[great things await you]

 

As I was studying Doctrine & Covenants 45 today, I kept thinking how often we focus on the scary prophecies about the last days. I have noticed in my studies though that the prophecies are very different for the saints than for the wicked. Over and over again we are told not to fear or to be troubled. There are some amazing promises to the saints in D&C 45. I hope that we learn to focus on the positive promises to the saints instead of on the calamities. 

Just prior to the warnings of D&C 45, the Lord shares the many things His power will do. The power we receive through our covenant keeping. Things like "enemies may not have power over you", "preserved in all things", "enabled to keep my laws", "every bond may be broken wherewith the enemy seeketh to destroy my people", "to do many miracles"... God's enabling power is real and we have access to it. If we truly believe the scriptures, we need not fear the last days.

For the first time, I thought of the fig tree parable in quite a new light: something about temples and what we see there. Think about it... I'm not sure if I'm right but still kind of cool. :)

[remove the debris]

 

I continue to use my General Conference journal. This page is not that exciting but it will help me to remember President Nelson's words.

[if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear]

 

If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.

D&C 38:30

Many people live in fear right now so for this week's Sunday School lesson I thought to concentrate on what will bring peace in these troubled times.

I'm so grateful to know where I can find peace when the world is in turmoil. Jesus Christ is not called the Prince of Peace for nothing.

[D&C 37-40 handout]

 

1.  it remaineth with me to do with him as seemeth _____  _________ (40:3)

2.  …let every man __________________ for himself until I come (37:4)

3.  I have looked upon thy works and I ____________ _____________ (39:7)

4.  I will be merciful unto __________  _____________________ (38:14)

5.  mine eyes are upon you. I am in your __________________ (38:7)

6.  The same which ___________________ _______ things (38:2)

7.  if ye are ____________________ ye shall not fear (38:30)

8.  be ye strong from henceforth, ______________  _________ (38:15)

9.  I will be _____________  _____________ and go before thy face (39:12)

10. beware of ____________________ (38:39)

11. treasure up _______________________ (38:30)

A puzzle for Doctrine & Covenants chapters 37 - 40.

The answer is "GO TO THE OHIO". (See D&C 37)

I don't think the "the" in the sentence is a mistake. In a later chapter, the Lord says "people in Ohio". I was puzzled by the "the" so I did some research. 

Ohio means "great river" in the Iroquois language. 

In Kirtland, a great river of knowledge and power flowed from Heaven to the early Saints as they received their endowments. You'll gain added insight if you search scriptures about "living water" and "river".

[study journal]

 

When I study the gospel, I like to keep a study journal. I'm a very visual person so pictures help me remember things.

I purchased a new notebook just for General Conference. 

In Relief Society, we will be discussing Elder Teixeira's talk so I started my journaling with his talk. I had to leave some pages empty at the beginning of the notebook for President Nelson's messages. The prophet's message needs to be the first in the notebook in my humble opinion. 

Anyways, this kind of journaling makes studying more fun and for sure you'll remember things better than if you just read. 

[April 2021 General Conference]