D&C 70

Speaking to those responsible or stewards of the written revelations, the Lord said -

"...inasmuch as they receive more than is needful for their necessities and their wants, it shall be given into my storehouse;
8 And the benefits shall be consecrated unto the inhabitants of Zion, and unto their generations, inasmuch as they become heirs according to the laws of the kingdom.
9 Behold, this is what the Lord requires of every man in his stewardship, even as I, the Lord, have appointed or shall hereafter appoint unto any man."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 70:7 - 9)

Of this commandment, the Lord then said -

"And behold, none are exempt from this law who belong to the church of the living God..."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 70:10)

The Lord is making it clear that none of those who are members of the Church are exempt from living the the law of the celestial kingdom or the law of consecration and stewardship.

Though this doesn't really address that all members are bound by the law of consecration and stewardship, for my own use I wanted to include a quote by President Joseph Fielding Smith -

"It is a strange thing that there are members of the Church who cannot distinguish the difference between the law of consecration and communism. Consecration and communism have nothing in common. Communism as it is practiced relieves the individual of all his inherent rights bestowed upon him by divine agency. It makes of him a pawn of the state and removes from him his freedom. He is denied the right of independent action. Even his home life is disturbed and is controlled by the state. All freedom of expression is gone and fear takes the place of love; obedience is forced, not voluntarily given. In the Lord's plan, the inalienable rights of the individual are strictly and jealously protected. What he does he does voluntarily, not by force. His stewardship is given into his own hands and is of his own choice. His wants are carefully guarded and he is at liberty to surround himself with such comforts and conveniences as suit his fancy. His work is entirely voluntary and what he does is based on love of his fellowman. Such a plan naturally is for the salvation, temporally and spiritually, of man, and to the glory of God." (Joseph Fielding Smith, CHMR 1:306-7.)

D&C 68

Speaking to the elders of the Church, the Lord said -

"...this is an ensample unto all those who were ordained unto this priesthood, whose mission is appointed unto them to go forth—

3 And this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost.
4 And 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.
5 Behold, this is the promise of the Lord unto you, O ye my servants."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 68:2 - 5)

Is the Lord saying that whenever an ordained person speaks as moved upon by the Spirit shall become canonized scripture?  Of course not.  Scripture by definition is -

"a body of writings considered sacred or authoritative"  (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).

To become scripture, in my mind, it must needs be written whether upon paper, the mind, or the heart.  I personally believe that anything given by the Spirit should be written upon our hearts. 

I  personally take a different perspective to this verse than that that is generally taken.  Nephi taught -

"Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ."  (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 32:3)

I think that is what this verse is saying.  Those that speak as moved upon by the Spirit will speak the words of Christ, or in other words, scripture which is the mind and will of the Lord.  Joseph Fielding Smith taught -

"What is scripture? When one of the brethren stands before a congregation of the people today, and the inspiration of the Lord is upon him, he speaks that which the Lord would have him speak. It is just as much scripture as anything you will find written in any of these records, and yet we call these the standard works of the Church. We depend, of course, upon the guidance of the brethren who are entitled to inspiration.


There is only one man in the Church at a time who has the right to give revelation for the Church, and that is the President of the Church. But that does not bar any other member in this Church from speaking the word of the Lord, as indicated here in this revelation, section 68, but a revelation that is to be given as these revelations are given in this book, to the Church, will come through the presiding officer of the church; yet, the word of the Lord, as spoken by other servants at the general conferences and stake conferences, or wherever they may be when they speak that which the Lord has put into their mouths, is just as much the words of the Lord as the writings and the words of other prophets in other dispensations. " (Joseph Fielding Smith, DS 1:186.)

D&C 67

The Savior taught -

"...no man has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God.
12 Neither can any natural man abide the presence of God, neither after the carnal mind."  Doctrine and Covenants Section 67:11 - 12)

In our current New Testament, John taught -

"No man hath seen God at any time."  (New Testament 1 John 4:12)

It seems that there is something missing that was not included in translations because we know Moses talked with God face to face.  The Savior Himself stated an exception  -

"Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father."  (New Testament John 6:46)

In the Joseph Smith translation of the Bible we are told what condition is missing -

"JST John 1:19 ... except he hath borne record of the Son..."  (New Testament:John 1:18)

But what really is the issue is what the Lord followed these statements with -

"Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected.
14 Let not your minds turn back; and when ye are worthy, in mine own due time, ye shall see and know that which was conferred upon you by the hands of my servant Joseph Smith, Jun. Amen"  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 67:13 - 14)

He states that the real matter is that in His own due time, we shall see and know.  I read the testimony of  Joseph F. Merrill this morning and decided to include it in my blog.  Only because I can testify that I had a very similar experience in the mission field -

"When I was about ten years of age, I began to pray for a special blessing. But I did not get an answer. Why? Father had taught us that there are three factors that must characterize every prayer that the Lord will answer: We must pray for real needs . . . we must pray worthily, and we must pray with faith.


In answer to my first prayer, no answer came. The faith was there, I felt, to the extent that I could exert it. The need was there, I felt certainly no doubt about that, but was the worthiness? I could as always think of something, as I prayed night after night without an answer, that I had done that I should not have done, and so I continued to pray, feeling that when I could make myself worthy of an answer, I would get it. . . .

In the latter part of the month of August, 1887, in my nineteenth year, after I had been praying nightly for nine long years with all the earnestness of my soul for this special blessing, I was alone in the bedroom, and I said, half aloud, 'O Father, wilt thou not hear me?' I was beginning to get discouraged. . . .

Then something happened. The most glorious experience that I have received, came. In answer to my question I heard as distinctly as anything I have ever heard in my life the short, simple word: 'Yes.' Simultaneously my whole being, from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, was filled with the most joyous feeling of elation, of peace and certainty that I could imagine a human being could experience. I sprang from my knees and jumped as high as I could, and shouted: 'O Father, I thank thee.' At last an answer had come. I knew it.

Why did it not come before? I have thanked the Lord many times since, that He withheld the answer. . . . Since which time never has a day passed that I have forgotten to pray. And as long as memory lasts I cannot forget the thrilling experience of that night." (Joseph F. Merrill, CR, April 1944, pp. 151-52.)

D&C 67

Having had revealed His preface to the Book of Commandments or modern-day Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord said to those gathered in conference -

"And again, verily I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 67:10)

He then explains how they will see Him and know that He is -

"...—not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 67:10)

What seemed to jump out at me was the words "your privilege, and a promise ".  Privilege means -

"a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor"  (Merriam-Webster Dictionary}

The Lord later taught of this privilege that -

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

And also -

"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)

This is the privilege of those that come unto this priesthood and strips themselves of jealousies, fears, and do humble themselves before the Lord.

D&C 64

After revealing that even the Prophet Joseph Smith had sinned, the Lord said -

"...I, the Lord, forgive sins unto those who confess their sins before me and ask forgiveness..."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 64:7)

Like the Prophet, I to continue to sin.  I am always striving to repent and do better.  But where I may fail a great deal is recognizing my weaknesses before the Lord, confessing my sins and asking forgiveness.  I sometimes assume that in my efforts, this is assumed - but maybe not.  The Lord said -

"And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 59:21)

Maybe my prayers should include a little bit more confession and more asking for forgiveness.

D&C 63

As the saints in Kirtland were anxious in receiving continual revelation on any subject concerning their salvation, the Lord said -

"HEARKEN, O ye people, and open your hearts and give ear from afar; and listen, you that call yourselves the people of the Lord, and hear the word of the Lord and his will concerning you."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 63:1)

The emphasis seemed to be "his will concerning" them.  Speaking of Himself, He continued -

"Who willeth to take even them whom he will take, and preserveth in life them whom he will preserve;
4 Who buildeth up at his own will and pleasure; and destroyeth when he pleases..."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 63:3 - 4)

And His will is -

"Behold, I, the Lord, utter my voice, and it shall be obeyed."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 63:5)

And as He teaches concerning those that seek a sign, He says -

"...signs come by faith, not by the will of men, nor as they please, but by the will of God."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 63:10)

Just because we have faith in an outcome is not the issue.  We must have faith in Jesus Christ, according to the outcome of his will, to be true faith for -

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

To believe, one must accept the will of God over ones own will.  The Lord promises -

"...he that endureth in faith and doeth my will, the same shall overcome..."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 63:20)

And -

"...unto him that keepeth my commandments I will give the mysteries of my kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life.
24 And now, behold, this is the will of the Lord your God concerning his saints..."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 63:23 - 24)

D&C 60

As a group of elders were following the commandment of the Lord -

"...Let there be a craft made, or bought, as seemeth you good, it mattereth not unto me, and take your journey speedily for the place which is called St. Louis.
6 And from thence let my servants, Sidney Rigdon, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Oliver Cowdery, take their journey for Cincinnati..."  (Doctrine and Covenants
Section 60:5 - 6)
 
I'm sure that as the Prophet with a group of elders made there way to St. Louis, the Spirit wrought upon the Prophet's mind whereby it was revealed -
 
"...it is not needful for this whole company of mine elders to be moving swiftly upon the waters, whilst the inhabitants on either side are perishing in unbelief."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 61:3)
 
My thoughts this morning is that much of the Lord's commandments is the goal or that which we desire to achieve.  In this instruction you sense the Lord is now teaching that is our haste, we may be losing focus of the process and the blessings that could be acquired by doing so.  As we go about our day to day chores and responsibilities, we should be mindful that the Lord had instructed his priesthood -
 
"...let them lift up their voice and declare my word with loud voices, without wrath or doubting, lifting up holy hands upon them. For I am able to make you holy, and your sins are forgiven you."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 60:7)
 
For -
 
"...with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man. Wo unto such, for mine anger is kindled against them."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 60:2)
 
President Joseph Fielding Smith said -
 
"It is true that not every man is a natural missionary, and there are those who shrink from the responsibility of raising their voices in proclamation of the Gospel, and yet this is an obligation that we owe to this fallen world. The elders in the very beginning had been commanded to serve the Lord with all their 'heart, might, mind and strength' [Sec. 4:2], for the field is white and ready for the harvest. A penalty was to be inflicted upon those who failed and they were not to stand blameless at the last day. The preaching of the Gospel was to be a means to them by which they were not to perish, but bring salvation to their souls. There are many who have been sent forth who have had a fear of man, yet the Lord has promised to support them in their labors if they will trust in him." (Joseph Fielding Smith, CHMR 1:203-4.)

D&C 59

As the very beginning of gathering in Zion, the Lord instructed -

"...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..."  (Doctrine and Covenants
Section 59:9 - 10)
 
What are these "sacraments" that the saints were to offer?  The Lord again instructs -
 
"...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."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 59:12)
 
A footnote on the word "oblations" provides the definition -
 
"offerings, whether of time, talents, or means, in service of God and fellowman"  (Doctrine and Covenants:Section 59:12)
 
So in addition to the offering of a broken heart and contrite spirits, the Lord considers our oblations on His day a sacrament.  Isn't the sabbath a wonderful day to offer our time, talents, and service to the Lord.  We do this as we teach, preach, visit, exhort, and testify.  In a commentary on the Doctrine and Covenants, we read -
 
"On the Sabbath, the Saints should be in the house of prayer and offer up their 'sacraments'; that is, present their devotions before the Lord, in the form of songs of praise, prayer and thanksgiving, testimonies, partaking of the Sacrament, and contemplation of the Word of God. All this is meant by the word 'sacrament,' which, in its widest range, stands for any sacred rite or ceremony whereby we affirm our allegiance to our divine Lord." (Smith and Sjodahl, DCC, p. 351)