Section 30

The Lord rebukes David Whitmer and encourages Peter and John Whitmer.  There are times we need the Spirit to give us a jolt to get us back on track.  Listen to the Lord’s words to David:

 1 Behold, I say unto you, David, that you have feared man and have not relied on me for strength as you ought.

 2 But your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the things of me, your Maker, and the ministry whereunto you have been called; and you have not given heed unto my Spirit, and to those who were set over you, but have been persuaded by those whom I have not commanded.

We can gauge our level of spiritual maturity by the way we handle criticism and rebuke.  It is so easy to strike back at those who seek to help us by pointing out our weaknesses.  But if we can handle the sting of rebuke, then we can also rejoice when gentle words of encouragement also come.  

Section 28

Oliver Cowdery learned from God that only the prophet of God can receive revelation for the church.  So if someone comes along professing to be receiving direction from God to change church doctrine, like Hiram Page, Oliver was to know that it was not from God.  Regarding revelation, each of us had the privilege of receiving inspiration from God through prayer and spiritual promptings.  The Holy Ghost will give us the truth of all things.

Section 29

Jesus Christ will come again to the earth.  This time it won't be to the humble manger; this time it will be in glory.  We can prepare for his coming by doing his will; doing things his way.  We can humble ourselves and believe in him more.  We can follow his prophets.  We can live our lives in a way that builds and strengthens others.  The Second Coming of Christ will be the happiest event in the history of the earth because it will include the resurrection and reuniting of all of God's children.

Section 27

The Whole Armor of God

15 Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand.

 16 Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, which I have sent mine angels to commit unto you;

 17 Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked;

 18 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of my Spirit, which I will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you, and be agreed as touching all things whatsoever ye ask of me, and be faithful until I come, and ye shall be caught up, that where I am ye shall be also. Amen.

One way we take God’s armor upon us is to take the sacrament. By so doing we covenant with the Lord to always remember him and keep his commandments.  He, in turn, promises his Spirit to be with us.  Verse 18 states that the Spirit is an offensive weapon: A sword.  All of the other armor is defensive.

 When the church was first organized, they used wine for the sacrament.  But Joseph was instructed by an angel not to buy wine for this purpose. Evidently, some enemies of the church had intended to sell wine that was poisoned.   Subsequently, it became the practice of the church to use water instead of wine: a defensive move.

We cover ourselves with truth, righteousness, gospel knowledge, faith in Christ, and the understanding that God is the source of salvation.  These doctrines alone don’t save us, but obedience to them will get it done.  (For fun, notice where the Lord placed each doctrine: head, chest, loins, feet, etc.  See if you can begin to understand the significance of these locations.)

 

Section 26

“Behold, I say unto you that you shall let your time be devoted to the studying of the scriptures, and to preaching, and to confirming the church at Colesville, and to performing your labors on the land…”

What I learn from this is the Lord places a high priority on studying the scriptures and putting him first in our lives.  Then we are to share his word by living the gospel in our homes and communities.  Finally, we need to work and support our families both in the home and in our employment.

He concludes this revelation by reminding Joseph that all things were to be done by common consent in the church and to us we need to do all these things by faith.

Faith is the key.  We need the spiritual gift of faith which is one of the greatest of all of the gifts of the Spirit.  It is essential in casting out fear.  It is what gets us through each day!

 

Section 25

Emma Smith is one of my heroes.  I put her in the same category as Eve, Mary, Queen Esther, Abish, and the other great women of the scriptures.  Emma was the first Relief Society President of this dispensation.  She compiled the first hymn book for the church.  She was told by the Lord that a "song of the heart is a prayer unto me," emphasizing the importance of music.  She was a faithful wife and mother.  She endured unthinkable hardship and sorrow.

In my personal list of heroic women I put my daughters Emily and Michelle, my wife, Jean, my mother, Beverlee Bee, my grandmothers, Sarah and Lottie, Jean's mother, Mary Elizabeth (Mimi), my daughters-in-law, Tina and Hayley, my sisters-in-law, and all of those women who loved and tutored me throughout my life in the church and school.  God bless these amazing women!

Section 24

8 Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days.

Even though the church was only a few months old, the persecution was intense.

Sometimes we feel that we are not loved or that the world is crumbling around us.  Jesus said, "Peace, be still."  Let the peace of Christ enter our hearts and our homes.  Let us have confidence and faith in his tender love.