Lynne's Scripture Journal D&C

August 9, 2018 Section 107:1-19 Callings in the Church, Devotion, Humility, Priesthood Power, The historical background to this section is very interesting to me. On February 14, 1835, the first Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was chosen. The parts of this section that applies directly to those 12 are verses1-52 and 56-58. We know they had been meeting together and that they all planned to leave Kirtland on May 4 th to visit and strengthen the branches in the eastern states. But here is a portion of what two of the apostles (Elders Hyde and M’Lelin) wrote: “ This afternoon the Twelve met in council….On reviewing our past course we are satisfied, and feel to confess also, that we have not realized the importance of our calling to that degree that we ought; we have been light-minded and vain, and in many things have done wrong. For all these things we have asked the forgiveness of our heavenly Father….We have unitedly asked God our heavenly Father to grant unto ...

July 24, 2018 Section 105:1-25 Pure in Heart, United Order Problems, Purify Ourselves, Good Samaritan Opportunities, Humility, Unselfishness, Love, Prayer, Draw Near Unto Me, Temple Importance, In v’s 4-5 the Lord explains, once again, why the saints were forced from their homes. It was because they were “ not united according to the union required by the law of the celestial kingdom; and Zion cannot be built up unless it is b the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom: otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself.” The Lord gave the saints the opportunity to live a celestial law, but the saints lacked a celestial love, as well as a celestial effort. I don’t know how many times I have gone about my church callings while complaining about others. I must realize that even when an event comes off well, or a lesson is effective, I have fallen short if I have not a pure heart. I believe, as I read through these scriptures, and the study manual, and examine m...

July 23, 2018 Section 104:60-86 Sacred Treasures of Thoughts and Knowledge, Humility, Tithes and Offerings Given Promptly, Draw Near Unto Me, In v’s 60-70, the Lord commands that two treasuries be created: one for sacred things, and one for monies that come into the church, or increase that come to the saints. If I take this scripture to heart, I need to do the same things. This, and my other scripture journals and well as my personal journals, and probably my family letters in the “Waits Family Lifetime Correspondence” blog combine to make up my ‘treasury for sacred things’. And then there is the “sacred treasury” that I take to mean my church contribution. The advice the Lord gave to the saints then is in v 68: “ And all moneys that you receive in your stewardships…shall be cast into the treasury as fast as you receive moneys, by hundreds, or by fifties, or by twenties, or by tens, or by fives.” I used to wonder if I should pay donations at the end of the y...

February 8, 2018 Section 82:1-24 Humility, Forgiveness, Obedience, God’s Simple Laws, God’s Great Rewards, Love One Another, Walk With Me, Joseph and other leaders have come to Jackson County Missouri for a church conference. The Lord starts this section with the reminder, and the command, to forgive one another. The ‘little’ things are so important. Many saints have obeyed the call to move to Jackson County, but the student manual notes: “ …The Revelation does not give particulars. But church historians note that although the settlements in Zion increased rapidly, and were exceedingly prosperous, many of the Saints failed to obey the counsel of the authorities. Some refused to submit to the law of consecration, preferring to obtain property for themselves, and jealousy, covetousness, and general neglect of duty resulted. Some of the High Priests and Elders ignored the Seven Presidents appointed to have charge of the Branches in Zion…and took the leadership i...