Lynne's Scripture Journal D&C

July 31, 2017 Section 58:8-29 Holy Ghost Stayed Attuned, Agency Used for Good, Go Forward in Faith, Spiritual Growth, The Lord instructs the saints that have come to Missouri. He speaks to Edward Partridge, the first Bishop called in this dispensation—and thus at this time the Bishop of the entire church. In v 20 He cautions His leaders: “ Let no man think he is ruler; but let God rule him that judgeth, according to the counsel of his own will, or, in other words, him that counseleth or sitteth upon the judgment seat.” This is written to all who are called to a position of authority—we must stay attuned to His spirit. We must take our thoughts, our concerns, our action plans to Him and do our best to recognize His promptings and guidance. We cannot do this with one quick prayer, and then we’re off. It is best done by daily thought, daily scripture study, and daily talks with Him, and then going forward in faith. Prayer and faith are not a precise science, but humbly practici...

July 30, 2017 Section 58:1-7 Sacrifice, Tribulations, Learning Opportunities, Growth, Law of the Stretch, Lord’s Vision is Better Than Ours, Our Purpose On Earth, It’s August 1, 1831 and this revelation was given to Joseph the Sunday after he had arrived in Missouri. Members of the Colesville branch-- who had first tried to settle in Thompson Ohio but Leman Copely had changed his mind as to giving part of his property to the Colesville saints—had also just arrived as they had followed the Lord’s direction and moved again—this time to Missouri. And as the preface to this section says: “ Many were eager to learn the will of the Lord concerning them in the new place of gathering.” The Lord begins this lengthy section encouragement to “ keep my commandments” and to be “ faithful in tribulation” (v 2). He also explains in v 3: “ Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory...

July 27, 2017 Section 57:1-16 Society Differences, Missionary Society Differences, Bloom Where You Are Planted, Missionary Companions, Marriage Companions, Joseph Smith was one of the men who was called by revelation to journey to Missouri in Section 52. Sidney Rigdon was his companion. Joseph recorded the following after he and Sidney arrived in Missouri among the Indians and the settlers of the area: “ The meeting of our brethren [Oiliver Cowdery, Peter Whitmer Jr., Ziba Peterson, and Frederick G Williams—all called as missionaries to serve in Missouri] who had long awaited our arrival, was a glorious one, and moistened with many tears. It seemed good and pleasant for brethren to meet together in unity. But our reflections were many, coming as we had from a highly cultivated state of society in the east, and standing now upon the confines or western limits of the United States, and looking into the vast wilderness of those that sat in darkness; how natural it was to observe ...

July 26, 2017 Section 56:1-20 Agency, Lord’s Guidance, Repentance and Its Effects, Grudges Beware, Selfishness Rewards Of, Obedience, Follow Me, Loving Father, Hurt Feelings, Get Over It, The section came from Ezra Thayre not making preparations to go to Missouri with Thomas B Marsh, his appointed companion. When Thomas couldn’t leave because of Ezra’s not getting ready, Thomas went to Joseph and asked what he should do. It is said that Ezra “ lost the spirit of his assignment because of the problems at Thompson, Ohio and was slow in making preparations to go on his mission”( p 117) Ezra Thayre was involved with Leman Copely who had promised land to the saints from Colesville, and then had gotten upset for some reason after the contracts had been completed, and said he would not longer let them stay on the land he had contracted with them to have in Thompson Ohio. Section 54 explains those problems. There were bad feelings on both sides of this. Leman and Ezra appear to have b...