Highlights for Doctrine and Covenants 30-36

More than ever, I realize the Second Coming is…coming. If I were to ask you the two most effective actions to keep gospel strength and Spirit flowing through my life – what tips would you share with me? How can we be ready for all the events leading up to the Second Coming? The Savior shares his suggestions first-hand in Doctrine and Covenants 33:16-17:

The simplest habits turn out to be our most powerful ally for the Second Coming. 1) Pray and 2) Read scriptures. These two habits are the oil that keeps our lamps bright, trimmed & burning despite it all!

How Simple Actions Accomplish Miracles

How does it work? How do two habits accomplish what we need for the Second Coming and how does the Savior “quicken” us when we do them?

quicken: strengthen, revitalize, accelerate, promote, energize, increase, activate

My friend and former bishop Tom Howell put gospel mysteries this way:

“The understanding of details is not really necessary for salvation. Like I don’t have to understand all the parts and pieces of a cell phone in order to make a call. With enough research and education, all the ins and outs of cellphone technology can be brought to my understanding, but at the moment of need, only basic understanding of its operation is essential to using it.”

Another Verse From This Week’s Study

When giving instructions to his newly called missionaries Parley P. Pratt, Oliver Cowdery, Peter Whitmer and Ziba Peterson, the Redeemer reminds them of this simple 1-2 formula again in Doctrine and Covenants 32:4:

And they shall give heed to that which is written, and pretend to no other revelation; and they shall pray always that I may unfold the same to their understanding.

Like the previous verse from Section 33, Jesus instructs his new missionaries to keep it simple. Teach the gospel with the scriptures, and say your prayers regularly, so the scriptures open up even more to you. [Then, you can teach more powerful and compelling truths.]

Come Follow Me Scripture Study Program

During the recent April 2021 General Conference, several speakers emphasized the importance of the Come Follow Me scripture study program in our homes. If the individual talks were now available online, I’d quote them right here. Nonetheless, they pricked my conscience because our own family needs a reboot with the family study. We do okay individually – but have allowed mismatched schedules to dissolve our regular family time.

Because of graveyard shifts and other challenges, lunchtime is our best time! We make a point of eating lunch together most days, and the best way to get a habit started is to attach it to another successful routine. So we are studying after lunch, while we’re still sitting around the table. I’m sure whoever has the dishes that day is glad for some stalling anyway because our lunch meals tend to be large and involve cooking.

Takeaway

The more I learn about the gospel, the more I realize how essential and how deeply the most basic building blocks contribute to our lives. These six basics matter more than understanding all the other mysteries:

• Pray
• Read Scriptures
• Be patient and friendly.
• Forgive and make peace.
• Give service and love.
• Work hard.

If your day includes these 6 powerhouse elements – you’ve succeeded masterfully. For even more speed upward, add honor to each Sabbath day and make regular temple trips. May God bless you and guide you with understanding and vision.