1 Peter 2

 Peter suggests that the saints should be submissive to governments and laws saying - 

"Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well."  (1 Peter 2:13–14)

1 Peter 1

 Peter suggests clearly that there was a premortal life writing - 

"Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,"  (1 Peter 1:2–3)

Even adding of the Savior - 

"Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you..."  (1 Peter 1:20)

Elder Ronald A. Rasband - How Great Will Be Your Joy

 Elder Rasband closing remark on senior missionary couples was - 

"I also promise that as you serve, you will feel the love of the Lord in your life, you will know Him, He will know you, and “how great shall be your joy.”29 Your dedicated service to Jesus Christ will inspire and bless your family, your grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. “Peace, and love [will] be multiplied”30 in their lives for years to come. I promise...."

James 5

 I think James gave that best response to anyone that is struggling with a challenge - 

"Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience."  (James 5:10)

The scriptures always has the best advice.

James 3

The teachings of James seem unique and impressive to me having what appears a different approach than some of the other apostles.    He wrote - 

"For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison."  (James 3:2–8)

What a truthful message.

James 2

 I feel James settles the argument that faith or belief in Jesus Christ is all that is required to live in "heaven".  James seems to suggest, like the Prophet Joseph Smith, is a principle of action or obedience.  He asks - 

"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?"  (James 2:14)

Adding - 

"Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works."  (James 2:18)

In other words -

"But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?"  (James 2:20)

Obviously, works include repentance and entering into ordinances and covenants.

Elder Gary E. Stevenson - Promptings of the Spirit

 As Elder Stevensen discusses gifts of the Spirit and receiving the influence of the Holy Ghost, he comments - 

"Over the course of my ministry, I have found a universal longing by everyone to know how to invite and recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Promptings of the Spirit are very personal and come in different ways. We are, however, blessed to have words of prophets, both ancient and modern, give us valuable insights about how to receive direction from the Spirit."

Having recently been called as a new stake patriarch, I specifically note the words "Promptings of the Spirit are very personal and come in different ways."  I am finding that true!

Hebrews 10

 Several verses I find interesting in this chapter - 

"...he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law..." (Hebrews 10:8)

The Lord never had pleasure in the sacrifice of animals.

"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh..."

(Hebrews 10:19–20)

Those that have been to the temple should understand this verse.

"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."

(Hebrews 10:35–36)

Faith or obedience always precedes the miracle or blessing with patience.(see D&C 130)

Hebrews 9

 As Paul is teaching the Hebrews concerning the New Testament and the Old Testament or lesser covenant (Mosiac law), he refers back to the Tabernacle or the traveling temple and writes of its content -

"For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.

3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;

4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;

5 And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly."  (Hebrews 9:2–5)

I specifically not those close words "of which we cannot now speak particularly."  I struck me that Paul knew concerning the meaning that it was sacred and could only be discussed in sacred places.  I sensed that Paul knew what that meant which also suggests that he had already obtained and endowment and temple ordinances.   That these things should only be had in the temples...much like today. 

Hebrews 7

 Paul relates to the Hebrews that besides being ministers to the tribes of Israel that -- 

"...they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:

6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises."  (Hebrews 7:5–6)

Elder Neil L. Andersen - Tithing: Opening the Windows of Heaven

 Elder Anderson taught -- 

"With all the Lord gives to us, He has asked us to return to Him and His kingdom on earth 10 percent of our increase. He has promised us that as we are honest in our tithes, He will “open … the windows of heaven, and pour … out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”2 He has promised us that He will protect us from evil.3 These promises are so certain,4 the Lord declares, “Prove me now herewith,”5 a phrase found nowhere else in the scriptures but when quoting Malachi."

"The windows of heaven open in many ways. Some are temporal, but many are spiritual. Some are subtle and easy to overlook. Trust in the Lord’s timing; the blessings always come."

"President Gordon B. Hinckley recounted this childhood experience: “When I was a boy I raised a question with my father … concerning the expenditure of Church funds. He reminded me that mine is the God-given obligation to pay my tithes and offerings. When I do so, [my father said,] that which I give is no longer mine. It belongs to the Lord to whom I consecrate it.” His father added: “What the authorities of the Church do with it need not concern [you, Gordon]. They are answerable to the Lord, who will require an accounting at their hands.”"

"The spiritual power of the divine law of tithing is not measured by the amount of money contributed, for both the prosperous and the poor are commanded by the Lord to contribute 10 percent of their income.22 The power comes from placing our trust in the Lord."

Hebrews 5

 Being a high priest and an elders quorum president, I can attest to the counsel of Paul - 

"...when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."  (Hebrews 5:12–14)

All saints are at different levels in their spiritual growth and knowledge.  It never hurts to teach "milk".