I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from The Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity - the pure love of Christ - will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness.
- President Marion G. Romney

Monday, February 2, 2009

Doctrine and Covenants~Lesson 6

Last week, during lesson 5, we learned about personal revelation and how it is vital to all of us. Together we read sections six (for discussion on this section click here) and eight (for discussion click here). Today, we will read sections nine and eleven.

Section 9 ~ This is revelation given through Joseph Smith to Oliver Cowdery; and he is admonished to be patient and be content with being a scribe rather than the translator.

Section 11~ This is revelation given through Joseph Smith to his brother, Hyrum Smith. In these thirty verses, we are taught to seek wisdom, repent and to trust in the Spirit.

I urge you to read these sections today, and think about what they mean to you. Then, return and share your thoughts and insights with us.

3 comments:

Jocelyn said...

There are so many good "one liners" in these sections. I won't list all of them I liked, but a few are
"Do this thing which I have commanded you, and you shall prosper."
"to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously."
"Build upon my rock, which is my gospel."

A couple of other things I liked...
verse 5 of section 9 -- "...behold, it is because that you did not continue as you commenced, ...that I have taken away this privilege from you."
I struggle with this weakness so much! I am all gung ho over a principle of the Gospel or a practice of the Gospel == I get really into it, am faithful and excited, and then I just get lazy, distracted, etc. and the light I was given in that principle is taken away. I like the idea of being diligent -- not running too fast or walking too slow -- just pressing forward in the principles of the Gospel -- it seems like the Lord is saying here that if we do that, we will prosper (vs. 13). Definitely something I can work on there.
Also, I loved Verse 8 and the principle of thinking, studying, deciding, and THEN praying for an answer. It puts the work squarely on our shoulders, doesn't it?? I think that's so wise, though. It's easier for me to get impressions that a choice is good or bad rather than direct revelation where an elaborate answer is given. This seems to be what He's teaching here.

I want to hear others' thoughts about these sections, so I'll just comment on one more thing -- verse 8 of section 11. I definitely want to be a means of doing much good in this generation -- I want to raise good, obedient, faithful children and I want to help the Lord with His work. I love the counsel given in this verse ...it makes it seem doable.

Paula -- CutieFruity said...

First, I guess I'll introduce myself. My name is Paula and I served as a missionary with Julie. I am so glad to be here because I always find the time to spend on the computer, but not to pull out a book, so this is very helpful to get me to study.

Section 9- My kid is just like Oliver Cowdery! We had this conversation this morning. "mom, can I have ice cream?" "not right now." "but MO-OM!" "How about this, you go clean your room, and THEN you can have ice cream." "I just want some ice cream. please, mom?" "okay, nevermind, I guess you won't have ice cream at all then." "UH! You are so mean!"

The Lord tells Oliver to be patient, to do more than to just ask, and then he losses the priveledge altogether because he complained.

Then the blessings! reading all these blessings the Lord is willing to give made my heart soar. he is right there to bless us with what we need to do his work.

11- I really like what Julie had to say also, about applying this to our children when it says "generation". They are my missioanry oppurtunity right now and I need to have the spirit with me always to do that. They don't see me for an hour for a discussion a few times a week, they see me 24/7, and I always have to be there to teach right at the moment they need it, and by example always.

Amanda D said...

I'm adding my comments, and then I'll read the other comments. For section 9, I enjoyed the reminder of what the Holy Ghost feels like. I have been wrestling with a decision and having a hard time making it, and this reminder of what the feelings are is so helpful.

For section 11, I think that it interesting that this we are reminded again that we should not go after riches, but for wisdom instead. I am pretty sure that we read that earlier in the D&C lessons.

I think that it is so interesting that we can read the same verses, and have different things stick out to us. I enjoy the insight of Julie and Paula (welcome!!) and agree with both.