Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
"Be strong and of a good courage" is a theme that flows throughout the book of Joshua. In the Book of Joshua, we study men and women of faith and are encouraged to meditate on the word of God to give us strength and courage. Joshua concludes with one of the most quoted verses in the Old Testament where we are encouraged to choose today to serve the Lord. All of the quotes that are used in this video can be found at BrotherMiller.org
Pondering and Meditation Quotes
Elder Joseph B Wirthlin: Pondering, which means to weigh mentally, to deliberate, to meditate, can achieve the opening of the spiritual eyes of one's understanding. (April 1982 General Conference)
President David 0 McKay: Meditation is one of the most secret, most sacred doors through which we pass into the presence of the Lord. (April 1946 General Conference)
Elder David A Bednar: "Writing down what we learn, think, and feel as we study the scriptures is another form of pondering and a powerful invitation to the Holy Ghost for continuing instruction" (New Era, Apr. 2006, 6-7).
President Henry B. Eyring: "Reading, studying, and pondering are not the same. We read words and we may get ideas. We study and we may discover patterns and connections in scripture. But when we ponder, we invite revelation by the Spirit. Pondering, to me, is the thinking and the praying I do after reading and studying in the scriptures carefully" (October 2010 Conference).
President Gordon B. Hinckley: "I heard President David O. McKay say to the members of the Twelve on one occasion, 'Brethren, we do not spend enough time meditating.'
"I believe that with all my heart. Our lives become extremely busy. We run from one thing to another. We wear ourselves out in thoughtless pursuit of goals which are highly ephemeral. We are entitled to spend some time with ourselves in introspection, in development. I remember my dear father when he was about the age that I am now. He lived in a home where there was a rock wall on the grounds. It was a low wall, and when the weather was warm, he would go and sit on his wall. It seemed to me he sat there for hours, thinking, meditating, pondering things that he would say and write, for he was a very gifted speaker and writer. He read much, even into his very old age. He never ceased growing. Life was for him a great adventure in thinking.” (https://www.thechurchnews.com/archives/2007-09-08/take-time-to-ponder-79847#:~:text=President%20Gordon%20B.,not%20spend%20enough%20time%20meditating.)
Benefits of Meditation
Mayo Clinic: “Meditation can give you a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit both your emotional well-being and your overall health.
“And these benefits don't end when your meditation session ends. Meditation can help carry you more calmly through your day and may help you manage symptoms of certain medical conditions.” (https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858#:~:text=Meditation%20can%20give%20you%20a,symptoms%20of%20certain%20medical%20conditions.)
Benefits of Meditating on the Scriptures
Meditating on the scriptures can give you a sense of calm, peace, and balance that can benefit your spiritual and emotional well-being and your overall health.
And these benefits don't end when your meditation session ends. Meditating on the scriptures invites revelation into your life and can help you better listen to and act on the Spirit throughout your day.
Meditate on the Scriptures to:
Tips for Meditating on Scriptures:
Joseph Smith: “I have a key by which I understand the scriptures. I inquire, what was the question which drew out the answer, or caused Jesus to utter the parable? … To ascertain its meaning, we must dig up the root and ascertain what it was that drew the saying out of Jesus” (History of the Church, 5:261).
President Ezra Taft Benson: “You must help the Saints see that studying and searching the scriptures is not a burden laid upon them by the Lord, but a marvelous blessing and opportunity. Note what the Lord Himself has said about the benefits of studying His word. To the great prophet-leader Joshua, He said, (Read Joshua 1:8) The Lord was not promising Joshua material wealth and fame, but that his life would prosper in righteousness and that he would have success in that which matters most in life, namely the quest to find true joy. (Ensign, May 1986, p. 81)
President Gordon B. Hinckley: “I am grateful for emphasis on reading the scriptures. I hope that for you this will become something far more enjoyable than a duty; that, rather, it will become a love affair with the word of God. I promise you that as you read, your minds will be enlightened and your spirits will be lifted. At first it may seem tedious, but that will change into a wondrous experience with thoughts and words of things divine.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1995/04/the-light-within-you?lang=eng)
Rahab:
President Boyd K. Packer: "Shortly after I was called as a General Authority, I went to Elder Harold B. Lee for counsel. He listened very carefully to my problem and suggested that I see President David O. McKay. President McKay counseled me as to the direction I should go. I was very willing to be obedient but saw no way possible for me to do as he counseled me to do.
"I returned to Elder Lee and told him that I saw no way to move in the direction I was counseled to go. He said, 'The trouble with you is you want to see the end from the beginning.' I replied that I would like to see at least a step or two ahead. Then came the lesson of a lifetime: 'You must learn to walk to the edge of the light, and then a few steps into the darkness; then the light will appear and show the way before you.' Then he quoted these eighteen words from the Book of Mormon: 'Dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.' (Ether 12:56). ("The Edge of the Light," BYU eighteen-stake fireside, March 4, 1990)
What are some of the Walls or Barriers in your life?
What is Faith?
Three Basic Elements of Faith
Elder David A. Bednar: “Recall how the Israelites came to the river Jordan and were promised the waters would part, or “stand upon an heap” (Joshua 3:13), and they would be able to cross over on dry ground. Interestingly, the waters did not part as the children of Israel stood on the banks of the river waiting for something to happen; rather, the soles of their feet were wet before the water parted. The faith of the Israelites was manifested in the fact that they walked into the water before it parted.
“They walked into the river Jordan with a future-facing assurance of things hoped for. As the Israelites moved forward, the water parted, and as they crossed over on dry land, they looked back and beheld the evidence of things not seen. In this episode, faith as assurance led to action and produced the evidence of things not seen which were true.” (Seek Learning By Faith – Address to CES Religious Educators, Feb. 3, 2006)
“Things will work out” may well be President Hinckley’s most repeated assurance to family, friends, and associates. “Keep trying,” he will say. “Be believing. Be happy. Don’t get discouraged. Things will work out.” (Elder Jeffery R. Holland, Liahona, June 1995)
Joshua 24:1-13 contains a review of several important stories we've studied in the Old Testament already. Review these verses. You may wish to mark people and events that are familiar to you.
As you read these verses, consider why Joshua recited these events as part of his last talk.
Think about that path that you and your family (including the generations before you) have traveled so that you could be who you are, living where you are, with the opportunities you have. Make your own version of Joshua 24:1-13. List four or five ways that you or your family have been "delivered" so you can enjoy all of the blessings of the gospel.
Here are some ideas to get you thinking:
Remembering what God has done for us strengthens our resolve to love and serve Him.
President Thomas S. Monson: “Joshua of old declared, ‘Choose you this day whom ye will serve; … but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord’ [Joshua 24:15]. …
“… Positioned on the wall of my office, directly opposite my desk, is a lovely print of the Savior, painted by Heinrich Hofmann.
“I love the painting, which I have had since I was a 22-year-old bishop and which I have taken with me wherever I have been assigned to labor. I have tried to pattern my life after the Master.
“Whenever I have a difficult decision to make, I have looked at that picture and asked myself, ‘What would He do?’ Then I try to do it. We can never go wrong when we choose to follow the Savior” (“Choose You This Day,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2004, 67).
Teaching Thoughts:
Pondering and Meditation Quotes
Elder Joseph B Wirthlin: Pondering, which means to weigh mentally, to deliberate, to meditate, can achieve the opening of the spiritual eyes of one's understanding. (April 1982 General Conference)
President David 0 McKay: Meditation is one of the most secret, most sacred doors through which we pass into the presence of the Lord. (April 1946 General Conference)
Elder David A Bednar: "Writing down what we learn, think, and feel as we study the scriptures is another form of pondering and a powerful invitation to the Holy Ghost for continuing instruction" (New Era, Apr. 2006, 6-7).
President Henry B. Eyring: "Reading, studying, and pondering are not the same. We read words and we may get ideas. We study and we may discover patterns and connections in scripture. But when we ponder, we invite revelation by the Spirit. Pondering, to me, is the thinking and the praying I do after reading and studying in the scriptures carefully" (October 2010 Conference).
President Gordon B. Hinckley: "I heard President David O. McKay say to the members of the Twelve on one occasion, 'Brethren, we do not spend enough time meditating.'
"I believe that with all my heart. Our lives become extremely busy. We run from one thing to another. We wear ourselves out in thoughtless pursuit of goals which are highly ephemeral. We are entitled to spend some time with ourselves in introspection, in development. I remember my dear father when he was about the age that I am now. He lived in a home where there was a rock wall on the grounds. It was a low wall, and when the weather was warm, he would go and sit on his wall. It seemed to me he sat there for hours, thinking, meditating, pondering things that he would say and write, for he was a very gifted speaker and writer. He read much, even into his very old age. He never ceased growing. Life was for him a great adventure in thinking.” (https://www.thechurchnews.com/archives/2007-09-08/take-time-to-ponder-79847#:~:text=President%20Gordon%20B.,not%20spend%20enough%20time%20meditating.)
Benefits of Meditation
Mayo Clinic: “Meditation can give you a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit both your emotional well-being and your overall health.
“And these benefits don't end when your meditation session ends. Meditation can help carry you more calmly through your day and may help you manage symptoms of certain medical conditions.” (https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858#:~:text=Meditation%20can%20give%20you%20a,symptoms%20of%20certain%20medical%20conditions.)
Benefits of Meditating on the Scriptures
Meditating on the scriptures can give you a sense of calm, peace, and balance that can benefit your spiritual and emotional well-being and your overall health.
And these benefits don't end when your meditation session ends. Meditating on the scriptures invites revelation into your life and can help you better listen to and act on the Spirit throughout your day.
Meditate on the Scriptures to:
- Increase your focus on God
- Invite truths to be planted deep into your heart
- Increase your understanding
- Remember
- Reflect
- Apply – Joshua 1:8 “meditate … that thou mayest observe and do according to all that is written therein”
Tips for Meditating on Scriptures:
- Comfortable place
- Mental focus on messages in the verse
- Read a passage several times
- Define each word
- Ask questions
- Liken scriptures (1 Ne 19:23)
- Look for connections, patterns, and themes.
- Rewrite the verse in your own words
- Summarize what you have learned
Joseph Smith: “I have a key by which I understand the scriptures. I inquire, what was the question which drew out the answer, or caused Jesus to utter the parable? … To ascertain its meaning, we must dig up the root and ascertain what it was that drew the saying out of Jesus” (History of the Church, 5:261).
President Ezra Taft Benson: “You must help the Saints see that studying and searching the scriptures is not a burden laid upon them by the Lord, but a marvelous blessing and opportunity. Note what the Lord Himself has said about the benefits of studying His word. To the great prophet-leader Joshua, He said, (Read Joshua 1:8) The Lord was not promising Joshua material wealth and fame, but that his life would prosper in righteousness and that he would have success in that which matters most in life, namely the quest to find true joy. (Ensign, May 1986, p. 81)
President Gordon B. Hinckley: “I am grateful for emphasis on reading the scriptures. I hope that for you this will become something far more enjoyable than a duty; that, rather, it will become a love affair with the word of God. I promise you that as you read, your minds will be enlightened and your spirits will be lifted. At first it may seem tedious, but that will change into a wondrous experience with thoughts and words of things divine.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1995/04/the-light-within-you?lang=eng)
Rahab:
- Harlot (2:1)
- Lives in Jericho (2:9)
- Hides Israel’s spies and saves them
- “I know that the Lord … (2:9)
- “We have heard how the Lord … (2:10)
- “And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts did melt … for the LORD your God, he is God…” (2:10-11).
President Boyd K. Packer: "Shortly after I was called as a General Authority, I went to Elder Harold B. Lee for counsel. He listened very carefully to my problem and suggested that I see President David O. McKay. President McKay counseled me as to the direction I should go. I was very willing to be obedient but saw no way possible for me to do as he counseled me to do.
"I returned to Elder Lee and told him that I saw no way to move in the direction I was counseled to go. He said, 'The trouble with you is you want to see the end from the beginning.' I replied that I would like to see at least a step or two ahead. Then came the lesson of a lifetime: 'You must learn to walk to the edge of the light, and then a few steps into the darkness; then the light will appear and show the way before you.' Then he quoted these eighteen words from the Book of Mormon: 'Dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.' (Ether 12:56). ("The Edge of the Light," BYU eighteen-stake fireside, March 4, 1990)
What are some of the Walls or Barriers in your life?
- How would Christ have you handle these “walls?”
- Write down two challenges you are facing right now.
- Do you feel the Lord is going to help you with your problem? Why or Why not?
- What part does faith and obedience play in receiving God’s help?
- What did the Israelites have to do receive God’s help?
What is Faith?
- Hebrews 11:1(JST) - “the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
- Alma 32:21 - “hope for things which are not seen, which are true.”
- Lectures on Faith – Joseph Smith - “Faith is…the principle of action in all intelligent beings.”
Three Basic Elements of Faith
- Faith as the assurance of things hoped for which are true,
- Faith as the evidence of things not seen,
- Faith as the principle of action in all intelligent beings. (Elder David A. Bednar, Seek Learning By Faith – Address to CES Religious Educators, Feb. 3, 2006)
Elder David A. Bednar: “Recall how the Israelites came to the river Jordan and were promised the waters would part, or “stand upon an heap” (Joshua 3:13), and they would be able to cross over on dry ground. Interestingly, the waters did not part as the children of Israel stood on the banks of the river waiting for something to happen; rather, the soles of their feet were wet before the water parted. The faith of the Israelites was manifested in the fact that they walked into the water before it parted.
“They walked into the river Jordan with a future-facing assurance of things hoped for. As the Israelites moved forward, the water parted, and as they crossed over on dry land, they looked back and beheld the evidence of things not seen. In this episode, faith as assurance led to action and produced the evidence of things not seen which were true.” (Seek Learning By Faith – Address to CES Religious Educators, Feb. 3, 2006)
“Things will work out” may well be President Hinckley’s most repeated assurance to family, friends, and associates. “Keep trying,” he will say. “Be believing. Be happy. Don’t get discouraged. Things will work out.” (Elder Jeffery R. Holland, Liahona, June 1995)
Joshua 24:1-13 contains a review of several important stories we've studied in the Old Testament already. Review these verses. You may wish to mark people and events that are familiar to you.
As you read these verses, consider why Joshua recited these events as part of his last talk.
Think about that path that you and your family (including the generations before you) have traveled so that you could be who you are, living where you are, with the opportunities you have. Make your own version of Joshua 24:1-13. List four or five ways that you or your family have been "delivered" so you can enjoy all of the blessings of the gospel.
Here are some ideas to get you thinking:
- When was the gospel introduced to you or your family? By whom?
- How have opportunities for education changed (or delivered) you or your family?
- Have there been important people who have influenced you or your family to make good choices? Who?
- Has your family (including previous generations) ever moved and had the course of their life changed for good?
- What decisions have you made that have "delivered" you from anything that could have turned you away from the Lord? Are there any similar decisions that have been made by your ancestors?
Remembering what God has done for us strengthens our resolve to love and serve Him.
President Thomas S. Monson: “Joshua of old declared, ‘Choose you this day whom ye will serve; … but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord’ [Joshua 24:15]. …
“… Positioned on the wall of my office, directly opposite my desk, is a lovely print of the Savior, painted by Heinrich Hofmann.
“I love the painting, which I have had since I was a 22-year-old bishop and which I have taken with me wherever I have been assigned to labor. I have tried to pattern my life after the Master.
“Whenever I have a difficult decision to make, I have looked at that picture and asked myself, ‘What would He do?’ Then I try to do it. We can never go wrong when we choose to follow the Savior” (“Choose You This Day,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2004, 67).
Teaching Thoughts:
- Theme of “be strong and of good courage” in the Book of Joshua.
- Practice for 4-5 minutes meditating on a few verses of scripture. Share insights with family/class.
- 12 stones object lesson.
- Principles that you want to remember.
- Lessons from your Come, Follow Me studies this year.
- Choices you and your house will make “to serve the LORD.”