7/13/2017 - Section 49:15-28

July 13, 2017

Section 49:15-28

Second Coming, Lord’s Commandments & Promises, Draw Near Unto Him, Lord’s Formula For Living,

V 23 gives yet another description of what will happen at Christ’s second, and triumphant, coming along with instructions as to how we are to proceed until then: “Wherefore, be not deceived, but continue in steadfastness, looking forth for the heavens to be shaken, and the earth to tremble and to reel to and fro as a drunken man, and for the valleys to be exalted, and for the mountains to be made low, and for the rough places to become smooth—and all this when the angel shall sound his trumpet.” These are some of the things which will occur prior to Christ’s returning in great glory to His temple (Malachi 3:1-3). These are frightening things, but Christ goes on in v 25 to say “Zion shall flourish upon the hills and rejoice upon the mountains, and shall be assembled together unto the place which I have appointed.” And then, in v 26, He gives us His instructions: “Behold, I say unto you, go forth as I have commanded you, repent of all your sins, ask and ye shall receive; knock and it shall be opened unto you.” And He gives His promises: v 27 “Behold I will go before you and be your rearward; and I will be in your midst, and you shall not be confounded.” …Instead we will be surrounded by the Lord’s comfort and peace. I have been though private upheavals and have sought and found that great comfort and peace through asking and seeking and coming closer to the Lord—I have had experience with His pattern of help and the depth of that help. Why should an upheaval on a grander scale be any different? His laws and practices are the same…they will not change. I merely have to stay close to Him, and that formula is simple: follow His commandments, repent as soon as a wrong is recognized, seek to draw near unto Him, and ask to be made aware of His drawing near unto me.

5/12/2021 – D&C 50:16-30

The Lord is interested in every one of us. He longs for us to grow, and to be able to complete all the goals we had when we left His house for this earth-schooling. But just like a loving parent, even though we are living quite a distance away from Him, He is ever interested and ever alert to our progression and our needs. He tells us: “…I will be merciful unto you; he that is weak among you heareafter shall be made strong.” (v 16)

The Lord assures us that there is the “Spirit of truth” (v 21). And he also acknowledges that there are other spiritual influences that are NOT of truth. And since these early saints have had trouble recognizing the differences in spirits, the Lord teaches us: “Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.” (v22). “That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.” (v24). 

He goes on to tell us that when we “know the truth…you may chase the darkness from among you.” I have felt that—in varying strengths—as I have gone through difficult times.” He truly can change darkness into light!

Next He teaches us the kind of actions and the kind of thoughts we should be having to enjoy His spirit: “He that is ordained of God and sent forth, the same is appointed to be the greatest, [I think because they carry the message and the spirit of God] notwithstanding he is the least and the servant of all.” (v 26) I have felt this in during our missions. I will work to live more closely to this counsel, so I. may feel it in regular life. I shouldn’t need a mission to cause me to live closer to the Lord. 

And finally in v 28 He tells us of one of our life goals: “But no man is possessor of all things except he be purified, and cleansed from all sin.” (v 28) Our becoming ‘purified’ is an ongoing effort that we may make with the help of the Holy Ghost—for that is one of His assignments. He is always there to help us. Our part in this is that  we only have to open our hearts. The Lord then tells us how very possible this is: “But know this, it shall be given you what you shall ask….” I really can come closer to Heavenly Father simply by asking Him who help me to know just what to pray for and to work toward.