The Field is Ready For Harvest

I haven't posted all week because I felt like I hadn't had anything substantial in my scripture reading to post about. So you get one long post today! I'll be covering my thoughts on Sections 9-13 so I'll condense and only post on the scriptures I gained insight from.

Section 9
https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/9?lang=eng

Section 9 is revelation given through Joseph Smith to Oliver Cowdery because he did not translate properly. 

10- Sometimes we are called and then through our actions/the Lord's will we are not meant to fulfill our calling at the present time and can be called again later. 

11- Oliver Cowdery feared man more than God which led him away from his calling to translate. 

13- If we follow God's laws and keep His commandments we shall prosper.

14- Stand fast in the work; whatever the Lord has asked us to do, do it promptly and orderly. 

Section 10
https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/10?lang=eng

Section 10 is revelation given to Joseph Smith regarding the Book of Lehi and how because he feared men more than God he lost the scriptures and they fell into the wrong hands.

4- I think we often times forget this command from the Lord, to not run faster or labor more than you have strength. Sometimes the Lord will ask us to do things we do not feel we can do at the present time. That's ok, He wants you to make sure you are able to do the things He's asked in due diligence.
5- Pray ALWAYS. Good days, bad days, sickness, health, boring days, joyful moments, when things are too hard; PRAY ALWAYS.

16, 17, 18- I found these selection of versus very interesting. This is in regards to the wicked people that got a hold of the Book of Lehi and changed the wording to try and debunk Joseph Smith. The thought in their hearts was to see if God would let him translate again. They believed God was giving him the power to translate but they wanted to prove him to be false (all the thoughts of the devil). I feel that those who truly do not believe don't care this much as to thwart the ways of the Lord. Those that do but have evil intentions and allow the devil to move them want to destroy the work of the Lord.

19- They wanted to do this to gain glory in the world and that they wouldn't be ashamed in the end. Ashamed of what? 

26- Satan flatters, God invites and loves.

37- Sometimes we may have an inkling that someone is not who they confess to be. Hold your peace and the Lord will see fit that justice is served.

45- While it is sad that we lost the Book of Lehi, what we actually have in the scriptures in the book of Nephi throws greater view upon His gospel. I never realized that. I'd heard different disputes from religion teachers that we weren't ready for the scriptures in the book of Lehi or that it was a  great and tragic loss. While it is sad, the words in the book of Nephi give greater insight to the Lord's gospel.

50- [The people of Nephi] left a blessing upon this land that those who should believe in the gospel might have everlasting life. 

51- The foot note for free says "mission of the latter-day saints." It is our goal and mission that the gospel is free to any who want to receive it.

59- The Lord spoke of having other sheep which are not of this fold when He rose from the dead in Jerusalem. There were many who understood Him not and do not understand that He wouldn't just visit one group of people; He loves us all too much to not visit as many as He could.

63- Wrest means to twist and distort the scriptures until they no longer bear the truth contained about the gospel of Christ. 









Section 11
https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/11?lang=eng

Section 11 is revelation given through Joseph Smith to Hyrum Smith, much like Section 9.

1 & 2- The same text is cited in multiple sections of the Doctrine and Covenants about missionary work and bringing souls unto Christ. I need to pay attention to this. 

5- Again, do not forget to ask for things from the Lord. Just because you received a witness doesn't mean you shouldn't ask more. Seek to follow Him. Thrust in your sickle and reap where you sow.

7- The mysteries of God are His riches. As we gain them we shall grow richer than any worldly man.

12- Trust the spirit that leads you to do good. Some people worry about whether a prompting was truly a prompting or their own thoughts and ideas. If it is to do something good, that aligns with the teachings of Christ and the teachings of His church and gospel, why not follow the prompting? This verse says we ought to. 

14- All things pertaining unto righteousness, if we have faith and ask, we will receive an answer. I've had this happen so many times.

16- We must be patient. I am the worst at trusting the Lord's timing; I am not a patient woman. 

17- According to my faith in Him, what I desire will be done unto me. I must have more patience and faith in Him and His will and timing.

20- We are the Lord's work and glory. Ours is to keep His commandments.

21- Because I sought to obtain the word of God I was so easily able to bear testimony of those things I had gained. 

23- Behold, thou art "________"; seek the kingdom of God and whatsoever you desire will be added unto you.

25- Do not deny yourself the opportunity to bear testimony or receive revelation, even if it feels scary.

27, 28, 29, 30- If we desire to serve Him, you need to come unto Him and know Him and believe on His name.










Section 12
https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/12?lang=eng

Section 12 is Revelation given through Joseph Smith to Joseph Knight. There wasn't much about this Section that hadn't been reiterated in Sections 9 and 11. 

Section 13
https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/13?lang=eng

Section 13 is the ordination of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to the Aaronic Priesthood.

1- The Aaronic priesthood allows men to minister of angels and of the gospel of repentance and baptize through proper priesthood authority. 














After reading those sections, I really felt the desire to serve, to reap where I sow. So, I decided to attend my midweek relief society activity, which I had never done in this ward. I'm so glad I did, it was so fun! I loved getting to know the other sisters in the ward better and the activity was fun as well. I also decided today to do a random act of kindness for a couple of sisters in the ward who had helped me to feel a greater love for my ward members and serving. It felt so good to do that, to get to know other sisters in the ward and to serve. 
I also have found a much greater appreciation for ALL of my ward meetings. 

To be honest, I did not enjoy sunday school in my new ward, no matter who the teacher was. But I have slowly yet surely been able to get something out of it (by participating!). If you don't put yourself out there you won't be able to feel the joy of the gospel, not fully.

There is pure joy in the gospel, untainted, undisturbed joy that everyone can have access to if we seek after it.