D&C 132

The Lord has taught us that -

"...For all who will have a blessing at my hands shall abide the law which was appointed for that blessing, and the conditions thereof, as were instituted from before the foundation of the world. (Doctrine and Covenants Section 132:5)

And to abide the law, we must first be given the law - to which the Lord warns -

"Therefore, prepare thy heart to receive and obey the instructions which I am about to give unto you; for all those who have this law revealed unto them must obey the same...
and if ye abide not ... then are ye damned. (Doctrine and Covenants Section 132:3 - 4)

The Lords greatest blessings are reserved for those who receive the law of "a new and an everlasting covenant; ... for no one can reject this covenant and be permitted to enter into my glory." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 132:4)

For this -

"...the new and everlasting covenant, it was instituted for the fulness of my glory; and he that receiveth a fulness thereof must and shall abide the law..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 132:6)

And what is this new and everlasting covenant?

"...the conditions of this law are these: All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, cvows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations, that are not made and entered into and sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, of him who is anointed, both as well for time and for all eternity, and that too most holy, by revelation and commandment through the medium of mine anointed, whom I have appointed on the earth to hold this power...are of no efficacy, virtue, or force in and after the resurrection from the dead; for all contracts that are not made unto this end have an end when men are dead." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 132:7)

For the Lord asks, do you really believe that I will -

"...accept of an offering, saith the Lord, that is not made in my name?
10 Or will I receive at your hands that which I have not appointed?..."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 132:9 - 10)

For with emphasis the Lord tells it the way it is -

"...I am the Lord thy God; and I give unto you this commandment—that no man shall come unto the Father but by me or by my word, which is my law, saith the Lord.
13 And everything that is in the world, whether it be ordained of men, by thrones, or principalities, or powers, or things of name, whatsoever they may be, that are not by me or by my word, saith the Lord, shall be thrown down, and shall not remain after men are dead, neither in nor after the resurrection, saith the Lord your God.
14 For whatsoever things remain are by me; and whatsoever things are not by me shall be shaken and destroyed..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 132:12 - 14)

"...Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye abide my law ye cannot attain to this glory.
22 For strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the lives, and few there be that find it, because ye receive me not in the world neither do ye know me.
23 But if ye receive me in the world, then shall ye know me, and shall receive your exaltation; that where I am ye shall be also.
24 This is eternal lives—to know the only wise and true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he hath csent. I am he. Receive ye, therefore, my law." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 132:21 - 24)

D&C 129 - 131

These three sections are very interesting in that they are inspired instructions given by the Prophet on various topics. I acknowledge that I am not familiar with all the history behind these three sections, but it seems logical that the Prophet must be in conversation with a few of the saints and he is addressing questions or there is a general discussion taking place and the Prophet responds with truth of the matter.

One of those truths taught by the Prophet was -

"1 THERE are two kinds of beings in heaven, namely: Angels, who are resurrected personages, having bodies of flesh and bones—
3 Secondly: the spirits of just men made perfect, they who are not resurrected, but inherit the same glory." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 129:1 - 3)

I spoke this past Sunday on the topic of the importance of becoming sanctified. As I read Section 76:21, I too noticed there were two types of being in heaven, one being "...them who are sanctified..."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:21) which goes right along with those who are resurrected personages.

What what its worth, I just decided I should include that talk in today's blog:

Becoming Santified

Regarding our modern-day revelations, the Lord said,

“These words are not of men nor of man…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…Wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice and know my words.

(Doctrine and Covenants Section 18:36)

In my recent study of the scriptures, there is a topic that has weighed heavily on my mind. As I prepared my thoughts for today, I felt that I should focus more on the Savior’s revealed words, and in so doing, I should read many of them to you this morning, so that in this way we can testify together that we have heard his voice and know his words.

After the Prophet Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon had resumed the work of the translation of the Bible, the Prophet wrote “From sundry revelations which had been received, it was apparent that many important points touching the salvation of man had been taken from the Bible, or lost before it was compiled. It appeared self–evident from what truths were left, that if God rewarded every one according to the deeds done in the body, the term `Heaven,' as intended for the Saints' eternal home, must include more kingdoms than one .(Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:Heading)

And as these men were thus engaged in doubtless meditation on the matter, they saw the heavens open and “…beheld the glory of the Son, on the right hand of the Father…”
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:20)

And as this vision was opened they also saw two types of beings before the throne of God, one being –

“...holy angels, and [the other], them who are sanctified…

And they were –

“…worshiping God, and the Lamb…

It is those sanctified I would like to focus on this morning.

For these are they “…who worship him forever and ever….”

(Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:21)

As this great vision unfolded, the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon also .".. saw…an angel of God who was in authority in the presence of God, who rebelled against the Only Begotten Son … [and]was thrust down from the presence of God…he was Lucifer, a son of the morning." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:25 - 26) and he became Satan "...that old serpent, even the devil, who rebelled against God, and sought to take the kingdom of our God and his Christ—
And he “…was called Perdition, for the heavens wept over him…”
And his sole work is nothing else but to –

“…maketh war with the saints of God, and encompasseth them round about." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:28 - 29)

And in the vision the Prophet "... saw… the sufferings of those with whom he made war and overcame…” And amongst those Satan overcame, there were a few whom the Lord describes as "...who know my power, and have been made partakers thereof, and suffered themselves through the power of the devil to be overcome, and to deny the truth and defy my power—He further describes that these are they -"…who are the sons of perdition, of whom … it had been better for them never to have been born; For they are vessels of wrath, doomed to suffer the wrath of God, with the devil and his angels in eternity; ...Having denied the Holy Spirit after having received it, and having denied the Only Begotten Son of the Father, having crucified him unto themselves and put him to an open shame.

And -

…they…shall go away into the lake of fire and brimstone, with the devil and his angels—" Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:30 - 36)

And so terrible is their fate that the Lord said –

“…I the Lord, show it by vision unto many, but straightway shut it up again…”(Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:47)

Because of –

“…the misery thereof, they understand not, neither any man except those who are ordained unto this condemnation.”

(Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:48)

It is of these, the Sons of Perdition, the Lord said - "...there is no forgiveness in this world nor in the world to come—(Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:34)
As I read these verses, I wondered why the Lord had provided this terrible glimpse of the justice that was to befall the sons of Perdition. But as I continued my reading, my eyes were opened as the Lord revealed that these are –
"...the only ones on whom the second death shall have any power;38 Yea, verily, the only ones who shall not be redeemed in the due time of the Lord, after the sufferings of his wrath."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:37 - 38)

If the Sons of Perdition are the only ones not redeemed, then with some deductive reasoning, it would also mean everyone else will be redeemed. As the vision continues, we learn that all (except the Sons of Perdition) are redeemed to various levels of glory and resurrected bodies for as the Apostle Paul wrote –

"All flesh is not the same flesh…”

40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead..." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 15:39 - 42)

Even though all will be redeemed, for many it will only come "after the sufferings of his wrath".
And all "...shall come forth; they who have done good in the resurrection of the just; and they who have done evil, in the resurrection of the unjust." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:17)

And this redemption is made possible "...through Jesus [Christ] … who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own blood." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:69)
Oh! How wonderful and glorious is the atonement of Jesus Christ.

But as I read some of the verses over and over, I came to realize that even though all will be redeemed, not all will be sanctified.

It is only those sanctified that will be will kneel before his throne, worshiping God, and the Lamb…forever and ever.

(Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:21)
A
nd we read that this is only –
“…they recorded in the dbook of the names of the sanctified, even them of the celestial world.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:2)

For we “…must needs be sanctified from all unrighteousness, that [we] may be prepared for the celestial glory;

(Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:18)

And they who are not sanctified … must inherit canother kingdom, even that of a terrestrial kingdom, or that of a telestial kingdom.

How then do we become “them who are sanctified”? We are –

“…sanctified through the law … even the law of Christ..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:21)

For –

…he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory…

(Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:22)

For “that which is governed by law is also preserved by law and perfected and sanctified by the same.” (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:34)

The Lord has said to the saints –

“I give unto you, a commandment that you …sanctify yourselves; yea, purify your hearts, and cleanse your hands and your feet before me, that I may make you clean…” (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:74)

“Purge ye out the iniquity which is among you…”
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 43:11)

As we live in a world of so much wickedness, how do we purge out iniquity, purify our hearts, and cleanse our hands?

We know that –
“…when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated…" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 130:21)

Obedience to his laws or the law of Christ is the answer to pure hearts and clean hands. The Lord has blessed the saints with many ways and means to help us do that. Of these, there are two ways that have recently been impressed upon my soul.

The Lord gave the early saints a commandment that they "...should build a house, in the which house I design to endow those whom I have chosen with power from on high;" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 95:8)

For –"...I have prepared a great endowment and blessing to be poured out upon them, inasmuch as they are faithful and continue in humility before me." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 105:12)

With great interest, I went to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary for a definition of endowment, one of the definitions given was –"natural capacity, power, or ability"

Those who regularly visit the temple seem to be endowed with increased power or ability for they are "...taught more perfectly, and have experience, and know more perfectly concerning their duty, and the things which I require at their hands." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 105:10)

At the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, the Prophet prayed –

"...that all people who shall enter upon the threshold of the Lord's house may feel thy power…” (Doctrine and Covenants Section 109:13)

I believe that in the Lord’s House there is a great endowment – an endowment of power, a refreshing, increased ability, knowledge and strength to overcome the things of this world, to become more holy, to become sanctified. For the Prophet so prayed that -

"...Those who shall worship in this house may be taught words of wisdom..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 109:14)

And –"...go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 109:22)

Such that –

"...no weapon formed against them shall prosper; that he who diggeth a pit for them shall fall into the same himself;26 That no combination of wickedness shall have power to rise up and prevail over thy people upon whom thy name shall be put in this house..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 109:25 - 26)

Here in the last days we have seen new weapons developed by Satan to destroy man. Such weapons include online pornagraphy, online gambling, movies, advertisements, Sunday entertainment, and many other such weapons that have never been available previously to man. It is in the blessings of the temple that we are continually endowed with such power and ablility that "...no combination of wickedness shall have power to rise up and prevail over thy people..."

There is another means to sanctification that seemed to have touched me –

While in Far West, the Prophet inquired of the Lord regarding how much was expected of the saints in the paying of their tithes. I'm not sure what inspired the Prophet to approach the Lord on this matter, but I can only speculate that with all the persecutions and with the saints being expelled from their homes and properties in Jackson and Clay counties, times must have been financially difficult. It is the Lord's answer to the Prophets supplication that established this modern-day definition of this law.

Initially the saints were to put -"...their surplus property... into the hands of the bishop of my church in Zion,2 For the building of mine house, and for the laying of the foundation of Zion and for the priesthood, and for the debts of the Presidency of my Church." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 119:1 - 2)

"And this shall be the beginning of the tithing of my people." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 119:3)

Following this initial donation, the Lord instructed -

"...after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one–tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 119:3 - 4)

For all –

"...who gather unto the land of Zion shall be tithed of their surplus properties, and shall observe this law..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 119:5)

But not only those that gather in the land of Zion but –

"...this shall be an ensample unto all the stakes of Zion..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 119:7)

The Lord said –
"...this is Zion—THE PURE IN HEART..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 97:21)

The very meaning of Zion is “the pure in heart”.

The law of tithing then seems to be a "cleansing of the heart" law in Zion, a law for sanctification, a law of obedience where man chooses God over worldly appetites and desires, a law of faith where man must outwardly demonstrate his faith in God over the material things of this world.

For the Lord said –

"...if my people observe not this law, to keep it holy, and by this law sanctify the land of Zion unto me, …that it may be most holy…it shall not be a land of Zion unto you." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 119:6)

In other words, Zion will not be the pure in heart - Zion will not be sanctified.

And last, we learn that it is those chosen that will be sanctified. For to Zions Camp the Lord said –

"...There has been a day of calling, but the time has come for a day of choosing; and let those be chosen that are worthy.
36 And it shall be manifest unto my servant, by the voice of the Spirit, those that are chosen; and they shall be sanctified" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 105:35 - 36)

These verses suggest three stages or steps to sanctification, 1) the calling, 2) the choosing, and 3) the chosen.

All are called “for, behold, I command all men everywhere to repent.” (Doctrine and Covenants Section 18:9)

The burden of choosing is on us. "For thus saith the scripture: Choose ye this day, whom ye will serve." (Book of Mormon Alma 30:8)

Those that choose to abide by the Law of Christ and "...the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom..."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 105:5) are they that are chosen, "and they shall be sanctified" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 105:36)

Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.
33 And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.
(Book of Mormon Moroni 10:32 - 33)

D&C 126 - 128

The Lord said to the Apostle Peter -

"That thou art Peter, ...and I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (New Testament Matthew 16:18 - 19)

And not only to Peter, but to the Prophet -

"...the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands...(Doctrine and Covenants Section 110:16)

And from the Prophet to -

"...they who go forth, bearing these tidings unto the inhabitants of the earth, to them is power given to seal both on earth and in heaven..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:8)

"It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine that we talk of—a power which records or binds on earth and binds in heaven. Nevertheless, in all ages of the world, whenever the Lord has given a dispensation of the priesthood to any man by actual revelation, or any set of men, this power has always been given. Hence, whatsoever those men did in authority, in the name of the Lord, and did it truly and faithfully, and kept a proper and faithful record of the same, it became a law on earth and in heaven, and could not be annulled, according to the decrees of the great Jehovah..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 128:9)

"...John the Revelator was contemplating this very subject in relation to the dead, when he declared..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 128:6)

12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
(New Testament Revelation 20:12)

The prophet wrote -

"...You will discover in this quotation that the books were opened; and another book was opened, which was the book of life; but the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works; consequently, the books spoken of must be the books which contained the record of their works, and refer to the records which are kept on the earth. And the book which was the book of life is the record which is kept in heaven; the principle agreeing precisely with the doctrine which is commanded you in the revelation contained in the letter which I wrote to you previous to my leaving my place—that in all your recordings it may be recorded in heaven." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 128:7)

"...Or, in other words, taking a different view of the translation, whatsoever you record on earth shall be recorded in heaven, and whatsoever you do not record on earth shall not be recorded in heaven; for out of the books shall your dead be judged, according to their own works..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 128:8)

Which also means that if there be no works on earth, there will be no record on earth, which also means there will be no record in heaven.

The scriptures do not necessarily reveal the conditions or requirements of the records or books kept on earth, but I wonder if the books or records on earth will reveal failures to home teach, attend meetings, hold family home evenings, temple worship, etc. , with some note or a blank line.

"...Now the great and grand secret of the whole matter, and the summum bonum of the whole subject that is lying before us, consists in obtaining the powers of the Holy Priesthood. For him to whom these keys are given there is no difficulty in obtaining a knowledge of facts in relation to the salvation of the children of men, both as well for the dead as for the living." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 128:11)

D&C 124 - 125

As the saints are settling into Nauvoo, the Lord tells them again -

"... I command you, all ye my saints, to build a house unto me..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:31) "...which my people are always commanded to build unto my holy name."
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:39)

How?
"...send ye swift messengers, yea, chosen messengers, and say unto them: Come ye, with all your gold, and your silver, and your precious stones, and with all your antiquities; and with all who have knowledge of antiquities, that will come, may come, and bring the box–tree, and the fir–tree, and the pine–tree, together with all the precious trees of the earth;
27 And with iron, with copper, and with brass, and with zinc, and with all your precious things of the earth; and build a house to my name..."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:26 - 27)

Why?

1. "...for the Most High to dwell therein...(Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:27)

2. "...For there is not a place found on earth that he may come to and restore again that which was lost unto you, or which he hath taken away, even the fulness of the priesthood..."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:28)

3. "...For a baptismal font there is not upon the earth, that they, my saints, may be baptized for those who are dead—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:29)

4. "...that your anointings, and your washings...and your solemn assemblies, and your memorials for your sacrifices by the sons of Levi, and for your oracles in your most holy places wherein you receive conversations, and your statutes and judgments, for the beginning of the revelations and foundation of Zion, and for the glory, honor, and endowment of all her municipals (Wards & Stakes)..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:39)

5. "...that I may reveal mine ordinances therein unto my people..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:40)

6. "that you may prove yourselves unto me that ye are faithful in all things whatsoever I command you, that I may bless you, and crown you with honor, immortality, and eternal life..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:55)

In great love, the Lord tells us -

"...For I deign to reveal unto my church things which have been kept hid from before the foundation of the world, things that pertain to the dispensation of the fulness of times." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:41)

And he tells the saints where and in manner it is to be built.

"...I will show unto my servant Joseph all things pertaining to this house, and the priesthood thereof, and the place whereon it shall be built.
43 And ye shall build it on the place where you have contemplated building it, for that is the spot which I have chosen for you to build it." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:42 - 43)

And as with all his commandments the promises and conditions of obedience -

"...If ye labor with all your might, I will consecrate that spot that it shall be made holy.
45 And if my people will hearken unto my voice, and unto the voice of my aservants whom I have appointed to lead my people, behold, verily I say unto you, they shall not be moved out of their place..."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:44 - 45)

As well as the consequence of disobedience -

"...But if they will not hearken to my voice, nor unto the voice of these men whom I have appointed, they shall not be blest, because they pollute mine holy grounds, and mine holy ordinances, and charters, and my holy words which I give unto them.
47 And it shall come to pass that if you build a house unto my name, and do not do the things that I say, I will not perform the oath which I make unto you, neither fulfil the promises which ye expect at my hands, saith the Lord.
48 For instead of blessings, ye, by your own works, bring cursings, wrath, indignation, and judgments upon your own heads, by your follies, and by all your abominations, which you practise before me..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:46 - 48)

D&C 122 - 124

While in prison, the Prophet suggests "...for your consideration the propriety of all the saints gathering up a knowledge of all the facts, and sufferings and abuses put upon them by the people of this State;
2 And also of all the property and amount of damages which they have sustained, both of character and personal injuries, as well as real property;
3 And also the names of all persons that have had a hand in their aoppressions, as far as they can get hold of them and find them out." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:1 - 3)

"...and to take statements and affidavits; and also to gather up the libelous publications that are afloat;
5 And all that are in the magazines, and in the encyclopedias, and all the libelous histories that are published, and are writing, and by whom, and present the whole concatenation of diabolical rascality and nefarious and murderous impositions that have been practised upon this people—"
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:4 - 5)

For the purpose -

"That we may not only publish to all the world, but present them to the heads of government in all their dark and hellish hue, as the last effort which is enjoined on us by our Heavenly Father, before we can fully and completely claim that promise which shall call him forth from his hiding place; and also that the whole nation may be left without excuse before he can send forth the power of his mighty arm." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:6)

Because -

"...there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:12)

Because of such are under -

"an iron yoke...a strong band...the very handcuffs, and chains, and shackles, and fetters of hell."
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:8)

It then becomes our -

" imperative duty that we owe to God, to angels, with whom we shall be brought to stand, and also to ourselves, to our wives and children..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:7) and "not only to our own wives and children, but to the widows and fatherless, whose husbands and fathers have been murdered under its iron hand..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:9) and "also it is an imperative duty that we owe to all the rising generation, and to all the pure in heart—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:11)

Therefore, we are commanded -

"...that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness,[as] they are truly manifest from heaven...with great earnestness." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:13 - 14)

"...Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things...Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:15 - 17)

D&C 118 - 121

While in Far West, the Prophet inquired of the Lord regarding how much was expected of the saints in the paying of their tithes. I'm not sure what inspired the Prophet to approach the Lord on this matter, but I can only speculate that with all the persecutions and with the saints being expelled from their homes and properties in Jackson and Clay counties, times must have been financially difficult. It is the Lord's answer to the Prophets supplication that established the modern-day definition of this law.

Initially the saints were to put -

"...their surplus property... into the hands of the bishop of my church in Zion,
2 For the building of mine house, and for the laying of the foundation of Zion and for the priesthood, and for the debts of the Presidency of my Church." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 119:1 - 2)

"And this shall be the beginning of the tithing of my people." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 119:3)

Following this initial donation, the Lord instructed -

"...after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one–tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 119:3 - 4)

For all-

"...who gather unto the land of Zion shall be tithed of their surplus properties, and shall observe this law..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 119:5)

But not only those that gather in the land of Zion for -

"...this shall be an ensample unto all the stakes of Zion..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 119:7) or in other words, all members of the Church.

Zion by definition means -

"...for this is Zion—THE PURE IN HEART..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 97:21)

The law of tithing seems to be a "cleansing of the heart" law. A law of sanctification. A law where man chooses obedience in lieu of appetite and worldly desires. A law of faith where man must outwardly demonstrates his faith in God over the material things of this world. For the Lord said -

"...if my people observe not this law, to keep it holy, and by this law sanctify the land of Zion unto me, that my statutes and my judgments may be kept thereon, that it may be most holy, behold, verily I say unto you, it shall not be a land of Zion unto you." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 119:6)

And the Lord instructs that his tithes -

"...shall be disposed of by a council, composed of the First Presidency of my Church, and of the bishop and his council, and by my high council; and by mine own voice unto them, saith the Lord." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 120:1)

D&C 110 - 117

It is during the period of these revelations, between 1836 - 1837, that it seems the pride of the world, that which is warned of so heavily in the Book of Mormon, seemed to creep into the Church, especially amongst those in leadership positions. Now knowing the eventual historical outcome of Thomas B. Marsh, the President of the Quorum of the Twelve, I find the revelation known as the 112th Section not only very disturbing but also a personal warning.

It becomes apparent that Brother Marsh had been diligent in his faith and duties -

"...I have heard thy prayers; and thine alms have come up as a memorial before me, in behalf of those, thy brethren..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 112:1) "...I know thy heart, and have heard thy prayers concerning thy brethren..."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 112:11)

But -

"...there have been some few things in thine heart and with thee with which I, the Lord, was not well pleased..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 112:2)

But as with all those he calls -

"...I, the Lord, have a great work for thee to do..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 112:6) "...Arise and gird up your loins, take up your across, follow me, and feed my sheep..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 112:14)

But in doing so he delivers several warnings -

"...Be not partial towards them in love above many others, but let thy love be for them as for thyself; and let thy love abound unto all men, and unto all who love my name...."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 112:11)

"...Exalt not yourselves; rebel not against my servant Joseph..."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 112:15)

"...Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 112:10)

And in doing so the Lord promises -

"...inasmuch as thou hast abased thyself thou shalt be exalted; therefore, all thy sins are forgiven thee..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 112:3)

And the same promise is extended to all -

"..Inasmuch as they shall humble themselves before me, and abide in my word, and hearken to the voice of my Spirit..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 112:22)

Had many of the brethren including Bro. Marsh followed this counsel, to "rebel not against my servant(s)", the prophets, great blessing would have been bestowed on them and their posterity. These truths remain for his servants today.

D&C 109

The Lord gave the saints a commandment that they "...should build a house, in the which house I design to endow those whom I have chosen with power from on high;" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 95:8)

For as he said -

"...I have prepared a great endowment and blessing to be poured out upon them, inasmuch as they are faithful and continue in humility before me." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 105:12)

Merriam-Webster Dictionary described endowment as -

"natural capacity, power, or ability"

Those who visit the temple seemed to be endowed with power or increased ability for they will "...be taught more perfectly, and have experience, and know more perfectly concerning their duty, and the things which I require at their hands." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 105:10)

"...that all people who shall enter upon the threshold of the Lord's house may feel thy power, and feel constrained to acknowledge that thou hast sanctified it, and that it is thy house, a place of thy holiness..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 109:13)

"...that no unclean thing shall be permitted to come into thy house to pollute it..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 109:20)

"...that this house may be a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of glory and of God, even thy house..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 109:16)

I believe that this endowment of power or ability is not a one time thing, but through continual service service in the House of the Lord is an ever refreshing and increase of endowed power and ability. The Prophet prayed that -

"...Those who shall worship in this house may be taught words of wisdom..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 109:14) by the Spirit. And as they do the shall -

"...go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 109:22)

And -

"...no weapon formed against them shall prosper; that he who diggeth a pit for them shall fall into the same himself;
26 That no combination of wickedness shall have power to rise up and prevail over thy people upon whom thy name shall be put in this house..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 109:25 - 26)

Here in the last days we have seen great weapons formed by Satan to destroy man. Such weapons include online pornagraphy, online gambling, movies, advertisements, Sunday entertainment, and many other things that were never available previously in the history of man. It is in the blessings of the temple that we are endowed with such power and ablility that "...no combination of wickedness shall have power to rise up and prevail over thy people upon whom thy name shall be put in this house..."

May we be wise and attend the temple oft.

D&C 107 - 108

"...now let every man learn his duty... in all diligence.... and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand...(Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:99 - 100)

Though this particular commandment also includes "to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence...", my thoughts this morning lean to that of learning one's duty. Some may think that to learn one's duty is just to read a handbook of instructions, but Elder Packer painted a bigger picture in a Worldwide Leadership Conference where he taught -

“Each of us is to learn just how to do what we have been called to do.”
(President Boyd K. Packer, Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, January 2003)

He teaches that in order to learn our duty -

"•You read the scriptures and become familiar with them. When you have a decision to make and need help, ask yourself, “What has the Lord said about this? Is there anything in the scriptures that will show me what to do?”
•Then you consult the handbooks.
•Then you follow the counsel from those ordained to lead, your file leaders.
•You counsel together.
•And then you pray always, for “…notwithstanding those things which are written, it always has been given to the elders of my church from the beginning, and ever shall be, to conduct all meetings as they are directed and guided by the Holy Spirit. “(Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:2)”
(President Boyd K. Packer, Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, January 2003)

For one to be able to learn his duty, he must be teachable. To be teachable, he must be humble. Pride has no place in learning one's duty. It takes a great deal of humility to follow the counsel of "those ordained to lead". It takes humility to counsel together. It takes a great deal of humility and prayer to be "directed and guided by the Holy Spirit".

It is the duty of priesthood holders "...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." (Book of Mormon Alma 13:1 - 2) "

And -

...to strengthen your brethren in all your conversation, in all your prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your doings." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 108:7)

To do so they must be humble for "...if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 42:14) and without the Spirit one cannot learn his duty by being "directed and guided by the Holy Spirit".

D&C 107

"For he will give unto the faithful line upon line, precept upon precept..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 98:12)

As we read the scriptures, we must understand that doctrine and truths are revealed "line upon line, precept upon precept" for the Lord taught, "...ye shall observe to do as I have commanded concerning your teaching, until the fulness of my scriptures is given..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 42:15)

It becomes obvious that when an individual or religious sect focuses on a single scripture or verse of scripture as their sole basis of doctrine without considering other revealed doctrine, they may seriously error in their beliefs.

I feel the revelation, known as the 107th section, may be a "line upon line, precept upon precept" type revelation on the doctrine of church and priesthood organization. As one studies the scriptures, he must realize that there were priesthood keys that were yet to be restored in the Kirtland Temple. (see Section 110)

My thoughts today build a little on yesterday's thoughts regarding my suggestion of two types of priesthood keys - that being related to keys related to presiding or presidency and those related to any member in the order of the Melchizedek priesthood. In the this revelation the Prophet is instructed in the organization of three seperate quorums - "a quorum of the Presidency of the Church", a quorum of "twelve traveling councilors...called to be the Twelve Apostles", and a quorum of "Seventy...called to preach the gospel".

The Lord instructs "...every decision made by either of these quorums must be by the unanimous voice of the same; that is, every member in each quorum must be agreed to its decisions, in order to make their decisions of the same power or validity one with the other" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:27) For a unanimous decision to take place, the decision cannot be their own but that of the Spirit for the Lord explained -

"The decisions of these quorums... are to be made in all righteousness, in holiness, and lowliness of heart, meekness and long suffering, and in faith, and virtue, and knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity;
31 Because the promise is, if these things abound in them they shall not be unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:30 - 31)

He states that three of these quorums are "equal in authority". He later states that "The standing high councils, at the stakes of Zion, form a quorum equal in authority in the affairs of the church, in all their decisions, to the quorum of the presidency, or to the traveling high council." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:36)

Authority then must mean that they are all High Priests and because of that ordination and being thus "set apart" have authority to administrative decisions. But I found it interesting that the Lord did not state they were equal in "power". Of the quorum of "twelve traveling councilors...called to be the Twelve Apostles"..."they form a quorum, equal in authority and power to the three presidents previously mentioned." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:24)

My thoughts this morning were that the word "power" as revealed by the Lord related to "keys"or the presiding type keys I blogged about yesterday. I went to the dictionary for definitions of "power". There are many definitions for the word "power", but stood out to me me was definitions such as "command", "the right to govern", "the faculty of producing or making a change", and so forth. It becomes apparent that these two quorums would be the quorums that would hold the all the keys of this dispensation.

And then the Lord reveals, though equal in authority, the hiearchy of things with -

"The Twelve are a Traveling Presiding High Council, to officiate in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the Presidency of the Church" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:33)

"The Seventy are to act in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the Twelve or the traveling high council..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:34)

Though some may be somewhat confused as they read the 107th section, as the Lord continues to reveal "line upon line, precept upon precept", the doctrines of Priesthood organization become more clear.

D&C 107

As I read this morning, my mind seemed somewhat enlightened in regards to priesthood "keys". What seemed to enlighten my understanding was that there are two types of priesthood keys. I write this with some hesitation in that this may not necessarily be correct doctrine, it is only what enlightened my mind this morning.

It has always been my understanding that priesthood keys are the rights to preside, the rights of presidency, the rights of control of all priesthood ordinances & confirmations, the rights to govern, etc. What this means to me is there is one who, for a period, has been given such authority or "keys" that all administration relating to God's kingdom on earth, or portion there assigned, controls all approvals and permissions therein. In other words, he who holds the keys is in charge and holds all responsibilities to the same. This being the case, it is the keys we honor, not necessarily the person.

The second type is that which I seemed to touch me this morning. Having previously a personal understanding that priesthood keys were only related to the rights to preside in the priesthood, I assumed that those who held the Melchizedek Priesthood or were after this order of the priesthood did not hold priesthood keys, only rights, powers, and authorities related to that order. And then I read -

"...The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church—
19 To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly and church of the Firstborn, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:18 - 19)

That is by definition that the "power and authority of the ...Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church..." This definition being the second type of priesthood keys. That is, not keys of presidency, but keys to unlock and administer in spiritual things.

All who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood possesses these keys having the rights, powers, and authorities to administer spiritual blessings, receive knowledge, and commune with our Father and his son.

The same type of priesthood keys applies to the Aaronic Priesthood -

"...The power and authority of the lesser, or Aaronic Priesthood, is to hold the keys of the ministering of angels..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:20) From this I understand that all who are of this appendage of power and authority hold the keys of the ministering of angels.

As I mentioned at the beginning of the entry, this may not necessarily be doctrine. It is only the thoughts that came to my mind as I studied the scriptures this morning.

D&C 105 - 106

After the Prophet had met with Parley P. Pratt and Lyman Wight regarding the scattering and persecution of the saints in Missouri, the Lord said -

"...I will give unto you a revelation and commandment, that you may know how to act in the discharge of your duties concerning the salvation and redemption of your brethren, who have been scattered on the land of Zion;
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 103:1)

"...let my servant Joseph Smith, Jun. say unto the strength of my house, my young men and the middle aged—Gather yourselves together unto the land of Zion..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 103:22) for the "...redemption of mine afflicted people..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 105:1)

This group, known as Zion's Camp, brought clothing and provisions to the expelled and destitute saints of Jackson County. Probably many of the camp thought their purpose would include physical violence to "redeem" Zion and were prepared to do so. But the true purpose of the camp becomes apparent when the Prophet received this revelation.

"...Behold, I have commanded my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., to say unto the strength of my house, even my warriors, my young men, and middle–aged, to gather together for the redemption of my people, and throw down the towers of mine enemies, and scatter their watchmen;
17 But the strength of mine house have not hearkened unto my words.
18 But inasmuch as there are those who have hearkened unto my words, I have prepared a blessing and an endowment for them, if they continue faithful.
19 I have heard their prayers, and will accept their offering; and it is expedient in me that they should be brought thus far for a trial of their faith." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 105:16 - 19)

14 For behold, I do not require at their hands to fight the battles of Zion; for, as I said in a former commandment, even so will I fulfil—I will fight your battles." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 105:13 - 14)

Though many thought the Lord's purpose was to fight, it becomes evident it was more of a test of faith and who would hearken to his words. Much like when Jahaziel the son of Zechariah prophesied -

"...Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.
16 To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel.
17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you..."
(Old Testament 2 Chronicles 20:15 - 17)

Jehoshaphat then provides this great counsel to his people -

"...Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper...." (Old Testament 2 Chronicles 20:20)

It is to the members of this camp that the Lord teaches a humbling but enlightening doctrine -

"...There has been a day of calling, but the time has come for a day of choosing; and let those be chosen that are worthy.
36 And it shall be manifest unto my servant, by the voice of the Spirit, those that are chosen; and they shall be sanctified" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 105:35 - 36)

The Lord suggests three stages 1) the calling, 2) the choosing, and 3) the chosen.

The calling has been extended to all. Througout the scriptures, the Lord calls to "Come Follow Me".

The the burden of choosing is on us. "For thus saith the scripture: Choose ye this day, whom ye will serve." (Book of Mormon Alma 30:8) I believe choosing is the God given gift of agency.

Those that choose to abide by the Law of Christ and "...the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom..."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 105:5) become chosen "and they shall be sanctified" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 105:36)

D&C 103 - 104

We know that great promises were given to the saints that settled Zion. But by the beginning of 1834, the saints at Zion had experienced a great deal of persecution and abuse. At the time of this revelation, many had been scattered and properties lost. I'm sure many hoped the Lord would would immediately retaliate against their persecutors. But instead they received these hard words -

"... [that] those who call themselves after my name might be chastened for a little season with a sore and grievous chastisement, because they did not hearken altogether unto the precepts and commandments which I gave unto them." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 103:4)

In other words it seems the Lord is saying - if they were doing what they were suppose to be doing, this wouldn't have happened. The Lord doesn't excuse the persecutors either in that he said of his people and their persecutors -

"Being driven and smitten by the hands of mine enemies, on whom I will pour out my wrath without measure..."

He then explains when and why -

"...in mine own time.
3 For I have suffered them thus far, that they might fill up the measure of their iniquities, that their cup might be full;" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 103:2 - 3) The Lord always seems to be patient by allowing a sufficient period of time for people to repent and change their ways before he displays his full wrath.

And if his people will do what they are suppose to do, he says -

"...I have decreed a decree which my people shall realize, inasmuch as they hearken from this very hour unto the counsel which I, the Lord their God, shall give unto them.
6 Behold they shall, for I have decreed it, begin to prevail against mine enemies from this very hour.
7 And by hearkening to observe all the words which I, the Lord their God, shall speak unto them, they shall never cease to prevail until the kingdoms of the world are subdued under my feet, and the earth is given unto the saints, to possess it forever and ever." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 103:5 - 7)

"For they were set to be a light unto the world, and to be the saviors of men;"
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 103:9)

And then he delivers this great promise -

"...I have decreed that your brethren which have been scattered shall return to the lands of their inheritances, and shall build up the waste places of Zion.
12 For after much tribulation, as I have said unto you in a former commandment, cometh the blessing.
13 Behold, this is the blessing which I have promised after your tribulations, and the tribulations of your brethren—your redemption, and the redemption of your brethren, even their restoration to the land of Zion, to be established, no more to be thrown down." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 103:11 - 13)

But the promises is a conditional promise -

"But inasmuch as they keep not my commandments, and hearken not to observe all my words, the kingdoms of the world shall prevail against them." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 103:8)

"And inasmuch as they are not the saviors of men, they are as salt that has lost its savor, and is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men."
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 103:10)

I'm sure many of the saints yesterday and today question why all the promises related to Zion were not immediately fulfilled in their day nor as of yet been fulfilled in our day. Didn't the Lord say -

"...inasmuch as they hearken from this very hour unto the counsel which I... shall give..."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 103:5)

As I reviewed recently some home teaching reports, I've come to understand a little bit better why the promises as of yet have not been fulfilled.

D&C 102

This morning I again read about the organization and responsibilities of the high council, its purpose being the "...high council was appointed by revelation for the purpose of settling important difficulties which might arise in the church..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 102:2). Timely enough, a council, which I will be involved, will convene this Sunday for that purpose.

As I reviewed the outlined proceedings of such a council, I was impressed with

"Whenever this council convenes to act upon any case, the twelve councilors shall consider whether it is a difficult one or not;...the accused, in all cases, has a right to one–half of the council, to prevent insult or injustice." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 102:13 - 15)

And "In all cases the accuser and the accused shall have a privilege of speaking for themselves before the council, after the evidences are heard and the councilors who are appointed to speak on the case have finished their remarks." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 102:18)

"After the evidences are heard, the councilors, accuser and accused have spoken, the president shall give a decision according to the understanding which he shall have of the case, and call upon the twelve councilors to sanction the same by their vote." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 102:19)

The convened council is a council of love. And that the will of the Lord is manifest, high councilors are encouraged at times to come in a spirit of fasting and prayer and

"In case of difficulty respecting doctrine or principle, if there is not a sufficiency written to make the case clear to the minds of the council, the president may inquire and obtain the mind of the Lord by revelation." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 102:23)

And even though decisions are made by revelations, there is always established the provision that -

"Should the parties or either of them be dissatisfied with the decision of said council, they may appeal to the high council of the seat of the First Presidency of the Church, and have a re–hearing, which case shall there be conducted, according to the former pattern written, as though no such decision had been made." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 102:27)

Even though such councils may be difficult, I can testify from my own experience that are held in a manner of love for the transgressor in providing a means that the blessing of the atonement of the Savior may integrated in their lives.

D&C 101

There is no question that the Lord loves us and wants to bless us, but he has also set the rules to receive his blessings -

'There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven..., upon which all blessings are predicated—
21 And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated. (Doctrine and Covenants Section 130:20 - 21)

"...For all who will have a blessing at my hands shall abide the law which was appointed for that blessing, and the conditions thereof..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 132:5)

The Lord reminds the Prophet that amongst the saints "...there were jarrings, and contentions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires among them;" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 101:6)

To which he explains -

"...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 Section 101:7 - 8)

Can this be anymore straight forward. How can we expect the Lord's help in our day of trouble when we are slow to hearken to the counsel of modern-day prophets that may have protected from that very trouble. There is such a tendency that when things are good, we become very complacent in our obedience, but when thing are going wrong we wonder where the Lord is.

It reminds me of the story of the man who has slipped and fallen off a cliff. As he is falling, he prays that he will do anything if the Lord will save him from his impending death. Suddenly his shirt catches on a branch will miraculously stops his fall. Relieved, the man replies to the Lord to forget it, he has taken care of it himself.

Even though the Lord is slow to hearken to their prayers, he promises -

"...Verily I say unto you, notwithstanding their sins, my bowels are filled with compassion towards them. I will not utterly cast them off; and in the day of wrath I will remember mercy."
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 101:9)

For -

"I, the Lord, have suffered the affliction to come upon them, wherewith they have been afflicted, in consequence of their transgressions...
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.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 101:2 - 5)

D&C 99 - 100

It appears the revelation known as the 100th section of the Doctrince and Covenants came as a result of the concerns of the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon for their families. The Prophet and Sidney were away from home and proscelyting in New York. In a day when there was no readily available means of immediate communication, I can picture these two brethren on their knees pleading for the provisions and safety of their families. In answer to their prayers, the Lord said -

"...my friends Sidney and Joseph, your families are well; they are in mine hands, and I will do with them as seemeth me good; for in me there is all power." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 100:1)

The power of the statement must have brought a great deal of comfort. I know - I had a similar experience while my son was serving his mission in Brazil. At the time, emailing was not allowed. Written letters was our only means of communication. It would take about three weeks for the letters to be delivered to my son and another three weeks to get a response. A month and a half was a long time to wait for an specific inquiry or concern.

Their was a time during his mission that I knew he was struggling with a personal issue that I knew of whcih he was greatly concerned. In addition, Terri and I were worried about his health and safety living in a foreign country where he was physically unaccustomed and could easily be singled out by robbers or predators.

I too knelt many hours in prayer regarding these matters probably in a similar manner as the Prophet Joseph Smith. It was while in personal prayer early one morning expressing my concerns for my son that I too received a very similar personal revelation. As I pleaded for his care, a comforting voice came into my mind and distinctly said, "I am". It came with such impact that I knelt for sometime emotionally overwhelmed. From that point on, even though I continued to prayer daily for my son, I never doubted that he was being taken care of.

It is interesting how single verses of scripture can bring such great insite.

D&C 98

At the time this revelation was received, the saints were experiencing a great deal of persecution in Missouri. The nature of man is to defend itself and then retaliate. In this somewhat lawless state, the Lord revealed to the Prophet that the -

"...law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me.
6 Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the aconstitutional law of the land" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 98:5 - 6)

When lawlessness is apparent, there is a tendency to take the law and justice into your own hands, but the Lord counseled -

"I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh you free." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 98:8)

Knowing that "...when the wicked rule the people mourn." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 98:9), the saints are admonished to follow the law of the land and that "honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold"
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 98:10)

I personally note the Lord's counsel of "honest men" being one of key importance in representation. He doesn't say anything about party or affilitation. He only mentions "honest and wise men". "Wise men" to me is one that believes and follows the counsel of the Lord.

"...Therefore, renounce war and proclaim peace, and seek diligently to turn the hearts of the children to their fathers, and the hearts of the fathers to the children" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 98:16) It is in turning the hearts to the family that the world will find peace.

But the Lord acknowledges there is a time for war -

"...this is the law that I gave unto mine ancients, that they should not go out unto battle against any nation, kindred, tongue, or people, save I, the Lord, commanded them.
34 And if any nation, tongue, or people should proclaim war against them, they should first lift a standard of peace unto that people, nation, or tongue;
35 And if that people did not accept the offering of peace, neither the second nor the third time, they should bring these testimonies before the Lord;
36 Then I, the Lord, would give unto them a commandment, and justify them in going out to battle against that nation, tongue, or people.
37 And I, the Lord, would fight their battles, and their children's battles, and their children's children's, until they had avenged themselves on all their enemies, to the third and fourth generation.
38 Behold, this is an ensample unto all people, saith the Lord your God, for justification before me. " (Doctrine and Covenants Section 98:33 - 38)

But even then, the Lord commands his people -

"...if after thine enemy has come upon thee ... he repent and come unto thee praying thy forgiveness, thou shalt forgive him, and shalt hold it no more as a testimony against thine enemy— (Doctrine and Covenants Section 98:39)

"...I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men."
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 64:10)

And seeing the big picture, the Lord said -

"...my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks;
2 Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament—the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted.
3 Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name's glory, saith the Lord." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 98:1 - 3)

D&C 95 - 97

Recently I was asked to be the keynote speaker at an honors convocation at Arizona State University in the Del E. Webb School of Construction. One of the topics I was asked to address was what my education has meant to me. One of the ideas I suggested was -

"Almost everyone seems to possess something that is of great value to them. We all tend to value things differently. What one person would consider a possession of great value, another would considerate it worthless. Value is a personal thing based upon the price one paid to possess it. The price I am speaking about is not necessarily a monetary thing, but the amount of work and sacrifice that was expended to obtain it."

I went on to explain some of the challenges I faced in getting an education and because of that, why it means so much to me personally.

These thoughts returned to me as I read the 97th Section of the Doctrine & Covenants. The Lord commands "...a house built unto me for the salvation of Zion—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 97:12). Things were probably very difficult in Zion - both economically and with all the persecution that was taking place. Such a charge must have seemed overwhelming. But the Lord said -

"...this is the tithing and the sacrifice which I, the Lord, require at their hands..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 97:12) For many today would question why the Lord would do such a thing in such difficult circumstances. It seems so cruel and almost selfish on the Lord's part - as Laman and Lemuel murmured "...saying it is a hard thing which [Lehi] required of them..."
(Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 3:5)

Is it really cruel or selfish on the Lord's part or does it have more to do with love? Again I have found that the things we value most is that which we paid the greatest price for.

To those who are willing, "...who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice—yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are accepted of me.
9 For I, the Lord, will cause them to bring forth as a very fruitful tree which is planted in a goodly land, by a pure stream, that yieldeth much precious fruit." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 97:8 - 9)

He promises that if they sacrifice and "...build a house unto me in the name of the Lord, and do not suffer any unclean thing to come into it, that it be not defiled, my glory shall rest upon it;
16 Yea, and my presence shall be there, for I will come into it, and all the pure in heart that shall come into it shall see God....And... she shall prosper, and spread herself and become very glorious, very great, and very terrible.
19 And the nations of the earth shall honor her, and shall say: Surely Zion is the city of our God, and surely Zion cannot fall, neither be moved out of her place, for God is there, and the hand of the Lord is there;
20 And he hath sworn by the power of his might to be her salvation and her high tower.
21 Therefore, verily, thus saith the Lord, let Zion rejoice, for this is Zion—THE PURE IN HEART; therefore, let Zion rejoice...(Doctrine and Covenants Section 97:15 - 21)

What promises are given to those who are willing to sacrifice and follow the counsel of the Lord.

D&C 93 - 94

The english language at times has different definitions for the same word. For example, in the 90th section, we read of the oracles of God. An oracle can mean a place of revelation, or a person who receives revelations, or the actual revelations themselves and each definition is closely related.

I feel it may be the same way with other words or terms used in the 93rd section of the Doctrine & Covenants as well in other sections in the book. We read words like Word, Spirit, Truth, Light, Intelligence, and others. I sense that in some cases the words refer to the entity and in others, that which eminates from the entity. I'm sure that at times it may be confusing but the reader must consider the context in how it is given. Nonetheless, the Lord reveals some of the great concepts in this section for the saints to ponder.

In this section we learn that the Savior is the firstborn of all our Father in Heavens spirit children. We learn from John that the Savior "...received a fulness of the glory of the Father;
17 And he received all power, both in heaven and on earth, and the glory of the Father was with him, for he dwelt in him." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 93:16 - 17) As the Savior said -

"...I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world;
3 And that I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one—
4 The Father because he gave me of his fulness..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 93:2 - 4)

John also tells us this "fulness" wasn't from the beginning for he -

"saw his glory, that he was in the beginning, before the world was;
8 Therefore, in the beginning the Word was, for he was the Word, even the messenger of salvation—
9 The light and the Redeemer of the world; the Spirit of truth, who came into the world, because the world was made by him, and in him was the life of men and the light of men.
10 The worlds were made by him; men were made by him; all things were made by him, and through him, and of him.
11 And I, John, bear record that I beheld his glory, as the glory of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, even the Spirit of truth, which came and dwelt in the flesh, and dwelt among us." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 93:7 - 11)

And John testified that -

"...he received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness;
14 And thus he was called the Son of God, because he received not of the fulness at the first." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 93:13 - 14)

And as the Lord reveals this, he then turns the table to his saints and tells them -

"...I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name... for if you keep my commandments you shall receive ... shall receive grace for grace." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 93:19 - 20)

And as we receive grace for grace he delivers the glorious promise -

"...and in due time...you shall receive of his fulness, and be glorified in me as I am in the Father..."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 93:19 - 20)

And as the Savior also said "...if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 14:7)

D&C 89 - 92

"...all they who receive the oracles of God, let them beware how they hold them lest they are accounted as a light thing, and are brought under condemnation thereby, and stumble and fall when the storms descend, and the winds blow, and the rains descend, and beat upon their house." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 90:5)

The Word of Wisdom as it has come to be known was an oracle given at a time when many of the saints questioned whether the Prophet should delve in temporal matters. I'm sure for many of the saints that this was a difficult revelation. Many had developed habits and addictions to common vices. Just arbitrarily quitting was probably very difficult. Most of the saints probably had gained testimonies of spiritual things of this latter day work, but to suddenly be questioned in what they eat and drink was a new thing. Maybe that is why it was given as a "word of wisdom" as a test, so to speak, to see which saints would be obedient to the Lord's counsel without it really coming to them as a commandment - for it was "given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 89:3)

Many consider the Word of Wisdom to be a revelation of "don'ts", but there appears to be more 'do's" than "don'ts". As much as this revelation is a temporal revelation of health, I perceive it is more of a revelation to be free from the vices that control man. I believe the Lord knew the minds of men and their greed to optimize income. And as such, he explains -

"...In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 89:4)

All one has to do is look at modern day advertising schemes, promotions, habits, addictions, health problems, litigation, and modern testimonies to recognize that this was divine revelation given to a true prophet in an era when none knew of or even perceived of the conspiracies yet to come. Another testimony that Joseph Smith was the true prophet of the restoration.

Again!

"...all they who receive the oracles of God, let them beware how they hold them lest they are accounted as a light thing, and are brought under condemnation thereby, and stumble and fall when the storms descend, and the winds blow, and the rains descend, and beat upon their house." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 90:5)

D&C 88

In the Old and New Testaments, the prophets have foretold of the "abomination of desolation", the destruction that will occur at times due to sin and disobedience. I have struggled to understand that phase and have wondered at times if it was more of a result of translation. In the Doctrine and Covenants, the phrase is "desolation of abomination" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:85) which makes a lot more sense to me. It is in the 88th section that we learn more of "desolation of abomination" that will take place in the latter days.

"...For not many days hence and the earth shall tremble and reel to and fro as a drunken man; and the sun shall hide his face, and shall refuse to give light; and the moon shall be bathed in blood; and the stars shall become exceedingly angry, and shall cast themselves down as a fig that falleth from off a fig–tree.
88 And after your testimony cometh wrath and indignation upon the people.
89 For after your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst of her, and men shall fall upon the ground and shall not be able to stand.
90 And also cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds.
91 And all things shall be in acommotion; and surely, men's hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:87 - 91) (I specifically bolded one of the lines due to a recent knowing event)

It seems that these desolations of abominations will come only "after your testimony" or the testimony of his servants. To his servants, the Lord instructs -

"Abide ye in the liberty wherewith ye are made free; entangle not yourselves in sin, but let your hands be clean..."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:86) It is truth that makes us free. It is obedience to his laws that make us free for "...the law also maketh you free."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 98:8) Man is free as he avoids sin and has clean hands and a pure heart.

And to do that he commands his servants as they prepare to bear testimony to -

...assemble yourselves together, and organize yourselves, and prepare yourselves, and sanctify yourselves; yea, purify your hearts, and cleanse your hands and your feet before me, that I may make you clean;
75 That I may testify unto your Father, and your God, and my God, that you are clean from the blood of this wicked generation; that I may fulfil this promise, this great and last promise, which I have made unto you, when I will.
76 Also...that ye shall continue in prayer and fasting from this time forth.
77 And ... that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.
78 Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;
79 Of things both in aheaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms—

Why?

80 That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:74 - 80)

And to all the saints he commands -

"Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor. " (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:81)

And by doing so, those -

"that seeketh me early shall find me, and shall not be forsaken." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:83)

And of those that reject this testimony -

"...they are left without excuse, and their sins are upon their own heads."
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:82)

And in concluding and loving admonition, the Savior challenges us -

123 See that ye love one another; cease to be covetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires.
124 Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.
125 And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace.
126 Pray always, that ye may not faint, until I come. Behold, and lo, I will come quickly, and receive you unto myself. Amen. (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:123 - 126)

D&C 88

Section 88 is one of those sections that one could write blog after blog. It is in this section the Lord begins to teach to our limited and finite understanding the physics and laws of spiritual things.

That all things are "governed by law" and that "...there are many kingdoms; for there is no space in the which there is no kingdom...either a greater or a lesser kingdom.
38 And unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:37 - 38)

He who desires the greatest kingdom and glory must abide the law of that kingdom; that is "...even the law of Christ.." The law of Christ being the laws and commandments upon which the atonement is conditioned, for "...they who are not sanctified through the law...must inherit another kingdom..."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:21)

For it is by the Savior's atonement and his laws that we are sanctified. And "...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 Section 88:34)

"...For all who will have [the] blessing [of the atonement] ...shall abide the law which was appointed for that blessing, and the conditions thereof, as were instituted from before the foundation of the world." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 132:5)

The prevalent philosophy of the world that seems to bring accolades is that of a popular song "I did it my way" of which the Lord said -

"...That which breaketh a law, and abideth not by law, but seeketh to become a law unto itself, and willeth to abide in sin, and altogether abideth in sin, cannot be sanctified by law, neither by mercy, justice, nor judgment. Therefore, they must remain filthy still."
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:35)

Because of that, he admonished -

"...my friends, I leave these sayings with you to ponder in your hearts, with this commandment which I give unto you, that ye shall call upon me while I am near—
63 Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
64 Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you;" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:62 - 64)

"Behold, that which you hear is as the voice of one crying in the wilderness—in the wilderness, because you cannot see him—my voice, because my voice is Spirit; my Spirit is truth; truth abideth and hath no end; and if it be in you it shall abound." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:66)

And he promises -

"...the day shall come when you shall comprehend even God, being quickened in him and by him.
50 Then shall ye know that ye have seen me, that I am, and that I am the true light that is in you..." Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:49 - 50)

"Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:68)

D&C 85 - 87

Sometimes we become impatient with people, in that we think that they should see things as clearly as sometimes we think we see things. In my church service, I have come to the table at times with ideas that I think will emphatically teach the members what is important and what their behavior should be. I fail to grasp at times that they are at different stages, they "...are clean, but not all..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 66:3) Sometimes we are impatient even as "...the angels are crying unto the Lord day and night, who are ready and waiting to be sent forth to reap down the fields..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 86:5).

It is in the wisdom of the Savior's Parable of the Wheat and Tares that brings us back to what he expects of his leaders.

"...the Lord saith ..., pluck not up the tares while the blade is yet tender (for verily your faith is weak), lest you destroy the wheat also.

In the Lord's wisdom he instructs us -

"...let the wheat and the tares grow together until the harvest is fully ripe; then ye shall first gather out the wheat from among the tares, and after the gathering of the wheat, behold and lo, the tares are bound in bundles, and the field remaineth to be burned." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 86:6 - 7)

Recently, I have come to see the great wisdom in this parable. For several years I have had some crabgrass that grows much faster than the rest of my lawn. It is annoying. After the lawn is mowed, it is difficult to tell the two grasses apart. At times in my frustration, I've began pulling out the grass by the roots trying to get rid of the crabgrass. In doing so, I have left patches of grassless soil. And then the crabgrass comes back even stronger. I have learned that if I wait until just before mowing the lawn, the crabgrass shoots grow, very obviously, above the other grass and can be easily pulled without damaging the other grass.

How simple it becomes as we follow the counsel of the Lord.

"...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 Section 86:11)