Micah; Nahum - “The Lord Shall Reign”

In regards to Israel and Samaria, Micah prophesied both of them would be punished and destroyed by God. Also, that the graven images and idols would be burned and molten down as part of this destruction because of the sin and blatant disobedience to the Lord.

All of these things would come to pass for the following reasons listed through out Micah 3-4.

• Wars and Iniquity
• Vain and prideful judgments for power and reward
• Prophets and Priests seek money
• Lost the purity of the gospel for gain

However, the Lord also promised in Micah 4 that Israel could have reason for hope if they were willing to turn their hearts and be obedient to the Lord. This is an example to the Latter-day Saints as these verses are meaningful to the faithful disciples of the gospel as to what they must do to receive such blessings

• Called to work
• Blessings of opportunity
• Missionary work

In Doctrine and Covenants 45:66–71 we learn that Zion will be strong and forthright. They will stand together and defend themselves against the world through the power and faith of Christ. No one will be able to threaten them or take them down because of the power that will come from their faith and endurance.

In fact, our ability to be obedient and faithful will help us become stronger and able to withstand the temptation to let our ideas crowd out the Lord and His spirit. We can see what is true revelation and will be blessed with inspiration as we allow ourselves to be guided towards our Father in Heaven.

During the second coming, we learn in Micah 5 that the Lord who once reigned on the earth will return to rule again, those that have lived here as well as those living, and to come.

He will do so because of the love that He has for all of us as our Ruler and Savior. He has compassion for all of God’s children and desires nothing more than for us to be worthy to receive celestial glory and eternal salvation.

We see this further in the study of Naham. We are reminded that the Lord is not only our Savior but he knows us personally. He has always been aware of us from our best moments to our most trying temptations. He is perfect and just and will never punish us for things we may not know. He is anxious to teach us so that we might know our Father in Heaven and qualify to live in His presence.

When we meet the Savior we will know it is He because of our earnest desire to be with Him. We will not be able to mistake His love and gracious mercy towards all mankind.

Obadiah - Saviors “up on Mount Zion”

The temple delivers the faithful through covenants and ordinances that prepare us to return to the presence of our Father in Heaven. Furthermore, it is through the work for the dead that provides salvation for all of God’s children and not just those living and able to visit the temple. We are the “saviors” today that enable those that have gone before the opportunity to receive the same ordinances required for eternal salvation. This is one reason that our worthiness and dedication to service in the temple are so importance. It is not only for our salvation but also literally for our families in a very eternal perspective. 

This is a pattern that has been established before our time on this earth and is an essential part of the Plan of Salvation. The Lord, Himself prepared a way for all of God’s children to not only learn of the gospel but to be blessed with the eternal blessings and protection that comes from its principles and ordinances. In Doctrine and Covenants 128:15 we read, “For their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation, as Paul says concerning the fathers—that they without us cannot be made perfect—neither can we without our dead be made perfect.”

The temple represents the purity and salvation that is provided through the sacrifice made by our Savior on the earth. It is a sanctuary from the world and place where we can dwell in God’s presence and be taught what is necessary to guarantee our safe passage and entrance into the presence of our Father in Heaven for eternity.

Ezekiel 1–3 - Watchman for the Lord

Ezekiel saw in a vision from the Lord four living creatures, four wheels, and the glory of God on His throne.

Ezekiel was called to take the word of the Lord to the children of Israel and to remind them who they are and of their covenants with the Lord. 

The previous and current condition of the children of Israel would best be described as a stiff hearted and rebellious nation that had chosen to rebel against the Lord for many generations. What was once a dedicated and obedient group had become dark and sinful to the point that they had lost sight of all truth. 

The responsibilities of a watchman as called by the Lord include being prepared and willing to hear the words of the Lord and then warning others. They are to warn the wicked in order to save their lives. In fact, those that are called to warn others are also called with responsibility for the lives of those that they teach. If they chose not to warn man, they will be held accountable. 

The prophets and apostles are most recognized as being called to serve as watchman over the children of God. However, we must also remember our responsibility to share the gospel and stand as watchman. The Lord has called all those that have a testimony to stand as witnesses. The Lord has promised that all men and women will have a chance to accept or reject the gospel and we can chose to be a part of this or not. The Lord’s work will not be hindered in any way despite our imperfections.

President Ezra Taft Benson reminds us, 

“In the crisis through which we are now passing, we have been fully warned. This has brought forth some criticism. There are some of us who do not want to hear the message. It embarrasses us. The things which are threatening our lives, our welfare, our freedoms are the very things some of us have been condoning. Many do not want to be disturbed as they continue to enjoy their comfortable complacency.

The Church is founded on eternal truth. We do not compromise principle. We do not surrender our standards regardless of current trends or pressures. Our allegiance to truth as a church is unwavering. Speaking out against immoral or unjust actions has been the burden of prophets and disciples of God from time immemorial. It was for this very reason that many of them were persecuted. Nevertheless, it was their God-given task, as watchmen on the tower, to warn the people.”

Jeremiah 46, 50 - A Future Promise to Scattered Israel

Jeremiah 46:27–28; 50:17–20, 33–34, 41 

The promises that were given to scattered Israel begin with the promise that they will be saved from captivity. They will be gathered from all the corners of the earth and restored to their lands from those who took them captive. God will fulfill his promise to punish them for their sins but also all those who have fought against and sought to destroy them. The Lord will also please fro the children of Judah before God so that their sins may be forgiven. 

Doctrine and Covenants 110:11

In this verse we begin to see this prophesy coming to pass as several past prophets, including the Savior, appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to restore the keys necessary to begin the gathering and restore more parts of the gospel to the earth. Keys were restored to bring us the sealing powers of heaven as part of the gathering of Israel.

Since 1836, we have seen the missionary force strengthen and be sent to the corners of the earth. We have seen over time that more and more countries are opening their doors. Temples are being built across the world to administer and share the ordinances necessary for eternal salvation. Furthermore, the Church is building relationships with other faiths and sharing our values and coming together to fight for the safety and protection of all mankind.

Isaiah 55:8–11 - The Lord’s Thoughts and Ways

How is the message of these verses one of comfort? I find these messages to be comforting because it reminds me that the Lord is aware of me individually and that He has a plan for me. It reminds me that having “blind faith” is not actually “blind” it is having enough faith the I trust the Lord will always guide and direct me. It also teaches us that the Lord has a plan for all of His children and things will come to pass as needed in order to accomplish that which the Father sent Him to do. It allows us to come to Him in times of need and to seek out our own understanding.

How can we come to better understand God’s thoughts and ways? These scriptures teach us the importance of obedience and remembering that our ways are not the Lord’s ways. In order for us to better understand His thoughts and ways we must have a humble heart and true desire to learn. If we are caught up in our own thoughts and feelings we may block the Spirit and refuse the teachings of the Lord. We must also be willing to accept that which we don’t understand, knowing that one day we will. Sometimes we think that we deserve an answer or explanation before we are truly meant to receive that information. I think this is a trial of our faith and an opportunity to accept the joy that we can feel through obedience in those moments when we are waiting for the answers. 

Give an example of when you have observed a clear example of God’s ways being higher than man’s ways. This week has been a trying time for many of God’s children. However, it has been a true example of a time to trust in the Lord and accept that His ways are higher. The Lord inspired the policy changes that have been implemented by the Church. I personally felt that it was an action taken to help preserve the family that the Lord cherishes and fights for in all capacities. However, I know that this is a message that is hard for others to understand. It is easy to get caught up in the worldly idea of what is fair and just rather than what the Lord teaches us is fair and just. It is a trying time for many to have to decide whether to trust completely in the Lord and accept that there is a higher power in charge of this new policy and it is not the action of man.

Isaiah 30 - Israel Rejected the Seers

In whose wisdom did the children of Israel trust? The children of Israel always seemed to go in cycles. They would trust the Lord and then quickly turn from Him. They trusted in the flesh and in their own abilities and strengths. Giving no thought to where such blessings came from. They were also very caught up in the evils of the world. Money, pleasure, and greed are just to name a few. They created their own gods. They believed in the Pharaoh and his ways over that which they had been taught.

Who were they rejecting? Anytime we rely on our own strength or that of the worlds, we reject the Father. We reject the very core of who we are as children of God and our Savior’s atonement. Particularly in this case they were rejecting the prophets and anyone the Lord would send to them.

Describe the attitude that permeated the children of Israel at this time. They were extremely prideful and stubborn.

What did the people mean when they told the prophets to speak “smooth things”? They wanted the prophets to tell that they what they were doing was just and right. They wanted to feel comforted in their sins and to believe that their actions had no consequence. They didn’t want to hear what they were doing wrong. They didn’t want to feel guilt or shame.

What do these verses teach us about accepting and following the words of prophets? I think this reminds us of the importance of the messages that are given to us from the prophets. These men are called by the Lord and stand in His place as if He were here. If we reject them we are rejecting the Lord.

What principles in these verses would you use to help a friend understand why he or she should follow the living prophet today? I often try and remind others that the prophets called are not called specifically for the Church but for the entire world. We are all God’s children and the Lord intends for all God’s children to hear and learn of the gospel so that we can accept or reject those teachings. The words spoken by the prophets are for our day. They teach us what we need to know for today, in companion to the scriptures and revelation previously given, along with personal revelation. The prophets are hear to help encourage, teach, and warn us so that we can be adequately prepared for the return of the Lord.

Isaiah 5:26–30; 11:12; 18:1–7 - An Ensign to the Nation

Two themes that connect these hymns, “High on the Mountain Top” (Hymns, no. 5) and "He Will Lift Up an Ensign to the Nations" with the scriptures include building a temple and the spreading of the gospel.

This is significant because much of the gospel truths are taught within the temples and it is the place where the Lord may dwell with us on this earth. Temples provide a refuge from the world and increased understanding of His plan for us. It isn’t enough that the gospel is spread but that righteous followers may enter these temples and find the peace and protection needed to prepare them for eternal salvation.

I personally feel that receiving the gospel and choosing to follow Christ is a stepping-stone in preparation for the temple. No one is prepared to enter the temple the day after baptism. There is much to learn and experience in preparation for the covenants and knowledge we make and obtain within the temple walls.

He has promised that all of God’s children will hear this message and they will know His voice.  

This is the time when the Lord will be gathering from the four corners of the earth. He will be gathering all those that were dispersed and the outcasts. He will do so by sending forth, righteous missionaries and priesthood leaders to carry His message and to find those that are lost.

I think that when we consider the great work that will be done and the work that we are doing now, there is a lot to be done. There is no time to stand idly by and wait. The Lord will gather His people whether we are prepared or not, so why not take the time now to push forward the effort and to share what we know. There are so many wonderful opportunities in the world today for us to help spread the gospel as well as following the call to go to the temple. 

Ecclesiastes - Seeing Life Clearly

(a) The book of Ecclesiastes consists of reflections on some of the deepest problems of life, as they present themselves to the thoughtful observer. The author describes himself as “son of David, king in Jerusalem”. Ecclesiastes is written from the point of view of the world, everything is temporary and soon gone—nothing is permanent. Ecclesiastes should not be construed as theological pronouncements on the condition of the soul after death; rather, they are observations by the Preacher about how things appear to men on the earth “under the sun.”

(b) Five ways the author sought happiness but couldn’t find it:

     1. Lavish houses and vineyards (Ecclesiastes 2:4)
     2. Planted gardens and orchards with trees of various fruits (Ecclesiastes 2:5)
     3. Pools of water (Ecclesiastes 2:6)
     4. Servants and maidens (Ecclesiastes 2:7)
     5. Silver, gold, and peculiar treasures (Ecclesiastes 2:8)

(c) There is a plan and purpose for all of God’s children. These lives have been intertwined and orchestrated with purpose and love in order to help the Lord’s work progress and prepare us for our return to our Father in Heaven. It is also important that things are done in wisdom and order, seeking out the best direction and path so that we may progress and endure. It is not intended for us to do more than we are capable of. Furthermore, if we are selfish and seek after our own goals without thought for the Lord, we stand to lose the blessings and protection that accompany obedience and diligence. 

(d) “Two is better than one” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) This principle reminds me of the importance of working alongside my husband and family. It teaches us the importance of friendship and uplifting one another to be better. The strength of two always outweighs the one and so should be used for good. In order to incorporate this into my life, I will seek more opportunities to serve and uplift others. 

“The profit of the earth is for all” (Ecclesiastes 5:9) All that we receive is a gift from God. We have no right to withhold from those that are in need and should seek opportunities to share what we have with other. Furthermore, teaching others to be self-sufficient so they can do the same. When we have an increase, we should return a portion. Even God does not take more than is needful. To incorporate this principle, I will commit to greater fast offerings and seeking more opportunities to help others. 

(e) After we die, our bodies are buried in the earth, but our spirits “return to God”. “The whole duty of man” while we are on this earth is to fear God and be obedient to His commandments. This is a good description of man’s purpose because it reminds us that we are not hear for our own selfish and prideful desires but to learn from our Father so that when we die we may return to Him. There is no other reason to be on this earth than to prepare to return to our Father in Heaven. (Ecclesiastes 12:7, 13–14)

Esther 1–8 Selfless Courage Helped Save the Jewish People

Queen Vashti (Esther 1) – This queen refused to be seen or taken advantage of as an object or slave. She refused to see the King by order and it would appear that she was not intentionally being disobedient but had more integrity and respect for herself and those that she represented in the kingdom. She knew that she was an example to all the women in the kingdom and acted as such.

Unfortunately, the King’s pride was hurt and Satan was able to persuade him to believe that his crown should be obeyed and that this woman should be punished, through the advice of his friends and advisors. He was persuaded to believe that her example would teach others to not honor their husbands and would unleash some type of power to the women that they should not have.

Mordecai (Esther 3–4) – This man had more respect and honor for his God than any man of the kingdom or army. He refused to bow down to anyone but his own God and suffered for such a choice. He was also not afraid to admit that he was a Jew. No one would make him deny his God or his religion.

This of course didn’t sit well and caused Haman, one of the King’s advisors to become very angry. It led him to convince the King that all of the Jews should be killed because they were not willing to recognize their place in the kingdom, or even live by the same laws. He proved the Jews to be their own power of people and dangerous to the kingdom.

Esther (Esther 2–4, chapter summaries 5–8) – This young lady was related to Mordecai’s, whom had actually raised her because her parents were both dead. When the Queen was thrown out and a new one was sought, Esther, like all the other maidens in the land were to be presented before the King. She was very beautiful not just physically but in all ways, and this was pleasing to the King above all the others there.

As Queen, Esther was placed in an interesting position. When the decree had gone out that all Jews were to be killed Mordecai knew that Esther would be the only hope they would have to survive. The King didn’t know that Esther would be among those to be slain and Mordecai asked that she stand for her people before the King.

After fasting, and much prayer, Esther had prepared herself to plead with the King, her husband, to save her people. This took a great deal of integrity and faith. She knew that going before the King could potentially end her life and the life of her people, but she was willing to stand for her God. She treasured her faith more than her fear of a man and his power.

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Looking at the examples of these individuals it is hard not to question whether you would be willing to do the same if placed in the circumstance. I know that I want to say yes, but then I wonder if in the moment I may run because of fear.

In order to better prepare myself I plan to do the following:

Seek out opportunities to serve and teach others the gospel. Missionary work is important but it is also a character builder. It helps you to remember to study and be prepared. You can’t just walk out and do the work you have to be worthy of the Spirit and willing to learn and follow promptings.

Study the scriptures more regularly so that they are always fresh in my mind and heart. It is easier to teach others and to learn from the Spirit if the principles are fresh in your own mind. It makes inspiration and revelation clear and unavoidable. It strengthens and prepares for the toughest battles with Satan.

Attend the temple more frequently so that I may have a constant reminder of my place in God’s plan. It will help me to build my testimony of the Savior and bring my closer to my Father in Heaven. Temple attendance also teaches us things we can’t gather on our own. The experiences and feelings we gather from this sacred place help us to endure and withstand the world.

1 Kings 17-2 Kings 1 : The Miracles of the Lord through Elijah

What miracles did the Lord performed through the prophet Elijah in each case?

1 Kings 17:1 - sealing of the heavens

1 Kings 17:2–6 – fed by ravens and drank from the brook

1 Kings 17:8–16 – unlimited supplies for food

1 Kings 17:17–22 – priesthood blessing; bringing back the dead

1 Kings 18: 31–38 – burnt offering

1 Kings 18:41–45 – abundance of rain

1 Kings 21:17–19; 22:34–38 – death by prophecy

2 Kings 1:9–14 – consumption by fire

Reading through these scriptures really helped expand my perception of miracles. Miracles are acts of God regardless of the result. In some cases, these miracles were the result of men trying to tempt the Lord. They demanded proof in their prideful heart and unknowingly accepted their own death in some cases. However, in most cases the miracles we see are of bountiful blessings and healing. For example, the woman and her endless supply of food that she might feed her and her son during the drought. That is an act of God and a blessing for obedience and sacrifice.

These scriptures remind us to be aware of the intentions of our hearts because sometimes the Lord will bless us with exactly what we have asked for. We must remember that as miracles are an act of God, He is all-powerful and has the ability to take a life just as He can grant one. He desires to bless and protect us in all that we do and not to bring about destruction.

1 Kings 3-4 A Wise and an Understanding Heart

I think Solomon asked for an understanding heart because he wanted to be one with his people. He wanted to understand what was in their hearts so that he would be a righteous judge and ruler over them. The Lord was pleased with this request because it was not done so with selfishness and greed but with a desire to love and serve others as the Lord would. I think a worldlier person would have asked for more honor, respect, and probably power among the people that they served. Even perhaps more riches, comfort, and a longer life. I think overall, they would want to be granted the ability to do whatever “they” wanted versus preparing to serve others.

One of the great examples of receiving this spiritual gift was to discern the heart of two women. Each having born a child of the same age, once claiming that their child had been stolen while the other had died. The Lord knew that the true mother would never sacrifice the life an innocent child and so did Solomon. Therefore, he commanded that the child be cut in two and each woman given half. The true mother immediately gave up her rights as a mother to save the life of the child while the other demanded to have her half of the child, even though it would have died in the request. 

I think this spiritual gift would help me in my own life because it would cause me to have more patience. I would be able to reach out to others without the confusion of my own struggle and misfortunes. I would be able to see clearly rather than with clouded judgment. As we seek after such gifts and use them accordingly we will be blessed with a greater understanding and path to eternal salvation. The Lord is able to more readily bless us with what we stand in need of as well as those we don’t see fit to ask for.  

Reading between 1Kings 4:1-25 and 1 Samuel 11-20, I see men who were striving to serve their God and others whom were caught up in their own interpretation of obedience and sacrifice. It is proven by example that the Lord looks upon our hearts while man looks on the outside. We can also be easily deceived if we are not willing and worthy of the Spirit of the Lord for proper guidance and protection. 

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