Teaching Assignment for EDPSYCH

Habakkuk assignment

(a) Read the chapter summary for Habakkuk 1. Write a paragraph explaining how Habakkuk felt after learning what the Lord was going to do.

(b) Read Habakkuk 2:3–15 and compare it with Articles of Faith 1:9; Jacob 4:8; Doctrine and Covenants 101:32–34; 121:26–31; 130:18–19. Write a one-page paper on “Understanding and Obtaining the Knowledge and Glory of the Lord.” You may wish to use other scriptures to support your paper.

It says he feels “troubled that the wicked can be thus employed.” It is interesting to see that he is worried that the wicked will be used for more wickedness. In the actual chapter he worries that they will continuously be overrunning nations and killing people. It seems like he sees them sort of as a weed; they are strong and scary and easily overpower others.

The Lord’s knowledge is vast and incomprehensible and endless. We have the smallest tiniest portion of the knowledge that he does. Throughout our lifetimes here on earth it is one of our main purposes to gain knowledge and understanding. We ought to be learning as much as we can. The Lord will reveal knowledge and understanding to those who honestly and faithfully seek it. It is important to refrain from pride when we are seeking knowledge and revelation. If we are prideful the knowledge will not come to us or we will not be able to accept it. 

Obadiah assignment

Read Obadiah 1:17, 21; Doctrine and Covenants 128:5, 15; institute student manual Points to Ponder, “Saviors on Mount Zion” (pg. 259); Bible Dictionary, “Obadiah” (pg. 739). Explain in a paragraph or two what is taught in these references. In what ways does the temple deliver the faithful? How does the temple represent holiness?

We are taught that we need to be saviors on mount Zion. That it is our sacred duty to bring other people to the Lord through temple work. It is our duty to build temples and to do work for those that are deceased. The temple delivers people that our faithful by allowing them to do temple work and create sacred covenants with the Lord. We perform saving ordinances for ourselves and for others in the temple.

There are many ways in which the temple represents holiness. First and foremost, its white exterior is definitely a representative of holiness. White has definitely represented holiness all throughout history. The fact that the temple is also a house of the Lord is a pretty sure sign of holiness. There are a lot of comparisons with the temple to compasses and lightouses. Things that guide and direct. I think that this shows a pretty strong idea for how the people view the temple. It is a beautiful place that is kept very clean and manicured. Everything about it asks for respect and peace.

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Just a reminder that I have officially switched blogs now.
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Ezekiel-Daniel Assignment

 Choice 3: Ezekiel 26–27; 32, 35. Don’t Rejoice over Others’ Tribulation

(a) Read Ezekiel 26:1–3; 35:3–5 and write a statement that describes the reasons for the Lord’s anger with these nations. Read the chapter summaries for Ezekiel 27, 32. Describe in writing how Ezekiel felt about the fall of these foreign powers. List some ways you can develop empathy for those who suffer.

These nations had been very rebellious, shed blood, and ignored the Lord. They were hateful and waged war.

Even through their wickedness, Ezekiel still mourned and lamented the loss of these people.

I really like Ezekiel’s example here. He saw the wickedness that these people had, but did not develop a “good riddance” or “serves them right” attitude. He was sad because of their wickedness and because they would be punished. I think this is something we all need to strive to do in our daily lives. It is never a good thing that people have to go through suffering and punishment to be humbled. It is never our place to be glad or relieved that this has happened to them. Instead we should mourn for them and their suffering. I think the most important step in developing empathy is to remember that everyone is a person. And also that every person is our brother and sister. It’s sad, but I see a “serves them right” attitude a lot among members of the church, especially when issues of homosexuality, etc. are brought up. It always makes me sad to hear the hate and anger that is immediately professed. I think it is important to always try to empathize with everyone and remember that they are indeed our spiritual siblings. Outright hate will not solve any problems.

Jeremiah assignment no. 2

Choice 2: Jeremiah 46, 50. A Future Promise to Scattered Israel

(a) Read Jeremiah 46:27–28; 50:17–20, 33–34, 41 and explain in a paragraph or two what promises were given to scattered Israel. Read Doctrine and Covenants 110:11 and describe in writing what happened in this verse that relates to the promises of Jeremiah. What has happened since 1836 toward the fulfillment of these promises?

Scattered Israel was promised that they would be saved from afar. It was promised that Israel’s seed would be saved from the land of captivity and that Jacob would return and that none would make him afraid. He also promised Jacob that he would be with him and that he would correct as necessary and give praise when necessary. The Redeemer is strong and will plead for their case. The king of Babylon will be punished and those who the Lord reserves shall be pardoned.

We have been given the keys to gather Israel back together, so the work towards this promise is being fulfilled. 

Jeremiah assignment

Choice 3: Jeremiah 12, 15–38.The Strength of Jeremiah’s Commitment

a. Jeremiah served the Lord faithfully but suffered for his obedience. Read the following verses and make a list of hardships Jeremiah experienced as he prophesied to an unreceptive people:

• Jeremiah 12:6

• Jeremiah 15:15–18

• Jeremiah 20:1–7

• Jeremiah 26:8–11

• Jeremiah 32:2–3

• Jeremiah 37:11–21

• Jeremiah 38:6

• Jeremiah 43:1–6 (see chapter heading)

In what circumstances might you have to follow Jeremiah’s example as described in Jeremiah 15:17?

b. Write one or two paragraphs about what Jeremiah 20:8–9 teaches about Jeremiah’s commitment to the Lord despite living in an environment of wickedness and persecution. How do you think a person becomes that committed? What can you do to increase your commitment to the Lord?

People have been treacherous and lied to him

People have persecuted and mocked him

Smitten, put in stocks

Threatened with death

Shut up in prison

Smitten and imprisoned again

Thrown in a dungeon full of mire with no water

Left and was carried into Egypt

-There are a lot of circumstances nowadays where it would be important to follow the example of Jeremiah in staying away from the mockers/scorners and walking alone. Because of our beliefs there are a lot of times when we tend to stand against the world in some ideals. We have to have the courage and faith to do so when it is necessary.

-I think a person becomes as committed as Jeremiah does by really relying on one’s own beliefs rather than the beliefs of the people. You have to be really strong in your faith and not be swayed by the opinions around you. You really have to rely on the Lord and his guidance and commandments to get you through situations like this. It was really inspiring to read about his commitment through all of these trials. I’ve been struggling a lot with some depression in my own life and there are a lot of times when I feel tempted just to give into how I feel. However it is possible to rely more fully on the Lord to find strength and faith in hard times. 

Isaiah 55 Assignment

Choice 3: Isaiah 55:8–11. The Lord’s Thoughts and Ways

Read Isaiah 55:8–11; Jacob 4:8; 1 Corinthians 2:14–16, and then answer the following questions:

-How is the message of these verses one of comfort?

I think these verses can help us to understand that, although we may not have a full knowledge, there is someone who does. Someone who knows a good path for us and can guide us on that path. Someone who understands the trials and temptations that we go through and can provide us with the strength to get through them. We may not understand why things happen but there is someone who does.  

-How can we come to better understand God’s thoughts and ways?

By working to get to know God through study and prayer. To have a better understanding of God we must first get to know him and understand what he means to us in our lives.

-Give an example of when you have observed a clear example of God’s ways being higher than man’s ways.

A few years ago I got offered a 6 week job that I was very nervous to take but felt very strongly that I should. Even though I really didn’t want to, I accepted the job and ended up being offered a long term position that has so far paid my way through college.

Isaiah and The Second Coming

Choice 1: Isaiah 25–26. Destruction, Second Coming, Rejoicing, and Resurrection

(a) Read Isaiah 25:1, 4, 8–9; 26:3–4, 9, 19 and the institute student manual commentary for Isaiah 25:1–11, “The Second Coming Will Be a Time of Great Rejoicing for the Righteous” (pg. 162). Then answer the following questions:

-What specific blessings did Isaiah mention?

Strength to the poor

Strength to the needy

Refuge from the storm

Shadow from the heat

Wipe away tears

Rebuke death

The dead shall live

-What desires did Isaiah express?

To stay near to the Lord and be guided by him. He wants the world to learn righteousness. He desires to praise him as well.

If you were asked to speak at a funeral and could share two thoughts from these verses, which two would you share and why?

I would share the bits about the fact that the Lord will wipe away tears and rebuke death. They both seem rather funeral appropriate.

I'm Moving!

Hello everyone, I've decided to start up a new blog called Wonder in Ali's Land.
I will be posting my content over there now!

Although it is still under construction and not currently looking too cute, feel free to check it out here!