Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 70:7, 9

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 70:7, 9
"Nevertheless, inasmuch as they receive more than is needful for their necessities and their wants, it shall be given into my storehouse;
Behold, this is what the Lord requires of every man in his stewardship, even as I, the Lord, have appointed or shall hereafter appoint unto any man."

In the Doctrine and Covenants we learn of the early saints being called to live the United Firm or Law of Consecration. This is how the Lord would provide for the saints, and the building up of the church. Later it is replaced with tithing. In the Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual I learned something new. The stewardship mentioned was regarding the printing of the Doctrine and Covenants and the profit generated from it. The men given this stewardship were to use the funds for their needs and what was more than needful went into the Bishop storehouse. The Lord provided a way to supply for their needs, but they weren't getting rich off church proceeds. It is the same today, no one is rich from serving.

"In the revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 70, the Lord called Martin Harris and William W. Phelps to join the four men who had been previously appointed to serve as stewards over the revelations. These stewards were not only responsible for publishing the revelations but also for managing the revenue generated from the sale of the Book of Commandments. The Lord commanded them to use the profits to provide for their families and to consecrate what was left to the Lord’s storehouse for the benefit of the people in Zion. The Lord organized this joint stewardship according to the principles of the law of consecration."
(Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, Chapter 25: Doctrine and Covenants 66-70, "Stewards over the revelations and commandments")

Day 3659

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 69:3, 8

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 69:3, 8
"And also that he shall continue in writing and making a history of all the important things which he shall observe and know concerning my church;
Preaching and expounding, writing, copying, selecting, and obtaining all things which shall be for the good of the church, and for the rising generations that shall grow up on the land of Zion, to possess it from generation to generation, forever and ever. Amen."

I am so grateful that the Lord called those to keep a record and history of the church since its early days. I made me ponder on how there was much talk about keeping personal journals when I was young. I was very faithful in doing that. I do mourn the loss of keeping one when my children were very young. I have since kept one and being able to go back and check dates when things happened have been vital at times. I do wish I had copies of my parents journals. Sadly, my siblings have them and have not made copies to share.

Day 3658

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 68:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 68:4
"And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation."

This is a very fitting chapter to read after watching three sessions of general conference today. I cannot wait to read the talks and study them, for they are scripture for truly the spirit testified of this. I also find it interesting that as this chapter discusses we were taught the same things in general conference. They spoke of missionaries preaching the gospel, testimonies, baptism, and even the signs of the coming of the Son of Man. We heard words of keeping our covenants, and repentance. Parents were instructed to teach their children the gospel and to walk uprightly before the Lord. It was a wonderful day of instruction and being taught of the spirit. I cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Day 3657

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 67:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 67:13
"Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected."

I really like the subject of patience. It is a divine attribute I wish to obtain. It is something I learned the hard way not to pray for, because working those patience muscles really hurt. Having your patience level tested can be really rough when you are not spiritually prepared for it. One thing I have come to appreciate is patience comes a little easier when you leave your will and pride behind you. Knowing things come in the Lord's time, and He knows best on a matter has really helped me to not fight things so hard.

"When the Lord advises us to “continue in patience until [we] are perfected,” He is acknowledging that it takes time and perseverance. Understanding the why of the gospel and the why of the priesthood will help us to see the divine purpose of all of this. It will give us motivation and strength to do the right things, even when they are hard. Staying focused on the basic principles of gospel living will bless us with clarity, wisdom, and direction."
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Why of Priesthood Service", April 2012 General Conference)

"Patience is a process of perfection. The Savior Himself said that in your patience you possess your souls. Or, to use another translation of the Greek text, in your patience you win mastery of your souls.  Patience means to abide in faith, knowing that sometimes it is in the waiting rather than in the receiving that we grow the most. This was true in the time of the Savior. It is true in our time as well, for we are commanded in these latter days to “continue in patience until ye are perfected."
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Continue in Patience", April 2010 General Conference)

Day 3656