back at it..

next week 2 Nephi 26-30

19 days until March 31st, General Conference!

this week we delighted in the words of Isaiah....

I talked about the importance of being able to understand Isaiah, quoting Bruce R. McConkie...

Bruce R. McConkie Oct. 1973

To Laman and Lemuel, the words of Isaiah were as a sealed book. There older brothers of young Nephi could read the words and understand the language written by Israel’s great seer, but as for envisioning their true prophetic meaning, it was with them as though they read words written in an unknown tongue.

Laman and Lemuel are but prototypes of most of modern Christendom. They were almost totally unable to understand the difficult doctrines of this ancient prophet, and for their lack of spiritual discernment they found themselves on the downward path leading to everlasting destruction.

Nephi said: “… my soul delighteth in the words of Isaiah. …” (2 Ne. 25:5.) Personally, I feel about Isaiah and his utterances the same way Nephi felt and think that if I expect to go where Nephi and Isaiah have gone, I had better speak their language, think their thoughts, know what they knew, believe and teach what they believed and taught, and live as they lived.

It just may be that my salvation (and yours also!) does in fact depend upon our ability to understand the writings of Isaiah as fully and truly as Nephi understood them.

the links and info for understanding Isaiah are at the end....

Some of Isaiah's teachings
the mountain...temples   2 Nephi 12:1–12.
ensign.....church, Book of Mormon   2 Nephi 15:26–29; 21:12
good being called evil and evil being called good....our world is full of it 2 Nephi 15:20
much of his writings were of Christ... 2 Nephi 22
Shawn Stone mentioned that President Eyring spoke in his mission of how if we won't to know Christ better we will study and know the words of Isaiah..(I hope I got that right)

Then ended on the famous scripture 2 Nephi 25:26
26 And we ^atalk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we ^bprophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our ^cchildren may know to what source they may look for a ^dremission of their sins.

It was incredibly intimidating to teach this lesson. I appreciate the comments and I came away with being able to delight more in the words of Isaiah!

Here's a link to his 10 keys to understanding Isaiah

http://www.lds.org/ensign/1973/10/ten-keys-to-understanding-isaiah?lang=eng&query=isaiah+mcconkie

Here's a link to this month's New Era's article on Isaiah....

http://www.lds.org/new-era/2012/03/how-can-i-understand-isaiah?lang=eng&query=isaiah

Here's the manual's keys..

Key 1: “Liken all scriptures unto us” (1 Nephi 19:23; see also 2 Nephi 11:2, 8). Many of Isaiah’s prophecies deal with events in the latter days. As we watch these prophecies unfold and as we participate in their fulfillment, we can better understand Isaiah’s teachings and apply them in our lives. For example, 2 Nephi 15 contains Isaiah’s prophecy that the Lord will “lift up an ensign to the nations” to gather Israel (2 Nephi 15:26). This prophecy can help us better understand the importance of sharing the restored gospel—the ensign, or standard, to guide all nations to the Lord.

Key 2: “Know … concerning the manner of prophesying among the Jews” (2 Nephi 25:1). Isaiah’s prophecies are written in a style that the Jews were accustomed to reading and hearing. We can better understand Isaiah’s writings if we remember that he used imagery and symbolism that would have been familiar to Jewish people in his time. For example, in 2 Nephi 12:1–3, Isaiah uses the word mountain to symbolize a high spiritual place, a place for revelation and closeness with God, such as the temple.

Key 3: “Know the judgments of God” (2 Nephi 25:3; see also verse 2 Nephi 25:6). Isaiah foresaw how the kingdoms of Israel and Judah would suffer because of their wickedness, but he also prophesied that their blessings would be restored when they repented and followed Jesus Christ. From Isaiah’s accounts of what happened to Israel and Judah, and from his prophecies of the future restoration of the house of Israel, we can better understand how God works in our lives and how He blesses nations according to their righteousness.

Key 4: “Know concerning the regions round about [Jerusalem]” (2 Nephi 25:6). Knowing the geography and place-names in Israel helps us better understand Isaiah’s prophecies concerning the kingdoms of Israel and Judah and the nations that threatened them. For example, in 2 Nephi 20:28–34, Isaiah named the cities the Assyrian army would pass through and how it would be stopped just as it reached Jerusalem. The events happened exactly as he prophesied.

Key 5: Be “filled with the spirit of prophecy” (2 Nephi 25:4).

• • What is the spirit of prophecy? (See Revelation 19:10.) How can we obtain it? How can the spirit of prophecy help us understand Isaiah’s teachings about the Savior?

Lessons 2 & 3

Here's some info.from lessons 2 & 3 :)...

Tomorrow's scriptures are 1 Nephi 12-14

Lesson 2 - 1 Nephi 1-7

Questions to ponder:
What can we learn from Nephi about how to make our hearts more receptive to the teachings of the prophets?
**General Conference is March 31st and April 1st (no fooling)..planning to listen to a prophet's voice?

What sacrifices have you made to be obedient to the Lord? How have you been blessed as you have made such sacrifices?

How can we develop feelings of gratitude even in difficult circumstances?

Why is it important that we be known as people who keep our word?

What qualities did Nephi exhibit in his dealings with his brothers? (See
1 Nephi 2:17–18 and 7:21 for some examples.)

How can we demonstrate these qualities in our relationships with our family members and others?


This lesson had a focus on obedience..here is a quote from President Faust from April 1999 Conference...

"I have prayed for guidance in what I should say because I wish to raise a warning voice. In today’s society, the difference between right and wrong is being obscured by loud, seductive voices calling for no restraints in human conduct. They advocate absolute freedom without regard to consequences. I state unequivocally that such behavior is the high road to personal destruction.

"Obedience leads to true freedom. The more we obey revealed truth, the more we become liberated."

Lesson 3... 1 Nephi 8–11; 12:16–18; 15.

We talked of the symbolism from Lehi's dream.
the different people represented

pondering questions:
How can we hlep our loved ones draw nearer to the Savior and receive the promise of eternal life?

How can pride keep a person from receiving eternal life?

Following are the talks I used and quotes from two of them. The third's title only mostly struck me, but is a really good read for a voting year where a mormon is a major candidate for the Presidency of the United States :)..

http://lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/the-love-of-god?lang=eng&query=love+god

Our Father in Heaven has given us, His children, much more than any mortal mind can comprehend. Under His direction the Great Jehovah created this wondrous world we live in. God the Father watches over us, fills our hearts with breathtaking joy, brightens our darkest hours with blessed peace, distills upon our minds precious truths, shepherds us through times of distress, rejoices when we rejoice, and answers our righteous petitions.
He offers to His children the promise of a glorious and infinite existence and has provided a way for us to progress in knowledge and glory until we receive a fulness of joy. He has promised us all that He has.

http://lds.org/general-conference/1989/04/beware-of-pride?lang=eng&query=pride

Most of us think of pride as self-centeredness, conceit, boastfulness, arrogance, or haughtiness. All of these are elements of the sin, but the heart, or core, is still missing.
The central feature of pride is enmity—enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen. Enmity means “hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition.” It is the power by which Satan wishes to reign over us.
Pride is essentially competitive in nature. We pit our will against God’s. When we direct our pride toward God, it is in the spirit of “my will and not thine be done.” As Paul said, they “seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.” (Philip. 2:21.)
Our will in competition to God’s will allows desires, appetites, and passions to go unbridled. (See Alma 38:12; 3 Ne. 12:30.)
The proud cannot accept the authority of God giving direction to their lives. (See Hel. 12:6.) They pit their perceptions of truth against God’s great knowledge, their abilities versus God’s priesthood power, their accomplishments against His mighty works.
Our enmity toward God takes on many labels, such as rebellion, hard-heartedness, stiff-neckedness, unrepentant, puffed up, easily offended, and sign seekers. The proud wish God would agree with them. They aren’t interested in changing their opinions to agree with God’s.

http://lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/christian-courage-the-price-of-discipleship?lang=eng&query=price+discipleship

Lesson 1

It was nice to already know the number of the lesson without looking...it's the little things :).

We talked about the Book of Mormon being the keystone of our religion. If it is not true, then the rest of it isn't either. We discussed the witnesses' testimonies. We went over how in the title page written by Moroni it lays out the three purposes of the Book of Mormon, which according to the manual are....
"To show the remnant of the house of Israel the great things the Lord has done for their fathers; to teach the covenants required by the Lord; and to convince all people that Jesus is the Christ, manifesting Himself to all nations."

All of the quotes from the manual came from this talk by President Benson (who was the prophet when I was baptized :) )
http://lds.org/liahona/2011/10/the-book-of-mormon-keystone-of-our-religion?lang=eng&query=book+mormon+benson

This is one of my favorite quotes from the talk..
"It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called “the words of life” (see D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance."

One of the major things the Book of Mormon proved is that the Lord has more to say to us than is revealed within the Bible. We are able to hear from a prophet's voice today and the last word in the quote above reminded of the First Presidency message in the Ensign this month, wherein President Monson speaks of living the abundant life, simple as A, B, C :)...
http://lds.org/ensign/2012/01/living-the-abundant-life?lang=eng

We touched on the fact that we have gained a testimony of the Book of Mormon, but that it doesn't just stay. It's something we have to work at or it will slip away. When I was studying the lesson I thought of Joseph Smith and all he went through and it made me think of this passage from Joseph Smith History 1:23-25...
http://lds.org/scriptures/pgp/js-h/1?lang=eng

and how often we suffer through different aspects of life, sometimes our testimonies . However, I believe that most of us have had experiences that are powerful and undeniable, or the Spirit has spoken to us soft but sure. So much so that we can not deny what we know to be true. I thought of the talk by the apostle who spoke of riding his bike in the dark and using his pedaling to light his way home. How, iff he slowed his pedaling he could not see to find his way and if he kept pedaling he could see better. I am thankful for the experiences in my life that have kept me pedaling when I wasn't sure if I was headed in the right direction or when I was just plain tired of pedaling. How sometimes I have pedaled so hard and the light was so bright I could see clearly in front of me and feel of the love and glory that lies ahead. I know with all of my heart that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. There is a Prophet on the earth today. That we have a home waiting for us like none other. Keep pedaling!

This coming Sunday's reading is 1 Nephi 1-7, easy peasy.

This Sunday 1/1/12

We are beginning to study the Book of Mormon this Sunday. The scriptures for this week are:
1 Nephi 13:38–41; 19:23; 2 Nephi 25:21–22; 27:22; 29:6–9; Mormon 8:26–41; Ether 5:2–4; Moroni 1:4; 10:3–5; Doctrine and Covenants 10:45–46; 20:8–12; 84:54–58. Also study the introductory material to the Book of Mormon.

As part of the lesson will you please reflect on your testimony of the Book of Mormon and be prepared to share it?

REMEMBER WE START BRIGHT AND EARLY AT 9:00AM!

Be safe on New Year's Eve and set your alarm ;)!

Lesson 46

Today we studied the end of Revelations.

We discussed how these are perilous times, but there is hope because we know the end of the story.

The scriptures focused on were...
http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/rev/5.1-5?lang=eng#0
http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/rev/6?lang=eng
and Revelations 19-22

Here are some questions/quotes from today's lessons for ponderment...

What tactics does Satan use today to try to overcome the righteous?

That war, so bitter, so intense, has gone on, and it has never ceased. It is the war between truth and error, between agency and compulsion, between the followers of Christ and those who have denied Him. His enemies have used every stratagem in that conflict. They’ve indulged in lying and deceit. They’ve employed money and wealth. They’ve tricked the minds of men. They’ve murdered and destroyed and engaged in every other unholy and impure practice to thwart the work of Christ. …
“[Opposition] has been felt in the undying efforts of many, both within and without the Church, to destroy faith, to belittle, to demean, to bear false witness, to tempt and allure and induce our people to practices inconsistent with the teachings and standards of this work of God. …
“The war goes on. It is waged across the world over the issues of agency and compulsion. It is waged by an army of missionaries over the issues of truth and error. It is waged in our own lives, day in and day out, in our homes, in our work, in our school associations; it is waged over questions of love and respect, of loyalty and fidelity, of obedience and integrity. We are all involved in it” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 55–58; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 42, 44–45).

After making the comments quoted above, President Hinckley added, “We are winning [the war against Satan], and the future never looked brighter” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 58; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 45).
_______________________________________________________________
How can we maintain hope and a positive outlook as we fight the war against Satan? What resources do we have to strengthen us against the power of Satan and his followers?

How can we limit the power of Satan in our lives right now?

President Ezra Taft Benson said: “Each day the forces of evil and the forces of good enlist new recruits. Each day we personally make many decisions showing the cause we support. The final outcome is certain—the forces of righteousness will win. But what remains to be seen is where each of us personally, now and in the future, will stand in this battle—and how tall we will stand. Will we be true to our last days and fulfill our foreordained missions?” (“In His Steps,” Ensign, Sept. 1988, 2).

What are the dangers of setting our hearts on worldly things? In what ways do worldly things distract us from spiritual things?
__________________________________________________________________

We talked about making choices, relating to the scripture of how Jesus waits at the door for us to let him in and I mentioned how satan was waiting as well and couldn't come in unless we let him.

I referred to my kid's choose your own adventure books and how we have to make choices that decide our adventure and our fate at the end of the story.

I talked about the importance of temple attendance in our lives and that there are many blessings that are there, to not let whatever might try to get in the way to keep us from those blessings (in a nutshell). Side note: I misrepresented and exagerrated mine and Brandon's "debates". It's not usually an issue, but it was one of those things that came to mind when thinking of Satan trying to stand in our way of getting to the temple. :)

I referred to http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/rev/18.11-18?lang=eng#10, which talks about the dangers of focusing on worldy things and related that to Christmas and the focus on gifts we give and receive and my quagmire of trying to find a balance in Christmas in trying to enjoy that aspect of Christmas, but also making sure it's not the only or even the main Christmas focus. That we can't remember the gifts we gave and while it's a struggle we need to give our families something more to make Christmas more meaningful.

In the end we are to have hope through the hard times and live our lives so that we can be excited about the 2nd coming, millenium and final judgment.

Here are other quotes used during the lesson....


Pres. Monson, Christmas address
The spirit of Christmas is something I hope all of us would have within our hearts and within our lives, not only at this particular season but also throughout the years.
A wise Christian once urged, “Let us not spend Christmas … but let us keep Christmas in our hearts and in our lives.” 3
This is my plea tonight, because when we keep the spirit of Christmas, we keep the Spirit of Christ, for the Christmas spirit is the Christ Spirit. 4 It will block out all the distractions around us which can diminish Christmas and swallow up its true meaning.
There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus Christ.
Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow. As we strive to become more like Him, we will have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year. It is His example which, if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others.
Because He came, there is meaning to our mortal existence.
Because He came, we know how to reach out to those in trouble or distress, wherever they may be.
Because He came, death has lost its sting, the grave its victory. We will live again because He came.
Because He came and paid for our sins, we have the opportunity to gain eternal life.


Choose eternal life.. Randall K. Bennett
The Savior’s arms of mercy are always extended to each of us.6 When we sincerely and fully repent, we can be completely forgiven of our mistakes and the Savior will remember our sins no more.7
In evaluating your choices and their consequences, you might ask yourself:
Am I seeking divine direction through daily scripture study, pondering, and prayer, or have I chosen to be so busy or apathetic that I don’t take time to study the words of Christ, ponder them, and converse with my Heavenly Father?
Am I choosing to follow the counsel of living prophets of God, or am I following the worldly ways and the opposing opinions of others?

Am I seeking the guidance of the Holy Ghost daily in what I choose to think about, feel, and do?
Am I consistently reaching out to assist, serve, or help rescue others?
My dear brothers and sisters, your eternal destiny will not be the result of chance but of choice. It is never too late to begin to choose eternal life!


Hope Steven Snow, April 2011
Our hope in the Atonement empowers us with eternal perspective. Such perspective allows us to look beyond the here and now on into the promise of the eternities. We don’t have to be trapped in the narrow confines of society’s fickle expectations. We are free to look forward to celestial glory, sealed to our family and loved ones.


Next Year! :) We're studying the Book of Mormon. Bro. Miller asked me to pass on that there the First Presidency has asked us to read the Book of Mormon along with the lessons. That's something we should be doing anyway, but there's extra incentive.
Church starts at 9:00am on January 1st.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
http://lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng#kids-and-christmas

Lesson 45 - He That Overcometh Shall Inherit All Things

We're in Revelations...good stuff.

This week we studied Rev. 1-3 and 12. If you haven't studied it recently I would encourage you to do so :). I am not listing all of the findings to the symbolism...for fun if you email me with the answers, I'll bring you dessert :).

Some background from the manual...

"the Apostle John, author of the book of Revelation, came out of a culture that used symbolism extensively in its language and literature. Readers today often have difficulty with the symbolism in John’s writings. If we interpret the images literally, the book of Revelation can seem strange and confusing. If we remember that many of the images are symbolic and represent people, things, or concepts with which we are already familiar, the book becomes easier to understand."

We talked about the symbols used in the first three chapters, candlesticks, seven stars, two-edged sword and keys.

Also found in those chapters are words of the Lord to the seven branches of the church in Asia. He corrected them and then gave them promises for overcoming the trials and tribulations of mortality. One example was, "shall not be hurt of the second death".

I briefly mentioned Revelations 12 and told who represented what. The woman was the church of God, the child was the kingdom of God or the government that will exist upon the earth during Jesus' millennial reign and the dragon was Satan.

The lesson pointed out the theme of Revelations is that "there will be an eventual triumph on this earth of God over the devil; a permanent victory of good over evil" Bible Dictionary, Revelation of John

There is a war going on, we know how it ends. I used quotes from the following talks repesenting how imporant a strong testimony is and how our trials/tribulations are helping us become who we are supposed to be.

http://lds.org/general-conference/2001/10/the-power-of-a-strong-testimony?lang=eng

"As your testimony is fortified, Satan will try harder to tempt you. Resist his efforts. You will become stronger and his influence on you weaker. 9 Satan’s increasing influence in the world is allowed to provide an atmosphere in which to prove ourselves. While he causes havoc today, Satan’s final destiny was fixed by Jesus Christ through His Atonement and Resurrection. The devil will not triumph.
Even now, he must operate within bounds set by the Lord. He cannot take away any blessing that has been earned. He cannot alter character that has been woven from righteous decisions. He has no power to destroy the eternal bonds forged in a holy temple between a husband, wife, and children. He cannot quench true faith. He cannot take away your testimony. Yes, these things can be lost by succumbing to his temptations. But he has no power in and of himself to destroy them."


http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/more-than-conquerors-through-him-that-loved-us?lang=eng

"Elder Orson F. Whitney said: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. … 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. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.”5
Recently a nine-year-old boy was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer. The doctor explained the diagnosis and the treatment, which included months of chemotherapy and major surgery. He said it would be a very difficult time for the boy and his family but then added, “People ask me, ‘Will I be the same after this is over?’ I tell them, ‘No, you won’t be the same. You will be so much stronger. You will be awesome!’”"

Next week's lesson is the last of the year! Revelation 5-6; 19-22.
Have a great week!

Lesson 44- God is Love

I'm sure the format will morph and pitter :). Here are links to talks/etc. shared, with excerpts for the digest version :),and the manual list for sciptures used. I think it's worthy to note that two talks and the video and President Uchtdorf's refer to "What Matters Most". Hope you enjoy and that you have a great week. Hope to see you on Friday!!

Study Manual
http://lds.org/manual/new-testament-class-member-study-guide/lesson-44-god-is-love?lang=eng
1 John 4:7-8 :)
7 Beloved, let us alove one another: for blove is of God; and every one that loveth is cborn of God, and knoweth God.
8 He that loveth not aknoweth not God; for God is love.

Video:
http://lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng#mormon-messages-what-matters-most

"Love at home" President Monson
http://lds.org/ensign/2011/08/love-at-home-counsel-from-our-prophet?lang=eng
“Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey and share our love with friends and family. One day, each of us will run out of tomorrows. Let us not put off what is most important.”2


"The Love of God" -President Uchtdort
http://lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/the-love-of-god?lang=eng
Because love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our Church callings, and in our livelihood. Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities, and nations. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk.

"Finding Joy through Service" Elder Ballard
http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/finding-joy-through-loving-service?lang=eng
When this pure love of Christ—or charity—envelops us, we think, feel, and act more like Heavenly Father and Jesus would think, feel, and act. Our motivation and heartfelt desire are like unto that of the Savior.

Of things that Matter Most
http://lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/of-things-that-matter-most?lang=eng&query=matters+most+uchtdorf+(name%3a")

We build deep and loving family relationships by doing simple things together, like family dinner and family home evening and by just having fun together. In family relationships love is really spelled t-i-m-e, time. Taking time for each other is the key for harmony at home. We talk with, rather than about, each other. We learn from each other, and we appreciate our differences as well as our commonalities. We establish a divine bond with each other as we approach God together through family prayer, gospel study, and Sunday worship.

The fourth key relationship is with ourselves. It may seem odd to think of having a relationship with ourselves, but we do. Some people can’t get along with themselves. They criticize and belittle themselves all day long until they begin to hate themselves. May I suggest that you reduce the rush and take a little extra time to get to know yourself better. Walk in nature, watch a sunrise, enjoy God’s creations, ponder the truths of the restored gospel, and find out what they mean for you personally. Learn to see yourself as Heavenly Father sees you—as His precious daughter or son with divine potential.

and bonus article from two weeks ago.
"The Tongue of Angels" 0f Elder Holland
http://lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/the-tongue-of-angels?lang=eng&query=tongues+angels

In all of this, I suppose it goes without saying that negative speaking so often flows from negative thinking, including negative thinking about ourselves. We see our own faults, we speak—or at least think—critically of ourselves, and before long that is how we see everyone and everything. No sunshine, no roses, no promise of hope or happiness. Before long we and everybody around us are miserable.
I love what Elder Orson F. Whitney once said: “The spirit of the gospel is optimistic; it trusts in God and looks on the bright side of things. The opposite or pessimistic spirit drags men down and away from God, looks on the dark side, murmurs, complains, and is slow to yield obedience.” 6 We should honor the Savior’s declaration to “be of good cheer.” 7 (Indeed, it seems to me we may be more guilty of breaking that commandment than almost any other!) Speak hopefully. Speak encouragingly, including about yourself. Try not to complain and moan incessantly. As someone once said, “Even in the golden age of civilization someone undoubtedly grumbled that everything looked too yellow.”