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.