Primary 79 Hezekiah and Josiah


Class, 

We are going to talk about the kings today. There are two great kings that we're great men who followed the Lord our God.

The first was Hezekiah. This man was dealt a hard hand as the Assyrians wanted the city they could not take by force. A speaker of the enemy boasted of their success with other empires, clans, and tribes. They then were demanding the done to be open so that they could walk in.

The King and his people ignored the promptings. The prophet said that they would succeed if they honored and obeyed the Lord and His prophet. On the day of the war, the destroying angel killed the entire army. Israel didn't need to fight the war because God had already done it.

Heavenly Father wants us to compare ourselves to the city of Israel, Jerusalem. When we are surrounded by the advisory and his legions, we are encouraged to fortify our souls and ignore the devil and his angels. When we're prepared we will not fear. The prophet Elijah, from decades before, reminds us that those that are with us outnumber those that are against us. For Hezekiah, it took all of Jerusalem to be on board in faith, prayer, and fasting, to get the Lord's blessing. 

The next king is Josiah. This King was the king after the kingdom of Israel was taken. He was given the kingdom as an eight-year-old. He wanted to be righteous. It was hard but he did the extreme. He discovered lost scrolls, later repaired the temple, and realized he and his people were wicked. He turned the people to worship God. Like a sailor turning a ship, it was a daunting task. He had to destroy false gods, temples, groves, and idols but more than that teach the right way to go. He had to teach his people about the Savior and his coming sacrifice and infinite atonement.

Every chapter of our lives requires us to clear out our idols (sin), leave our groves and high places (places where we go to hang with) people who would darken our spirits, and return, and repent. We need to rediscover the scriptures and follow the prophet. Yes, there are still wars, famine, pestilence, and death. The news, worry of the world, and hustle and bustle of life will try to get in our paths to turn to the world for help and not the one that knows us personally. Stumbling blocks and the whispers of the devil attempt to dismayed us; to leave our fortification, our sanctuary, and abandon the temple. We are encouraged to be safe and stay in holy places as often as possible. In each chapter, we need to look at what we have done in the past so that our future has a clearer course to the tree of life; to our Savior whom we are encouraged to look for relief. 

We promise you that as you study and develop a listening ear for the voice of the Lord and an eye to see his hand in all things you will feel comfort and peace. The Lord wants to bless and guide you. He is just waiting for us to do our part and knock. We love you guys.

Challenges 
1) Read Ezra 1, 3-7; Nehemiah 2, 4-6; 8
2) Write down some things that you feel are getting in the way of your relationship with the Lord. Make a goal and record your experiences this week.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Primary 133 - Preservation of your testimony and chastity

Image
source   Children, 1 Corinthians 6:13 13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. Paul spoke of fornication but this could also apply to things that pollute the soul. You would not eat a rotten apple. The foolish would say "But it is an apple". The same is said for sexual and spiritual purity. You cannot say you can get spiritual nourishment from corruptible things. Books, movies, and the like are no good if there is corruption in their content.  He further stated that our bodies are owned by another; a rental. We are owned by Christ if we care about our covenant of obedience. The especially for youth handbook encourages obedience, charity, chastity, repentance, and faith. When you become a teen you will be shown more on the topic but for now, strive for stern obedience. For moms and dads, he said that Mom owns Dad's chastity and vice
Read more

Primary 52 - Adam and Eve

Image
image God created our first parents. He created male and female; man and woman. When He created them they were equals. You see Heavenly Father did not create Eve from the head of Adam to be over him or by his foot to be below him. He didn't make Eve from the sternum or back to be behind or front of him. He, God, made Eve, Adam's wife, from his side, under his strong arm, near his heart. This is how we view marriage. The very symbol of marriage shows how much the need to find and be equal in marriage is. As saints, we strive to maintain the companionship that will make you a better person and at the same time will strive to encourage your spouse to be a better person.  Many years from now you will be dating or preparing for marriage. Brothers and sisters, look for a companion that will strengthen you and make you smile. Being in love is not just a feeling, it's a commitment. This commitment will require trust, respect, compassion, charity, repentence, and forgive
Read more

Primary 128 - Pricked or Cut

Image
I mage Children,  The Holy Ghost can touch us in one of two ways. Either we are pricked to do good or cut by the good word. The Greeks have a word for this. Hodos means "In the way". Is the Savior in the way of our success or are we doing things "In the Savior's way seeking His success?" The role of a disciple.  When the church has grown we have been given responsibilities callings and keys according to our ability and spiritual potential.  We should be eagerly engaged in the work we are called to do to lighten the load of those who are called to do more such as Bishops or Stake Presidents. Visiting the widowed and orphaned can be done by them but they ask many to be ministers to the many to bear the load. Don't just see the vision but catch it. When you catch the vision, it has changed you to do more and be actively engaged in the Lord's work.  Stephen and Phillip who were members of the seventy showed it in their actions.  Alma, Paul, Josep
Read more