Note: Keep things simple. There is a difference between complex and complicated. Do not make or allow the gospel to become complicated.

Matthew 5:37
But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Note: We must repent and be clean before we can do the work of the Lord.

D&C 112:28
But purify your hearts before me; and then go ye into all the world, and preach my gospel unto every creature who has not received it;

Note: Our blessings and power and priesthood authority is dependent upon our humility. Without humility, we stray from the Father's will.

D&C 112:22
Inasmuch as they shall humble themselves before me, and abide in my word, and hearken to the voice of my Spirit.

Note: Do not judge. Or be very careful when judging. The Lord loves us all. Our efforts should not be in the judging but rather in being and thinking and doing more as Christ would.

D&C 112:11
I know thy heart, and have heard thy prayers concerning thy brethren. Be not partial towards them in love above many others, but let thy love be for them as for thyself; and let thy love abound unto all men, and unto all who love my name.

Note: Eschew wickedness. Get rid of sin. Overcome weakness.

Matthew 5:29
And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Note: The full demands of justice are difficult to fulfill.

Matthew 5:26
Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

Note: Resolve conflict and hard feelings, then just do your best.

Matthew 5:24
Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

Note: Having righteousness exceed scribes and Pharisee is either easy due to their hypocrisy. Or it is difficult because despite their hypocrisy, they followed the written law. I must learn to follow the written law as well as the spirit of the law.

Matthew 5:20
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

D&C 112:1
Verily thus saith the Lord unto you my servant Thomas: I have heard thy prayers; and thine alms have come up as a memorial before me, in behalf of those, thy brethren, who were chosen to bear testimony of my name and to send it abroad among all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, and ordained through the instrumentality of my servants,

Note: What does it mean to become a Child of Christ? Certainly this refers to conversion and making covenants. But I also think about Mari, 4 years old, running late to church, asking to be picked up and carried. How much do I rely on the Lord? How often do I call out to Father the moment I trip? As much as Mari and Aaron need to learn to be obedient the first time they are told to do something, so do I. As much as my children need to grow, so do I.

Mosiah 5:7
And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.

Note: The Lord knows what we are going through. There is a purpose for our trials. We must have faith. We must learn to submit our wills to His. We must always be obedient. Suffer may mean tribulation. It may mean accepting the will of the Lord.

D&C 105:6
And my people must needs be chastened until they learn obedience, if it must needs be, by the things which they suffer.

Note: The Lord's purpose is not frustrated by out willingness to be obedient. Rather, it is simply our loss of opportunity and growth.

D&C 103:32
Therefore, if you cannot obtain five hundred, seek diligently that peradventure you may obtain three hundred.

Note: What kind of power is necessary? The power of obedience and faith.

D&C 103:15
Behold, I say unto you, the redemption of Zion must needs come by power;

Note: There is very little that the Lord directs to do in haste. We should repent of our sins quickly. Yet building the Kingdom is otherwise a slower and more deliberate process.

D&C 101:72
Now, verily I say unto you, let all the churches gather together all their moneys; let these things be done in their time, but not in haste; and observe to have all things prepared before you.

Note: It take our agency, out willingness to be led. The Savior will not force out obedience, though He is persistent to bless out lives.

D&C 101:63
Again, verily I say unto you, I will show unto you wisdom in me concerning all the churches, inasmuch as they are willing to be guided in a right and proper way for their salvation—

Note: How do was it made known that all things were fulfilled? It seems there was an accounting that must have been implicit.

D&C 101:62
And his servant went straightway, and did all things whatsoever his lord commanded him; and after many days all things were fulfilled.

Note: Our obedience is one of the ways that we identify ourselves as Christ's disciples. Yet our obedience is by just being under His yoke and burden. Rather, His commandments are present to bless us.

D&C 101:61
And this shall be my seal and blessing upon you—a faithful and wise steward in the midst of mine house, a ruler in my kingdom.

Note: Even as we are chastened to be a more faithful people, the Lord still loves us and has compassion for us. We need not think that challenges in our lives is abandonment. Instead it is our tutorial. Fhs

D&C 101:9
Verily I say unto you, notwithstanding their sins, my bowels are filled with compassion towards them. I will not utterly cast them off; and in the day of wrath I will remember mercy.

Note: In our true relationship with God, we need Him all the time.

D&C 101:8
In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel; but, in the day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me.

Note: It is interesting to me the role of the children to potentially bring peace on behalf of their families. This is NOT about restitution or even justice. This is about reconciliation and progression and about leading an unburdened joyful life.

D&C 98:47
But if the children shall repent, or the children's children, and turn to the Lord their God, with all their hearts and with all their might, mind, and strength, and restore four-fold for all their trespasses wherewith they have trespassed, or wherewith their fathers have trespassed, or their fathers' fathers, then thine indignation shall be turned away;

Note: Let go of grudges and do NOT worry about what you cannot change. Proclaim peace NOT only in the world but also in your own homes and families. Let go of hurt feelings especially at home.

D&C 98:16
Therefore, renounce war and proclaim peace, and seek diligently to turn the hearts of the children to their fathers, and the hearts of the fathers to the children;

Note: The Lord sees in us that which we fail to fully recognize. Think about the joy found in families. On one level there is great sacrifice. But at the same time that is where the greatest joy comes from. Pleasure from easy victories are short lived. Pleasure from earned successes that involve sacrifice are fulfilling.

D&C 98:13
And whoso layeth down his life in my cause, for my name's sake, shall find it again, even life eternal.

Note: Proving a well means to prime it. In order to help us become effective wells and founts of truth, he gives us some truth, then pumps us as we gradually are able to give more of ourselves.

D&C 98:12
For he will give unto the faithful line upon line, precept upon precept; and I will try you and prove you herewith.

Note: In order to receive the blessings that have been promised and that the Lord would give, we must be obedient.

D&C 97:18
And, now, behold, if Zion do these things she shall prosper, and spread herself and become very glorious, very great, and very terrible.

Note: Churches and services have 2 related but separate functions: worship and instruction.

D&C 97:13
For a place of thanksgiving for all saints, and for a place of instruction for all those who are called to the work of the ministry in all their several callings and offices;

Alma 7:11
And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

Helaman 6:25
Now behold, it is these secret oaths and covenants which Alma commanded his son should not go forth unto the world, lest they should be a means of bringing down the people unto destruction.

Note: How reassuring and comforting when it is so easy to doubt. Trust that the Lord is in control ultimately. Perhaps akin to when the kids slip but we are close to ensure severe harm, we must learn through our bumps and bruises and disappointments, yet He is nearby.

D&C 76:3
His purposes fail not, neither are there any who can stay his hand.

Helaman 1:19
But it came to pass that Coriantumr did march forth at the head of his numerous host, and came upon the inhabitants of the city, and their march was with such exceedingly great speed that there was no time for the Nephites to gather together their armies.

Note: Be generous and avoid greed and selfishness.

D&C 70:7
Nevertheless, inasmuch as they receive more than is needful for their necessities and their wants, it shall be given into my storehouse;

Note: Our records and journals may be of use to strengthen one another.

D&C 69:8
Preaching and expounding, writing, copying, selecting, and obtaining all things which shall be for the good of the church, and for the rising generations that shall grow up on the land of Zion, to possess it from generation to generation, forever and ever. Amen.

Note: The Lord promises us blessings not only in the world to come but in this life as well. The blessings of the gospel and righteous living are eternal - meaning present at all times. There are times of apparent sacrifice in this life nonetheless.

D&C 63:48
He that sendeth up treasures unto the land of Zion shall receive an inheritance in this world, and his works shall follow him, and also a reward in the world to come.

Note: The Lord does not throw temper tantrums. So withholding His Spirit has to be motivated by love and justice. It must be related to worthiness and to avoid further condemnation of the wicked. When we have the Spirit's company, it is for our comfort, strengthening, growth, and learning. The Spirit helps us be more like God.

D&C 63:32
I, the Lord, am angry with the wicked; I am holding my Spirit from the inhabitants of the earth.

Note: We ate generally to avoid intentionally stirring up resentment against the Church.

D&C 63:27
Wherefore, I the Lord will that you should purchase the lands, that you may have advantage of the world, that you may have claim on the world, that they may not be stirred up unto anger.

Note: There is a balance of following the law of the land and at the same time of putting the Lord first. Perhaps there is no balance but rather it is for the Lord to decide when He will honor the laws of the land versus flex His almighty arm while we are to ALWAYS honor the Lord first and to ALWAYS be obedient to his guidance.

D&C 63:26
Nevertheless, I, the Lord, render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's.

Note: It is not that all waters are all dangerous. But only those upright in heart will be safe.

D&C 61:16
And it shall be said in days to come that none is able to go up to the land of Zion upon the waters, but he that is upright in heart.

Note: What are my priorities? My family will adopt my values - am I exemplifying righteous and true principles?

D&C 68:31
Now, I, the Lord, am not well pleased with the inhabitants of Zion, for there are idlers among them; and their children are also growing up in wickedness; they also seek not earnestly the riches of eternity, but their eyes are full of greediness.

Note: We must be willing to accept the kingdom of God.

D&C 65:5
Call upon the Lord, that his kingdom may go forth upon the earth, that the inhabitants thereof may receive it, and be prepared for the days to come, in the which the Son of Man shall come down in heaven, clothed in the brightness of his glory, to meet the kingdom of God which is set up on the earth.

Note: I wonder whether the "afflicting" and "chastening" was the loss of peace caused by the hard feelings?

D&C 64:8
My disciples, in days of old, sought occasion against one another and forgave not one another in their hearts; and for this evil they were afflicted and sorely chastened.

Note: Use your talents to bless the lives of our Father's children.

D&C 46:8
Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given;

Note: We are to continue developing our talents that we began developing in the premortal existence. We are where we are supposed to be by the Lord's blessing.

D&C 138:56
Even before they were born, they, with many others, received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the due time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men.

Note: We were with the Father prior to our birth.

D&C 138:55
I observed that they were also among the noble and great ones who were chosen in the beginning to be rulers in the Church of God.

Note: The Lord's purpose is our success. We are to be better than what this world offers.

D&C 64:2
For verily I say unto you, I will that ye should overcome the world; wherefore I will have compassion upon you.

Note: There will always be some weight. Either of glory or of condemnation.

D&C 63:66
These things remain to overcome through patience, that such may receive a more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, otherwise, a greater condemnation. Amen.

Note: Do things with order. Avoid confusion.

D&C 63:24
And now, behold, this is the will of the Lord your God concerning his saints, that they should assemble themselves together unto the land of Zion, not in haste, lest there should be confusion, which bringeth pestilence.

Note: Enduring with faith can lead to transformation.

D&C 63:20
Nevertheless, he that endureth in faith and doeth my will, the same shall overcome, and shall receive an inheritance upon the earth when the day of transfiguration shall come;

Note: Do not let sins hold you back from being righteous.

D&C 63:19
And now behold, I, the Lord, say unto you that ye are not justified, because these things are among you.

Note: Remember the purpose of signs.

D&C 63:11
Yea, signs come by faith, unto mighty works, for without faith no man pleaseth God; and with whom God is angry he is not well pleased; wherefore, unto such he showeth no signs, only in wrath unto their condemnation.

Note: Learn to be believing and exercise faith.

D&C 63:7
And he that seeketh signs shall see signs, but not unto salvation.

Note: Strengthen one another.

D&C 61:32
And from thence let them journey for the congregations of their brethren, for their labors even now are wanted more abundantly among them than among the congregations of the wicked.

Note: Be guided by the Spirit.

D&C 61:28
Wherefore, let him do as the Spirit of the living God commandeth him, whether upon the land or upon the waters, as it remaineth with me to do hereafter.

Note: The Lord will give us guidance but also requires us to make our own decisions.

D&C 61:22
And it mattereth not unto me, after a little, if it so be that they fill their mission, whether they go by water or by land; let this be as it is made known unto them according to their judgments hereafter.

Note: I do not understand what is meant by the Lord's anger. But certainly he is forgiving as well.

D&C 61:20
I, the Lord, was angry with you yesterday, but today mine anger is turned away.

D&C 6:19
Admonish him in his faults, and also receive admonition of him. Be patient; be sober; be temperate; have patience, faith, hope and charity.

Note: What is the great and last promise made by the Lord?

D&C 88:69
Remember the great and last promise which I have made unto you; cast away your idle thoughts and your excess of laughter far from you.

Note: Prepare to see the Lord. We do not know when we will see Him.

D&C 88:68
Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will.

Note: That which we hear or may hear is the truth we cannot see.

D&C 88:66
Behold, that which you hear is as the voice of one crying in the wilderness—in the wilderness, because you cannot see him—my voice, because my voice is Spirit; my Spirit is truth; truth abideth and hath no end; and if it be in you it shall abound.

Note: Just asking the wrong thing is bad? I think it is because that indicates a lack of faith or misplaced priorities.

D&C 88:65
And if ye ask anything that is not expedient for you, it shall turn unto your condemnation.

Note: I must seek to learn and grow from every opportunity by being meek an teachable. Through that process I can grow, regardless of the situation.

D&C 88:34
And again, verily I say unto you, that which is governed by law is also preserved by law and perfected and sanctified by the same.

Note: We should all have true and faithful companions in our travels.

D&C 69:1
Hearken unto me, saith the Lord your God, for my servant Oliver Cowdery's sake. It is not wisdom in me that he should be entrusted with the commandments and the moneys which he shall carry unto the land of Zion, except one go with him who will be true and faithful.

Note: We must teach the children the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel. Our duty a parents is to teach.

D&C 68:25
And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents.

Note: The Lord will not allow man to stop His work.

D&C 64:40
And even the bishop, who is a judge, and his counselors, if they are not faithful in their stewardships shall be condemned, and others shall be planted in their stead.

Note: The problem with some sins, maybe especially the small ones is that we are "cumbered about" or that our lives are too busy and too distracted to be fully committed to the Lord.

D&C 66:10
Seek not to be cumbered. Forsake all unrighteousness. Commit not adultery—a temptation with which thou hast been troubled.

Note: Our repentance, our turning to the Lord must be complete. The Lord will help us recognize our weaknesses.

D&C 66:3
Verily I say unto you, my servant William, that you are clean, but not all; repent, therefore, of those things which are not pleasing in my sight, saith the Lord, for the Lord will show them unto you.

Note: It is simple really, we are to turn away from iniquity and do that which is right. What are His truths? Just the ordinances and Sunday meetings? Or forgiveness, charity, patience, improved family relations?

D&C 66:1
Behold, thus saith the Lord unto my servant William E. McLellin—Blessed are you, inasmuch as you have turned away from your iniquities, and have received my truths, saith the Lord your Redeemer, the Savior of the world, even of as many as believe on my name.

Note: The Lord would have us be willing to serve and exercise faith independent of our capacity. It is the effort and the intent that He desires, for that is what affects our growth.

D&C 63:40
And let all the moneys which can be spared, it mattereth not unto me whether it be little or much, be sent up unto the land of Zion, unto them whom I have appointed to receive.

Note: Hard times does not mean the Lord has abandoned us.

D&C 63:34
And the saints also shall hardly escape; nevertheless, I, the Lord, am with them, and will come down in heaven from the presence of my Father and consume the wicked with unquenchable fire.

Note: Always be humble and acknowledge the Lord's blessing.

D&C 63:55
And now behold, verily I say unto you, I, the Lord, am not pleased with my servant Sidney Rigdon; he exalted himself in his heart, and received not counsel, but grieved the Spirit;

Note: Though the Lord will bless us, most blessings require a sacrifice on our part. Perhaps especially those things that we wish to pass on as an inheritance.

D&C 63:29
Wherefore, the land of Zion shall not be obtained but by purchase or by blood, otherwise there is none inheritance for you.

Note: It is such a blessing that Our Savior knows how to succor us in the way that we need His help.

D&C 62:1
Behold, and hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, your advocate, who knoweth the weakness of man and how to succor them who are tempted.

Note: As in the comment in the previous verse, although we are to prepare for the Lord, it is not about knowing the specific time but rather to be prepared.

D&C 61:39
Pray always that you enter not into temptation, that you may abide the day of his coming, whether in life or in death. Even so. Amen.

Note: Prepare at all times for the coming of the Lord for the sake of being prepared.

D&C 61:38
Gird up your loins and be watchful and be sober, looking forth for the coming of the Son of Man, for he cometh in an hour you think not.

Note: It is important, especially in companionships, to be united. We are given commandments in part that we might be more united or more Zion-like that we might have more joy.

D&C 61:8
Nevertheless, I would not suffer that ye should part until you were chastened for all your sins, that you might be one, that you might not perish in wickedness;

Note: I don't understand the order... Perhaps those with the gospel light enter the Lord's presence first but those of honest disposition but disadvantage are also invited to His presence.

D&C 58:11
And after that cometh the day of my power; then shall the poor, the lame, and the blind, and the deaf, come in unto the marriage of the Lamb, and partake of the supper of the Lord, prepared for the great day to come.

Note: It is so much about perspective and patience and diligence to learn.

D&C 58:3
Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation.

Note: The Lord desires our obedience. Also good people suffer bad things to give them opportunity to prove/grow into their faithfulness.

D&C 58:2
For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven.

Note: We are to trust the Spirit more than our own senses.

2 Nephi 21:3
And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord; and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears.

Isaiah 55:6
¶ Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Note: To create your own notes, find a verse and tap on the verse number, then tap on Notes.

Isaiah 55:6
¶ Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

Helaman 5:12
And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

D&C 58:27
Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

Joshua 24:15
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.