Thought: My dear brothers and sisters, if you ever come across
anything that causes you to question your testimony of the gospel, I plead with
you to look up. Look to the Source of all wisdom and truth. Nourish your faith
and testimony with the word of God. There are those in the world who seek to
undermine your faith by mixing lies with half-truths. This is why it is
absolutely critical that you remain constantly worthy of the Spirit. The
companionship of the Holy Ghost is not just a pleasant convenience—it is essential
to your spiritual survival. If you will not treasure up the words of Christ and
listen closely to the promptings of the Spirit, you will be deceived (see Joseph
Smith—Matthew 1:37). We must do these things.
(Elder Adrian Ochoa, CR- Oct. 2013)
Book of the Week: Latter Day Saint Commentary on the Old
Testament by Ellis T. Rasmussen
1 Samuel 16
Vs. 1 - How
long mourn ye for Saul?
Vs. 7, 12,
13Think of the purest, most
all-consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love by an infinite
amount—that is the measure of God’s love for you. God does not look on the
outward appearance. I believe that He doesn’t care one bit if we live in a
castle or a cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or
forgotten. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are
imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass,
God’s love encompasses us completely. He loves us because He is filled with an
infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love. We are important to God
not because of our résumé but because we are His children. He loves every one
of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken.
God’s love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant,
and the wicked. What this means is that, regardless of our current state, there
is hope for us. No matter our distress, no matter our sorrow, no matter our
mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw
near to Him so that He can draw near to us. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, CR, Oct. 2009)
Vs. 14-16- Grateful for the JST
Vs. 21-23 Just play the harp- Don't tell
Saul what Samuel did!
17- Go ahead and ask how it really happened?
The LXX lists Goliath's height as 6 cubits
and a span (about 9'6") "In Israel there was also a giant to face
Goliath-the King himself. He is said to have been a head taller than all the
men of Israel. It was Saul who should have gone against Goliath to deliver
Israel, but by that time he had lost the Spirit and had no courage. So a young
man named David went forth. And the rest is history." (Ogden p. 403)
Vs. 39- Going into battle with armor we have
not tested.
18- Note the contrast between the father Saul and the son Jonathon.
Vs. 1-4 "Friendship is one of the grand
fundamental principles of Mormonism; It is designed to revolutionize and
civilize the world, and cause wars and contentions to cease and men to become
friends and brothers." (TPJS p. 316)
Vs. 6-8-Saul became an enemy to David
through pride. He was jealous because the crowds of Israelite women were
singing that “Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” (ETB-CR Apr. 1989.)
19-Vs. 5 - Wilt thou shed innocent blood? See 2 Samuel 11. Irony Vs 18-24-
WW at the Benbow Farm
20 - You've got to Love Jonathon. David is going to be king at his expense!
21- Matthew 12:1-4; 2 Cor. 3:6.
22-27 chapter headings
28- The Local Witch- “The Witch of Endor, …
instead of being a prophetess of the Lord, was a woman who practiced
necromancy; that is, communication or pretended communication with the spirits
of the dead; but she was led by a familiar spirit. In other words, she was a
spiritual medium, similar to those modern professors of the art, who claim to
be under the control of some departed notable, and through him or her to be
able to communicate with the dead. It should be observed that in the seance
with the king of Israel, Saul did not see Samuel or anybody but the medium or
witch. She declared that she saw an old man coming up and that he was covered
with a mantle. It was she who told Saul what Samuel was purported to have said.
Saul ‘perceived that it was Samuel’ through what the witch stated to him. The
conversation that ensued between Samuel and Saul was conducted through the
medium. All of this could have taken placed entirely without the presence of
the prophet Samuel. The woman, under the influence of her familiar spirit,
could have given to Saul the message supposed to have come from Samuel, in the
same way that messages from the dead are pretended to be given to the living by
spiritual mediums of the latter days, who, as in the case under consideration,
perform their work at night or under cover of darkness. “It
is beyond rational belief that such persons could at any period in ancient or
modern times, invoke the spirits of departed servants or handmaidens of the
Lord. They are not at the beck and call of witches, wizards, diviners, or
necromancers. Pitiable indeed would be the condition of spirits in paradise if
they were under any such control. They would not be at rest, nor be able to
enjoy that liberty from the troubles and labors of earthly life which is essential
to their happiness, but be in a condition of bondage, subject to the will and
whims of persons who know not God and whose lives and aims are of the earth,
earthy.” (ATGQ 4:107–8.)
30- David’s
use of the ephod here almost certainly involved the use of the Urim and
Thummim.
The breastplate of the high priest, which held the Urim and
Thummim,
was attached to the ephod (Exodus
28:26–30).
Thus, David asked the high priest to inquire of the Lord through the Urim and
Thummim, and he got an immediate answer.
II Samuel
1- David's reaction to the
death of King Saul and his son Jonathon.
The story the soldier gave to David was different from the account given
in 1 Samuel 31.
Vs. 17-27- David waxes
poetic. (It gets us ready for Psalms)
2. Ishbosheth- Son of Saul
Abner-
the head of Saul's armies. He supported the kingship of Ishbosheth. He killed Joab's brother Asahel.
3. Isbosheth accused Abner of
a relationship with one of Saul's wives. Abner was insulted and led his armies
to join with David's army where he was Joab-head
of David's army and brother of Asahel. David had to make it very clear that he
had not been involved in Abner's death.
4. Chapter heading.
5. David anointed king over
all of Israel. He reined forty years. Choosing
Jerusalem was much like choosing Washington DC as capital. The city was taken by defeating the blind and
the lame and by crawling up the "gutter" by Joab.
Vs. 7 -has the first use of
the designation Zion in the OT.
Vs. 11-12 The friendly relationship
with the men named "Hiram" of Sidon and Tyre.
Vs. 14- Note Nathan- see
Luke 3:31 and Solomon see Matthew 1:6.
Vs. 17-25 - David listened
to the Lord and defeated the Philistines.
6:1-11 -Don't steady the ark!
‘Uzzah was
therefore a type of all who with good intentions, humanly speaking, yet with
unsanctified minds, interfere in the affairs of the kingdom of God, from the
notion that they are in danger, and with the hope of saving them.’” (Keil and
Delitzsch, Commentary, 2:2:333.)
Vs. 14-23- Michal vs. David
- Who was in the wrong? Vs. 22- "Can we imagine any righteous, humble
follower of Christ acting and speaking that way to his wife? Do we seem to be
witnessing a change in David's character?" (Ogden p. 444)
7:16- Jesus the Christ p. 87-
Chapter heading- The ark is about 300 years old. I Chron. 22:8 & 1 Kings
5:3.
8 - During David's reign the
Kingdom of Israel extended for the first time to the length promised Abraham in
Genesis 15:18. See map 4
Vs. 17- Zadok was a priest descended
from Eleazar the son of Aaron. He aided King David during the revolt of his son
Absalom, and was consequently instrumental in bringing King Solomon to the
throne.
9- David's friendship with
Jonathan lives on.
10 - Don't cut my servant's
beards!
11-Vs. 1 - What time is it?
Where was David?
Vs. 11- You have got to love
Uriah. His name means "the Lord is my light." The saddest chapter.
12- ‘Attah ha ish! - Thou art the man!
Vs. 13 - Note the JST. Vs. 14
- There is no such thing as a private sin or life.
D&C 132:39 aDavid’s wives and concubines were bgiven unto him of me, by the hand
of Nathan, my servant, and others of the prophets who had the ckeys of this power; and in none of
these things did he dsin against me save in the case of eUriah and his wife; and, therefore
he hath ffallen from his exaltation, and
received his portion; and he shall not inherit them out of the world, for I ggave them unto another, saith the
Lord.
“Of a truth,” said Elder Maxwell,
“temptation is not a gate that can be opened by force of arms; it opens only
inward, as moved by the arm within, for each man is the gatekeeper of his
soul.” “Never make the same
mistake once.” The wisdom of this intriguing principle alerts us to the danger
of traps that are so effective that they don’t need a 2nd chance to ensnare
their victims—think of a spider web. Satan would have you believe that there is
little or no lasting harm in trying something just once. Yielding to Satan—even
once—has trapped many curious victims in a lifelong battle against that vice. In
86 President Benson warned members of the danger of anything “R rated” or
beyond. 37 The members thought he had drawn a line. I have heard
many members of the Church say, “Oh, we can watch that movie. It’s only a
PG-13. The prophet gave us permission.” They don’t say that last part, but that
is what they are thinking, because they thought he posted a speed limit, so to
speak. But what would a movie given an R rating in 86 be rated today? Has
relaxed its standards? “ratings creep.” Hollywood has gradually allowed more
vulgarity, profanity, nudity, violence, sex, etc., over the decades while
maintaining the same ratings. Does the word creep remind you of “the
serpent more subtle than any beast of the field 'Sept. 17, 2013 BYU Avoid
It Lynn G. Robbins
Church History by the Decade - 1960's
|
1960
|
Church Membership
|
1,693,180
|
|
1960
|
BYU offered Doctorates
|
For the 1st time.
|
|
1960
|
Manchester England
|
Stake-1st in Europe
|
|
1961
|
Missionary Language
|
Training mission commenced.
|
|
1961
|
Computers are used for
|
The 1st time to provide names for temple ordinances.
|
|
1961-June
|
1st Council of the 70
|
Ordained High Priests
|
|
1961
|
Gordon B. Hinckley
|
Is ordained an apostle. |
|
1961-Sept. 30
|
Harold B. Lee, under Direction of 1st Pres.
|
announced that all Church programs to be correlated through the
priesthood to strengthen the family & the individual. |
|
1961-Oct
|
Priesthood Correlation
|
Committee formed to correlate curriculum & activities for
children, youth and adults.
|
|
1961-Dec. 3
|
1st Spanish Speaking
|
Stake in Church organized in Mexico City.
|
|
1962
|
Gen. Conf. translated
|
Into different languages for first time.
|
|
1962
|
Curriculum for children
|
Youth and adults is outlined
|
|
1963-March 7
|
Stake Presidencies also
|
became presidencies of stake high priests quorums.
|
|
1963
|
Worldwide Broadcast
|
Of General Conference
|
|
1963
|
Windows of Heaven film
|
Encouraged payment of tithing
|
|
1963-Jun. 22
|
Hugh B. Brown 1st.
|
N. Eldon Tanner 2nd Counselor
to President David O. McKay.
|
|
1963-Sep 15
|
Joseph Fielding Smith
|
Dedicated Liberty Jail Visitors' Center
|
|
1963-Sep 18
|
Henry D. Moyle died
|
|
|
1963-Sept. 27
|
John F. Kennedy spoke to 8k people in the Tab.
|
He is joined on the stand by David O. McKay. Kennedy followed McKay
into the tabernacle and sat beside him on the stand.
|
|
1963-Oct. 4
|
Nathan Eldon Tanner
|
2nd Counselor to Pres. McKay.
|
|
1963-Oct. 4
|
Thomas S. Monson was sustained to 12 age 36 youngest man ordained
apostle since Joseph Fielding Smith at age thirty-three in 1910. 1st World
War II veteran to serve as apostle. 1st general authority with an MBA.
|
As of 1996 Other general authorities with MBA or other graduate
degree in business are Robert D. Hales (appointed in 1975), Gene R. Cook
(1975), John H. Groberg (1976), Ronald E. Poelman (1978), Henry B. Eyring
(1985), Glen L. Pace (1985), Helio R. Camargo (1985), Monte J. Brough (1988),
Albert Choules, Jr. (1988), Joseph C. Muren (1991), Stephen D. Nadauld
(1991), Dallas N. Archibald (1992), John E. Fowler (1992), V. Dallas Merrill
(1992), H. David Burton (1992), Richard C. Edgley (1992), Neil L. Andersen (1993),
Dieter F. Uchtdorf (1994).
|
|
1963-Oct. 12
|
Polynesian Cultural
|
Center opens at Laie, Hawaii.
|
|
1963-Nov. 24
|
Tabernacle Choir
performs on the
|
nationwide radio
broadcast for the memorial service of President John F. Kennedy.
|
|
1964-Jan. 1
|
Home Teaching replaced
ward teaching.
|
Priesthood executive
committees and ward councils established.
|
|
1964-Apr. 22
|
Mormon Pavilion at
|
New York's World
Fair- see Oct. 1989 ENSIGN by Brent Top
|
|
1964-Oct.
|
Family Home Evening
|
reemphasized. First FHE
manuals published in Jan. 65.
|
|
1964-Nov. 17
|
Oakland Temple
|
Dedicated by David O. McKay
|
|
1965
|
Church members are
|
Assigned to fill out 3 generation sheets.
|
|
1965-Oct. 29
|
Additional Counselors
|
In 1st Presidency -Joseph Fielding Smith & Thorpe B. Isaacson.
|
|
1965-Dec.
|
Over 1 million copies of
|
Book of Mormon given to neighbors for Christmas
|
|
1966
|
Home-study seminary
|
Inaugurated.
|
|
1966-May 1
|
1st stake in S. America
|
Organized in Sao Paulo, Brazil
|
|
1967
|
1st Seminary for
|
Handicapped students organized.
|
|
1967-Sept. 29
|
Calling of Regional
|
Representatives to the Twelve first announced
|
|
1967-Nov.
|
Pearl of Great Price
|
Papyri given to the Church
|
|
1968-Apr. 6
|
Alvin R. Dyer called as
|
Counselor to McKay-Isaacson had a stroke
|
|
1968-March
|
South Weber Ensigns
|
Win All Church Basketball Championship!
|
|
1968-Oct. 13
|
1st branch in Singapore
|
organized, with John McSweeny as president.
|
|
1968-Oct. 17-1970
|
Belle Smith Spafford
|
general president of Relief Society, is elected president of National
Council of Women in its eightieth anniversary year.
|
|
1969
|
Spencer W. Kimball's
|
Miracle of Forgiveness published.
|
|
1969
|
Unified Social Services
|
Department established.
|
|
1969
|
Southeast Asia Mission
|
organized
|
|
1969-Jan
|
Missionaries 1st entered
|
Language training mission
|
