1/25/2018 - Section 78:1-8

January 25, 2018

Section 78:1-8

Journal, Philippine Manila Mission, United Order, Loving Helping Sharing, 

Since I last wrote, we have been in the MTC (quite a lovely experience); we have purchased a townhome in Vineyard UT (!!??); we have weighed our suitcases more times than I can count & at the airport all of them came in at a few tenths of a pound under weight (J); we have survived a 15 hour flight in a smaller-than-I-would-have-imagined seat in a large bumpy airplane; we are still trying to get our days and nights straight (we were up at 2 AM this morning….45 minutes better than yesterday); we are swamped with the process of getting a longer visa than the 30 day one on which we arrived; we are trying to figure out our mission jobs and keep finding that there is no time to do them; we are surrounded by sweet people who are doing much the same; we feel the Lord’s love; we are trying very hard to help others feel His love; and we are happy to be here…and will probably feel significantly less swamped when we find our ‘mission-legs’. And the neatest thing is we know that will come!

In Section 78, Joseph & Sidney Rigdon are back (yet again after so many important interruptions) at their efforts in their revision of the scriptures, and now the Lord gives them even more to do. This section is where they learn of the United Order (sometimes called the Order of Enoch). The Lord explained in v 6-9: “6. For if ye are not equal in earthly things ye cannot be equal in obtaining heavenly things; 7. For if you will that I have unto you a place in the celestial world, you must prepare yourselves by doing the things which I have commanded you and required of you. 8. And now, verily (truly!!) thus saith the Lord, it is expedient that all things be done unto my glory by you who are joined together in this order;”

Three great verses at a time when we have come to the Philippines with the sole purpose  of working for the Lord, and sharing our substance (and as a mission nurse I see that in a very different—yet very similar—context). I look forward to this re-adjustment, and all the lessons that it will bring to us! 

7/11/2021 – D&C 78

It is March 1832. Joseph and Sidney Rigdon are continuing their work on the New Testament. It is at this time that the Lord gave this revelation in which Joseph is told to establish, and regulate, a storehouse “for the poor of my people, both in this place [Hiram, Ohio] and in the land of Zion [Missouri]. (v3) The Lord continues in v 4 that this will be “a permanent and everlasting establishment and order unto my church…” He continues by saying that this will be of great help to both those in need, and to those who contribute and help those in need. It is this type of work that adds to “the salvation of man”. 

V’s 5-8: That you may be equal in the bonds of heavenly things, yea, and earthly things also, for the obtaining of heavenly things. For if ye are not equal in earthly things ye cannot be equal in obtaining heavenly things; For if you will that I have unto you a place in the celestial world, you must prepare yourselves by doing the things which I have commanded you and required of you. And now, verily, thus saith the Lord, it is expedient that all things be done unto my glory, by you who are joined together in this order.”

It seems to me that the Lord is not just asking to us make sure that all are housed and fed appropriately, but it also seems that ALL people should be given friendship and love equally from us. We are to be humble and ready to serve in all callings, as well as whenever we see a need. The spirit is delicate and will only stay in an atmosphere of love, concern, support & humility. The Holy Ghost will help us see beyond our own needs, and be able to give help and service to those around us. In v 13, He tells us that this is our preparation for life back with Him.

I also love verses 17-19. They are from our elder brother---who is a caring, loving, tender and intimate partner with us. “Verily, verily [TRULY] I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands, and prepared for you; And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours. And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.”

President Marion G Romney: “I know from my own experience and the witnesses by the thousands that I have received of the Spirit that this is the Lord’s work. It is to prepare us. If you’ll think of the most sacred place you ever have been, you’ll remember that the final thing that we are to do is to be able and willing to consecrate all that we have to the building up of the kingdom of God, to care for our fellow men. When we do this we’ll be ready for the coming of the Messiah.” (Apr 1975 General Conference)

V 22 is a fitting end to the promises of this section: “And he that is a faithful and wise steward shall inherit all things. Amen.”