Gospel Doctrine OT c34: Hosea

Gospel Doctrine OT c34 – Hosea

What are the following an example of?

It’s been a hard day’s night and I’ve been working like a dog (Beattles)

And I’m hungry like a wolf (Duran Duran)

Ogres are like onions. (Shrek)

Life is like a box of chocolates. (Forrest Gump)

Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? (Shakespeare)

O, my luve’s like a red, red rose. (Robert Burns)

Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. (Isaiah 1:18)

How oft have I gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings. (3 Nephi 10:4)

What is a similie? A simile is a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid. (OxfordDictionary)

??Why does the Lord use similes and metaphors? The manual says comparing a complicated or unfamiliar idea with one that is simpler or more familiar makes it (1.) more understandable to the people who are being taught. Comparisons also help (2.) provide a lot of detail in just a few words.

Hosea used similitudes in his record in the bible.

History: “Hosea lived during one of the most prosperous eras of ancient Israel’s history and was a contemporary of the prophet Amos. But as his book reveals, his society was deeply marred by depravity and evil. His written record exhibits an extraordinary measure of tenderness and compassion which is combined with a stern resolve against wickedness and, particularly corruption in high places.”  (S. Kent Brown)

Hosea uses a similitude we see frequently in the scriptures, which is marriage; the Lord as the bridegroom or husband and his covenant people as the bride or wife.

From the manual: “Using the similitude of a faithful husband and an adulterous wife, Hosea describes the relationship between the Lord and Israel.”

Read Hosea 1:2-3 

FIRST: What does comparing our relationship with the Lord- to marriage, teach us about the level of commitment and devotion the Lord expects from us?

If we are instructed to liken the scriptures to ourselves, the Lord is the husband which makes us a wife of whoredoms. It feels uncomfortable to place us there but we must continue with the similitude or comparison. To get rid of the “w” word, we need to know what it is.

?? Reading v.2 again, what is a great whoredom committed? “departing from the Lord.”

?? What things may divert us from our dedication to following the Savior?

?? What else did the ‘wife’ do in chapter 2?

Read Hosea 2:5.

?? How do we give credit to false gods for the blessings we receive?

Hosea 2: 8,13  “For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, which they prepared for Baal.” “And I will visit upon her the days of Baalim, wherein she burned incense to them, and she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the Lord.”

What is the Lord’s response to the behavior of the ‘wife’?

Read Hosea 2:6-7

“After later abandoning Hosea, Gomer recognized her mistakes and wanted to return; but by then – one must infer – she had become a slave. The Lord directed Hosea to buy her back, a course which he pursued willingly, for he still loved her despite all. The prophet next disciplined Gomer by severely restricting her movements and associations with others before restoring her fully to her former status.” (S. Kent Brown)

Read Hosea 2:14-16

Bring her to the wilderness

Speak comfortably with her

Valley of Achor (Trouble) for a door of hope

As in the days of her youth

Though shalt call me Ishi (husband)

And shalt call me no more Baali (master)

??What does it mean to you that you as the ‘wife’ will call the Lord no more ‘master’ but will call him ‘husband’?

VIDEO

“Genuine repentance changes entirely our relationship with the Savior. We are no longer slaves to the merciless mastery of Justice; we are married to the mercies of God.” (Breck England, Meridian Magazine)

“Just as the landfill requires dedicated work and attention, laboriously applying layer after layer of fill to reclaim the low-lying ground, our lives also require the same vigilance, continually applying layer after layer of the healing gift of repentance.” (Elder Shayne M. Bowen, Gen. Conf. Oct 2006)

“The Atonement of Jesus Christ is available to each of us. His Atonement is infinite. It applies toe veryone, even you. It can clean, reclaim, and sanctify even you. That is what infinite means—total, complete, all, forever. President Boyd K. Packer has taught: ‘There is no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no transgression, no apostasy, no crime exempted from the promise of complete forgiveness. That is the promise of the atonement of Christ’ (‘The Brilliant Morning of Forgiveness,’ Ensign, Nov. 1995)” (Elder Shayne M. Bowen, Gen. Conf. Oct 2006)

Hosea 13:910; Hosea 14:4 Ultimately God loves us!

Just like the harlot wife thinks all her blessings come from her lovers. Hosea 2:8-13

Another similitude – Hosea 11:1, 3-4  As a father to a child. But they knew not that I healed them.

Hosea 13:5-6  According to their pasture, so were they filled. They have forgotten me.

“On such a view, this sorrowful episode deepened Hosea’s appreciation for the Lord’s frustration at Israel’s infidelity and apostasy, thus fashioning the prophet into an apt spokesman for the messages of divine disappointment and stern warning. In addition, this representation of Hosea’s marital troubles fits a wider pattern perceptible in the Lord’s dealings with his agents: he leads them through experiences that make them effective messengers for their time and place.” (S. Kent Brown)

“The Hebrew text of Hosea’s book unfortunately, is very corrupted, making some passages difficult to grasp. Even so, it is certain that the key for comprehending all of Hosea’s words lies in chapters 1 through 3, the report of his marriage to a harlot.” (S, Kent Brown)

** S. Kent Brown, “Studies in Scripture – vol. 4 1Kings to Malachi,” edited by Kent P. Jackson

EXTRA QUOTES:

“The joyful news for anyone who desires to be rid of the consequences of poor choices is that the Lord sees weaknesses differently than He does rebellion. Whereas the Lord warns that unrepented rebellion will bring punishment, when the Lord speaks of weaknesses, it is always with mercy.”

(Elder Richard G. Scott, Gen. Conf. Oct 2013)

“Throughout your life there may be times when you have gone places you never should have gone and done things you never should have don.e If you will turn away from sin, you will be able one day to know the peace that comes from following the pathway of complete repentance.

“No matter what our transgressions have been, no matter how much our actions may have hurt others, that guilt can all be wiped out. To me, perhaps the most beautiful phrase in all scripture is when the Lord said, ‘Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more’ (D&C 58:42).

“That is the promise of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Atonement: to take anyone who comes, anyone who will join, and put them through an experience so that at the end of their life, they can go through the veil having repented of their sins and having been washed clean through the blood of Christ (see Revelation 1:5).”

(Pres. Boyd K. Packer, Gen Conf. Oct 2012)

Gospel Doctrine OT c32: Job

Gospel Doctrine OT c32 – Job

“Seeds of Renewal” Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (Gen Conf April 1989)

“Mountains to Climb” Pres. Henry B. Eyring (Gen Conf April 2012)

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Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin once told of farmers in the hot desert of northwest Mexico who ‘grow varieties of corn and beans that are unusually hardy and drought resistant. These varieties survive and flourish in a harsh climate where other plants would wither and die. One of these plants is the white tepary bean. Its seed will sprout and the plant will grow even when very little rain falls. It sends its roots as deep as six feet into the rocky, sandy earth to find the moisture it needs. It can flower and fruit in the 115-degree (Fahrenheit) desert temperatures with only one yearly rainfall. Its foliage remains remarkably green, with little irrigation, even in the heat of mid-July.”

“Perhaps members of the Church could emulate the example of these hardy, sturdy plants. We should send our roots deep into the soil of the gospel. We should grow, flourish, flower, and bear good fruit in abundance despite the evil, temptation, or criticism we might encounter. WE should earn to thrive in the heat of adversity.” (“Seeds of Renewal”, Conf Report, Apr 1989)

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Our lesson is about Job. Who was Job? C1:1-3. Chapter 1 heading says: “Job, a just and perfect man, is blessed with great riches. Satan obtains permission from the Lord to tempt and try Job. Job’s property and children are destroyed, and yet he praises and blesses the Lord.” In the same chapter Job loses all his servants, fire burned his sheep and servants, robbers took his camels and slew those servants, sons and daughters were killed by a storm that crushed their house.

But his troubles are just beginning. He has physical illnesses, boils and pain. His restless sleep is filled with nightmares. His friends and family accuse him of sinning. He is confused about why he is asked to go through these trials. He feels like the heavens are shut and God has forgotten him.

Read these scriptures:

Abr 3:24-25 – “We will make an earth whereon these may dwell; and we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.” (PROVE THEM HEREWITH)

D&C 130:20-21 – “There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—and when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.” (BLESSINGS PREDICATED BY OBEDIENCE)

Mosiah 2:41 - “I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.” (CONSIDER THE BLESSED AND HAPPY STATE)

And then this:

D&C 121: 1, 7-8, 10 - “O God, where are thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?”  “My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;” “And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.” Thou are not yet as Job;…” (NOT YET AS JOB) (BUT A SMALL MOMENT)

??How do you reconcile the seemingly conflicting messages of these scriptures? How do these scriptures make sense when we contemplate the plight of Job? What happened to the blessings and the happy state of those who are obedient for Joseph Smith or Job?

??Why do we have trials? The bible dictionary tells us the book of Job suggests ‘that affliction, if not for punishment, may be for experience, discipline, and instruction.’

Consider these questions at home:

How do trials give us experience?

How do trials give us discipline?

How do trials give us instruction?

Show video!

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How did we survive trials?

Job’s response: 1:20-21 “Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

1. TRUST – 13:13-15 – “hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak, and let come on me what will. Wherefore do I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in mine hand? Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.”

??How do you develop that kind of trust that will sustain you through trials?

Understand the plan of salvation and the law of opposition.

2 Nephi 2:11-12, 24 – “For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my firstborn in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness not misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, not corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility. “Wherefore, it must needs have been created for a thing of naught; wherefore there would have been no purpose in the end of its creation. Wherefore, this thing must needs destroy the wisdom of God and his eternal purposes, and also the power, and the mercy, and the justice of God.

“But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.”

v.2 “Nevertheless, Jacob, my firstborn in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain.”

2. TESTIMONY – 19:23-27 – “Oh that my words were now written! Oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever! For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another.”

Pres. Eyring said: “If the foundation of faith is not embedded in our hearts, the power to endure will crumble.” (Conf Rep Apr 2012)

??What are you doing with your testimony right now to make sure it is ready for adversity in your life? What must we be doing to make our testimonies strong?

3. INTEGRITY – 27:2-6 – “As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment: and the Almight, who hath vexed my soul; All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils; My lips shall not speak wickedness, not my tongue utter deceit. God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me. My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.”

I can understand more easily how Trust and Testimony help me through trials.

??How does integrity help with trials?

Manual answer: As we maintain our integrity, we can strength from knowing that the course of our lives is pleasing to the Lord.

What does that mean?

Conclusion:

First Pres. Message given at the beginning of WW1: “…Therefore he has permitted the evils which have been brought about by the acts of His creatures, but will control their ultimate results for His own glory and the progress and exaltation of His sons and daughters, when they have learned obedience by the things they suffer.”

Joseph Smith said: “I am like a huge, rough stone rolling down from a high mountain; and the only polishing I get is when some corner gets rubbed off by coming in contact with something else, … knocking off a corner here and a corner there. Thus I will become a smooth and polished shaft in the quiver of the Almighty.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 304).

Pres. Eyring: “We never need to feel that we are alone or unloved in the Lord’s service because we never are. We can feel the love of God. The Savior has promised angels on our left and our right to bear us up. And He always keeps His word.” (“Mountains to Climb”, conf rep Apr 2014).

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Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin defined integrity as “always doing what is right and good, regardless of the immediate consequences. It means being righteous from the very depth of our soul, not only in our actions but, more important, in our thoughts and in our hearts. Personal integrity implies such trustworthiness and incorruptibility that we are incapable of being false to a trust or covenants.” (Conf Rep. Apr 1990).

ASKING WHY ME?

Richard G. Scott: “When you face adversity, you can be led to ask many questions. Some serve a useful purpose; others do not. To ask, Why does this have to happen to me? Why do I have to suffer this now? What have I done to cause this? will lead you into blind alleys. It really does no good to ask questions that reflect opposition to the will of God. Rather ask, What am I to do? What am I to learn from this experience? What am I to change? Whom am I to help? How can I remember my many blessings in times of trial? Willing sacrifice of deeply held personal desires in favor of the will of God is very hard to do. Yet, when you pray with real conviction, “Please let me know Thy will” and “May Thy will be done,” you are in the strongest position to receive the maximum help from your loving Father.” (“Trust in the Lord,” Ensign, Nov 995)

STILL ASKING WHY BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE?

Elder Eldred G. Smith taught: “Going back to the story [of Job] now to get the principle I was looking for, we note that Satan had power to do only what God had permitted him to do. Satan did not win that war in heaven. He was cast out of heaven to do what the Lord wanted him to do, to test and try and torment man. Satan, then, has power on this earth only as the Lord permits and as we yield to his temptations. Do you think a just God would permit Satan to try us beyond our power to resist? Then the Lord will always give us power to resist if we will remain true and faithful to the end and seek the Lord and his guidance in all the trials and difficulties, even though we may think they are unjust. Nearly all of us go through some experience in this life of sickness, disease, trouble, financial difficulties, many even born with difficulties and handicaps – not because of any cause on their part as we see it, but because that is the part that the Lord wants us to go through as a trial and temptation to see if we will prove faithful to the end in spite of these conditions, which are as far as we are concerned without cause.” (conf rep. Oct. 1962).

The Lord answered the question about why bad things happen to good people in his response to Joseph Smith:

“And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up they way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.

“The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?

“Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.” (D&C 122:7-9)

Elder Orson F. Whitney said: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God … and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven.” (quoted in Spencer W. Kimball, Fatih Precedes the Miracle, 98)

Gospel Doctrine OT c30: Hezekiah, House of the Lord

Gospel Doctrine OT c30 – Hezekiah, House of the Lord

2 Chronicles 29-34

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Megalim video on Hezekiah’s Tunnel

From the manual:

To help defend Jerusalem against attacks by the Assyrians, King Hezekiah diverted the water of the spring of Gihon to the pool of Siloam, inside the city walls (2 Chronicles 32:2-4, 30; Bible Dictionary, “Hezekiah’s Tunnel”). This was done by digging a conduit (tunnel) for the water through about 1770 feet of limestone rock. Hezekiah then ordered that the fountains outside the city be covered to deny the Assyrians easy access to the water. Without this water inside the walls of the city, the people of Jerusalem would not have survived the siege by the Assyrians.

Water from the spring was vital for the physical survival of Hezekiah’s people during their battles with the Assyrians. Living water (Jesus Christ, John 4:13-14) is essential for our spiritual survival during our battles with Satan.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained that living water is “the words of eternal life, the message of salvation, the truths about God and his kingdom; it is the doctrines of the gospel” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary).

??How can we open a conduit to the Lord so that living water can flow in our lives??

(Temple, Scriptures)

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Genealogy of Kings:

Ahaz – who is he? 2Chron 28:22, 24-25 – bad guy

Hezekiah – who is he? 2Chron 29:3-6 – good guy

            He opened the temple

What is the first thing he did with the temple? Sanctified and cleansed it because of v6, people had trespassed and turned away.

??In what ways might we also be guilty of “turning away our faces from the habitation of the Lord?

??How does returning to the temple turn our faces toward the Lord in a practical way?

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Sennacherib is ready to attack. What does Hezekiah do?

1. he prepares 2 Chron 32:2-5

2. he has faith 2 Chron 32:6-8

??What can we learn from Hezekiah about the proper relationship between trusting in our own efforts and trusting in the Lord?

Sennacherib send servants to intimidate Hezekiah and his people.

Servants speech: 2Chron 32:10-18

??Is Satan giving the same speech today? How?

??In what ways does Satan try to convince us that God cannot or will not help us?

How did Hezekiah react to the words of the servants? He prayed. (Isaiah 37:14-20)

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Genealogy of the Kings:

Ahaz

Hezekiah made king at 25 years old/  Ruled for 29 years

Manassah – 12 yo / 55 yrs – bad, taken captive and repented, turned out so-so

Amon – 22 yo / 2 yrs – bad, servants conspired against him and killed him

Josiah – 8 yo / 31 yrs

Who was Josiah? 2 Chron 34:2-3 – he destroyed idolatry and repaired the temple, during which time they made a discovery. 2Chron 34:14 – a book of the law of Moses, or in other words, the scriptures

Josiah seeks further understanding from prophetess, Huldah.

Huldah said: 2 Chron 34:23-25, which is very concerning to Josiah.

But for the righteous followers she said: 2 Chron 34:26-28.

What did Josiah do? 2 Chron 34:30-33, he shared the scriptures with his people and they covenanted.

??How are we using the scriptures?

Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson (YW Gen Pres) said: “help the youth understand, as they read the words within the scriptures, that they are hearing the voice of Jesus Christ and becoming familiar with who He is.”

(quoted in Church News 8/10/14, Seminary ad Institutes of Religion Training Broadcast on Aug. 5)

Pres. Spencer W. Kimball said: “The Lord is not trifling with us when he gives us these things, for ‘unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.’ (Luke 12:48).  Access to these things means responsibility for them. WE must study the scriptures according to the Lord’s commandment (see 3N 23:1-5); and we must let them govern our lives” (“How Rare a Possession – the Scriptures!” Ensign, Sept. 1976)

Gospel Doctrine OT c28: Still Small Voice

Gospel Doctrine OT c28 still small voice

1 Kings 17-19

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Think about something you possess that you love more than almost anything; something that is of monetary value, earned with hard work, prized possession.

Thomas S. Monson told this story:

Born in poverty but nurtured in faith, [Jose Garcia] prepared for a mission call. I was present the day his recommendation was received. There appeared the statement: ‘Brother Garcia 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.’

Take a minute to think about what that sacrifice would mean to him and his family. Translate that to something you possess that would be hard to give up and what it would mean to you. Keep this in mind throughout the lesson.

From the manual: “After Jeoboam led the kingdom of Israel into idolatry, he and his descendants were destroyed. They were followed by another succession of idolatrous kings. Of those rulers, Ahab was the king who ‘did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him’ (1Kings 16:33). He married Jezebel, adopted her practice of Baal worship, and encouraged his people to join him in the worship of this false god. The prophet Elijah delivered words of warning to Ahab and his kingdom.”

Elijah declared drought and famine on the land which lasted for 3 ½ years.

During that time, the Lord gave Elijah several instructions. Here is one. READ 1Kings 17:2-3, 5 (Elijah went dwelt by the brook Cherith) ?What stands out to you about Elijah’s response?? (he was afflicted by the drought a little too, he was obedient)

            ?What experiences have you had when the Lord has sustained you physically or spiritually?

Further instructions: READ 1Kings 17:8-9, 10 – (Elijah went to Zeraphath) ?Again, what stands out?? (he was afflicted by the drought, things weren’t turning out the way he expected, the Lord prepared a way for him to survive, he was obedient)

?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?

VIDEO

Now the widow gets instructions : READ 1Kings 17:13, 15 – (Widow feeds Elijah) ?What pattern do we see? She was obedient.

?What can we learn from these responses? They gave something up.

?What do you give up? What do you have to give?   READ QUOTE THEN GET RESPONSES!

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.” (Ensign, May 1996).

‘Have you ever been deterred from giving because you had so little to give? This widow shows us that the attitude with which we give matters much more than the amount we are able to give. If we give all we have, it will always be enough. Remember the small boy with his loaves and fishes? “There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? (John 6:9). The answer to the question, “what are they among so many?” will always be, Enough; enough to feed a multitude. When we give all we have, it will always be enough. (Ted L. Gibbons, LDS Living)

NOW GET RESPONSES!

?How are these two scriptures connected?

1Kings 17:24 – Elijah raises the son from the dead and that the word of the Lord in his mouth is truth

Alma 32:21  - “And now as I said concerning faith – faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.”

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.” (Ensign, May 1996).

?What is the connection between the responses of Elijah and the widow  to faith? To your personal faith? We must be willing to give up our own will, our need of having concrete knowledge, our way or the highway mentality, and be submissive to God. That is faith, hoping and believing in things that are unseen and sometimes that requires action.

‘Still, the question arises: Why did the prophet require her to give her last morsel of food to him rather than to her own starving son? Because this kind of sacrifice is ultimately required of everyone who would come unto Christ to be perfected in Him: “He that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.” This willingness to sacrifice all that we have is required of all who would receive the fullness of Christ, for the next verse reads, “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.’ Matt 10:37-39 – (Breck England, Meridian Magazine)

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1King 18 – The battle between the Ahab and 850 false priests at Mount Carmel:

Priests and Elijah each have a bullock, cut it in pieces and lay it on wood, with no fire under it. The deal is to call on their God and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God.

The priests called on Ball from morning until noon but there was no answer.  Elijah mocked them and encouraged them to cry louder. The priests cried louder and cut themselves with knives and lancets. They continued to cry to Baal until past the time of evening sacrifice and still no answer.

Elijah had to repair his alter, which had fallen into disrepair, and made a trench around the altar. He had other fill 4 barrels of water and pour it on the sacrifice and on the wood. He had them do it 3 times. He prayed 1Kings 18:36-37. Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.

That whole purpose of that experience is what Elijah asked them in the beginning, “How long halt ye between two opinions?” READ 1Kings 18:21

It appears to me that Elijah and the widow did not halt, much. Their faith demanded action, even though it didn’t make sense and they couldn’t see how the end would end well.

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.” (That My Family Should Partake [1974], 22)

‘Every day we are faced with choices – will we obey the Lord or not? Will we cheat, lie, steal, look at forbidden things? Will we pray and study His word as He has commanded us to do? Will we follow the “gods” of the world and forget the God we owe everything to? Will we “disagree” with the prophet of the Lord in our vanity, believing that somehow we know better? Will we drop a criticism here and there, postpone paying our tithing, neglect our Church callings, skip Family Home Evening? (Breck England, Meridian Magazine)

‘Of these choices, President Gordon B. Hinckley has said: “These are little things, but they are important things. They bring to mind the great contest between the prophet Elijah and the priests of Baal. Said Elijah on that occasion, “How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him.”’

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To love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength is all – consuming.

“The breadth, depth, and height of this love of God extend into every facet of one’s life. Our desires, be they spiritual or temporal, should be rooted in a love of the Lord. Our thoughts and affections should be centered on the Lord. “Let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord,” said Alma, “yea, let the affection of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever” (Alma 37:36)

“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.”

“Joseph {in Egypt} was put in prison because he put God first. If we were faced with a similar choice, where would we place our first loyalty? Can we put God ahead of security, peace, passions, wealth, and the honors of men? When Joseph was forced to choose, he was more anxious to please God than to please his employer’s wife. When we are required to choose, are we more anxious to please God than our boss, our teacher, our neighbor, or our date?”

“daily, constantly, we choose by our desires, our thoughts, and our actions whether, we want to be blessed or cursed, happy or miserable. One of the trials of life is that we do not usually receive immediately the full blessing for righteousness or the full cursing for wickedness. That it will come is certain, but ofttimes there is a waiting period that occurs, as was the case with Job and Joseph. “

PRES. BENSON – ENSIGN 1988 MAY?

The rest of Pres. Monson’s story:

Remember, President Kimball asked Jose to sell his stamp collection:

“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 Jose at the conclusion of his mission. He will have, without cost, the finest stamp collection of any young man in Mexico.” (Ensign, Nov 1978).

Gospel Doctrine OT c 26:Solomon

Gospel Doctrine OT c26 Solomon - 1 Kings 3-11

“Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall” by Elder Dallin H. Oaks (From an address given at a BYU 18-stake fireside on June 7, 1992)

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The lesson says: “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 the following counsel from his father: “Be thou strong … , and shew thyself a man; and keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, … that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest” (1 Kings 2:1-3)

Soon after Solomon became king, the Lord appeared to him in a dream. READ 1 Kings 3:3-9.

?What did Solomon ask for? 3:9.

?What does it mean to have an understanding heart? 3:28; 4:29.

?Have you ever offer a similar prayer? What is the value of an understanding heart?

READ Proverbs 4:7 – with all thy getting, get understanding.

Sister Julie B. Beck said: “The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life.” (Ensign, May 2010)

Solomon understood that. The knowledge we need to make the right choices comes only by revelation, and therefore is only spiritually discerned.

?Why should we seek it? What other spiritual gifts can we seek after? Moroni 10:8-18; D&C 46:11-26; 1Cor 12:4-12.

God’s response to Solomon’s request. He was granted extra blessings. He was also given a warning. READ 1 Kings 3:10-14.

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Solomon built a temple to the Lord. It took 7 years.

?How can temple attendance help us when we are weighed down with problems?

Pres. 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” (Ensign, Aug 1985)

After Solomon offered the dedicatory prayer, he counseled his people.

READ 1 Kings 8:61 “Let your heart … be perfect with the Lord our God”.

?What do you think it means to have a heart that is “Perfect with the Lord”? How can temple attendance help us perfect our hearts?

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Solomon did prosper and increased in wealth and honor. READ Jacob 2:18-19.

The problem is what King Solomon did with his increase. He used it to build up his own kingdom rather than God’s kingdom. 1Kings 10 tells of his riches. 1Kings 11:1-4. His heart turned away from God.

?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? Remember 1Kings 8:61.

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)” (Ensign, Oct. 1994)

“If we are not wary, Satan can cause our spiritual downfall by corrupting us through our strengths as well as by exploiting our weaknesses.”

Cascade Falls or Bust

CASCADE FALLS or BUST

Heat waves assaulted our bodies as we made our way from the house to the mini-van. Five children scrambled over and around each other, trying to get the coveted seats, which were anything but the back bench.

“Turn on the A.C.!,” yelled Rachel. Being the fourth of five children and only six years old, she assumed her usual spot in the back.

“Where are we going?” Parker asked, making sure all the front vents were open and adjusted to blow directly on his face.

 “Cascade Springs,” I said. I felt a drop in the temperature just saying the words. “Do we have everything we need? Water, treats?”

I checked the rearview mirror and saw Sydney push her way through seatbelts to join Rachel on the back bench. Shotgun lost to her younger brother, again. I was confident once we got to our mountain destination all would be forgiven. I turned up the rear air conditioning for good measure.

Making our way to American Fork canyon was a breeze. The ranger at the pay station took our money and gave us a map in return.

“Here, Parker. Look for the Springs,” I said. I marveled at the majestic trees lining the road like sentries guarding a hidden treasure. The river rushed by on the left, alive and untamed. We pulled away from the station and I felt the shackles of suburban life fall off me. The road wove through the forest like a ribbon, playing peek-a-boo with the river. Twenty minutes into the canyon, the noise of the car muffled for a bit until my ears popped and I knew we had to be getting close.

“Look at the drop-off,” Sydney said from the back, her eyes glued to the window.

“Don’t remind me,” said Parker. His eyes focused straight ahead. “Are we going to be ok?”

“Of course,” I said, flexing my fingers on the steering wheel so the blood could flow again.

“Do you know where you’re going?” he ventured.

“Yep. We follow this road all the way to the Springs,” I said. “Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing, I’m a mom and I’m pretty much awesome all the time!” Parker rolled his eyes at the familiar phrase I repeated over and over, hoping to brainwash my children. I didn’t look behind me but I’m sure Parker wasn’t the only one rolling his eyes. I smiled, took a deep breath and glanced at my dashboard then looked again. Less than a quarter of a tank. Adrenaline shot through my veins like an earthquake.

I was pretty sure when we left it was closer to half a tank. But now I didn’t know. Did I even check? I had no freaking idea! I grasped the steering wheel with a death grip. Holy crap! I was in the middle of the mountains on a narrow road, riding the edge of a cliff like a dare-devil and I was approaching the summit. The summit-and we weren’t there yet! I didn’t know we had to cross the summit. How much further after the summit? Oh, my sweet children. Forgive me now.

How much gas did I start with? No idea.

How much further to the Springs? No idea

How much more gas will I need to get there AND get back? No freaking idea!

We’re screwed.

My breath came out in a stutter. I turned on the radio, static. I asked Parker to check my cellphone, no reception.

“Seriously, Mom. Do you really know where we are going?” Parker asked again. He was staring me down. Sweat trickled down my cleavage and I couldn’t look him in the eyes.

Against my better judgment, the words vomited out of my mouth, “Getting there isn’t the problem. I’m just praying we have enough gas to get back out!” My voice was hysterically high by the time I finished. I tried to cover up with an awkward laugh. It was acknowledged by complete silence.

“We don’t have enough gas?” Sydney said, her voice slow and penetrating, like a disappointed parent.

“I don’t know, I didn’t check, I’m hoping that…” I tried to explain.

“This is just great!” She folded her arms and sat back into the bench. The two middle girls sat silent, with big eyes and open mouths. Stunned, nervous, shocked, worried, scared. Check your thesaurus for terrified and that was it.

“We’ll be ok, girls,” I said and smiled in the rear-view mirror at their frozen faces. “We’ll get there just fine and then figure things out. There are plenty of nice people around these parts.”

“We’ve only seen one car this whole time,” Parker challenged.

“I’m sure there are other people at Cascade Springs.”

 “Yeah, sure, Mom,” he mumbled and turned away. He reclined his chair and closed his eyes, his lips working in silent, prayerful words.

I reluctantly pressed my foot on the gas pedal to climb another hill. What kind of mother does this to her children? A pretty much awesome one, I said to myself in my snarkiest inner voice. I dug deep and pulled out my awesome self and started talking about how beautiful the mountains were and how nice the water would feel when we got to the springs. At first I talked to myself but eventually everyone joined in the commentary. The first road sign I'd seen for miles gave me hope.

CASCADE SPRINGS: UPPER PARKING LOT

We rounded the corner and the lot was large. It was also empty. BING. The dummy light. Time to fill the tank, Mrs. Brown, the red light flashed. My heart sank below the fill line.

“Well, we’ll just keep going a little bit here,” I sang to no one in particular.

The next bend in the road revealed a smaller parking lot, covered with a canopy of leaves and a big sign: CASCADE SPRINGS. This lot had other cars. Parking the van, I released a deep breath as I pulled the key out of the ignition. That’s it. We find help here or we don’t. Two motorcyclists pulled in behind us. I wondered if they were camped nearby with a huge tank of extra gas for emergencies just like this. Maybe they had a tank with my name on it. I studied them as my children piled out of the car. The men were dirty and rough looking, like they were on an extended ride, not a day trip.

“Biker-dudes!” Bryce said and dashed into the parking, back around the car and into the forest. Four-year-old attention deficit at its finest. Chasing Bryce, I worked up my nerve to approach the “biker-dudes.”  When I looked back, they were gone. Awesome. I pulled Bryce back to the car, grabbed the backpack and locked the doors. I laughed. Even if someone stole the car, they wouldn’t get far.

My lungs swelled with sweet, pure air, perfumed by the towering pines. Quaking aspen whispered a fond greeting. Despite the unsettling situation we were in, I finally felt like I could breathe again. I followed my children on the dirt path to a pavilion which was occupied by an elderly couple and a park ranger. Angels sang faintly in the background as an aura of light descended around the ranger’s head. Surely she would know what to do.

I introduced my family and answered a few questions. Where are you from? Have you been here before? Are these children all yours? With the pleasantries behind us, I began to explain my predicament with a complete lack of volume control. I lectured myself silently even as I rattled on. Dial it down! Press the mute! Nothing worked.

“Gosh. What’re you going to do?” the young ranger responded and the angels sputtered and choked on the final chorus.

“We usually carry an extra gas can with us, but we don’t have it today,” offered the older gentleman. His wife nodded with a “tsk.”

“Let’s go look at the map and see if we can find the shortest road out of here,” the ranger said. She led me to a board covered in posters and maps. We both hmm’d and haw’d over it for a while. I wasn’t sure if she knew what she was looking at but I couldn’t make any sense out it. Stupid geographical mountain maps have too many lines. The older gentleman approached.

“We’re taking off. We could follow you out if you want to go now.” His wife nodded in the background. I paused. Did I seriously drive all this way only to turn around and go back? What stupid kind of awesome is that?

“I’ll be leaving in an hour,” the ranger piped in. “I could follow you out if you want to wait that long.”

“Let’s do that,” I said. We waved goodbye to the elderly couple and turned toward Cascade Springs.

Cold, mountain water tumbled over rocks, between bright yellow flowers and fragrant vegetation. The water sparkled, holding on to the light as bounced over the low, terraced falls. We started across a well-kept wooden walkway extended over the running water and I asked, “Can we play in the water or do we just follow the path?”

“Stay on the path and enjoy the scenery,” the ranger said. She pulled out her binoculars and turned her attention to more distant views. I turned to my children and pressed my fingers to my lips to silence the complaints I knew were coming. We were hot, the water was cold and staying on the path was boring. I didn’t need words to tell me that much.

I pointed out the signs for plants, animals and geological formations as a distraction. When we saw the sign for poison ivy, everyone nodded in the respectful fear only known by those with intimate experience. The sun beat on our bare necks and arms as we travelled back and forth across the paths over the enticing yet forbidden water.

We walked slowly, separating into small groups. Rachel stayed with me. The rest divided by gender. It was a quiet path disrupted only by the friendly babbling of the Springs and the occasional rustle of something hidden the brush.

“Bryce! Over here!” Parker stepped onto a rock urging his four-year-old brother to do the same. He looked at me with an unapologetic smile. “I’m not actually in the water,” he said. He shuffled his feet, splashing the water that ran around the rock. Bryce did not hesitate to follow him to the rocks, not caring a bit about getting his feet wet. As is true with children and with spoonfuls of ice cream, where one dares to tread, the rest are sure to follow. I let them frolic along the bank and mostly on the rocks. I made sure to pull them out before they were ready to leave though, to maintain my meanest-mom-on-the-block title.

We made it back to the pavilion early and waited for the ranger. The smell of the microwave popcorn snack I brought clashed with the pine scented trees. We sat in silence, jaws working over half-popped kernels. The peaceful walk around the Springs quickly dissipated as I considered the ominous drive before us.

“Maybe we should say a prayer,” Camille said.

“I already did,” said Parker, “twice.”

“I just want to look at something before we leave,” Sydney said and walked back down the path, her arms folded.

“We’re going to be just fine,” I said and forced the most comforting mommy smile I could pull out of the pit in my stomach.

When the ranger pulled out of the parking lot, we were in close pursuit. Each hill we climbed toward the summit seemed to suck gas like a wasted addict taking his last drag on an old cigarette. I pleaded to heaven for forgiveness. If I get out of this canyon, I will always check my gas tank before a trip. I will never yell at my innocent, patient, sweet little angels again. I will read scriptures every day and dedicate my life to good deeds forever. I will stop sneaking the kids’ candy from their hiding spots in their bedrooms. I promise, whatever it takes. Crossing over the summit, I put the car in neutral and started to coast where I could. I didn’t know if that even made a difference and I didn’t care.

Not daring to touch the gas and barely touching the brakes we finally birthed out of the mouth of the canyon like a bat out of hell, the ranger’s car always one car length in front. At this point, the car was practically floating on faith. From the backseat Bryce chanted, “I love Jesus, I love Jesus.”

 The children erupted in cheers as we pulled in next to the gas pump. The ranger, who parked at the pump in front of us, walked back, smiling at the raucous celebratory noise.

“I don’t know how but you made it,” she said.

“I’m pretty much awesome all the time. I’m cool like that,” I bragged.