D&C 97

To the faithful, the Savior said -

"Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice—yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are accepted of me."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 97:8)

It sounds to me that the Lord is suggesting that the saints themselves know the condition of the own hearts.

D&C 95

As the Lord chastises the saints, He says -

"...behold, verily I say unto you, that there are many who have been ordained among you, whom I have called but few of them are chosen.
6 They who are not chosen have sinned a very grievous sin, in that they are walking in darkness at noon–day."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 95:5 - 6)

He then follows with -

"...verily I say unto you, I gave unto you a commandment that you should build a house, in the which house I design to endow those whom I have chosen with power from on high..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 95:8)

My focus this morning is the word "chosen".  The more I pondered these definitions, the more I have come to realize that the Lord's definition of chosen would be those that would qualify for exaltation.

D&C 95

From the Savior, we learn as parents how best to deal with our children when they are disobedient, as He says -

"VERILY, thus saith the Lord unto you whom I love, and whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, for with the chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance in all things out of temptation, and I have loved you—
2 Wherefore, ye must needs be chastened and stand rebuked before my face;
3 For ye have sinned against me a very grievous sin, in that ye have not considered the great commandment in all things, that I have given unto you..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 95:1 - 3)

I specifically note the expression of love, that an action or inactions is not acceptable, and that we will work to help.

D&C 93

Of Sidney Rigdon's call to serve a mission, the Lord said to the saints -

"...and by your prayer of faith with one consent I will uphold him."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:51)

It is clearly apparent that our prayers for our leaders and missionaries are highly effective.

D&C 93

Though some of this revelation continues to be over my head, one theme seems to be apparent -

"Man was also in the beginning with God.  Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be.
30 All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed it, to act for itself, as all intelligence also; otherwise there is no existence.
31 Behold, here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man; because that which was from the beginning is plainly manifest unto them, and they receive not the light."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:29 - 31)

That which is apparent is that as individuals or entities, we have always been.  That we have always had agency to choose.  Righteous choices brings light and truth.  And with agency, we have always been privilege to repent and progress.  Thus the nature of the "infinite atonement" for -

"Light and truth forsake that evil one."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:37)

And that at each "estate" -

"Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:38)

For -

"...God having redeemed man from the fall, men became again, in their infant state, innocent before God."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:38)

D&C 93

Much like Abinadi, John the Baptist also gives much the same doctrine and  testimony concerning the "Father". The Savior declared -

"...I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one—"  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:3)

Explaining -

"The Father because he gave me of his fulness, and the Son because I was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle, and dwelt among the sons of men."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:4)

Both God the Father and Jesus Christ are fathers.  In one way, Jesus Christ the Father because He is the Redeemer and Father of Eternal Life.  In that the Savior has literally received the fullness of the Father, they are the same nature or one.

The Savior explains -

"...I was in the beginning with the Father, and am the Firstborn;
22 And all those who are begotten through me are partakers of the glory of the same, and are the church of the Firstborn.
23 Ye were also in the beginning with the Father; that which is Spirit, even the Spirit of truth..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:21 - 23)

In other words, we were with Him in the pre-mortal existence for -

"...I am the Spirit of truth, and John bore record of me, saying: He received a fulness of truth, yea, even of all truth..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:26)

Thus the Savior is the Father and the Son as God the Father is also scripturally the Father.

D&C 90

Much like Nephi counseled to liken the scriptures to ourselves and our day, I was struck by the instructions this morning -

"Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 90:24)

Then with that the Lord counsels -

"Let your families be small, especially mine aged servant Joseph Smith's, Sen., as pertaining to those who do not belong to your families;
26 That those things that are provided for you, to bring to pass my work, be not taken from you and given to those that are not worthy—
27 And thereby you be hindered in accomplishing those things which I have commanded you."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 90:25 - 27)

There is no questions that we are to care for the poor and the needy.  Yet at the same time, we are not to run faster than we are able.  It appears to me that on one hand, Joseph Smith, Sr. was being very faithful in housing those that came to Kirtland.  But on the other hand, he must be careful that it does not limit his ability to accomplish that which he is commanded.  Obviously, this is a personal issue and must be guided by the Spirit.

I could not help but relate this to our country and current events.  Some want open borders to allow any refuge to enter, but there is also wisdom in limiting such so as not to overburden the country and its purpose...even acknowledging that there are some that "are not worthy".

D&C 90

Again, my focus this morning was on the School of the Prophets where the Lord counseled -

"That thereby they may be perfected in their ministry for the salvation of Zion..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 90:8)

...or I would add "stakes of Zion".

"That through your administration they may receive the word, and through their administration the word may go forth..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 90:9)

The Lord is instructing the First Presidency to teach His priesthood leaders.

D&C 88

As the Lord introduces the "School of the Prophets" which in my mind is now priesthood leadership meetings, He instructs of him who presides -

"Let him offer himself in prayer upon his knees before God, in token or remembrance of the everlasting covenant."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:131)

He does not necessarily say that this should take place just before the meeting, but it sounds like sound instruction.

D&C 88

The Lord prophesied concerning the end -

"...Michael shall fight their battles, and shall overcome him who seeketh the throne of him who sitteth upon the throne, even the Lamb."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:115)

Obviously, Satan's unrighteous sole desire was and is to become the redeemer having all its power thinking he would receive all its glory.

My thoughts this morning struck me that the wicked that have received so called "power" just can't give it up.  But those whose motives are righteous in their due time, tend to be humble when it is over and allows others the same opportunity.

D&C 88

In preparation for the School of the Prophets, or what I consider to be a priesthood leadership meeting, the Lord said -

"...I give unto you, who are the first laborers in this last kingdom, a commandment that you assemble yourselves together, and organize yourselves, and prepare yourselves, and sanctify yourselves; yea, purify your hearts, and cleanse your hands and your feet before me, that I may make you clean..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:74)

Adding -

"Also, I give unto you a commandment that ye shall continue in prayer and fasting from this time forth."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:76)

So that -

"...you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.
78 Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:77 - 78)

D&C 88

The Savior continues to teach new doctrine not necessarily taught in other scripture -

"...unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions.
39 All beings who abide not in those conditions are not justified."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:38 - 39)

In other words, not justified is being not in accordance, reconciled or in alignment with that kingdom.

Of those that strive to be justified in accordance with the conditions and laws of the Celestial kingdom -

"...the day shall come when you shall comprehend even God, being quickened in him and by him."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:49)

I specifically note that quickened in him and by him is the power of Christ or the power of the atonement.

D&C 88

Alma asked Zeezrom -

"Believest thou in the power of Christ unto salvation?"  (Book of Mormon | Alma 15:6)

In my mind the power of Christ is the power of the atonement.  This power is demonstrated in the law of the resurrection and the laws of justification and sanctification.

In modern day we learn -

"....verily I say unto you, that which is governed by law is also preserved by law and perfected and sanctified by the same."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:34)

And -

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

Obviously, as we strive to be governed by "God's" law or eternal laws, it the is power of Christ that justifies and sanctifies us.

D&C 88

As scientists today make all sorts of claims concerning truth, the Lord explains -

"He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth;
7 Which truth shineth.  This is the light of Christ.  As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made.
8 As also he is in the moon, and is the light of the moon, and the power thereof by which it was made;
9 As also the light of the stars, and the power thereof by which they were made;
10 And the earth also, and the power thereof, even the earth upon which you stand.
11 And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings;
12 Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space—
13 The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:6 - 13)

In other words, He is the one in control of all things.  Joseph Fielding Smith taught that the -

“Light of Christ is not a personage. It has no body. I do not know what it is as far as substance is concerned; but it fills the immensity of space and emanates from God. It is the light by which the worlds are controlled, by which they are made. It is the light of the sun and all other bodies. It is the light which gives life to vegetation. It quickens the understanding of men, and has these various functions as set forth in these verses.

“It is: ‘The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things.’

“This is our explanation in regard to the Spirit of Christ, or Light of Truth, which every man receives and is guided by. Unless a man had the blessings that come from this Spirit, his mind would not be quickened; there would be no vegetation grown; the worlds would not stay in their orbits; because it is through this Spirit of Truth, this Light of Truth, according to this revelation, that all these things are done.

“The Lord has given to ‘every man that cometh into the world,’ the guidance of the Light of Truth, or Spirit of Jesus Christ, and if a man will hearken to this Spirit he will be led to the truth and will recognize it and will accept it when he hears it.” (Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. 1, pages 52–53.)

D&C 87

As the Prophet Joseph Smith prophecies concerning wars that will pour out upon all nations, we also learn -

"...thus, with the sword and by bloodshed the inhabitants of the earth shall mourn; and with famine, and plague, and earthquake, and the thunder of heaven, and the fierce and vivid lightning also, shall the inhabitants of the earth be made to feel the wrath, and indignation, and chastening hand of an Almighty God, until the consumption decreed hath made a full end of all nations..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 87:6)

Many will claim these events will be because of man's use of this earth, but obviously, it will be related to the wickedness of men.

D&C 86

Maybe this is a little far fetched, but in reading about the parable of the wheat and tares, the Lord said -

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

As I thought of the 'tares are bound in bundles" suggest to me that the wicked will be in groups, maybe not bound by the Lord but bound by themselves.  I thought of all the protestors in groups today, many times for matters that could be classified amongst the wicked.

D&C 85

The Prophet Joseph Smith, speaking of revelation, states -

"...thus saith the still small voice, which whispereth through and pierceth all things, and often times it maketh my bones to quake while it maketh manifest..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 85:6)

I have experienced the power of revelation where "my bones quake".

The Lord also speaks of those that think they know better that their leaders -

"...who was called of God and appointed, that putteth forth his hand to steady the ark of God, shall fall by the shaft of death, like as a tree that is smitten by the vivid shaft of lightning."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 85:8)

In my mind, "putteth forth his hand to steady the ark of God" may be those that try to lead the Church contrary to priesthood leaders and the Lord.

D&C 84

This morning I was reading the words of Alma to the people of Ammonihah.  They were a strict warning of destruction because of the "gross" wickedness if they did not repent saying -

"...seeing that your hearts have been grossly hardened against the word of God, and seeing that ye are a lost and a fallen people."  (Book of Mormon | Alma 9:30)

In the latter days, the Savior now warns -

"...I, the Almighty, have laid my hands upon the nations, to scourge them for their wickedness.
97 And plagues shall go forth, and they shall not be taken from the earth until I have completed my work..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:96 - 97)

I can't help but wonder is the world becoming "grossly" wicked enough to be destroyed even to the point?

"...let the bishop go unto the city of New York, also to the city of Albany, and also to the city of Boston, and warn the people of those cities with the sound of the gospel, with a loud voice, of the desolation and utter abolishment which await them if they do reject these things."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:114)

I note the word "if" which is much the same as that given to Ammonihah.

D&C 84

As the Lord prophesied that a temple would be build in Zion in this generation (there are many ways that one can define generation), He also stated -

:,,,they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written—
58 That they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father's kingdom; otherwise there remaineth a scourge and judgment to be poured out upon the children of Zion."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:57 - 58)

The fact that many would not live the law of consecration as covenanted, would in itself void any promised blessing.

The Lord also spoke of the sign -

"And the tongue of the dumb shall speak..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:70)

In my mind, this sign has been demonstrated in my own calling.  Where I was petrified and unskillful in speaking in the beginning, the Holy Ghost as assisted me greatly in my speaking.

Finally another thought.  Speaking of supporting and sustaining missionaries, the promised -

"And he who feeds you, or clothes you, or gives you money, shall in nowise lose his reward."  Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:90)

I believe this holds for all members that support missionaries, whether of their own family or not.

D&C 84

I blogged a short time ago -

"Ye call upon my name for revelations, and I give them unto you; and inasmuch as ye keep not my sayings, which I give unto you, ye become transgressors..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 82:4)

Again the Lord warns -

"...your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received—"  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:54)

In fact -

"Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:55)

The Lord makes it clear that when He gives us commandments and revelations, we are to take them seriously.