D&C 24

 To the early saints, the Lord instructed - 

"For thou art called to prune my vineyard with a mighty pruning, yea, even for the last time; yea, and also all those whom thou hast ordained, and they shall do even according to this pattern..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 24:19)

In my mind, the pruning of the vineyard as described in Jacob 5 is cutting off branches that produce bad fruit, or teach false doctrine and untruths.

D&C 24

 The Lord instructed the saints, being what He says to one, He says to all - 

"...thou shalt continue in calling upon God in my name, and writing the things which shall be given thee by the Comforter..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 24:5)

In my mind, writing becomes part of the process of things given by the Comforter.

D&C 23

 The Lord's instruction stood out to me this morning - 

...But beware of pride, lest thou shouldst enter into temptation."  (Doctrine and Covenants 23:1)

D&C 22

 The Savior taught - 

"...all old covenants have I caused to be done away in this thing; and this is a new and an everlasting covenant, even that which was from the beginning."  (Doctrine and Covenants 22:1)

This suggests to me that the Lord presented the "new and and an everlasting covenant" in each dispensation, even in the beginning.

He also states - 

"...although a man should be baptized an hundred times it availeth him nothing, for you cannot enter in at the strait gate by the law of Moses, neither by your dead works."  (Doctrine and Covenants 22:2)

In my mind, "dead works" are ordinances and covenants not performed by His authorization, His priesthood keys, or by His Church.

D&C 21

The called the Prophet Joseph Smith, amongst other things, a prophet saying - 

"Behold, there shall be a record kept among you; and in it thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 21:1)

Of a prophet, Elder Widtsoe taught - 

“A prophet is a teacher. That is the essential meaning of the word. He teaches the body of truth, the gospel, revealed by the Lord to man; and under inspiration explains it to the understanding of the people. He is an expounder of truth. Moreover, he shows that the way to human happiness is through obedience to God’s law. He calls to repentance those who wander away from the truth. He becomes a warrior for the consummation of the Lord’s purposes with respect to the human family. The purpose of his life is to uphold the Lord’s plan of salvation. All this he does by close communion with the Lord, until he is ‘full of power by the spirit of the Lord.’ (Micah 3:8; see also D&C 20:26; 34:10; 43:16) 

“In the course of time the word ‘prophet’ has come to mean, perhaps chiefly, a man who receives revelations and directions from the Lord. The principal business of a prophet has mistakenly been thought to foretell coming events, to utter prophecies, which is only one of the several prophetic functions.

 “In the sense that a prophet is a man who receives revelations from the Lord, the titles ‘seer and revelator’ merely amplify the larger and inclusive meaning of the title ‘prophet.’” (Evidences and Reconciliations, 1:204–5.)

D&C 20

 As we hear and are promised - 

"O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

78 The manner of administering the wine—he shall take the cup also, and say:

79 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen."  (Doctrine and Covenants 20:77–79)

It is commonly said that in doing so we "renew" our covenants.  The very definition of "renew" suggests making new.  In my mind, as we enter this covenant each week, it is new.

D&C 20

The Lord teaches us -

"The duty of the elders, priests, teachers, deacons, and members of the church of Christ—An apostle is an elder, and it is his calling to baptize;

39 And to ordain other elders, priests, teachers, and deacons;

40 And to administer bread and wine—the emblems of the flesh and blood of Christ—

41 And to confirm those who are baptized into the church, by the laying on of hands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, according to the scriptures;

42 And to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the church;

43 And to confirm the church by the laying on of the hands, and the giving of the Holy Ghost;

44 And to take the lead of all meetings.

45 The elders are to conduct the meetings as they are led by the Holy Ghost, according to the commandments and revelations of God."  (Doctrine and Covenants 20:38–45)

Thus, an elder is a Melchizedek priesthood holder.

An elder is also an ordained office in the Melchizedek priesthood.  We are never released from an office in the priesthood.

And Elder is also a title of significant setting apart as dictated by the Church.  Usually for general authorities and missionaries.  Bishop is a set apart position.  We are never called by our ordained office.  The title president is used to referred to presiding quorums. Brother for everyone else.

D&C 20

The Lord has declared - 

"...he created man, male and female, after his own image and in his own likeness, created he them;

19 And gave unto them commandments that they should love and serve him, the only living and true God, and that he should be the only being whom they should worship."  (Doctrine and Covenants 20:18–19)

That revelation is interesting..."the only being whom they should worship".  Even the definition of "worship" is interesting - 

"to honor or show reverence for as a divine being or supernatural power...to regard with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion"

I believe we are to worship the Father in the name of Jesus Christ...but the Father has instructed us to follow Jesus Christ.  I also belief the scriptures us God for Godhead.  By the very definition of  "worship",  we worship both the Father and the Son.

D&C 20

 We are taught the Lord gave the Prophet Joseph Smith - 

"...power from on high, by the means which were before prepared, to translate the Book of Mormon;

9 Which contains a record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also;

10 Which was given by inspiration, and is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels, and is declared unto the world by them—"  (Doctrine and Covenants 20:8–10)

It becomes clear that ministering angels are aggressively confirming the truth of The Book of Mormon to the world.

Also that The Book of Mormon contains - 

"...the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 20:9)

In my mind, the law of the "gospel of Jesus Christ" is taught in the temple.  Sherem also suggested - 

"...gospel, or the doctrine of Christ."  (Jacob 7:6)

were being taught as one of the same.

D&C 20

 As the Church was organized - 

"...Joseph Smith, Jun., who was called of God, and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the first elder of this church;

3 And to Oliver Cowdery, who was also called of God, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the second elder of this church, and ordained under his hand..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 20:2–3)

In my mind, "first elder of the Church" is in reference to priesthood presiding officer of the Church.  The "elders" of the quorum of apostles are also considered elders and sit in numerical order.

D&C 19

 Martin Harris was commanded by the Lord as are all of us - 

"Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing—yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth and corruptibleness to the extent thereof."  (Doctrine and Covenants 19:38)

D&C 19

 When the Savior says - 

"...surely every man must repent or suffer, for I, God, am endless.

5 Wherefore, I revoke not the judgments which I shall pass, but woes shall go forth, weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth, yea, to those who are found on my left hand.

6 Nevertheless, it is not written that there shall be no end to this torment, but it is written endless torment."  (Doctrine and Covenants 19:4–6)

David J. Ridges comments - 

For the most part, the answer is that this punishment and suffering will take place when people who refuse to repent are turned over to Satan to suffer for their own sins. Generally speaking, this takes place while the Millennium is going on upon the earth. We don’t know where Satan is at that time (he is not on earth tempting people (see D&C 101:28), but the wicked will be turned over to him, “thrust down to hell! These are they who shall not be redeemed from the devil until the last resurrection, until the Lord, even Christ the Lamb, shall have finished his work [the end of the Millennium—see D&C 76:84–85; compare with 88:100–1].” Concerning being turned over to Satan to be punished, Bruce R. McConkie teaches that it means to be turned over to Satan “with all the protective power of the priesthood, of righteousness, and of godliness removed so that Lucifer is free to torment, persecute and afflict such a person without let or hindrance.” (Mormon Doctrine, p. 108.)

D&C 19

 The Lord commanded these two things to Martin Harris and to all of us. tjat caught my attention this morning - 

"...thou shalt declare glad tidings, yea, publish it upon the mountains, and upon every high place, and among every people that thou shalt be permitted to see."  (Doctrine and Covenants 19:29)

and - 

"Learn of me..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 19:23)

President Russell M. Nelson - The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again

 President Nelson taught - 

"Regular worship in the temple will help us. In the house of the Lord, we focus on Jesus Christ. We learn of Him. We make covenants to follow Him. We come to know Him. As we keep our temple covenants, we gain greater access to the Lord’s strengthening power. In the temple, we receive protection from the buffetings of the world. We experience the pure love of Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father in great abundance! We feel peace and spiritual reassurance, in contrast to the turbulence of the world.

Here is my promise to you: Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find Him in the temple. You will feel His mercy. You will find answers to your most vexing questions. You will better comprehend the joy of His gospel."

"Please listen to this promise of Jesus Christ to you: “I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.”

There is no limit to the Savior’s capacity to help you. His incomprehensible suffering in Gethsemane and on Calvary was for you! His infinite Atonement is for you!

I urge you to devote time each week—for the rest of your life—to increase your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. My heart aches for those who are mired in sin and don’t know how to get out. I weep for those who struggle spiritually or who carry heavy burdens alone because they do not understand what Jesus Christ did for them.

Jesus Christ took upon Himself your sins, your pains, your heartaches, and your infirmities. You do not have to bear them alone! He will forgive you as you repent. He will bless you with what you need. He will heal your wounded soul. As you yoke yourself to Him, your burdens will feel lighter. If you will make and keep covenants to follow Jesus Christ, you will find that the painful moments of your life are temporary. Your afflictions will be “swallowed up in the joy of Christ.”

It is neither too early nor too late for you to become a devout disciple of Jesus Christ. Then you will experience fully the blessings of His Atonement. You will also be more effective in helping to gather Israel."

"The best is yet to come, my dear brothers and sisters, because the Savior is coming again! The best is yet to come because the Lord is hastening His work. The best is yet to come as we fully turn our hearts and our lives to Jesus Christ."

D&C 19

 The Savior reveals His doctrine and eternal truths saying - 

"For, behold, the mystery of godliness, how great is it!..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 19:10)

"Wherefore, I will explain unto you this mystery, for it is meet unto you to know even as mine apostles."  Doctrine and Covenants 19:8)

"...surely every man must repent or suffer, for I, God, am endless."  (Doctrine and Covenants 19:4)

"Endless punishment is God’s punishment."  (Doctrine and Covenants 19:12)

"...for Endless is my name..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 19:10)

D&C 18

 The Lord taught - 

"...I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it.

34 These words are not of men nor of man, but of me; wherefore, you shall testify they are of me and not of man;

35 For it is my voice which speaketh them unto you; for they are given by my Spirit unto you, and by my power you can read them one to another; and save it were by my power you could not have them;

36 Wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words."  (Doctrine and Covenants 18:33–36)

Adding - 

"Behold, I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, and your Redeemer, by the power of my Spirit have spoken it..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 18:47)

Elder Quentin L. Cook - Sacred Scriptures - the Foundations of Faith

 Elder Cook taught - 

"The scriptures, combined with spiritual inspiration from the Holy Spirit, continue to be the primary source that facilitates the conversion of those who have broken hearts and contrite spirits and desire to follow Jesus Christ. The scriptures help build a foundation that can withstand the adversary’s constant efforts to undermine faith."

"We cannot underestimate the significance of sacred scriptures both in conversions and in remaining faithful in the gospel. The ancient prophets described in the Book of Mormon knew about the mission of Jesus Christ and taught His gospel. The Book of Mormon helps us draw closer to God as we learn, understand, and apply its teachings. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “A man [or woman] would get nearer to God by abiding by [the book’s] precepts, than by any other book.”"

"President Russell M. Nelson has said, “I promise that as you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon every day, you will make better decisions—every day.” He also promises that if “you daily immerse yourself in the Book of Mormon, you can be immunized against the evils of the day.”"

"My counsel for those who have in any way deviated from the covenant path is to return to the sacred scriptures, prophetic guidance, religious observance in the home, and the music of faith. Every soul is precious to the Lord. We need you! The Lord needs you, and you need Him! You will always be welcome."

D&C 18

 Though I have read it many times before, the Lord Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer - 

"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10)

That is why we do the work of salvation, one by one.

D&C 18

 The Lord commanded Oliver Cowdery - 

"...I have manifested unto you, by my Spirit in many instances, that the things which you have written are true; wherefore you know that they are true.

3 And if you know that they are true, behold, I give unto you a commandment, that you rely upon the things which are written;

4 For in them are all things written concerning the foundation of my church, my gospel, and my rock.

5 Wherefore, if you shall build up my church, upon the foundation of my gospel and my rock..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 18:2–5)

This suggests to me that we are to rely upon the true scriptures and build up His Church by accepting and fulfilling our callings.

D&C 17

 In my reading this morning, I just wanted to record the testimony of David Whitmer researched by Richard Lloyd Andersons, combining several interviews in question format - 

 Q: Is your published testimony accurate? A: “As you read my testimony given many years ago, so it stands as my own existence, the same as when I gave it, and so shall stand throughout the cycles of eternity.”

Q: When did this event take place? A: “It was in June, 1829, the very last part of the month.” Q: What was the approximate time of day? A: “It was about 11 a.m.” 

Q: What were the circumstances of the vision? A: “[We] went out into the woods nearby, and sat down on a log and talked awhile. We then kneeled down and prayed. Joseph prayed. We then got up and sat on the log and were talking, when all at once a light came down from above us and encircled us for quite a little distance around, and the angel stood before us.”

 Q: Describe the angel. A: “He was dressed in white, and spoke and called me by name and said, ‘Blessed is he that keepeth His commandments.’ This is all that I heard the angel say.” 

Q: Did the angel have the Book of Mormon plates? A: “[He] showed to us the plates, the sword of Laban, the Directors, the Urim and Thummim, and other records. Human language could not describe heavenly things and that which we saw.”

Q: Did the vision take place under natural circumstances? A: “The fact is, it was just as though Joseph, Oliver and I were sitting right here on a log, when we were overshadowed by a light. It was not like the light of the sun, nor like that of a fire, but more glorious and beautiful. It extended away round us, I cannot tell how far, but in the midst of this light, immediately before us, about as far off as he sits (pointing to John C. Whitmer, who was sitting 2 or 3 feet from him) there appeared, as it were, a table, with many records on it—besides the plates of the Book of Mormon, also the sword of Laban, the Directors, and the Interpreters. I saw them as plain as I see this bed (striking his hand upon the bed beside him), and I heard the voice of the Lord as distinctly as I ever heard anything in my life declaring that they were translated by the gift and power of God.” 

Q: Can you explain the supernatural power that surrounded you? A: “All of a sudden I beheld a dazzlingly brilliant light that surpassed in brightness even the sun at noonday, and which seemed to envelop the woods for a considerable distance around. Simultaneous with the light came a strange entrancing influence which permeated me so powerfully that I felt chained to the spot, while I also experienced a sensation of joy absolutely indescribable.”

Q: “Did you see the Urim and Thummim?” A: “I saw the Interpreters in the holy vision; they looked like whitish stones put in the rim of a bow—looked like spectacles, only much larger.” 

Q: Did you see an actual table? A: “You see that small table by the wall?…Well, there was a table about that size, and the heavenly messenger brought the several plates and laid them on the table before our eyes, and we saw them.” 

Q: Did you handle the plates? A: “I did not handle the plates—only saw them. Joseph, and I think Oliver and Emma told me about the plates, and described them to me, and I believed them, but did not see except at the time testified of.” 

Q: How clearly could you see the plates? A: “[T]he angel stood before us, and he turned the leaves one by one.” “[H]e held the plates and turned them over with his hands, so that they could be plainly visible.” 

Q: “Did the angel turn all the leaves before you as you looked on it?” A: “No, not all, only that part of the book which was not sealed, and what there was sealed appeared as solid to my view as wood.”

Q: “Can you describe the plates?” A: “They appeared to be of gold, about six by nine inches in size, about as thick as parchment, a great many in number and bound together like the leaves of a book by massive rings passing through the back edges. The engraving upon them was very plain and of very curious appearance.” 

Q: Is it possible that you imagined this experience? A: “[O]ur testimony is true. And if these things are not true, then there is no truth; and if there is no truth, there is no God; and if there is no God, there is no existence. But I know there is a God, for I have heard His voice and witnessed the manifestation of his power.”

Q: “Do you remember the peculiar sensation experienced upon that occasion?” A: “Yes, I remember it very distinctly. And I never think of it, from that day to this, but what that spirit is present with me.” (Richard Lloyd Anderson, Investigating the Book of Mormon Witnesses [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1981], 80.)

D&C 17

 I was touched this morning be the words of the Savior concerning the Book of Mormon and the Prophet Joseph Smith - 

"...he has translated the book, even that part which I have commanded him, and as your Lord and your God liveth it is true."  (Doctrine and Covenants 17:6)

That is the Lord's testimony to the world..."it is true".

Elder Ronald A. Rasband - "Behold I Am the Light Which Ye Shall Hold Up"

 Elder Rasband taught - 

"...Nephi describes: “My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions. … He hath filled me with his love.”

That love is evident when we sustain one another in His work."

"Sustaining includes holding up our stake presidents and bishops, quorum and organization leaders, teachers, and even camp directors in our wards and stakes. Closer to home, we hold up our wives and our husbands, children, parents, extended family, and neighbors. When we hold up one another we are saying, “I am here for you, not just to hold up your arms and hands when they ‘hang down’ but to be a comfort and strength at your side.”"

"To hold up the prophet is a sacred work. We do not sit quietly by but actively defend him, follow his counsel, teach his words, and pray for him."

"Brothers and sisters, we need to do more lifting and less murmuring, more upholding the word of the Lord, His ways, and His prophet, who has said: “One of our greatest challenges today is distinguishing between the truths of God and the counterfeits of Satan. That is why the Lord warned us to ‘pray always, … that [we] may conquer Satan, and … escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold [the adversary’s] work’ ["

D&C 16

 Following up on my blog with John Whitmer, the Lord again said to Peter Whitmer Jr. - 

"...many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you.

5 Behold, blessed are you for this thing..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 16:4–5)

The Lord is suggesting this is a good thing.

D&C 15

The Lord told John Whitmer - 

"...many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you."(Doctrine and Covenants 15:4)

I think these words are interesting.  John wanted to know what would be best for him.  Not what the Lord would have him do.

Sunday, we had a lesson on all the personal benefits of worshipping in the temple.  All this being good.  But there was no mention of the benefit to others.  I couldn't help but think that as the Savior performed His infinite atonement, I'm sure He wasn't thinking how does this be of most worth to me.

D&C 14

The Lord instructed David Whitmer - 

"...behold, thou art David, and thou art called to assist; which thing if ye do, and are faithful, ye shall be blessed both spiritually and temporally, and great shall be your reward..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 14:11)

In my mind, he was instructed to assist, meaning, suggesting that he would not be in charge.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf - Nourish the Roots, and the Branches will Grow

 As he compared the structure where he received his testimony, Elder Uchtdorf taught - 

"By contrast, the spiritual witness I gained from the Holy Ghost those many years ago has not passed away. In fact, it has grown stronger. The things I learned in my youth about the fundamental principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ have been my firm foundation throughout my life. The covenant connection I forged with my Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son has stayed with me—long after the Zwickau chapel was dismantled and the stained-glass windows were lost.

“Heaven and earth shall pass away,” Jesus said, “but my words shall not pass away.”

“The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord.”

One of the most important things we can learn in this life is the difference between what is eternal and what is not. Once we understand that, everything changes—our relationships, the choices we make, the way we treat people.

Knowing what is eternal and what is not is key to growing a testimony of Jesus Christ and His Church."

"...Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice are the root of our testimony. All other things are branches.

This is not to say that the branches are unimportant. A tree needs branches. But as the Savior told His disciples, “The branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine.” Without a connection to the Savior, to the nourishment found in the roots, a branch withers and dies."

"If you want to nourish a tree, you don’t splash water on the branches. You water the roots. Similarly, if you want the branches of your testimony to grow and bear fruit, nourish the roots. If you are uncertain about a particular doctrine or practice or element of Church history, seek clarity with faith in Jesus Christ. Seek to understand His sacrifice for you, His love for you, His will for you. Follow Him in humility. The branches of your testimony will draw strength from your deepening faith in Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son."

"If you ever feel burned out or overwhelmed by your Church calling, try refocusing your service on Jesus Christ. Make it an expression of your love for Him.

Nourish the roots, and the branches will grow. And in time, they will bear fruit."

"A testimony is not something that you build once and it stands forever. It’s more like a tree that you nourish constantly. Planting the word of God in your heart is only the first step. Once your testimony starts to grow, then the real work begins! That’s when you “nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit.” It takes “great diligence” and “patience with the word.” But the Lord’s promises are sure: “Ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you.”"

D&C 13

 John the Baptist said to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery concerning the Aaronic priesthood - 

"...this shall never be taken again from the earth, until [or that] the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness."  (Doctrine and Covenants 13:1)

I have felt recently that this offering in our day may be more of the youth worshipping and serving in the temple.

D&C 12

 A description used by the Lord that may be more understandable for a particular generation is - 

"Behold, I am God; give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore, give heed unto my word."  (Doctrine and Covenants 12:2)

I pondered that this morning.  It would have to be a very sharp sword that would cut through solid bone to expose the marrow.  Or spiritually to expose the truth.

President Henry B. Eyring - Simple Is the Doctrine of Jesus Christ

 As President Eyring suggested that many of us may have a family that may have been tempted and strayed from the truth, he reminds us - 

"The Book of Mormon describes it this way: “And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had … more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.”"

"As we teach these principles to those we love, the Holy Ghost will help us to know the truth. Because we need the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we must avoid speculation or personal interpretation that goes beyond teaching true doctrine."

"Teaching simply allows us to share the saving doctrine early on, while children remain untouched by the deceiver’s temptations that will later confront them, long before the truths they need to learn are drowned out by the noise of social media, peers, and their own personal struggles. We should seize every opportunity to share the teachings of Jesus Christ with children. These teaching moments are precious and far fewer compared to the relentless efforts of opposing forces. For every hour spent instilling doctrine into a child’s life, there are countless hours of opposition filled with messages and images that challenge or ignore those saving truths.

Some of you may wonder whether it might be better to draw your children closer to you through having fun, or you may ask whether the child may start to feel overwhelmed by your teachings. Instead, we should consider, “With so little time and so few opportunities, what words of doctrine can I share that will strengthen them against the inevitable challenges to their faith?” The words you share today could be the ones they carry with them, and today will soon pass."

"...We read of those who turned away from what they were taught or who were wrestling with God for forgiveness, such as Alma the Younger, the sons of Mosiah, and Enos. In their moments of crisis, they remembered the words of their parents, words of the doctrine of Jesus Christ. Remembering saved them. Your teaching of that sacred doctrine will be remembered."

D&C 11

 For me, the directive - 

"Behold, this is your work, to keep my commandments, yea, with all your might, mind and strength."  (Doctrine and Covenants 11:20)

...seem the most stirring.

D&C 11

As Hyrum Smith desired to know the will of the Lord concerning him, he is counseled - 

"...behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion.

7 Seek not for riches but for wisdom; and, behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.

8 Verily, verily, I say unto you, even as you desire of me so it shall be done unto you; and, if you desire, you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation."  (Doctrine and Covenants 11:6–8)

And then the Lord adds - 

"Behold, thou hast a gift, or thou shalt have a gift if thou wilt desire of me in faith, with an honest heart, believing in the power of Jesus Christ, or in my power which speaketh unto thee..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 11:10)

Sounds much like a patriarchal blessing.