Section 82

I know that there are Church writings that suggest that the commandments and covenants that certain brethren in the early days of the Church (revealed in this section) were to be bound by was one that they would have all things in common. Whether that is so or not, I feel that its meaning is as applicable to the saints today. We, being latter-day saints have covenanted that we -

"...are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 18:8 - 9)

Such that -

"Every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 82:19)

Which means caring for the poor and the needy. We do this with fast offerings and welfare service -

"....all this for the benefit of the church of the living God, that every man may improve upon his talent, that every man may gain other talents, yea, even an hundred fold, to be cast into the Lord's storehouse, to become the common property of the whole church—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 82:18)

In this manner so that the saints -

"...are to be equal, or in other words, you are to have equal claims on the properties, for the benefit of managing the concerns of your stewardships, every man according to his wants and his needs, inasmuch as his wants are just—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 82:17)

Which means to me that everyone is equal to make a claim on donated help "inasmuch as his wants are just". We do this by commandment for our own eternal welfare. For this purpose, the Lord said -

"...I give unto you directions how you may act before me, that it may turn to you for your salvation
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 82:9)

To those that live this law the Lord reminds us -

"I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 82:10)

D&C 81

Again we find in scripture some clear counsel to those who serve in presidencies. In this case, it is Frederick G. Williams in the first presidency -

"...Listen to the voice of him who speaketh, to the word of the Lord your God, and hearken to the calling wherewith you are called, even to be a high priest in my church, and a counselor..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 81:1)

In this case speaking of a presidency of the high priesthood -

"...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)

Speaking of the president directly to the counselor -

"...verily I acknowledge him and will bless him, and also thee, inasmuch as thou art faithful in counsel, in the office which I have appointed unto you..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 81:3)

Counselors are "faithful" as they serve -

"...in prayer always, vocally and in thy heart, in public and in private, also in thy ministry in proclaiming the gospel in the land of the living, and among thy brethren." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 81:3)

And as they preside -

"...thou wilt do the greatest good unto thy fellow beings, and wilt promote the glory of him who is your Lord." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 81:4)

They do this as they -

"...succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 81:5)

D&C 76

You can sense eternal significance of the atonement and the love of God for all His children as the Lord reveals the destiny of sons of Perdition being -

"...the only ones who shall not be redeemed in the due time of the Lord, after the sufferings of his wrath."

Which sons of Perdition are only a few. This means -

"...all the rest shall be brought forth by the resurrection of the dead, through the triumph and the glory of the Lamb, who was slain, who was in the bosom of the Father before the worlds were made.
40 And this is the gospel, [and] the glad tidings..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:39 - 40)

"...he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness;
42 That through him all might be saved whom the Father had put into his power and made by him..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:41 - 42)

The manner in which one is saved varies depending the individuals heart and desires for -

"...the glory of the celestial is one, even as the glory of the sun is one.
97 And the glory of the terrestrial is one, even as the glory of the moon is one.
98 And the glory of the telestial is one, even as the glory of the stars is one; for as one star differs from another star in glory..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:96 - 98)

The Prophet even said he -

"...saw, in the heavenly vision, the glory of the telestial, which surpasses all understanding..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:89)

The day will come that -

"...all shall bow the knee, and every tongue shall confess to him who sits upon the throne forever and ever;
111 For they shall be judged according to their works, and every man shall receive according to his own works, his own dominion, in the mansions which are prepared..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:110 - 111)

There will be those -

"...who have received of his fulness, and of his glory..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:56)

There will be those -

"...who receive of his glory, but not of his fulness..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:76)

And there will be those that -

"...shall be servants of the Most High..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:112)

Each in the glory or condition according to their desires.

D&C 76

The Prophet Joseph Smith relates that he and Sidney Rigdon -

"being in the Spirit on the sixteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two—
12 By the power of the Spirit our eyes were opened and our understandings were enlightened, so as to see and understand the things of God—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:11 - 12)

What followed was one of the greatest revelations in scripture. But before this revelation was given to the Prophet, the Lord reveals that such marvelous things are not restricted to an entitled few. He said -

"...I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:5)


To these he promises -

"...will I reveal all mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom.
8 Yea, even the wonders of eternity shall they know, and things to come will I show them, even the things of many generations." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:7 - 8)

And as He reveals mysteries -

"...their wisdom shall be great, and their understanding reach to heaven; and before them the wisdom of the wise shall perish, and the understanding of the prudent shall come to naught." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:9)

He explains that these mysteries will be revealed much the same as received by the Prophet -

"For by my Spirit will I enlighten them, and by my power will I make known unto them the secrets of my will—yea, even those things which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor yet entered into the heart of man." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:10)

This enlightenment will be for the individual, not the Church collectively as that of the Prophet. What a wonderful promise to all of -

"...those who fear me, and...those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:5)

D&C 74

We learn a great deal with this section of the Doctrine and Covenants. The first being that translated scripture is not always clear and requires guidance or clarity from the Lord, not man's own interpretation. You can tell that the Prophet Joseph Smith struggled with understanding the writings of Paul to the Corinthians. The Prophet did as we should all do - just as Nephi counseled his brethren when they replied -

"...we cannot understand the words which our father hath spoken..." (Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 15:7)

Nephi asked them -

"...Have ye inquired of the Lord?..." (Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 15:8)

In answer to the Prophets desire to understand 1 Corinthians 7:14 where Paul wrote -

"For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 7:14)

The Lord revealed -

"...in the days of the apostles the law of circumcision was had among all the Jews who believed not the gospel of Jesus Christ.
3 And it came to pass that there arose a great contention among the people concerning the law of circumcision, for the unbelieving husband was desirous that his children should be circumcised and become subject to the law of Moses, which law was fulfilled.
4 And it came to pass that the children, being brought up in subjection to the law of Moses, gave heed to the traditions of their fathers..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 74:2 - 4)

This concerned Paul because the children being Jewish -

"...believed not the gospel of Christ, wherein they became unholy." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 74:4)

So Paul counseled the saints -

"...that a believer should not be united to an unbeliever; except the law of Moses should be done away among them,
6 That their children might remain without circumcision; and that the tradition might be done away, which saith that little children are unholy..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 74:5 - 6)

For the Lord declares -

"...little children are holy, being sanctified through the atonement of Jesus Christ..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 74:7)

D&C 68

The Lord declared -

"...unto all those who were ordained unto this priesthood, whose mission is appointed unto them to go forth—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 68:2)

"...this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 68:3)

The revelations are repetitious in how important it is to teach and speak by the Holy Ghost. The continues -

"...whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 68:4)

This would not be canonized scripture, but scripture so to speak to those to whom it is intended.

And thus -

"...this is the promise of the Lord unto you, O ye my servants.
6 Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 68:5 - 6)

Can there be a greater promise that if we speak and teach by the Spirit, testifying of Him, He promises that He will stand by you.

D&C 64

The Savior lets us know -

"...I will that ye should overcome the world; wherefore I will have compassion upon you." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 64:2)

With compassion He tells the saints -

"There are those among you who have sinned; but verily I say, for this once, for mine own glory, and for the salvation of souls, I have forgiven you your sins." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 64:3)

He states of those who have sinned (which is all of us) -

"...I, the Lord, forgive sins unto those who confess their sins before me and ask forgiveness, who have not sinned unto death." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 64:7)

In my mind "not sinned unto death" suggests a diligent effort to repent and not a procrasination of repentance. His grace and forgiveness is conditioned on His own terms, but He explains that we must forgive all men saying -

"My disciples, in days of old, sought occasion against one another and forgave not one another in their hearts; and for this evil they were afflicted and sorely chastened.
9 Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.
10 I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 64:8 - 10)

He admonishes us that as we are offended -

"...ye ought to say in your hearts—let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 64:11)

...letting go and not hold a grudge.

Another point the Savior teaches to those that have been called -

"Wherefore, as ye are agents, ye are on the Lord's errand; and whatever ye do according to the will of the Lord is the Lord's business." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 64:29)

The burden on His agents is learn and know His will. He commands to those that learn His will -

"Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.
34 Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 64:33 - 34)

This applies to all the saints. But He warns that -

"even the bishop, who is a judge, and his counselors, if they are not faithful in their stewardships shall be condemned, and others shall be planted in their stead." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 64:40)

Joseph Smith - The Organization and Destiny of the True and Living Church

In the early days of the Church, the Prophet Joseph Smith prophecied -

"Brethren, I have been very much edified and instructed in your testimonies here tonight, but I want to say to you before the Lord, that you know no more concerning the destinies of this Church and kingdom than a babe upon its mother’s lap. You don’t comprehend it.’ I was rather surprised. He said, ‘It is only a little handful of Priesthood you see here tonight, but this Church will fill North and South America—it will fill the world"

He taught some important concepts with the organization of the Church. He reminded us that -

" ‘Christ … gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers’ [Ephesians 4:11]. And how were Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers and Evangelists chosen? By prophecy (revelation) and by laying on of hands:—by a divine communication, and a divinely appointed ordinance—through the medium of the Priesthood, organized according to the order of God, by divine appointment.”

He testified -

“I firmly believe in the prophets and apostles, Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone, and speak as one having authority among them, and not as the scribes.”

The organization of the Church first included -

“The Presidents or [First] Presidency are over the Church; and revelations of the mind and will of God to the Church, are to come through the Presidency. This is the order of heaven, and the power and privilege of [the Melchizedek] Priesthood.”

Then followed a Quorum of the Twelve or twelve apostles. And -

"...the calling of these Twelve Apostles, [is] different from the other callings or officers of the Church … They are the Twelve Apostles, who are called to the office of the Traveling High Council, who are to preside over the churches of the Saints. … They are to hold the keys of this ministry, to unlock the door of the Kingdom of heaven unto all nations, and to preach the Gospel to every creature. This is the power, authority, and virtue of their apostleship.”

Then follows the quorums of the Seventy. The Prophet taught -

“The Seventies are to constitute traveling quorums, to go into all the earth, whithersoever the Twelve Apostles shall call them.”

“The Seventies are not called to serve tables [see Acts 6:1–2], … but are to preach the Gospel and build [the churches] up, and set others, who do not belong to these quorums, to preside over [the churches], who are High Priests. The Twelve also are … to bear the keys of the Kingdom to all nations, and unlock the door of the Gospel to them, and call upon the Seventies to follow after them, and assist them.”

The organization continues with many other positions, offices and callings. With all the callings the Prophet taught -

“The cause of God is one common cause, in which the Saints are alike all interested; we are all members of the one common body, and all partake of the same spirit, and are baptized into one baptism and possess alike the same glorious hope. The advancement of the cause of God and the building up of Zion is as much one man’s business as another’s. The only difference is, that one is called to fulfill one duty, and another another duty; ‘but if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it, and if one member is honored all the rest rejoice with it, and the eye cannot say to the ear, I have no need of thee, nor the head to the foot, I have no need of thee;’ party feelings, separate interests, exclusive designs should be lost sight of in the one common cause, in the interest of the whole [see 1 Corinthians 12:21, 26].”

And as such -

“Brethren and sisters, be faithful, be diligent, contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the Saints [see Jude 1:3]; let every man, woman and child realize the importance of the work, and act as if success depended on his individual exertion alone; let all feel an interest in it, and then consider they live in a day, the contemplation of which animated the bosoms of kings, Prophets, and righteous men thousands of years ago—the prospect of which inspired their sweetest notes, and most exalted lays, and caused them to break out in such rapturous strains as are recorded in the Scriptures; and by and by we will have to exclaim, in the language of inspiration— "

D&C 63

It seems everyone wants a sign or evidence of the eternal nature of things of which the Lord said -

"...I say unto you, there are those among you who seek signs, and there have been such even from the beginning..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 63:8)

The Lord explained that -

"...faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 63:9)

The wicked need to be warned -

"...he that seeketh signs shall see signs, but not unto salvation." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 63:7)

"...verily I say, let the wicked take heed, and let the rebellious fear and tremble; and let the unbelieving hold their lips, for the day of wrath shall come upon them as a whirlwind, and all flesh shall know that I am God." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 63:6)

He explained -

"...with whom God is angry he is not well pleased; wherefore, unto such he showeth no signs, only in wrath unto their condemnation." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 63:11)

The then taught the same great truth He taught to Paul -

"...signs come by faith, unto mighty works, for without faith no man pleaseth God..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 63:11)

If we can only please God, we should be grateful for the privilege to exhibit faith before Him.

D&C 62

To the saints in Missouri, the Lord said -

"...hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, your advocate, who knoweth the weakness of man and how to succor them who are tempted." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 62:1)

What a comforting message, that not only is the Savior our advocate, but also knows how to come to our aid in temptation. Not only how, but that He will. He said -

"...what I say unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 61:36)

What he asks is -

"Pray always that you enter not into temptation..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 61:39)

As we do, he promises that -

"...inasmuch as you have humbled yourselves before me, the blessings of the kingdom are yours." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 61:37)

I know this to be true. He has rescued me in my temptations and witness to my soul the forgiveness and remission of sins. As I bear testimony of the atonement of Jesus Christ, I think of the promise he has given to all penitent saints who bear testimony -

"...ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 62:3)

D&C 59

The Lord has declared some very special blessings for the obedient saints that come to Zion. Those that -

"...come up unto this land with an eye single to my glory, according to my commandments." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 59:1)

He promises -

"...those that live shall inherit the earth, and those that die shall rest from all their labors, and their works shall follow them; and they shall receive a crown in the mansions of my Father, which I have prepared for them." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 59:2)

It is apparent the Lord's perspective is much higher than man as he considers death a great blessing for the righteous. For those that live -

"Yea, blessed are they whose feet stand upon the land of Zion, who have obeyed my gospel; for they shall receive for their reward the good things of the earth, and it shall bring forth in its strength.
4 And they shall also be crowned with blessings from above, yea, and with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time—they that are faithful and diligent before me." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 59:3 - 4)

These blessings appear to me more spiritual as the see more commandments or covenants as the crowning of blessings from Him. He then follows with a reminder of His commandments -

"Wherefore, I give unto them a commandment, saying thus: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him.
6 Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Thou shalt not steal; neither commit adultery, nor kill, nor do anything like unto it." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 59:5 - 6)

And even with the pending tribulations previously foretold, He says -

"Thou shalt offer a sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in righteousness, even that of a broken heart and a contrite spirit." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 59:8)

And His desire for the saints to keep the Sabbath day holy -

"And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day;
10 For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High;
11 Nevertheless thy vows shall be offered up in righteousness on all days and at all times;
12 But remember that on this, the Lord's day, thou shalt offer thine oblations and thy sacraments unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy brethren, and before the Lord.
13 And on this day thou shalt do none other thing, only let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart that thy fasting may be perfect, or, in other words, that thy joy may be full." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 59:9 - 13)

It is again apparent that the perspective of the Lord is much higher as he relates fasting with joy following with -

"Verily, this is fasting and prayer, or in other words, rejoicing and prayer." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 59:14)

The reader should review the following verses of the great blessings that follow those that keep these commandments.

D&C 58

As the saints began to settle the land of Missouri, in hindsight, the Lord seemed to be warning them of that which was to come as He says-

"...blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven.
3 Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation.
4 For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 58:2 - 4)

And then the Lord provides tidbits of profound counsel as they begin their lives in dedicated place -

"Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land.
22 Wherefore, be subject to the powers that be, until he reigns whose right it is to reign, and subdues all enemies under his feet." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 58:21 - 22)

"...it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.
27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
28 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 58:26 - 28)

"...he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.
43 By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 58:42 - 43)

Each counsel of great worth to man.

D&C 52

As the Church began to grow, the Lord revealed -

"...again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 52:14)

The Lord makes it clear as the Church grows, that he would provide a pattern from Church leaders so that the saints would not be deceived. In my mind, this also suggests that Church leaders through inspiration would provide structure and uniformity in programs and procedures throughout the Church. We see this in handbooks of instruction as well as worldwide leadership broadcasts. In the particular case the Lord was addressing with this revelation he gave this pattern -

"Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances.
16 He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances.
17 And again, he that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom, according to the revelations and truths which I have given you." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 52:15 - 17)

There is a pattern of humility and meekness that brings the Spirit of Lord. But a pattern of arrogance, over emotion, or -

"... he that is overcome and bringeth not forth fruits, even according to this pattern, is not of me." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 52:18)

"Wherefore, by this pattern ye shall know the spirits in all cases under the whole heavens." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 52:19)

The Lord lays out one additional requirement in all the patterns he sets for the saints -

"...remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 52:40)

D&C 50

In the early days of the Church, the Gift of the Holy Ghost was very new to many members and some were confused, so the Lord provides some very logical guidance as He lovingly teaches -

"... now come, saith the Lord, by the Spirit, unto the elders of his church, and let us reason together, that ye may understand;
11 Let us reason even as a man reasoneth one with another face to face.
12 Now, when a man reasoneth he is understood of man, because he reasoneth as a man; even so will I, the Lord, reason with you that you may understand." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:10 - 12)

In such a logical and reasoning approach, the Lord asks the brethren -

"...unto what were ye ordained?" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:13)

And then He answer His own question -

"To preach my gospel by the Spirit, even the Comforter which was sent forth to teach the truth." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:14)

Not just any feelings, thoughts or "spirit", but by the Holy Ghost. The Lord reasons -

"...he that is ordained of me and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the Spirit of truth, doth he preach it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?
18 And if it be by some other way it is not of God." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:17 - 18)

Some other way or "spirit" may be excitement or emotion caused by human feelings and so forth. The same holds true with receiving by the Spirit of truth -

"...again, he that receiveth the word of truth, doth he receive it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?
20 If it be some other way it is not of God." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:19 - 20)

The Lord then clearly explains -

"...he that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth?
22 Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.
23 And that which doth not edify is not of God..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:21 - 23)

The Lord explains the process of teaching and receiving by the Spirit or Holy Ghost -

"That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:24)

And those that teach must do it in humility for -

"He that is ordained of God and sent forth, the same is appointed to be the greatest, notwithstanding he is the least and the servant of all." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:26)

All other spirits become subject to these humble servants -

"Wherefore, he is possessor of all things; for all things are subject unto him, both in heaven and on the earth, the life and the light, the Spirit and the power, sent forth by the will of the Father through Jesus Christ, his Son." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:27)

Not only humility is required but also worthiness or righteousness for -

"...no man is possessor of all things except he be purified and cleansed from all sin.
29 And if ye are purified and cleansed from all sin, ye shall ask whatsoever you will in the name of Jesus and it shall be done." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:28 - 29)

Therefore -

"He that receiveth of God, let him account it of God; and let him rejoice that he is accounted of God worthy to receive.
35 And by giving heed and doing these things which ye have received, and which ye shall hereafter receive—and the kingdom is given you of the Father, and power to overcome all things which are not ordained of him—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:34 - 35)

Joseph Smith - Prayer and Personal Revelation

The Prophet taught that prayer and personal revelation go hand in hand. He questioned -

“Seeing that the Lord has never given the world to understand by anything heretofore revealed that he had ceased forever to speak to his creatures when sought unto in a proper manner, why should it be thought a thing incredible that he should be pleased to speak again in these last days for their salvation? "

In fact, it is essential that we receive personal revelation to work out our salvation. The medium for revelation is prayer -

“Supplicate at the throne of grace, that the Spirit of the Lord may always rest upon you. Remember that without asking we can receive nothing; therefore, ask in faith, and ye shall receive such blessings as God sees fit to bestow upon you..."

“Seek to know God in your closets, call upon him in the fields. Follow the directions of the Book of Mormon, and pray over, and for your families, your cattle, your flocks, your herds, your corn, and all things that you possess [see Alma 34:18–27]; ask the blessing of God upon all your labors, and everything that you engage in.”

“Slack not your duties in your families, but call upon God for his blessings upon you, and your families, upon your flocks and herds, and all that pertains to you—that you may have peace and prosperity—and while you are doing this, ‘pray for the peace of Zion, for they shall prosper that love her.’ "

Regarding personal revelation the Prophet taught -

“It is the privilege of the children of God to come to God and get revelation. … God is not a respecter of persons; we all have the same privilege.”

“We believe that we have a right to revelations, visions, and dreams from God, our heavenly Father; and light and intelligence, through the gift of the Holy Ghost, in the name of Jesus Christ, on all subjects pertaining to our spiritual welfare; if it so be that we keep his commandments, so as to render ourselves worthy in his sight.”

To receive the Holy Ghost we much be worthy -

“Virtue is one of the most prominent principles that enables us to have confidence in approaching our Father who is in heaven in order to ask wisdom at his hand. Therefore, if thou wilt cherish this principle in thine heart, thou mayest ask with all confidence before him and it shall be poured out upon thine head..."

As we are worthy we receive revelation as the Prophet taught -

“A person may profit by noticing the first intimation of the spirit of revelation; for instance, when you feel pure intelligence flowing into you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas, so that by noticing it, you may find it fulfilled the same day or soon; (i.e.) those things that were presented unto your minds by the Spirit of God, will come to pass; and thus by learning the Spirit of God and understanding it, you may grow into the principle of revelation, until you become perfect in Christ Jesus.”

For -

“No man can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelations. The Holy Ghost is a revelator.”

And as -

"...we pray in faith and simplicity, we receive the blessings God sees fit to bestow upon us."

I would like to close with a touching personal prayer by the Prophet -

"A prayer the Prophet recorded in August 1842 shows his desire for wisdom from God: “O Thou, who seest and knowest the hearts of all men … , look down upon Thy servant Joseph at this time; and let faith on the name of Thy Son Jesus Christ, to a greater degree than Thy servant ever yet has enjoyed, be conferred upon him, even the faith of Elijah; and let the lamp of eternal life be lit up in his heart, never to be taken away; and let the words of eternal life be poured upon the soul of Thy servant, that he may know Thy will, Thy statutes, and Thy commandments, and Thy judgments, to do them. As the dews upon Mount Hermon, may the distillations of Thy divine grace, glory, and honor, in the plenitude of Thy mercy, and power, and goodness, be poured down upon the head of Thy servant.”

May we be more like the Prophet

D&C 46

In the early days of the Church, standard policies and procedures had not been established in regards to meetings. The Lord instructed priesthood leaders -

"...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)

The leaders were instructed in conducting meetings to -

"...seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:8)

Because these gifts of the Spirit -

"...are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:9)

Those that have the responsibility to conduct meetings are to seek out these gifts amongst the members -

"For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.
12 To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:11 - 12)

Especially -

"...to some is given, by the Spirit of God, the word of wisdom.
18 To another is given the word of knowledge, that all may be taught to be wise and to have knowledge." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:17 - 18)

Some -

"...it is given to prophesy..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:22)

or possess a testimony of Jesus Christ for -

"To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
14 To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:13 - 14)

"And to others the discerning of spirits." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:23)

There may be times the need -

"...to some to speak with tongues;
25 And to another is given the interpretation of tongues." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:24 - 25)

But -

"...all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of God." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:26)

It is then given to those who preside and conduct such as -

"...unto the bishop of the church, and unto such as God shall appoint and ordain to watch over the church and to be elders unto the church, are to have it given unto them to discern all those gifts lest there shall be any among you professing and yet be not of God." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:27)

For -

"...unto some it may be given to have all those gifts, that there may be a head, in order that every member may be profited thereby." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:29)

Wherefore -

"...he that asketh in Spirit shall receive in Spirit...[and] He that asketh in the Spirit asketh according to the will of God; wherefore it is done even as he asketh." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:28 - 30)

Remembering -

"...ye must give thanks unto God in the Spirit for whatsoever blessing ye are blessed with.
33 And ye must practise virtue and holiness before me continually." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:32 - 33)

D&C 35

I did this blog when I was out of town a week or so ago and decided to post it.

I wanted to note a few more admonishments for those who serve as “counselors” in the Church. In regards to the Prophet, the Lord said to Sidney Rigdon –

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

The that serve as counselors should remember the Lords words to Oliver Cowdery -

“…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.
3 And thou shalt be obedient unto the things which I shall give unto him, even as Aaron, to declare faithfully the commandments and the revelations, with power and authority unto the church.
4 And if thou art led at any time by the Comforter to speak or teach, or at all times by the way of commandment unto the church, thou mayest do it.
5 But thou shalt not write by way of commandment, but by wisdom;
6 And thou shalt not command him who is at thy head, and at the head of the church...” (Doctrine and Covenants Section 28:2 - 6)

Including –

:…none have I appointed to be his counselor over him in the church, concerning church matters,”( Doctrine and Covenants Section 30:7)

Counselors are to –

“…be diligent; stand by my servant Joseph, faithfully, in whatsoever difficult circumstances he may be for the word's sake.
19 Admonish him in his faults, and also receive admonition of him. Be patient; be sober; be temperate; have patience, faith, hope and charity.” (Doctrine and Covenants Section 6:18 - 19)

D&C 45

As we have been given -

"...a commandment that then ye shall teach them unto all men; for they shall be taught unto all nations, kindreds, tongues and people." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 42:58)

There is also the burden for man to search out the truth for -

"...I have sent mine everlasting covenant into the world, to be a light to the world, and to be a standard for my people, and for the Gentiles to seek to it..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 45:9)

I think that is part of the Plan - to seek out light and truth in faith. But we are not left to do this totally on our own. The Lord said -

"Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 45:3)

Even though we fail at times, through God's mercy, we can repent as the Savior said-

"Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified;
5 Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 45:4 - 5)

Does this not sound like the Savior is our advocate? He declares to us -

"Hearken, O ye people of my church, and ye elders listen together, and hear my voice while it is called today, and harden not your hearts;
7 For verily I say unto you that I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the light and the life of the world—a light that shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not.
8 I came unto mine own, and mine own received me not; but unto as many as received me gave I power to do many miracles, and to become the sons of God; and even unto them that believed on my name gave I power to obtain eternal life." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 45:6 - 8)

He not only is our Advocate and Redeemer, he is also our friend and counselor saying -

"Wherefore, come ye unto it, and with him that cometh I will reason as with men in days of old, and I will show unto you my strong reasoning." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 45:10)