I Have NOT Given Up!

Just given IN to the temptation to "take a break." I'm actually missing my OT stories. I have made it through Ruth and will keep plugging away.

Stay tuned...

Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy is a book about covenant-making. Its setting is the east side of the Jordan River as the second generation of the Israelites who came out of Egypt is about to enter the promised land. Years of experience in the wilderness had chastened them and trained them to keep their covenants. (See Deut. 1:1–5.) The book also coincides with the end of Moses’ tenure as leader of Israel. Many of the people had been very young when all of Israel last covenanted to obey the Lord at Mt. Sinai. Frequently at such moments of transition to new leadership, the outgoing leader would bring all the people under covenant again to obey God. Such seems to be the case as Moses passed the mantle of leadership to Joshua.

Ensign » 1990 » April; Deuteronomy:A Covenant of Love
By Stephen D. Ricks
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I just finished Deuteronomy and ABSOLUTELY LOVED it! I never realized how much of the OT is focused on Moses and the children of Israel. And Moses is my new scripture hero. He truly was a prophet of the Lord, and led the people to the promised land, BUT NEVER GOT TO SEE IT WITH HIS OWN EYES! And he knew he wouldn't see it! That's pretty unselfish.

It's a pretty easy read, too. So I definatley suggest reading this book, even if you don't want to read the whole OT.

Talking Donkey!

I wonder how often some of us get our direction from the Church and then, like Balaam, plead for some worldly rewards and finally receive an answer which says, in effect, If you are determined to be a millionaire or to gain this or that worldly honor, then do it with the understanding that you will continue to serve the Lord. Then we wonder why things don’t go as well for us as they would have done if we had put first in our lives the things of God’s kingdom?

What are the rewards of unrighteousness? Do they not include seeking for worldly things when these oppose the interests of the Church?

And don’t we all know people who, though they were once firm and steadfast in testimony, are now opposing the Lord’s purposes and interests on earth because money and power have twisted their judgment of what should or should not be?

Balaam, the prophet, inspired and mighty as he once was, lost his soul in the end because he set his heart on the things of this world (see D&C 121:35) rather than the riches of eternity (see D&C 78:18).

What a wealth of meaning there is in these inspired words of Joseph Smith, words addressed to people who have testimonies but want to mingle the things of this world with them: “Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?"

--Bruce R. McKonkie

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So I just read Numbers 22-25, the part with Balaam and the talking donkey. What a crazy story! I enjoyed reading the talk by Bruce R. McKonkie on the subject as well.

I believe that the Lord does give us the agency to do what we want, but will also let us know what we need. I'm grateful for that. Lately I have been wondering what more I can do to live the gospel better. I found that I need to sincerely pray more and keep my eye on the goal of the celestial kingdom. I love prayer and how Heavenly Father answers our prayers. I'm grateful for the Holy Ghost that can talk to us and prompt us to do better.

I'm glad to be plugging along in the OT. Stories like this one make it worth it!">

Cliff Notes Bible

Don't worry, I'm still reading. I'm in Numbers, and just learned about Heave Offerings. I hope I never get tested on these things, because everytime I hear the words "heave offering" I don't think pleasant thoughts.

Anyway, I found this poem (at Meridian Magazine) and loved it. I also learned that if you read three chapters a day, you can finish all of the standard works in 18 months. So really it shouldn't take me 10 years to finish the OT.


The Bible in Fifty Words

God made
Adam bit
Noah arked
Abraham split
Joseph ruled
Jacob fooled
Bush talked
Moses balked
Pharaoh plagued
People walked
Sea divided
Tablets guided
Promise landed
Saul freaked
David peeked
Prophets warned
Jesus born
God walked
Love talked
Anger crucified
Hope died
Love rose
Spirit flamed
Word spread
God remained.

- Unknown

Leviticus, or is it "Leave-it-and-cuss?"

So I may have to take a reprieve from the OT. My family and I have faithfully read from it every night, and so far there are have been some cool stories, and A WHOLE LOT of sacrificial instructions. Yesterday during the sacrament, one of my sons smooshed his bread and called it unleavened.

Last night the family gave up. They are going back to the B of M, the best book ever written. I'm tempted, too. Do you think I'll make it to the celestial kingdom if I don't read the OT? Does the reading get better? Should I just skip Leviticus and move on?

Anybody got any suggestions?

Exodus

Nephi’s familiarity with the Exodus story is paralleled by his apparent familiarity with the exodus cycle as a literary pattern. The final testimony of the exodus of the last days is the same as the testimony of the exodus from Egypt and the exodus from Jerusalem: “All flesh shall know that I, the Lord, am thy Savior and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”

-Liahona, February 1988

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We've been reading about the Israelites and the exodus from Egypt. We've read of the plagues, of Moses needing to hold his hands up in the air for the Israelites to win their battles, of manna and of Moses delegating his responsibilities so that he won't wear out. There are many, many lessons that can be learned from these chapters, many details that are so neat to think about and ponder. But because I only have a few minutes to blog (as usual), I'll just write about the whole exodus and compare it to others exoduses in church history.

I find it interesting that the Nephites also had an exodus, although on a much smaller basis. When Lehi was commanded to leave Jerusalem, that was an exodus for the Book of Mormon people. The people were familiar with the Bible's account of leaving the land of Egypt, and saw the symbolism.

The Jaredites also had an exodus when they escaped from the people involved in the tower of Babel. They too came to a new land to worship freely.

And, of course, the pioneers left Nauvoo to follow Brigham Young in an attempt to find a land to worship freely. We've all heard the stories of sacrifice and hardship they went through, but also the blessings because they did so.

The theme of leaving one place to find another, guided by the hand of the Lord, is common throughout church history. I believe that many of us also go through our own individual exodus, to find our place in the world, our testimony, and our place to worship how we feel is right. I'm glad the Lord allows us the freedom to choose, but also guides and directs us if we choose to follow Him. I love Him and trust in Him with my whole heart.

Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Few men in the Old Testament are of greater importance to Latter-day Saints than is Joseph of Egypt. (Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, July 1999).

I can't believe I haven't written about my favorite story of all time in the Bible. I love the story of Joseph, who was sold into Egypt by his brothers and was amazing despite many setbacks. When he was a slave, he worked hard to earn a better position, when he was wrongfully imprisoned, he helped others by interpreting their dreams, he worked hard for the Pharoah and became Egypt's #2 guy. And, oh ya, he forgave his brothers for fake killing him. And his brothers became humble, and they all lived happily ever after.

What a great story. And the musical is great, too.

Ten four good buddy.

God Made Them Brothers, and God Made Them Friends

"This is also a story about forgiveness and family reconciliation. “If I were to teach the principle of generosity in human relationships, how marvelous to share with people … the relationship of Jacob and Esau,” said Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Just as Jacob and Esau needed time apart, so might we occasionally need time to calm our feelings and reflect on the importance of our family relationships. Yet time and separation alone will not bring resolution. If we are prayerful, the Lord will help us know when the time is right for reconciliation, and we can follow the example of these brothers. How sweet that moment of sincere reconciliation can be! Our Savior will help us. He is the great Mediator, and He is able to soften hearts and heal wounds. He knows how to bring people to a unity of heart and mind. His example of marvelous generosity to us through His Atonement can help inspire forgiveness in our souls." (From the lds.org website.)
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We just read tonight about Jacob and Esau's reuniting. I had no idea this story existed. See how reading the scriptures can be?

Anyway, later in life, Jacob is commanded to go back to the land of his inheritance, and is scared because at one time Esau wanted to kill him. And when Jacob sent Esau a friendly note saying that he was returning, Esau sent a note saying that he was ready and waiting with 400 armed men. But when Jacob returned, he bowed 7 times to Esau as a show of respect, then Esau ran forward, hugged and kissed him, and wept.

What a happy ending! What a great book! A lot can be learned about this story, as demonstrated in the quote above. I'm glad the story of their relationship ended well. The Lord truly can soften hearts.

Leah and Rachael

"When heaven’s promises sometimes seem afar off, I pray that each of us will embrace these exceeding great and precious promises and never let go. And just as God remembered Rachel, God will remember you." (Spencer J. Condie, Ensign Nov. 2007)

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We just read about Jacob last night and how he had to work 14 years to marry Rachel, but instead got Leah. He worked another 14 years for Rachel. The Bible makes it sound like Rachel was the one who had it hard. After all, she wasn't able to bear children for a very long time, and couldn't marry the man she wanted for 28 years before that. I guess she did have it very hard. I always see the happy ending, how she was able to have Jacob's favorite son's who were righteous and good. But she couldn't see the happy ending from the beginning. Neither can we. I'm going to try to remember that there is a happy ending if only we endure righteously to the end.

On another note, though, I've always felt sorry for Leah. Here she had to marry a man she knew didn't love her, even though she bare him lots of sons, and she wasn't as pretty as Rachel. That would be a hard life, too. I wonder what Leah was like inside. If she was a bitter person who felt like a victim, or if she was okay with her lot in life.

Anyway, that's the latest story from the OT. (Sorry for the abrupt ending, but my lunch break is up...)

Still Plugging Away

I know I never update this blog. However, I am still continuing my goal to read the Old Testament.

Reading this book by myself was truly not easy. And not working. So now I read the Bible every night with my family. We started at the beginning, and now we're on Genesis chapter 20-something. We just finished the part where Isaac and Rebekeh had twin boys (Esau and Jacob?) and one was a red hairy hunter who sold his birthright for some pottage from Jacob. I know Jacob was righteous and all, but don't you think that's a little conniving? Why do you think he did that? Was Esau always a pain in the neck or something and Jacob had had enough? Or did Jacob know that it wouldn't mean a lot to Esau to have the birthright anyway?

I'd like to know your thoughts (if anybody read this...)

And, I'll still update when I can. I'm not quitting!!

Joshua 1

"Let us study the scriptures and “meditate therein day and night,” as counseled by the Lord in the book of Joshua (1:8)." (Thomas S. Monson, Liahona, November 2006)

Days to Read: 1

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So I decided to pick a bigger book this time to read. And, I'll admit I picked Joshua because my kids watched a Veggie Tales called Josh and the Big Wall and I wanted to see if the book was like the movie. It was, minus the talking vegetables. I also decided to stop at chapter 1 and write because it was powerful to me.

As you know, Moses has died and Joshua is the new prophet (kind of fitting to read right now, because we also just got a new prophet). The Lord gave Joshua the same counsel four times in this chapter: "be strong and of a good courage." If Joshua does this, and meditates "therein day and night," the Lord promises that he will not fail him, forsake him, the people shall be prosperous, he will have success, and the people will "enjoy" the land of their possession. The people sustained Joshua in verse 16 by saying, "all that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go."

We can apply this same counsel to our life: be strong of a good courage, meditate day and night, and sustain our prophet.

Up next: Joshua 2-6

Nahum

"The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall justle one against another in the broad ways: they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings” (Nahum 2:3–4).

“Could anybody have described an automobile better than that before there was such a thing as an automobile? Certainly they travel like the lightning, and they look like torches—especially in the evening when the lights are on—and they jostle against each other. If you want a demonstration of that, just go to one of the body repair shops and see how many of them come in all bruised!

“The thing that I liked about that particular passage of scripture is that it describes the day of the Lord’s preparation. We live in that day. Five hundred years ago this prophecy could not have come true, but today there is no other answer for that prophecy than an automobile. The importance of the prophecy is that it describes the day of his preparation.” (Elder LeGrand Richards, Ensign, May 1980)

Days to Read: 1

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I was almost going to call this book “Na-ho-hum” before I read the passage above! To me it seemed same-old, same-old, meaning we’ve heard all of this before. Nahum speaks about what the earth will be like at the Second Coming. Apparently we will have automobiles (obviously, since we have them…). I wonder if the people in Nahum’s time were a little bit confused. (“No way, Nahum. There’s no such thing as chariots with lights that go that fast…).

Anyway, my two favorite passages in the book are chapter 1 verse 3 and 7. Verse three states that the “Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked” and verse 7 says, “The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” Very comforting, indeed. No wonder in the Bible Dictionary it states that Nahum means Consoler.

Do you ever wonder what these prophets are like? We know nothing about Nahum except the three short pages he writes. A seminary teacher told me once that he was the prophet for the people of Judah, in the south, whatever that means. When I read that he was “consoler,” and
then those comforting scriptures, it made believe that he was a kind man, reminding me of President Hinckley. If you read these short chapters, you will also find some poetry. Some of the writings are very beautiful, something I would picture President Monson quoting or something.

Definitely not “ho-hum.”

Next up: Joshua chapter 1

Jonah

“If your family life seems to be sailing on stormy seas, could it be that one of you—a Jonah in some ways—is making the storm rage?” (Ensign, July 1989)

Days to read: 1
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We all know the story of Jonah and the Whale. It’s a simple story, but-WOW- did I learn a lot this time reading it!

First of all, when the scriptures described the raging storm, I felt like that was my life! It really hit home! And to think that Jonah was asleep during the storm. I’m assuming he felt just fine about his decision to go to Tarshish instead of Ninevah, like the Lord commanded him. And then I read the quote above from the Ensign and really had to think hard about the decisions I’m making and whether I can do better.

I also learned that Jonah had an anger problem. After he repented and went to Ninevah and the people there repented, the Lord decided not to destroy them. Boy was Jonah mad! He thought it would better if he died than to live. He decided to sit under a tree (like a stubborn mule I suppose) and just watch what the Lord would do to that city. The Lord asks, “doest thou well to be angry?” (ch. 4:4). The Lord provided a gourd in the tree to give Jonah shade, for which Jonah was grateful. But then the next day God made a worm to smote the gourd and it withered! So Jonah was mad again! Does this seem like my life or what! I’m mad because of something or other, get grateful again for the temporary gourd, get mad again when it falls the very next day, and on and on and on…
The Lord again asks Jonah whether it’s good idea to be angry.

My goal is to not be like Jonah in the anger department. It does not do us well to be angry!

Up next: Nahum

Habukkuk

"We are sometimes tempted with Habakkuk to cry, 'O Lord, how long shall I cry,' for many do not hear. And then we remember the Lord’s reply to Habakkuk, 'I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.'" (Spencer W. Kimball)

Days to read: 1
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Habakkuk is really quite simple: chapter 1 he moans and complains; chapter 2 the Lord tells him to buck up; chapter 3 Habakkuk praises the Lord.

That pretty much sums up my life.

And, like Habakkuk says, “The Lord my God is my strength.” Ch 3:19)

Amen!

Up Next: Jonah

Obadiah

Joseph Smith taught that baptisms for the dead fulfilled the words of Obadiah wherein he referred to saviors on Mount Zion. (Ensign, December 1981)

Days to read: 1
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Do you see a trend here? I’m going from short chapter to shorter to shortest. I have found, though, that instead of going from easy to easier to easiest, it is the complete opposite of that.

I believe that Obadiah is prophesying of the punishment of someone (Edom?) for something bad they did. (Vague, huh?) Anyway, he talks of Edom’s pride, how they rejoiced when Judah was destroyed, stole stuff, and prevented Judah’s escape. Obadiah says that “as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee” (vs. 15). He then goes on to say that “upon Mount Zion shall be deliverance” (vs.17). The last verse of the book discusses saviours upon Mount Zion, which the Bible Dictionary refers to as the “doctrine of salvation for the dead.” In D&C 128:14-15, it discusses the ordinances for the dead and how we can’t be saved without them, and they can’t be saved without us.

I believe in the saving ordinances of the dead. Obadiah is proof that it’s always been part of the gospel.

Up next: Habakkuk

Time Out!

You all know I'm not a scriptorian, right? (I don't even know how to spell it, let alone be it!) This blog is purely what I think, not what's necessarily doctorine. Please don't quote me on any of it, and please feel free to correct my if I'm wrong, and also feel free to add your own insights.

Okay, back to business...

Joel

“The Lord’s Spirit is being poured out upon all inhabitants of the earth, precisely as the Prophet Joel foretold. His prophecy was of such significance that the angel Moroni reaffirmed it to the Prophet Joseph Smith.” (Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, May 1990)

Days to read: 1
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The Bible Dictionary says that the “occasion of the prophecy was a severe visitation of drought and locusts. He assures the people that on repentance they will again receive the blessings of God.” Joel paints a very vivid picture of the famine. Chapter 2 discusses what the earth will be like during the Second Coming: the bad things, what we can do to prepare and the good things about it.

I learned from this book that if we turn to the Lord with all our heart, fast, and repent, then we will not be afraid when the Second Coming arrives. We will be glad, never be ashamed, and be delivered. I also liked how he talked about the Valley of Decision.

This book started out very depressing, to the point that I almost gave up, as Joel described the famine in great detail, but ended on a positive note when we realize what will happen if we are righteous.

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Next up: Obadiah

Ruth

“A good example of the kinds of real circumstances good people face in this life can be found in the Old Testament in the very short, five-page book of Ruth. Would you ever have expected the small book of Ruth to foretell such a great event?” (Aileen H. Clyde)

Days to Read:1

I’ll be honest: the reason I picked Ruth as the first book was because it’s short. I didn’t realize until I read it that I confused Ruth with Esther. I thought they were one and the same.

Ruth’s story begins as her father-in-law died, followed by her husband and brother-in-law. Those three were the only males in the family. That left Ruth, her mother-in-law, and sister-in-law alone during a famine. Ruth’s mother-in-law told her daughters that they could leave and go to their own families again. Orpah, the sister-in-law, did. But Ruth answered and said “Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” (Ruth 1:16)

I learned from Ruth that she was kind, hard working, unselfish, virtuous, loyal and probably most important, she trusted in the Lord (Ruth 2:12). She showed her mother-in-law that the Lord blesses them (Ruth 2:20). In chapter 4:15, Boaz says that because of Ruth’s love, she is “better to thee than seven sons.” Ruth and Boaz had a son named Obed, who begat Jesse, who begat David, whose line Jesus came from. I had no idea that Jesus came from Ruth’s line.

Ruth is a great example to me now. I hope I can remember her obedience, her virtue, her hard work and perseverance. I hope I can trust in the Lord as she did through famine and loneliness.

Next up: Book of Joel