D&C 101

 Even though the saints were experiencing great hardship in Missouri, the Lord instructs - 

"...verily I say unto you, I will show unto you wisdom in me concerning all the churches, inasmuch as they are willing to be guided in a right and proper way for their salvation—

64 That the work of the gathering together of my saints may continue, that I may build them up unto my name upon holy places; for the time of harvest is come, and my word must needs be fulfilled."  (Doctrine and Covenants 101:63–64)

In my mind, these holy places include stakes and temples of Zion.

D&C 101

 We read in this section, the Lord states - 

"And now, I will show unto you a parable..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 101:43)

The parable is long. Sidney B. Sperry provides the following summary - 

“It would seem that the parable is to be interpreted in this way: the nobleman is the Lord, whose choice land in His vineyard is Zion in Missouri. The places where the Saints live in Zion are the olive trees. The servants are the Latter-day Saint settlers, and the watchmen are their officers in the Church. While yet building in Zion, they become at variance with each other and do not build the tower or Temple whose site had been dedicated as early as August 3, 1831. Had they built it as directed, it would have been a spiritual refuge for them, for from it the Lord's watchmen could have seen by revelation the movements of the enemy from afar. This foreknowledge would have saved them and their hard work when the enemy made his assault. “But the Saints in Missouri were slothful, lax, and asleep. The enemy came, and the Missouri persecutions were the result. The Lord's people were scattered and much of their labors wasted. The Almighty rebuked His people, as we have already seen, but He commanded one of His servants (v. 55), Joseph Smith (103:21), to gather the ‘strength of Mine house’ and rescue His lands and possessions gathered against them. “Subsequently, the Prophet and his brethren in the famous Zion's Camp did go to Missouri in 1834 in an attempt to carry out the terms of the parable. Before they went, additional revelation was received (see 103:21–28) concerning the redemption of Zion. The brethren were instructed to try to buy land in Missouri, not to use force; and if the enemy came against them, they were to bring a curse upon them. Zion was not redeemed at that time but we may look for it in the not-too-distant future. Verily, it will be redeemed when the Lord wills it”

“Though Joseph Smith followed the Lord's instructions to gather together the ‘strength of my house’ (D&C 103:22) by organizing Zion's Camp to go forth to redeem Zion, the Lord's purpose in sending them and his will concerning the redemption of Zion were not fully understood by his people. The redemption of Zion did not take place at that time. When the servant in the parable asked when the land would be possessed, the Lord responded, ‘When I will’ (D&C 101:60). “The parable further states that all things will be fulfilled ‘after many days’ (v. 62), which passage indicates that a long period of time will pass before Zion will be redeemed. The redemption of Zion still had not taken place even after the Saints had been expelled from Missouri and from Nauvoo. The Lord then told Brigham Young that ‘Zion shall be redeemed in mine own due time’ (D&C 136:18). The redemption of Zion (meaning, the city of New Jerusalem in Missouri) is still future, although of course it is much closer now than it was when the Saints first sought to regain their inheritance in the land of Zion.

I marvel at how often the Lord commands just to prove us whether the final outcome is not what we thought.

D&C 101

 To the early saints, the Lord outlined - 

"...behold, there is none other place appointed than that which I have appointed; neither shall there be any other place appointed than that which I have appointed, for the work of the gathering of my saints—

21 Until the day cometh when there is found no more room for them; and then I have other places which I will appoint unto them, and they shall be called stakes, for the curtains or the strength of Zion.

22 Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together, and stand in holy places..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 101:20–22)

In my mind, the gathering of saints to stake or the strength of Zion is significant.

The Lord also instructed - 

"Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full.

37 Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the soul, and for the life of the soul.

38 And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life."  (Doctrine and Covenants 101:36–38)

D&C 101

 The Lord declared that in the last days, before His second coming - 

"I have sworn, and the decree hath gone forth by a former commandment which I have given unto you, that I would let fall the sword of mine indignation in behalf of my people; and even as I have said, it shall come to pass.

11 Mine indignation is soon to be poured out without measure upon all nations; and this will I do when the cup of their iniquity is full."  (Doctrine and Covenants 101:10–11)

I find comfort in that promise.  Obviously, the condition is "when the cup of iniquity is full".  I don't know when that will be other than it will be.

D&C 101

 Those who believe that we are saved by grace just by confessing belief in Jesus Christ.  There is more required.  To the saints in Missouri, the Lord taught - 

"...in consequence of their transgressions;

3 Yet I will own them, and they shall be mine in that day when I shall come to make up my jewels.

4 Therefore, they must needs be chastened and tried, even as Abraham, who was commanded to offer up his only son.

5 For all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified.

6 Behold, I say unto you, there were jarrings, and contentions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires among them; therefore by these things they polluted their inheritances.

7 They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; therefore, the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the day of their trouble.

8 In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel; but, in the day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me."  (Doctrine and Covenants 101:2–8)

But if they truly repent - 

"...I will remember mercy."  (Doctrine and Covenants 101:9)

D&C 100

 The Savior testifies of His work - 

"For I will raise up unto myself a pure people, that will serve me in righteousness;

17 And all that call upon the name of the Lord, and keep his commandments, shall be saved."  (Doctrine and Covenants 100:16–17)

D&C 99

 After the Savior's appearance in the Americas, He gave the option to His apostles of what they desired.  Most wanted to come to Him after a life of usefulness, and three wanted to continue serving on the earth.  It appears to me the Lord gave John Murdock the option of his desires saying - 

"...after a few years, if thou desirest of me, thou mayest go up also unto the goodly land, to possess thine inheritance;

8 Otherwise thou shalt continue proclaiming my gospel until thou be taken..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 99:7–8)

D&C 98

 Though we may be entirely justified when harmed or offended, the Lord provides a higher preferred way if possible - 

"...if men will smite you, or your families, once, and ye bear it patiently and revile not against them, neither seek revenge, ye shall be rewarded;

24 But if ye bear it not patiently, it shall be accounted unto you as being meted out as a just measure unto you.

25 And again, if your enemy shall smite you the second time, and you revile not against your enemy, and bear it patiently, your reward shall be an hundred-fold.

26 And again, if he shall smite you the third time, and ye bear it patiently, your reward shall be doubled unto you four-fold;

27 And these three testimonies shall stand against your enemy if he repent not, and shall not be blotted out.

28 And now, verily I say unto you, if that enemy shall escape my vengeance, that he be not brought into judgment before me, then ye shall see to it that ye warn him in my name, that he come no more upon you, neither upon your family, even your children’s children unto the third and fourth generation.

29 And then, if he shall come upon you or your children, or your children’s children unto the third and fourth generation, I have delivered thine enemy into thine hands..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 98:23–29)

D&C 98

 The Lord reveals that He chastens the wicked for their sins, but also, He chastens the righteous to prove them and help them progress saying - 

"Therefore, be not afraid of your enemies, for I have decreed in my heart, saith the Lord, that I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy.

15 For if ye will not abide in my covenant ye are not worthy of me."  (Doctrine and Covenants 98:14–15)

D&C 98

 After listening to the memorial for Charlie Kirk this weekend, the Saviour's words seemed more meaningful - 

"I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall forsake all evil and cleave unto all good, that ye shall live by every word which proceedeth forth out of the mouth of God.

12 For he will give unto the faithful line upon line, precept upon precept; and I will try you and prove you herewith.

13 And whoso layeth down his life in my cause, for my name’s sake, shall find it again, even life eternal."

(Doctrine and Covenants 98:11–13)

D&C 97

 The Lord prophesied - 

"For behold, and lo, vengeance cometh speedily upon the ungodly as the whirlwind; and who shall escape it?

23 The Lord’s scourge shall pass over by night and by day, and the report thereof shall vex all people; yea, it shall not be stayed until the Lord come;"  (Doctrine and Covenants 97:22–23)

In my mind, verse 23 suggests the scourge will increase until He comes.

D&C 97

 The Lord declared - 

"...I, the Lord, am willing to show mercy; nevertheless, there are those that must needs be chastened, and their works shall be made known.

7 The ax is laid at the root of the trees; and every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit shall be hewn down and cast into the fire. I, the Lord, have spoken it."  (Doctrine and Covenants 97:6–7)

There are eternal laws of godliness, and the law of justice is one of them.

D&C 95

 The Lord makes an interesting statement - 

"If you keep not my commandments, the love of the Father shall not continue with you, therefore you shall walk in darkness."  (Doctrine and Covenants 95:12)

Some believe God's love is unconditional.  But these words suggest that His love is conditional upon obedience.  In my mind, these words suggest love and His blessings are synonymous. 

D&C 94

 As the Lord instructed the construction of a building for the Church presidency, He said - 

"...let the first lot on the south be consecrated unto me for the building of a house for the presidency, for the work of the presidency, in obtaining revelations; and for the work of the ministry of the presidency, in all things pertaining to the church and kingdom.

4 Verily I say unto you, that it shall be built fifty-five by sixty-five feet in the width thereof and in the length thereof, in the inner court.

5 And there shall be a lower court and a higher court, according to the pattern which shall be given unto you hereafter.

6 And it shall be dedicated unto the Lord from the foundation thereof, according to the order of the priesthood, according to the pattern which shall be given unto you hereafter.

7 And it shall be wholly dedicated unto the Lord for the work of the presidency.

8 And ye shall not suffer any unclean thing to come in unto it; and my glory shall be there, and my presence shall be there.

9 But if there shall come into it any unclean thing, my glory shall not be there; and my presence shall not come into it."  (Doctrine and Covenants 94:3–9)

The lord instructed that His glory would be there if no unclean entered.  My Dad worked for the Church in the historical department for most of his career.  He worked in the first office building and later at the high-rise office building.  I believe it had a great influence on his life.

D&C 93

 Speaking to all saints, the Savior said - 

"...I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth."  (Doctrine and Covenants 93:40)

or we will be under condemnation.

D&C 93

 In this revelation, we learn additional truths that may not be as clear in the Bible.  The Lord teaches - 

"Ye were also in the beginning with the Father; that which is Spirit, even the Spirit of truth (or Jesus Christ)"  (Doctrine and Covenants 93:23)

"The Spirit of truth is of God. I am the Spirit of truth, and John bore record of me, saying: He received a fulness of truth, yea, even of all truth..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 93:26)

"Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be."  (Doctrine and Covenants 93:29)

"For man is spirit. The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive a fulness of joy;"  (Doctrine and Covenants 93:33)

"The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.

37 Light and truth forsake that evil one."  (Doctrine and Covenants 93:36–37)

"But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth."  (Doctrine and Covenants 93:40)

D&C 93

 As I began reading this section this morning, I recalled, that in the pre-mortal existence that  - 

"...among all these there were many of the noble and great ones..."  (Abraham 3:22)

Obviously, there were varying degrees of valancy.  There was one that was more valiant than they all and even in mortal life, He had a veil of forgetfulness placed on Him..  But we learn in the writings of John the Baptist - 

"...he received not of the fulness at the first, but received grace for grace;

13 And he received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness;"  (Doctrine and Covenants 93:12–13)

He was so valiant that He progressed on earth grace for grace, having no sin or need for repentance..

D&C 92

 While the law of consecration was given for all Church members, it becomes clear to me that the united order was for a select group as the Lord says - 

"I give unto the united order, organized agreeable to the commandment previously given, a revelation and commandment concerning my servant Frederick G. Williams, that ye shall receive him into the order. What I say unto one I say unto all."  (Doctrine and Covenants 92:1)

D&C 90

 The Lord revealed - 

"...again, verily I say unto thy brethren, Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams, their sins are forgiven them also, and they are accounted as equal with thee in holding the keys of this last kingdom..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 90:6)

I believe the wording "as equal" suggests that a unified quorum of presidency as a unit holds priesthood keys though only the President may be the only one that holds keys.

The Lord also warned - 

"Be not ashamed, neither confounded; but be admonished in all your high-mindedness and pride, for it bringeth a snare upon your souls.

18 Set in order your houses; keep slothfulness and uncleanness far from you."  (Doctrine and Covenants 90:17–18)

I believe this applies to all that have been given priesthood authority or leadership responsibilities.

President Russell M. Nelson - Confidence in the Presence of God

 President Nelson taught two things that would increase our confidence in the presence of God - 

"Now, how do we gain such confidence? The Lord answers this question with these words: “Let thy bowels … be full of charity towards all men, … and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God.”"

"True charity towards all men is the hallmark of peacemakers! It is imperative that we have charity in our discourse, both public and private. I thank those of you who took my previous counsel to heart. But we can still do better.

The present hostility in public dialogue and on social media is alarming. Hateful words are deadly weapons. Contention prevents the Holy Ghost from being our constant companion.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we should lead the way as peacemakers. As charity becomes part of our nature, we will lose the impulse to demean others. We will stop judging others. We will have charity for those from all walks of life. Charity towards all men is essential to our progress. Charity is the foundation of a godly character.

Let us plead with our Heavenly Father to fill our hearts with greater charity—especially for those who are difficult to love—for charity is a gift from our Heavenly Father for true followers of Jesus Christ. The Savior is the Prince of Peace. We are to be His instruments for peace."

"Now, let us speak of virtue. The Lord tells us to garnish our thoughts unceasingly with virtue. Imagine the boost you will receive to any positive thought when you enhance it with virtue. Virtue makes everything better and happier! On the other hand, imagine what will happen when you add virtue to an impure thought, a cruel thought, or a depressing thought. Virtue will drive away those thoughts. Virtue will free you from anxious, troublesome thoughts.

Brothers and sisters, as the world grows more wicked, we need to grow increasingly pure. Our thoughts, words, and actions need to be unfailingly virtuous and filled with the pure love of Jesus Christ towards all men. The great opportunity before us is to become the people God needs us to be.

Regular worship in the house of the Lord increases our capacity for both virtue and charity. Thus, time in the temple increases our confidence before the Lord. Increased time in the temple will help us prepare for the Second Coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We do not know the day or the hour of His coming. But I do know that the Lord is prompting me to urge us to get ready for that “great and dreadful day.”

As we diligently seek to have charity and virtue fill our lives, our confidence in approaching God will increase. I invite you to take intentional steps to grow in your confidence before the Lord. Then, as we go to our Heavenly Father with increasing confidence, we will be filled with more joy, and your faith in Jesus Christ will increase. We will begin to experience spiritual power that exceeds our greatest hopes."

D&C 89

 As I read the revelation on the "word of wisdom", one thing caught my attention this morning we the direction - 

"Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly;

13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine."  (Doctrine and Covenants 89:12–13)

As I read verse 13,  I recalled the Shaking Quaker's belief to abstain from meat in Section 49.  I believe the Lord was saying that this is false doctrine.

D&C 88

 The instructed these early leaders - 

"Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God..." (Doctrine and Covenants 88:119)

In my mind, the Lord was suggesting that there still was a needful thing for exaltation, even a house of the Lord or a temple.

D&C 88

 The Lord revealed that the day would come that He would - 

"...reveal the secret acts of men..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 88:108)

"...and reveal the secret acts of men, and the thoughts and intents of their hearts..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 88:109) 

This gives me satisfaction as accountability never seems to be had.

D&C 88

 

As leaders were called to participate in the School of the Prophets, The Lord instructed -

"Tarry ye, tarry ye in this place, and call a solemn assembly, even of those who are the first laborers in this last kingdom."  (Doctrine and Covenants 88:70)

"Therefore, verily I say unto you, my friends, call your solemn assembly, as I have commanded you."

(Doctrine and Covenants 88:117)

The dictionary defines solemn as - 

serious, sincere, sacred, and binding.

Which all religious leadership meetings should be.

Elder Patrick Kearon - Receive His Gift

 Elder Kearon taught - 

"We can think of gift giving as having three parts to it:

The giving of the gift, where the giver selects, makes, or prepares the gift and presents it to the loved one. This involves thoughtful intention on the part of the giver to give something meaningful.

The accepting and opening of the gift, when the recipient accepts the gift from the giver—often with expressions of surprise, gratitude, and excitement—before opening it, sometimes untying a bow and unwrapping the package to discover what the gift is.

And then there is perhaps the most important part, the receiving of the gift. To receive a gift sincerely given is so much more than accepting and then opening it. It is more, even, than recognising the worth of the gift and expressing gratitude to the giver. To truly receive a gift, we come to value it for ourselves, put it to full use in our lives, and then remember with thankfulness the giver.

Receiving a gift is not passive but an intentional and meaningful process that goes far beyond merely opening a package. To receive is to appreciate and connect with both the gift and the heart of the giver in a way that strengthens the bonds between the giver and receiver. Thinking of that toy car brings back a host of golden memories, as I feel once again my father’s deep love and care for me, represented by that gift and countless other generous acts."

"But we could receive nothing without the greatest of all the Father’s gifts, His beloved Lamb, His Son, Jesus Christ. All of our Father’s gifts flow from and are activated by the Saviour’s willing offering in Gethsemane and on the cross and His triumphant Resurrection. Jesus Christ, our merciful Redeemer, is the supreme gift from our Father of lights. “In the gift of his Son hath God prepared [for us] a more excellent way.”"

...“For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift.”...

"Moroni exhorts us to “deny not the gifts of God” but to “come unto Christ, and lay hold upon every good gift.” You can come to Christ with confidence in His loving-kindness and receive all His gifts of joy, peace, hope, light, truth, revelation, knowledge, and wisdom—with your head held high, your arms outstretched, and your hands open, ready to receive. And you can receive these gifts because you are secure and grounded in the knowledge that you are a beloved daughter of God, you are a cherished son of God, and He has gifted you His perfect, holy Son to redeem you, justify you, and sanctify you."

D&C 88

 It was revealed that God - 

"He comprehendeth all things, and all things are before him, and all things are round about him; and he is above all things, and in all things, and is through all things, and is round about all things; and all things are by him, and of him, even God, forever and ever."  (Doctrine and Covenants 88:41)

And the amazing and hopeful thing is that -

"...the day shall come when you shall comprehend even God, being quickened in him and by him."  Doctrine and Covenants 88:49)

What a wonderful promise.

D&C 88

 I believe that godliness is obedience to eternal laws.  We learn that - 

"...he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory."  (Doctrine and Covenants 88:22)

"...the earth abideth the law of a celestial kingdom, for it filleth the measure of its creation, and transgresseth not the law—"  (Doctrine and Covenants 88:25)

"...again, verily I say unto you, that which is governed by law is also preserved by law and perfected and sanctified by the same."  (Doctrine and Covenants 88:34)

"All kingdoms have a law given..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 88:36)

And so forth.

D&C 88

 Through revelation, the saints learn new additional truth, as the Lord teaches that He administers His power  - 

"...the light of truth;

7 Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made.

8 As also he is in the moon, and is the light of the moon, and the power thereof by which it was made;

9 As also the light of the stars, and the power thereof by which they were made;

10 And the earth also, and the power thereof, even the earth upon which you stand.

11 And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings;

12 Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space—

13 The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things."  (Doctrine and Covenants 88:6–13)

Obviously, not in the Bible

Elder Ulisses Soares - Reverence for Sacred Things

 Concerning reverence for sacred things. Elder Soares taught - 

"...We can find it, for example, as we strive to protect our home environment from worldly influences. This can be accomplished by sincerely and fervently praying before our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ and seeking to better know our Savior through our diligent study of the word of God found in the scriptures and in the teachings of our prophets. Additionally, such spiritual transformation can come as we strive to honor the covenants we have made with the Lord by living in obedience to the commandments. These efforts can bring a quiet and certain stillness to our hearts. Focusing on such actions can surely help transform our homes into reverent places of spiritual refuge—personal sanctuaries of faith where the Spirit resides, much like the mountain experience of Moses."

"Reverence for sacred things is the greatest manifestation of a vital spiritual quality; it is a by-product of our connection to holiness and reflects our love for and proximity to our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is also one of the most elevated experiences of the soul. Such virtue directs our thoughts, hearts, and lives toward Deity. In fact, reverence is not just an aspect of spirituality; it is the essence of it—the foundation upon which spirituality is built, creating a personal connection to the divine..."

"We can also experience such spiritual transformation as we faithfully participate in the Church’s worship service, including tuning our hearts to the Lord through our sincere singing of sacred hymns. Turning aside—like Moses—from worldly distractions, especially our cell phones or anything not in harmony with this sacred moment, enables us to turn our full attention to partaking of the sacrament, with our minds and hearts focused on the Savior and His atoning sacrifice along with our own covenants. Such sacramental focus will foster a reverently renewing moment of our communion with the Savior and will make the Sabbath a delight and transform our life."

"Ultimately, we can experience this spiritual change in our discipleship as we regularly worship in the mountain of the Lord’s house—our holy temples—and strive to live with covenant confidence, especially when we face the trials of mortal life."

D&C 87

 The Prophet Joseph Smith prophesied - 

"...it shall come to pass also that the remnants who are left of the land will marshal themselves, and shall become exceedingly angry, and shall vex the Gentiles with a sore vexation."  (Doctrine and Covenants 87:5)

I believe that the "remnants" are of Israel throughout the world and shall turn on wicked leaders.

D&C 86

 As we study the Doctrine and Covenants, it becomes clear that the restoration of the gospel is still in its infancy, but growing a the blades are yet tender, thus - 

"Therefore your life and the priesthood have remained, and must needs remain through you and your lineage until the restoration of all things spoken by the mouths of all the holy prophets since the world began.

11 Therefore, blessed are ye if ye continue in my goodness, a light unto the Gentiles, and through this priesthood, a savior unto my people Israel..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 86:10–11)

Peter called it the restitution of all things.  In modern day, the Lord said restoration of all things.  In my mind, the restoration is still continuing.