Feast 11 April through 15 April 2016

* Lamentations
Words to look for:
Lament - express beep sorrow or grief. Widow- a woman whose husband has either died or otherwise is gone. Tributary - obtain protection. Treacherously - cannot be trusted. Strait - narrow strip of water between two larger bodies of water. Zion - ideal nation. Solemn - serious or formal (like when we sustain a new prophet at a. Solemn assembly) Hart -  a male deer. Grevously - serious. Magnify - become larger. Vile - immoral. Wreathe - surround. Abhor - immense dislike. Thy prophets - False prophets. Banishment - force to leave. Chain mail - Protective clothing (armor). Derision - objective mocking. Subvert - secretly try to ruin. Off-scouring - Rejected of society.

Lamentations reveals Judah's pathetic condition following the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem. It resulted from the people sinning and disregarding the prophet's warnings. We can gain insight into the sorrow, remorse, and consequences that can accompany sin. We will learn about the compassion and mercy the Lord shows to those who turn to HIm in their sorrows. Lamentations was written by Jeremiah sometime after the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem. It contains sorrowful reactions to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. We know where Jeremiah was in Jerusalem or Egypt when he wrote it and that these took place during his lifetime. It is written in carefully constructed poetry, called acrostic. This means in the first four chapters the first letters of each line or verse form a meaningful sequence. These are based on the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Chapters 1, 2, and 4 each contain 22 verses, each beginning with a different Hebrew letter-n alphabetical order. Chapter 3 has 66 verses, the first three verses each begin with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, the next three verses each begin with the second letter and so on. Chapter 5 has 22 verses but is not acrostic. Acrostic poetry gives structure and sequence to express the overwhelming grief that was felt because the events, which probably seemed chaotic, senseless, and devoid of any order. It resembles the books of Job and slams, but does not have responses from the Lors. It only has suffereing and longing for mercy by the people.
1:1-5
Jeremiah describes Jerusalem as solitary. He compares it a widow - abandoned and alone needing protection. Her freinds have become her enemies. Jerusalme is in captivity because of affliction, great servitude, and becaue of dwelling with heathens. Persecutors overtook her.
Zion is mourning and no one comes. Adversaries are in charge, enemies prosper and are afflicted because of transgression.

1:6-11
Some of the ing that happen because they choose not to listen to the Lord are:
beauty is taken from the girls, prince become homeless and weak and like harts, none help her, adversaries mock her, because of sins, honour is taken away, there is no comfort, the enemy is larger, poeople look for food so they trade pleasant things for meat. Jerusalem became a very vile place.

1:16
Increased sorrow. Lord afflicts then because of sins.

1:18
"My virgins and my young men are gone into captivity".  A loss of the rising generation.

1:19
"Mine elders gave up the ghost" they died while hunting.

1:20
"My bowels are troubled" "mine heart is turned within me" mental and spiritual anguish when we commit sin.

President Ezra Taft Benson:
"You cannot do wrong and feel right. It is impossible! Years of happiness can be lost in the foolish gratification of a momentary desire for pleasure. Satan would have you believe that happiness comes only as you surrender to his enticements, but one only needs to look at the shattered lives of those who violate God's laws to know why Satan is called the "Father of lies"

GEM When we sin, we will feel troubled

2:2-7
The habitations of Jacob were swallowed up and the Lord had no pity. He threw down his wrath on the daughters of Judah, they were brought to the ground, they polluted the kingdom, they were cut off in anger and He drew back his right hand, He burned against Jacob, bent His bow like an enemy and destroyed the strongholds, He increased the mourning an d lamenting of the daughter of Judah, they were violently taken away his tabernacle, cast off and abhorred his sanctuary.

2:11
The eyes do fall with tears, his bowels are troubled.

2:14
There are fals prophets so He banishes them.

GEM- Becuse the Lord is compassionate, we can find hope knowing He will help us if we seek Him

3
Jeremiah describes himself as having seen afflictions by the rod of His wrath. He describes his view of his relationship it's the Lord as: He led him, brought him into darkness-not into light, turned against him, made him old with broken bones, bulked against him, surrounded him with gall and travail in dark places, hedged him about, made his chain heavy (as chain mail for battle), shutters out his prayer, made his paths crooked, changed him, made him desolate, set him as a mark for his bow, and he was mocked by his people.

GEM - Sinful afflictions can help motivate us to urn again to the Lord
GEM - If we search the commandments and test them, they will help us know how and when to turn to the Lord



4:1-2
Jeremiah compares the people to gold and the precious sons to fine gold. ( we compared shiny pennies to older dirty pennies and how that represents sin in our lives.

4:3-6
The daughter became cruel, their children were thirsting and starving, who feed little are desolate and who raised in scarlet embrace dunghills, punishment greater thatn sodom.  ( we will tend to teach our children what we know - they need to be able to learn good ways even though we may not be able to teach them good ways. Where we grow up helps determine choices we make sometimes. WE need to look for God no matter our circumstances.

4:7-8
Nazarites description:
Purer than snow, whiter than milk, rudder than rubies and looked blue when shined. Their faces were blacker than coal and their skin lung to their bones.

GEM - When we live righteously, our lives will be better than if we choose sin

GEM - When we sin our spirits become dim, but repentance can make us shiny again

5
Their inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens.  Orphans and fatherless, with their mothers as widows .  They  buy our water and wood. They  work without  rest. They  have given to the  Egyptians and Assyrians but have no bread for ourselves. Paying for the sins of our fathers. Their lives are in constant peril. Their children are being killed and they are dying. Why has God forsaken theme or so long> They are ready ready for their hearts to be turned to HIm.

Feast for 21 March through 25 March 2016

* Isaiah 54-57
Names for Christ in the block of scripture:
"Lord of Hosts," "Redeemer," "Holy One of Israel," "God of the whole earth"

Summary of Isaiah 54:1-3- Handout from "The Kindgoms of Israel and Judah at a Glance." Isaiah witnessed the scattering of the Northern Kingdom because of wickedness, prophesied that Juadh would be conquered because of wickedness, saw that after being gathered again there would be growth.

Video from LDS Gospel Library:
President Hinckley: "Bring Back Those Who are Lost" - Isaiah 54:1-3 (1:11)

Isaiah 54:4-5
Israel would forget it's shame from unfaithfulness - "the shame of thy youth" and. 'The reproach of thy widowhood," he describes Israel's condition of separation from her close covenant relationship with the Lord.

Isaiah 54:7-10 
The Lord describes His relationship with Israel as a marriage- He is the husband and Israel is the wife.
The Lord would gather them with great mercies, show everlasting kindness and mercy for them, no more floods (as in Noah's day) would come, and kindness wouldn't depart.

Elder Holland quote:
"Surely the thing God enjoys most about being God is the thrill of being merciful, especially to those who don't expect it and oftener feel they don't deserve it"

GEM - THE LORD IS MERCIFUL AND SEEKS TO GATHER BACK TO HIM THOSE WHO HAVE SINNED


Video from LDS Gospel Library:
Elder Holland: "Coe Unto Christ" - Isaiah 55:1-7 (1:27)

Isaiah 55:7
The Lord "will abundantly pardon" means He will fully forgive us.

Elder Anderson Quote:
"When we sin, we turn away from God. When we repent, we turn back toward God.
"The invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a loving appeal to turn around and to "re-turn" toward God"

GEM - IF WE RETURN TO THE LORD, THEN HE WILHAVE MERCY ON US

Isaiah 55:8-9
The Lord's ways are not man's ways.

GEM -  THE LORD IS ALL-KNOWING AND HIS WAYS ARE PERFECT

Isaiah 57:13

The blessings we receive when we trust in the Lord are that we will inherit His Holy Mountain.

* Isaiah 58
This chapter has two Scripture Masteries in it.

Isaiah 58:13-14 (Scripture Mastery)
Sabbath day and high places

Bishop Dennis talked about the words Elder Bednar spoke when visiting with the local priesthood leadership and missionaries last week. Elder Bednar said, "the Temple he church built and protects - the lord allows us to protect the sabbath"
Sustaining means support and do what is asked of us.

Sacred ordinance are saving ordinances.

Temple - consecrated, dedicated, holy, and saving ordinances are performed there. It is a sanctuary or safe place.

Sabbath - consecrated, dedicated, holy, and saving ordinances are performed then. It is a tie to learn and be taught. It is 24 hours - not just a three-hour block.

Isaiah 58:6-7 (Scriptures Mastery) 

Law of the Fast

Sabrina explained how to fast.
     start with a prayer, and have a purpose, then close with a prayer.

Fast Offering is money you would have spent on two meals for you and/or your family during the 24-hr period.


* Isaiah 59-66
The paragraph symbol is used many times in Isaiah and it lets us know Isaiah is either clarifying was he has just spoken or he is clarifying something he has previously said somewhere else. (this symbol is usually regularly throughout the scriptures)
Isaiah prophesied or events that would occur in the last days, also during and after the millennium.

Word to know:
Intercessor   someone who intervenes to help settle difference between two people or groups.

We don't have to commit a grievous or even not-so-grievous sin to stop feeling the spirit. If we stop  doing the basic things (reading our scriptures, praying, acting on promptings from the spirit, attending our Sunday meetings, and our weekday church activities, going to the Temple, etc.) we will lose th Spirit from lack of nourishment. Our physical bodies need nourishment to live. Our Spirit needs spiritual nourishment to live.

Isaiah 65:17
We don't remember the pre-existence because their is a spiritual veil over our minds.

Isaiah 59:1-2
"The Lord's Hand is not chortened" = the Lord's power to save has not decreased.

Isaiah 59:3-4,7
The people had committed many sins . . .
     Defiled with blood, fingers with iniquity, lives spoken lies, tongue muttered perverseness, none  
     called for justice, none pleaded truth, trusted in vanity, conceive mischief, feet run to evil, she'd
     innocent blood, thoughts of iniquity, wasting and destruction in their paths.

GEM - WHEN WE SIN, WE SEPARATE  OURSELVES FROM GOD

Isaiah 59:16
The Lord saw that His people needed an intercessor so He became that. 

Isaiah 59:20
The Savior's roll as our Redeemer was that He purchased our sins with His blood through the Atonement.

GEM - IF WE REPENT OF OUR SINS, THEN THE LORD WILL INTERCEDE FOR US AND REDEM US.

Isaiah 63:1-3
The red color of he Savior's garments represents the blood of the wicked who will be destroyed  when justice is poured out upon them at the Second Coming and the Millennium. It can also remind the righteous of the blood He shed on their behalf.

DURING THE MILLENNIUM THE LORD'S EOPLE WILL ENJOY HAPPINESS, PEACE, AND PROSPERITY. 

* Jeremiah 1-6
Things they hope to accomplish - graduation, and have success in life.

Jeremiah 1:4-5

Melany -  "He knew everyone"

True to the Faith
foreordination - applies to ll members

The Lord will prepare us if we are righteous.

Jeremiah 2:13
Two evils:   forsake Him                     Broken cistern

RaeLynn - "you need water like you need Jesus"

Most temples have fountains. Fountains are like living water -Christ is living water.

Jeremiah 3:12-13
Transgressed against God, backsliding.

Elder Holland: "We can change if we really want to"



 

Feast week of 14 March through 18 March 2016

* Isaiah 42-47
Children of Israel has two choices:
Trust in the Lord             OR                 Worship false gods

Messiah means the anointed

42:5-7
created heavens and spread them.

42:5
Spread forth the earth
Gave breath to people

42:6
Hold thine hand
Give light to Gentiles

42:7
 - Open blind eyes
 - Bring out prisoners
D&C 138:18-19, 30-31
 - Son of God appears in spirit prison and preached
 - commissioned of Jesus

42:16-17
 - bring the spiritually  blind by the way
 - lead them
 - make darkness light
 - crooked things straight
 - false god cause shame
Those who hearken to Christ will be healed spiritually.

43:1-5
 - created thee
 - formed thee
 - redeemed thee
 - loved thee 
 - with thee

**** Problems the students feel they have today:
     procrastination
     school
     laziness
     time
     priorities
     
44:9-10
Make graven image

44:14-20
Heweth down trees to make idols
make bread
eyes shut of knowledge and understanding

By working false gods we break off the spirit from us.


* Isaiah 48-50 
The first full chapter of Isaiah that the prophet Nephi quoted in the book of Mormon. He stated his reason for reading Isaiah to his brethren was so that he "might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their redeemer."

Some definitions from these chapters:
Sinew- a tendon which connects muscle to bone
Graven - to cut or carve something into an object so the imprint remains there permanently.
Redeem - to buy back or to deliver from captivity
Atonement - describes the setting "at one" of those who have been estranged and denotes the reconciliation of man to god. Sin is the cause of the estrangement. It is conditional, so far as each person's individual sins are concerned, and touches every one to the degree that he has faith in Jesus Christ, repents of his sins, and obeys the gospel.

 48:1, 4-5, 8
v. 1 - "Waters of Judah" refers to baptism.
Words or phrases symbolizing rebellion:
v. 4 - "an iron sinew," "brass brow," prideful people will not bend their neck in humility
v. 8 - "you hardest not," "thou knewest not,"
v. 5 - Why did he say he prophesied of events before they happen?  so the Israelites could not attribute the Lord's act to their graven images

48:9-15
The Lord told the people: "despite your wickedness, I will not abandon you."

 48:17-19
Isaiah used a river as a symbol of peace because usually rivers move calmly and running water can be soothing.
We pondered times when we hearkened to the Lord and had peace.

48:22
The wicked do not feel peace.

GEM - IF WE HEARKEN TO THE LORD'S COMMANDMENTS, THEN WE WILL HAVE PEACE

Isaiah 49
Isaiah warns the Israelites of being scattering in the future.

 49:14
They are referred to as "Zion" in this instance. They felt as though the Lord had forsaken and forgotten them.  However He had already told them He would not abandon them.
The Lord won't for any of us because He has engraved us in the palms of His hands through the crucifixion.

 49:16
Isaiah prophesied that in the latter days, the descendant of Israel would gather in great numbers. V.22-23 specifically Gentiles/non-Israelite people will assist in the  process and all people will now that He is the Savior and redeemer.

GEM - THE LORD LOVES, AND HE WILL NEVER FORGET US


50:1
(We wrote 3 Nephi 20:38 in the margin by this scripture and vise verse)

When something is sold it belongs to the person who bought the item. Through the Atonement, the Savior purchased  our souls with His blood. [1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Peter 1:18-19]  When we sin we may feel like the Savior has sold us or that He may not want us anymore. This is not true because He always wants us to return.
The Lord said, "For your iniquities have ye sold yourselves" and He meant that He had not sold them nor forsaken them but they had sold themselves into captivity by their actions.

GEM - WHEN WE SIN, WE SELL OURSELVES INTO CAPTIVITY

50:2
"When we sin, we sell ourselves for taught" means that sinning trades our freedom and happiness for something of no real value

 50:4-7
The Savior's willingness to endure the suffering involved with the Atonement is evidence of His commitment to us. At one point He asked for the cup to be removed from Him , but nevertheless not His will but Heavenly Father's will be done. Every thing He ever did was by choice for us.

GEM - THE SAVIOR HAS THE POWER TO REDEEM US BECAUSE OF HIS ATONEMENT

* Isaiah 51-52 
People make it hard to be righteous.

51:1-2
The Lord's counsel: hearken to me follow after righteousness seek the Lord.

Abrahamic Covenant - his future generations would be blessed.
As we remember our covenants and keep them . . . baptism, sacrament, remember Savior daily

GEM - AS WE REMEMBER OUR COVENANTS AND KEEP THEM, THE LORD WILL BLESS US AND COMFORT US 

Mason said,"All I need is the Lord."

Ignore when people try to mock and make fun of us. We can invite the Lord in our life by loving God's laws. if we respect commandments we'll keep them.

52:1-2 put on thy strength

GEM - WHEN WE REPENT AND COME UNTO THE LORD, HE WILL REDEEM US FROM OUR SINS 

Be that "runner' from the battlefield - be a missionary - stand tall and keep the commandments.

* Isaiah 53

Contains a prophecy of the Atonement.

Definitions from the chapter: comeliness pleasing in appearance, attractive; despise look down on with contempt or disrespect; esteem respect or affection; acquaint know personally. I also read the definition of Devil from the sealed portion of the Scriptures, which is, the Bible Dictionary and gave each them a copy of it for themselves. 

Isaiah 53

Asks two questions to begin with.

53:1

1. Who hath believe our report? We need to examine whether we believe in the testimony of he Prophet concerning the redeeming mission of Jesus Christ.

2. To whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? Consider whether you have experienced the redemptive power of the Savior's Atonement.

Quote 

President Joseph Fielding Smith:

Explaining: "no beauty that we should desire Him"

"There was nothing about [Jesus] so cause people to single Him out. In appearance He was like men; and so it is expressed here by the prophet that he had no form or comeliness, that is, he was not so distinctive, so different from others that people would recognize Him as the Son of God. He appeared as a mortal man"

We watched the LDS tools Old Testament video: 

"Isaiah Prophesied of Christ" (4:51)

We discussed the video. . .

GEM - JESUS CHIST BORE OUR GRIEFS AND CARRIED OUR SORROWS 

 

Quote

Elder David A. Bednar 

Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

"There is no physical pain, no spiritual wound, no anguish of soul or heartache, no infirmity or weakness you or I ever confront in morality that the Saior did not experience first. In a moment of weakness we may cry out, "No one knows what it is like. No one understands. 'But the Son of God perfectly knows and understands,  for He has felt and borne our individual burdens. And because of His infinite and eternal sacrifice (see Alma 34:14), He has perfect empathy and can extend to us His arm of mercy. He can reach out, touch, succor, heal, and strengthen us."

(this quote is also on a YouTube video titled: "Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease" (1:25)

We talked about the quote. . .

 

GEM - JESUS CHRIST SUFFERED FOR THE TRANSGRESSIONS AND INIQUITIES OF ALL SO THAT WE CAN BE FORGIVEN AND HEALED

We watched another LDS tools Old Testament video: 

President James E. Faust "Incomparable Atonement" (1:35)

We discussed the video. . . 

53:10

Jesus accomplished the Atonement for His seed (which is all those who believe the testimony of th prophets concerning His mission as the Redeemer).

* Flex Day

Scripture Mastery Bingo

Feast for 7 March through 11 March 2016

* Isaiah 17-23 We are going to see Isaiah's prophecy of the scattering of the Israel, the Ensign (which is the gospel) being raised up in the beginning of he last. Dispensation, the church's role in gathering Israel. Isaiah 17 We see a message of doom for Damascus, which is the capital of Syria) and for the Northern Kingdom of Israel. These two nations will be conquered by the Assyrian army, ad the Lord will rebuke the Assyrians and others who oppress Israel. Isaiah 18:1-3 V. 1 Where is the land Isaiah's talking about? > beyond Ethiopia in Cush. (The word Woe here may be a greeting). President Joseph Fielding Smith said a possible interpretation of "the land shadowing with wings" is a reference to the Americas. Here's how Isaiah's imagery relates to the restored Church? > land-the Americas where the restoration began > Ambassadors and messengers-can refer to apostles and missionaries who travel all over the world to spread the gospel. > ensign-a flag or banner armies gather around for barrel > trumpet-the latter day call to gather to the restored Church of Jesus Christ Isaiah 18:4-8 The lord used imagery to describe the destruction of the wicked and gathering of the righteous. Isaiah 18:7 What are the people to bring gate Lord? > a gift Background for 18:7 "The Saints are so determined to offer to the Lord a worthy gift of gathered Israel that, as the Prophet Joseph smith said, they 'have labored without pay, to instruct the United States [and now the world] that the gathering had commenced in the western boundaries of Missouri, to build a holy city, where, as may be seen in the eighteenth chapter of Isaiah, the present should "be brought unto the Lord of Hosts."' Mount Zion is identified i modern revelation as the New Jerusalem. Thus,once the Church s restored and Ephraim begins the work of gathering Israel fro their scattered and peeled condition . . . ., they can present a restored house of Jacob to the Lord as a gift that will delight Him. "The Jerusalem bible renders the phrase i Isaiah 18, 'a people terrible from their beginning,' as 'the nation always feared'; and it renders the phrase 'whose land the rivers have spoiled' as 'the country criss-crossed with rivers.' These passages seem to refer to America, where the Restoration was to take place" What would be most meaningful to the Lord? Isaiah 19 Summary- Isaiah prophesied of Egypt being smitten because of their idol worship and evil practices but they would eventually recognize their need for the Lord and turbot Him. GEM - TRUSTING IN OUR OWN STRENGTH INSTEAD OF TRUSTING IN GOD CAN LEAD US INTO SIN AND ULTIMATELY TO DESTRUCTION Isaiah 20-21 Summary- Other wicked nations would be destroyed. 2 Kings 19:32-35 Here we see that they will not be spared by the Babylonian army more than a century later. Isaiah 22:1-7 V.1 What did the people think they could depend on for protection from the Babylonian army? > weapons, fortifications that the city wall and Hezekiah's tunnel (conduit for water being diverted into the city from outside the city) > they forgot God. V.2 What did the Lord want the people to do? > repent Isaiah 22:8-14 V.13 How did the people respond? > they procrastinated their repentance (2 Nephi 28:8 - They believe they can do whatever they want.) ***Why do you think Satan is successful in promoting this idea that people are entitled to seek pleasure and commit sin without being concerned about the consequences of their actions? Background on 22:22-25 "Isaiah made a symbol of Shebna's replacement, Eliakim. His name means God shall cause to arise.' anticipating the Savior, who holds the 'key of the house of David' but was fastened 'as a nail in a sure place' until the burden of the Atonement was complete. Upon Him rests 'all the glory of his father's ouse.' Isaiah recommended depending on Him for everlasting security. "The 'nail in a sure place' is messianic and symbolizes the terrible reality of the cross, though only a part of the total suffering of the lord that caused Him to 'tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit'. Just as the nail of the cross that was driven in the sure place, for He has given them power so that none need be lost. As Christ brings the redeemed to the father, the glory becomes His own, and he redeemed to the father, the glory becomes part of the family of heaven under the throne of Christ." Isaiah 23 Summary Isaiah prophesied that the coastal city of tre, located in modern-day Lebanon, would slap be destroyed. GEM - WE CAN BE SAVED ONL IF WE ABANDON THE THINGS OF THE WORLD AND FOLLOW THE SAVIOR. GEM - JESUS CHRIST HOLD THE KEY OF THE HOUSE OF DAVID AND THE KEYS OF SALVATION FOR ALL MANKID * Isaiah 24-28 Has the Lord ever asked us to wait for something? Finish High School, finish College, opportunities, answers, marriage, children Isaiah 24 We see the destruction of the wicked at the 2nd Coming. Isaiah 25:1-5 We see the celebrating of righteousness. What has the Lord been to the people? > I will praise thy name > strong people glorify thee > strength in the storm > shadow from the heap > strength to the poor Isaiah 6-8 We see what the Lord does: > feast of fat things > feast of wines on lees > swallow up death with comfort Isaiah 25:9 People will say in the millennium > this is the Lord - I've been waiting GEM - IF WE WAIT FOR THE LORD, THEN WE CAN RECEIVE HIS SALVATIOIN AND REJOICE Elder Robert D. Hales said: "In the the scriptures, the word wait means to hope, to anticipate, and to trust. To hope and trust in the Lord requires faith, patience, humility, meekness, long-suffereing, keeping the commandments, and enduring to the end." Isaiah 26-27 Isaiah testifies that we can trust in the Lord forever Isaiah 28:10-13 Talks of apostasy Joseph Smith: "We should have wisdom a little at a time." (Like going up a ladder one rung at a time) Isaish 28:15-16 Chidlren of Israel didn't think they needed God. Build on a stone: > a tried stone > precious corner stone > a sure foundation * Isaiah 29 Prophecy of the Book of Mormon The Great Apostacy is referred to in Isaiah 29:9-10 as when the Lord withdrew the authority and keys of His priesthood from the earth. He said it would occur after the death of the Savior and His Apostles and over time people would change many gospel principles and ordinances, and alter the organization of the Savior's Church. Why are there so many different Christina churches if they all believe in the Bible? > they all interpret the Bible and Christ's doctrine differently How can we know the Lord's true doctrine when there are so many ways io interpret the Bible? > Isaiah 29 prophecies and supports the Book of Mormon. GEM - DURING A PERIOD GREAT APOSTASY, PEOPLE WERE WITHOUT DIVINE DIECTION FROM LIVING PROPHETS AND APOSTLES Isaiah 29:1-14 The Lord said He would deliver the truth to the unlearned to overcome the effects of the Apostasy. The unlearned he spoke of was Joseph Smith. The Marvelous work and wonder Isaiah prophesied about is the Book of Mormon President Russell M. Nelson said: "Isaiah foresaw that do would do 'a marvellous work and a wonder' in the latter days . . . . That marvelous work would include the coming forth of the Book of Mormon nod the Restoration of the gospel." GEM - THE RESTORATION OF THE GOSPEL, INCLUDING THE COMING FORTH OF THE BOOK OF MORMON, IS A MARVELOUS WORK THAT CORRECTS FALSE TEACHINGS AND COUNTERS THE WISDOM OF THE WORLD Isaiah 29;15-17 The Book of Mormon would come forth when people seek to hide their works from God, and don't acknowledge His hand in their lives. Isaiah 29:22-24 V.22 Jacob's posterity in the latter days (the"house of Jacob" is the lord's covenant people - us) V.23 "fear the God of Israel" means to ave reverence and respect for God and HIs covenants, not be scared to death of Him. GEM - IF WE STUDY THE BOOK OF MORMON, IT CAN HELP UP TO HAVE JOYM REVERE GOD, AND UNDERSTAND TRUE DOCTRINE * Isaiah 30-35 Following "For the Strength of Youth" will help you be and stay worthy of entering the Temple. 30:1-3,7 Tells how the people rebelled: - they trust in Pharoah more than God Melany was reminded of Lot's wife turning to salt. 30:9-11 The parents are teaching children, but not righteous things. Elder Holland Quote: "Unfortunately, messengers of divinely mandated commandments are often no more popular today than they were in anciently. . . . "Sadly enough, . . . It is a characteristic of our age that if people want any gods at all, they want them to be gods who do not demand much, comfortable gods, smooth gods who not only don't rock the boat but don't even row it, gods who pat us on the head, make us giggle, then tell us to run along and pick marigolds" 30:12-14 If we continue to reject God we get punished. Melany: "If you're not following the prophet then you aren't really following anything." 30:15 Repentance brings safety - repentance will save us. 32-33 Something to think about . . . If you were to stand in front of God would you feel worthy? 32 - Prophecy of millenial reign of Jesus Christ 33:10-13 Prophecies of wicked people 33:14 Estuardo said: "People will "freak out" at the Second Coming" 33:15-16 Melany said it reminds her of the 3 monkeys: "see no evil, speak no evil, and hear no evil" President Uchtdorf said he keeps a pocket-sized copy of For the Strength of Youth right next to his Temple Recommend. This way he knows that if he is following it to his best abilities he is worthy of entering the Temple. * Isaiah 36-41 Learning how to build trust in the Lord. 36-39 Isaiah told the people of Judah they would be saved form the Assyrian army if they trusted the Lord. They followed the counsel and were spared, but then Isaiah prophesied the Babylonians would eventually capture and plunder Jerusalem. 40:1-2 Isaiah's purpose was to comfort the people by prophesying of the coming of Christ. 40:3-5 We were taught that we need to prepare for the Second Coming, remembering who prepared and taught the people about Jesus original coming prior to Jesus' baptism. > John the baptist. Isaiah used imagery to represent the Lord and man in the following scriptures. 40:6-8 the grass > the people; flower > leading to Christ 40:10-11 the Lord will the lead the people as a shepherd 40:12-15 balance us in His hands and the people are as a drop in a bucket 40:22-25 the people weren't rooted until the knew Christ.

Feast for 29 February through 4 March 2016

* Isaiah 1-2 Background on Isaiah - served as prophet for 40 years and is the most quoted prophetic scriptures. Parallelism - Heaven and earth listen. Imagery - v.3 1:5-9 Compares to bad Israelites 1:13-15 The Lord doesn't bless our grudging actions. 2:1-5 temples are established no fighting between nations * Isaiah 3-5 v.1-7 physical destruction and spiritual death Melany: "don't be a farmer" Nathan:"I try not to pay attention to my feelings and go with what's right" * Isaiah 6-9 First of all, up to this point Isaiah is not a prophet. 6:1-4 - v.1 Isaiah saw God, and he also saw the Lord's train filed the entire room. He saw a six-winged seraphim which was an angelic being (part human). 6:5 - He felt unclean in the presence of the Lord because he was overwhelmed by the sins of the people. 6:6-7 - Coal was taken as a symbol of cleansing. The seraphim said that Isaiah's sins were symbolic of peoples' sins and he had to be purged from those sins. 6:8 - Isaiah called to be prophet. 6:9-10 - The people rejected the message? they made their hearts fat and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes (they hardened their heart) 6:13 - Teil trees (this is an old names for lime trees that stand alone in a a ravine or on a hill), Abloom was hanging from an oak tree. GEM - AS WE ARE FORGIVEN OR OUR SINS, WE BECOME MORE WILLING TO DO WHAT GOD ASKS US 7:3; 8:1; 8:18 - Isaiah named his sons Shear-jashub and Maher-shalal-hash-baz (which is the longest word in the scriptures). Their names mean: Maher-shalal-hash-baz - (1)to speed to the spoil (destruction) (2) he hastens (3)destruction is imminent Shear-jashub - The remnant shall return. Isaiah - (1) The Lord is salvation (2) Jehovah saves Isaiah 9:12,17,21 Isaiah repeated the phrase > "His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still." This means God punishes for our wrong doings but also gives mercy trough the Atonement. If the people would turn to Him He was available to them. GEM - IF WE REPENT, THE LORD IS WILLING TO EXTEND HIS MERCY TO US AND FORGIVE US GEM - THE JUSTICE OF GOD DEMANDS PUNISHMENT FOR SIN, BUT THE ATONEMENT BRINGS THE PLAN OF MERCY TO APPEASE THE DEMANDS OF JUSTICE * Isaiah 10-16 During the Millennium Satan will be retrained. Ensign - an everlasting covenant in this dispensation. Joseph Smith restored the gospel. 11:11-12 Stem - House of Jesse (Jesus Christ)(Jesus was of the House of David) Rod - a servant (Joseph Smith) Roots - descendent of Jesse GEM - THE RESTORED CHURCH IS AN ENSIGN TO GATHER THE SCATTERED ISRAEL BACK TO THE GOEPSL OF JESUS CHRIST 13 - a similitude of the 2nd Coming GEM - WHEN THE LORD COMES AGAIN HE WILLD DESTROY THE WICKED, AND BE MERCIFUL TO HIS PEOPLE AND GIVE THEM REST

Feast for 22 February through 26 February 2016

* Psalm 119, 127, 140, 144, 141, 143, 144, 145 Psalm 119 There are 8 verses for each of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Precepts are commandments or teachings.Synonymous for God's words:testimonies, statues, last or ordinances, ways. Quiver- holds arrows for an archer. In this psalm: Blessed means happy. Undefiled means we are free of sin. The word is hidden in his heart. He will meditate and eight in the statutes, not forgetting. Symbolic expressions are riches, gold , sliver, and fine gold; Counsellor; path of commandment; statutes are songs; sweeter than honey; lamp unto my feet. GEM - As we study the word of God, we ca receive guidance for our lives Psalm 127 Vanity can cause us to be up late and was to sleep sleep sleep - it is synonymous with selfishness. Children are like arrows in a quiver for an archer. GEM - Children are gifts from God and can bring great peace Psalm 140 David asks for deliverance, to be preserved, and kept. GEM - As we pray with sincerity and truth, H will be near us Psalm 141 He doesn't want to e inclined to do evil. Psalm 142 He wants the Lord to be his refuge, to attend and deliver him, and to bring his soul out of prison. GEM - If we love God, He will spiritual preserve us Psalm 143 "Cause him to hear;" "Cause hims to know;" "Deiver him" Psalm 144 He doesn't want to be around children whoa re vain or lie. Psalm 145 The Lord is with those wo pray to Him. He preserves the good and destroys the wicked. * For our Flex Day we played Bible Apples to Apples * Proverbs 1-9 Many brief but wise statements on how to live a good life are in Proverbs. Some are attributed to Solomon. He was considered an author of many of the proverbs. think of Proverbs as a library of the wisdom of the Israelites. Some of the are deeply spiritual, but some don't rise above worldly wisdom. Many of them come from oral traditions that existed before Solomon''s time. Proverbs 1:1-4 Purpose of proverbs is to provide wisdom, instruction and understanding. Fear or reverence for the Lord is beginning of knowledge. President David O. McKay "Reverence is profound respect mingled with love . . . . [One writer] says it is 'the highest of human feelings' . . . . "Reverence embraces regard, deference, honor, and esteem" Proverbs 1:7 It is possible to have knowledge with out wisdom because Knowledge is something we gain and Wisdom is how we use the knowledge. GEM - Reverence for the Lord and His teachings will cause us to gain knowledge and wisdom President David O. McKay "Gaining knowledge is one thing, and applying it [is] quite another. Wisdom is the right application of knowledge, and true education - the education for which the Church stands - is the application of knowledge to the development of a noble and Godlike character" GEM - It we seek wisdom, then we can avoid sin and enjoy happiness and peace Proverbs 3:5-7 We should rust the Lord will all our heart. Elder Richard G. Scott "Our Father in Heaven has invited you to express your needs, hopes, and desires unto Him. That should not be done in a spirit of negotiation, but rather as a willingness to obey His will no matter what direction that takes. His invitation, 'Ask, and ye shall receive' does not assure that you will get what you want. It does guarantee that if worthy, you will get what you need, as judges by a Father that loves you perfectly, who wants your eternal happiness even more than do you" GEM - If we trust in the lord with all our heart, then He will direct our paths Proverbs 6:16-19 The six things the Lord hates . . . a proud look, a lying tongue, shedding innocent blood, wished heart, swift to do mischief, soweth discord. * Proverbs 10-31 the class gave ultra mini lessons: ESTUARDO 11:17 Doing good gives peace. 11:19 Pursue righteousness. The W.O.W. will keep us healthy. Follow the Lord and don't be prideful. HAILEY 12:22 Don't lie. 28:13 Sinning causeth not to prosper. NATHAN 17:17-22 Dn't search for fights. Negativity can such the life out of us. 23:7 As we think, that is how we are. EMILY 13:7, 20 All riches don;t necessarily make us rich. 29:18 If we deep the commandments we can be happy. MASON 18:10-12 Lord is always there for us. 24:1-2 Don't be envious. MELANY 20:1 Winde is bad. RAE LYNN 22:6 Train up s child to do what's right. 30:5 Word of God is pure. Trust God. CINDY 10:4 A person can be poor because of hard work and laziness. 25:21-22 Be kind to enemies and be blessed. SABRINA 15:26 Thoughts of doing wicked are begins of doing wicked things. 21:25 Work is important. 27:1-2 We don't know what tomorrow will bring. Wisdom is more valuable than riches - family, Lord, love. Proverbs 31:10 A virtuous woman. Clean thoughts. Emily - "the Lord is always listening and watching." President Packer - "Your mind is like a stage win a theatre." * Ecclesiastes; Song of Solomon Ecclsisates is a Greek translation of the Hebrew Koheleth, which means preacher. It contains reflections on some of the deepest problems in life. The author describes himself as "son of David, King of Jerusalem." It seems to permeate with pessimistic flavr but must be read in light of it's "worldly point of view" Vanity in this book means "transitory" or fleeting." Everything is temporary - nothing is permanent. The most spiritual part of this book is chapter 11 and 12. 1:1-3 In life everything is temporary. 1:8 We never have enough of anything. "All is vanity" and "under the sun" = everything is empty, temporary or meaningless using mortality. 2:1-3 The preacher pursued amusement, pleasure and laughter through drinking. 2:11 HIs works were in vain - to no avail. 3:1-8 To everything there is a season. 11:9-10 Be careful of your choices. walk away from sin. 12:1-7 Everyone dies and will decay and return to the earth. Death quote: "Death does not change our personality or our desires for good or evil. Those who chose to obey God in this life live in state of happiness, peace, and rest from troubles and care. Those who chose not to obey in this life and did not repent live in state of unhappiness. In the spirit world the gosple is preached to those who did not obey the gospel or did not have the opportunity to hear it while on the earth. We remain in he spirit world until we are resurrected. GEM - Although we experience physical death, our spirits continue to live and will return to God Song of Solomon Joseph Smith Translation: It is uninspired. Elder Bruce R. McConkie said of Song of Solomon: "It is Biblical Trash"

Feast 16 February through 19 February 2016

* Job
The Book of Job narrates the afflictions that came to a righteous man and discusses the moral problems such sufferings present. It doesn't entirely answer the question as to why Job or anyone might suffer the loss of his/her goods. It is clear that affliction doesn't mean a person has sinned. It suggests that affliction may be for experience, discipline and/or instruction, and not for punishment. Job's assurance that the resurrection and his testimony of the Redeemer are one of the hight points of the book. It was essential for Job to have a correct knowledge of God, and know that his life course was acceptable to God. We see his unfailing faith in his statement, "Though He slaps me, 'yet I will trust Him."
Job was a wealthy man, but when he lost everything - instead of cursing God h tore his clothes, shaves his head, and  worshipped.

We watched the Bible stories video of Job.
Here are the highlights of Job . . .
Job 1
Word or phrase that describes Job - perfect (faith) and upright. He feared ad avoided evil. Satan said if God removed the protection around Job - Job would curse God. God gave Satan reign to do whatever h wanted to Job except harming Job.

Job 2
Job curses that day he was born. His wife encourages him to "curse God and die." His friends - Eliphaz (Tamanite), Bildad (Shuhite), and Zophar (Naamathite), came to mourn with Job and comfort him 7 days and 7 nights.

GEM - We can choose to have with in God even in the midst of our trials

Job 8-13
Eliphaz: you must have sinned.
Bildad: you must have done something wrong, God helps the good.
Zohar: you say you're good but God sees to be punishing you for something. Did you sin? He is confused about the trials. Job will always trust God.

GEM - Trials and difficulties come to the righteous as well as the wicked,  and we may not know why - we must continue to trust the Lord

Job 17-19
Job thinks he is getting ready to die when he is cursed with boils. He asks how much longer? He says, "my friends are grossed out to look at me." "After my skin the worms destroy this body - in the grave"

GEM - Because of Jesus' resurrection we will be resurrected and this knowledge can give us hope during our trials

Job 23
If we turn to the Lord in our afflictions, then . . . He strengthens us.
Our trials can . . . refine us.
Our trials can  . . . soften our heart.

GEM - If we turn to the Lord during trials, then He will strengthen us, refine and purify us, and help soften our hearts

Job 38
V.3 - The Lord asked Job to answer Him. To consider where he was during the creation of the earth and who created the earth. Who were the "sons of God?" The council in Heaven. Job acknowledged that God knows all things and is all powerful; that he had heard of Him but now could see Him. Job was greatly blessed with more than he had before, including 10 ore children.

GEM - We lived with Heavenly Father before birth and rejoiced for His plan of happiness
             
             Remaining faithful during our trials will help Heavenly Father bless us according to His           
             will

** Psalms [Part 1 - (1, 9, 22:7-8, 16, 18; 31:5; 34:20; 69:21); 23)]
Psalms at the top of the page simply means a group of songs or poems.
Psalm and the beginning of each chapter means the individual poem or song.
Selah - (1) an ancient capital of Edomites. Afterwards known as Petra. (2) A musical term that occurs 71 times in the book of Psalms.
Rod - a shepherd's Rod was a club approximately 3 ft. Long with a knob on one end and was used to beet away wolves.
Staff - sometimes a rod, is longer and was used for walking, resting, or for guiding the sheep
Shepherd's Crook - not only does th Shepherd's crook serve as a walking stick, but it may also serve a significant function because it is normally wide enough to fit around the neck of a sheep or goat, allowing a herder to catch a animal that is trying and reroute them in a different direction.
Reading and pondering Psalms can bring you closer to God and help you feel His love

Psalm 1
Blessed is the and that delights in the law of the Lord.

Psalm 9
Will praise the Lord with his whole heart and rejoice. Those that know God's name and trust Him will not be stranded by God. The Lord will strengthen us.

Psalm 22:1, 7-8, 16, 18;  31:5;  34:20;  69:21 (the events leading up to the Crucifixion of Christ. We watched the video of the Crucifixion from Bible videos)
What are your feelings about the video? Keep in mind that although tradition was that the legs were broken to insure the prisoner was dead, Jesus' legs were not broken because He was the Lamb without blemish.

GEM - Prophesies of Jesus Christ's suffering and death were given before He was born and have been fulfilled.


Psalm 23 -  The Lord is My Shepherd
1-4 Teaches how the lord can help us when we experience difficulties. This is widely regarded as one of the most beloved scripture passages in the Bible. It is a poem with vivid images and symbols. The Lord if compared to a Shepherd. He taketh me to lie down in green pastures, leadeth me beside still waters, restoreth my soul, leadeth me in path of righteousness.
5-6  Jesus changes from shepherd to host as He "prepares a table before me" "anointed my head with oil" "my cup runneth over"

GEM - If we trust in the Lord, He will lead and care for us

* Esther
Becomes queen and pleads for the Jews to be protected basically.

* Psalms 24, 33, 51

Psalm 24
Be worthy to go to the temple. Pure heart means good intentions as well.
Elder Bednar: "The atonement provides cleansing and redeeming"

The natural man is an enemy of God. Natural man is the lustful side ion man.

Palm 33
Love of God and the creation of earth.

Psalm 51
Good - David became king, played the harp, killed the Goliath,was a shepherd.
Bad -  murdered Bathsheba's husband by sending him to the front lines during war. Laid with Bathsheba after lusting for her.
We will be in our prime in the spirit world.

 A broken heart and a contrite spirit is the ultimate repentance.

Feast 8 February through 12 February

Is it possible for the Lord to inspire someone who is to a member of the church to accomplish His purposes?
Ezra -is an account of two groups of jews returning from Babylon to Jerucalsm. It's important not to repeat sins of previews generations. Ezra is written as a 1st person memoir. Scholar believe same person wrote 1st & 2nd Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah. Most notable accounts is the completion of temple rebuilding.

* Ezra 1-6
The word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled. What does "the lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus" mean? Cyrus has his men bring river, gold, goods and beasts, and vessels of the house of the Lord to put in the house of his gods.

GEM - The Lord can inspire people, regardless of heir religious background, to accomplish His purposes.

Contains a list of about 50,000 Jewish people  who were 1st returning to Jerusalem . Zerubbabel directed the Jews to 1st rebuild the altar of th e temple then rebuild the rest of the temple many of them contributed time and resources to reconstructing the temple. The builders laid the foundation. The priests had their trumpets. The sons of Asaph had seen the first temple wept with a loud voice and many shouted for joy. The rise was heard far away.

When the Jews returned to Jerusalem. The Samaritans lived nearby and their religion was a mixture of Jewish and Pagan beliefs. (Samaritans are described as 'adversaries of Judah and Benjamin). They wanted to build with the Jews. They didn't want the Samaritan's help. The Samaritan  decided to discourage the people of Judah. The Samaritans tried everything they could to oppose the Jews' efforts. because of their, reconstruction of the temple halted for several years and some Jews lost interest in rebuilding the temple.

Why did the Jews resumed building the temple? Haggai and Zechariah both prophesied that the temple would be rebuilt.
"The eye of their God was upon the elder's of the Jews." Tatnai, the Governor there wrote a letter to king Darius. Darius was not happy. Apparently Cyrus had made s decree for the temple to be rebuilt. Darius ordered cry's record searched for. The decree was found.

GEM - God watches over and helps those who seek to obey Him.

Darius told them to give the men whatever they needed complete the temple. Anyone who went against this- their house was torn apart and they were hennaed. They finished the temple and dedicated it for use. The Jews offered generous sacrifices as part of the dedication of the temple. They celebrated the Passover. God strengthened them n building the temple.

GEM - By following th prophets, we can overcome opposition and prosper in our efforts to obey the Lord.


* Ezra 7-10
Ezra is given treasure because he was qualified to lead (He was a scribe) Tribe of Levi cared for temple. Ezra had the Lord's power.

GEM - As we try our best to follow the Lord we will be blessed.

They fated and rayed before leaving on their journey. In Jerusalem the people had married outside the covenant.

** Always be worthy to enter the temple.

* Nehemiah
>  A cupbearer  was responsible for making sure no one was able to harm a person through his drink.
The name Nehemiah means 'Comfort of the Lord' Nehemiah was a Jew, either a Levite or of Judah. He held he office of "cupbearer" at the court of Artaxerxes. He was a royal commission authorizing him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The Book of Nehemiah is a continuation of Ezra. The Jews regarded these two books as one The contain an account of the progress and difficulties of the work and its final completion. It is divided into four parts. (1) Nehemiah's first visit to Jerusalem and his rebuilding walls, (2) religious and social reforms, (3) lists of names and an account of the dedication of thrall, (4) his second visit after 12 years absence and his further reforms.

Nehemiah learned that the Jews in Jerusalem had great affliction and reproach. The wall was broken down and gates were burned. He sat down, wept, mourned, fasted and prayed. Later Nehemiah offers prayer for the Jews in Jerusalem as well as for Artaxerxes.

The King noticed that Nehemiah wasn't sick but his countenance was sad. The King asked Nehemiah how long he would be gone/ When would he return? Nehemiah asked the King to write letters to the Persian provinces' Governors for them to let Nehemiah go through their lands and provide him with supplies to reeled the calls and gated of the city. Nehemiah annojuced that the people would build up the wall. The people said let us rise. Sanbalilat, Geshem, Tobiah laughed them to scour and despised them.

The Jews had finished the wall because the people had a mind to work.

Nehemiah as inspired to trace the genealogy of the Israelites. If men could not provide records proving they were of the tribe of Levi denied the priesthood. Look for blessings the Jews praised God.

After the Israelites understood th scriptures, they covenanted not to marry outside of Israel and to keep the Sabbath day holy. After the people determined who would live in Jerusalem and who would not the walls of Jerusalem were dedicated. While Nehemiah was away fro Jerusalem for several years, many Jews struggled to keep their covenants. He returned to ep them remove evil influences and reinstate Sabbath observance.

Feast for 5 February through 5 February 2016

* 2 Kings 14-17
14:1-3          Jehoahaz was evil.
14:23-24      Amaziah was evil.
15:1, 3         Azariah was good.
15:8-9         Azariah was evil.
15:17-18     Gad was evil.
15:27-28     Pekah was evil.
15:32-34 Remaliah was good.


We shouldn't do things necessarily to please for something.

Chapter 16
When they did wrong it stuck more so than when they did good.

* 2 Kings 18-20
We had a dialogue between several people - Rab-shakeh, Eliakim, Shebna, Joah, Isaiah, and Hezekiah.

A little background on Eliakim, Rab-shakeh, and Isaiah the prophet . . .

Eliakim- His name means 'God raiseth up.' He is the son of Hilkiah and master of Hezekiah's household . He is representing Hezekiah. HIs name is the original name of Jehoikim, King of Judah.

Rob-shakeh - His name means' chief of the princes,' the name given to the chief cup-bearer or the vizier of the Assyrian court. He is one of Sennacherib's messengers to Hezekiah. He and other envoys returned to three master and reported that Hezekiah and his people were obdurate, and would not submit.

Isaiah - His name means 'The Lord is salvation.' He was a prophet in Jerusalem for 40 yeas. He had great religious and political influence during the reign of Hezekiah, whose chief advisor he was. Tradition states that he was "sawn asunder" during th reign of Manasseh; for that reason he is often represented in art holding a saw.
He is the most quoted of all the prophets. He is more frequently quoted by Jesus, Paul, peter, John, the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants, than any other Old Testament prophet. The Lord told the Nephites, "great are the words of Isaiah," and "that all things Isaiah prophesied regarding the House of Israel and the Gentiles would be fulfilled."
His writings deal with events of his day and our day. Some things have already happened and some need to happen. The bulk of his prophesies deal with the coming of the Redeemer - both His first appearance when He was born, and at His second coming as the great King at the last day.
A major difficulty in understanding his book is his extensive use of symbolism  and his prophetic foresight and literary style. These take many local themes and they extend to latter-day fulfillment or application. Some prophecies are probably fulfilled more than one time and have more than one application.
A reader today has no greater written commentary and guide to understanding him than the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants. As you understand  these works better you will understand him.


We learn that Hezekiah reigned righteously in Jerusalem for 29 years beginning at the age of 25.


* 2 Kings 21-25
Are we good influences on others?

Manasseh, Hezekiah's son, was evil. The people hearkened not to do good. Manasseh seduced the people.

 GEM - Don't be bad. Our choices effect those around us.

The Lord will destroy the bad people in Jerusalem.
Josiah 8 when he became king and reigned 31 years. He was good. He died in battle.


* 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles
1 Chronicles recounts the genealogy in Chronological order, from Adam to the Babylonian Captivity.
2 Chronicles provides history of events form ing Solomon till king Cyrus of Persia allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem.
We learn which kingdom each of the 25 books that follow 1st and 2nd Chronicles go under.

1 Chronicles 2-8
Jacob's sons' lineage.

1 Chronicles 16:7
David  wrote a Psalm to the Lord.

1 Chronicles 16:8-12
Psalm > under United Kingdom of Israel
Proverbs > under United kingdom of Israel

2 Chronicles 1:7-12
Job, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon > under United Kingdom of Israel

Ten Tribes > under Northern Kingdom
Tribes of Judah and Benjamin . under Southern Kingdom

Amos, Jonah, and Hosea > under Northern Kingdom
Joel, Isaiah, and Micah > under Southern Kingdom

Northern Kingdom > under the Captivity in Assyria


GEM - Because of the Lord's compassion for us. He sends prophets to warn us of the consequences of sin

2 Chronicles 36:14-15
Nahum, Zephaniah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Obadiah, and Habakkuk > Southern Kingdom
Southern Kingdom > Captivity in Babylon

2 Chronicles 36:16-20
Lehi > next to Jeremiah > under The Americas

2 Chronicles 36:22-23
Daniel and Ezekiel > Captivity in Babylon
from Captivity in Babylon they go back to Southern Kingdom
Haggai and Zechariah > Southern Kingdom
Esther > Captivity in Babylon
Ezra and  Nehemiah > Southern Kingdom
Malachi > Southern Kingdom

GEM - hose who reject the words of the Prohets will eventually experience the judgements of God.

Feast for 27 January through 29 January 2016

* 1 Kings 11-17
1Kings 11:1-28    Solomon had many wives that were not Israelite women and they turned his heart away from the Lord. Solomon was told that if he didn't rule righteously the Lord would split the kingdom . . .  The kingdom was split.
1 Kings 11:29-31    Ahijah and Jeroboam were together in the field. Ahijah grabbed a piece of Jroboam's clothing and tore it off, then ripped it into 12 pieces. He gave Jeroboam 10 pieces,  Solomon received 1 piece, and Solomon's received 1 piece.
     GEM    If we marry in the covenant, our heart are more likely to turn toward God and we can receive the full blessings of the gospel.

Northern Kingdom
(1 Kings 12:25-14:20)    The temple was on Judah. Jeroboam feared subject would travel south to worship the Lord and would convert. He built places of worship, idols, and feasts, and appointed his son priests and led his people to apostasy. A prophet was ent to warn them. He didn't repent. His son was sick and he sent his wife to Shiloh to the prophet.
1 Kings 14:7-9, 14-16     The lord Rent the kingdom away from the house of Daivid, would bring evil upon the house Jeroboam- who died in the city, the dogs would eat and who died in the field - where the fowls would eat. She was told to go to her own house and when she entered the city her son would die. Her son did die when she returned to the threshold of ther house.
Southern Kingdom
(1 Kings 14:21-31)
1 Kings 14:21-24    Rehoboam began to reign in Judah at age 41, and reigned for 17 years in Jerusalem. Judah did evil in the sight of the Lord Their were Sodomites (male prostitutes).
     GEM    If we turn away from the Lord, then we will lose His promised blessings.

1 Kings 15-16     Jeroboam died and a series of wicked kings, who worshipped false god, reigned in Israel. However when Asa was made King he reigned righteously like his father, David. He removed his mother from being queen. His hear was perfect with the Lord. When he died more unrighteous kings reigned.
1 Kings 17:1-6      Elijah was told to go Eastward and hide by the brook Cherish and drink from it and the Ravens would feed him in the morning and evening. The brook dried up after a while. Elijah was sent to Zarepheth.
1 Kings 17:7-9     He was a widow would give him drink and food. A widow was collecting sticks to feed her and her son, then die as she put it. She only had a handful of meal in a barrel and a little oil in a cruise/job. Elijah asked her to feed him first then feed her and her son and she would have plenty. She obeyed faithfully but was still a little unsure.
1Kings 17:17-24    The widow's son became sick and died,  Elijah brought him back to life. This convinced the widow that Elijah was indeed a "Man of God"/ Prophet.
     GEM    Before we can receive the Lrod's promised blessings, we must first act in faith. As we exercise faith in the Lord's words, we can come to know and testify that His words are true.

* Kings 18-22
Ahab and Jezebel worshipped Baal - Sun-god.
They had a contest 400 Prophets of Baal and 400 Prophets of the groves.
Elijah stones according to 12 tribes. They built 2 fire pits (one with water surrounding it caught fire).
     GEM - The Lord gives us agency th choose to follow Him.
     GEM - The Lord's power is greater than man's power.
Elijah prophecies of rain. They eat 40 days and 40 nights. Horeb is Mr. Sinai. He lodges in a cave and the Lord speaks i still small voice.

* 2 Kings 1-4
Elijah tried to get Elisha to leave so he could die. Elijah is translated like Moses, and Eoch and the city. Spiritual gifts
     GEM - The Lord gives authority to those who are called.
Elisha made the water drinkable. Mama bears ate the 42 young men. Widows's sons and oil.

There is a lot of death in these 9 chapters. (Man of God means the prophet. In addition to Baal being the sun-god, worshipping him was like being possessed.)
* 2 Kings 5-13
2 Kings 5      Naaman the Leper. Elisha the prophet told him to wash 7 times in the River Jordan and he would be clean. He reluctantly does it and is made clean.
2 Kings 8:1-16   Elisha tells the widow, whose sone he revived, to leave and go wherever they can go because there is going to be a famine for 7 years. She obeys.
2 Kings 9     Jehu is anointed King  and conspires against Joram; kills Jehoram. Jezebel gets herself all dressed up with her face painted and everything and Jehu orders her killed then dogs eat her body and leave her skull, her feet, and the palms of her hands).  She doesn't get buried. They leave her remaining body parts as dung on the land to decompose into the land.
2 Kings 10:18      Ahab was a little wicked, but Jehu was more wicked.
2 Kings 10:34-36     (About 192 killed at Jehu's command.) Jehu dies after a 28 year reign and his son Jehoahaz reigns.
2 Kings 11    Athaliah who was Ahaaiah's mother found out her son was dead and she destroyed the royal seed and her sister Jehosheba hides Ahaziah's son Joash for 6 years so he wouldn't be killed. After 7 years Jehoiada, the priest divided his men. He said 1/3 shall be keepers of the wrath of the king's house; 1/3 shall be at the gate of Sur; and 1/3 shall be behind th guard. The will be guarding th king with weapons. The king made is son King. They said God save the King.
 Jehoiada had Jehosheba killed, then they killed Mattan, the Priest of  Baal. Athaliah is also killed with a sword. And 7 year old Joash (Jehoash) begins to reign as King.
2 Kings 12   Josh reigned righteously for 40 years in Jerusalem. Hs servants's sons kill ad bury him. Amaziah, his son signed in his place.

Feast 19 January through 22 January 2016

* 2 Samuel 1-10

2 Samuel 1
An Amalekite man came from the camp of Saul with is clothes torn. He said he had escaped from the camp of Israel and that he had witnessed Saul's death. He said he felt Saul could not live after falling on his sword so he finished him off. He brought David Saul's crown and bracelet. David had him killed for slaying the Lord's anointed. Saul and Jonathan were pleasant to each other and died together.
It reminded us of Joseph and Hyram Smith. David sorrow end over Jonathan's death.
2 Samuel 2
David was made King of Judah. Ish-bosheth was made King of all Israel at the age of 40 years.
2 Samuel 3
House of David and House of Saul battle.
2 Samuel 4
Sons of Rimmon (Rechab and Baanah) take it upon themselves to hit Ish-bosheth under the 5th rib while he was sleeping, then slew and beheaded him. After this they ran away.
2 Samuel 5
Israel anoints David King at age 30 and he reigned for 40 years. David inquired of the Lord and the Lord answered him.
2 Samuel 6
David gathered 30,000 men and went to get the Ark of God on a new cart since the old one was destroyed. Uzzah and Ahio, Abinadab's sons drove the new cart. The oxen shook the cart and Uzzah touched the cart. God smote Uzzah and he died by the Ark. David wa afraid of the Lord after that.
2 Samuel 7
David tells Nathan, the prophet, he feels bad for living in a house when the Ark is kept in a tent. Nathan tells David to do what is in his heart because the Lord is with him.
2 Samuel 9
Because of David's love for Jonathan he still treated all of the house of Saul with kindness.
2 Samuel 10
David is blessed as he reigns in righteousness.

* 2 Samuel 11- 12:9

David chooses to stay back instead of going to Jerusalem. David ends up walking on the roof and sees Bathsheba bathing (first two bad choices). He lusts after her and inquires about her (third bad choice), then lies with her (commits adultery-the responses of the youth were priceless/fourth bad choice). But the consequences of David's choices are just beginning. David continues this relationship with Bathsheba and plots against Uriah. Bathsheba's husband.

* 2 Samuel 12:10-24:25

The Prophet Nathan confronts King David about his adultery with Bathsheba and Uriah's death.

2 Samuel 12:10-14 (Parable of the Ewe Lamb)
We see the consequences of David's sin. Conflict and war will plague his family and kingdom.
Bathsheba ends up pregnant but the child only lives 7 days. (gotta love the Old Testament and some of the choices that are made). Bathsheba later has another child - Solomon and David sends Uriah to the front lines and he gets killed.
          Gospel Gem - When we choose to sin, we may bring unforeseen and long-term consequences      
                                  upon ourselves and others.

Elder Richard G. Scott said: "It is a fundamental truth that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can be cleansed. We can become virtuous and pure. However, sometimes our poor choices leave us with long-term consequences. One of the vital steps to complete repentance is to bear the short-and long-term consequences of our past sins."

Love vs. Lust

2 Samuel 13:1-18
We see the sin of lust in the actions Amnon committed against his half-sister Tamar. She tells him not to touch her bur he doesn't listen to her.
2 Samuel 13:21-39
Absalom was furious about this and planned to take actions against Amnon.
2 Samuel 15:1-6; 10-17
He conspired against David and won the hearts of the people.
         Gosepel Gem - If we lust, then we lose the Spirit - and may dismiss or ignore the consequences  
                                   of our actions, and our love and concern for others may diminish.

Brother Tad R. Callister said: "Satan is the great counterfeiter. He tries to [present] lust as love. There is a simple test to detect the difference. Love is motivated by self-control, obedience to God's moral laws, respect for others, and unselfishness. On the other hand, lust is motivated by disobedience, self-gratification, and lack of discipline."

2 Samuel 18:5-8
Absalom was riding a mule. The mule goes under an Oak tree and Absalom's head gets stuck in a branch. and is hanging there. The mule leaves him hanging there. (the class thought this was hilarious) Joab hears about this and grabs three darts and goes to where Absalom is hanging and shoots the three darts into Absalom's heart. He buries Absalom in a great pit.
2 Samuel 18:33
David wept for his son Absalom's death.

Insurrection (revolt against David)/ Famine (starvation)/Pestilence(plague)

2 Samuel 19-24

After Absalom's death, David returned to Jerusalem. Another rebellion among Israel ended quickly for Joab, who led David's army. Israel suffered a famine for three years. King David displeased the Lord because he counted the military instead relying on the Lord's protection and the Power of God.

To save the people from a plague, David offered sacrifices to the Lord.

Feast 11 January through 15 January 2016

* 1 Samuel 12-15
The Lord guided Moses and Aaron to lead your fathers out of Egypt.  They were teachable for about five minutes at a time then they forgot the Lord. The Lord sold them to Sisera, the captain of Hazar and Philistine.
         GOSPEL GEM - If we will fear the Lord, serve Him, voice then you will continue to follow  
         Him.

1 Samuel 12
Here's the king you wanted. How do you feel now. Follow the Lord or He will be against you. The Lord said He would send thunder and rain - and He did.
         GOSPEL GEM - The Lord holds the disobedient accountable.

Continue in wickedness and you and your king will be consumed.

1 Samuel 13
Saul chooses 3,000 men. 1,000 were with Jonathan in Geba while defeating troops. Philistines fight Israel with 30,000 chariots - 6,000 horsemen.

Israel hid in caves, high places, rocks, thickets, and pits. There were spoilers (generally the enemies that invade and devastate a country) one company went to Ophrah; one to Shual; one to Beth-horon; one to Zebaim.

1 Samuel 14
Saul commands the tired troops not to eat or they would be cursed, but he doesn't say anything about them dying if they ate. Jonathan didn't hear Saul's orders and at the honey. The people didn't want Jonathan to be killed.

1 Samuel 15
Dialogue:
Samuel to Saul: The Lord sent me to anoint thee to be king over Dispeople so listen to the voice of the Lord.

Lord: I remember what Amalek did to Israel. He told them to go and smite Amalek and destroy all that they had and don't spare them.

Saul: Come you 200,000 footmen and 10,000 men of Judah and go to Telaim.

Narrator: Saul smote the Amalekites. He took Agag, the King of the Amalekites alive and destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. Saul and his people spared Agag and the best of the animals, but killed the vile animals.

Lord to Samuel: I am sorrowful for having made Saul King because he has turned his back on me and has not obeyed my commandments. This upset Samuel and he prayed to me all night to know what to do.

Narrator: When Samuel got up in the Morning to meet Saul he was told that Saul went to Carmel. He set up a place, then went to Gilgal.

Samuel to Saul: You are blessed of the Lord. I have performed the commandment of the Lord. What does this mean - the bleating of the the sheep and the lowing of the oxen that I hear?

Saul to Samuel: These were brought from the Amalekites. These are the best of their animals for a sacrifice  to the Lord, and the rest we have destroyed.

Samuel to Saul: Let me tell you what the Lord said.

Saul to Samuel: Tell me.

Samuel to Saul: When you were little you were called to be the captain of the tribes of Israel, and the Lord made thee King over Israel. The Lord went thee on a journey to destroy the Amalekites. You didn't obey.

Saul to Samuel: I have obeyed the voice of the Lrod and brought Agag back, and have destroyed the Amalekites. The people took of the spoil to sacrifice.

Samuel to Saul: Does the Lord like burnt offerings and sacrifices as He does obedience? Rebellion is like  the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is like iniquity and idolatry. Because  you have rejected the Lord He has rejected you from being King. (removed the crown from the person's head)

Saul to Samuel: I have sinned. I have transgressed to commandments of the Lord. I have feared the people and obeyed their voice. I'm begging you. Forgive my sin and  come with me so I can worship the Lord.

Samuel to Saul: I will not go with you. You have rejected  the word of the Lord and the Lord has rejected you. You are no longer King over Israel.

Narrator: As Samuel turned to go away the skirt of his mantle tore- which was symbolic of the kingdom of Israel being taken from Saul and given to a neighbor that was better than Saul.

Samuel to Saul: The strength of Israel was the Lord and He doesn't need to repent nor will He lie because He is not a man.

Saul to Samuel: I have sinned but honor me now anyway. Come with me so I can worship the Lord.

Narrator: Samuel turned to Saul and Saul worshipped the Lord.

Samuel to Saul: Bring Agag to me.

Agag to Samuel: Surely the bitterness of death is gone.

Samuel to Agag: Your sword has made women childless so your mother shall be childless. (Samuel chops Agag into pieces)

Samuel: I am going to Ramah, which is on the frontier, on the road to Jerusalem. It is on the border of Ephraim where several conflicts happened between Israel and Judah.

Saul: I am going to Gilgal,, which is near Jericho, where the Israelite camp made the first altar after crossing the Jordan River.

Narrator: Samuel visited Saul no more until Saul's death, but he did moron for Saul as the Lord was sorrowful over having made Saul King over Israel.

* 1 Samuel 16
Saul takes a cow th Bethlehem to sacrifice. The Lord looks of the heart.
           Emily - "Your heat is your true you."
    Elder Ashton - The heart is a synonym of our makeup.
David, the youngest was attending to the sheep. He also played the harp.
 Question - What helps us not be angry?
          Emily -  Angry music take anger away because it gets it all out there.

Challenge - If you see someone don't judge outward appearance.

* Flex Day

* 1 Samuel 17
Description of Goliath, the philistine. Goliath told them that is one of them defeated him then the Philistines would serve the Israelites, but if one of the Israeites defeated him then the Philistines would serve the Israelites.
      Mason - "David was protected by "The power of the Lord."

David defeated Goliath with one rock and a sling. Saul was surprised because he only knew David as a harp players.
    GOSPEL GEM - Faith is more than a passive belief.
What are our Goliaths today?

* 1 Samuel 18-31

1 Samuel 18
David defeated Goliath and became friends with Jonathan . . . Saul got jealous and wanted to kill David. From Alma 37:35 - We read that Alma told his son Helaman: "O, Remember , my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God."

Saul wanted David to marry his daughter Merab so he can plot against David through her but David doesn't marry her.

David behaved wisely - as Alma counseled Helaman.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland counseled us regarding jealousy when he said: "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.  . . . The race we are really in is the race against sin, and surely envy is one of themes universal of those."
     GOSPEL GEM - When we are jealous and angry, we allow the influence of the adversary int our lives.

1 Samuel 25
Samuel died.

We meet Nabal and Abigail. Naval is a harsh man. David counsels Abigail to have peace. Abigail pleads to David for not harm to come to Nabal nor her household.

Abigail tells Nabal that she went to David and Nabal has heart attack when his heart turns to rock and later the Lord kills him.

David marries Abigail after the death of Nabal.
     GOSPEL GEM - Wise behavior invites the Lord's influence.

1 Samuel 28
Samuel is dead.

Even though earlier Saul banished all witchcraft ad people who practiced it . . . he sent his men to find a woman of Endor who is a witch to bring Samuel back.  Saul also asked the Lord for help but the Lord refused to help him because he went to a witch for help.

1 Samuel 30
Amalekites invaded the south. David and his two wives (Ahinoam and Abigail) are taken captive. David talked to the Lord and the Lord answered him.

1 Samuel 31
Saul's three sons (Jonathan, Abinadab and Malchi-shua are killed by the Philistines.  Saul asked his armorbearer  to kill him but the armor bearer refuses so Saul lays on his sword and kills himself. When the armor bearer realizes that Saul is dead he laid on his sword also and died. The Philistines find these men dead and strip them of their belongings then bury their bones under tree at Jabesh and fast for seven days.

This is the end of the book of 1 Samuel. So many things happened in this book.

Feast 6 January through 8 January 2016

* 1 Samuel 1-2   (Adversity)
Elkanah had two wives - Hannah and Peninah.
Hannah's womb was shut up so she couldn't have children. This saddened her greatly. She petitioned the Lord for a child - specifically a man child and promised the Lord that she would give the child to Him and that his head would never see a razor. The Lord eventually answered her prayer and sent Samuel to her. There was rejoicing over the event. Hannah kept her word to the Lord and when Samuel was old enough Hannah took him to the temple and gave him the priest Eli.
     Sabrina said this means to her that "If you pray you'll be ok."
Peninah had many children. There isn't as much said about her though.
Eli had two sons. Hophni and Phinehas. They were both disobedient and Eli didn't do anything to discipline them.
*** Gospel Gem - If we are willing and receptive, we can grow in our ability to recognize the voice of the Lord. Parents and leaders can help.

* 1 Samuel 3-8
    Samuel had been given to Eli for teaching and training. The Lord called to him four times but since he didn't know what was happening or how to recognize the spirit or hear the Lord he thought Eli was calling him and went to him. Samuel was called to be a prophet at a young age, much like Joseph Smith.
    The Ark of the Covenant is with Hophni and Phinehas. Israel shouts with joy over this. The Philistines didn't understand all the commotion.
    Philistines fought Israel. 30,000 died including Eli's sons. Eli was 98 years old. He died by leaning back on a chair, falling, and braking his neck.
    After hearing of her husband's, her brother-in-law's, and her father-in-law's deaths and the of the taking of the Ark - the stress of it all sent Phinehas's wife into labor. She died in childbirth so her handmaid named the man-child Ichabod.
   The Ark was brought to the house of Dagon (Fish-man figure), the god of the  Philistines. The lord was unhappy with these things > causing Him to send Emerods (tumors and  boils) to the people. The Ark was taken to Gath, the birthplace of Goliath > this was David's refuge.
    The Philistines who took the Ark needed to  make a Trespass offering > made image of emeralds & mice and offering.
    Build a cart for the Ark. They weren't suppose to look in the Ark. Well, they looked in it and 50,000 were smitten for looking inside the Ark.
    Ashtray - idol Baalim - Sun-God. The people put away idol worship and served the Lord. They gathered to the watch-tower. Samuel judged Israel his whole life. He was the last Judge of Israel.
    Samuel's sons, Joel and Abiah were unrighteous sons. Samuel made his sons judges of Israel but the people were unhappy and, asked and begged for a King and the Lord said give the people what they want. They discovered that a king would take everything from the people and give little to them.


* 1 Samuel 9-11
The Lord told Samuel that Saul was coming. Trust in the Lord. Saul was anointed to be captain. God will be supportive of those he calls to serve. People were surprised to see him teaching. Saul heart was changed during the course of time.
Melany said, "Don't ruin the book for me".