Dig and Discover: February 2008

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Why do I need the scriptures?

King Josiah? Ever heard of him. He was "eight years old when he began to reign" as king. Eight!?!?! I'm pretty sure my life consisted of collecting baseball cards and playing Mario Bro.'s at 8. Certainly not ruling a country (not to mention a country of idol worshipers). The two previous kings in Judah (the southern country after the division of the children of Israel after King Solomon's fall and death; it included the tribe of Judah, the tribe of Benjamin and some Levites), namely his father and grandfather, had ruled in wickedness. Josiah broke the trend. He was righteous. He wanted the temple to be repaired. While there, the high priest found the book of the law, or in other words, the scriptures. Well no wonder they'd gotten so wicked they had totally forgotten about the scriptures to the point that the scriptures were lost. When Josiah realized what had happened, "he rent his clothes" (2 Kings 22:11). He then caused the words to be read to the people and they all covenanted to keep the commandments and "Josiah [overturned] the worship of false gods,...and puts down idolatry" (2 Kings 23, chapter heading).
So, Josiah was a good guy before he even had the scriptures. But when he discovered the scriptures he was able to come closer to God through covenants and help his people rid themselves of iniquity.
President Benson said, "Studying and searching the scriptures is not a burden laid upon us by the Lord, but a marvelous blessing and opportunity."
How are we doing at this? Does it seem like something we just know we're supposed to do? Something on our checklist? Or, are we looking at this as a "marvelous blessing and opportunity." I LOVE the scriptures. I know that they are true and that they contain God's revealed word to His prophets. I know that they apply directly to us and have the answers we need. My brother-in-law, LaDon, shared an interesting statistic with me once about scripture reading. He said that before President Hinckley's challenge to the Church to read the Book of Mormon, only 30% of members of the Church were having daily scripture study. During the challenge it increased to up to 70%. However, once the time of the challenge was completed we returned back to 30%. Well, that's easy, just tell President Monson to challenge us again, right? Well, let's remember Doctrine and Covenants 58:26= "For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant." Also remembering that we already have been commanded to "meditate therein day and night" (Josh. 1:8), and to "search the scriptures" (John 5:39), and to "feast upon the words of Christ" (2 Nephi 32:3), and to "search these commandments" (D&C 1:37). That's one from each of the 4 standard works. Then we have the rebuking and condemnation that came in section 84, which was also reiterated by President Benson (meaning that we were still under that condemnation).
So, we've been commanded. Maybe we just need more convincing. So, here are six reasons, from the scriptures, on why we need the scriptures.
1. Psalms 19:7= "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." CONVERSION
2. 2 Nephi 3:15= "For the thing [scriptures], which the Lord shall bring forth by his [Joseph's] hand, by the power of the Lord shall bring my people unto salvation." SALVATION
3. Romans 5:14= "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written of our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." LEARNING
4. 2 Timothy 3:16= "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." DOCTRINE
5. 1 Nephi 1:12= "And it came to pass that as he read, he was filled with the Spirit of the Lord." THE SPIRIT
6. Helaman 37:44-45= "The word of Christ...will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss." DIRECTION

I know that I can do better at studying my scriptures and I hope that I will. I am grateful for them and how much they have helped me and know that they will continue to do so. Now, I'm sure most of my audience is not struggling with this aspect in their lives, but I am sure that we all know someone who could use a boost. Let's encourage others to partake in the "marvelous blessing" that is scripture study.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Can't teach David and Goliath without a sling and marshmallows

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

"This lesson must be shared"

What would you run towards? My favorite is when I come home from work and I hear "Daddy!" and see my 2-year old daughter with outstretched arms running up for a hug. I'd run for a loose ball, or a breakaway lay-up on the court. I'd run to see my wife. I'd run to get in line for Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters at Disneyland. I'd even run for the last piece of chocolate cream pie. Would you run to this fight?

Look at 1 Samuel 17:48, "And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine."

How could David, who was "but a youth" run to meet Goliath who was "a man of war from his youth," a "champion," not to mention over 9 feet tall and carrying over 150lbs of armor and a spear with a head weighing fifteen pounds???!?!? David ran, because he was prepared.

Have you seen Hoodwinked? If not, you need to. It's hilarious. If you're close by come borrow it. It's great, although some would question its existence, it really is pretty funny. Meet one of my favorite characters:

A goat that can only sing. He sings a song about being prepared. He says, "This lesson must be shared, to be prepared....And unless you got a spare, you only got one life so handle it with care." Whilst singing this melodic and very catchy tune he demonstrates his preparedness with his different horns: "Horns that hold my keys, I got horns that when I turn 'em right, they help me watch t.v." The point is, he got thrown from a mine cart and would have fallen to his death. However, we see the goat flying through the air with helicopter horns and hear him saying (singing?), "I was prepared." His preparation saved his life.

What then was David's preparation?? It wasn't horns. But stones. Stones that he trusted. David, although young and small compared to his opponent was confident that "The Lord that delivered [him] out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear...[would] deliver [him] out of the hand of this Philistine." He refused Saul's armor and sword, and chose instead a proven method, a sling and stones. He carefully chose five smooth stones from the river. Good thing too, what if the first had missed. He was prepared. But it was more than just bringing back-up stones, it was the fact that David knew and understood who the Stone was; who the Rock of his salvation was. Verse 47 "the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands." David knew Christ would fight for him. He knew that Christ had already won the battle. John 16:33 reads, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

David ran, because he had the Stone at his side. I know that if we have Christ at our sides that we can run with confidence towards whatever Goliaths we might face. I know that Jesus truly performed an atonement through which we can be saved and delivered from all our enemies.