Scripture Blog

This weblog is my personal online scripture journal. I try to read the scriptures each morning as I exercise on my cross-trainer. It has a great impact on my life and my testimony of the Savior and his restored church. The journal is really for my own benefit but I have set it up as a web log in hopes to benefit anyone else that may be interested. "For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost..." 1 Nephi 10:19

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

D&C 19

We read in the introduction of this revelation that this section was more than a revelation only but as the Prophet recorded in his history that it was -

"a commandment of God and not of man, to Martin Harris, given by him who is Eternal." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 19:Heading)

A commandment that -

"...surely every man must repent or suffer..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 19:4)

For -

"...if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;
18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 19:17 - 18)

You can sense the importance of the Lord's commandment as he pleads -

"Wherefore, I command you to repent, and keep the commandments..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 19:13)

Saying again -

"Wherefore, I command you again to repent, lest I humble you with my almighty power; and that you confess your sins, lest you suffer these punishments of which I have spoken..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 19:20)

Could it be anymore plain? And his commandment to repent does not stop there -

"I command you that you preach naught but repentance..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 19:21)

The Lord explains -

"For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 19:16)

In summary -

"...Yea, come unto me thy Savior..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 19:41)

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

D&C 18

The Lord said to Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer -

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

I believe there is a tendency for most men to perceive or value or prefer one individual over another. But the Lord has said -

"...I am no respecter of persons..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:35)

I must learn to have charity for all men. The Lord teaches us that -

"...you are called to cry repentance unto this people.
15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!
16 And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 18:14 - 16)

One interesting perspective of these words is given by Rudger Clawson -

"...if one of these men should labor all his days, and bring save it be but one soul unto Christ, and that one should be his wife, what great joy he would have with his wife in heaven. Then if he should labor all his days and bring unto Christ the souls of his wife and his children, and none else perchance, how great would be his joy in heaven with his wife and children." (Rudger Clawson, CR, April 1901, pp. 7-8.)

A perspective that we should definitely labor within our families.

Monday, August 24, 2009

D&C 18

We are familiar with the words of the Savior -

"...Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 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 16:17 - 19)

There have been many interpretations of "this rock". Some suggest it isrevelation while others claim that it is Peter himself. In modern revelation, the Lord said -

"...I give unto you a commandment, that you rely upon the things which are written;
4 For in them are all things written concerning the foundation of my church, my gospel, and my rock." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 18:3 - 4)

The Church, the gospel, and the rock seem to be interrelated but with seperate meanings. The Lord explains -

"Wherefore, if you shall build up my church, upon the foundation of my gospel and my rock, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 18:5)

Again he talks of the foundation of my rock. And if so, the gates of hell will not prevail. As noted, the Lord follows this explanation of the rock with the statement that he will give Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

Paul taught that -

"...he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." (New Testament Ephesians 4:11 - 12)

"...built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone..." (New Testament Ephesians 2:20)

I believe the rock then referred to is the priesthood and priesthood keys. It is upon this rock the Church could be built and the gospel so manifest. Having restored the priesthood and giving Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer the charge to search out twelve apostles, the Lord suggests therefore -

"...you have my gospel before you, and my rock, and my salvation." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 18:17)

With priesthood keys restored, the foundation or rock was in place to build the Church, teach the gospel, and bring about His salvation.

Friday, August 21, 2009

D&C 17

In the front of every Book of Mormon is this testimony -

THE TESTIMONY OF THREE WITNESSES

BE IT KNOWN unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come: That we, through the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this record, which is a record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites, their brethren, and also of the people of Jared, who came from the tower of which hath been spoken. And we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true. And we also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates; and they have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man. And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these things are true. And it is marvelous in our eyes. Nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these things. And we know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgment-seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And the honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen.

OLIVER COWDERY
DAVID WHITMER
MARTIN HARRIS
(Book of Mormon Preface 3 Witnesses:Heading - 1)

It is the firm and solemn testimony of three witnesses who were promised to -

"...have a view of the plates, and also of the breastplate, the sword of Laban, the Urim and Thummim, which were given to the brother of Jared upon the mount, when he talked with the Lord face to face, and the miraculous directors which were given to Lehi while in the wilderness, on the borders of the Red Sea." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 17:1)

And as such were commanded to -

"...testify that you have seen them, even as my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., has seen them..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 17:5)

But even with the testimonies of the Prophet Joseph Smith and these three witnesses, I was touched by the testimony of the Savior Himself regarding the Prophet and the Book of Mormon -

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

Thursday, August 20, 2009

D&C 13

With the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood, John the Baptist taught -

"...the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 13:1)

It is these initial keys the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints possesses. It is under his direction that bishops preside and are are given these key over jurisdiction boundaries for -

"The bishopric is the presidency of this priesthood, and holds the keys or authority of the same." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:15)

This means that bishops by virtue of the president of the priesthood hold three keys -

1) the keys of the ministering of angels
2) the keys of the gospel of repentance
3) the keys of baptism

The definition of angels in my mind is a messenger sent from God. Angels then could be spiritual beings, glorified beings, and even earthly messengers. The priesthood is authority to act for God. It is the bishop that holds keys to the "ministering" of angels. This may include the help of guardian angels as the bishopric prays on behalf of ward members. In addition, the bishopric holds keys to oversee and organize the ward council, home teaching, visiting teaching, and other forms of "ministering" angels to minister to ward members.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

D&C 13

As John the Baptist restored the keys of the Aaronic priesthood, he -

"...explained that he was acting under the direction of Peter, James, and John, the ancient apostles, who held the keys of the higher priesthood, which was called the Priesthood of Melchizedek." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 13:Heading)

Joseph Smith recorded -

"The messenger who visited us on this occasion, and conferred this Priesthood upon us, said that his name was John, the same that is called John the Baptist in the New Testament [ Lk. 3:1-17; 7:24-35], and that he acted under the direction of Peter, James and John, who held the keys of the Priesthood of Melchizedek, which Priesthood he said would in due time be conferred on us, and that I should be called the first Elder of the Church and he (Oliver Cowdery) the second. It was on the 15th day of May, 1829, that we were ordained under the hand of this messenger and baptized.

Immediately on our coming up out of the water after we had been baptized we experienced great and glorious blessings from our Heavenly Father. No sooner had I baptized Oliver Cowdery, than the Holy Ghost fell upon us and he stood up and prophesied concerning the rise of this Church, and many other things connected with the Church, and this generation of the children of men. We were filled with the Holy Ghost, and rejoiced in the God of our salvation." (Joseph Smith, HC 1:32-33.)

In ward units, the bishopric -

:The bishopric is the presidency of this priesthood, and holds the keys or authority of the same." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:15)

In stake units, the stake presidency holds the keys of the Melchizedek priesthood within the stake. The words of John the Baptist that he acted under the direction of Peter, James, and John (Presidency of Melchizedek priesthood) is significant. The presidency of the Melchizedek priesthood presides over the presidency of the Aaronic priesthood and they act under their direction.

Just another matter of thought. Would there be anyway that a young Joseph Smith would somehow contemplate these simple words had it all been a fabricated story as some my presume.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

D&C 11

As Hyrum seemed to want to know what the Lord would have him do, the Lord said -

"...I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion.
7 Seek not for riches but for wisdom; and, behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 11:6 - 7)

The Lord emphasizes several times in this revelation that Hyrum is to "keep My commandments". For Hyrum as with all saints -

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

And in doing so, he was to seek "wisdom". The Lord then explains how one seeks wisdom -

"Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men.
22 But now hold your peace; study my word which hath gone forth among the children of men, and also study my word which shall come forth among the children of men, or that which is now translating, yea, until you have obtained all which I shall grant unto the children of men in this generation, and then shall all things be added thereto." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 11:21 - 22)

I believe the Lord is telling us that we obtain "wisdom" as we study his word. He even suggests that if we study and follow His word, even "all which [He] shall grant", "then shall all things be added thereto." But it begins by obtaining and study His words that have already been given to us. It is herein that we obtain wisdom and are made "rich".

Monday, August 17, 2009

D&C 10

As the Lord reminds the Prophet Joseph Smith of the lost manuscripts, he tells him -

"...you also lost your gift at the same time, and your mind became darkened." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 10:2)

In the early revelations in the Church, at the grassroot of preparation for the growth of the Church, the Lord seems to be teaching first the basic principles of revelation, the Holy Ghost, enlightenment, and also darkness.

Of the First Vision, the Prophet recounts -

"...I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction." (Pearl of Great Price JS-History 1:15)

The reality if darkness and Satan is taught as the Lord warns him -

"...Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 10:5)

The Lord makes it clear that He will -

"...enlighten thy mind; and now I tell thee these things that thou mayest know that thou hast been enlightened by the Spirit of truth..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 6:15)

And that He -

"...will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.
3 Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 8:2 - 3)

And that -

"...that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 9:8)

And if it is not correct or not according to His light -

"...you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 9:9)

In my mind, stupor of thought is not necessarily darkness but the absence of additional light. But when thoughts come as an influence of Satan, that is darkness or the absence of light.

No wonder the Lord says of himself -

"I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 10:58)

Friday, August 14, 2009

D&C 9

Many saints have served in important and responsible positions in the Church. Many are greatly qualified and talented in their abilities to serve in, so called, greater positions. But what is important is that we willing to serve in the present call and do so diligently.

Oliver Cowdery was told that he possessed the gift of translation just as the Prophet Joseph Smith. Oliver even attempted to translate the sacred record at one time but really struggled in doing so. It was then that the Lord taught this principle -

"Be patient, my son, for it is wisdom in me, and it is not expedient that you should translate at this present time.
4 Behold, the work which you are called to do is to write for my servant Joseph." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 9:3 - 4)

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

Oliver though was promised -

"...behold, other records have I, that I will give unto you power that you may assist to translate." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 9:2)

Of course, if he remained faithful which he did not at times. J. Reuben Clark served as a first counselor in the First Presidency. After it was reorganzied, he was called to be the second counselor. Many saints thought this inappropriate. But President Clark taught -

"In the service of the Lord, it is not where you serve but how. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one takes the place to which one is duly called, which place one neither seeks nor declines" (Conference Report, Apr. 1951, 154).

Thursday, August 13, 2009

D&C 8

Tonight we have a stake priesthood meeting. Today as I read the 8th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants, I thought I should jot down some thoughts that came to mind as I read this section in case I am asked to share some thoughts this evening.

On our recent "Trek to Zion" i taught the young men -

"...this greater priesthood ...holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:19)

And -

"The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood...
19 To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them…" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:18 - 19)

In addition to the Melchizedek priesthood we know that the Aaronic Priesthood also -

"...holds the keys of the ministering of angels…" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 13:1)

A month before the Aaronic Priesthood was restored, before he was baptized, and a year before the Church was even organized or existed, the Lord said to Oliver Cowdery -

"...blessed art thou for what thou hast done; for thou hast inquired of me, and behold, as often as thou hast inquired thou hast received instruction of my Spirit." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 6:14)

"Behold, thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me and I did enlighten thy mind; and now I tell thee these things that thou mayest know that thou hast been enlightened by the Spirit of truth;" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 6:15)

The Lord is teaching us that as often as we inquire of Him he will enlighten us. I believe there are limits to that if we are not willing to progress and receive His priesthoods because He suggested for this to continue -
 
"Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 6:20)

And if we do and honor His priesthoods, He said -

"I say unto you, that assuredly as the Lord liveth, who is your God and your Redeemer, even so surely shall you receive a knowledge of whatsoever things you shall ask in faith, with an honest heart, believing that you shall receive a knowledge..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 8:1)

Explaining -

"...behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 8:2)

For -

"...behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 8:3)

When the Lord says he will enlighten our minds - this is Intelligence -

"...or, in other words, light and truth." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 93:36)

The Prophet Joseph Smith 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 what 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…" (Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith (Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book Co., 1938), p. 151)

In my mind, this does not just apply to spiritual things but also secular learning for the Lord said -

"...all things both spiritual and temporal..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 29:31)

For -

"...all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 29:34)

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

D&C 6

This revelation is very interesting to me. It was given in April, 1929, a year before the official organization of the Church. At this time, the Book of Mormon had not come forth and there were few that believed the words of the Prophet. It is in this early revelation the Lord said -

"...fear not, little flock..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 6:34)

Little flock is right! In this case He is speaking to the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. At this point in time, one would think it a bold statement to say -

"...do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 6:34)

...had it not been a revelation from the Lord. The Lord then admonishes -

"Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 6:33)

"Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 6:36)

With this final thought -

"...I say unto you, if they reject my words, and this part of my gospel and ministry, blessed are ye, for they can do no more unto you than unto me." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 6:29)

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

D&C 6

To Oliver Cowdery, the Lord commends -

"...blessed art thou for what thou hast done; for thou hast inquired of me, and behold, as often as thou hast inquired thou hast received instruction of my Spirit..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 6:14)

As we liken the scriptures to ourselves, the Lord is saying that as often as we inquire of Him, he will provide instruction by the Holy Ghost. He explains to Oliver -

"Behold, thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me and I did enlighten thy mind; and now I tell thee these things that thou mayest know that thou hast been enlightened by the Spirit of truth..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 6:15)

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines enlighten as -

"illuminate or to furnish knowledge to, to instruct , to give spiritual insight to"

This seems to follow what the Lord later teaches -

"The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 93:36)

Monday, August 10, 2009

D&C 5

In a revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith at the request of Martin Harris, the Lord said to the Prophet -

"...you shall be ordained and go forth and deliver my words unto the children of men." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 5:6)

I believe that the Lord, sensing a concern of the Prophet that many would not believe his words unless he provided some proof, said -

"...if they will not believe my words, they would not believe you, my servant Joseph, if it were possible that you should show them all these things which I have committed unto you." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 5:7)

We know this was the case during the Savior's ministry in the meridian of time. Of the world in our day, the Lord said -

"...this unbelieving and stiffnecked generation—mine anger is kindled against them." Doctrine and Covenants Section 5:8)

And the Lord follows with this prophecy -

"For a desolating scourge shall go forth among the inhabitants of the earth, and shall continue to be poured out from time to time, if they repent not, until the earth is empty, and the inhabitants thereof are consumed away and utterly destroyed by the brightness of my coming." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 5:19)

For -

"...even as I also told the people of the destruction of Jerusalem; and my word shall be verified at this time as it hath hitherto been verified." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 5:20)

There are many ancient and modern prophecies of the destruction in the last days conditional if the people repent not - or in other words, believe the words of His prophets. This scourge or destruction will not happen all at once, but -

"...shall continue to be poured out from time to time..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 5:19)

- suggesting to me that this will be periodic demonstration of warnings to assist many to repent. As the world becomes more numb to these catastrophic events, the more they will be past repentence and ripened for utter destruction.

Friday, August 07, 2009

D&C 4

As he desired to know the will of the Lord concerning him, the Lord said to Joseph Smith, Sr., the father of the Prophet -

..."if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 4:3)

Does that mean that anyone that wants to serve may serve the Lord how he chooses or any self appointed office. Of course not. I believe that the Lord is saying that first, if ye desire to serve you are not limited in sharing your testimony and assisting and serving others. To be baptized we must be -

"...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..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 18:8 - 9)

With baptisms we are called to this work. At that time, Elder George Albert Smith said -

"My understanding is that the most important mission that I have in this life is: first, to keep the commandments of God, as they have been taught to me; and next, to teach them to my Father's children who do not understand them. . . . It is not necessary for you to be called to go into the mission field in order to proclaim the truth. Begin on the man who lives next door by inspiring confidence in him, by inspiring love in him for you because of your righteousness, and your missionary work has already begun. [Sec. 4:4-7, quoted.]" (George Albert Smith, CR, October 1916, pp. 50-51.)

But to preach and testify with authority to the world as an authorized representative, the Lord has added -

"That as many as shall come before my servants Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, Jun., embracing this calling and commandment, shall be ordained and sent forth to preach the everlasting gospel among the nations—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 36:5)

And -

"...those who desire in their hearts, in meekness, to warn sinners to repentance, let them be ordained unto this power." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 63:57)

For in this service in going forth to preach to the world -

"...you need not suppose that you are called to preach until you are called." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 11:15)

But nonetheless, if we have a desire to serve, we should approach our leaders with this desire. It never seems to fail that if we are qualified, in consequence we are called to the work.

Thursday, August 06, 2009

D&C 3

Each time I read this section, I find myself again likening the scriptures unto me. I am reminded -

"...although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he boasts in his own strength, and sets at naught the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 3:4)

If the Lord will say this to the Prophet Joseph Smith, it surely will apply to any He has called to the work. Not only is boasting of his own strenght but -

"...how oft you have transgressed the commandments and the laws of God, and have gone on in the persuasions of men.
7 For, behold, you should not have feared man more than God. Although men set at naught the counsels of God, and despise his words." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 3:6 - 7)

Herein are three important warnings to leaders; 1) believing that things are being done by one's own wisdom, abilities, and strengths, 2) not following the counsel of the Lord (or His servants), and, 3) which correlates with two, following the persuasions of men. The Lord said to the Prophet -

"...you should have been faithful; and he would have extended his arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 3:8)

Therein is the great promise, if we heed these warnings and trust Him, He will support us.

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

D&C 2

Moroni, with a few variations from Malachi, said to the Prophet Joseph Smith -

"...I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
2 And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers.
3 If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 2:1 - 3)

With little fanfare, Elijah has come as the Prophet later recorded -

"...another great and glorious vision burst upon us; for Elijah the prophet, who was taken to heaven without tasting death, stood before us, and said:
14 Behold, the time has fully come, which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi—testifying that he [Elijah] should be sent, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come—
15 To turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse—
16 Therefore, the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands; and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 110:13 - 16)

I note that the keys he committed were for the purpose of turning the hearts of fathers and children. Keys that had sufficient power to bind the hearts of families. President Spencer W. Kimball explained -

"Why should he send Elijah? Because he held the keys of the authority to administer in all the ordinances of the priesthood, and without the authority that is given, the ordinances could not be administered in righteousness.

Salvation could not come to this world without the mediation of Jesus Christ. How shall God come to the rescue of the generations? He will send Elijah the prophet. The law revealed to Moses in Horeb never was revealed to the children of Israel as a nation. Elijah shall reveal the covenants to seal the hearts of the fathers to the children and the children to the fathers. The anointing and sealing is to be called, elected, and the election made sure." (Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, May 1978, p. 48.)

This power was to bind, link, and seal hearts together. At first to annoint or elect and secondly, conditioned upon faithfulness, permantly seal or in other words, the election is made sure. Is there any question that without this power and condition that everything would be a big waste at His coming.

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Faith

Today, I am not doing a scripture blog of my reading. It am writing about a topic that was heavy on my mind.

I was troubled recently as an individual related an experience where they demonstrated great faith, and while doing so, received a witness of the Spirit of feelings of assurance and peace that things would work out as hoped for. Things did not work out as hoped for or as the individual was assured of. It was devastating to the individual.

I found myself unable to answer the question. The question being, why would the Lord provide peace and assurance as one demonstrated great faith having great hope in things not seen? Why would He provide such peace and assurance and then not sustain this granted assurance with the desired outcome. The individual claimed that they would have been better prepared for the outcome if no assurance or peace was given.

With that, I began to search the scriptures for answers. As I pondered this dilemma, the following are the thoughts that came to me. The first being –

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Old Testament Isaiah 55:8 - 9)

The first answer is that we do not understand all things. Our logic and perspective is greatly less than the Lords. Our limitations are apparent as Paul taught -

“…we walk by faith, not by sight…” (New Testament 2 Corinthians 5:7)

A veil of forgetfulness was placed on our minds at birth leaving us with the burden to develop faith. In fact, the development of faith is one of the main purposes of coming to earth. Without this veil, none would be able to develop and demonstrate faith. We understood this -


“When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy…” (Old Testament Job 38:7)

In fact the very first principle of the gospel is –

“…Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Pearl of Great Price Articles of Faith 1:4)

What is faith? We come to understand that -

“…if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.” (Book of Mormon Alma 32:21)

What I find interesting is the Lord promises us that if we have faith or hope for things which are not seen, which are true (true being the Lord Jesus Christ), he promises the Gift of the Holy Ghost and –

“…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance…” (New Testament Galatians 5:22 - 23)

“THEREFORE being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…” (New Testament Romans 5:1)

He promises that whenever we demonstrate faith we will receive peace through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Helaman records that as Nephite army with his two thousand young stripling warriors

“…did pour out our souls in prayer to God, that he would strengthen us and deliver us…” (Book of Mormon Alma 58:10)

He says that -

“…the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him.” (Book of Mormon Alma 58:11)

Were all the souls in the Nephite army delivered? No. But nonetheless they did receive assurance and peace because of the faith. That is being justified by faith, they received peace and assurance.

I sense the purpose of life is to develop and demonstrate faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He promises that he will grant great faith with peace and assurance no matter what the outcome is. The outcome is not necessarily issue. What we are commanded to do is have faith in Jesus Christ, the desired or “hoped for” outcome will depend on the mind and will of the Lord. I am reminded of His words –

“And …he that hath faith in me to be healed, and is not appointed unto death, shall be healed.” (Doctrine and Covenants Section 42:48)

From these words I sense that faith is required to receive the desired outcome, conditional upon the mind and will of the Lord. In this case, if one is appointed unto death, no matter what faith is demonstrated, Lord is not going to grant that which he knows is not in our best interest for the interest of others – and yet he promises to grant peace and assurances. In my mind this may involve welfare matters, health, employment, our family issues, and so forth.

Paul taught –

“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God…” (New Testament Hebrews 11:3)

The Lord said -

“I, the Lord God, created all things, of which I have spoken, spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth…” (Pearl of Great Price Moses 3:5)

And –

“…the Gods watched those things which they had ordered until they obeyed.” (Pearl of Great Price Abraham 4:18)

Even though all things were created spiritually by faith, did all things obey?


“Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me… I caused that he should be cast down…” (Pearl of Great Price Moses 4:3)

Even with great faith, the outcome is not always the things hoped for.

“…faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.” (Book of Mormon Ether 12:6)

He has always said –

“My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them…” (Doctrine and Covenants Section 136:31)


In a recent talk, Elder David A. Bednar told this story
“Several years ago there was a young father who had been active in the Church as a boy but had chosen a different path during his teenage years. After serving in the military, he married a lovely girl, and soon children blessed their home.
One day without warning their little four-year-old daughter became critically ill and was hospitalized. In desperation and for the first time in many years, the father was found on his knees in prayer, asking that the life of his daughter be spared. Yet her condition worsened. Gradually, this father sensed that his little girl would not live, and slowly his prayers changed; he no longer prayed for healing but rather for understanding. “Let Thy will be done” was now the manner of his pleadings.
Soon his daughter was in a coma, and the father knew her hours on earth were few. Fortified with understanding, trust, and power beyond their own, the young parents prayed again, asking for the opportunity to hold her close once more while she was awake. The daughter’s eyes opened, and her frail arms reached out to her parents for one final embrace. And then she was gone. This father knew their prayers had been answered—a kind, compassionate Father in Heaven had comforted their hearts. God’s will had been done, and they had gained understanding. (Adapted from H. Burke Peterson, “Adversity and Prayer,” Ensign, Jan. 1974, 18.)
Discerning and accepting the will of God in our lives are fundamental elements of asking in faith in meaningful prayer. However, simply saying the words “Thy will be done” is not enough. Each of us needs God’s help in surrendering our will to Him.
“Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other” (Bible Dictionary, “Prayer,” 752–53). Humble, earnest, and persistent prayer enables us to recognize and align ourselves with the will of our Heavenly Father. And in this the Savior provided the perfect example as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, “saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. … And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly” (Luke 22:42, 44).
The object of our prayers should not be to present a wish list or a series of requests but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is eager to bestow, according to His will and timing. Every sincere prayer is heard and answered by our Heavenly Father, but the answers we receive may not be what we expect or come to us when we want or in the way we anticipate. This truth is evident in the three examples I have presented today.
Prayer is a privilege and the soul’s sincere desire. We can move beyond routine and “checklist” prayers and engage in meaningful prayer as we appropriately ask in faith and act, as we patiently persevere through the trial of our faith, and as we humbly acknowledge and accept ‘not my will, but Thine, be done.’” (Liahona, May 2008,Elder David A. Bednar Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)
The greatest test and demonstration of faith will come after one has demonstrated great faith, had hoped and prayed for a desired outcome, one who had received the peace and assurance from faith, and then failed in receiving the desired outcome. The demonstration of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ under these conditions, as one who –
“…becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.” (Book of Mormon Mosiah 3:19)

“…becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord…” (Book of Mormon Mosiah 3:19)

In my mind this is the greatest test one may pass through. Let's not forget the faith of Job, who having lost all, even his family, health, and wealth was able to muster -

"...I know that my redeemer liveth..." (Old Testament Job 19:25)