Sunday School: Isaiah Recounts Blessings from the Savior

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-025-he-is-risen?category=topics/easter&&lang=eng
HE IS RISEN

This week we focused on the words of Isaiah in Sunday School.  He spoke symbolically, but looking through the symbols, we can see some of the blessings the Lord has given us.  These are just some of the things for which we say, "He shall be called wonderful."
1.  He opens the door to His kingdom.  Because He is the one who accomplished the atonement, it is He who stands at the gate.
2.  He went and initiated the teaching of the Gospel to those in spirit prison.  Because not everyone accepted Jesus in the life, and many did not even hear of Jesus, a way was prepared for all to come to the gospel.  Jesus, while his body lay in the tomb, visited these realms, and organized the preaching of the gospel to the dead.
3. The Savior is a strength and a refuge.  In Him we find shade from the sun, water in a dry pace, shelter from the storm.  Isaiah speaks symbolically to let us know that Jesus provides a refuge from the world.
4. The Savior prepares a feast, and destroys the veil.  The Savior feeds us with spiritual knowledge through the temples, and with the scriptures and prophets.  He destroys the veil of unbelief.
5. The Savior wipes away our tears. The Savior knows us intimately.  He loves us and takes away our sorrows.  Because he wallowed up death, death is but a brief parting, and because he atoned for our sins, their is repentance.
6.  The Savior brings the resurrection.  Because the Savior has conquered death, we all shall be resurrected.  This is a gift from Him. 
7. The Savior is our sure foundation.  If we build upon the rock of the Savior, we shall not fail.
8. The Savior has brought about the restoration of the Gospel.  We have the priesthood anew, prophets and apostles, revelation, and we have additional scripture including the Book of Mormon.
https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2009-02-04-the-message-of-the-restoration?category=mormon-messages/mormon-messages-2009&&lang=eng
The Restoration
9. The Savior knows our trials, and directs our path.  When we experience hardship, and we all will have our turn, the Savior leads us and directs us and helps us find peace.

Sunday School: Old Testamant: Micah: Our Responsibility to Share the Gospel

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2013-06-003-let-your-light-so-shine?lang=eng
Micah it one of those prophets who saw the latter days.  He wrote about the responsibility as children of Israel and members of the church, which we have to carry the gospel to the world.  Micah teaches by comparison and similitudes.  He presents the task of missionary work as gather the wheat and separating it from the chaff.  This was a task where the oxen were used. 

Micah: 4  11 ¶Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion.

 12 But they know not the thoughts of the Lord, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor.

 13 Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the Lord, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.

He further talks about missionary work, comparing those who have the gospel as The Dews of heaven, who water all the grass.  He then compares them to a lion among ship.  When we open our mouths and invite others to Christ, we will be as the lion who none can oppose.
Micah 5: 7 And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the Lord, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men.
 8 ¶And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.
M. Russel Ballard talked about the confidence that comes when combining missionary work and prayer. 
https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/put-your-trust-in-the-lord?lang=eng
In 1842 the Prophet Joseph Smith, in the Wentworth letter Joseph Smith made a similar statement.  He declared, “No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done” (History of the Church, 4:540).

Sunday School: Old Testament: Hosea

Hosea talked of the people of Israel and their relationship the Lord as being similar to a marriage, with the Lord being the faithful husband, and the children of Israel the wayward wife.  He loves her always, but when she turns from her harloting he is able to provide more blessings. However, when we chase after other gods, our personal ability, our own intelligence, money, worldly possessions the Lord is unable to bless us.
The Lord paid for his wife, as he has paid the price for us all, and purchased us with the blood of the atonement.
1 Peter 1: 18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/the-atonement?lang=eng 

Boyd K. Packer on repentance

http://bcove.me/ku6kzkyt
Elder Shayne Bowen on reclaiming.

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is available to each of us. His Atonement is infinite. It applies to everyone, even you. It can clean, reclaim, and sanctify even you. That is what infinite means—total, complete, all, forever. President Boyd K. Packer has taught: “There is no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no transgression, no apostasy, no crime exempted from the promise of complete forgiveness. That is the promise of the atonement of Christ” (“The Brilliant Morning of Forgiveness,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 20).

Just as the landfill requires dedicated work and attention, laboriously applying layer after layer of fill to reclaim the low-lying ground, our lives also require the same vigilance, continually applying layer after layer of the healing gift of repentance.

May we wrap ourselves with the blanket of Jesus' love.   He can comfort us, bring us hope and peace, and prepare us for exaltation.

Sunday School: Old Testament: Job

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2013-01-003-mountains-to-climb?category=mormon-messages/mormon-messages-2013&&lang=eng
"Mountains to Climb"  This film features President Henry B. Eyring.  It shows individuals, who like Job, are facing hardship and trials.  "If the foundation of faith is not planted in our hearts, the power to endure will crumble," says president Eyring.  Our faith should be centered in Jesus Christ.  He then explains that passage of time is not enough to cure heartache, but the solution is to love and serve others.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid932504009001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAA0ZXbIXk~,CUDb-EhKU-2mjqnkesGCbv2KuOe3Q2id&bctid=1195856534001
Elder Robert D. Hales, as he was passing through hardships of health, also focused on this theme, bringing to mind the trials of Joseph Smith, and then of the pioneers.  He says we confront trials by waiting upon the Lord.  "Tests and trials are given to all of us. These mortal challenges allow us and our Heavenly Father to see whether we will exercise our agency to follow His Son. He already knows, and we have the opportunity to learn, that no matter how difficult our circumstance, 'all these things shall [be for our] experience, and . . . for [our] good.'" (D&C 122:7)
Job had his feet firmly planted in his faith in Christ, and in waiting upon the Lord.  He said, "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:" (Job 19: 25)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnCRpWv1bzE&list=UUUEd30vKIa3CW6YQDuSxQcQ
Me singing Job's words.

Elisha and Naaman

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-03-074-naaman-and-elisha?category=old-testament/joshua-song-of-solomon&&lang=eng&order=chronological

The story of Elisha and Naaman is fascinating.  Elisha became the prophet after the ascension of Elijah.  He took up his mantle, and in every way was a prophet.  He did miracles similar to many of Elijah.  He stopped the Jordan River and blessed a widow (but in a bit different way.) 
Naaman was a Syrian centurion.  A great man in battle, he also had leprosy.  A young Jewish woman, his servant who had been taken prisoner, remembered to tell him about the prophet who could heal him.  And so arrangements were made for him to visit Elisha.  But Elisha did not come out to him, but sent a servant with the message, wash in the River Jordan Ten Times.  The prophet asked for exacting obedience.  Naaman was able to humble himself, and give this obedience. 
Went to missionary farewell talk of Maddy Banks.  She talked of this in her talk today.  She said that in serving a mission, her goal is to be exactly obedient.  That going on a mission would not be worthwhile without exacting obedience. 
That is what President Monson says in this short conference excerpt.  Blessing come from obedience.
https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/obedience-brings-blessings?lang=eng

Elijah, The Priests of Baal and the Spirit of God

I previously presented the story of Elijah and the widow.
http://billywardlefamily.blogspot.com/2014/08/old-teastament-elijah-and-widow-of.html
Elijah lived in a time of great wickedness.  The king had married Jezebel, who followed the priests of Baal.  The king and queen lead the people to idolatry.  The desecrated the temples, and took town the alters in the mountains where people worshiped Jehovah, and turned these places into sites to worship Baal.
Elijah had finally had enough.  He told the king to gather the people together.  He proposed a test to determine who is God.  He invited 840 priests of Baal to call down fire from heaven to burn their sacrifice.  They struggled with this all day.  However, no matter how hard they tried, they could not call down fire.  Elijah mocked them, maybe your god is busy elsewhere?
Elijah made himself an alter of twelve stones representing the tribes of Israel .  He built a fire pyre using the left over wood.  He built a trench around he alter.  He then covered his alter with water, not once but three times.  So much water that the trench was filled.
King 18: 36 And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.

 37 Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.

 38 Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.

After this display, the people took the priests of Ball and slew them.  When Jezebel heard what happened she was angry, and vowed to take vengeance on Elijah in the form of his life.  Elijah fled to a cave.  He became very discouraged.  Elijah approached the Lord in fasting and prayer.  While he was there an angel of the Lord visited him and he heard the voice of the Lord.

Kings 19: 9 ¶And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?

 10 And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

 11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:

 12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

It is interesting the Lord's voice is not the big and powerful voice, but the still small voice.  Boyd K. Packer described it this way:

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-03-072-still-small-voice?category=old-testament/joshua-song-of-solomon&&lang=eng&order=chronological
Henry B. Eyring in this manner:
https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-03-073-spirit-whispers?category=old-testament/joshua-song-of-solomon&&lang=eng&order=chronological 

The Lord told Elijah to get busy.  He gave him several assignments to carry out. The Lord can guide and direct us when we are down, and he will sometimes remind us of our duty and tell us to move on.

Old Teastament: Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-03-071-elijah-and-the-widow-of-zarephath?category=old-testament/joshua-song-of-solomon&&lang=eng&order=chronological

One of the most interesting stories in the Old Testament of the Bible is that of Elijah, the drought, and the widow.  King Ahab, with his idolatry, and the idolatry of the Children of Israel, caused a drought to come upon the people.  Elijah pronounced the drought, and then fled to the Brook Cherith, where he was fed by ravens, and drank freely from the brook, until it dried up.  When it had dried up, the Lord sent Elijah to a poor widow.  Now the question becomes, why would someone with so little means, be requested by the Lord to feed His prophet. 
The Sunday school manual quotes Jeffrey R. Holland in this regard:

• Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said: “I know we can each do something, however small that act may seem to be. We can pay an honest tithe and give our fast and freewill offerings. … And we can watch for other ways to help. To worthy causes and needy people, we can give time if we don’t have money, and we can give love when our time runs out. We can share the loaves we have and trust God that the cruse of oil will not fail”  He also said that the widow’s response when Elijah asked her for food was an “expression of faith—as great, under these circumstances, as any I know in the scriptures. … Perhaps uncertain what the cost of her faith would be … , she first took her small loaf to Elijah, obviously trusting that if there were not enough bread left over, at least she and her son would have died in an act of pure charity” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1996). 
  The bottom line, we are all called to help others no matter circumstance in life, and at the same time benefit from the service of others. 

Sunday School: King David; Faith, Love, Envy, Sin, Repentance, reclamat

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-03-066-the-lord-will-deliver-me?category=old-testament/joshua-song-of-solomon&&lang=eng&order=chronological

Kind David is an enigma.  The above video attests to his faith as a youth.  As a youth he was anointed to be king.   However, Israel already had a king in Saul, who had lost his right to the throne continually because of his own disobedience.  It is interesting to note the differences this had on the two men most effected.  The current king, Saul, becomes bitter and angry and jealous.  These attitudes effect him until he is killed.  He spends most of his time worrying about David, or trying to kill him.  On the other hand Jonathan, who was the person from whom the inheritance of the kingdom was taken, loved David.  His attitude was completely opposite what you would think it should have been.
http://bcove.me/p8kaa0uj
https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-03-067-true-friend?category=old-testament/joshua-song-of-solomon&&lang=eng&order=chronological

Then David has another side, the side that gives in to temptation.  He has been serving as king for some time, but falls.

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-03-20-to-look-upon?category=old-testament/joshua-song-of-solomon&&lang=eng

Fortunately, we have repentance should we fall.
https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-03-069-blessings-of-repentance?category=old-testament/joshua-song-of-solomon&&lang=eng&order=chronological

Lastly a video about Idaho Falls and a park I have never visited, but illustrates the definition of being reclaimed.
http://bcove.me/ku6kzkyt
Elder Shayne M. Bowen teaches: “The Atonement of Jesus Christ is available to each of us. It can clean, reclaim, and sanctify even you.”

SundaY School: Honor God Like Samuel and President Monson

President Monson explains that God will qualify those whom he calls
https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-03-063-whom-the-lord-calls?category=old-testament/joshua-song-of-solomon&&lang=eng&order=chronological

God calls Samuel
https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-03-062-samuel-and-eli?category=old-testament/joshua-song-of-solomon&&lang=eng&order=chronological

We must honor God.  Eli's son's honored themselves, taking the sacrificial offerings for themselves.  Eli honored man, not being willing to discipline his sons, Israel also chose to honor the world, asking for a king like other nations.  Samuel honored God.  And God honored Samuel.

Old Testament: Joshua: Walk His Way

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-03-056-walk-his-way?category=old-testament/joshua-song-of-solomon&&lang=eng&order=chronological

Joshua said, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.  See if this song doesn't capture that essence, a commitment to serve God.  

Walk His Way

Seminary Music: Old Testament
1. The images men worship are not just of stone and clay.
They make idols of their own success and walk their way
Day by day they wander with hearts set on the world;
Their pride and greed replace the need to trust the Lord.
But we could have faith, we would be strong
If he was the pow`r we relied upon
He’s the only one with pow`r to save,
So we pledge today that we will walk His way
Beginning now, we vow.  To walk His way.

2. He is the path we follow.  He’s the only one we serve;
We find happiness in His success and trust His word.
He is our loving Father,
With strength and power to save,
With all our soul we choose this day to walk His way.
And as we have faith we will be strong,
For He is the pow`r we rely upon
He’s the only one with pow`r to save,
So we pledge today that we will walk His way,
We vow to walk His way.

Text:  Steven K. Jones

Music:  Sam Cardon

Arranged By:  Sam Cardon

Artist:  Joel McCausland

Joshua's commitment was independent, not dependent on others.

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-03-057-full-commitment?category=old-testament/joshua-song-of-solomon&&lang=eng&order=chronological 

Sunday School: Old Testament: Caleb

The Lord gave Caleb the land of Hebron as an inheritance because of his faithfulness.  "Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the Lord God of Israel.  (Joshua 14: 14)  What a great thing to be said of someone, he wholly followed the Lord. 

Of course the instance referred to was when Caleb, with Joshua brought back a positive report, while the other spies provided a false negative report.  This experience is related in Numbers:

 6 ¶And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:

 7 And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land.

 8 If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.

 9 Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not.

 10 But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.

 24 But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land where into he went; and his seed shall possess it. (Numbers 14: 6-10, 24)

One of my sons is named Caleb.  He has a tremendous namesake to live up to.  One of our modern prophets talked of Caleb of old.

President Spencer W. Kimball stated his admiration for Caleb and suggested some lessons we can learn from him:
“From Caleb’s example we learn very important lessons. Just as Caleb had to struggle and remain true and faithful to gain his inheritance, so we must remember that, while the Lord has promised us a place in his kingdom, we must ever strive constantly and faithfully so as to be worthy to receive the reward.
“Caleb concluded his moving declaration with a request and a challenge with which my heart finds full sympathy. The Anakims, the giants, were still inhabiting the promised land, and they had to be overcome. Said Caleb, now at 85 years, ‘Give me this mountain’ (Joshua 14:12).
“This is my feeling for the work at this moment. There are great challenges ahead of us, giant opportunities to be met. I welcome that exciting prospect and feel to say to the Lord, humbly, ‘Give me this mountain,’ give me these challenges” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1979, 115; or Ensign, Nov. 1979, 79).

Old Testament: Deuteronomy: These Words Shall Be In Your Heart

How do we make sure we never forget the Lord.  That is the theme of Deuteronomy, that we never forget where our blessings come from.  That we not point to ourselves as the author of our blessings.  In not forgetting, we make sure that we build upon the sure foundation; that of Jesus Christ, our rock. 
https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-08-2610-build-on-the-rock-of-our-redeemer?category=book-of-mormon/alma-helaman&&lang=eng

As we plant the message of the Savior in our hearts, it will be easier for us to keep the covenants we have made with God at baptism, and which we renew weekly as we partake of the sacrament.
http://bcove.me/7vl6p8si

One of my fondest memories is recording Tony, after he had learned a song in primary.  In this song Tony teaches the importance to build upon the firm foundation.  Sister Jennifer Williams taught it to his class.  True, he doesn't sing it perfectly, but he does portray the concept in his humble way. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHclYZS5ftI&list=PLzilNOmROiB4ZZJ0uhbhNV56TJVqkA6xR&index=10

Old Testament: The Story of Balaam

This is a special story from Numbers of the Old Testament.  Balak, the king of the Moabites, sent men to have Balaam the prophet come to him, so he could curse the Israelites who were threatening his people.  Ballam asked the Lord, and refused to go with them.  So Balak sent princes and rewards, this time the Lord allowed him to go.  But the Lord was still angry with him.
He sent an angel to stop the way.  Balaam's ass saw the angel, but Balaam did not.  It would appear Balaam was too focused on his notoriety and riches he was to receive from Balak to notice anything.  Three times the donkey avoided the angel, and Balaam was angry with the donkey and beat it with a rod.  The Lord unstopped the donkey's mouth, and it talked to Balaam, "What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?"  Balaam responded "Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee."  It wasn't until after the donkey responded, explaining itself, that Balaam's eyes were open and he saw the angel.  It seems Balaam was so intent on having his own way, he missed seeing the angel and abused his donkey.  How hard is it to submit our will to the sill of the Lord.  Consider that the Lord submitted his will to the Father's.  Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac as per the will of the Lord.  Mary said, "Be it unto me according to thy word."  Nephi said, "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded."  The sons of Helamen were blessed because they obeyed with "esactness."
How much more blessed are we if we follow the will of Lore, rather than insisting he sanctify what we want to do.
https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-01-014-the-will-of-god?category=mormon-messages/mormon-messages-2012&&lang=eng

Sunday School: Old Testament: Moses and the Children of Israel

The relationship between God, Moses and the Children of Israel was very interesting.  The children of Israel were always looking back to Egypt, rather than forward to the promised land.  "Oh that we had stayed in Egypt" was a common cry.  They said this when Pharaoh trapped them against the banks of the Red Sea, when they were short of water, when they had no fun, when they were tired of manna, when the way was too hard, and when they feared those in Canaan.  It got to the point where God was ready to destroy the house of Israel, but Moses convinced him not to do so.  Instead he determined that the current generation would all die off before they would enter the promised land, and that is what happened except for Joshua and Caleb.

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-03-054-skiing-expedition?category=old-testament/introduction-deuteronomy&&lang=eng&order=chronological
Follow the prophet.
https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/lord-i-believe?lang=eng
Robert D. Hales, walk by faith.

What is even more incredible is the constant reminders of Jesus Christ in this story.  We see a type of Jesus in the Passover.  The lamb without blemish, and the blood on the doorway point to Christ, the manna or bread of life reminds us of Jesus, and the snake on a staff, to which the people must look to live also reminds us of Jesus.
http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=2649250157001
Daily Bread

Old Testament: The Fall

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-08-1340-three-pillars-of-gods-plan?category=book-of-mormon/introduction-2-nephi&&lang=eng

One of the interesting scenes in the Bible is the fall of Adam and Eve.  This is part of the great plan of God; it was not a sin, but rather a transgression of law.  However the transgression allowed obedience to a higher law, that of multiplying and replenishing the earth.  Our first parents, Adam and Eve were truly children of God, and were able to take advantage of the atonement, and thereby regain favor with God. 

Old Testament: LDS video: I Am a Son of God

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-03-50-i-am-a-son-of-god?lang=eng
This story of Moses, God and Satan tells us three important truths.  God is real.  We are children of God.  And finally Satan is also real.  It is very enlightening.  Let us remember that when the blows of life come, we are God's children, and he loves us.  He will give us the strength to overcome evil.  He has set bounds to Satan's power.

I final concept we should remember.  God's work and glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.  (Moses 1: 39)  God will provide a way that you can achieve eternal life.  He does give us free agency, but that free agency includes a way to return to Heavenly Father in glory. 

Old Testament: Joseph of Egypt

The last two weeks for Sunday School we have examined the Life of Joseph.  Here is a man who had much trial, but that trial lead to great blessings for his family.  He was despised of his brothers, and they intended to kill him, but instead sold him into slavery.  In Egypt God prospered him, but because he did not give in to temptation from Potiphar's wife, he was sent to prison.  There again he prospered.  He interpreted the dream of the baker and the butler.  The butler, who was restored to his position, forgot to mention Joseph to others so he might be rescued from prison.  He anguished two long years more, until Pharoah had a dream.  Joseph was called upon to interpret, and as a result became the second only to Pharoah in all the land.  Also, because of the dream they planned, and were prepared for the coming years of famine.  Egypt prospered, as did Joseph.  When his family came to buy corn, he was in a position to save his family.
His life exemplifies the poem "The Weaver". 


My life is but a weaving
Between my Lord and me,
I cannot choose the colors
He worketh steadily.  [He knows what they should be]

Oftimes He weaveth sorrow,
And I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper
And I, the underside.

Not till the loom in silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful
In the Weaver's skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.

- Author Unknown
 
The enclosed films deal mostly with sexual fidelity.  These are the films linked through the lesson manual online. 
https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-08-2340-these-things-are-an-abomination?category=book-of-mormon/alma-helaman&&lang=eng
These Things are an Abomination: deals with the question of why to remain pure sexually

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2010-12-0150-within-bounds?category=topics/standards&&lang=eng
Within Bounds comparing skiing to sexual purity

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2009-01-03-come-what-may-and-love-it?category=mormon-messages/mormon-messages-2009&&lang=eng
"Come What May, and Love It" Joseph B. Wirthlin


https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-03-032-joseph-in-egypt?category=old-testament/introduction-deuteronomy&&lang=eng
"Joseph in Egypt" President Benson

https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/i-will-not-fail-thee-nor-forsake-thee?lang=eng
"I Will Not Fail Thee Nor Forsake Thee" President Monson

Old Testament: Abraham and Isaac

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-03-027-akedah-the-binding?category=old-testament/introduction-deuteronomy&&lang=eng&order=chronological

This movie is produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I showed it in Sunday School class.  This tells the story of Abraham and Isaac.  This story is a similitude of God the Father and Jesus Christ Christ.  So much so that the place where Abraham built the alter upon which to sacrifice Isaac was Mount Moriah, which is now known as Mount Zion.  Another location on Mount Zion is Golgotha where the Savior was crucified.  Brother Jefferey pointed this out to me.  Wikipedia says there is some debate on this, but is very likely is true.  However there is one major difference be this story, and the sacrifice of the Savior.  That is that the Savior completed his sacrifice.  In the story of Abraham and Isaac a lamb was provided, which represented the Savior who is provided for each of us. 

Member Missionary Work 9: Ure Missionary Farewell and Homecoming; and Other MIssionary Ideas

We bounced over the hill to Cupertino for church in our old ward.  Caroline Ure was presenting her homecoming speech, and Adam Ure his farewell.  They are brother and sister, and they shared a week home together.  Both talked on the theme of missionary work, and both quoted preach my gospel, first page: Your Purpose: Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.
Caroline focused on the atonement as part of the duties of a missionary; inviting others to take of the atonement of Jesus Christ.  (Preach my Gospel p 1)  It gives you something to think about, to keep the gospel simple.  People must be invited to come to Christ.
It was also good to see people we know, and also see how the ward has changed.  Charity, Anthony and Camberly Rose were there.  It is fun to see Camberly and Tony interact.  She loves to smile at him.  We didn't stay long after the meetin, I still needed to teach my class.
The Sunday school class theme was the covenant of Abraham.  I was surprised to learn that this covenant applies to us as much as Abraham.  We are promised in this life, a land, a large posterity, the Gospel and the priesthood.  Eternally we are promised Celestial life, eternal marriage and posterity, and exaltation and eternal life.  However our responsibilities are to Help all God's children receive the gospel, and obey the commandments.  We need to invite all to the feast of the gospel.

The final place where I was taught about missionary work was priesthood.  The theme was a talk by M. Russel Ballard: "Put Your Trust in the Lord."  He quoted a letter he had received "Dear Elder Ballard, 30 minutes after the worldwide broadcast on hastening the work of salvation, we held our family missionary council. We were thrilled to find that our teenage grandchildren wanted to be included. We’re happy to report that since our council meeting, we have expanded our family teaching pool by 200 percent.

“We have had grandchildren bring friends to church, have enjoyed sacrament meetings with some of our less-active friends, and have had some of our new contacts commit to take the missionary discussions. One of our less-active sisters has not only returned to church but has brought new investigators with her.

“No one has turned down the invitation to take the missionary discussions. What an exciting time to be a member of this Church" (personal letter, Aug. 15, 2013).  Our ward mission leader indicated we have been challenged to have a similar family meeting, and to establish a family missionary plan.  This is my next step, that and to get the book by Clayton Christensen on being a member missionary.

Sunday School: Mormon Movie Review: Watchman on the Tower

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-03-110-watchman-on-the-tower?category=old-testament/isaiah-malachi&&lang=eng

I never realized there is a parable in the Doctrine and Covenants about the "Watchman on the Tower."
 D&C 101: 43 And now, I will show unto you a parable, that you may know my will concerning the redemption  of Zion.

 44 A certain nobleman had a spot of land, very choice; and he said unto his servants: Go ye unto my vineyard, even upon this very choice piece of land, and plant twelve olive trees;

 45 And set watchmen round about them, and build a tower, that one may overlook the land round about, to be a watchman upon the tower, that mine olive trees may not be broken down when the enemy shall come to spoil and take upon themselves the fruit of my vineyard.

 46 Now, the servants of the nobleman went and did as their lord commanded them, and planted the olive trees, and built a hedge round about, and set watchmen, and began to build a tower.

 47 And while they were yet laying the foundation thereof, they began to say among themselves: And what need hath my lord of this tower?

 48 And consulted for a long time, saying among themselves: What need hath my lord of this tower, seeing this is a time of peace?

49 Might not this money be given to the exchangers? For there is no need of these things.

 50 And while they were at variance one with another they became very slothful, and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their lord.

 51 And the enemy came by night, and broke down the hedge; and the servants of the nobleman arose and were affrighted, and fled; and the enemy destroyed their works, and broke down the olive trees.

 52 Now, behold, the nobleman, the lord of the vineyard, called upon his servants, and said unto them, Why! what is the cause of this great evil?

 53 Ought ye not to have done even as I commanded you, and—after ye had planted the vineyard, and built the hedge round about, and set watchmen upon the walls thereof—built the tower also, and set a watchman upon the tower, and watched for my vineyard, and not have fallen asleep, lest the enemy should come upon you?

 54 And behold, the watchman upon the tower would have seen the enemy while he was yet afar off; and then ye could have made ready and kept the enemy from breaking down the hedge thereof, and saved my vineyard from the hands of the destroyer.
The prophet is someone who can see beyond the corner, or over the next bump in the road.  I am so glad we have a prophet who has this vision, and we can take advantage by heading the warnings that have been given.  
This movie is well done in the way it portrays physical danger, and relates this to spiritual danger in our time.