Dear Readers,
Today I will talk about Job 40:1-5.
1 Moreover the Lord answered Job, and said,
2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.
So, God is letting Job know, that some of what he was saying was against/contending with God's word. And now Job must speak.
3 ¶Then Job answered the Lord, and said,
4 Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.
Here Job starts off saying, "Behold" look at me, look at all that You have taught me and said. "I am vile". I have sinned against Thee, I am unclean before Thee. I think this question is more towards himself. "what shall I answer thee?" What would any of us answer God after receiving such a sermon? What answer would be satisfactory? God knows the answers, so what would be the consequence of getting them wrong? So Job would lay his hand upon his mouth. Stopping his own speech least he brings himself under more condemnation.
5 Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.
Job, in the presence of Deity, has spoken, indeed but is not willing to answer His current question, "shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him?" Job even knows the answer to two of God's questions, but, will not even attempt to proceed further.
I have proceeded further, in an attempt to understand the scriptures. Indeed, faced in the very presence of God or His voice from the whirlwind, I do not believe I could speculate. Thus is why, we must commune with God, and allow his goodness to leave impressions upon us. That we may know His will.
Love,
Elder Smithson
Showing posts with label in depth study. Show all posts
Showing posts with label in depth study. Show all posts
Monday, March 17, 2014
Monday, March 10, 2014
Job In Depth Study 20
Dear Readers,
Today I will talk about Job 39:26-30. Finishing up Job 39.
26 Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south?
27 Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high?
I think that for most people, including myself, the eagle is the sign of freedom. So do free people, people with agency, choose to follow God, or Job, and make their home and abode "on hight"?
28 She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place.
Being built upon the rock of Christ, a sure foundation (Helaman 5:12) is the only way for the righteous to prosper.
29 From thence she seeketh the prey, and her eyes behold afar off.
Having the eternal perspective. Seeing the end game, the goal, and the purpose of all.
30 Her young ones also suck up blood: and where the slain are, there is she.
Those who follow her, the righteous, are nourished. This last part has two meanings for me. First, where the carcass, the nourishment, the victory ground is, there are the righteous reaping the benefits. Or, martyrs. People who have died for a cause, the cause of God.
I know that this is all scatter brained, but it is both wonderful and interesting to see that the last parable that God uses for this chapter is directing people, look to Christ, look to God, do righteousness, and you will be free. Choose to be free!
Love,
Elder Smithson
Today I will talk about Job 39:26-30. Finishing up Job 39.
26 Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south?
27 Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high?
I think that for most people, including myself, the eagle is the sign of freedom. So do free people, people with agency, choose to follow God, or Job, and make their home and abode "on hight"?
28 She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place.
Being built upon the rock of Christ, a sure foundation (Helaman 5:12) is the only way for the righteous to prosper.
29 From thence she seeketh the prey, and her eyes behold afar off.
Having the eternal perspective. Seeing the end game, the goal, and the purpose of all.
30 Her young ones also suck up blood: and where the slain are, there is she.
Those who follow her, the righteous, are nourished. This last part has two meanings for me. First, where the carcass, the nourishment, the victory ground is, there are the righteous reaping the benefits. Or, martyrs. People who have died for a cause, the cause of God.
I know that this is all scatter brained, but it is both wonderful and interesting to see that the last parable that God uses for this chapter is directing people, look to Christ, look to God, do righteousness, and you will be free. Choose to be free!
Love,
Elder Smithson
Monday, March 3, 2014
Job in depth study 19
Dear Readers,
Today we will be talking about Job 39:19-25. What I like here is that God lead up to it by talking about how the ostrich hates the horse and it's rider.
19 Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder?
I love this. God gives the horse it's strength. Through nourishment, training by experience. Then clothing it's neck with thunder. I like thinking of the old war horses, that would be clothed with armor, like the armor of God. Also, the stampede of hooves beating the earth as they run can sound like thunder. Fast like lightning. Kind of like that football movie, Windrunner. Where the Native American gentleman rides the horse off a cliff and they disappear in a lightning strike. So random and yet so cool.
20 Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of his nostrils is terrible.
Good old memories. I remember going blow gun hunting with my father. Shooting those darts, mostly at targets, but occasionally lizards, birds, and you guessed it, grasshoppers. They really are skittish, flying around, trying to escape, running into things in their panic. Mostly opposite of A Bugs Life.
Some horses, especially if they are not trained, are equally skittish and afraid. But when they are trained, they are loyal, excellent beasts. Indeed, a few weeks ago Elder Yeske and I were exploring some ruins on a ranch. Suddenly a bunch of horses charged at Elder Yeske. I got pictures. Indeed their "pant" can be ferocious and yet kind. Indeed gloryfull.
21 He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men.
Horses pawing the ground. Rejoicing in his strength, the strength he has received from God, and he goes forth into the battle.
22 He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword.
23 The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield.
We are all in a battle. A battle between good an evil. How can we be brave like this horse, without God on our side. How can we stand, when arrows of the adversary fly by, or the shine of the world and temptation blinds us from our true purpose.
24 He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage: neither believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet.
The sound of the trumpet. It reminds me of the second verse of Hymn 60 Battle Hymn of the Republic: "[God] is sounding forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat."
The trumpet of war has sounded, though there may be voices saying the battle is over, that there is no need to fight. Or even, God has lost. We must not let our guard down, we must not give in, we must trust in God.
25 He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha; and he smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.
He hears the captains call. He heeds the prophet's voice. This is not a time of peace, but a continue war, until the Great Jehovah shall say, "The work is done."
May we give ear to the Prophet's voice. May we heed our captains and our leaders. May we smell the battle and know it is there. We may not always see it, but if we know it is there, we can continue fighting for what is right.
Love,
Elder Smithson
Today we will be talking about Job 39:19-25. What I like here is that God lead up to it by talking about how the ostrich hates the horse and it's rider.
19 Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder?
I love this. God gives the horse it's strength. Through nourishment, training by experience. Then clothing it's neck with thunder. I like thinking of the old war horses, that would be clothed with armor, like the armor of God. Also, the stampede of hooves beating the earth as they run can sound like thunder. Fast like lightning. Kind of like that football movie, Windrunner. Where the Native American gentleman rides the horse off a cliff and they disappear in a lightning strike. So random and yet so cool.
20 Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of his nostrils is terrible.
Good old memories. I remember going blow gun hunting with my father. Shooting those darts, mostly at targets, but occasionally lizards, birds, and you guessed it, grasshoppers. They really are skittish, flying around, trying to escape, running into things in their panic. Mostly opposite of A Bugs Life.
Some horses, especially if they are not trained, are equally skittish and afraid. But when they are trained, they are loyal, excellent beasts. Indeed, a few weeks ago Elder Yeske and I were exploring some ruins on a ranch. Suddenly a bunch of horses charged at Elder Yeske. I got pictures. Indeed their "pant" can be ferocious and yet kind. Indeed gloryfull.
21 He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men.
Horses pawing the ground. Rejoicing in his strength, the strength he has received from God, and he goes forth into the battle.
22 He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword.
23 The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield.
We are all in a battle. A battle between good an evil. How can we be brave like this horse, without God on our side. How can we stand, when arrows of the adversary fly by, or the shine of the world and temptation blinds us from our true purpose.
24 He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage: neither believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet.
The sound of the trumpet. It reminds me of the second verse of Hymn 60 Battle Hymn of the Republic: "[God] is sounding forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat."
The trumpet of war has sounded, though there may be voices saying the battle is over, that there is no need to fight. Or even, God has lost. We must not let our guard down, we must not give in, we must trust in God.
25 He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha; and he smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.
He hears the captains call. He heeds the prophet's voice. This is not a time of peace, but a continue war, until the Great Jehovah shall say, "The work is done."
May we give ear to the Prophet's voice. May we heed our captains and our leaders. May we smell the battle and know it is there. We may not always see it, but if we know it is there, we can continue fighting for what is right.
Love,
Elder Smithson
Monday, February 24, 2014
Job in depth Study 18
Dear Readers,
Today we will go over Job 39:13-18
13 Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich?
This may seem strange. Peacocks, in my opinion, do indeed have beautiful feathers. Yet from what I understand, they are very insanity creatures. Not taking care of their feathers and getting very dirty. I only know a little about them, due to some loose ones somewhat near where I lived in Cottonwood.
The second part about the ostriches clears is up though. Mostly because ostriches are large flightless birds that mostly use their wings for balance.
14 Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust,
15 And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them.
From what I understand, so feel free to comment if I am incorrect, but the peacocks are good with their eggs. The ostriches, on the other hand, do indeed leave their eggs in large shallow holes mostly exposed to the elements. Sometimes, even abandoned for large periods of time.
16 She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not hers: her labour is in vain without fear;
I think that the "fear" word here is nicely placed. So is "vain".
Vanity, as we usually think of it today, is self obsessed, prideful, and mostly being focused on one's own appearance, whether physical or social. But generally in the past, vain has similar relations to fruitless. Like planting a tree, or vine, watering and nourishing it for years, and then it being burned down before you get the fruit, or rewards from your labor. Your efforts to grow the tree in order to get fruit from it was pointless, or vain. So the ostrich's labor, possibly actual labour, as in laying the eggs, would be pointless if the eggs are trampled and crushed.
Now "without fear". How many mothers and fathers worry and care about their children? They are afraid for them. So simply, that makes sense. But also, " fear" in the Old Testament, like the "fear of God" works as being actually afraid of punishment or retribution, but was initially meant as honor. God commanded that we honor our father and mother. So I think of two things. 1: the offspring do not honor the mother, because of the neglect, and that the ostrich has no honor. 2: that the ostrich shows no honor to the children, nor to her great Creator.
17 Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding.
Why would God withhold blessings such as these? Maybe because she did not honor the blessing she already received, children, wings, feathers. Maybe because she was meant for other things,
18 What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider.
With this scripture, my mind immediately goes to Prince of Persia. When he is captured by the merchant with the ostrich racing. The one time that the ostrich finds it's place, finds it's talents for running, it becomes prideful, and thus hates the horse and it's rider, because they are better. Like in 2 Timothy 3:3 "despisers of those that are good", so are all those who fall into the trap of pride, and are in wickedness.
So, a few things we can learn from this is, honor, and be thankful for the blessings God gives you. Then He will give you more. Then also shall the talents that you already possess be used for your good, instead of just causing you more despair because you are not like others. God will help you see the truth, that God has made you the way you are, for a reason, and that good things will come.
Until next time...
Love,
Elder Smithson
Today we will go over Job 39:13-18
13 Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich?
This may seem strange. Peacocks, in my opinion, do indeed have beautiful feathers. Yet from what I understand, they are very insanity creatures. Not taking care of their feathers and getting very dirty. I only know a little about them, due to some loose ones somewhat near where I lived in Cottonwood.
The second part about the ostriches clears is up though. Mostly because ostriches are large flightless birds that mostly use their wings for balance.
14 Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust,
15 And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them.
From what I understand, so feel free to comment if I am incorrect, but the peacocks are good with their eggs. The ostriches, on the other hand, do indeed leave their eggs in large shallow holes mostly exposed to the elements. Sometimes, even abandoned for large periods of time.
16 She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not hers: her labour is in vain without fear;
I think that the "fear" word here is nicely placed. So is "vain".
Vanity, as we usually think of it today, is self obsessed, prideful, and mostly being focused on one's own appearance, whether physical or social. But generally in the past, vain has similar relations to fruitless. Like planting a tree, or vine, watering and nourishing it for years, and then it being burned down before you get the fruit, or rewards from your labor. Your efforts to grow the tree in order to get fruit from it was pointless, or vain. So the ostrich's labor, possibly actual labour, as in laying the eggs, would be pointless if the eggs are trampled and crushed.
Now "without fear". How many mothers and fathers worry and care about their children? They are afraid for them. So simply, that makes sense. But also, " fear" in the Old Testament, like the "fear of God" works as being actually afraid of punishment or retribution, but was initially meant as honor. God commanded that we honor our father and mother. So I think of two things. 1: the offspring do not honor the mother, because of the neglect, and that the ostrich has no honor. 2: that the ostrich shows no honor to the children, nor to her great Creator.
17 Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding.
Why would God withhold blessings such as these? Maybe because she did not honor the blessing she already received, children, wings, feathers. Maybe because she was meant for other things,
18 What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider.
With this scripture, my mind immediately goes to Prince of Persia. When he is captured by the merchant with the ostrich racing. The one time that the ostrich finds it's place, finds it's talents for running, it becomes prideful, and thus hates the horse and it's rider, because they are better. Like in 2 Timothy 3:3 "despisers of those that are good", so are all those who fall into the trap of pride, and are in wickedness.
So, a few things we can learn from this is, honor, and be thankful for the blessings God gives you. Then He will give you more. Then also shall the talents that you already possess be used for your good, instead of just causing you more despair because you are not like others. God will help you see the truth, that God has made you the way you are, for a reason, and that good things will come.
Until next time...
Love,
Elder Smithson
Monday, February 10, 2014
Job in depth study 17
Dear Readers,
Today we will be talking about Job 39:9-12
9 Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib?
First of all, I would like to make it clear, we are not talking about actual unicorns. They are actually bulls or oxen. But I will admit, having a pet unicorn would be nice. Anyway, God is asking if the ox would serve Job, not just serve but watch over him as baby, or even his children.
10 Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee?
I don't use words like "furrow" very often, but that is the ditch that is made by a plow. So, God is asking if Job could strap or yoke (the large wooden brace upon an ox's shoulders) the ox so that it can work. Or could Job lead the ox in its work.
11 Wilt thou trust him, because his strength is great? or wilt thou leave thy labor to him?
"Wilt" derived from "will" a conscious effort, choice of agency. Putting trust in this beast, because of its physical strength. Letting it labor in Job's stead.
12 Wilt thou believe him, that he will bring home thy seed, and gather it into thy barn?
Again, that funny word "wilt". Believe the ox, like the ox said something. Oh, the ox said it would bring the grain into the house and barn.
I like having a pondering parable mind. I shall liken Christ to the Unicorn. Something/someone that we consider magically powerful, rare and majestic. The first question is, will the Unicorn serve Job. Will Christ look after him, then as Jehovah. Indeed, God, and Christ, looked over him from the moment of his birth.
Then, can Job put labors upon Christ. Can he knowingly do things that would make His burden greater. Or will he be a representative, going before Christ's face and preparing the way.
Then, can Job trust Christ, put his faith in Him, because of the wonders and works He will do, or would it rather be because of what love Christ has for him. Since Job was pleading for death, God could be asking him, if he would be willing to trust completely in God and Christ to finish the work, and bring peace and happiness to him, and those of the posterity of Adam.
Then directly asking: "Wild thou believe him[?]" God and Christ are telling him that everything is going to be okay. That They are watching over him, and his personal descendents, his seed, his children. Even though they were slain. Indeed, not just them, but all the fruits of his labor, will God and Christ bring into the storehouse, bring them home. Lay them up in store that he may have them again.
Can you trust in Christ? Can you put your faith in Him, that everything is going to be okay? Indeed, He has said that He will take care of us. Love us. Watch over us. Even "suffer the little children to come unto [Him]" May we all love Christ, and put our trust in Him.
Love,
Elder Smithson
Today we will be talking about Job 39:9-12
9 Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib?
First of all, I would like to make it clear, we are not talking about actual unicorns. They are actually bulls or oxen. But I will admit, having a pet unicorn would be nice. Anyway, God is asking if the ox would serve Job, not just serve but watch over him as baby, or even his children.
10 Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee?
I don't use words like "furrow" very often, but that is the ditch that is made by a plow. So, God is asking if Job could strap or yoke (the large wooden brace upon an ox's shoulders) the ox so that it can work. Or could Job lead the ox in its work.
11 Wilt thou trust him, because his strength is great? or wilt thou leave thy labor to him?
"Wilt" derived from "will" a conscious effort, choice of agency. Putting trust in this beast, because of its physical strength. Letting it labor in Job's stead.
12 Wilt thou believe him, that he will bring home thy seed, and gather it into thy barn?
Again, that funny word "wilt". Believe the ox, like the ox said something. Oh, the ox said it would bring the grain into the house and barn.
I like having a pondering parable mind. I shall liken Christ to the Unicorn. Something/someone that we consider magically powerful, rare and majestic. The first question is, will the Unicorn serve Job. Will Christ look after him, then as Jehovah. Indeed, God, and Christ, looked over him from the moment of his birth.
Then, can Job put labors upon Christ. Can he knowingly do things that would make His burden greater. Or will he be a representative, going before Christ's face and preparing the way.
Then, can Job trust Christ, put his faith in Him, because of the wonders and works He will do, or would it rather be because of what love Christ has for him. Since Job was pleading for death, God could be asking him, if he would be willing to trust completely in God and Christ to finish the work, and bring peace and happiness to him, and those of the posterity of Adam.
Then directly asking: "Wild thou believe him[?]" God and Christ are telling him that everything is going to be okay. That They are watching over him, and his personal descendents, his seed, his children. Even though they were slain. Indeed, not just them, but all the fruits of his labor, will God and Christ bring into the storehouse, bring them home. Lay them up in store that he may have them again.
Can you trust in Christ? Can you put your faith in Him, that everything is going to be okay? Indeed, He has said that He will take care of us. Love us. Watch over us. Even "suffer the little children to come unto [Him]" May we all love Christ, and put our trust in Him.
Love,
Elder Smithson
Monday, February 3, 2014
Job In Depth Study 16
Dear Readers,
Today we have another parable. Job 39:5-8 talks about an ass, aka a donkey.
5 Who hath sent out the wild ass free? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass?
This implies that first of all, there was someone involved, and that the donkey was bound.
6 Whose house I have made the wilderness, and the barren land his dwellings.
The donkey's home or dwelling or abode God has made in the wilderness and barren or dry empty land.
7 He scorneth the multitude of the city, neither regardeth he the crying of the driver.
The donkey has thoughts, hate and mocking of people in the city, where he is not. Nor does he listen or esteem the counsel, or commands of his overseer.
8 The range of the mountains is his pasture, and he searcheth after every green thing.
He feeds in the mountains, were people are not, and he is actively looking, indeed searching for every, not just some, but every green thing. That which is good and nourishing.
I think of this parable in two main ways. First is as something we should do, the second as something we should not do
Firstly, we could answer the first question with Christ. He is the one that has freed us from sin and death. God has made us in the world, but not of the world, or not in the city. We dislike the worldly things, though they are nice and easy, we are living a better life, though it may be harder. Nor do we listen to the enticing of those who would make us slaves to our appetites. We are in the high places, and we look for all that is good. Sounds fairly accurate to me.
Secondly, more of the stubborn ass approach. A more sincere question, why would the donkey be loose. Loosed from what bands? Possibly the bands of commandments, or covenants. Loosed from all obligations. So, who looses these bands? The donkey himself. He is the one who chooses whether or not to be bound by his covenants to God. So he is cast out, good for nothing in the kingdom of God. Left with little food, no shelter, and exposed to the buffetings of the elements. Because of this, he hates the righteous, those who are in the city. Nor does he listen to those who try to help, and lead him back. To help him make something of his life. He tries to gain knowledge and nourishment the hard way, in the mountains. Searching after every good thing, or every thing that brings him pleasure, even though it might lead him away from food for life, in his master's house.
Which ass are you going to be?
Make the decision now.
Love,
Elder Smithson
Today we have another parable. Job 39:5-8 talks about an ass, aka a donkey.
5 Who hath sent out the wild ass free? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass?
This implies that first of all, there was someone involved, and that the donkey was bound.
6 Whose house I have made the wilderness, and the barren land his dwellings.
The donkey's home or dwelling or abode God has made in the wilderness and barren or dry empty land.
7 He scorneth the multitude of the city, neither regardeth he the crying of the driver.
The donkey has thoughts, hate and mocking of people in the city, where he is not. Nor does he listen or esteem the counsel, or commands of his overseer.
8 The range of the mountains is his pasture, and he searcheth after every green thing.
He feeds in the mountains, were people are not, and he is actively looking, indeed searching for every, not just some, but every green thing. That which is good and nourishing.
I think of this parable in two main ways. First is as something we should do, the second as something we should not do
Firstly, we could answer the first question with Christ. He is the one that has freed us from sin and death. God has made us in the world, but not of the world, or not in the city. We dislike the worldly things, though they are nice and easy, we are living a better life, though it may be harder. Nor do we listen to the enticing of those who would make us slaves to our appetites. We are in the high places, and we look for all that is good. Sounds fairly accurate to me.
Secondly, more of the stubborn ass approach. A more sincere question, why would the donkey be loose. Loosed from what bands? Possibly the bands of commandments, or covenants. Loosed from all obligations. So, who looses these bands? The donkey himself. He is the one who chooses whether or not to be bound by his covenants to God. So he is cast out, good for nothing in the kingdom of God. Left with little food, no shelter, and exposed to the buffetings of the elements. Because of this, he hates the righteous, those who are in the city. Nor does he listen to those who try to help, and lead him back. To help him make something of his life. He tries to gain knowledge and nourishment the hard way, in the mountains. Searching after every good thing, or every thing that brings him pleasure, even though it might lead him away from food for life, in his master's house.
Which ass are you going to be?
Make the decision now.
Love,
Elder Smithson
Monday, January 27, 2014
Job in depth study 15
Dear Readers,
Today I am continuing on about Job 39:1-4. God just brought Job up to spread about the creation, and now He is about to help him grow by talking about animals, asking him questions to get him thinking, and ultimately use parables.
1 Knowest thou the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth? or canst thou mark when the hinds do calve?
I think of two possibilities with this. Either Job has been hunting a few times, so that he knows about the "wild goats" and the "hinds" or deer. Or, because of the many herds of animals Job once had, he does not know much at all concerning them.
2 Canst thou number the months that they fulfil? or knowest thou the time when they bring forth?
Another great question... One that in my opinion Job would not know the answer to. The average deer is between 5-6 months. Usually going into labor in May or June. What is the relevance of these questions though?
3 They bow themselves, they bring forth their young ones, they cast out their sorrows.
4 Their young ones are in good liking, they grow up with corn; they go forth, and return not unto them.
Alas, God brings in the relevance, like these "wild" animals, animals that rely wholly upon God for their needs and wants whether they realize it or not, labor and toil to bring life into this world. They are born good, without sorrows, and grow with good foods. Making them healthy and strong. Then they go forth and continue the cycle, and they don't return to their parents.
That last thought, "and return not unto them." It seems like a two way street. The parents trust that the children have been raised properly, and that they will make right decisions. The children look forward and not back.
Though we must look to our God, our Father in Heaven, and come back to Him when the time comes, like when children return to their parents when they are old. I am not sure yet if that is even a point that God will make soon or not, so I guess we will have to continue on with the study.
I hope that you learned and are now thinking. Until next time!
Love,
Elder Smithson
Today I am continuing on about Job 39:1-4. God just brought Job up to spread about the creation, and now He is about to help him grow by talking about animals, asking him questions to get him thinking, and ultimately use parables.
1 Knowest thou the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth? or canst thou mark when the hinds do calve?
I think of two possibilities with this. Either Job has been hunting a few times, so that he knows about the "wild goats" and the "hinds" or deer. Or, because of the many herds of animals Job once had, he does not know much at all concerning them.
2 Canst thou number the months that they fulfil? or knowest thou the time when they bring forth?
Another great question... One that in my opinion Job would not know the answer to. The average deer is between 5-6 months. Usually going into labor in May or June. What is the relevance of these questions though?
3 They bow themselves, they bring forth their young ones, they cast out their sorrows.
4 Their young ones are in good liking, they grow up with corn; they go forth, and return not unto them.
Alas, God brings in the relevance, like these "wild" animals, animals that rely wholly upon God for their needs and wants whether they realize it or not, labor and toil to bring life into this world. They are born good, without sorrows, and grow with good foods. Making them healthy and strong. Then they go forth and continue the cycle, and they don't return to their parents.
That last thought, "and return not unto them." It seems like a two way street. The parents trust that the children have been raised properly, and that they will make right decisions. The children look forward and not back.
Though we must look to our God, our Father in Heaven, and come back to Him when the time comes, like when children return to their parents when they are old. I am not sure yet if that is even a point that God will make soon or not, so I guess we will have to continue on with the study.
I hope that you learned and are now thinking. Until next time!
Love,
Elder Smithson
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Job In Depth Study 14
Dear Readers,
I have decided to keep it kind or short and sweet today. Job 38:37-41
37 Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven,
38 When the dust groweth into hardness, and the clods cleave fast together?
We were talking about heavens, seasons, waters, but what happens when it dries up? Like droughts and famous of old, it can be wrought by prophets to bring the people to repentance.
39 Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions,
40 When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait?
41 Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.
In the creation, the next step after plants was animals. As it shows here, emphasizing how it is God who provides for their needs. Also showing the correlations between droughts and the nature of living organisms. We all need the blessings of God in our lives. I testify this to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
I have decided to keep it kind or short and sweet today. Job 38:37-41
37 Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven,
38 When the dust groweth into hardness, and the clods cleave fast together?
We were talking about heavens, seasons, waters, but what happens when it dries up? Like droughts and famous of old, it can be wrought by prophets to bring the people to repentance.
39 Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions,
40 When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait?
41 Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.
In the creation, the next step after plants was animals. As it shows here, emphasizing how it is God who provides for their needs. Also showing the correlations between droughts and the nature of living organisms. We all need the blessings of God in our lives. I testify this to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Job in depth study 13
Dear Readers,
Today I thought that I would talk a little about Job 38:33-36. For the context, we were just talking about plants and season in relation to the creation.
33 Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?
What is an ordinance? An ordinance is an outward expression of faith. Such as baptism, which is also a covenant. Also, the sacrifices of the Old Testament were ordinances. Indeed we have sacred ordinances that are performed in the temples that allow us to further covenant with our Father in Heaven.
So with this definition of "ordinance" what would they be in heaven. Possibly righteous ordinances, or proper covenants made by the priesthood authority of God. More likely given the context, it is the planets in their systems.
For fun lets break down "ordinance" into "ordain". To ordain is to set apart, or give authority and responsibility to some one, or something. So maybe the planets and the signs of the sky are "ordained" to purposes. Or perhaps pre-ordination, ordaining of individuals in the pre-mortal life.
This would also make sense with all of the questions God has been asking Job. Can you do this, do you know that. Maybe God is asking him if he knows what he was fore-ordained to do.
"Canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?" "Dominion" or authority, stewardship or even power or the ordinances. Could Job give the authority of heaven to people on the earth? Or set stewardships? Do those ordinances have power upon the earth? Oooo!
The Sun is to rule the day, and the moon the night, according to Genesis, maybe the "ordinances" of the stars also have dominion upon the earth.
34 Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee?
As far as I can tell, God is asking Job if he can call down rain. Or flood.
35 Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are?
Lightning, or voice of lightning, like angels.
36 Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?
These last two questions are the same. Basically asking, "Who is the Holy Ghost? and what is His purpose?" Makes me wonder, if the Holy Ghost, under the direction of the Father of All, makes it possible to have the priesthood and perform saving ordinances such as baptism. Indeed even the power of God to perform miracles, and call forth angels. Then the greatest of all, to touch the human heart and testify to them of truth, that they may learn, grow, and be protected.
I hope that the Holy Ghost was with you as you read this.
Love,
Elder Smithson
Today I thought that I would talk a little about Job 38:33-36. For the context, we were just talking about plants and season in relation to the creation.
33 Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?
What is an ordinance? An ordinance is an outward expression of faith. Such as baptism, which is also a covenant. Also, the sacrifices of the Old Testament were ordinances. Indeed we have sacred ordinances that are performed in the temples that allow us to further covenant with our Father in Heaven.
So with this definition of "ordinance" what would they be in heaven. Possibly righteous ordinances, or proper covenants made by the priesthood authority of God. More likely given the context, it is the planets in their systems.
For fun lets break down "ordinance" into "ordain". To ordain is to set apart, or give authority and responsibility to some one, or something. So maybe the planets and the signs of the sky are "ordained" to purposes. Or perhaps pre-ordination, ordaining of individuals in the pre-mortal life.
This would also make sense with all of the questions God has been asking Job. Can you do this, do you know that. Maybe God is asking him if he knows what he was fore-ordained to do.
"Canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?" "Dominion" or authority, stewardship or even power or the ordinances. Could Job give the authority of heaven to people on the earth? Or set stewardships? Do those ordinances have power upon the earth? Oooo!
The Sun is to rule the day, and the moon the night, according to Genesis, maybe the "ordinances" of the stars also have dominion upon the earth.
34 Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee?
As far as I can tell, God is asking Job if he can call down rain. Or flood.
35 Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are?
Lightning, or voice of lightning, like angels.
36 Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?
These last two questions are the same. Basically asking, "Who is the Holy Ghost? and what is His purpose?" Makes me wonder, if the Holy Ghost, under the direction of the Father of All, makes it possible to have the priesthood and perform saving ordinances such as baptism. Indeed even the power of God to perform miracles, and call forth angels. Then the greatest of all, to touch the human heart and testify to them of truth, that they may learn, grow, and be protected.
I hope that the Holy Ghost was with you as you read this.
Love,
Elder Smithson
Thursday, January 9, 2014
In Depth Study of Job 12
Dear Readers,
My apologies. It has been a long time since my last post. It is amazing how thing can get away from you. To continue on, we were talking about plants, and the water cycle. So, what does Job 38:31-32 have to share with us.
31 Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?
God is asking if Job is able to control, or hold back the pleasant, or enjoyable influences of Pleiades. I am not an astrologer, so I had to look it up, but Pleiades is a 7 sisters star cluster.
So, with this knowledge I think of two things: first, astrology, that stars and times have influences over people, especially at birth. Secondly, I think of gravitational forces, how stars move, hold their orbits and spread their "influence" through space. But it is a pleasant influence, so it must cause good, which ever influence it might be referring to.
"Loose the bands of Orion". I am fairly confident in assuming that is in reference to Orion's Belt. Is it possible for Job to make, or have, the stars move our of their proper alignment? In relation to my reasoning above, I wonder if somehow the gravity of the three stars in Orion's Belt actually bind orbits or other astral phenomena together. Maybe the next verse will help clarify things.
32 Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons?
Mazzaroth is the group name of constellations, kind of like a biblical zodiac. Stars and signs in the sky have always been in prophecies and predictions, as well as indicators of seasons. Stars, seasons, water cycles, plants, this is beginning to make a little more sense.
Kind of for fun, what if we looked at the astrological side of it, specifically in influence on personalities. This could almost be asking if it is possible to bring the personality of the person at
their birth. Interesting, but it does not quite fit in the context.
Arcturus is a star in the Bootes star constellation. The other stars contained therein are sometimes referred to as Arcturus's sons. Again, seasons, movement of stars, but also, a name for this constellation is Bootes the Herdsman, almost like he is herding his sons. 
Cool stuff. I hope that you enjoyed this, and it will be interesting to find out what the next scripture have for us.
Love,
Elder Smithson
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Job In Depth Study part 11
Dear Readers,
Today we will be studying Job 38:28-30. We had just started mentioning about plants and how they correlate to the weather and the purpose of it. Shall we dive in then.
What? I thought we were going to be talking about plants. Well, how do plants get watered. By the weather, so we are still going to talk about the weather and all its fun.
Lets assume that the answer to the first question is Yes for a moment. The rain as a creator of life, a beginning, so who created it. God, and His servants. Same with the drops of dew. All of which water the soil.
For fun, lets assume that the answer to that first question is No. If the rain was never created, then it would not exist. Kind of a dead end.
Lets assume that the answer to the first question is Yes for a moment. The rain as a creator of life, a beginning, so who created it. God, and His servants. Same with the drops of dew. All of which water the soil.
For fun, lets assume that the answer to that first question is No. If the rain was never created, then it would not exist. Kind of a dead end.
29 Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it?
Same line of thought, not necessarily though that there is a "mother" or "father" of water and ice, but that it was created. That it comes from a likeness of itself. Hoary frost is thin ice with holes. I don't know exactly what that relates to it, but it is good to know.
Same line of thought, not necessarily though that there is a "mother" or "father" of water and ice, but that it was created. That it comes from a likeness of itself. Hoary frost is thin ice with holes. I don't know exactly what that relates to it, but it is good to know.
30 The waters are hid as with a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen.
As for this, I know that with the water system, there are underground rivers and reservoirs. That is why digging a well works and allows one to get water and survive. I also think of when Moses smote the rock in the wilderness and a fountain of water sprang forth. I know that Christ is compared to the well of living water, or at least His words. So Christ's words are hidden with a stone. Or on a stone like a tablet. Like the Ten commandments.
Now, "the face of the deep is frozen". When I think of a frozen face, personally, I think of that story parents tell their children when they make funny faces. It will get stuck that way. So, for kicks, lets say that is what this means. If you are doing bad things, then it will become a habit and you will get stuck in that, frozen in your sins. Or, if you do righteous, your face might be stuck in a smile.
More likely though would be the reference to the "deep". Like deep doctrine, or the depths of knowledge. So this deep is frozen, unchanging, always there, waiting to be thawed moved, used, or possibly like an ice sculpture carved. Also, the "face" or possibly the surface is frozen, but what lie underneath might flow and amazing to those who make it that far. Like studying the scriptures. When you first start reading, it can be a little dry, or even difficult to understand what they are saying. But as you become familiar with the word usage and with the principles and concepts they begin unfolding and being expounded unto your mind.
I hope that this gets you thinking. Until next time!
Love,
Elder Smithson
As for this, I know that with the water system, there are underground rivers and reservoirs. That is why digging a well works and allows one to get water and survive. I also think of when Moses smote the rock in the wilderness and a fountain of water sprang forth. I know that Christ is compared to the well of living water, or at least His words. So Christ's words are hidden with a stone. Or on a stone like a tablet. Like the Ten commandments.
Now, "the face of the deep is frozen". When I think of a frozen face, personally, I think of that story parents tell their children when they make funny faces. It will get stuck that way. So, for kicks, lets say that is what this means. If you are doing bad things, then it will become a habit and you will get stuck in that, frozen in your sins. Or, if you do righteous, your face might be stuck in a smile.
More likely though would be the reference to the "deep". Like deep doctrine, or the depths of knowledge. So this deep is frozen, unchanging, always there, waiting to be thawed moved, used, or possibly like an ice sculpture carved. Also, the "face" or possibly the surface is frozen, but what lie underneath might flow and amazing to those who make it that far. Like studying the scriptures. When you first start reading, it can be a little dry, or even difficult to understand what they are saying. But as you become familiar with the word usage and with the principles and concepts they begin unfolding and being expounded unto your mind.
I hope that this gets you thinking. Until next time!
Love,
Elder Smithson
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
In Depth Study of Job Part 10
Dear Readers,
I would like to cover Job 38:25-27 today. As a refresher, God has been teaching Job about the creation, currently about the weather, and how He created it.
25 Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder;
First of all, asking who again. Diffidently God, but still has the possibility of His spirit children, including Job. "divided a watercourse" that sounds like a path for the water to run. Always goes for the path of least resistance. Going down. I think of that scene from Jurassic Park when Dr. Ian Malcolm, played by Jeff Goldblum, tries to explain chaos theory with the drops of water on Dr. Sattler's hand, played by Laura Dern. What appears like chaos to us, has a course placed for it, just we do not understand it. Like Dr. Malcolm explained, there are factors that are involved, God knows them, a few ones that I can think of is, how flat is her hand, how steady, those tiny wrinkles in her skin, how many drops of water, and where they are dropped.
"or", signifying a change of thought. "a way for the lightning" Scientists, as far as I know, have determined that the lightning goes up and down. Just the part that goes up is invisible or something like that. There is a way the electricity works. We may not know for sure, but yet God knows, teaches us what we can handle, and then we apply it. Now we have computers, lights, vehicles, all kinds of things all essentially running on lightning.
For this cause or purpose, did God create the water course or lightning. For it to rain on the earth, where there is no one to water, or dig irrigation ditches. This brings a new spin onto that first part, the dividing of the watercourse. Now I think of the water cycle. The course of transfer and changes that it goes through. Streams into rivers, rivers into oceans, evaporates all along the way, forming clouds that then water the earth by mist or rain, starting the cycle over again.
Diffidently a division of dry land from the water, for the water is used upon it.
Also, a fun note, that I am not sure of, is that lightning, when it strikes the ground, introduces more nitrogen into the soil. I am not sure if that is because of the lightning itself, or because it jump-starts the bacteria contained therein.
I also like the reference to "where no man is" and "wherein there is no man". Where was man when the earth was created? Nowhere, for he was not created yet. Just in the spirit.
27 To satisfy the desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth?
Lastly, for this cause to, water, the desolate or barren ground. Then, God makes a reference to what He created on the third day, plants. This is why the there needs to be rain and moisture on the dry, or not so dry, ground. To bring forth plants. Plants are useful to everything, to create oxygen, feed animals and even people. It is this next step that was in preparation for life, but not quite yet.
I hope that you enjoyed this. I covered some scientific subjects that honestly I barely know anything about, so please take that with a grain of salt. I am just trying to apply what knowledge I currently have, but I hope that you learned something.
Love,
Elder Smithson
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
In Depth Job Study Part 9
Dear Readers,
I am going to keep this short today. We were talking about ice and snow, as part of the creation of weather on the second day. We are just covering Job 38:24. This is God tying it together with the creation of light.
24 By what way is the light parted, which scattereth the east wind upon the earth?
I don't even pretend to fully comprehend what this means. But what I can gather is it is talking about light. And that light moves the wind upon the earth. There have already been days, so the earth is rotating, night and day. And we know that that rotation causes some global wind currents. That is about all I can speculate about.
What is most important is simply the teaching system that God displays here. That after you cover one subject, and move onto another, you relate it back to the first. That way solidifying and building upon the foundation that you already created. This is why the missionary lessons are so important. Yes, we are allowed to change the order of the lessons to fit people's needs, but there is an order for a reason.
For our first lesson, for example, we teach the Restoration. The first principle of which is that God is a loving Heavenly Father. Building upon a same ground that: There is a God, He loves us, we are His children. Also, we can go as in depth as saying that He has a body of flesh and bones.
Then the next point is the Gospel Blesses Families. That God loves us so much that He sends us to families, to help grow and that we may experience. As a family holds together, it receives strength from God, especially if they are obeying the Gospel and living correct principles. Thus always referring back to God, who is our merciful Father.
This system continually builds upon itself until finally the person understands the basics of what we "Mormons" believe. This allows them to then learn and build upon that foundation at church or from the scriptures, which both, the leaders and the prophets of ancient times, bear witness of.
I hope that you enjoyed this simple example.
Love,
Elder Smithson
I am going to keep this short today. We were talking about ice and snow, as part of the creation of weather on the second day. We are just covering Job 38:24. This is God tying it together with the creation of light.
24 By what way is the light parted, which scattereth the east wind upon the earth?
I don't even pretend to fully comprehend what this means. But what I can gather is it is talking about light. And that light moves the wind upon the earth. There have already been days, so the earth is rotating, night and day. And we know that that rotation causes some global wind currents. That is about all I can speculate about.
What is most important is simply the teaching system that God displays here. That after you cover one subject, and move onto another, you relate it back to the first. That way solidifying and building upon the foundation that you already created. This is why the missionary lessons are so important. Yes, we are allowed to change the order of the lessons to fit people's needs, but there is an order for a reason.
For our first lesson, for example, we teach the Restoration. The first principle of which is that God is a loving Heavenly Father. Building upon a same ground that: There is a God, He loves us, we are His children. Also, we can go as in depth as saying that He has a body of flesh and bones.
Then the next point is the Gospel Blesses Families. That God loves us so much that He sends us to families, to help grow and that we may experience. As a family holds together, it receives strength from God, especially if they are obeying the Gospel and living correct principles. Thus always referring back to God, who is our merciful Father.
This system continually builds upon itself until finally the person understands the basics of what we "Mormons" believe. This allows them to then learn and build upon that foundation at church or from the scriptures, which both, the leaders and the prophets of ancient times, bear witness of.
I hope that you enjoyed this simple example.
Love,
Elder Smithson
Saturday, September 21, 2013
In Depth Job Study Part 8
Dear Readers,
Today we will be covering Job 38:22-23. We just talked about light, and even a metaphor that God uses to talk and teach while going over the creation. Then we get to these verses.
Today we will be covering Job 38:22-23. We just talked about light, and even a metaphor that God uses to talk and teach while going over the creation. Then we get to these verses.
22 Hast thou entered into the a treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail,
First of all, what did God create the second day. He created dry land, and separated the waters in the firmament. That is weather and that kind of thing. So now God talks about the weather.
When I think of treasure of the snow, I think of the beauty of a snowflake. This seems to be treasure to me. But it is also a Storehouse. Water stored so that it is not rampant upon the land.
Or the treasure of the hail. We had a nice hail storm here in Glasgow a few months ago. That was intense, and kept going for quite a while.
First of all, what did God create the second day. He created dry land, and separated the waters in the firmament. That is weather and that kind of thing. So now God talks about the weather.
When I think of treasure of the snow, I think of the beauty of a snowflake. This seems to be treasure to me. But it is also a Storehouse. Water stored so that it is not rampant upon the land.
Or the treasure of the hail. We had a nice hail storm here in Glasgow a few months ago. That was intense, and kept going for quite a while.
23 Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?
For this purpose, did God create or "reserve" hail. To battle, to fight against in a day of battle to trouble. The 7th plague of Egypt was Hail of Fire. Then, also in the old testament, God hailed large rocks upon Israel's adversaries. But considering how big ice hail itself can become, I could diffidently believe that He could use it to defend or even chastise His people.
I hope this makes sense.
Love,
Elder Smithson
For this purpose, did God create or "reserve" hail. To battle, to fight against in a day of battle to trouble. The 7th plague of Egypt was Hail of Fire. Then, also in the old testament, God hailed large rocks upon Israel's adversaries. But considering how big ice hail itself can become, I could diffidently believe that He could use it to defend or even chastise His people.
I hope this makes sense.
Love,
Elder Smithson
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
In Depth Job Study Part 7
Dear Readers,
Today we will be talking about Job 38:19-21. If you remember, we just figured out that most of what we had been talking about was Pre-mortal and Pre-creation stuff. The earth has been formed.
If you can remember, I brought this up before, but what did God create on the first day, after He created the heavens and the earth?
Light, and He separated it from the darkness.
Today we will be talking about Job 38:19-21. If you remember, we just figured out that most of what we had been talking about was Pre-mortal and Pre-creation stuff. The earth has been formed.
If you can remember, I brought this up before, but what did God create on the first day, after He created the heavens and the earth?
Light, and He separated it from the darkness.
Not quite the complete questions, but this makes sense that God would be talking about this next. Dwelleth, is like saying a dwelling or a home. Where, in this case light, resides. Then darkness as well. Light has its home with God and Christ. The light of Christ. Darkness's place is to flee from it. Light cleaveth unto light, but darkness departs. Like a shadow from the sun. Or like a dark room, when you turn on the light.
20 That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof?
This is a little tricky. Kind of two questions. First one: basically saying that we should cast out the darkness and take in light. Send it to the boundaries of its home/where it belongs, out of the light. The second one: "that", such an awesome word. For this cause that you may know how to get rid of the darkness. Now, not only is God teaching about the creation, but what we can learn from the creation. How to apply it. First God builds a foundation. Then He purifies it. So, after we have a foundation in Christ, or faith in Him, then we should work on casting out the darkness and become more like Him. That sounds like repentance to me.
I like the way this is put. "Knowest thou it..." First it looks like God is asking if he/Job knows about the creation and about Christ's Gospel, which includes faith and repentance. Then, as you look at it, the question is not if Job knows it. Because Job bore his witness of it already while talking with his so called "friends". The question is actually, why he knows it. Asking if Job discovered this truth because he was told it, because he experimented upon what he was told, or if he was "then born". Having been there from the beginning.
The answer I have for this question, for myself is I know this to be true, because the Holy Ghost has born record of it to me. Not only that, but I have experimented upon those words, and have received the blessings from it. Though some of those blessings come through time. Now I feel old by saying, "because the number of [my] days is great". Not the greatest by any means, but more so than some, enough anyway to be able to bear record of it.
So exciting to continue studying, for God does not just teach us one thing at a time, but whatever we are ready and prepared for. So, until next time...
Love,
Elder Smithson
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