February 28, 2008

Today we finished the book of 2 Kings. What is significant is that we just finished the main story of Israel. The remaining books in the Old Testament contain poetry and music, and then some of the stories of the lives of the prophets -and a little bit about different groups of the Israelites as they are in bondage here and there, but ultimately, most of the rest relates back to what we've already covered in the Old Testament so far. We saw the Israelites in bondage to the Egyptians for 600 years, and then free for 600 years. They had their moments, but didn't always make the very best choices - okay - not often at all. So - that's what we covered today.
Yesterday we spent much of our time discussing following the prophet.

Today we started out reading about the 10 northern tribes being carried away captive and spent some time discussing the N. and S. kingdoms, and the lost tribes, and the prophecies regarding their return.

We then looked at King Hezekiah - he was actually a righteous one! We looked at what what the Assyrians were shouting from the walls (chapter 18) - don't listen to Hezekiah - we are going to slaughter you, don't trust the Lord, don't be deceived. We talked about how Satan uses those same tactics to lull us into security and sin. No one will ever know, he doesn't know what he's talking about, it's going to be fine etc. Here we blatantly see satan speaking. Later in verse 36 - we see their response... The were directed to keep their peace and not respond at all. Is it possible for us to just keep on going doing what's right and ignore Satan? Absolutely! It may be tough, but we can, and if we do - as they did, we will be blessed.
Later on, we saw how they were smitten by the Lord as they slept and when they arose, they saw that they were dead. The only joke in the bible.. 'they saw they were dead.' Kind of funny...
We also saw that Hezekiah's prayers were answered, his life was prolonged, and that time moved backwards as a sign to him. We also saw that Isaiah was the prophet ministering to him at this time.
Moving along - we saw that Manasseh was really bad, and then that Josiah was REALLY good.
We compared King Ahab with King Josiah. Everything that could be said bad about the one, could be said good about the other. We discussed how we all have our agency, and our outcome really depends our our own decisions.
Finally, as they were rebuilding the temple - we saw that they found the scriptures. As King Josiah read them, he was overcome with how far they had strayed. He had all his subjects come, and then he read them the words of the law. They were all moved and covenanted to be obedient. We compared this section with King Mosiah - the same thing happened. We spent considerable time discussing how the scriptures can change our lives. When we read them - change comes from within. The reading of the scriptures brings change and even more importantly, it brings conversion. The Lord speaks to us through the scriptures, and whisper to us what is true - then we recognize this, and we change. We are asked every day to read our scriptures so that we can have the spirit with us -and so that the Lord can speak to us. My favorite quote is: "If you want to speak to the Lord, Pray. If you want the Lord to speak to you, read your scriptures." I think it is true, and I think we forget what great power we can find in the scriptures - they were written for us.

As we wrapped up class, - we found that King Zedekiah was the king. As we looked at 1 Ne 1:4 - we saw that this is Nephi's time! 1 Ne 1:19 tells us that once Lehi had his vision, he tried to preach repentance to Jerusalem (the remaining tribe of Judah, and a few other righteous people from other tribes in the Southern Kingdom). They tried to kill him, and frequently stoned the prophets. Within this climate, we see the fulfillment of Lehi's prophecy, as the final tribes are conquered and many are carried away into captivity into Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar.

That's it - we just saw the dissolution of the entire Israelite people. They are now scattered and smitten.
Tomorrow we will be passing off Ezekiel 37:15-17.

February 27, 2008

Today we covered 2 Kings 4-14. As we began class, the students scanned through chapters 4-8 and jotted down in their journals all of the miracles which they could find which Elisha performed. We then discussed their findings and how faith is always necessary prior to miracles - miracles never produce faith. The students then scanned through 8-14 and jotted down what was going on with the people and in these stories, including any major events, and anything important.
We then discussed these items, and spent time discussing what the purpose of these chapters might be. Why did the Lord include these chapters in the scriptures? Why are they significant or important? What can we learn from these chapters, and what does Heavenly Father want us to learn from them?

We spent a little time discussing Joshua's previous advice to the children of Israel just before they entered the promised land. The people wanted a king - Joshua said it would lead to their destruction - here we see the prophets' words validated. We looked at Saul - started good - then bad. David - started good - few major mistakes. Solomon - started good - ended not so good. Now we are seeing king after king - we aren't really seeing any great blessings from that king thing.
We discussed why it may have been so difficult for the Israelites to keep the commandments of the Lord.

The students broke into districts, and on the chalk board made a list of everything they could think of which the Lord has told us (in our day) through the prophet. We spent some time discussing a couple of commandments which we've been given. We talked about reading our scriptures each day. It is a commandment which we see in the scriptures - repeated over and over. The prophets (in our day) have repeatedly asked us to daily read, and the seminary program (directed by the first presidency) asks that students read 10 minutes each day so that it can become a habit. Why is it so hard to do such a small thing? We know it comes from the Lord, but then why is it so difficult? The students also brought up missions. It was listed on the board that it was recommended that we go on missions. However, the class corrected this that it is a commandment that young men go on missions. As a commandment, why and maybe how is it that it becomes such a difficult choice for us? This was some of our discussion.
As we ended class, we looked at DC 130:20-21. We discussed how every single commandment has a blessing tied to it. As we keep the commandments of the Lord, we receive blessings automatically - even if they aren't visible, noticeable ones - we still receive them. No matter what - when we follow the prophet - our lives our blessed, and even if life is hard - it will be good as long as we follow the Lord.
Tomorrow we will be finishing the book of 2 Kings 14-24.

Feb 22, 25 & 26

I missed a couple of days - it seems I have to vie for computer time as my spouse is still working on his schooling - my apologies.
On Friday we passed off our scripture mastery in Jeremiah 16. We went through 1 Kings 17 as well. We planned to act out this passage - it is such a great story. Elijah challenges and takes on 850 false priests and prophets. They have a show down, and Elijah even mocks their gods. He asks if maybe their gods are talking, or sleeping, or hunting and just don't happen to hear them. I love it! Of course the true God's power is manifest and proven to be the true god. The students wanted to work on their parts a little bit more over the weekend before we filmed it. Yesterday we focused on Elijah's experience as he was overwhelmed and ready to die - asking the Lord to take him. He was fed and strengthened by an angel. We talked about some of the angels the Lord may send into our lives to lift and strengthen us. Elder Packer says that most times our prayers are answered through other people - do we look for opportunities to lift each other, and possibly be an answer to someone elses' prayer? As we read, we discussed Elijah's 40 day and night fast - as he spiritually prepared for his duties. We talked about some of the things we might do to prepare ourselves spiritually for the tasks which we are given - we might fast and pray, study our scriptures, and even change our personal habits. As we continue reading, we discussed how the Holy Ghost was manifest to Elijah. He saw mighty winds - even breaking the mountains - but the spirit wasn't there. He saw earthquakes - but the spirit wasn't there. It was a still small voice. We watched some video clips with Elder Packer who said that the spirit is most often a FEELING. It is something we FEEL more than we hear (and prayers are often answered by others). Then President Eyring's clip in which he said that sometimes it is necessary for us to fast to receive the spirit and receive and find the answers we need. Additionally he stated that we might really need to search for the Father's will, and bring our will into congruency with the Lord's, and then we will receive the spirit which will come as a burning within ourselves. We continued and spent some time in 1 Kings 1, but our main focus was the calling of Elisha - who left his riches and everything to follow the prophet and the Lord. Are we willing to do as he did? - leave the world to follow the Lord? We finished class as we began to film, but then some of the students had to leave early - so I'm not sure when we'll finish this up.
Today we started class discussing a question from yesterday about the possibility of hamburgers in the afterlife. I shared some information from Brigham Young, and we also talked about how our bodies won't need blood anymore, and will be changed. We referenced some of this in 1 Cor. 15:50+
We looked at Elijah's passing today, and Elisha's request. I asked the students what they would ask for if they were the next prophet in line and they could ask for anything before the last one passed away. Most of them said HELP (or money - but Elisha had already had that and given it up). We saw that Elisha asked for a double portion of the spirit - what a great blessing to ask for! We went over his experience with those who mocked him and saw them eaten by the she bears - and discussed how important it is that we speak well of our leaders and are judicious in what we say.
We continued in chapter 1 and discussed the approach of the third captain of fifty in contrast to the previous 102. We discussed how we approach the Lord - and our own attitudes. Then we jumped to Chapter 6 and looked at the story of 'fear not for those that we with us are greater than those that oppose us.' We talked about the spirits which surround us, and how the Lord will ALWAYS help us. Sometimes our eyes aren't opened and we don't see the spiritual things or spiritual help that is available if we rely on it. We can always turn around and repent and the Lord will offer his help if we sincerely ask for it.
Finally, we ended class with a video depicting chapter 5. Naaman the leper. We talked about how the servant girls' small comment had such a huge impact upon Naaman and his family. She simply shared the gospel. Additionally, Naaman was ready to do something big to cure his leprosy, but was very reluctant to do the small and simple thing he was asked to. I asked the student to consider - "Why is it that sometimes the small things are so hard to do?" Small things like reading our scriptures and saying our prayers and being kind to others often seem so small and insignificant, but they may be some of the toughest things for us to do. I asked the students to think today about what some of the small things are in their lives which they would like to do better.
Our scripture mastery for this week is Ezekiel 37:15-17.

February 21, 2008

I've been gone for the last week and a half. Thanks so much to all of the teachers who covered for me. It sounds like everything got covered.
Today we reviewed everything the students had gone over the past week or so, and then studied 1 Kings 17. What a beautiful scripture passage!
We started out looking at 1 Ne 3:7. We talked about the principles being taught in this verse - GO and DO and Faith and Obedience.
As we turned to Kings, as we read, the students marked all of the passages where they saw the GO and DO (commands, actions or attitudes) and the Went and Did etc.
We split the chapter into sections and also looked for Miracles in each section.
We looked at 1-7, then 8-16, then 16-23, and finally 24.
We discussed that Elijah had the sealing power to seal the heavens, and looked at 16:30 (previous chapter) to learn that King Ahab was worse than any of the kings before him. We discussed how President Benson told us that the Lord will allow us to humble ourselves, or else he'll humble us, but he requires a humble people. Elijah had to hide from Ahab to save himself - which is fairly indicative of Ahab's wickedness.
As we discussed these sections, we discussed how we might have felt or reacted in these character's situations. We were able to see the strong GO and DO - Faith and Obedience of these people. We discussed the trials of faith that each individual had, and finally as we looked at verse 24. v. 24 would not have been possible, except for the things which the widow had previously experienced. These experiences, based on the faith and obedience of the the widow - were the basis of her testimony. The faith precedes the miracle, and then we are given a sure knowledge. Each time we make a decision to do what is right, we become more sure and our testimony grows. This applies to all gospel principles, and especially to our own testimonies. If we want to gain a testimony of tithing - we need to start paying etc.
What a beautiful passage. There are so many things to learn and take from this chapter!
Tomorrow we will be covering 18-22 and Elijah and the priests sacrificial stand off. One of my favorite stories!
We are working on Jeremiah 16:16 this week for scripture mastery.

February 7 & February 8, 2008

Today there was no school - it was canceled on account of the snow and adverse conditions.
However, we did hold class yesterday.
Yesterday we started out doing a contrast and comparison on the chalkboard. We had half of the group write down ways that Saul was similar to David, and then continuing ways (or things that he did) in which he was different. The other half of the class did the same thing - similar and different.
As we discussed the findings - we saw that David and Saul had been called in almost the exact same way. The Lord had called them through the prophet - there was no aspiring etc. to the calling or position. As we began to look at the differences, the students suggested what the causes of the differences could have been. A big one was choices, and obedience. We also discussed appetites, willingness to listen to the Lord, jealousy, and pride. We were able to see how different the outcomes were for these two people who started out so closely.
We turned to several scriptures - going back to chapters 18, 19, 24 and saw what Saul was trying to do to David. Kill him - every single time. Then we looked at 24:4-6 and 26:23 to see what David's reaction was. We discussed David's decisions and WHY he said he wouldn't touch Saul. We talked about how many students in the class had ever received a calling or a church assignment. We talked about what it means to raise our hand and sustain someone. Then I asked the students if they had been able to do their calling or job perfectly - they all agreed that no - they hadn't. We were able to see that we are all imperfect. David recognized that Saul had been called by the Lord. He understood that Saul wasn't doing his job perfectly, but it was David's job to sustain and support his leader. What a great lesson if every member of the church could learn this lesson from David!
Brother Moore the area coordinator visited class yesterday. He led us through DC 88:118 - 124. As we looked at these verses, we underlined the specific responsibilities which students of the gospel have as they come to class. We discussed how sensitive the spirit is and how quickly it will leave - or not lend it's presence if we are not willing and inviting it to teach us. We also discussed the importance of sharing and teaching what the spirit teaches us to each other - this strengthens our testimonies. Finally we talked about the preparations which we make to learn as we come into the classroom. It was a great reminder for me of the importance of being 'ready to learn' as we pray for the spirit and for our teacher and those around us so that we can be taught, lifted up and edified through the Holy Ghost - the real teacher.

February 6, 2008

Today we focused on chapters 18-24. We spent most of our focus on Jonathan and David's friendship. In groups, the students were assigned different passages of each chapter. They read the passages, and then talked about the characteristics they could see which reflected the friendship, and qualities thereof. We talked about which characteristics were most important to the students, and how important friends were to each of us, and how to be a good friend.
We finished the lesson in chapter 24:2-6 discussing David's situation with Saul in the cave. We discussed why he didn't kill Saul - although he had the opportunity and it was set up perfectly. We discussed the divine appointment of our leaders and the importance of sustaining our leaders - even if they are in the wrong..
Tomorrow we will discuss 35-31 of 1 Samuel.

February 5, 2008

Today in class, we talked a little bit about the new First Presidency.
As we went into the lesson, we reviewed what we had talked about yesterday, and then read a couple of verses in chapter 15 of 1 Samuel which showed us the root of Saul's problem. We then looked at DC 98:14-15. These verses tell us that the Lord will test or prove each of us to see if we will keep our covenants, so that we can be found worthy to be with him again. We discussed how we react or respond when we are being tested... do we see it like that, or do we dwell on how awful life is? We saw that Saul was tested, and he didn't pass the test - he failed. He relied on his self rather than on the Lord. We looked at v. 22 (1 Sam 15) which also told us one of Saul's problems. He was more worried about what others thought. We talked about how easy this is to do.
Going into chapter 16, we read v 1-17 (+/-) together. We focused on the scripture mastery - for the Lord looketh on the heart. Samuel saw Jesse's sons, and thought - wow, he looks like he'd make a great king. Here though, the Lord instructed him that he really needs to see the inside of people rather than the outside. We discussed this at length - how it applies in our life. We also really examined verses 3-4 which shows such a pattern of faith. When the Lord commands, we need to go and do, and trust that He will make all things possible and make a way. Compare to 1 Ne. 3:7.
One of the students recapped the story of David and Goliath for us, and we talked about our own personal Goliaths. We saw how David was courageous and stood up to Goliath. He couldn't believe that someone (a Philistine) could defy their God in such a way. As he went into battle, his response to Goliath was that he would be slain, so that the Lord could show who was the God of Israel.
We listed some of the Goliaths which we see in our day - materialism, word of wisdom, immorality, pornography etc. These are all things which we see in our world - many people struggle with these things and don't believe that they can be overcome.
I gave each student a marshmallow, and they got to try out a slingshot - flinging their marshmallow at our Goliath which we had on the wall. It was suprisingly difficult. A couple of students made it, but most missed their mark. Some of them even threw their mallows, and repeatedly were deflected off of Goliath's shield.
I believe there are two different lessons here. 1. When we compare Saul vs. David (a whole lesson in itself) we can see what happens when we trust in the Lord and put our faith in him. 2. When we begin to tackle our Goliaths, sometimes we aren't always successful the first time. Sometimes we miss, but we can keep on trying. If we (like David) put our trust and faith in the Lord, we WILL CONQUER.
We will be going over 1 Samuel 18-24 tomorrow.

February 4, 2008

Today we focused on Saul. We started out class talking about things that the students do that they really get heat from their parents (or others) for. We made a big huge list...the students said that they generally feel pretty justified in what they do though. After making our list, we divided the class into groups and they decided in 2 minutes - the best excuse they'd ever heard or used (no fiction). I think my favorite had to be that someone had a hernia. Anyways, after this discussion, we began with chapter 9 of 1 Samuel and looked at Saul's calling as a prophet. The students looked to see everything they could find out about him - he was tall, and the goodliest person in all of Israel.
We stopped in our discussion of the reading, and discussed whether or not it would be acceptable if 20 deacons were deserted on an island for them to administer the sacrament. Most of our students said yes.
We went back to the story of Saul and saw him anointed, and then we saw what happened to him. Even though he had already been pretty good to start out with - he had a change of heart. He began to prophesy, and the Lord changed his heart. We discussed other people we knew of in the scriptures who had also had a change of heart... some brought up were Alma the younger, the Ammonites, and Saul of Tarshish also known as Paul. We discussed the Ammonites' willingness to sacrifice their lives to keep their covenants after their changes of heart. I had some questions on the board (introspective) about our own lives and whether we've had a change of heart.
Going back into the story, we read about Saul deciding to offer the burnt offering (even though he didn't have the proper authority), and the Lord's response. Saul lost his kingdom. But here, we also see Saul's first excuse. "I had to do it - I was forced to because the army was coming down to attack us and you (Samuel) weren't there." We found that Saul lost the kingdom from this point forward as a result of his disobedience.
Due to time - we skipped chapter 14, and continued in chapter 15. In v. 3 they are commanded (not just advised, but commanded) to destroy EVERYTHING. We see in later verses that they kept the best of some certain things.
Interestingly, Saul came back to Samuel and told him that he had kept the Lord's commandment.??! What?? Saul hadn't kept the commandment, but he made an excuse and justified his disobedience. He said that they had kept the best so that they could offer it to the Lord in sacrifice. We marked verse 22, and finished class discussing the importance of obedience. One of the sayings on the wall in our classroom is: "Obedience is the greatest test of life." It does not matter how much we sacrifice, if we aren't obedient - it really doesn't matter. Obedience is better than sacrifice.
We ended class on this note.
Tomorrow we will be going over 1 Samuel 16-17. It is one of my favorite lessons of the entire year - hope all can make it!
Our SM for this week is Isaiah 53:3-5

February 1, 2008

This posting came a little late - my apologies to the home study students...
On Friday we did a little catch up to make up for missing on Monday, and for the prophet succession lesson that we did on Tuesday instead of the regularly planned lesson. We spent more than half of the class working together to memorize Isaiah 29. Everyone who was there passed it off - phew! After passing off the scripture mastery, we discussed lucky charms - not the cereal. The students who participate in sports talked about whether or not they use lucky shirts or socks etc. We discussed the validity of such faith in inanimate objects. We went into chapter 4 of 1 Samuel looking for the good luck charm the Israelites took with them into battle. We discussed why it didn't work for them, going back and reading in Joshua, the promises which the Lord had made regarding the ark. We then read in Mormon 9 regarding miracles and what is necessary for miracles - the source, and what is required. We then continued discussing chapters 5-8 of 1 Samuel. We discussed what happened to the Philistines' god Dagon, and then what happened to the Philistines. We discussed how the ark began to be passed from one city to another, and what the result was in each city. Finally, we discussed what the Philistines ultimately decided to do with the ark, and then what happened to the Israelites who received it from the Philistines.
This next week we will focus on 1 Samuel 9-31. Our scripture mastery will be Isaiah 53:3-5.