D&C 38-40

The Lord reminds us "...the powers of darkness prevail upon the earth, among the children of men." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 38:11) and "the angels are waiting the great command to ...gather the tares that they may be burned." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 38:12)

As reflected yesterday, it is the sword of the Spirit and the word that will "thrash" or seperate the wheat from the tares. "And let [our] preaching be the warning voice, every man to his neighbor," but do it "in mildness and in meekness. (Doctrine and Covenants Section 38:41)

And in doing so "let every man esteem his brother as himself, and practise virtue and holiness before me." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 38:24) And "be gathered unto me a righteous people, without spot and blameless—." "Go ye out from among the wicked...be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 38:42)

And this is the Lord's gospel, "repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which showeth all things, and teacheth the peaceable things of the kingdom. (Doctrine and Covenants Section 39:6)

To the saints in upstate New York, before they were to go out and "thrash the nations, he commanded first to gather "...to the Ohio; and there I will give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high;
33 And from thence, whosoever I will shall go forth among all nations, and it shall be told them what they shall do; for I have a great work laid up in store, ... and I will lead them whithersoever I will, and no power shall stay my hand." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 38:32 - 33)

"15 And inasmuch as my people shall assemble themselves at the Ohio, I have kept in store a blessing such as is not known among the children of men, and it shall be poured forth upon their heads. And from thence men shall go forth into all nations. (Doctrine and Covenants Section 39:15) " and in doing so " fear not, for the kingdom is yours." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 38:15)

We learn later in the 110th section that it was "at the Ohio" that Moses, Elias, and Elijah returned to restore priesthood keys authorizing the great and marvelous work.

D&C 30 - 37

I believe these sections have great application to the young people and their leaders in our day -

"...Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked...and the sword of my Spirit, which I will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you..."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 27:17 - 18)

13 Wherefore, I call upon the weak things of the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to thrash the nations by the power of my Spirit;
14 And their arm shall be my arm, and I will be their shield and their buckler; and I will gird up their loins, and they shall fight manfully for me; and their enemies shall be under their feet; and I will let fall the sword in their behalf, and by the fire of mine indignation will I preserve them.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 35:13 - 14)

Thrash may seem harsh, but I believe the Lord means "to thresh" or to seperate grain or seed as in the parable of the wheat and the tares.

The challenge to leaders is that given to Sidney Rigdon in regards to the Prophet -

Wherefore, watch over him [or them] that his [or their] faith fail not, and it shall be given by the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, that knoweth all things.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 35:19)

D&C 29

First, something about yesterday's blog that seemed to continue to press on my mind throughout the day and this morning regarding the young men and women in the Church. That is in taking on the whole armor. The armor of the breastplate, helmet, and sheild is to protect the us from the fiery darts or temptations of the devil which has seemed to be the emphasis for the young people. But as the war with evil grows, it is the sword that has seemed to press on my mind. It is this young generation that must now do more than just protect itself. It must begin an offensive against evil and darkness. That sword is the Spirit and the "word". I feel a strong need not only protect the youth but to help them develop a desire to read the scriptures, have communion with Spirit, and develop testimonies humbly on their own. It will be their testimonies that will give them strength to attack the challenges of our day.

The Lord revealed "For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal elife of man. (Pearl of Great Price Moses 1:39) Several time throughout the scriptures the Savior describes this work as "the first shall be last, and that the last shall be first" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 29:30) He explains this to our understanding with "Speaking unto you that you may naturally understand" "First spiritual, secondly temporal, which is the beginning of my work; and again, first temporal, and secondly spiritual, which is the last of my work—"(Doctrine and Covenants Section 29:32-33)

The first part of his work is the creation of things spiritually (Pearl of Great Price Moses 3:5) then temporally on the earth which included placing Adam in the garden, giving him his agency, and allowing the fall. Man then in his fallen state was a temporal state because of death - Both physical and spiritual death. The second part of his work is to provide a means or way for man in this fallen temporal state to be redeemed to an eternal spiritual state. Spiritual state not meaning spirit state, but spiritual existence. He simplifies this work with the the statement - first (spiritual) shall be last (spiritual) and the last (temporal) shall be first (temporal).

And of this work he say - "but unto myself my works have no end, neither beginning"
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 29:33)

This explanation is brief, but it is written more for my own understanding than anyone else.

D&C 27-28

This is it. "Marvel not, for the hour cometh" for the "dispensation of the gospel for the last times; and for the fulness of times, in the which I will gather together in gone all things, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth..."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 27:13)

With this last dispensation comes the greatest battle against evil and Satan, the Father of Lies. And in great counsel and warning, the Lord commands us -

15 Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand.
16 Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, which I have sent mine angels to commit unto you;
17 Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked;
18 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of my Spirit, which I will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you, and be agreed as touching all things whatsoever ye ask of me, and be faithful until I come, and ye shall be caught up, that where I am ye shall be also.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 27:15 - 18)

With truth, righteousness, teaching the gospel, hope and faith, the word of God, and the Spirit of God, we will be able to stand.

This weekend we will have the opportunity again to hear truth and the word of God. To Oliver Cowdery, an ordained apostle by the hands of Peter, James, and John (D&C 27:12), the Lord said -

"...it shall be given unto thee that thou shalt be heard by the church in all things whatsoever thou shalt teach them by the Comforter, concerning the revelations and commandments which I have given.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 28:1)

"But...no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., for he receiveth them even as Moses." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 28:2)

7 For I have given him the keys of the mysteries, and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall appoint unto them another in his stead.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 28:7)

How blessed we are!

D&C 21 - 26

In speaking of the prophet, the Lord said "...the church... shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me;
5 For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith."
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 21:4 - 5)

We should take special heed to this instruction in that general conference is next Saturday and Sunday and the Young Women conference is tonight.

As mentioned in previous blogs, the mind and will of the Lord for members of the Church is to open our mouths and strengthen the Church. To Oliver Cowdery - "Make known thy calling unto the church, and also before the world, and thy heart shall be opened to preach the truth from henceforth and forever."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 23:2). But he is also warned to "beware of pride"

To Hyrum Smith - "...thy heart is opened, and thy tongue loosed; and thy calling is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church continually. Wherefore thy duty is unto the church forever..."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 23:3)

To Samuel Smith - ...thy calling is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church...";
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 23:4)

To Joseph Smith Sr. - "...thy calling also is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church; and this is thy duty from henceforth and forever."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 23:5)

To Emma Smith - "...expound scriptures, and to exhort the church, according as it shall be given thee by my Spirit." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 25:7)

To Joseph Knight - "...give your language to exhortation continually." But he is given a charge that all members of the Church have been given many times - "..you must take up your cross, in the which you must pray vocally before the world as well as in secret, and in your family, and among your friends, and in all places." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 23:6 - 7)

To the Prophet Joseph Smith - "Attend to thy calling and thou shalt have wherewith to magnify thine office, and to expound all scriptures, and continue in laying on of the hands and confirming the churches."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 24:9) He is also told "in temporal labors thou shalt not have strength, for this is not thy calling. Attend to thy calling and thou shalt have wherewith to magnify thine office, and to expound all scriptures, and continue in laying on of the hands and confirming the churches." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 24:9)

But even with that charge the Lord still recognizes his children's temporal needs and responsibilities as he said to Joseph "Magnify thine office; and after thou hast sowed thy fields and secured them, go speedily unto the church which is in Colesville, Fayette, and Manchester, and they shall support thee; and I will bless them both spiritually and temporally;"(Doctrine and Covenants Section 24:3)

As we strive to love and serve the Lord with all our heart, might, mind, and strength, we must also remember that he understands we have temporal responsibilities which is also part of his eternal plan.

D&C 20

President Boyd K. Packer said "An ordination to an office in the priesthood is permanent and follows the one ordained wherever he goes. Except for transgression, he is never released." (Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, June 21, 2003)

53 The teacher's duty is to watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them;
54 And see that there is no iniquity in the church, neither hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking;
55 And see that the church meet together often, and also see that all the members do their duty.
56 And he is to take the lead of meetings in the absence of the elder or priest—
57 And is to be assisted always, in all his duties in the church, by the deacons, if occasion requires. (Doctrine and Covenants Section 20:53 - 57)

This being the case, the teacher's duty becomes the duty of all priesthood holders(including the deacon, if occasion requires). This becomes a duty we cannot be released from. Isn't this what home teaching is all about? To "teach, expound, exhort...and visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties."
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 20:46 - 47)

Just another thought - baptism and membership in the Church is not to be an arbitrary thing -

"...concerning the manner of baptism—All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 20:37)

And of Baptism and partaking of the sacrament -

69 ...the members shall manifest before the church, and also before the elders, by a godly walk and conversation, that they are worthy of it, that there may be works and faith agreeable to the holy scriptures—walking in holiness before the Lord.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 20:69)

This is why we have baptismal interviews, temple recommend interviews, priesthood interviews, youth interviews, and so forth to "manifest before the church".

D&C 18-20

First a quote that I heard from Bishop Kirkman last Sunday that I really liked:
"People don't care what you know - until they know how much you care." Very similar to what the Apostle Paul taught the Corinthians - "THOUGH I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
(New Testament 1 Corinthians 13:1)


"Take upon you the name of Christ, and speak the truth in soberness."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 18:21). As we partake of the sacrament, we covenant to take upon us the name of Christ. To take upon us the name of Christ we must be willing to speak the truth, bear testimony of the truth - which is -

17 ...we know that there is a God in heaven, who is infinite and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting the same unchangeable God, the framer of heaven and earth, and all things which are in them;
18 And that 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 bserve him, the only living and true God, and that he should be the only being whom they should worship.
20 But by the transgression of these holy laws man became sensual and devilish, and became fallen man.
21 Wherefore, the Almighty God gave his Only Begotten Son, as it is written in those scriptures which have been given of him.
22 He suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them.
23 He was crucified, died, and rose again the third day;
24 And ascended into heaven, to sit down on the right hand of the Father, to reign with almighty power according to the will of the Father;
25 That as many as would believe and be baptized in his holy name, and endure in faith to the end, should be saved—
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 20:17 - 25)

Therefore, we are to "Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 19:23) "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God"(Doctrine and Covenants Section 18:10) "Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 18:14)

And this is what he said about his words or his "voice" -

33 And 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 Section 18:33 - 36)

The Spirit has witnessed that these words are true - I can so testify that I have heard his voice.

D&C 11-18

In revelation to Hyrum Smith, Joseph Knight, David, John, & Peter Whitmer, and whosoever is willing, the theme is basically the same, the thing that is of most worth is to keep his commandments and declare repentance and work to bring forth and establish Zion. But before we can declare repentance and establish Zion, we must "first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 11:21)

It is the Spirit "which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy; (Doctrine and Covenants Section 11:13). As we receive the Spirit, we must put our "trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously;"(Doctrine and Covenants Section 11:12)

And to Oliver Cowdery as he received the word - "2 Behold, 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 Section 18:2 - 5)

D&C 8-10

There are many times in our lives that things don't work out the way we hoped or in a way that we may think it would be best for us. I think these words to Oliver Cowdery as the Lord told him it was not expedient for him to translate at this time must have been very difficult.

3 Be patient, my son, for it is wisdom in me,...(Doctrine and Covenants Section 9:3)

6 Do not murmur, my son, for it is wisdom in me that I have dealt with you after this manner.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 9:6)

I'm sure this happens to most of us in some way or another. The test is if we will accept the Lord's wisdom, humble ourselves and not murmur, and then continue to do his will. I know the Lord loves his children and because of that, in his wisdom everything he does is in our best interest.

Another thought in Section 10

I wonder how much relief and joy the Prophet must have felt as the Lord told him "you remember it was said in those writings that a more particular account was given of these things upon the plates of Nephi."
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 10:39)

I'm sure as the Prophet realized that there was another record with much of the things that were recorded in the lost manuscript was available and that he should translate that record to "down even till you come to the reign of king Benjamin, or until you come to that which you have translated, which you have retained;"
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 10:41)
probably brought him great relief and taught him a great lesson.

The more I read of scriptures, the more I come to love the Prophet Joseph Smith. Praise to the man.

Previous Postings on another Site

Monday, March 21, 2005
I can’t help but liken the words to Oliver Cowdery to myself. First, “whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God.”(6:4) “Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you” (6:7 “Blessed art thou for what thou hast done; for thou hast inquired of me, and behold, as often as thou hast inquired thou hast received instruction of my Spirit. If it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou art at this time” (6:14) “Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love. (6:20) “If you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things.
23 Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?”(6:22 - 23)

These words also seem particular to me as I serve as a counselor to President Brewster. It seems the Lord is instructing Oliver how is to assist the Prophet or in a sense serve as a counselor.

18 Therefore be diligent; stand by my bservant Joseph, faithfully, in whatsoever difficult circumstances he may be for the word's sake.
19 Admonish him in his faults (I have yet to find any in President Brewster), and also receive admonition of him. Be patient; be sober; be temperate; have patience, faith, hope and charity.

28 And now, behold, I give unto you, and also unto my servant Joseph, the keys of this gift, which shall bring to light this ministry; and in the mouth of two or three bwitnesses shall every word be established.

I recognize that I do not hold priesthood keys, President Brewster holds the keys, but I also believe that as a presidency we represent those keys

2 Unto whom I have given the keys of the kingdom, which belong always unto the Presidency of the High Priesthood: (Doctrine and Covenants Section 81:2)

And as President White and I as counselors in that presidency our responsibility is to
“bring to light this ministry; and in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.(6:28)

What great responsibility I have felt this morning as I read the 6th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants.6:23 am pst

Saturday, March 19, 2005 D & C 1-5
28 And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:28)
In the several verses before this one, the Lord tells us he will accomplish his purposes through his servants which he describes as the weak and simple. He also tells us he has given his instruction and counsel to help his servants in their callings. In my particular calling at this time, as his servant, it is comforting to know that as I humble myself, I will be blessed and made strong, and I will receive knowledge from time to time as the Lord sees fit. This brings me great hope and peace.
I can't help but follow up on my thoughts yesterday. That of doing the will of the Father. Joseph Smith was greatly chastened in the 3rd Section when he somewhat set a naught the counsels of God.
4 For although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he boasts in his own strength, and sets at naught the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him. (Doctrine and Covenants Section 3:4)

And in verse 7-9
7 For, behold, you should not have feared man more than God. Although men set at naught the counsels of God, and despise his words—
8 Yet you should have been faithful; and he would have extended his arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble.
9 Behold, thou art Joseph, and thou wast chosen to do the work of the Lord, but because of transgression, if thou art not aware thou wilt fall.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 3:7 - 9)
I can't help but think this has great application to me personally.

And in the 5th Section
21 And now I command you, my servant Joseph, to repent and walk more uprightly before me, and to yield to the persuasions of men no more;
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 5:21)
General Conference is coming in a few weeks and we will again hear the Lord's words through men that we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators. Will we give heed to their counsel or will many set at naught their counsel. I'm sure they will talk about becoming more righteous, temporal and spiritual preparedness, staying out of debt, family prayer and family home evening, keeping the sabbath day holy, avoiding immorality and pornagraphy, etc. Even again, how many members of the Church will set at naught their counsel such as go further in debt and so forth. I hope I and my family will do much better in following the mind and will of the our Father In Heaven.9:12 am pst

Friday, March 18, 2005 D&C Introductory Explanation, Section 1
This is my first entry. The Brighton 9th Ward Sunday School extended a challenge at the first of the year to read the Doctrine and Covenants. As I read each morning, I would come across scriptures that seemed to really touch my heart or enlighten my mind. But as I continued my daily reading, it was difficult to remember all those scriptures. I completed the Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price yesterday. I started the D&C all over again this morning. After I had finished my reading, I began thinking (inspired) about starting my own Weblog (blog) or kind of a reading journal of my thoughts on what I've read. I'm seriously considering making this public. I think there is a high possibility that this could end up being quite embarrassing to me. But what better way to share my feelings about the "word of God" to myself, my family, and anyone that may be interested. I'm sure when you are under a microscope, you tend to be a little bit more diligent.
I recognize as a High Priest that I have a responsibility "to teach these things unto the people... in a manner that thereby the people might know in what manner to look forward to his Son for redemption. (Alma 13)

So here it goes...
16 They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way...(Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:16)
I remembered a funeral where the song "I Did it My Way" was sung because it the a favorite of the deceased. I have seen several listings in the obituaries where that same quote was listed under a persons name. It seems like such a popular thing to say about an individual, that he was unique and did everything his way. I've thought about that title on many occasions, and hope that in someday I might be found worthy to have on my headstone "I did it His Way".
8 ¶ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD(Old Testament Isaiah 55:8)
I hope to be like Nephi, son of Helaman where the Lord said
...for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will.(Book of Mormon Helaman 10:5)7:00 pm pst
2005.03.01