Lesson Six

I chose to do activity number 1.


What counsel does God give to the gatherers on the gathering? Any insights into the who, what, where, when, how, and whyof gathering that you notice in these sections, please explain below. You should have a minimum of ten references and explanations as well as a couple of questions that come from your study of these sections.


1.    Who is gathered first? Focus. (29:7, 30:6, 28:8–9, 32:2)

• The last three scriptures talk about missionary work being taken to the Lamanites.  The first one talks about the Lord's elect people which I believe are the Lamanites because of the scriptures that follow. The elect are chosen before the world was founded but must follow the gospel and make covenants with the Lord.  People can be elect in many different ways.  Some are elect to do one thing, others are elect for another. 

2.    What are the harvest conditions of the world? (31:4, 33:4)

• The harvest conditions of the world are "white already to be burned" and his "vineyard has become corrupted".  I looked up the footnotes for 31:4 and it took me to scriptures about missionary work and the importance of serving the Lord and being diligent.  33:4 took me to scriptures about evil, putting off repentance to have fun now, churches that defile our God, and unhappy things in general.

3.    What time period in the harvest is the world? (33:3)

• The time period in the harvest is the "eleventh hour".  The eleventh hour refers to now because this is the time right before the Lord comes.  

4.    Where will the elect be found? (33:6)

• The elect will be found and gathered from the four quarters of the earth.  I believe that this is referring to the whole world which makes perfect sense because we have missionaries in every part of the world.

5.    What are the key attributes of successful gatherers? (38:8–12, 36:3, 
31:3–4, 34: 10, 35: 23)

• Successful gatherers are prepared.  They blessed, they have a loosed tongue, they search the scriptures, and they are worthy.

6.    What do we gather to? Why? (33:13)

• We gather to the rock of the Lord's church.  If we are founded on the rock of the church, the gates of Hell will not have power over us.  We will be able to stand strong against the devil.

7.    What are the teachings that gather? (34:6)

• Teachings that gather are teachings of repentance, and teachings of preparing for the Lord's second coming.

8.    Who does God use to gather? (35:12–15, 36:5–7)

• God uses the weak ones of the Lord to take the gospel to all nations.  He will make the weak strong to preach.  He wants every man who will embrace it to be ordained and sent forth to preach His gospel.

9.    Who directs the gathering? (35:25)

• Heavenly Father is the director of the gathering.  It will take place in His time and by who he leads.

10.  Where does God want the saints to gather? (37:1–3)

• God wants the saints to gather in Ohio and stay there until the Gospel has been preached in all the parts there.

11.  What are some patterns and principles of gathering? (38:32–33)

• Some patterns that I see are the patterns of moving to wherever the Lord wants.  He wanted them to go to Ohio, eventually He wanted them to go to Utah.  He directs us where we need to go to spread the gospel and gather.  Some principles are that Israel will be saved and the Lord will lead us always.

I loved learning more about the gathering of Israel.  It's strengthened my testimony of missionary work and of the importance of doing MY part to gather Israel.  We all have a duty and a part in the gathering and we need to learn what that is now.  We can all help the Lord's important work in the gathering.  The first step is praying to know what we can do to help and then getting to work.

Lesson Five

I chose choice #1 which is:

• What five principles of revelation does the Hiram Page crisis in section 28 teach members of the church?

• What does section 28 teach you about the tension between personal revelation and agency with prophetic revelation and authority? Which is more important? Why?

What five principles of revelation does the Hiram Page crisis in section 28 teach members of the church?

          1. No other person besides Joseph Smith, the prophet, can receive revelation for the chirch and the members of the church.
          2.  Joseph Smith has been given the keys to reveal the mysteries of the church which are sealed.
          3.  No member of the church can receive revelation for those who are a higher authority than him.
          4.  "When visions, dreams, tongues, prophecy, impressions or any extraordinary gift or inspiration, convey something out of harmony with the accepted revelations of the Church or contrary to the decisions of its constituted authorities, Latter-day Saints may know that it is not of God, no matter how plausible it may appear."        
          5.  All things should be done by the prayer of faith.

• What does section 28 teach you about the tension between personal revelation and agency with prophetic revelation and authority? Which is more important? Why?

         After reading through section 28 in the student manual and the Doctrine and Covenants, I feel that I understand these concepts a lot more.  Personal revelation is a very important thing to understand because it will always be crucial in our lives.  We will always need personal revelation when we are making decisions or trying to learn more.  Anything from prayers to scripture study to the decision of who to marry can use personal revelation, and they should.  There is a line that is drawn when it comes to personal revelation.  Hiram Page crossed that line when he was giving false revelations that he received for the whole church. 
        Personal revelation is just what it says.  It's PERSONAL.  We receive it for ourselves and no one else.  We cannot receive revelation for others unless we are in a higher authority position in the church than they are.  Even then we must be sure that we understand and are giving them true information.  My friends and peers cannot receive revelation for me.  It is up to me to pray and do the things that I should to have Heavenly Father tell me what He needs me to know and do.
        Prophetic revelation is important because the prophet is the mouthpiece for our Heavenly Father.  The prophet's voice is crucial to learning the mysteries of our Father.  We can learn what we need to do to prepare and build a Zion where we stand.  We can never go wrong if we listen to the prophet because he receives that which he teaches straight from the Lord.  He has the authority to do so, and he has the most authority of anyone else.  Authority is so important to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints because that is how the whole church is run.
         I believe that prophetic revelation is more important than personal revelation.  The prophet speaks more directly to Heavenly Father than I do.  I believe that I can receive revelation for myself, but I believe the prophet receives more firm revelation.  It's also easy to hear what I want to hear, if I don't set aside my desires.  I can convince myself that I heard something when Heavenly Father is trying to tell me something else.  I also might not receive revelation if I am unworthy.  I might still think that I received it when I didn't.  It's dependent on many factors but when the prophet reveals things we know that it is true and clear with no doubt.  It is important that we are in tune with ourselves but it is also important that we listen to the prophet and do as he says.
           

Lesson Four

I chose activity number three because it was about Emma Smith and I've always been interested in the life that she lived because I know it wasn't easy.

• What are ten attributes of “an elect lady” that you observe in your reading of section 25? Reference and explain them in your own words.

1. Comforter. Verse 5.  An elect lady will comfort others in times of need.

2. Seeker.  Verse 10.  An elect lady will seek for things better than the things of the world.

3. Rejoicer.  Verse 12.  An elect lady will rejoice in keeping covenants she has made with the lord.

4.  Meek.  Verse 14.  An elect lady is meek and humble.

5. Not prideful.  Verse 14.  An elect lade refrains from finding things to be prideful about.

6.  Delighted in her husband.  Verse 14.  An elect lady supports and stays happy with her husband and the decisions he makes.

7. Keeps His commandments.  Verse 15.  An elect lady will keep the commandments of God so she may return to live with Him.

8. Doesn't murmur.  Verse 4.  An elect lady will not murmur when she doesn't receive the things that she desires of the Lord.

9.  Virtuous.  Verse 2.  An elect lady is virtuous and true to the Lord.

10.  Faithful.  Verse 2.  An elect lady is faithful before the Lord, and will receive an inheritance in Zion.

• What do you know about Emma’s life that matches well with the admonitions given to her in this revelation?

I've heard that Emma does eventually leave the church.  I don't know many details but I know that she was unhappy with the way things were running after Joseph died.  I feel that she was not being faithful to the Lord and she was trying to forge her own way.  I think that she let doubts and fears get to her after Joseph left the earth.

• What in this list would be difficult for women of the world to understand, accept, or even appreciate?

      I think that it would be hard for women of the world to understand being meek.  Women today are very prideful and only getting moreso as time passes.  I think that they are trying too hard to take over the roles of the men.  I am old fashioned when it comes to roles in the home.  I am not a feminist and many women today are.  They put way too much time and effort into making themselves something instead of supporting their families and husbands. 

       I also know that today for the women of the world it's hard to accept being virtuous.  I think of this from a moral point of view more than anything else.  Women today don't care about keeping their bodies sacred.  The amount of immodesty today blows me away.  Many have no reservations about having intimate relationships before they're married or even after they're married.  Virtue is a very important subject to me and I feel it is so overlooked these days.

• In what ways are women of the church different from women of the world?

I think that many women in the church actually do have these qualities that Emma had.  They are faithful, virtuous, meek, supportive, etc.  They follow the commandments they are given without hesitation.  Those who struggle with the commandments still try and that is what I think is most important.  I feel like if women are trying to do the best they can and continually improving themselves, they will eventually get there.  I know that there really isn't anything you can do except try because nobody is perfect.  Women un the church understand the importance of trying to attain these attributes.

• Read Elder Neal A. Maxwell and Sister Julie Beck’s message on the women of God and share your impressions and a meaningful quote from each talk (see attachments).

I absolutely loved Neal A. Maxwell's message.  I felt the spirit just reading it.  It made me feel important and loved as a woman in the church.  I feel like some men don't understand and appreciate the women of the church and this was a wonderful talk to those men. 

     I liked the quote, "So often our sisters comfort others when their own needs are greater than those being comforted."  I liked this because it made me think of my mother and many other mothers I know.  They are so selfless and care so much more about others.  I don't tell them I appreciate them enough and I should more.  Many women put aside their own wants, desires, and concerns to help those around them.  It amazes me.

I couldn't find the talk that Sister Beck gave, so I looked up some quotes and chose one that stood out to me.  She said, "Everything we do in Relief Society matters because Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, visited Joseph Smith and, through him, the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored to the earth.  Relief Society was part of that restoration."  This meant a lot to me because it's easy for me to overlook the things that we do in Relief Society.  I feel like I can't make a difference by doing one thing, or simple things.  This quote helped me look back and reflect on things that sisters in the church do.   I like having the knowledge that I am important to the restoration of the gospel.  I feel like I can do more now.  Her quotes were all wonderful.

Lesson Three

I chose to do a an option of finding 10 insights on the worth of souls, and share five of the scriptures that increase my understanding of the worth of a soul.

Scripture one: "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." Doctrine and Covenants 18:10

Scripture two: "...the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

Scripture three: "...The one being is as precious in his sight as the other." Jacob 2:21

Scripture four: "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation..." 1 Peter 2:9

Scripture five: "Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies." Proverbs 31:10

I chose to do this assignment because it was about the worth of souls.  This is a very important topic to me because growing up, I never had a good grasp on my self worth.  I compared myself to others all too often.  When I started dating, I got into an abusive relationship which did nothing to help with my image of myself.  He abused me verbally, emotionally, and mentally.  By the time I got out of that relationship, my individual worth was nothing. Unfortunately, he continued to harass me until I took more extreme precautions.  I had no faith in myself and was reserved, quiet, and in pain emotionally.  

During a semester at school, I met a boy who I slowly got to know.  He started to show me how important I was and the things that I am capable of.  Through my relationship with him, I strengthened my relationship with Jesus Christ.  Since then, I have seen, through the Lord, just how important I am.  I know that He has wonderful things in store for me.  I know that He will show me these things, and He will help me bless the lives of others if I hold fast to Him.  I am so thankful that I know the worth of my soul now, and I want everyone to know how much they are worth.

Lesson Two

In lesson two we studied Doctrine and Covenants Sections 6-9 and 11-13.
I chose to use these sections and make ten 'Cause and Effect' or 'If...Then..." statements.

1.  If we inquire, then we will know the mysteries of God

• I think this one is pretty straightforward.  If we have something we need to know we can ask our Heavenly Father and he will present us with the answers.

2.  If we seek for wisdon instead of riches, then we will be made rich.

• I think this can all be interpreted in different ways for different people.  I interpret the second half as saying that we will be made rich with blessings.  It can be viewed monetarily, but I feel the Lord means that we will be blessed.  Part of those blessings easily could be money.  While they could be money, I also feel that they could be characteristics (patience, comfort, etc...), they could be happiness, they could be blessings of starting a family.  Any number of things could be put in place of 'riches'.

3.  If we do good and remain faithful until the end, then we will recieve the Lord's greatest gift of salvation.

• Every person on this earth needs the blessing of being saved.  None of us are perfect, and without the Lord's salvation, it would be impossible to live with Him and our families again.  All He asks is that we remain faithful and do good.  It's very little to ask for such a great blessing.

4.  If we have righteous desires, God will grant us these desires.

• John the Beloved had the desire to remain on the earth to continue bringing souls to Christ.  God saw that this was a righteous desire and granted it to him, just as he granted Peter's desires.  Our Heavenly Father cares about our happiness and when we righteously desire something, He will do whatever He knows is best for us.

5.  If we ask things of the Lord, then He will tell us in our minds and hearts the answers that we wish to know.

• We will feel and hear the Spirit if we ask the Lord the questions that we have, or ask Him for things that we need.  A few verses later we are cautioned to not ask for things that we know we shouldn't ask for.

6.  If we don't have faith, then we can do nothing. 

• We must have faith in order to progress and learn.  Without faith, we can't do things necessary to grow.

7.  If we study the things we need to know, then ask, the Lord will cause a burning in our bosoms as confirmation.

• The Lord will always lead us and direct us.  If we study, religiously, or secularly, the Lord will help us to learn the things we are studying.  He will also use that burning in our bosom as confirmation to help us make important decisions.

8.  If we assist in bringing forth His work, we will be blessed. 

• I think the term 'blessed' is very vague, but I think that's also because it encompasses many things.  I apply this to missionary work and the importance of bringing souls to the Lord.  He will pour out blessings in all kinds of aspects.

9.  If we put our trust in the Spirit and keep the commandments then the Spirit will enlighten our minds and fill us with joy.

• I feel like this one is also straightforward as well.  I like this one because it simply tells me that if I am obedient, I will have joy.  I love the word joy because it just sounds so happy.  I think that if we are filled with joy, we won't go wrong.

10.If we ask of the Lord and it is not right we will have a stupor of thought because it is wrong.

• This is the one I chose to focus on the most and apply to my life.  I have been really confused lately, and haven't known what to really do with my life.  I'd been praying and praying about a big decision of mine, and then I was talking to a good friend.  She quoted the scripture I based this off of and then asked me, "How do you feel when you think about moving to Provo?"  I thought about it, then realized that there was no stupor of thought, instead it felt good.  She told me that I must have my answer and then we discussed that scripture a bit more.  That scripture was crucial in my decision to move or not.  I am so very grateful for these cause and effect statements.  I am also grateful for the scriptures and I know without a doubt that they are true!

Lesson One

“This revelation [4] is very short, only seven verses, but it contains sufficient counsel and instruction for a lifetime study. No one has yet mastered it. It was not intended as a personal revelation to Joseph Smith, [Sr.] but to be of benefit to all who desire to embark in the service of God. It is a revelation to each member of the Church, especially to all who hold the Priesthood. Perhaps there is no other revelation in all our scriptures that embodies greater instruction pertaining to the manner of qualification of members of the Church for the service of God, and in such condensed form than this revelation. It is as broad, as high, and as deep as eternity. No elder of the Church is qualified to teach in the Church, or carry the message of Salvation to the world, until he has absorbed, in part at least, this heaven-sent instruction.” (President Joseph Fielding Smith, CHMR, Vol. 1, pp. 32-33)

The Doctrine and Covenants has a section that is short, but packs a punch when it comes to revelation.  The above quote clearly states that it is full of things to learn, and we should do what we can to embrace all it has to offer.

I was asked to review the teachings given in Section 4, as well as reflect on the above quote.  I'll start with the teachings and what I understand of them.

Doctrine and Covenants 4:1 states that "A great and marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men."  This clearly states that big and great things are coming and it also tells me that I must be prepared for what is to come in the near future.

Verses two and three talk about how we who serve need to serve God with ALL of our heart, might, mind and strength.  It sounds like it's an all or nothing situation to me.  If we are going to serve we need to COMMIT and be willing to do ALL we must to make this work a success.  If we have the desire to serve we need to maintain that desire and do all that we can to serve faithfully and diligently.

"The field is white already to harvest."  D&C 4:4The world is ready to hear the messages of the gospel for those who serve the Lord to teach.  If we serve and search, we will be guided to those who are ready to hear the message of the Restoration of the Gospel.

The last verse I will touch on is verse 7.  "Ask and ye shall recieve; knock and it shall be opened unto you..."  This is telling me that all I need to do is ask, and I will get the answers to whatever has been plaguing me.  The Lord is right there, willing to listen.  He waits for us to come to Him with the questions that we have.

These seven short verses give so much revelation and insight to the things the Lord has instore for us and the rest of the world.  We must seek after the righteous desires that we have, and our Heavenly Father will bless us with these things.

This quote also is full of good information.  I'll highlight the lines that I thought about the most.

"It contains sufficient counsel and instruction for a lifetime study. No one has yet mastered it."

*I like how this plainly states that we could spend a lifetime studying just these seven verses, and never get all the information possible out of it.  It helps me to know that I must ALWAYS be studying so that I can continue learning.  Not just in this scripture, but in all scriptures.  There are always different messages to get out of the same passages that we've read again and again. 

"It was... to be of benefit to all who desire to embark in the service of God."

I have never really had the desire to serve a full time mission for the LDS church, but this passage of scripture along with the quote has kindled a desire within me.  I like how it is specifially for the benefit of those who desire to serve.  There are many who have that desire, and this is a good section to turn to to know that if they honestly have that desire, a way will be provided for them to serve.  

"Perhaps there is no other revelation in all our scriptures that embodies greater instruction... in such condensed form than this revelation."

I love this line.  I love how plain and simple it is about the matter of the power in this section of the Doctrine and Covenants.  I believe this quote whole heartedly to be true.  There is SO much to learn from those verses of Section 4.  I know that I certainly learned a lot myself!

I know that this Section was revealed for us in modern days.  I know that it is meant to encourage and help us have the desire to do the work of the Lord.  I know that He gives us revelation to benefit us and that all these things stated in this quote and scripture are true.  I know that we can always continue learning and we should attain the character qualities mentioned in these scriptures.  I know that He will help us if we reach out and ask, and we can become the people that we want to be. I know He is always there.