Scripture Blog

This weblog is my personal online scripture journal. I try to read the scriptures each morning as I exercise on my cross-trainer. It has a great impact on my life and my testimony of the Savior and his restored church. The journal is really for my own benefit but I have set it up as a web log in hopes to benefit anyone else that may be interested. "For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost..." 1 Nephi 10:19

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Isaiah 5

The word "woe" is defined as a word -

"used to express grief, regret, or distress" (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

If one lived in the days of Isaiah when there were dwellings and farms that were spacious and productive. An that person was given a vision of our day and the grief, distress, and loss of hope that is apparent in the slums in many of our cities, how would that person describe it? Isaiah wrote -

"Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth!
9 In mine ears said the LORD of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, even great and fair, without inhabitant.
10 Yea, ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, and the seed of an homer shall yield an ephah.
11 ¶ Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!
12 And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands." (Old Testament | Isaiah 5:8 - 12)

I do not suggest that all individuals in this type of living are wicked. But in vision, which would suggest a visual overview, it seems prevelant. When men do not regard the work of the Lord nor the operations of his hand, wickedness and misery usually prevails.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Isaiah 4

Of the last days, Isaiah wrote the -

"...the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence." (Old Testament | Isaiah 4:5)

The scriptural headings suggests that "in that day" is the millenium era and "dwelling place" refer to home and "assemblies" refer to houses of worship. But I personally had a little bit different impression of this writing.

I perceived that last days as the days wherein we now live. And that the filth is even being washed away in our day as the saints repent and come to "Zion". In my mind, Isaiah is suggesting that the Lord will create dwelling places for Mount Zion or in other words, locations or dwelling places throughout the world where His temples will be constructed and reside. Wherein His saints my assemble as a defense to the temptations of the world.

It seems that much of the writings of Isaiah are symbolic, not actual. There is no question that the symbolic nature of a clould or even smoke typically covers what is going on beyond not allowing light to penetrate beyond the smoke or cloud. It is within the temples that light and knowledge and a great endowment is given. The walls of the temple limit the world to see or experience the light that is within. In a sense, without a temple recommend, to the world, the temple walls are a cloud or smoke with no transparency. I wonder if Isaiah alos saw the Houses of the Lord in our day in the evening. How else would a prophet in that day describe this vision other than "the shining of a flaming fire by night".

Monday, June 28, 2010

Isaiah 2

As I read the words of Isaiah this morning, two thoughts came to my mind. Isaiah wrote of his vision -

"...the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills..." (Old Testament | Isaiah 2:2)

In ancient days when there was no structural edifice or temple built, the Lord used the tops of mountains to endow power and knowledge. What struck me this morning was the thought that maybe Isaiah used the term "mountain" to be synonomous to a structural edifice. And the mountain or structure of the Lord's house would be considered higher that all other structures. Which in this case Isaiah used the word "hill" suggesting that other buildings or edifices did not compare.

Isaiah also prophecied in the last days -

"...for out of Zion shall go forth the law..." (Old Testament | Isaiah 2:3)

The Lord has declared in our day that -

"...I have other places which I will appoint unto them, and they shall be called stakes, for the curtains or the strength of Zion." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 101:21)

In my mind, the law or the Lord's commandments will come forth from Zion or its many stakes to the world. Whether the law goes forth by missionaries or members, nonetheless it will come forth by Zion or the righteous.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Isaiah 1

It is well established that Isaiah speaks not only to the people of his day, but also to those in the meridian of time, and in the last days. Somethimes to all three in the same verse. I personally believe that most of his words are applicable to all men. Nephi said of his ministry -


"...that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 19:23)

In other words, we should liken all the words of Isaiah to ourselves. In Isaiah's day, the children of Israel continued to outwardly live the ordinances of the Law of Moses. But the law of Moses was only given to keep the people focused on the way they should go and in keeping the commandments. Isaiah said to a wicked generation -

"To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats." (Old Testament | Isaiah 1:11)

Of such he continues -

"Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting." (Old Testament | Isaiah 1:13)

Of this perversion of worship, the Lord said -

"...when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood." (Old Testament | Isaiah 1:15)

In other words, our sacrifices and outward ordinances are meaningless unless we internall have faith and keep the commandments of the Lord. Even many years hence, Isaiah taught the gospel of Jesus Christ -

"Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land..."
(Old Testament | Isaiah 1:16 - 19)

Do not these same principles hold today. How can any of faith deny the gospel as taught by Isaiah? Not all will be saved but those who have faith in Christ and keep his commandments for -

"Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness." (Old Testament | Isaiah 1:27)

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Isaiah 1

As I begin my study of Isaiah, I remember the words of Nephi -

"Wherefore, the things which are pleasing unto the world I do not write, but the things which are pleasing unto God and unto those who are not of the world." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 6:5)

Among all that Nephi could have written, he chose to write many of the words of Isaiah. In other words, the words of Isaiah are pleasing unto God. Jacob wrote -

"...I cannot write but a little of my words, because of the difficulty of engraving our words upon plates..." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 4:1)

It is interesting that with all this difficulty, Nephi chose to write the words of Isaiah. The Savior Himself said of these words -

"...I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 23:1)

They are important to us as Nephi wrote -

"...in the days that the prophecies of Isaiah shall be fulfilled men shall know of a surety, at the times when they shall come to pass.
8 Wherefore, they are of worth unto the children of men, and he that supposeth that they are not, unto them will I speak particularly, and confine the words unto mine own people; for I know that they shall be of great worth unto them in the last days; for in that day shall they understand them; wherefore, for their good have I written them." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:7 - 8)

There is a tendency for many of the saints to skim or skip over the words of Isaiah because of their difficulty to understand. I am going to make a little bit more conscientious focus on the words Isaiah as I read the Old Testament.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Ecclesiates 12

After focusing and the happenings and things of the this world, Solomon or the Preacher as he calls himself, concludes -

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." (Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 12:13 - 14)

That is the conclusion and purpose of our total mortal existence, to fear God and keep His commandments. It is our duty. The Lord said to Moses -

"...I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me,
10 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments." (Old Testament | Deuteronomy 5:9 - 10)

In one sentence, during His mortal ministry, the Savior declared the same -

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." (New Testament | John 14:15)

That is our duty if we desire His mercy.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Ecclesiastes 3

Solomon asked -

"What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?" (Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 3:9)

In my opinion, the tone in Ecclesiates seems to be a little bit pessimistic and he ponders the things of this world using the words "under the sun". But even then Solomon answers -

"I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.
11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
12 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour..." (Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 3:10 - 13)

And then of labour the good that comes from labor, Solomon states -

"...it is the gift of God." (Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 3:13)

Work and the satisfaction we receive from it tends to bring man joy and satisfaction -

"Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.
19 Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God." (Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 5:18 - 19)

Monday, June 21, 2010

Proverbs 28

It seems to me that in the first several chapters of Proverbs, that I found a great deal more "divine" or spiritual wisdom. The more I read, the more I sensed the wisdom of man. I really don't know why. Maybe Solomon began to lose the Spirit and began to rely on his own wisdom. There was though a wise proverb I read this morning -

"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." (Old Testament | Proverbs 28:13)

In modern day, the Lord has also taught us -

"By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 58:43)

Eternal principles never change.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Proverbs 21

A few more proverbs I found to be particularly wise -

"He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich." (Old Testament | Proverbs 21:17)

"He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor." (Old Testament | Proverbs 22:9)

"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." (Old Testament | Proverbs 23:7)

In regards to children, we are counseled -

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Old Testament | Proverbs 22:6)

The truth is -

"The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.
25 Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice." (Old Testament | Proverbs 23:24 - 25)

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Proverbs 16

There seems to be a great deal of hidden wisdom in the proverbs. One that caught my attention this morning was -

"Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established." (Old Testament | Proverbs 16:3)

I have found over the years that as one buries oneself in the service of God and his fellowman, one seems to master his mind and soul. I have found my thoughts tend to be more "established" in the ways of the Lord.

Another wise quality that caught my attention -

"A friend loveth at all times..." (Old Testament | Proverbs 17:17)

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Proverbs 10

The following are quotes from the wisdom of Solomon that particularly touched me this morning. They all seem somewhat related -

"...love covereth all sins." (Old Testament | Proverbs 10:12)

"Only by pride cometh contention..." (Old Testament | Proverbs 13:10)

"In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride..." (Old Testament | Proverbs 14:3)

"A SOFT answer turneth away wrath..." (Old Testament | Proverbs 15:1)

"...He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes." (Old Testament | Proverbs 13:24)

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine..." (Old Testament | Proverbs 17:22)

"Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise..." (Old Testament | Proverbs 17:28)

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Proverbs 6

Solomon wrote -

"These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." (Old Testament | Proverbs 6:16 - 19)

It is clear that the Spirit cannot dwell with those that possess or demonstrate these characteristics. One thing the Lord hates that seems prevalent today is "An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations". Of such, Solomon wrote -

"To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.
25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids." (Old Testament | Proverbs 6:24 - 25)

In Solomon's day they did not have pictures, photos, videos, the internet or such other technologies that cause one to lust "in thine heart". But yet the consequence remains the same -

"Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?" (Old Testament | Proverbs 6:27 - 28)

The Lord has counseled us -

"Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
3 Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart." (Old Testament | Proverbs 7:2 - 3)

Monday, June 14, 2010

Proverbs 1

At the end of the period of Judges, we read -

"In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes." (Old Testament | Judges 21:25)

With that, Isaiah warned -

"Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!" (Old Testament | Isaiah 5:21)

Jacob also taught -

"...O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.
29 But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:28 - 29)

In Solomon's great wisdom, he said -

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Old Testament | Proverbs 1:7)

Solomon explained what is wisdom -

"A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:" (Old Testament | Proverbs 1:5)

Why is it wise to follow the Lord? The Lord said to Abraham -

"...These two facts do exist, that there are two spirits, one being more intelligent than the other; there shall be another more intelligent than they; I am the Lord thy God, I am more intelligent than they all." (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 3:19)

Because of that -
"...the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding." (Old Testament | Proverbs 2:6)

Thus we are told -

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Old Testament | Proverbs 3:5 - 6)

Therefore -

"Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil." (Old Testament | Proverbs 3:7)

Friday, June 11, 2010

Psalms 104

In modern day, we learn -

"...This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made.
8 As also he is in the moon, and is the light of the moon, and the power thereof by which it was made;
9 As also the light of the stars, and the power thereof by which they were made;
10 And the earth also, and the power thereof, even the earth upon which you stand.
11 And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings;
12 Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space—
13 The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:7 - 13)

David writes much of the same thing -

BLESS the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.
2 Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:
3 Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:
4 Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire..." (Old Testament | Psalms 104:1 - 4)

David then goes on to describe all that the Lord has been created. The world argues between intelligent design and natural nondirected creation. I believe what is lost in the argument of intelligent design is the most important question of all - What for?

We know that the Lord has declared -

"For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 1:39)

I testify there is a reason, a purpose, and most important, a plan being -

"I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:19)

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Psalm 103

In modern day the Lord said -

"BEHOLD, I say unto you that all old covenants have I caused to be done away in this thing; and this is a new and an everlasting covenant, even that which was from the beginning." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 22:1)

I can't help but note that this is an everlasting covenant which was known from the beginning. David taught in psalm the essential nature of this covenant -

"But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them." (Old Testament | Psalms 103:17 - 18)

What is everlasting within this covenant is a everlasting promise of mercy to those who keep this covenant and remember and obey His commandments. I also note the promise of extended righteousness to the faithful's posterity. Though the new and everlasting covenant includes ordinances and greater blessings, again the key to the entire plan of salvation is everlasting mercy.

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Psalms 51

As Alma contemplated his sins and repentance, he told his son -

"...I was racked with eternal torment, for my soul was harrowed up to the greatest degree and racked with all my sins.
13 Yea, I did remember all my sins and iniquities, for which I was tormented with the pains of hell; yea, I saw that I had rebelled against my God, and that I had not kept his holy commandments." (Book of Mormon | Alma 36:12 - 13)

As I read the psalm of David having gone unto Bath-sheba, I sense the that David is experience the same torment as suggested by Alma. Listen to his words -

HAVE mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." (Old Testament | Psalms 51:1 - 17)

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Psalms 23

The 23rd Psalms seems to be the most quoted of all the psalms. These verses seemed to take on a little bit more meaning for me as I put my myself in the shoes of David who more than understood what it meant to be a shepherd and to sincerely love his sheep. David seems to see through the eyes of the sheep -

"THE LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Old Testament | Psalms 23:1 - 4)

It is interesting that years later, the Savior stated, maybe in reference to this psalm -

"I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine." (New Testament | John 10:14)

Another psalm I would like to reference seems the be the very qualifications of worthiness to enter the House of the Lord -

"Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully." (Old Testament | Psalms 24:3 - 4)

Purity, chastity, testimony, and honesty are all conditions of worthiness to enter the Lord's House.

The Savior said at His passing -

"...Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost." (New Testament | Luke 23:46)

Years before, David wrote -

"Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth." (Old Testament | Psalms 31:5)

I somehow sense David was guided by the Spirit to write those words.

Monday, June 07, 2010

Psalms 9

This song of David particularly touched me this morning -

"The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee." (Old Testament | Psalms 9:9 - 10)

"Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us." (Old Testament | Psalms 62:8)

Considering that trusting in the Lord as a place of refuge, I am reminded of the testimony of Alma of the Savior that -

"...he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." (Book of Mormon | Alma 7:11 - 12)

The Savior promises -

"Yea, he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 5:34)

Friday, June 04, 2010

Job 2

As Job experienced such great tribulation of losing family,property and wealth, and then being overcome with sore boils, what impressed me the most was that even after all this as his wife questioned -

"...Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die." (Old Testament | Job 2:9)

...Job did not murmur against God, responding -

"...Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips." (Old Testament | Job 2:10)

You can sense his his pain and discouragement as he commented -

"Why died I not from the womb?..." (Old Testament | Job 3:11)

But he did not murmur against God. As three friends questioned all that had happened was a result of his unfaithfulness, you can sense the wisdom of Job -

"I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?
3 If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.
4 He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?" (Old Testament | Job 9:2 - 4)

His faith becomes more apparent as he contends -

"For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God..." (Old Testament | Job 19:25 - 26)

And then in the midst of his greatest suffering, Job makes this marvelous comment to the Lord -

"I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
3 Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.
4 Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
5 I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee." (Old Testament | Job 42:2 - 5)

Job never seemed to murmur. This last comments suggest to me that man does not understand the meaning and purposes of God in all things, but acknowledging that are to wonderful for man to understand.

Thursday, June 03, 2010

Esther 4

The Lord sees fit at times to place individuals of influence in key positions to fulfill His purposes. Witness this in the life of Esther. Even though Esther was placed in the position of queen, the Lord did not necessarilyh lessen the challenge that Esther was to have to face while in this position. But Esther was faithful and the lives of many fellow Jews were saved because of her willingness to sacrifice all. It was at the point that many of the Jews were about to perish that Mordecai reminds her -

"Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.
14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Old Testament | Esther 4:13 - 14)

We then learn what it takes to call upon the blessings of heaven as Esther responds -

"Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise..." (Old Testament | Esther 4:16)

Even though this demonstrated the great faith of Esther, she also recognized the will of the Lord -

"...and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish." (Old Testament | Esther 4:16)

Was not this a "similitude" of the sacrifice of Savior in saving the lives of all that come unto him. Esther will always serve as a model of one that was willing to give her own live for her fellow men.

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Nehemiah 4

In the parable of the Nobleman and the Olive Trees, the Lord said -

"A certain nobleman had a spot of land, very choice; and he said unto his servants: Go ye unto my vineyard, even upon this very choice piece of land, and plant twelve olive-trees;
45 And set watchmen round about them, and build a tower, that one may overlook the land round about, to be a watchman upon the tower, that mine olive-trees may not be broken down when the enemy shall come to spoil and take upon themselves the fruit of my vineyard.
46 Now, the servants of the nobleman went and did as their lord commanded them, and planted the olive-trees, and built a hedge round about, and set watchmen, and began to build a tower.
47 And while they were yet laying the foundation thereof, they began to say among themselves: And what need hath my lord of this tower?
48 And consulted for a long time, saying among themselves: What need hath my lord of this tower, seeing this is a time of peace?
49 Might not this money be given to the exchangers? For there is no need of these things.
50 And while they were at variance one with another they became very slothful, and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their lord.
51 And the enemy came by night, and broke down the hedge; and the servants of the nobleman arose and were affrighted, and fled; and the enemy destroyed their works, and broke down the olive-trees.
52 Now, behold, the nobleman, the lord of the vineyard, called upon his servants, and said unto them, Why! what is the cause of this great evil?
53 Ought ye not to have done even as I commanded you, and—after ye had planted the vineyard, and built the hedge round about, and set watchmen upon the walls thereof—built the tower also, and set a watchman upon the tower, and watched for my vineyard, and not have fallen asleep, lest the enemy should come upon you?
54 And behold, the watchman upon the tower would have seen the enemy while he was yet afar off; and then ye could have made ready and kept the enemy from breaking down the hedge thereof, and saved my vineyard from the hands of the destroyer." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 101:44 - 54)

From this parable we see two major responsibilities - the first being the work to plant and care for the trees, and the second to watch for the enemy that may come in to destroy the work. The story told by Nehemiah reflects a real life scenrio as -

"And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.
16 And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.
17 They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon." (Old Testament | Nehemiah 4:15 - 17)

I see the same analogy in the Armor of God where some of the armor is for protection while the sword suggests the offensive movement or building -

"...take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand.
16 Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, which I have sent mine angels to commit unto you;
17 Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked;
18 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of my Spirit, which I will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you, and be agreed as touching all things whatsoever ye ask of me, and be faithful until I come..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 27:15 - 18)

I can't help but bring another scripture I read this morning to mind. As Ezra and other priesthood leaders taught the people out of the law of Moses, or in other words -

"...caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place." (Old Testament | Nehemiah 8:7)

"So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading." (Old Testament | Nehemiah 8:8)

"For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law...for the joy of the LORD is your strength...And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them." (Old Testament | Nehemiah 8:9 - 12)

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Nehemiah 1

Unlike Ezra, Nehemiah does not appear from my reading to be a scribe or one holding priesthood authority. Yet as I read the writings of Nehemiah my thoughts turned to the word of the Lord that -

"...men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
28 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.
29 But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 58:27 - 29)

As a faithful cupbearer for the King of Persia, we read the sincerity as Nehemiah fasted and prayed -

"...I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:
6 Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.
7 We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses.
8 Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations:
9 But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.
10 Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand." (Old Testament | Nehemiah 1:5 - 10)

When Nehemiah learned that -

"...the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire." (Old Testament | Nehemiah 1:3)

...he could not rest.

The greatness of Nehemiah was that he recognized a righteous need and worked faithfully to restore the temple walls and door even with great obstacles.