7/21/2017 - Section 52:1-44

July 21, 2017

Section 52:1-44

General Conference Importance Of, Faith and Faithfulness, Faith Rewards Of, In the Strength of the Lord, Missionary Behavior, Missionary Awareness,

I loved reading the Historical Background in the student manual, p112: a General Conference had just been held in Kirtland. “So important was this conference that letters were sent to the missionaries calling them all to Kirtland (see D&C 44:1)”. After the 3 day conference “The Prophet recorded that “harmony prevailed’ and “faith was strengthened”. Many desired to obey the Lord’s commandments but were uncertain about what specifically they could do. On the day following the conclusion of the conference the Prophet was given the specific calls and instructions in what is now Doctrine & Covenants 52.”  One of the answers to their question is found in v 4: “And inasmuch as they are faithful unto me, it shall be made know unto them what they shall do.” I feel that means faithful in keeping the Lord’s commandments, faithful in praying to Him and truly talking with Him, faithful in serving others. If we do our best in these things, we are assured that we will know what we should do. That’s an amazing gift in this life-living we are doing here.

There is the wonderful verse: ‘in the strength of the Lord I can do all things’. V’s 15-17 seem to expand on that phrase. “15. Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances. 16. He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances. 17. And again, he that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom, according to the revelations and truths which I have given you.” I love how these verses combine strength in the Lord with prayer, humility and obedience.

In verse 34 the Lord promises: “He that is faithful, the same shall be kept and blessed with much fruit.” That is certainly one more reason to nourish our faith. It’s a wonderful promise at any time in our life, but as we prepare to go on our second mission it is not only wonderful, but comforting—inspiring me to try ever harder to keep HIS commandments and to truly live by the Spirit.

V 40 is also applicable at all times, but especially as we serve another full time mission. “And remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not thee things, the same is not my disciple.” On a full time mission we have total time to be the hands of the Lord. We only have to be aware of the needs of those around us, and strive daily to be filled with charity and the Lord’s insights.

5/18/2021 – D&C 52

 

It is June 7, 1831 and nearly all of the New York Church members from Palmyra, Fayette & Colesville areas have moved to Ohio, as the Lord had commanded. They hold a General Conference. It was during this conference that Joseph Smith declared, “It was clearly evident that the Lord gave us power in proportion to the work to be done, and strength according to the race set before us, and grace and help as our needs required.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 352)  I love that quote, for I feel it is true for us all as we attempt to live and work as the Lord would have us do.

On the last day of the conference, June 6, Joseph received this revelation. A few years later he wrote in a Church newspaper that this revelation had been received “by an heavenly vision” (The Joseph Smith Papers, Documents, Volume 1:327) I love v 4: “An inasmuch as they are faithful unto me, it shall be made known unto them what they shall do;”  I feel that is just as true today as it was in 1831.

V’s 15-16 hold more promises that are just as true today: “Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances. He that speaketh whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances.”

Elder Paul Koelliker, a seventy, spoke in the April 2012 Gen Conf saying: “Patterns are templates, guides, repeating steps, or paths one follows to stay aligned with God’s purpose. If followed they will keep us humble, awake, and able to discern the voice of the Holy Spirit from those voices that distract us and lead us away.” I love my quiet, early morning reading of the scriptures that let me understand how I can apply the Lord’s counsels more fully in my life. These mornings bring to me a feeling of the love of my Heavenly Father and a calmness that continues with me throughout my day. When I miss my morning scripture study, I feel its absence. It’s as if I missed eating—for the scriptures truly nourish my soul. And I remember reading that the word ‘soul’ is used to describe the pairing of our spirit and our body. For me, that’s the best way to live.

In this section the Lord sends out many missionaries, and to all the others He says commands that they watch over the churches “and remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted…” ( v 40).

President Hinkley spoke about this very same thing: “In remembering together before the Lord the poor, the needy, and the oppressed, there is developed, unconsciously but realistically, a love for others above self, a respect for others, a desire to serve the needs of others. One cannot ask God to help a neighbor in distress without feeling motivated to do something oneself toward helping that neighbor. …I heard a man of prominence say the other day, ‘I have amended the language of my prayers. Instead of saying, ‘Bless the poor and the sick and the needy,’ I now say, ‘Father, show me how to help the poor and the sick and the needy, and give me resolution to do so’” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [1997], 457–58).