Meridian Magazine--Come Follow Me Latter-day Saint Podcast

Welcome to this special joint podcast today. The Meridian magazine podcast, and the Scriptures are Real podcast. We are with Dr. Kerry Muhlestein, and we are Scot and Maurine Proctor, and this is such a delight as we, today, study Isaiah chapters 1 through 12, with a lesson entitled, God is my salvation. We're so thrilled to be together today.

I learned a lot of lessons, proverbs, axioms, and helpful sayings when I was young. We used to pass around Chinese proverbs like, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” My parents used to say that when I was faced with a huge school assignment, like a semester paper I had to write, and I was feeling overwhelmed. You've all heard that one. Here's another one. “He who asks is a fool for five minutes. But he who does not ask remains a fool forever.” And, of course, one of my favorites is this. “Men who waits for roast duck to fly into his mouth must wait a very, very long time. “These are fun and can be very meaningful. But this week we study the proverbs of Solomon, and we have much to learn.

We know that faith is a power stronger than electricity or lightning or the flooding of many waters. It is the first great governing principle which has power, dominion, and authority over all things.  So, of course we seek how to develop it in ourselves. In Lectures on Faith, Joseph Smith teaches us: “Three things are necessary for any rational and intelligent being to exercise faith in God unto life and salvation.
“First, the idea that he actually exists:
“Secondly, a correct idea of his character, perfections and attributes;
“And thirdly, an actual knowledge that the course of life which one is pursuing is according to His will.”

Maurine and I have been blessed to attend many temple dedications all over the world. There is nothing so joyful as seeing the Saints gather to see these beautiful Houses of the Lord dedicated and made available for the work of the dead and the living. No matter where we are or what language is spoken, the unifying feeling comes from the music that is sung both outside and inside the temple and the Spirit that follows. “High on the mountain top, A banner is unfurled, Ye nations now look up, it waves to all the world!” (Hymns, no. 5) a choir sings as the Prophet comes out of the building to set the coverstone and talk to the Saints. “We thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet to guide us in these latter days,” the Saints sing with all their hearts as tears are streaming down their faces. “On this day of joy and gladness, Lord, we praise thy holy name; In this sacred place of worship, We thy glories loud proclaim! Alleluia, Alleluia, Bright and clear our voices ring, Singing songs of exultation To our Maker, Lord, and King!” (Hymns, no. 64) You can all picture this, can’t you? Well, in order to understand more clearly our study of the Psalms, you have to realize the Psalms were mostly sung, and most of the time at the Temple in ancient times!

Today we begin study of the largest book in the Old Testament. Surprisingly, it is Psalms with 97 pages of moving poetry that particularly explores our inner journey in seeking to find God. These are prayers, prophecy, wisdom, exultations, laments and pleadings for relief. It is a very ancient book where we can find immense comfort today.