistication of the city-based Canaanite farmers who surrounded them, the fertility of their flocks and fields attracted the Israelite farmers. The rites by which the people supplicated the gods of fertility were lewd, licentious, and immoral. Even though Israel had covenanted at Sinai to become a kingdom of priests and a holy nation unto God, by the time of Hosea, God’s people had become deeply involved in the practices of their neighbors, whose way of life should have repelled them.
INTRODUCTION
Nephi said that to understand the writings of Isaiah, one has to understand the Jewish way of prophesying (see 2 Nephi 25:1). The same is true of Hosea because he, like Isaiah, made extensive use of metaphors and symbolism. Each chapter contains at least one metaphor, and all need to be seen against the background of Israel’s history and tradition to be understood.
One metaphor that is central to Hosea’s message is marriage. Throughout history every culture has prescribed ways to celebrate the covenants of marriage. Because most people had personal knowledge of marriage, they understood the Lord better when the prophets used marriage terms to describe symbolically the covenants God made with them and they with Him. The covenant relationship between Jehovah and His people Israel was likened to the relationship between a man and his wife.
In the symbolic marriage covenant, God is the husband and Israel, the covenant people, is the bride. God wed Israel in the covenant of Abraham (see Genesis 17). That covenant was renewed with Moses’ people at the foot of Mount Sinai..When Israel turned away from her husband to worship other gods, then she broke the covenants.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained: “In a spiritual sense, to emphasize how serious it is, the damning sin of idolatry is called adultery. When the Lord’s people forsake him and worship false gods, their infidelity to Jehovah is described as whoredoms and adultery. By forsaking the Lord, his people are unfaithful to their covenant vows, vows made to him who symbolically is their Husband.”
The symbolism is central to Hosea’s message. He depicts Israel’s unfaithfulness to the Lord as that of a wife who has turned her back on a faithful husband to follow her lovers.
Why do you think Hosea and other prophets used comparisons? Comparing a complicated or unfamiliar idea with one that is simpler or more familiar makes it more understandable to the people who are being taught. Comparisons also help provide a lot of detail in just a few words.
Chapters 1-3
In the book of Hosea, the Lord’s relationship with Israel (and with the Church today) is compared to the relationship between a husband and wife.
In what way was ancient Israel comparable to Gomer, who is described as “a wife of whoredoms”? (v. 1:2–3; 2:5, 13)
Gomer had left her husband for her lovers; Israel had forgotten the Lord and become wicked.
*** What does this comparison teach us about the level of commitment and devotion the Lord expects from us?
Who or what were Israel’s “lovers”—the things that caused the people to turn away from the Lord?
Other gods, material goods, and the practices of the world.
What things may divert us from our dedication to following the Savior?
To whom did the adulterous wife give credit for her food and clothing? (v.2:5)
To whom did the Israelites attribute the fruitful land in which they lived? To their false gods or idols
***How do people today give credit to false gods for the blessings they receive?
Hosea's attitude at first toward his wife (v.2:6–13)
Hosea's attitude changed (v.2:14-23)
Even though the wife had been unfaithful, the husband still loved her and wanted her to come back to him. Likewise, the Lord still loves his people who have gone astray, and he wants them to turn again to him.
Elder Eyering Quote
What did the husband promise his wife if she would return to him? (v 2:19.)
What does the Lord promise his people if they will repent and return to him? (v. 2:20, 23.)
***Why is this promise important?
In Hosea 3:1–2, the husband purchased his wife from her lover In Old Testament cultures, women were often considered property and could be bought or sold.
What did the husband require of his wife after he purchased her? (v. 3:3.)
What did he promise her?
In what sense has Jesus Christ “bought” each of us? (see 1 Peter 1:18–19.)
What does Christ require of us in return?
Chapters 11,13-14
Using the imagery of a marriage, the Lord, through Hosea, taught His people that though they had been unfaithful to Him, ye He would still not divorce them (cast them off) if they would but turn back to Him. Though Hosea speaks of a nation, the same principle holds true for individuals. Even those who have been grossly unfaithful to God can reestablish their relationship with Him if they will but turn back to Him with full purpose of heart.
Throughout the book of Hosea, the Lord reproves the Israelites for their great sins. After the Lord, through Hosea, describes the captivity and destruction that will result from Israel’s wickedness, he again invites his people to repent and return to him.
What did the Israelites need to do to return to the Lord and receive deliverance? (v. 12:6; 14:2–3)
They needed to repent of their sins and renounce the other gods they had worshiped.
What did the Lord promise to do if they repented? (v. 14:4–7.)
What does the Lord promise he will do if we repent of our sins?
Conclusion
While the Lord’s blessings are reserved for those who keep his commandments, his love is constant and extended to all. Even when we turn away from him through sin, the Lord loves us and wants us to repent and return to him.
Have you ever given love and trust, or even made solemn covenants, and then been betrayed? Or have you ever been loved and trusted by someone but then, in weakness, betrayed that trust and damaged the relationship and thus know the yearning to be loved and trusted again?
Hosea describes God’s feelings toward those who have covenanted with Him and then betrayed the trust. Examine your own life for experiences that will help you understand Hosea’s message.
BACKGROUND
During the time of Hosea, the Israelites were influenced heavily by the worship and ways of the Canaanites. The sophistication of the city-based Canaanite farmers who surrounded them, the fertility of their flocks and fields attracted the Israelite farmers. The rites by which the people supplicated the gods of fertility were lewd, licentious, and immoral. Even though Israel had covenanted at Sinai to become a kingdom of priests and a holy nation unto God, by the time of Hosea, God’s people had become deeply involved in the practices of their neighbors, whose way of life should have repelled them.
INTRODUCTION
Nephi said that to understand the writings of Isaiah, one has to understand the Jewish way of prophesying (see 2 Nephi 25:1). The same is true of Hosea because he, like Isaiah, made extensive use of metaphors and symbolism. Each chapter contains at least one metaphor, and all need to be seen against the background of Israel’s history and tradition to be understood.
One metaphor that is central to Hosea’s message is marriage. Throughout history every culture has prescribed ways to celebrate the covenants of marriage. Because most people had personal knowledge of marriage, they understood the Lord better when the prophets used marriage terms to describe symbolically the covenants God made with them and they with Him. The covenant relationship between Jehovah and His people Israel was likened to the relationship between a man and his wife.
In the symbolic marriage covenant, God is the husband and Israel, the covenant people, is the bride. God wed Israel in the covenant of Abraham (see Genesis 17). That covenant was renewed with Moses’ people at the foot of Mount Sinai..When Israel turned away from her husband to worship other gods, then she broke the covenants.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained: “In a spiritual sense, to emphasize how serious it is, the damning sin of idolatry is called adultery. When the Lord’s people forsake him and worship false gods, their infidelity to Jehovah is described as whoredoms and adultery. By forsaking the Lord, his people are unfaithful to their covenant vows, vows made to him who symbolically is their Husband.”
The symbolism is central to Hosea’s message. He depicts Israel’s unfaithfulness to the Lord as that of a wife who has turned her back on a faithful husband to follow her lovers.
Why do you think Hosea and other prophets used comparisons? Comparing a complicated or unfamiliar idea with one that is simpler or more familiar makes it more understandable to the people who are being taught. Comparisons also help provide a lot of detail in just a few words.
Chapters 1-3
In the book of Hosea, the Lord’s relationship with Israel (and with the Church today) is compared to the relationship between a husband and wife.
In what way was ancient Israel comparable to Gomer, who is described as “a wife of whoredoms”? (v. 1:2–3; 2:5, 13)
Gomer had left her husband for her lovers; Israel had forgotten the Lord and become wicked.
*** What does this comparison teach us about the level of commitment and devotion the Lord expects from us?
Who or what were Israel’s “lovers”—the things that caused the people to turn away from the Lord?
Other gods, material goods, and the practices of the world.
What things may divert us from our dedication to following the Savior?
To whom did the adulterous wife give credit for her food and clothing? (v.2:5)
To whom did the Israelites attribute the fruitful land in which they lived? To their false gods or idols
***How do people today give credit to false gods for the blessings they receive?
Hosea's attitude at first toward his wife (v.2:6–13)
Hosea's attitude changed (v.2:14-23)
Even though the wife had been unfaithful, the husband still loved her and wanted her to come back to him. Likewise, the Lord still loves his people who have gone astray, and he wants them to turn again to him.
Elder Eyering Quote
What did the husband promise his wife if she would return to him? (v 2:19.)
What does the Lord promise his people if they will repent and return to him? (v. 2:20, 23.)
***Why is this promise important?
In Hosea 3:1–2, the husband purchased his wife from her lover In Old Testament cultures, women were often considered property and could be bought or sold.
What did the husband require of his wife after he purchased her? (v. 3:3.)
What did he promise her?
In what sense has Jesus Christ “bought” each of us? (see 1 Peter 1:18–19.)
What does Christ require of us in return?
Chapters 11,13-14
Using the imagery of a marriage, the Lord, through Hosea, taught His people that though they had been unfaithful to Him, ye He would still not divorce them (cast them off) if they would but turn back to Him. Though Hosea speaks of a nation, the same principle holds true for individuals. Even those who have been grossly unfaithful to God can reestablish their relationship with Him if they will but turn back to Him with full purpose of heart.
Throughout the book of Hosea, the Lord reproves the Israelites for their great sins. After the Lord, through Hosea, describes the captivity and destruction that will result from Israel’s wickedness, he again invites his people to repent and return to him.
What did the Israelites need to do to return to the Lord and receive deliverance? (v. 12:6; 14:2–3)
They needed to repent of their sins and renounce the other gods they had worshiped.
What did the Lord promise to do if they repented? (v. 14:4–7.)
What does the Lord promise he will do if we repent of our sins?
Conclusion
While the Lord’s blessings are reserved for those who keep his commandments, his love is constant and extended to all. Even when we turn away from him through sin, the Lord loves us and wants us to repent and return to him.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Proverbs and Ecclesiastes
BACKGROUND
Proverbs are short sayings that generally give counsel about living righteously. The Old Testament records that Solomon “spake three thousand proverbs” (1 Kings 4:32). Some of these wise sayings are included in the book of Proverbs. Although Solomon and the other authors of this book were not prophets, much of what they wrote was inspired by the Lord. Their writings generally reflect a belief that true wisdom comes from God.
The book of Ecclesiastes also contains wise sayings, and some people believe Solomon to be its author. The message of Ecclesiastes is that life is meaningful only through God.
INTRODUCTION
The books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes are sometimes called the “wisdom literature.” The sages of the ancient Near East realized the superiority of wisdom over knowledge, for wisdom encompasses knowledge and includes understanding and moral conduct. One was not wise, regardless of his vast learning, if his actions did not comply with his righteous beliefs: “Like all Hebrew intellectual virtues, wisdom … is intensely practical, not theoretical. Basically, wisdom is the art of being successful, of forming the correct plan to gain the desired results. Its seat is the heart, the centre of moral and intellectual decision.
1. Wisdom
What differences are there between being learned and being wise?
Proverbs 1:7
The theme of the book of Proverbs is stated in verse 7: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Fear as used here means reverence or deep respect for God. Though there is much in the book that does not rise above worldly wisdom, the whole serves as a reminder that to the Lord all things are spiritual. The book underscores the idea that even in mortal life, when properly viewed, all things testify of God.
Proverbs 4:7
Theodore M. Burton, then Assistant to the Council of the Twelve Apostles, said: “We must feed the spirit as well as the mind and as well as the body. I plead with our youth, get learning, and with all your getting get understanding. Get learning of the spirit. Get learning of the mind. Get learning of the soul, and become a rounded man or a rounded woman, learned in all ways, for I testify to you this day that security, true security, comes from a knowledge of the divinity of Jesus Christ. This is the beginning of all learning and of all wisdom. This is the greatest knowledge, the greatest learning, the greatest comfort that men can have. If men have this knowledge in their hearts, they can withstand all the viscissitudes of life.”
Proverbs 9:9–10
2 Nephi 9:28–29
In biblical language, to fear the Lord means to reverence and obey him.
Wisdom is more than knowledge; it is the proper application of knowledge.
To the Israelites, wisdom meant obedience to God’s laws
How does the value of wisdom compare to the value of earthly treasures?
Proverbs 3:13–18
Ecclesiastes 7:12
The words she and her refer to wisdom.
*** How does wisdom bring happiness and peace?
2. Trust in the Lord
Proverbs 3:5–7
President N. Eldon Tanner said: “How much wiser and better it is for man to accept the simple truths of the gospel and to accept as authority God, the Creator of the world, and his Son Jesus Christ, and to accept by faith those things which he cannot disprove and for which he cannot give a better explanation. He must be prepared to acknowledge that there are certain things—many, many things—that he cannot understand. “How can we deny or even disbelieve God when we cannot understand even the simplest things around us—how the leaf functions, what electricity is, what our emotions are, when the spirit enters the body, and what happens to it when it leaves? How can we say that because we do not understand the resurrection, there is not or cannot be a resurrection? “We are admonished to ‘trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.’ And we are warned: ‘Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!”
What experiences have taught you to trust the Lord?
What does it mean to acknowledge God?
Proverbs 3:6
Alma 34:38
D&C 59:21
How are we blessed as we acknowledge him?
VIDEO ON PARACHUTES
3. The words we speak
Chalkboard Activity - 7 things the Lord hates
Proverbs 6:16–19
Elder Bruce R. McConkie commented on this verse: “If we think evil thoughts, our tongues will utter unclean sayings. … If our minds are centered on the carnality and evil of the world, then worldliness and unrighteousness will seem to us to be the normal way of life. If we ponder things related to immorality in our minds, we will soon think everybody is immoral and unclean and it will break down the barrier between us and the world. And so with every other unwholesome, unclean, impure, and ungodly course.
3 of the things apply to the words we speak.
Why is the Lord so concerned with the words we speak?
Proverbs 16:27–28;
The word froward as used in Proverbs is a translation of several Hebrew words which share the common idea of deceitfulness, perverseness, and foolishness.
Proverbs 18:8;
Proverbs 25:18;
maul = a heavy hammer as for driving stakes, wedges
Matthew 12:36–37
How can we overcome the problems of lying, gossiping, or speaking negatively about others?
Proverbs 12:25
Proverbs 16:24
How is this true?
What are the results of speaking kindly?
*** How have the kind words of others helped you?
Proverbs 15:1
What benefits come from speaking softly when a disagreement arises?
Elder Gordon B. Hinckley said: “We seldom get into trouble when we speak softly. It is only when we raise our voices that the sparks fly and tiny molehills become great mountains of contention”
Proverbs 15:1 (Soft Answers in the Home)
President Brigham Young spoke of maintaining self-control in one’s speech and actions: “In all our daily pursuits in life, of whatever nature and kind, Latter-day Saints, and especially those who hold important positions in the kingdom of God, should maintain a uniform and even temper, both when at home and when abroad. They should not suffer reverses and unpleasant circumstances to sour their natures and render them fretful and unsocial at home, speaking words full of bitterness and biting acrimony to their wives and children, creating gloom and sorrow in their habitations, making themselves feared rather than beloved by their families. Anger should never be permitted to rise in our bosoms, and words suggested by angry feelings should never be permitted to pass our lips. ‘A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.’ ‘Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous;’ but ‘the discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.’”
Elder Marvin J. Ashton gave additional counsel about controlling one’s tongue: Too often we use communication periods as occasions to tell, dictate, plead, or threaten. Nowhere in the broadest sense should communication in the family be used to impose, command, or embarrass. In family discussions, differences should not be ignored, but should be weighed and evaluated calmly. One’s point or opinion usually is not as important as a healthy, continuing relationship. Courtesy and respect in listening and responding during discussions are basic in proper dialogue. … How important it is to know how to disagree with another’s point of view without being disagreeable. How important it is to have discussion periods ahead of decisions. Jones Stephens wrote, ‘I have learned that the head does not hear anything until the heart has listened, and that what the heart knows today the head will understand tomorrow.’"
4. Pride
5. Friendship
6. Raising children
Proverbs 22:6
Bishop Victor L. Brown suggested parents must live the way they want their children to live: “Josh Billings paraphrases this truth: ‘To bring up a child in the way he should go, travel that way yourself.’ “Throughout the Church I hear ‘If we did not have problems with parents, we would not have them with the young people.’”
James G. Duffin, a former president of the Central States Mission, said: “There is a difference between teaching and training. Teaching is causing the child to understand, training is causing the child to do. Every act performed is that much done towards fixing habits; repeated many times, the habit is established. If we train our children in the ways of the Lord, … every time they perform an act of obedience to the word and will of our Father in heaven their character becomes more firmly fixed in doing the things that God requires of them.”
D&C 68:25–28
How can we more effectively teach children the principles of the gospel and nurture their testimonies?
Elder Richard G. Scott said: “You must be willing to forgo personal pleasure and self-interest for family-centered activity, and not turn over to church, school, or society the principal role of fostering a child’s well-rounded development. It takes time, great effort, and significant personal sacrifice to ‘train up a child in the way he should go.’ But where can you find greater rewards for a job well done?"
Why do children need rules, boundaries, and loving correction?
Proverbs 19:18
Proverbs 29:17
How should parents give correction?
D&C 121:41–44
7. Happiness and good humor
Proverbs 15:13
Proverbs 17:22
Why is it important to develop a happy attitude and a good sense of humor?
President Hugh B. Brown said: “I would like to have you smile because after all we must keep a sense of humor whatever comes. I think of all the people in the world we should be the happiest. We have the greatest and most joyous message in the world. I think when we get on the other side, someone will meet us with a smile (unless we go to the wrong place and then someone will grin), so let us be happy. But let our happiness be genuine—let it come from within”
President Hugh B. Brown said: “We have often urged our young people to carry their laughter over into their mature years. A wholesome sense of humor will be a safety valve that will enable you to apply the lighter touch to heavy problems and to learn some lessons in problem solving that ‘sweat and tears’ often fail to dissolve.
What can we do to encourage uplifting humor in our families?
Can anyone tell about a time when humor has helped their family solve problems and grow in love for each other?
FIGURE OF A BODY
- Proverbs 2:2 (ear and heart)
- Proverbs 3:5 (heart)
- Proverbs 3:7 (eyes)
- Proverbs 3:27 (hand)
- Proverbs 4:26–27 (foot)
- Proverbs 8:7 (mouth)
- Proverbs 10:4 (hand)
- Proverbs 12:15 (eyes)
VIRTUOUS WOMAN
- Proverbs 31:10–31
v.11 - Can be trusted
v.13 - Works willingly
v.20 - Is compassionate
v.25 - Is strong and honorable
v.26 - Speaks with wisdom and kindness
v.28 - Is a dedicated wife and mother
v.30 - Obeys the Lord
CLOSING
Proverbs 4:18–19 (Light for Darkness)
President Brigham Young once commented on these verses: “The life of a Christian is said to be full of pain, tribulation, sorrow, and excruciating torments; of fightings without and fears within, of anxieties, despair, gloominess, and mourning. His path is supposed to be spread with gins [snares], pitfalls, and uncertainties, but this is a mistake, for ‘the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day,’ while ‘the wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips, but the just shall come out of trouble.’ “The faith I have embraced has given me light for darkness, ease for pain, joy and gladness for sorrow and mourning, certainty for uncertainty, hope for despair.”
Proverbs are short sayings that generally give counsel about living righteously. The Old Testament records that Solomon “spake three thousand proverbs” (1 Kings 4:32). Some of these wise sayings are included in the book of Proverbs. Although Solomon and the other authors of this book were not prophets, much of what they wrote was inspired by the Lord. Their writings generally reflect a belief that true wisdom comes from God.
The book of Ecclesiastes also contains wise sayings, and some people believe Solomon to be its author. The message of Ecclesiastes is that life is meaningful only through God.
INTRODUCTION
The books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes are sometimes called the “wisdom literature.” The sages of the ancient Near East realized the superiority of wisdom over knowledge, for wisdom encompasses knowledge and includes understanding and moral conduct. One was not wise, regardless of his vast learning, if his actions did not comply with his righteous beliefs: “Like all Hebrew intellectual virtues, wisdom … is intensely practical, not theoretical. Basically, wisdom is the art of being successful, of forming the correct plan to gain the desired results. Its seat is the heart, the centre of moral and intellectual decision.
1. Wisdom
What differences are there between being learned and being wise?
Proverbs 1:7
The theme of the book of Proverbs is stated in verse 7: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Fear as used here means reverence or deep respect for God. Though there is much in the book that does not rise above worldly wisdom, the whole serves as a reminder that to the Lord all things are spiritual. The book underscores the idea that even in mortal life, when properly viewed, all things testify of God.
Proverbs 4:7
Theodore M. Burton, then Assistant to the Council of the Twelve Apostles, said: “We must feed the spirit as well as the mind and as well as the body. I plead with our youth, get learning, and with all your getting get understanding. Get learning of the spirit. Get learning of the mind. Get learning of the soul, and become a rounded man or a rounded woman, learned in all ways, for I testify to you this day that security, true security, comes from a knowledge of the divinity of Jesus Christ. This is the beginning of all learning and of all wisdom. This is the greatest knowledge, the greatest learning, the greatest comfort that men can have. If men have this knowledge in their hearts, they can withstand all the viscissitudes of life.”
Proverbs 9:9–10
2 Nephi 9:28–29
In biblical language, to fear the Lord means to reverence and obey him.
Wisdom is more than knowledge; it is the proper application of knowledge.
To the Israelites, wisdom meant obedience to God’s laws
How does the value of wisdom compare to the value of earthly treasures?
Proverbs 3:13–18
Ecclesiastes 7:12
The words she and her refer to wisdom.
*** How does wisdom bring happiness and peace?
2. Trust in the Lord
Proverbs 3:5–7
President N. Eldon Tanner said: “How much wiser and better it is for man to accept the simple truths of the gospel and to accept as authority God, the Creator of the world, and his Son Jesus Christ, and to accept by faith those things which he cannot disprove and for which he cannot give a better explanation. He must be prepared to acknowledge that there are certain things—many, many things—that he cannot understand. “How can we deny or even disbelieve God when we cannot understand even the simplest things around us—how the leaf functions, what electricity is, what our emotions are, when the spirit enters the body, and what happens to it when it leaves? How can we say that because we do not understand the resurrection, there is not or cannot be a resurrection? “We are admonished to ‘trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.’ And we are warned: ‘Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!”
What experiences have taught you to trust the Lord?
What does it mean to acknowledge God?
Proverbs 3:6
Alma 34:38
D&C 59:21
How are we blessed as we acknowledge him?
VIDEO ON PARACHUTES
3. The words we speak
Chalkboard Activity - 7 things the Lord hates
Proverbs 6:16–19
Elder Bruce R. McConkie commented on this verse: “If we think evil thoughts, our tongues will utter unclean sayings. … If our minds are centered on the carnality and evil of the world, then worldliness and unrighteousness will seem to us to be the normal way of life. If we ponder things related to immorality in our minds, we will soon think everybody is immoral and unclean and it will break down the barrier between us and the world. And so with every other unwholesome, unclean, impure, and ungodly course.
3 of the things apply to the words we speak.
Why is the Lord so concerned with the words we speak?
Proverbs 16:27–28;
The word froward as used in Proverbs is a translation of several Hebrew words which share the common idea of deceitfulness, perverseness, and foolishness.
Proverbs 18:8;
Proverbs 25:18;
maul = a heavy hammer as for driving stakes, wedges
Matthew 12:36–37
How can we overcome the problems of lying, gossiping, or speaking negatively about others?
Proverbs 12:25
Proverbs 16:24
How is this true?
What are the results of speaking kindly?
*** How have the kind words of others helped you?
Proverbs 15:1
What benefits come from speaking softly when a disagreement arises?
Elder Gordon B. Hinckley said: “We seldom get into trouble when we speak softly. It is only when we raise our voices that the sparks fly and tiny molehills become great mountains of contention”
Proverbs 15:1 (Soft Answers in the Home)
President Brigham Young spoke of maintaining self-control in one’s speech and actions: “In all our daily pursuits in life, of whatever nature and kind, Latter-day Saints, and especially those who hold important positions in the kingdom of God, should maintain a uniform and even temper, both when at home and when abroad. They should not suffer reverses and unpleasant circumstances to sour their natures and render them fretful and unsocial at home, speaking words full of bitterness and biting acrimony to their wives and children, creating gloom and sorrow in their habitations, making themselves feared rather than beloved by their families. Anger should never be permitted to rise in our bosoms, and words suggested by angry feelings should never be permitted to pass our lips. ‘A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.’ ‘Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous;’ but ‘the discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.’”
Elder Marvin J. Ashton gave additional counsel about controlling one’s tongue: Too often we use communication periods as occasions to tell, dictate, plead, or threaten. Nowhere in the broadest sense should communication in the family be used to impose, command, or embarrass. In family discussions, differences should not be ignored, but should be weighed and evaluated calmly. One’s point or opinion usually is not as important as a healthy, continuing relationship. Courtesy and respect in listening and responding during discussions are basic in proper dialogue. … How important it is to know how to disagree with another’s point of view without being disagreeable. How important it is to have discussion periods ahead of decisions. Jones Stephens wrote, ‘I have learned that the head does not hear anything until the heart has listened, and that what the heart knows today the head will understand tomorrow.’"
4. Pride
5. Friendship
6. Raising children
Proverbs 22:6
Bishop Victor L. Brown suggested parents must live the way they want their children to live: “Josh Billings paraphrases this truth: ‘To bring up a child in the way he should go, travel that way yourself.’ “Throughout the Church I hear ‘If we did not have problems with parents, we would not have them with the young people.’”
James G. Duffin, a former president of the Central States Mission, said: “There is a difference between teaching and training. Teaching is causing the child to understand, training is causing the child to do. Every act performed is that much done towards fixing habits; repeated many times, the habit is established. If we train our children in the ways of the Lord, … every time they perform an act of obedience to the word and will of our Father in heaven their character becomes more firmly fixed in doing the things that God requires of them.”
D&C 68:25–28
How can we more effectively teach children the principles of the gospel and nurture their testimonies?
Elder Richard G. Scott said: “You must be willing to forgo personal pleasure and self-interest for family-centered activity, and not turn over to church, school, or society the principal role of fostering a child’s well-rounded development. It takes time, great effort, and significant personal sacrifice to ‘train up a child in the way he should go.’ But where can you find greater rewards for a job well done?"
Why do children need rules, boundaries, and loving correction?
Proverbs 19:18
Proverbs 29:17
How should parents give correction?
D&C 121:41–44
7. Happiness and good humor
Proverbs 15:13
Proverbs 17:22
Why is it important to develop a happy attitude and a good sense of humor?
President Hugh B. Brown said: “I would like to have you smile because after all we must keep a sense of humor whatever comes. I think of all the people in the world we should be the happiest. We have the greatest and most joyous message in the world. I think when we get on the other side, someone will meet us with a smile (unless we go to the wrong place and then someone will grin), so let us be happy. But let our happiness be genuine—let it come from within”
President Hugh B. Brown said: “We have often urged our young people to carry their laughter over into their mature years. A wholesome sense of humor will be a safety valve that will enable you to apply the lighter touch to heavy problems and to learn some lessons in problem solving that ‘sweat and tears’ often fail to dissolve.
What can we do to encourage uplifting humor in our families?
Can anyone tell about a time when humor has helped their family solve problems and grow in love for each other?
FIGURE OF A BODY
- Proverbs 2:2 (ear and heart)
- Proverbs 3:5 (heart)
- Proverbs 3:7 (eyes)
- Proverbs 3:27 (hand)
- Proverbs 4:26–27 (foot)
- Proverbs 8:7 (mouth)
- Proverbs 10:4 (hand)
- Proverbs 12:15 (eyes)
VIRTUOUS WOMAN
- Proverbs 31:10–31
v.11 - Can be trusted
v.13 - Works willingly
v.20 - Is compassionate
v.25 - Is strong and honorable
v.26 - Speaks with wisdom and kindness
v.28 - Is a dedicated wife and mother
v.30 - Obeys the Lord
CLOSING
Proverbs 4:18–19 (Light for Darkness)
President Brigham Young once commented on these verses: “The life of a Christian is said to be full of pain, tribulation, sorrow, and excruciating torments; of fightings without and fears within, of anxieties, despair, gloominess, and mourning. His path is supposed to be spread with gins [snares], pitfalls, and uncertainties, but this is a mistake, for ‘the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day,’ while ‘the wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips, but the just shall come out of trouble.’ “The faith I have embraced has given me light for darkness, ease for pain, joy and gladness for sorrow and mourning, certainty for uncertainty, hope for despair.”
Sunday, July 27, 2014
1 Kings 17-19 - After a Still Small Voice
SETUP
When we put God first....
Do you take time to listen to the promptings of the Spirit?
INTRODUCTION
Elder Thomas S. Monson shared a story: Born in poverty but nurtured in faith, [José García] prepared for a mission call. I was present the day his recommendation was received. There appeared the statement: ‘Brother García will serve at great sacrifice to his family, for he is the means of much of the family support. He has but one possession—a treasured stamp collection—which he is willing to sell, if necessary, to help finance his mission.’ “President [Spencer W.] Kimball listened attentively as this statement was read to him, and then he responded: ‘Have him sell his stamp collection. Such sacrifice will be to him a blessing.’”
How would you react if they were asked to give up all their possessions to serve the Lord?
"Then, with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face, this loving prophet said, ‘Each month at Church headquarters we receive thousands of letters from all parts of the world. See that we save these stamps and provide them to José at the conclusion of his mission. He will have, without cost, the finest stamp collection of any young man in Mexico."
When we put the things of God first in our lives, the rewards we receive are far greater than anything we may have to sacrifice along the way. This lesson demonstrates the great blessings we can receive when we are willing to follow God even when it is difficult to do so.
1 Kings 17 - Elijah seals up the heavens, is miraculously sustained, and raises a widow’s son from the dead.
What Miralces did Elijah perform by the power of the priesthood in Chapter 17?
1. He brought famine by his word (v.1)
2. He was fed by ravens (v.6)
3. He caused the widow’s food supply to miraculously continue (v.13–16).
4. He raised the widow's son from the dead(v.17-24)
- Elijah Sealed the Heavens against Rain by Priesthood Power (v.1)
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith found a special significance in verse 1: “The first appearance of Elijah we read of is in the 17th chapter of 1st Kings, when he came before the king and said, ‘As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.’ “There is something very significant in that edict. I want you to get it. Follow me again closely: ‘As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.’ The reason I put emphasis upon this is to impress you with the sealing power by which Elijah was able to close the heavens, that there should be no rain or dew until he spoke.”
see Helaman 10:4-5 - other examples in the scripture of this same power
- After Elijah declared that no rain would fall in the kingdom, the Lord commanded him to flee.
How did Elijah respond to the Lord’s command? (v.2–5)
*** What can we learn from Elijah’s response?
Elder Gordon B. Hinckley said: "I draw strength from a simple statement made concerning the Prophet Elijah, who warned King Ahab of drought and famine to come upon the land. But Ahab scoffed. And the Lord told Elijah to go and hide himself by the brook Cherith, that there he should drink of the brook, and that he would be fed by the ravens. And the scripture records a simple and wonderful statement: ‘So he went and did according unto the word of the Lord.’ There was no arguing. There was no excusing. There was no equivocating. Elijah simply ‘went and did according unto the word of the Lord.’ And he was saved from the terrible calamities that befell those who scoffed and argued and questioned."
How did Elijah survive in the wilderness after the drought began? (v.4,6)
*** What experiences have you had when the Lord has sustained you physically or spiritually?
Where Is the Brook Cherith?
We do not know which of the Jordan tributaries the brook Cherith might have been, but apparently it was an obscure and isolated place where Elijah could hide safely without being accidentally discovered by soldiers, shepherds or passersby. It was also a desolate place where no animal life existed, therefore Elijah was completely dependent upon the Lord for his sustenance.
Whom had the Lord prepared to help Elijah after the brook in the wilderness dried up? (v.7–13.) What can this teach us about how the Lord helps those in need?
The Lord often helps those in need through the service of other people.
*** How have you seen the Lord help those in need through the service of other people?
*** What can we do to help others who are in need?
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said: “I know we can each do something, however small that act may seem to be. We can pay an honest tithe and give our fast and freewill offerings. … And we can watch for other ways to help. To worthy causes and needy people, we can give time if we don’t have money, and we can give love when our time runs out. We can share the loaves we have and trust God that the cruse of oil will not fail."
What can we learn from the widow’s response when Elijah asked her for food?
Elder Holland said that the widow’s response when Elijah asked her for food was an “expression of faith—as great, under these circumstances, as any I know in the scriptures. … Perhaps uncertain what the cost of her faith would be … , she first took her small loaf to Elijah, obviously trusting that if there were not enough bread left over, at least she and her son would have died in an act of pure charity”
Why do you think God commanded the widow to feed Elijah when she had so little?
What blessing did the widow receive for her obedience? (v.16)
*** What are some things that God asks of us that might be difficult?
*** In what ways are we blessed when we put God first, doing what he asks even when it is difficult?
President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities. May God bless us to put [him] first and, as a result, reap peace in this life and eternal life with a fulness of joy in the life to come”
What did Elijah do when the widow’s son became sick and died? (v.17-22)
CHAPTER 18 - Elijah challenges the priests of Baal and opens the heavens for rain.
In the third year of the famine, the Lord commanded Elijah, “Go [show] thyself to Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.
Obadiah was the king’s chamberlain, or governor of his house. As such it was his responsibility to arrange the king’s appointments. That is why Elijah told Obadiah to set up an interview between the prophet and King Ahab. The fact that a king and his chief steward had to look for water and grass by themselves shows that the famine had become acute (see v. 5–6).
Ahab knew that Elijah had brought this distress, so he searched for him. Apparently Ahab had considerable power and authority among surrounding nations, for he was able to exact promises for them that they were not concealing Elijah or that they knew of his whereabouts (see v. 10). Sometimes, however, someone would see the prophet. But when he reported seeing Elijah, the prophet had disappeared by the time Ahab got there. Ahab then killed the person who said he had seen Elijah. Obadiah’s fear that Elijah would disappear again was caused by his awareness that Ahab would not hesitate to have him executed if he failed to deliver Elijah (v. 12–16). Elijah promised Obadiah that he would appear before Ahab (v. 15).
As Elijah had requested, Ahab gathered all of Israel and 850 false priests at Mount Carmel (v.19–20). When the people gathered to hear Elijah speak, he asked them, “How long halt ye between two opinions?” (v.21).
What do you think it means to halt between two opinions?
How do we sometimes halt between two opinions?
Elder Neal A. Maxwell said: “The stirring words of various prophets … urge us to choose, to decide, and not to halt. … Elijah’s message has tremendous relevancy today, for all must finally choose between the gods of this world and the God of eternity.
How did Elijah challenge the priests of Baal? (v.19-24)
What was Elijah’s purpose in challenging the priests of Baal? (v.36-37)
How did the people react to the Lord’s display of power? (v.38-39)
How were they blessed for acknowledging the Lord and his power? (v.45)
CHAPTER 19 - Elijah is comforted by the Holy Ghost and instructed to continue in God’s work.
Angry about Elijah’s victory over the priests of Baal, Jezebel sought to kill him. Elijah fled into the wilderness and cried to the Lord, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life” (v.4). The Lord blessed Elijah by sending an angel with food and water.
Even prophets can experience despair and need the comfort and guidance that only God can provide.
Why was Elijah discouraged? (v.10 or 14).
Despite the people’s response to God’s spectacular display of power, Elijah felt that he was the only Israelite left who worshiped the true God.
It must have been very lonely for Elijah during this period. Men were seeking his life, he felt himself to be the only faithful prophet left in Israel, and he was hiding in a cave.
President Joseph Fielding Smith wrote: “When he was there, the Lord called upon him and asked him what he was doing there; and in his sorrow, because of the hardness of the hearts of the people, he told the Lord the condition, that he alone remained, that they sought his life to take it away. But the Lord showed him that there were others who had remained true unto him, even 7,000.
*** Why do you think God communicates more often through the “still small voice” of the Holy Ghost than through loud and spectacular displays of power?
*** How can we discern the whisperings of the Holy Ghost?
When a news reporter asked President Hinckley how he communicates with God, the prophet responded, “I think the best way I could describe the process is to liken it to the experience of Elijah as set forth in the book of First Kings. Elijah spoke to the Lord, and there was a wind, a great wind, and the Lord was not in the wind. And there was an earthquake, and the Lord was not in the earthquake. And there was a fire, and the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire a still, small voice, which I describe as the whisperings of the Spirit”
President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “Do you take time to listen to the promptings of the Spirit? Answers to prayer come most often by a still voice and are discerned by our deepest, innermost feelings. I tell you that you can know the will of God concerning yourselves if you will take the time to pray and to listen.
- When we put the things of God first in our lives, the rewards we receive are far greater than anything we may have to sacrifice along the way.
- The still small voice can comfort us in times of despair if we take the time to pray and to listen.
- It can be an experience more powerful to us throughout our lives than seeing some grand event.
When we put God first....
Do you take time to listen to the promptings of the Spirit?
INTRODUCTION
Elder Thomas S. Monson shared a story: Born in poverty but nurtured in faith, [José García] prepared for a mission call. I was present the day his recommendation was received. There appeared the statement: ‘Brother García will serve at great sacrifice to his family, for he is the means of much of the family support. He has but one possession—a treasured stamp collection—which he is willing to sell, if necessary, to help finance his mission.’ “President [Spencer W.] Kimball listened attentively as this statement was read to him, and then he responded: ‘Have him sell his stamp collection. Such sacrifice will be to him a blessing.’”
How would you react if they were asked to give up all their possessions to serve the Lord?
"Then, with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face, this loving prophet said, ‘Each month at Church headquarters we receive thousands of letters from all parts of the world. See that we save these stamps and provide them to José at the conclusion of his mission. He will have, without cost, the finest stamp collection of any young man in Mexico."
When we put the things of God first in our lives, the rewards we receive are far greater than anything we may have to sacrifice along the way. This lesson demonstrates the great blessings we can receive when we are willing to follow God even when it is difficult to do so.
What
would you think about a man who had the power to raise the dead, call
down fire from heaven, cause the heavens to withhold rain, and render a
barrel of flour inexhaustible?
Elijah
was such a man, a man of power, a man of miracles, a prophet so worthy
that he was translated and taken from the earth in a chariot of fire.
Small
wonder that Elijah became one of the great heroes in Israel’s history.
Small wonder, too, that in Jewish households a place is set for him at
every Passover feast in anticipation of his return as predicted by the
prophet Malachi.1 Kings 17 - Elijah seals up the heavens, is miraculously sustained, and raises a widow’s son from the dead.
What Miralces did Elijah perform by the power of the priesthood in Chapter 17?
1. He brought famine by his word (v.1)
2. He was fed by ravens (v.6)
3. He caused the widow’s food supply to miraculously continue (v.13–16).
4. He raised the widow's son from the dead(v.17-24)
- Elijah Sealed the Heavens against Rain by Priesthood Power (v.1)
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith found a special significance in verse 1: “The first appearance of Elijah we read of is in the 17th chapter of 1st Kings, when he came before the king and said, ‘As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.’ “There is something very significant in that edict. I want you to get it. Follow me again closely: ‘As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.’ The reason I put emphasis upon this is to impress you with the sealing power by which Elijah was able to close the heavens, that there should be no rain or dew until he spoke.”
see Helaman 10:4-5 - other examples in the scripture of this same power
- After Elijah declared that no rain would fall in the kingdom, the Lord commanded him to flee.
How did Elijah respond to the Lord’s command? (v.2–5)
*** What can we learn from Elijah’s response?
Elder Gordon B. Hinckley said: "I draw strength from a simple statement made concerning the Prophet Elijah, who warned King Ahab of drought and famine to come upon the land. But Ahab scoffed. And the Lord told Elijah to go and hide himself by the brook Cherith, that there he should drink of the brook, and that he would be fed by the ravens. And the scripture records a simple and wonderful statement: ‘So he went and did according unto the word of the Lord.’ There was no arguing. There was no excusing. There was no equivocating. Elijah simply ‘went and did according unto the word of the Lord.’ And he was saved from the terrible calamities that befell those who scoffed and argued and questioned."
How did Elijah survive in the wilderness after the drought began? (v.4,6)
*** What experiences have you had when the Lord has sustained you physically or spiritually?
Where Is the Brook Cherith?
We do not know which of the Jordan tributaries the brook Cherith might have been, but apparently it was an obscure and isolated place where Elijah could hide safely without being accidentally discovered by soldiers, shepherds or passersby. It was also a desolate place where no animal life existed, therefore Elijah was completely dependent upon the Lord for his sustenance.
Whom had the Lord prepared to help Elijah after the brook in the wilderness dried up? (v.7–13.) What can this teach us about how the Lord helps those in need?
The Lord often helps those in need through the service of other people.
*** How have you seen the Lord help those in need through the service of other people?
*** What can we do to help others who are in need?
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said: “I know we can each do something, however small that act may seem to be. We can pay an honest tithe and give our fast and freewill offerings. … And we can watch for other ways to help. To worthy causes and needy people, we can give time if we don’t have money, and we can give love when our time runs out. We can share the loaves we have and trust God that the cruse of oil will not fail."
What can we learn from the widow’s response when Elijah asked her for food?
Elder Holland said that the widow’s response when Elijah asked her for food was an “expression of faith—as great, under these circumstances, as any I know in the scriptures. … Perhaps uncertain what the cost of her faith would be … , she first took her small loaf to Elijah, obviously trusting that if there were not enough bread left over, at least she and her son would have died in an act of pure charity”
Why do you think God commanded the widow to feed Elijah when she had so little?
What blessing did the widow receive for her obedience? (v.16)
*** What are some things that God asks of us that might be difficult?
*** In what ways are we blessed when we put God first, doing what he asks even when it is difficult?
President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities. May God bless us to put [him] first and, as a result, reap peace in this life and eternal life with a fulness of joy in the life to come”
What did Elijah do when the widow’s son became sick and died? (v.17-22)
CHAPTER 18 - Elijah challenges the priests of Baal and opens the heavens for rain.
In the third year of the famine, the Lord commanded Elijah, “Go [show] thyself to Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.
Obadiah was the king’s chamberlain, or governor of his house. As such it was his responsibility to arrange the king’s appointments. That is why Elijah told Obadiah to set up an interview between the prophet and King Ahab. The fact that a king and his chief steward had to look for water and grass by themselves shows that the famine had become acute (see v. 5–6).
Ahab knew that Elijah had brought this distress, so he searched for him. Apparently Ahab had considerable power and authority among surrounding nations, for he was able to exact promises for them that they were not concealing Elijah or that they knew of his whereabouts (see v. 10). Sometimes, however, someone would see the prophet. But when he reported seeing Elijah, the prophet had disappeared by the time Ahab got there. Ahab then killed the person who said he had seen Elijah. Obadiah’s fear that Elijah would disappear again was caused by his awareness that Ahab would not hesitate to have him executed if he failed to deliver Elijah (v. 12–16). Elijah promised Obadiah that he would appear before Ahab (v. 15).
As Elijah had requested, Ahab gathered all of Israel and 850 false priests at Mount Carmel (v.19–20). When the people gathered to hear Elijah speak, he asked them, “How long halt ye between two opinions?” (v.21).
What do you think it means to halt between two opinions?
How do we sometimes halt between two opinions?
Elder Neal A. Maxwell said: “The stirring words of various prophets … urge us to choose, to decide, and not to halt. … Elijah’s message has tremendous relevancy today, for all must finally choose between the gods of this world and the God of eternity.
How did Elijah challenge the priests of Baal? (v.19-24)
What was Elijah’s purpose in challenging the priests of Baal? (v.36-37)
How did the people react to the Lord’s display of power? (v.38-39)
How were they blessed for acknowledging the Lord and his power? (v.45)
CHAPTER 19 - Elijah is comforted by the Holy Ghost and instructed to continue in God’s work.
Angry about Elijah’s victory over the priests of Baal, Jezebel sought to kill him. Elijah fled into the wilderness and cried to the Lord, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life” (v.4). The Lord blessed Elijah by sending an angel with food and water.
Even prophets can experience despair and need the comfort and guidance that only God can provide.
Why was Elijah discouraged? (v.10 or 14).
Despite the people’s response to God’s spectacular display of power, Elijah felt that he was the only Israelite left who worshiped the true God.
It must have been very lonely for Elijah during this period. Men were seeking his life, he felt himself to be the only faithful prophet left in Israel, and he was hiding in a cave.
President Joseph Fielding Smith wrote: “When he was there, the Lord called upon him and asked him what he was doing there; and in his sorrow, because of the hardness of the hearts of the people, he told the Lord the condition, that he alone remained, that they sought his life to take it away. But the Lord showed him that there were others who had remained true unto him, even 7,000.
*** Why do you think God communicates more often through the “still small voice” of the Holy Ghost than through loud and spectacular displays of power?
*** How can we discern the whisperings of the Holy Ghost?
When a news reporter asked President Hinckley how he communicates with God, the prophet responded, “I think the best way I could describe the process is to liken it to the experience of Elijah as set forth in the book of First Kings. Elijah spoke to the Lord, and there was a wind, a great wind, and the Lord was not in the wind. And there was an earthquake, and the Lord was not in the earthquake. And there was a fire, and the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire a still, small voice, which I describe as the whisperings of the Spirit”
President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “Do you take time to listen to the promptings of the Spirit? Answers to prayer come most often by a still voice and are discerned by our deepest, innermost feelings. I tell you that you can know the will of God concerning yourselves if you will take the time to pray and to listen.
- When we put the things of God first in our lives, the rewards we receive are far greater than anything we may have to sacrifice along the way.
- The still small voice can comfort us in times of despair if we take the time to pray and to listen.
- It can be an experience more powerful to us throughout our lives than seeing some grand event.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
1 Kings 3-11 - King Solomon: Man of Wisdom, Man of Foolishness
SETUP
When I have been weighed down by a problem or a difficulty, I ...
D&C 95:15-17
D&C 88:67
Matthew 6:33
INTRODUCTION
Elder Dallin H. Oaks: "We generally think of Satan attacking us at our weakest spot. … But weakness is not our only vulnerability. Satan can also attack us where we think we are strong—in the very areas where we are proud of our strengths. He will approach us through the greatest talents and spiritual gifts we possess. If we are not wary, Satan can cause our spiritual downfall by corrupting us through our strengths as well as by exploiting our weaknesses"
***What are some strengths that could become our downfall?
This lesson is about King Solomon, a man who received great gifts from God but eventually used those gifts unrighteously.
BACKGROUND
1 Kings 2:2-3 (Just before David died, Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anointed Solomon as the new king. Solomon, who was a son of David and Bathsheba, received this counsel from his father)
CHAPTER 3 - The Lord blesses Solomon
- The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream (v.5-14)
- Solomon asks for an understanding heart
- The Lord is pleased with his request
Why? What would an understanding heart be able to do? Bless others - other things are selfish
- Interesting that the Lord points out the things Solomon didn't ask for and says he'll grant those to him since he didn't ask
What to make of that?
- Also fascinating is Solomon's approach to the question he asks the Lord. He doesn't just ask outright. He prefaced with a good background of his situation and demonstrated his faith, humility
Elder Howard W. Hunter likewise challenged us to obtain an understanding heart: "If the Lord was pleased because of that which Solomon had asked of him, surely he would be pleased with each of us if we had the desire to acquire an understanding heart. This must come from conscious effort coupled with faith and firm determination. An understanding heart results from the experiences we have in life if we keep the commandments of God. The ills of the world would be cured by understanding. Wars would cease and crime disappear. The scientific knowledge now being wasted in the world because of the distrust of men and nations could be diverted to bless mankind. Atomic energy will destroy unless used for peaceful purposes by understanding hearts. We need more understanding in our relationships with one another, in business and in industry, between management and labor, between government and the governed. We need understanding in that most important of all social units, the family; understanding between children and parents and between husband and wife. Marriage would bring happiness, and divorce would be unknown if there were understanding hearts. Hatred tears down, but understanding builds up. Our prayer could well be as was Solomon’s, ‘Lord, give me an understanding heart.’”
4:30-31 Solomon was wiser than all men even He-Man
***Why does God bless Solomon with riches if he knows that's what is going to lead to his downfall?
These thoughts came to me:
- Why are you questioning God?
- Why is there always so much blame and so much questioning of righteous things that are done?
- Why wouldn't God want to bless his child when he does something good no matter what he thinks/knows is the type of choices the child is going to make in the future?
- Wouldn't a parent who has a wayward child be in the same boat when they do something nice
- Should they not show love?
CHAPTERS 5-7 - Construction of the Temple
- The builders showed reverence while building the temple (v.6:7)
- The Lord gave them a promise for building a temple (v.6:11-12)
D&C 95:15-17 (the Lord's promise to us)
The temple was long and narrow. According to the dimensions cited in the Bible, the temple was about one hundred feet long and thirty feet wide. It stood on a platform about nine feet high. The temple itself was about forty-five feet high. The Salt Lake Temple is 186½ feet long, 118½ feet wide, and 210 feet high.
- Solomon also had a house built for himself.
- How did the size of his house compare to the size of the house of the Lord? (v 6:2–3; 7:2, 6–7.)
****How does this use of riches show Solomon’s gradual decline?
CHAPTERS 8 AND 9 - Dedication of the Temple
In his dedicatory prayer Solomon prayed for the Lord to help his people through many difficult problems.
***How can temple attendance help us when we are weighed down with problems?
President Ezra Taft Benson said: "In the peace of these lovely temples, sometimes we find solutions to the serious problems of life. Under the influence of the Spirit, sometimes pure knowledge flows to us there. Temples are places of personal revelation. When I have been weighed down by a problem or a difficulty, I have gone to the House of the Lord with a prayer in my heart for answers. These answers have come in clear and unmistakable ways."
President Joseph Fielding Smith said, "When we dedicate a house to the Lord, what we really do is dedicate ourselves to the Lord’s service, with a covenant that we shall use the house in the way He intends that it shall be used"
How Did Solomon Learn How the Temple Should Be Built?
President Brigham Young said: “The pattern of this temple, the length and breadth, and height of the inner and outer courts, with all the fixtures thereunto appertaining, were given to Solomon by revelation, through the proper source. And why was this revelation-pattern necessary? Because Solomon had never built a temple, and did not know what was necessary in the arrangement of the different apartments, any better than Moses did what was needed in the tabernacle.”
Before Solomon gave the dedicatory prayer, a cloud of glory filled the house of God, indicating the very presence of God. That this glory should accompany the dedication exercises is interesting for Latter-day Saints, since a similar glory attended the dedication of the Kirtland Temple on 27 March 1836. Many present reported seeing angels and hearing the “sound of a rushing mighty wind, which filled the Temple,” and many in the community reported “seeing a bright light like a pillar of fire resting upon the Temple”
Have people share their experience of a temple dedication.
CHAPTERS 10-11 - Solomon's downfall
Solomon became excessively wealthy and married many non-Israelite women who persuaded him to worship idols
How do you think the blessings of wisdom, riches, and honor contributed to Solomon’s downfall?
How have you seen these strengths contribute to the downfall of people today?
***How can we ensure that our strengths do not become a downfall for us?
D&C 88:67
Elder Dallin H. Oaks said: "How do we prevent our strengths from becoming our downfall? The quality we must cultivate is humility. Humility is the great protector. Humility is the antidote against pride. Humility is the catalyst for all learning, especially spiritual things. Through the prophet Moroni, the Lord gave us this great insight into the role of humility: ‘I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them’ (Ether 12:27). “We might also say that if men and women humble themselves before God, he will help them prevent their strengths from becoming weaknesses that the adversary can exploit to destroy them. If we are humble and teachable, hearkening to the commandments of God, the counsel of his leaders, and the promptings of his Spirit, we can be guided in how to use our spiritual gifts, our accomplishments, and all of our other strengths for righteousness. And we can be guided in how to avoid Satan’s efforts to use our strengths to cause our downfall. “In all of this, we should remember and rely on the Lord’s direction and promise: ‘Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers’ (D&C 112:10)”
CLOSING
see Matthew 6:33
We all enjoy blessings from the Lord. If we are wise, we will accept the blessings with a grateful heart and walk in righteousness before the Lord.
When I have been weighed down by a problem or a difficulty, I ...
D&C 95:15-17
D&C 88:67
Matthew 6:33
INTRODUCTION
Elder Dallin H. Oaks: "We generally think of Satan attacking us at our weakest spot. … But weakness is not our only vulnerability. Satan can also attack us where we think we are strong—in the very areas where we are proud of our strengths. He will approach us through the greatest talents and spiritual gifts we possess. If we are not wary, Satan can cause our spiritual downfall by corrupting us through our strengths as well as by exploiting our weaknesses"
***What are some strengths that could become our downfall?
This lesson is about King Solomon, a man who received great gifts from God but eventually used those gifts unrighteously.
BACKGROUND
1 Kings 2:2-3 (Just before David died, Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anointed Solomon as the new king. Solomon, who was a son of David and Bathsheba, received this counsel from his father)
CHAPTER 3 - The Lord blesses Solomon
- The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream (v.5-14)
- Solomon asks for an understanding heart
- The Lord is pleased with his request
Why? What would an understanding heart be able to do? Bless others - other things are selfish
- Interesting that the Lord points out the things Solomon didn't ask for and says he'll grant those to him since he didn't ask
What to make of that?
- Also fascinating is Solomon's approach to the question he asks the Lord. He doesn't just ask outright. He prefaced with a good background of his situation and demonstrated his faith, humility
Elder Howard W. Hunter likewise challenged us to obtain an understanding heart: "If the Lord was pleased because of that which Solomon had asked of him, surely he would be pleased with each of us if we had the desire to acquire an understanding heart. This must come from conscious effort coupled with faith and firm determination. An understanding heart results from the experiences we have in life if we keep the commandments of God. The ills of the world would be cured by understanding. Wars would cease and crime disappear. The scientific knowledge now being wasted in the world because of the distrust of men and nations could be diverted to bless mankind. Atomic energy will destroy unless used for peaceful purposes by understanding hearts. We need more understanding in our relationships with one another, in business and in industry, between management and labor, between government and the governed. We need understanding in that most important of all social units, the family; understanding between children and parents and between husband and wife. Marriage would bring happiness, and divorce would be unknown if there were understanding hearts. Hatred tears down, but understanding builds up. Our prayer could well be as was Solomon’s, ‘Lord, give me an understanding heart.’”
4:30-31 Solomon was wiser than all men even He-Man
***Why does God bless Solomon with riches if he knows that's what is going to lead to his downfall?
These thoughts came to me:
- Why are you questioning God?
- Why is there always so much blame and so much questioning of righteous things that are done?
- Why wouldn't God want to bless his child when he does something good no matter what he thinks/knows is the type of choices the child is going to make in the future?
- Wouldn't a parent who has a wayward child be in the same boat when they do something nice
- Should they not show love?
CHAPTERS 5-7 - Construction of the Temple
- The builders showed reverence while building the temple (v.6:7)
- The Lord gave them a promise for building a temple (v.6:11-12)
D&C 95:15-17 (the Lord's promise to us)
The temple was long and narrow. According to the dimensions cited in the Bible, the temple was about one hundred feet long and thirty feet wide. It stood on a platform about nine feet high. The temple itself was about forty-five feet high. The Salt Lake Temple is 186½ feet long, 118½ feet wide, and 210 feet high.
- Solomon also had a house built for himself.
- How did the size of his house compare to the size of the house of the Lord? (v 6:2–3; 7:2, 6–7.)
****How does this use of riches show Solomon’s gradual decline?
CHAPTERS 8 AND 9 - Dedication of the Temple
In his dedicatory prayer Solomon prayed for the Lord to help his people through many difficult problems.
***How can temple attendance help us when we are weighed down with problems?
President Ezra Taft Benson said: "In the peace of these lovely temples, sometimes we find solutions to the serious problems of life. Under the influence of the Spirit, sometimes pure knowledge flows to us there. Temples are places of personal revelation. When I have been weighed down by a problem or a difficulty, I have gone to the House of the Lord with a prayer in my heart for answers. These answers have come in clear and unmistakable ways."
President Joseph Fielding Smith said, "When we dedicate a house to the Lord, what we really do is dedicate ourselves to the Lord’s service, with a covenant that we shall use the house in the way He intends that it shall be used"
How Did Solomon Learn How the Temple Should Be Built?
President Brigham Young said: “The pattern of this temple, the length and breadth, and height of the inner and outer courts, with all the fixtures thereunto appertaining, were given to Solomon by revelation, through the proper source. And why was this revelation-pattern necessary? Because Solomon had never built a temple, and did not know what was necessary in the arrangement of the different apartments, any better than Moses did what was needed in the tabernacle.”
Before Solomon gave the dedicatory prayer, a cloud of glory filled the house of God, indicating the very presence of God. That this glory should accompany the dedication exercises is interesting for Latter-day Saints, since a similar glory attended the dedication of the Kirtland Temple on 27 March 1836. Many present reported seeing angels and hearing the “sound of a rushing mighty wind, which filled the Temple,” and many in the community reported “seeing a bright light like a pillar of fire resting upon the Temple”
Have people share their experience of a temple dedication.
CHAPTERS 10-11 - Solomon's downfall
Solomon became excessively wealthy and married many non-Israelite women who persuaded him to worship idols
How do you think the blessings of wisdom, riches, and honor contributed to Solomon’s downfall?
How have you seen these strengths contribute to the downfall of people today?
***How can we ensure that our strengths do not become a downfall for us?
D&C 88:67
Elder Dallin H. Oaks said: "How do we prevent our strengths from becoming our downfall? The quality we must cultivate is humility. Humility is the great protector. Humility is the antidote against pride. Humility is the catalyst for all learning, especially spiritual things. Through the prophet Moroni, the Lord gave us this great insight into the role of humility: ‘I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them’ (Ether 12:27). “We might also say that if men and women humble themselves before God, he will help them prevent their strengths from becoming weaknesses that the adversary can exploit to destroy them. If we are humble and teachable, hearkening to the commandments of God, the counsel of his leaders, and the promptings of his Spirit, we can be guided in how to use our spiritual gifts, our accomplishments, and all of our other strengths for righteousness. And we can be guided in how to avoid Satan’s efforts to use our strengths to cause our downfall. “In all of this, we should remember and rely on the Lord’s direction and promise: ‘Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers’ (D&C 112:10)”
CLOSING
see Matthew 6:33
We all enjoy blessings from the Lord. If we are wise, we will accept the blessings with a grateful heart and walk in righteousness before the Lord.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
1 Samuel 18-20,23-24 - The Lord Be Between Thee and Me Forever
Setup
Constable = a peace officer with limited policing authority, typically in a small town
Rector = a member of the clergy who has charge of a parish
Parish = an area that has its own local church and priest or minister
Introduction
Background
David quickly became a hero after he killed Goliath.
1 Samuel 18
How did King Saul feel about David after the slaying of Goliath? (v.2,5)
Saul took David into his home and set him over his armies
Who was Jonathan and how did he feel about David? (v.1,3)
*** Why would it have been easy for Jonathan to feel jealous of David?
- As Saul’s son, Jonathan was next in line to be king. However, the prophet Samuel had anointed David to become the next king (1 Samuel 16:6–13).
- Jonathan received little attention for his own success on the battlefield, whereas David was honored greatly (1 Samuel 14:1–16).
*** Why do you think Jonathan was not jealous of David or threatened by him?
What prompted Saul to turn against David? (v.6–9.)
*** Why is it sometimes difficult to be happy about the success of others?
*** How do jealousy and pride affect our spiritual well-being?
President Ezra Taft Benson said: "Saul became an enemy to David through pride. He was jealous because the crowds of Israelite women were singing that Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands The proud stand more in fear of men’s judgment than of God’s judgment. What will men think of me? weighs heavier than What will God think of me? Fear of men’s judgment manifests itself in competition for men’s approval. The proud love the praise of men more than the praise of God. Our motives for the things we do are where the sin is manifest. Jesus said He did always those things that pleased God. Would we not do well to have the pleasing of God as our motive rather than to try to elevate ourselves above our brother and outdo another? Some prideful people are not so concerned as to whether their wages meet their needs as they are that their wages are more than someone else’s. Their reward is being a cut above the rest. When pride has a hold on our hearts, we lose our independence of the world and deliver our freedoms to the bondage of men’s judgment. The world shouts louder than the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. The reasoning of men overrides the revelations of God, and the proud let go of the iron rod."
Saul offered to let David marry one of his daughters if David would fight the Philistines.
What was Saul’s real motive in doing this? (v.20–25)
He hoped David would be killed by the Philistines
1 Samuel 19
How was Jonathan a true friend when Saul sought to kill David? (v.1–7.)
Jonathan, Saul’s son, was one of the most noble men of ancient Israel. He could have seen David as a threat, as Saul did, since the oldest son generally succeeded to the kingship. But instead, Jonathan assisted David, even helping him to escape from Saul. Truly Jonathan loved David “as his own soul”
*** Who can share an experience of what it means to be a true friend?
Despite Jonathan’s efforts to change Saul’s feelings toward David, Saul continued to seek David’s life
How did Michal, David’s wife, show that she was true to her husband? (See 1 Samuel 19:11–18)
What does company of the prophets mean? (v.18-24)
After David escaped from Saul through the help of his wife, Michal, Saul sent messengers to kill him. But David had sought refuge with Samuel in what scholars called “Schools of the Prophets”. These scholars showed that such prophets as Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha conducted special schools that were called here “the company of the prophets. Elsewhere, the men who attended these schools were called “sons of the prophets” (1 Kings 20:35). This fact is of interest to Latter-day Saints because Joseph Smith set up a similar school in Kirtland, Ohio, to help teach priesthood holders their special duties. When the messengers from Saul and finally Saul himself came, they came under the influence of the Spirit, and thus David’s life was spared. The fact that the people said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” is explained this way: Saul “threw off his royal robes or military dress, retaining only his tunic; and continued so all that day and all that night, uniting with the sons of the prophets in prayers, singing praises, and other religious exercises, which were unusual to kings and warriors; and this gave rise to the saying, Is Saul also among the prophets? By bringing both him and his men thus under a Divine influence, God prevented them from injuring the person of David.”
This remarkable event has a parallel in latter-day Church history. During his mission to Great Britain, Elder Wilford Woodruff was delivered from the hands of government authorities through the influence of the Spirit.
“When I arose to speak at Brother Benbow’s house, a man entered the door and informed me that he was a constable, and had been sent by the rector of the parish with a warrant to arrest me. I asked him, ‘For what crime?’ He said, ‘For preaching to the people.’ I told him that I, as well as the rector, had a license for preaching the gospel to the people, and that if he would take a chair I would wait upon him after meeting. He took my chair and sat beside me. For an hour and a quarter I preached the first principles of the everlasting gospel. The power of God rested upon me, the spirit filled the house, and the people were convinced. At the close of the meeting I opened the door for baptism, and seven offered themselves. Among the number were four preachers and the constable. The latter arose and said, ‘Mr. Woodruff, I would like to be baptized.’ I told him I would like to baptize him. I went down into the pool and baptized the seven. We then came together. I confirmed thirteen, administered the Sacrament, and we all rejoiced together.
“The constable went to the rector and told him that if he wanted Mr. Woodruff taken for preaching the gospel, he must go himself and serve the writ; for he had heard him preach the only true gospel sermon he had ever listened to in his life. The rector did not know what to make of it, so he sent two clerks of the Church of England as spies, to attend our meeting, and find out what we did preach. They both were pricked in their hearts, received the word of the Lord gladly, and were baptized and confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The rector became alarmed, and did not venture to send anybody else.”
1 Samuel 20
David and Jonathan renew their covenant of friendship, and Jonathan saves David’s life.
David was blessed with continued success on the battlefield
Why did David have to leave the city of Keilah after he had saved its people from the Philistines?
When Saul learned that David was in Keilah, he prepared his armies to destroy the entire city.
What changed Saul from a righteous king to someone who was willing to destroy an entire city in order to kill one person?
It's fascinating in v.7 that Saul is so misguided that he thinks God is delivering David into his hands.
Why are jealousy and hatred so consuming?
*** How can we rid ourselves of jealousy or hatred?
What Does “David Exceeded” Mean? (.v41)
Both men were tearful at their parting, but David’s distress exceeded that of Jonathan. Saul had taken David’s wife Michal and given her to another, and David was now banished from access to the tabernacle and the rituals of sacrifice because he was forced to hide from Saul. He had to live among the Philistines and send his parents to live among the Moabites for protection. Thus, “David’s distress must, in the nature of things, be the greatest. Besides his friend Jonathan, whom he was now about to lose for ever, he lost his wife, relatives, country; and, what was most afflictive, the altars of his God, and the ordinances of religion.”
1 Samuel 23-24
Saul continues to pursue David to kill him. During another attempt to find and kill David, Saul stopped to rest in a cave.
What did David do? (v.4–5). Footnote 4a, explains that David cut off the hem of Saul’s robe—the portion of the robe that symbolized authority.
Why did David refuse to harm Saul?
This chapter exhibits an aspect of David’s character that is much to be admired. Although anointed by God’s prophet to be king of Israel, and although Saul constantly sought his life, this chosen servant of the Lord still would not lift his hand against Saul so long as Saul lived. David understood an important priesthood principle, that is, that one has loyalty to those called by the Lord to preside even when they may not function perfectly in their calling. Saul was failing miserably, but David knew that it was the Lord’s responsibility to remove Saul, not his.
*** What does David’s example teach us about revenge and about responding to those who do evil to us?
What did Saul say when David spared his life? (v.16–19.)
The story of Jonathan and David reminds us that true friendship and love bring us closer to our friends and to God. The story of Saul reminds us that jealousy and hatred can consume us and lead us away from our friends and from God
Constable = a peace officer with limited policing authority, typically in a small town
Rector = a member of the clergy who has charge of a parish
Parish = an area that has its own local church and priest or minister
Introduction
Jeffrey R. Holland - I
wish to speak of the Savior’s parable in which a householder “went out
early in the morning to hire labourers.” After employing the first group
at 6:00 in the morning, he returned at 9:00 a.m., at 12:00 noon, and at
3:00 in the afternoon, hiring more workers as the urgency of the
harvest increased. The scripture says he came back a final time, “about
the eleventh hour” (approximately 5:00 p.m.), and hired a concluding
number. Then just an hour later, all the workers gathered to receive
their day’s wage. Surprisingly, all received the same wage in
spite of the different hours of labor. Immediately, those hired first
were angry, saying, “These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast
made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the
day.”
When reading this parable, perhaps you, as well as those workers, have
felt there was an injustice being done here. Let me speak briefly to
that concern.
First of all it is important to note that no one
has been treated unfairly here. The first workers agreed to the full
wage of the day, and they received it. Furthermore, they were, I can
only imagine, very grateful to get the work. In the time of the Savior,
an average man and his family
could not do much more than live on what they made that day. If you
didn’t work or farm or fish or sell, you likely didn’t eat. With more
prospective workers than jobs, these first men chosen were the most
fortunate in the entire labor pool that morning.
Indeed, if there is any sympathy to be generated, it should at least initially be for the men not
chosen who also had mouths to feed and backs to clothe. Luck never
seemed to be with some of them. With each visit of the steward
throughout the day, they always saw someone else chosen.
But
just at day’s close, the householder returns a surprising fifth time
with a remarkable eleventh-hour offer! These last and most discouraged
of laborers, hearing only that they will be treated fairly, accept work
without even knowing the wage, knowing that anything will be
better than nothing, which is what they have had so far. Then as they
gather for their payment, they are stunned to receive the same as all
the others! How awestruck they must have been and how very, very
grateful! Surely never had such compassion been seen in all their
working days.
It
is with that reading of the story that I feel the grumbling of the
first laborers must be seen. As the householder in the parable tells
them (and I paraphrase only slightly): “My friends, I am not being
unfair to you. You agreed on the wage for the day, a good wage. You were
very happy to get the work, and I am very happy with the way you
served. You are paid in full. Take your pay and enjoy the blessing. As
for the others, surely I am free to do what I like with my own money.” Then this piercing question to anyone then or now who needs to hear it: “Why should you be jealous because I choose to be kind?”
Brothers
and sisters, there are going to be times in our lives when someone else
gets an unexpected blessing or receives some special recognition. May I
plead with us not to be hurt—and certainly not to feel envious—when
good fortune comes to another person? We are not diminished when someone
else is added upon. We are not in a race against each other to see who
is the wealthiest or the most talented or the most beautiful or even the
most blessed. The race we are really in is the race against sin, and surely envy is one of the most universal of those.
Furthermore, envy is a mistake that just keeps on giving. Obviously we suffer a little when some misfortune befalls us, but envy requires us to suffer all good fortune that befalls everyone
we know! What a bright prospect that is—downing another quart of pickle
juice every time anyone around you has a happy moment! To say nothing
of the chagrin in the end, when we find that God really is both just and
merciful, giving to all who stand with Him “all that he hath,”2 as the scripture says. So lesson number one from the Lord’s vineyard: coveting, pouting, or tearing others down does not elevate your
standing, nor does demeaning someone else improve your self-image. So
be kind, and be grateful that God is kind. It is a happy way to live.
Background
David quickly became a hero after he killed Goliath.
1 Samuel 18
How did King Saul feel about David after the slaying of Goliath? (v.2,5)
Saul took David into his home and set him over his armies
Who was Jonathan and how did he feel about David? (v.1,3)
*** Why would it have been easy for Jonathan to feel jealous of David?
- As Saul’s son, Jonathan was next in line to be king. However, the prophet Samuel had anointed David to become the next king (1 Samuel 16:6–13).
- Jonathan received little attention for his own success on the battlefield, whereas David was honored greatly (1 Samuel 14:1–16).
*** Why do you think Jonathan was not jealous of David or threatened by him?
What prompted Saul to turn against David? (v.6–9.)
*** Why is it sometimes difficult to be happy about the success of others?
*** How do jealousy and pride affect our spiritual well-being?
President Ezra Taft Benson said: "Saul became an enemy to David through pride. He was jealous because the crowds of Israelite women were singing that Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands The proud stand more in fear of men’s judgment than of God’s judgment. What will men think of me? weighs heavier than What will God think of me? Fear of men’s judgment manifests itself in competition for men’s approval. The proud love the praise of men more than the praise of God. Our motives for the things we do are where the sin is manifest. Jesus said He did always those things that pleased God. Would we not do well to have the pleasing of God as our motive rather than to try to elevate ourselves above our brother and outdo another? Some prideful people are not so concerned as to whether their wages meet their needs as they are that their wages are more than someone else’s. Their reward is being a cut above the rest. When pride has a hold on our hearts, we lose our independence of the world and deliver our freedoms to the bondage of men’s judgment. The world shouts louder than the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. The reasoning of men overrides the revelations of God, and the proud let go of the iron rod."
Saul offered to let David marry one of his daughters if David would fight the Philistines.
What was Saul’s real motive in doing this? (v.20–25)
He hoped David would be killed by the Philistines
1 Samuel 19
How was Jonathan a true friend when Saul sought to kill David? (v.1–7.)
Jonathan, Saul’s son, was one of the most noble men of ancient Israel. He could have seen David as a threat, as Saul did, since the oldest son generally succeeded to the kingship. But instead, Jonathan assisted David, even helping him to escape from Saul. Truly Jonathan loved David “as his own soul”
*** Who can share an experience of what it means to be a true friend?
Despite Jonathan’s efforts to change Saul’s feelings toward David, Saul continued to seek David’s life
How did Michal, David’s wife, show that she was true to her husband? (See 1 Samuel 19:11–18)
What does company of the prophets mean? (v.18-24)
After David escaped from Saul through the help of his wife, Michal, Saul sent messengers to kill him. But David had sought refuge with Samuel in what scholars called “Schools of the Prophets”. These scholars showed that such prophets as Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha conducted special schools that were called here “the company of the prophets. Elsewhere, the men who attended these schools were called “sons of the prophets” (1 Kings 20:35). This fact is of interest to Latter-day Saints because Joseph Smith set up a similar school in Kirtland, Ohio, to help teach priesthood holders their special duties. When the messengers from Saul and finally Saul himself came, they came under the influence of the Spirit, and thus David’s life was spared. The fact that the people said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” is explained this way: Saul “threw off his royal robes or military dress, retaining only his tunic; and continued so all that day and all that night, uniting with the sons of the prophets in prayers, singing praises, and other religious exercises, which were unusual to kings and warriors; and this gave rise to the saying, Is Saul also among the prophets? By bringing both him and his men thus under a Divine influence, God prevented them from injuring the person of David.”
This remarkable event has a parallel in latter-day Church history. During his mission to Great Britain, Elder Wilford Woodruff was delivered from the hands of government authorities through the influence of the Spirit.
“When I arose to speak at Brother Benbow’s house, a man entered the door and informed me that he was a constable, and had been sent by the rector of the parish with a warrant to arrest me. I asked him, ‘For what crime?’ He said, ‘For preaching to the people.’ I told him that I, as well as the rector, had a license for preaching the gospel to the people, and that if he would take a chair I would wait upon him after meeting. He took my chair and sat beside me. For an hour and a quarter I preached the first principles of the everlasting gospel. The power of God rested upon me, the spirit filled the house, and the people were convinced. At the close of the meeting I opened the door for baptism, and seven offered themselves. Among the number were four preachers and the constable. The latter arose and said, ‘Mr. Woodruff, I would like to be baptized.’ I told him I would like to baptize him. I went down into the pool and baptized the seven. We then came together. I confirmed thirteen, administered the Sacrament, and we all rejoiced together.
“The constable went to the rector and told him that if he wanted Mr. Woodruff taken for preaching the gospel, he must go himself and serve the writ; for he had heard him preach the only true gospel sermon he had ever listened to in his life. The rector did not know what to make of it, so he sent two clerks of the Church of England as spies, to attend our meeting, and find out what we did preach. They both were pricked in their hearts, received the word of the Lord gladly, and were baptized and confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The rector became alarmed, and did not venture to send anybody else.”
1 Samuel 20
David and Jonathan renew their covenant of friendship, and Jonathan saves David’s life.
David was blessed with continued success on the battlefield
Why did David have to leave the city of Keilah after he had saved its people from the Philistines?
When Saul learned that David was in Keilah, he prepared his armies to destroy the entire city.
What changed Saul from a righteous king to someone who was willing to destroy an entire city in order to kill one person?
It's fascinating in v.7 that Saul is so misguided that he thinks God is delivering David into his hands.
Why are jealousy and hatred so consuming?
*** How can we rid ourselves of jealousy or hatred?
What Does “David Exceeded” Mean? (.v41)
Both men were tearful at their parting, but David’s distress exceeded that of Jonathan. Saul had taken David’s wife Michal and given her to another, and David was now banished from access to the tabernacle and the rituals of sacrifice because he was forced to hide from Saul. He had to live among the Philistines and send his parents to live among the Moabites for protection. Thus, “David’s distress must, in the nature of things, be the greatest. Besides his friend Jonathan, whom he was now about to lose for ever, he lost his wife, relatives, country; and, what was most afflictive, the altars of his God, and the ordinances of religion.”
1 Samuel 23-24
Saul continues to pursue David to kill him. During another attempt to find and kill David, Saul stopped to rest in a cave.
What did David do? (v.4–5). Footnote 4a, explains that David cut off the hem of Saul’s robe—the portion of the robe that symbolized authority.
Why did David refuse to harm Saul?
This chapter exhibits an aspect of David’s character that is much to be admired. Although anointed by God’s prophet to be king of Israel, and although Saul constantly sought his life, this chosen servant of the Lord still would not lift his hand against Saul so long as Saul lived. David understood an important priesthood principle, that is, that one has loyalty to those called by the Lord to preside even when they may not function perfectly in their calling. Saul was failing miserably, but David knew that it was the Lord’s responsibility to remove Saul, not his.
*** What does David’s example teach us about revenge and about responding to those who do evil to us?
What did Saul say when David spared his life? (v.16–19.)
The story of Jonathan and David reminds us that true friendship and love bring us closer to our friends and to God. The story of Saul reminds us that jealousy and hatred can consume us and lead us away from our friends and from God
Sunday, June 15, 2014
1 Samuel 9-11, 13, 15-17 - The Lord Looketh on the Heart
Setup
Proverbs 3:5-6
To _ is better than to sacrifice Obey
Introduction
Balderdash (diaspora, hyssop, or laver) - guessing at the definition of an unfamiliar word is like making decisions based only on our own understanding. Just as we turned to a trusted source to learn the correct definition of the word, we need to trust the Lord and seek his will to make correct decisions in our lives. This lessons teaches us the importance of trusting the Lord and seeking his guidance when we make decisions contrasting the experiences of two men, Saul and David.
1 Samuel 9-11 - Saul seeks guidance from Samuel and is anointed to be king.
The Israelites wanted a king like those of the nations around them. Yielding to the Israelites’ request, the Lord told Samuel to anoint Saul as Israel’s first king.
What do the scriptures say about Saul? (v.2) He was goodlier than any other person
The word goodly seems to indicate many of the qualities that made Saul a logical candidate to be Israel’s first king. All that the Bible reveals indicates that Saul was honest, reliable, considerate of his parents, and altogether a very promising person for the great task ahead. Goodly also described Saul’s physical attributes. In this regard, Saul was potentially the hero and man of valour all Israel sought. He was about a foot taller than those of his generation
What did Saul do that demonstrated his good qualities?
- He was diligent in his search for his father’s donkeys (v. 9:3-4)
- He was willing to listen to and follow the wise counsel of his father’s servant (v.9:5-10)
- He trusted the prophet Samuel and communed with him (v.9:18-25)
- He was humble (v.9:20-21)
- He was spiritually reborn, and he prophesied (v.10:6-10)
- He forgave his critics (v.11:11-13)
- He recognized the help of the Lord in Israel’s victory over the Ammonites (v.11:13)
1 Samuel 13 - Saul offers a burnt offering without the proper authority
Two years after Saul was anointed king, the Philistines gathered a mighty army to fight against Israel. Saul’s men were so afraid that many of them hid and scattered.
Why did Saul want the prophet Samuel to come to him at this time? (v.7-8) He wanted Samuel to offer sacrifices to the Lord in behalf of the people
What did Saul do when Samuel did not come at the appointed time? (v.9) He offered the sacrifices himself even though he did not have the priesthood authority to do so.
James E Talmage said “Think also of Saul who had been called from the field to be made king of the nation. When the Philistines were marshalled against Israel in Michmash, Saul waited for Samuel, under whose hand he had received his kingly anointing and to whom he had looked in the days of his humility for guidance; he asked that the prophet come and offer sacrifices to the Lord in behalf of the people. But, growing impatient at Samuel’s delay, Saul prepared the burnt offering himself, forgetting that though he occupied the throne, wore the crown, and bore the scepter, these insignia of kingly power gave him no right to officiate even as a deacon in the Priesthood of God; and for this and other instances of his unrighteous presumption he was rejected of God and another was made king in his place."
The circumstances were critical, but one of the purposes of mortality is to demonstrate that one will remain faithful and obedient under all circumstances. Saul failed that test and thereby lost his right to be God’s representative of the people.
What was Samuel’s response to Saul’s offering an unauthorized sacrifice? (v.13-14)
*** What did Saul’s offering an unauthorized sacrifice reveal about him? (v.14) He was no longer “a man after [the Lord’s] own heart”. He had grown impatient, failed to trust the Lord, and disobeyed. In addition, his presuming the authority to offer sacrifice suggests that he had an exaggerated opinion of his own power and importance.
*** In what ways are we sometimes impatient with the Lord or his servants?
Note: Scholars believe that at this time the Israelites did not know how to work with iron. The Philistines guarded the secret carefully to maintain superiority in weapons over the softer brass weapons of the Israelites. As a result, the Israelites did not have the superior chariots of iron, nor could they manufacture swords and spears of iron. The other instruments mentioned, “share,” “coulter,” “axe,” “mattock,” and “goad,” had to be taken to the Philistines for sharpening.
A share was a metal instrument used to plough the ground.
A coulter was a small garden hoe used to loosen the earth and weed the soil.
A mattock was an Egyptian hoe or grubbing axe.
A goad was a sharp rod about eight feet long used to prod stubborn animals.
1 Samuel 15 - Saul disobeys the Lord in the battle with the Amalekites and is rejected as king
Saul was commanded to utterly destroy the Amalekites
What did Saul do instead? (v.4-9) He spared the King and took the best of the sheep, oxen, fatlings, lambs, and all that was good.
What did Saul’s actions reveal about him? (v.11) He followed his own judgment rather than doing the Lord’s will.
Saul tried to justify his disobedience in saving the best of the Amalekites' animals by blaming his people for wanting to save the animals to use for sacrifice
What was Samuel's response for those justifications? (v.22) To obey is better than to sacrifice
1 Samuel 16 - The Lord chooses David as king.
It is almost impossible to entirely avoid exposure to their products. You see these materials on all sides. But you need not fear if you have the slingshot of truth in your hands. You have been counseled and taught and advised. You have the stones of virtue and honor and integrity to use against these enemies who would like to conquer you. Insofar as you are concerned, you can hit them ‘between the eyes,’ to use a figurative expression. You can triumph over them by disciplining yourselves to avoid them. You can say to the whole lot of them as David said to Goliath, ‘Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
Victory will be yours. … You have His power within you to sustain you. You have the right to ministering angels about you to protect you. Do not let Goliath frighten you. Stand your ground and hold your place, and you will be triumphant."
Closing
Important to trust the Lord and seek his guidance when we make decisions
As we defeat the lions and bears in our lives, we will develop the confidence, character, and faith to defeat our Goliaths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
To _ is better than to sacrifice Obey
Introduction
Balderdash (diaspora, hyssop, or laver) - guessing at the definition of an unfamiliar word is like making decisions based only on our own understanding. Just as we turned to a trusted source to learn the correct definition of the word, we need to trust the Lord and seek his will to make correct decisions in our lives. This lessons teaches us the importance of trusting the Lord and seeking his guidance when we make decisions contrasting the experiences of two men, Saul and David.
1 Samuel 9-11 - Saul seeks guidance from Samuel and is anointed to be king.
The Israelites wanted a king like those of the nations around them. Yielding to the Israelites’ request, the Lord told Samuel to anoint Saul as Israel’s first king.
What do the scriptures say about Saul? (v.2) He was goodlier than any other person
The word goodly seems to indicate many of the qualities that made Saul a logical candidate to be Israel’s first king. All that the Bible reveals indicates that Saul was honest, reliable, considerate of his parents, and altogether a very promising person for the great task ahead. Goodly also described Saul’s physical attributes. In this regard, Saul was potentially the hero and man of valour all Israel sought. He was about a foot taller than those of his generation
What did Saul do that demonstrated his good qualities?
- He was diligent in his search for his father’s donkeys (v. 9:3-4)
- He was willing to listen to and follow the wise counsel of his father’s servant (v.9:5-10)
- He trusted the prophet Samuel and communed with him (v.9:18-25)
- He was humble (v.9:20-21)
- He was spiritually reborn, and he prophesied (v.10:6-10)
- He forgave his critics (v.11:11-13)
- He recognized the help of the Lord in Israel’s victory over the Ammonites (v.11:13)
1 Samuel 13 - Saul offers a burnt offering without the proper authority
Two years after Saul was anointed king, the Philistines gathered a mighty army to fight against Israel. Saul’s men were so afraid that many of them hid and scattered.
Why did Saul want the prophet Samuel to come to him at this time? (v.7-8) He wanted Samuel to offer sacrifices to the Lord in behalf of the people
What did Saul do when Samuel did not come at the appointed time? (v.9) He offered the sacrifices himself even though he did not have the priesthood authority to do so.
It was not long before Saul began to have an exaggerated opinion of his
power and importance. This tendency is natural to men who forget the
Lord and trust in themselves. The Prophet Joseph Smith
said, “We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and
disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority,
as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous
dominion It
is true that this was a time of great crisis. The Philistines were
amassed in great strength and the people were deserting from Saul’s army. When Samuel was late in coming, Saul took things into his own hands and offered the sacrifices. This action was a great sin.
James E Talmage said “Think also of Saul who had been called from the field to be made king of the nation. When the Philistines were marshalled against Israel in Michmash, Saul waited for Samuel, under whose hand he had received his kingly anointing and to whom he had looked in the days of his humility for guidance; he asked that the prophet come and offer sacrifices to the Lord in behalf of the people. But, growing impatient at Samuel’s delay, Saul prepared the burnt offering himself, forgetting that though he occupied the throne, wore the crown, and bore the scepter, these insignia of kingly power gave him no right to officiate even as a deacon in the Priesthood of God; and for this and other instances of his unrighteous presumption he was rejected of God and another was made king in his place."
The circumstances were critical, but one of the purposes of mortality is to demonstrate that one will remain faithful and obedient under all circumstances. Saul failed that test and thereby lost his right to be God’s representative of the people.
*** What did Saul’s offering an unauthorized sacrifice reveal about him? (v.14) He was no longer “a man after [the Lord’s] own heart”. He had grown impatient, failed to trust the Lord, and disobeyed. In addition, his presuming the authority to offer sacrifice suggests that he had an exaggerated opinion of his own power and importance.
*** In what ways are we sometimes impatient with the Lord or his servants?
Note: Scholars believe that at this time the Israelites did not know how to work with iron. The Philistines guarded the secret carefully to maintain superiority in weapons over the softer brass weapons of the Israelites. As a result, the Israelites did not have the superior chariots of iron, nor could they manufacture swords and spears of iron. The other instruments mentioned, “share,” “coulter,” “axe,” “mattock,” and “goad,” had to be taken to the Philistines for sharpening.
A share was a metal instrument used to plough the ground.
A coulter was a small garden hoe used to loosen the earth and weed the soil.
A mattock was an Egyptian hoe or grubbing axe.
A goad was a sharp rod about eight feet long used to prod stubborn animals.
1 Samuel 15 - Saul disobeys the Lord in the battle with the Amalekites and is rejected as king
Saul was commanded to utterly destroy the Amalekites
What did Saul do instead? (v.4-9) He spared the King and took the best of the sheep, oxen, fatlings, lambs, and all that was good.
What did Saul’s actions reveal about him? (v.11) He followed his own judgment rather than doing the Lord’s will.
Saul tried to justify his disobedience in saving the best of the Amalekites' animals by blaming his people for wanting to save the animals to use for sacrifice
What was Samuel's response for those justifications? (v.22) To obey is better than to sacrifice
1 Samuel 16 - The Lord chooses David as king.
What did Samuel learn when determining which of Jesse’s sons should be the next king? (v.6-7) The Lord looketh on the heart
Elder Marvin J. Ashton said: “We … tend to evaluate others on the basis of physical, outward appearance: their ‘good looks,’ their social status, their family pedigrees, their degrees, or their economic situations.“The
Lord, however, has a different standard by which he measures a person. …
He
measures the heart as an indicator of the person’s capacity and
potential to bless others”
Why is it important that in
our relationships with others, we see beyond the outward appearance and
look on the heart?
Because Saul had been disobedient, the Spirit of the Lord departed from him.
How did Saul seek relief from the evil spirit that came upon him? (v.15-23) David played the harp
*** What outside sources do people today sometimes turn to as they try to
find relief from their sins?
What characteristics did David have that qualified him to be a leader? (v. 16:18)
1 Samuel 17 - David slays Goliath in the strength of the Lord.
What could the Israelites gain or lose in the fight with Goliath? (v.8-9)
Although it seems peculiar in this day of modern warfare, in ancient
times it was not unusual for opposing armies, which were generally quite
small, to select one representative from each side to fight a personal
contest. The outcome of that contest determined the winner of the
battle.
Why were Saul and his army afraid to fight Goliath? (v.4-11) They did not think they could defeat Goliath because of his size, strength, armor, and weapons
Goliath’s height was six cubits and a span. The most widely accepted
opinion of the length of a cubit is about eighteen inches or, roughly,
the distance from the elbow to the tip of the extended middle finger. A
span is said to be one-half the distance from the thumb to the end of
the little finger when the fingers are spread as wide as possible. These
measurements would make the height of Goliath approximately nine feet,
nine inches! It is unusual that anyone today is over seven feet tall, but it is
commonly believed there were men in ancient times whose height far
exceeded seven feet. There are references in the scriptures to giants in
the earlier periods of history. Experts have estimated the weight of Goliath’s armor to be about 150 pounds.
How did David get the courage to fight Goliath? David recognized that the Lord had delivered him from a lion and a bear
while tending his father’s sheep, and he trusted the Lord to help him
fight Goliath
Victor L. Brown said David’s
actions showed that his answer to the question Who's on the Lord's side Who, would have been a
hearty “I am!” Arriving at the battlefront at a time when the haughty
giant Goliath had openly challenged Israel to send a man to fight him,
David boldly volunteered to accept Goliath’s challenge. When accused of
pride, the future king of Israel asked his oldest brother, “Is there not
a cause?” Many
young people of today are great joiners. They attach themselves to this
or that organization or group because they wish to make the world a
better place. They need a purpose for living, a reason to be—they need a
cause. Young
David, shepherd boy of Israel, had a cause. And this cause was
emphasized when Samuel, the Lord’s prophet, anointed David to be a
future king of Israel. Throughout his early life, David stayed close to
the Lord. In all his military ventures, in the face of threats against
his life, and despite numerous opportunities to slay Saul, David was
true to his chosen cause. “And David behaved himself wisely in all his
ways; and the Lord was with him”.
And
what of today? Have we a cause? Indeed we have! We found that cause
when we gained our testimonies of the true gospel and of the value of
citizenship in the kingdom of God.
“I
declare with all my soul—there is a cause! It is a cause worth giving
one’s life for. It is the cause of righteousness. It is a cause that
every youth in this Church should rally to as he declares war on Satan
and his legions. As David said to Goliath, so each youth should declare
to Satan, ‘Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a
shield; but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of
the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
*** What challenges might we face now that prepare us for
greater challenges?
*** How do our responses to challenges affect our
ability to battle the Goliaths that may come later?
President Gordon B. Hinckley said: "There
are Goliaths all around you, hulking giants with evil intent to destroy
you. These are not nine-foot-tall men, but they are men and
institutions that control attractive but evil things that may challenge
and weaken and destroy you. Included in these are beer and other liquors
and tobacco. Those who market these products would like to enslave you
into their use. There are drugs of various kinds which, I am told, are
relatively easy to obtain in many high schools. For those who peddle
them, this is a multimillion-dollar industry, a giant web of evil. There
is pornography,
seductive and interesting and inviting. It has become a giant industry,
producing magazines, films, and other materials designed to take your
money and lead you toward activities that would destroy you. The
giants who are behind these efforts are formidable and skillful. They
have gained vast experience in the war they are carrying on. They would
like to ensnare you.It is almost impossible to entirely avoid exposure to their products. You see these materials on all sides. But you need not fear if you have the slingshot of truth in your hands. You have been counseled and taught and advised. You have the stones of virtue and honor and integrity to use against these enemies who would like to conquer you. Insofar as you are concerned, you can hit them ‘between the eyes,’ to use a figurative expression. You can triumph over them by disciplining yourselves to avoid them. You can say to the whole lot of them as David said to Goliath, ‘Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
Victory will be yours. … You have His power within you to sustain you. You have the right to ministering angels about you to protect you. Do not let Goliath frighten you. Stand your ground and hold your place, and you will be triumphant."
Closing
Important to trust the Lord and seek his guidance when we make decisions
As we defeat the lions and bears in our lives, we will develop the confidence, character, and faith to defeat our Goliaths.
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