In early August 1831, Joseph Smith and other elders of the Church were preparing to return to Kirtland after a short visit to Missouri. The Lord wanted these men to preach the gospel during their trip. Some of the men had no problem with that, but others were hesitant. Doctrine and Covenants 60–63 set the Lord’s expectations and desires for the Saints on their journey home, whether on the road to Ohio or our eventual home with God again.
Segment 1
Scriptures:
D&C 61:6, 62:2,9 (God is with us)
Segment 2
Scriptures:
D&C 60:1-3 (Use your talents)
Segment 3
Scriptures:
It Mattereth Not Scripture Chain:
D&C 60:5
D&C 61:21-22
D&C 62:5-7
D&C 63:40
Words of the General Authorities:
A desire to be led by the Lord is a strength, but it needs to be accompanied by an understanding that our Heavenly Father leaves many decisions for our personal choices. Personal decision making is one of the sources of the growth we are meant to experience in mortality. Persons who try to shift all decision making to the Lord and plead for revelation in every choice will soon find circumstances in which they pray for guidance and don’t receive it. For example, this is likely to occur in those numerous circumstances in which the choices are trivial or either choice is acceptable. We should study things out in our minds, using the reasoning powers our Creator has placed within us. Then we should pray for guidance and act upon it if we receive it. If we do not receive guidance, we should act upon our best judgment. (Dallin H. Oaks, “Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall”, BYU Speeches delivered on June 7, 1992)
Segment 4
Scriptures:
D&C 61:20 (The Lord’s anger)
D&C 61:14-17 (The curse of the water)
CR: Revelation 8:8-11
CR: Revelation 16:2-6
2 Nephi 28:20 (The devil stirs rage)
3 Nephi 11:29 (Contention is not of God)
D&C 61:8 (Chastening then unity)
Words of the General Authorities:
Whenever you get red in the face, whenever you raise your voice, whenever you get “hot under the collar,” or angry, rebellious, or negative in spirit, then know that the Spirit of God is leaving you and the spirit of Satan is beginning to take over. At times we may feel justified in arguing or fighting for truth by contentious words and actions. Do not be deceived. Satan would rather have you contend for evil if he could, but he rejoices when we contend with one another even when we think we are doing it in the cause of righteousness. He knows and recognizes the self-destructive nature of contention under any guise. (Theodore M. Burton, “Blessed Are the Peacemakers”, October 1974 General Conference)
Segment 5
Scriptures:
D&C 3:10 (God is merciful)
D&C 63:25 (He holds it in His hands)
Moses 7:43 (The Lord smiled)
D&C 84:80 (Nothing unnoticed by God)
D&C 61:1 (Hearken to the almighty)
D&C 62:1 (Succoring the tempted)
D&C 63:60-63 (The use of God’s name)
CR: D&C 60:4
CR: Malachi 3:17
CR: Exodus 19
D&C 63:20,47 (Endure and overcome)
Words of the General Authorities:
All should keep a Journal of the dealings of God with them and their official acts, and keep a true History of Events in this great dispensation. I was inspired and moved upon to write a Journal and keep a record of the affairs of this Church from the time I first Joined this Church up to the Present time. I seldom Ever heard the Prophet Joseph, or Brigham Young, or the Apostles teach preach or Prophesy or perform any official act but what I have recorded it in my Journals. (Wilford Woodruff, journal (January 1, 1860–October 22, 1865), recorded in Wilford Woodruff Papers)
The LORD promised me that I should live to find the people of God and have a name and a place within his House, a name Better than of sons or of Daughters a name that should not be cut off and I to day rejoice in having a name with his people and assist in the dedication of another temple to his most Holy Name. (Wilford Woodruff, journal (February 1880–December 1885), recorded in Wilford Woodruff Papers)
Translations:
Succor = to run to, or run in support (1828 Dictionary)
Peculiar - segullah = treasured possession (Hebrew)
Segment 6
Scriptures:
D&C 63:24 (Confusion)
D&C 63:27 (Order)
D&C 63:7-12 (Seeking signs)
CR: Alma 32:17
D&C 63:66 (Overcome through patience)
D&C 63:54 (Foolish vs. wise)
D&C 61:36-39 (He has not forsaken us)
Words of the General Authorities:
True faith is founded on true evidence…The greater the evidence, the greater will be the faith resulting from that evidence. (Orson Pratt, Orson Pratt’s Works: A Series of Pamphlets on the Doctrines of the Gospel, p. 60)
View transcript here.