Elder Patrick Kearon - Receive His Gift

 Elder Kearon taught - 

"We can think of gift giving as having three parts to it:

The giving of the gift, where the giver selects, makes, or prepares the gift and presents it to the loved one. This involves thoughtful intention on the part of the giver to give something meaningful.

The accepting and opening of the gift, when the recipient accepts the gift from the giver—often with expressions of surprise, gratitude, and excitement—before opening it, sometimes untying a bow and unwrapping the package to discover what the gift is.

And then there is perhaps the most important part, the receiving of the gift. To receive a gift sincerely given is so much more than accepting and then opening it. It is more, even, than recognising the worth of the gift and expressing gratitude to the giver. To truly receive a gift, we come to value it for ourselves, put it to full use in our lives, and then remember with thankfulness the giver.

Receiving a gift is not passive but an intentional and meaningful process that goes far beyond merely opening a package. To receive is to appreciate and connect with both the gift and the heart of the giver in a way that strengthens the bonds between the giver and receiver. Thinking of that toy car brings back a host of golden memories, as I feel once again my father’s deep love and care for me, represented by that gift and countless other generous acts."

"But we could receive nothing without the greatest of all the Father’s gifts, His beloved Lamb, His Son, Jesus Christ. All of our Father’s gifts flow from and are activated by the Saviour’s willing offering in Gethsemane and on the cross and His triumphant Resurrection. Jesus Christ, our merciful Redeemer, is the supreme gift from our Father of lights. “In the gift of his Son hath God prepared [for us] a more excellent way.”"

...“For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift.”...

"Moroni exhorts us to “deny not the gifts of God” but to “come unto Christ, and lay hold upon every good gift.” You can come to Christ with confidence in His loving-kindness and receive all His gifts of joy, peace, hope, light, truth, revelation, knowledge, and wisdom—with your head held high, your arms outstretched, and your hands open, ready to receive. And you can receive these gifts because you are secure and grounded in the knowledge that you are a beloved daughter of God, you are a cherished son of God, and He has gifted you His perfect, holy Son to redeem you, justify you, and sanctify you."

D&C 88

 It was revealed that God - 

"He comprehendeth all things, and all things are before him, and all things are round about him; and he is above all things, and in all things, and is through all things, and is round about all things; and all things are by him, and of him, even God, forever and ever."  (Doctrine and Covenants 88:41)

And the amazing and hopeful thing is that -

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

What a wonderful promise.

D&C 88

 I believe that godliness is obedience to eternal laws.  We learn that - 

"...he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory."  (Doctrine and Covenants 88:22)

"...the earth abideth the law of a celestial kingdom, for it filleth the measure of its creation, and transgresseth not the law—"  (Doctrine and Covenants 88:25)

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

"All kingdoms have a law given..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 88:36)

And so forth.

D&C 88

 Through revelation, the saints learn new additional truth, as the Lord teaches that He administers His power  - 

"...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 88:6–13)

Obviously, not in the Bible

Elder Ulisses Soares - Reverence for Sacred Things

 Concerning reverence for sacred things. Elder Soares taught - 

"...We can find it, for example, as we strive to protect our home environment from worldly influences. This can be accomplished by sincerely and fervently praying before our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ and seeking to better know our Savior through our diligent study of the word of God found in the scriptures and in the teachings of our prophets. Additionally, such spiritual transformation can come as we strive to honor the covenants we have made with the Lord by living in obedience to the commandments. These efforts can bring a quiet and certain stillness to our hearts. Focusing on such actions can surely help transform our homes into reverent places of spiritual refuge—personal sanctuaries of faith where the Spirit resides, much like the mountain experience of Moses."

"Reverence for sacred things is the greatest manifestation of a vital spiritual quality; it is a by-product of our connection to holiness and reflects our love for and proximity to our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is also one of the most elevated experiences of the soul. Such virtue directs our thoughts, hearts, and lives toward Deity. In fact, reverence is not just an aspect of spirituality; it is the essence of it—the foundation upon which spirituality is built, creating a personal connection to the divine..."

"We can also experience such spiritual transformation as we faithfully participate in the Church’s worship service, including tuning our hearts to the Lord through our sincere singing of sacred hymns. Turning aside—like Moses—from worldly distractions, especially our cell phones or anything not in harmony with this sacred moment, enables us to turn our full attention to partaking of the sacrament, with our minds and hearts focused on the Savior and His atoning sacrifice along with our own covenants. Such sacramental focus will foster a reverently renewing moment of our communion with the Savior and will make the Sabbath a delight and transform our life."

"Ultimately, we can experience this spiritual change in our discipleship as we regularly worship in the mountain of the Lord’s house—our holy temples—and strive to live with covenant confidence, especially when we face the trials of mortal life."

D&C 87

 The Prophet Joseph Smith prophesied - 

"...it shall come to pass also that the remnants who are left of the land will marshal themselves, and shall become exceedingly angry, and shall vex the Gentiles with a sore vexation."  (Doctrine and Covenants 87:5)

I believe that the "remnants" are of Israel throughout the world and shall turn on wicked leaders.

D&C 86

 As we study the Doctrine and Covenants, it becomes clear that the restoration of the gospel is still in its infancy, but growing a the blades are yet tender, thus - 

"Therefore your life and the priesthood have remained, and must needs remain through you and your lineage until the restoration of all things spoken by the mouths of all the holy prophets since the world began.

11 Therefore, blessed are ye if ye continue in my goodness, a light unto the Gentiles, and through this priesthood, a savior unto my people Israel..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 86:10–11)

Peter called it the restitution of all things.  In modern day, the Lord said restoration of all things.  In my mind, the restoration is still continuing.

D&C 85

 The Prophet Joseph Smith revealed - 

"Yea, 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 85:6)

This is another means of receiving revelation. I remember some instances when the small voice made my body quake.

President Dallin H. Oaks - Divine Helps for Mortality

A few thoughts caught my attention - 

"By far, God’s strongest mortal help was His provision of a Savior, Jesus Christ, who would suffer to pay the price and provide forgiveness for repented sins. That merciful and glorious Atonement explains why faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel. His Atonement “bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead” (Alma 42:23), and it “atone[s] for the sins of the world” (Alma 34:8), erasing all of our repented sins and giving our Savior power to succor us in our mortal infirmities.

Beyond that glorious erasing of sins committed and being forgiven, the plan of a loving Father in Heaven provides many other gifts to protect us, including protecting us from sinning in the first place. Our mortal life always begins with a father and a mother. Ideally, both are present, with different gifts to guide our growth. If not, their absence is part of the opposition we must overcome."

I note the word "erasing".  Important to me.

"Ordinances and covenants are part of the law that defines the path to eternal life. Ordinances, and the sacred covenants we make with God through them, are required steps and essential guardrails along that path. I like to think of the role of covenants as demonstrating that under God’s plan, His highest blessings are given to those who promise in advance to keep certain commandments and who keep those promises."

"Many of such deviations occur when members fail to follow the fundamental spiritual maintenance plan of personal prayer, regular scripture study, and frequent repentance. In contrast, some neglect weekly renewal of covenants by not partaking of the sacrament..."

D&C 84

 I find it interesting that the Lord warned specifically - 

"Nevertheless, 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 84:114)

Elder Wilford Woodruff foretold - 

“‘Now, my young friends, I wish you to remember these scenes you are witnessing during the visit of President Young and his brethren. Yea, my young friends, treasure up the teachings and sayings of these prophets and Apostles as precious treasure while they are living men, and do not wait until they are dead. A few days and President Young and his brethren, the prophets and Apostles and Brothers Benson and Maughan, will be in the spirit world. You should never forget this visitation. You are to become men and women, fathers and mothers; yea, the day will come, after your fathers, and these prophets and Apostles are dead, you will have the privilege of going into the towers of a glorious Temple built unto the name of the Most High (pointing in the direction of the bench), east of us upon the Logan bench; and while you stand in the towers of the Temple and your eyes survey this glorious valley filled with cities and villages, occupied by tens of thousands of Latter-day Saints, you will then call to mind this visitation of President Young and his company. You will say: That was in the days when Presidents Benson and Maughan presided over us; that was before New York was destroyed by an earthquake; it was before Boston was swept into the sea, by the sea heaving itself beyond its bounds; it was before Albany was destroyed by fire; yea, at that time you will remember the scenes of this day. Treasure them up and forget them not.’ President Young followed and said: ‘What Brother Woodruff has said is revelation and will be fulfilled.’” (In N. B. Lundwall, Temples of the Most High, pages 97–98; quoted in the Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, page 185.)

I note the prophecy included an "if" statement.  I've known many who served their missions in these areas.  I wonder if was for the purpose to prevent these events.

D&C 84

 Two verses caught my attention this morning.  First, the Lord's warning - 

"...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—"  (Doctrine and Covenants 84:57)

In my mind, the Lord is suggesting regular or daily study of the Book of Mormon.

The second is - 

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, they who believe not on your words, and are not baptized in water in my name, for the remission of their sins, that they may receive the Holy Ghost, shall be damned, and shall not come into my Father’s kingdom where my Father and I am."  (Doctrine and Covenants 84:74)

It becomes clear that those who do not receive essential ordinance will not enter His presence.

D&C 84

 The Lord revealed - 

"Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest."  (Doctrine and Covenants 84:20)

I believe this power is the same power that the Lord revealed - 

...for where I am they cannot come, for they have no power."  (Doctrine and Covenants 29:29)

The Lord then revealed another essential requirement - 

"And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 84:21)

For each ordinance and covenant, it must be done by the authority of the priesthood.

Elder Gerrit W. Gong - Eternity’s Great Gifts: Jesus Christ’s Atonement, Resurrection, Restoration

 In my mind, several quotes caught my attention as Elder Gong spoke on Eternity’s Great Gifts: Jesus Christ’s Atonement, Resurrection, Restoration

Easter in Jesus Christ helps us mend, reconcile, make right our relationships, on both sides of the veil. Jesus can heal grief; He can enable forgiveness. He can free us and others from things we or they have said or done that otherwise bind us captive.

Easter in Jesus Christ lets us feel God’s approbation. This world tells us we are too tall, too short, too wide, too narrow—not smart, pretty, or spiritual enough. Through spiritual transformation in Jesus Christ, we can escape debilitating perfectionism.

God’s plan of moral and mortal agency allows us to learn by our own experience. Some of our greatest life lessons come from things we would never choose. In love, Jesus Christ descended below and ascended above all things. He rejoices in our divine capacities for creativity and delight, kindness without hope for reward, faith unto repentance and forgiveness. And He weeps in sorrow at the enormity of our human suffering, cruelty, unfairness—often brought by human choice—as do the heavens and the God of heaven with them.

D&C 84

 Concerning the New Jerusalem, the Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith - 

"Which city shall be built, beginning at the temple lot, which is appointed by the finger of the Lord, in the western boundaries of the State of Missouri, and dedicated by the hand of Joseph Smith, Jun., and others with whom the Lord was well pleased.

4 Verily this is the word of the Lord, that the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints, beginning at this place, even the place of the temple, which temple shall be reared in this generation.

5 For verily this generation shall not all pass away until an house shall be built unto the Lord, and a cloud shall rest upon it, which cloud shall be even the glory of the Lord, which shall fill the house."  (Doctrine and Covenants 84:3–5)

"Generation" has many meanings.  One being - 

"...a type or class of objects usually developed from an earlier type..."

I personally believe that generation in this case is the Church, as it continues to grow and develop before the second coming of the Savior

D&C 83

After yesterday's blog, it becomes clear that in the United Order, ownership was still a part for the Lord followed up with - 

"...if they are not faithful they shall not have fellowship in the church; yet they may remain upon their inheritances according to the laws of the land."  (Doctrine and Covenants 83:3)

...obviously "ownership", for - 

"...when he shall appoint a man his portion, give unto him a writing that shall secure unto him his portion, that he shall hold it, even this right and this inheritance in the church, until he transgresses and is not accounted worthy by the voice of the church, according to the laws and covenants of the church, to belong to the church.

5 And if he shall transgress and is not accounted worthy to belong to the church, he shall not have power to claim that portion which he has consecrated unto the bishop for the poor and needy of my church; therefore, he shall not retain the gift, but shall only have claim on that portion that is deeded unto him."  Doctrine and Covenants 51:4–5)

 

D&C 82

 As the Lord gave instructions on the law of consecration and the United Order, He taught - 

"Therefore, I give unto you this commandment, that ye bind yourselves by this covenant, and it shall be done according to the laws of the Lord.

16 Behold, here is wisdom also in me for your good.

17 And you 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 82:15–17)

In my mind, "equal claims" does not mean that everyone owns the same property.  In my mind, each has claim on their own property or stewardship as explained by - 

"...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—

19 Every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God."  (Doctrine and Covenants 82:18–19)

D&C 81

 The Lord revealed - 

"...hearken to the calling wherewith you are called, even to be a high priest in my church, and a counselor unto my servant Joseph Smith, Jun.;

2 Unto whom I have given the keys of the kingdom, which belong always unto the Presidency of the High Priesthood..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 81:1–2)

Even though the president of a quorum or presidency holds priesthood keys, I believe then the presidency as a quorum hold priesthood keys even though the counselors do not hold keys individually.  I don't remember a written declaration coming only from the president of the Church.  It is usually comes from the First Presidency.