Category: Scripture Notes
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Two things stand out
Two things stand out to me today. First, the children of Israel were not to live peaceably with the people of the land. They were to make no covenant and not allow any idols or places of worship to remain. In our day we are expected to line peaceably with people even as we seek…
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Too heavy a burden
It sounds like Joseph would not have been able to bear the burden of being the sole witness of the plates (not that anyone would have been able to bear such a burden).
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The Whitmer’s
This whole family had provided support to Joseph Smith as he worked to complete the translation of the Book of Mormon and prepared to publish it. The Lord answered their requests for direction with words of encouragement. Four of the eleven witnesses to the Book of Mormon came from this one family.
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Why did Aaron make the calf?
I wonder what was in the mind of Aaron in making the golden calf? Did he believe Moses might be dead as the other people did? Without Moses did he feel he had only his own wits to use in deciding how the people should be led? The fact that Aaron was among those who…
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40 days of instruction
It seems to me that the 40 days that Moses spent on the mountain with the Lord was not to receive 10 commandments (1 every 4 days?) But to receive detailed instructions on the design of the ark, the tabernacle and the ceremonial clothing. The Lord was browsing for them to be able to represent…
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Usury
I had learned that news were told not to exact usury (interest) on money they lent and yet they are all known for their lending practices – making money off of lending money. This time I noticed that the origination is only that they can’t charge interest if they lens to those who are poor.…
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Manna as scaffolding
The provision and rules relative to manna served as a training mechanism for the children of Israel. They learned to be strictly obedient. Gathering to much led to problems and failing to prepare for the sabbath led to problems. It was a daily reminder that the Lord was providing for them – and yet they…
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Scriptures opened to us
I don’t think I had noticed before the declaration by Joseph that after he and Oliver baptized each other they had the scriptures opened to their minds as never before. I knew that had each prophesied but didn’t realize how much light the spirit poured upon them.
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Upon you my fellow servants
In some ways this might be the most impactful revelation of the restoration. No more was the restoration just words or doctrine, now the authority to administer in sacred ordinances of salvation was restored to men so that they could bring the children of God to repentance and to walk the path to eternal life.
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None can assist except he be humble
No matter what other qualifications we might have or aspire to, in the Lord’s work humility is essential. The Lord can use any who are willing but only if they are also humble enough to be used as He sees fit.