Lynne's Scripture Journal D&C

March 27, 2017 Section 7:1-8 John the Beloved, Linger on the Earth, Missionary Work Difficult and Great, When in Doubt Ask the Lord, Support One Another, Companion Support Might Mean Different Things to Different People, Diversity Is Good, Joseph Smith recorded: “ During the month of April [1829, at Harmony Pennsylvania,] I continued to translate, and he [Oliver Cowdery] to write, with little cessation, during which time we received several revelations. A difference of opinion arising between us about the account of John the Apostle, mentioned in the New Testament, as to whether he died or continued to live, we mutually agreed to settle it by the Urim and Thummim.” History of the Church 1:35-36    And the result of their questions was Section 7. John, the Beloved, lingers on this earth just as the three Nephites do (3 Nephi 28:1-7). He does this because that was the desire of his heart: “ give unto me power over death, that I may live and bring souls unto thee”. (...

March 26, 2017 Section 6:16-37 Lord Knows Our Thoughts, Progress in the Gospel, Revelation, Revelation of Peace, Peace, God’s Love for Us,    V 16 was surprising to me—it is Heavenly Father’s ‘privacy clause’.   “ Yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart.”   Then there is the quote from Bruce R McConkie in Mormon Doctrine p 670: “ Men’s thoughts are secret and cannot be pried into by other men, or for that matter by devils.” I know that God knows the desires of my heart whether I tell Him or not in my prayers. I also know that as I talk to Him in my prayers, and discuss my failures, my triumphs, my joys, my thankfulness, my worries and my concerns—that He can literally guide my thoughts, and there have been times when He has literally directed my thoughts to conclusions I would never have come up with on my own. I also know that when I stand at the judgment bar of Christ t...

March 25, 2017 Section 6: 1-15 Quick, Mysteries, Missionary Blessings, Seek the Lord’s Training, Revelation Personal, Holy Ghost, V 2 “quick and powerful, shaper than a two-edged sword”.   The Bible Dictionary defines ‘quick’ as ‘living, alive’. And says to be quickened by the Spirit means to be given spiritual life. The word of the Lord is quick and powerful because it is a source of life, energy and power. Another interesting definition—this one on the mysteries of God: “ A mystery is a truth that cannot be known except through divine revelation-a sacred secret ” (Smith & Sjodahl commentary) President Joseph Fielding Smith defined ‘mysteries’ in a similar way: “ The Lord has promised to reveal his mysteries to those who serve him in faithfulness….There are no mysteries pertaining to the Gospel, only as we, in our weakness, fail to comprehend the Gospel truth….The ‘simple’ principles of the Gospel, such as baptism, the atonement, are mysteries to those who do not ...

March 24, 2017 Section 5:11-35 Faith, Spirit Manifestation Of, Spiritual Help, Humility, Growth Spiritual, Repentance Process, V 16 explains a lot about the process of communication with the Lord: “ And behold, whosoever believeth on my words, them will I visit with the manifestation of my Spirit and they shall be born of me, even of the water and of the Spirit” This verse reminds me that when I go to the scriptures, or when I pray, or when I attend sacrament meeting—if I go believing—or even desiring to believe Christ’s messages—that is when I will receive ‘the manifestation of my Spirit’. That is a beautiful promise that I have been able to feel, and to savor, so many times. In essence, the truth is Faith Brings Spiritual Help—whether it’s a confirmation of belief, or answers to questions, or comfort, or healing, or peace, or new realizations. Faith is my stabilizer. Faith is my motivator. Faith is my sure foundation. In v’s 21-22, the Lord tells—no commands—Joseph to al...