2. Luke 17

3. The Unjust Steward Luke 16:1-12 NOTE: Jesus taught more about money than he did prayer. Once we figure out how God wants us to use his (our) resources to bless other people, we’ve really figured out the essence of the gospel. Just for kicks: Who has the most money with them today?

4. Of Seeds and Sycamines Luke 17:5-6

5. Sycamine Tree Facts  You could cut into it and it would still grow because its roots went way down in the ground where it would be nourished by the water far below the surface.  grew in abundance in Jesus’ day and was used for making caskets.  produced figs but its fruit was very bitter and hard to eat.  Pollenated by wasps because their stingers could penetrate the sycamine flower.  Hot weather and blistering temperatures had little effect on this tree because it was tapped into a water source down deep under the earth.  because of its bitter taste it was hard to eat all at one time.

6. Lord, Increase our faith  Any person who has even a tiny measure of faith can command bitterness and unpleasantness and disappointment to leave. No matter how big the debt or grave the disease and no matter how unraveled the home or children seem to be and no matter how many enemies you feel you have or how little energy is left in your tank, if we have a little faith and humbly ask the Lord to help remove them - or for Him to give us strength to endure as we try to uproot them with his strength - we can do it.  Luke 17:10: The definition of faith (and how to increase faith)  Cross Reference D&C 123:17

7. Gratitude  Blessings game  Write down all the things you’re grateful for and whatever you don’t have after the time is up will no longer be in your life.  Read Doctrine and Covenants 59:7, 21.

8. Are you grateful for… 5 THINGS? 10 THINGS? 50 THINGS? 100 THINGS? Could you list them?

9. Grateful for 100 THINGS? 10 living people you are grateful for. 10 people who have died you are grateful for. 10 physical abilities you are grateful for. 10 material possessions you are grateful for. 10 things about nature you are grateful for. 10 things about today you are grateful for. 10 places on earth you are grateful for. 10 modern-day inventions you are grateful for. 10 foods you are grateful for. 10 things about the gospel you are grateful for.

10. Blessings  Read Doctrine and Covenants 59:23– 24 - what blessings are promised?  Read Luke 17:11-19  He was a Samaritan—What does this detail add to our understanding of this account?  Why is it important to express our gratitude to God for the blessings we receive?

11. Blessings  “My brothers and sisters, do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive? Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love” (“The Divine Gift of Gratitude,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 87).

12. Blessings  President David O. McKay:  “Gratitude is deeper than thanks. Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts” (“The Meaning of Thanksgiving,” Improvement Era, Nov. 1964, 914).

13. Look not behind thee  Question: Luke 17:20  Advice: Luke 17:32  Cross Reference Genesis 19: 15-17, 24-26  Cross reference D&C 133:14-15  What does God want us to leave behind?  Why doesn’t he want us to look back?

14. STEPS TO DESTRUCTION  Gen 13:12 – slowly turns his attention to the world  Gen 19:1 – his home is in Sodom  Gen 19:4-8 – Sodom’s sins  Gen 19:14 – no influence over family members  Gen 19:16 – lingers – doesn't want to flee  Gen 19:17-20 – refuses to listen and follow the Prophet  Gen 19:24 – Sodom’s destruction  Gen 19:26 loses wife  Gen 19:33-36 – wickedness permeates his family The case study of Lot Gen 13:12 Gen 19:1 Gen 19:4-8 Gen 19:14 Gen 19:16 Gen 19:17- 20 Gen 19:24 Gen 19:26 Gen 19:33- 36 How/why did Lot’s daughter’s think this was a good idea? What happened to their minds?

15. Remember Lot’s Wife (JRH, BYU Devotional, Jan 13, 2009- 6:28) www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-8YKQwBHbc

16. Remember Lot’s Wife (JRH, BYU Devotional, Jan 13, 2009- 6:28) www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-8YKQwBHbc

17. Lot’s Wife  What does God want YOU to leave behind?  Why doesn’t he want YOU to look back? Why SALT?

18. Remember Lot’s Wife (JRH, BYU Devotional, Jan 13, 2009) “Let people repent. Let people grow. Believe that people can change and improve. If something is buried in the past, leave it buried. Don’t keep going back with your little sand pail and beach shovel to dig it up, wave it around, and then throw it at someone, saying, “Hey! Do you remember this?” Splat!” ― Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Genesis 19:26

19. Luke 17