Section 102

I'm not going to lie, this section was absolutely fascinating to me! It started because it is the first one I have noticed that is not a revelation from the Lord, even though I'm sure His spirit was present during the meeting and He guided the decisions because it pertains to the organization of His church. The policies that are explained in this section are all meant to make governing easier and just, but I can't help but wonder if the high councils ever disagree in their decisions even though they are all trying to listen to the spirit as they judge (v22). The process is so proper but still sounds familiar because it is slightly similar to the American system, although I couldn't tell you how because I'm not a social studies teacher or anything...
What I truly love about reading this section is that I still know that this was decided upon and voted on by righteous men who were guided by Christ. The prophet back then, and everyone since, was appointed by revelation because the Lord's hand is in His dealings on earth. I am proud to raise my hand and sustain Thomas S Monson during conferences because I acknowledge that he was called of God to lead The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and every righteous person on earth (v9).
Honestly, I don't know how much of these procedures are followed exactly now that the church is so large and spread so wide, but I'm glad that there are high councils that travel and are abroad to settle disputes. I'm sure that because technology is so advanced, that it is easier to arrange councils and speak with the presidency if more difficult problems arise. The Lord truly does provide for His people and has blessed the earth with amazing technology.

Section 101

Unfortunately, I know the reality of being chastised because of my transgressions, and I have been blessed by the afflictions in my life because I know the Lord did so to return my focus to Him. I love my Savior and wish I fully express how grateful I am to have the truth about His atonement and sacrifice for us. Despite my sins, the Lord loves me and has compassion for me. I hurt Him, but He wants nothing more but for me to freely choose His path to righteousness.
The Lord will come again to the Earth and in that day, a lot of things will happen including His knowledge coming to everyone. That is why He told us to be prepared through the parable of the watchtower, and the most interesting part to me was about the servants doubting the necessity of a watchtower if they have a wall for protection. The Lord says clearly that if there had been a watchtower, they could have seen the enemy from afar and prepared better so they wouldn't be destroyed. I know that the Lord has provided a watchtower for the latter days against the enemy, satan.
The prophet is called on earth to announce the approach of the enemy's tricks, which has happened and is still happening. Back when the proclamation about the importance of families was given by the First Presidency, there wasn't the attack from satan so there was time to prepare with establishing FHE and other family oriented activities. I am so grateful to have been raised by a family that has scripture study, prayer, family dinners, FHE, and shows love constantly. I love my family and appreciate the traditions and habits that have been established as the norm for my life because I can now be confident that it will be a part of my future family as well.

Section 99-100

Missionary work is dear to my heart for many reasons:
1. I have known many people, whom I love dearly, who have been missionaries (or are going to be).
2. The Lord has called missionaries to be His servants and is with them in spirit.
3. I wish dearly to be able to serve a full time mission sometime in my life.
4. I am comforted because I can do member missionary work anywhere, any time, and anyplace.

Apparently I have some talents that pertain to missionary work and sharing the gospel that I never realized I had before they were pointed out to me. I was told by a church leader that my energy and excitement for the gospel was a great missionary tool for nonmembers and members. Once that was pointed out to me, I started trying to develop that talent and share my excitement for all church events with everyone!
My mother is bias about my abilities but I started to accept the fact that my friendliness is a talent that can work as a missionary tool as well. I try to develop that talent by reaching out to new people, nonmembers, and people I don't know at church (which is more than I like to admit). I have often told myself how unimportant and insignificant these talents are, but I know that the Lord has blessed me with them so that I can use them in any way I can to do His work of spreading the gospel.
The reason this blog post is about missionary work comes from the reading, section 99 is a mission call for John Murdock, and section 100 is speaking to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon about their mission. I love that the Lord tells Joseph his talent of having a mighty testimony while Sidney has the power to be mighty in expounding the scriptures because it helps give them appreciation for the talents and understanding the benefit of companionships (v10-11). I don't know what would happen if everyone had the same talent! But I do know that the Lord would spread his work anyway because it is the Spirit that testifies and confirms what missionaries say to investigators (v8).

Section 98

The message I mostly got out of my reading today was of peace and forgiveness. The phase 'Turn the other cheek' is brought to my mind when I read all about how we are commanded to forgive an enemy who smites us. I know that for myself, it is sometimes hard to forgive someone who offends me, especially when they do it on purpose, but I am reminded here that I need to forgive, even if they don't seek for the forgiveness (v41). Luckily I only have to forgive 3 times, then I can take it to the Lord and be justified in hating them....well maybe not hating them, but I don't have to worry about it anymore (v44).
It is nice to know that while I am being forgiving and patiently bearing the persecution, I will be rewarded, and the longer I bear it, I will be rewarded more (v23-25). The saints in Missouri that this revelation is addressed to had a lot more persecution than I have ever had, and I can't even imagine what I would do in their situation. I just hope to become better at forgiving the people around me. Today's society doesn't encourage that behavior, but I want to modify the way I think about life to become more like Christ, and this is definitely one aspect I need to work on.

Section 96-97

How great it is to be a part of Zion and know that it isn't a specific place, but wherever the saints of God gather! I am glad that I know what is required to be counted as the Lord's saints on earth, and if I am righteous and follow the commandments, I will be in His protection. I hope I am one that is humble and seeks diligently to learn wisdom and to find truth because I want the blessings and approval of the Lord (97:2-3).
I love the temple and I feel so blessed to be living close enough to one that I can go anytime. I admit that I have not taken advantage of the opportunities as often as I should, but I am determined to attend temple prep classes and go through the temple so that I can go more often! Back when there wasn't a temple yet built, the Lord knew that it was important for them to build it quickly. It is a place that is clean and that the Lord can visit and be present (97:16)

Section 94-95

One of the most comforting scriptures are found in my readings today and I love that the scriptures have the ability to lift my soul when I read them. I feel like the Lord has chastened me many times and given me rude awakenings when I feel guilt for some of the mistakes I have made, but I know that He does this because He loves me (96:1). The Lord chastens His people so they will seek forgiveness for their sins, so everytime I feel guilty for things, I always assume that the Lord is trying to tell me He loves me and wants me to choose righteously. 

The second thing I want to say is that I miss studying church history while reading studying the Doctrine and Covenants like in seminary and institute. I say this because knowing what is happening to the saints when each section is written make it easier to understand why the revelations are important. Some I know are important because of the message that applies to more than one instance, but some I need explained in the section headings, then some (like today's) needed more explanation! Either way, I love reading the scriptures and feeling the spirit.

Section 93

Well...I owe an old friend of mine for a lot of the understanding I have of part of this section about intelligences, truth, and light from God. I don't have the capacity to explain it myself because I know what I believe, but I don't know what it all means exactly. I wish I had confidence in that belief to explain it to others, but I do not and likely won't soon. I will say that I know that our ability to choose and think was not created on earth, we had agency before life on earth.
I owe another person my understanding of the role Christ has as the Son of God and as the Father that is mentioned in the beginning of this section. My first institute teacher (who just happens to be my current one again) has helped me understand many truths about the gospel, and within the last year, I've learned about Christ's roles. He is the Son of God, even the Firstborn, because of His acceptance from our Heavenly Father to be sent to pay for the sins of the world. The wording in this section for how He is also our Father explains it easier than I would saying, "because he gave me of his fulness" (v4). Then we learn from a quote from John that Christ received the glory, not all at first, but grace for grace (v12).
I know that Jesus Christ is my brother, father, and Savior because of the many roles He has taken upon Himself to save our spirits. The truths that I can accept because of my agency will give me light in my life to make it through each day. I love reading about the life of my Savior and reading about the prophets He has spoken to, and I know the words that are given to me in the scriptures are true. I also believe that I can one day follow in the footsteps of Christ and receive the fulness of the Father is I keep the commandments and continue to endure to the end.

Section 90-92

First, I have a testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith and the truth about the keys of the priesthood he had bestowed up one him. I also have faith in the prophets that have come after Joseph in having the same keys.

Second, I like 90:24 when it says "all things shall work together for your good" because it gives me hope that if I do what is right I will have my happy ending. 

Lastly, section 91 is interesting and I need to look more into the Apocrypha! 

Section 89

Words of Wisdom given by the Lord! Even though I consider all the words that are given by God are wisdom, this one particularly is given the official title because it deals with nutritional habits. The rules that I have learned growing up have helped influence my life for the better. I feel like I know the dangers of alcohol, drugs, and other dangerous activities better, and it was easy for me to stay away from those things because I knew the Lord has advised against it.
I don't drink coffee or excessive amounts of caffeine to supply myself with energy because I don't want that to become a habit. I don't associate much of my free time with people that do drugs or drink alcohol because I know I don't want my body to be controlled by substances and not have my full senses to make decisions. Honestly, I don't fully know why tea is bad...but I don't drink it because the prophet has said not to (and it's gross to me)!
The mentions of food in the Word of Wisdom mostly pertains to giving thanks for our meals that are given to us and eating meat sparingly. Don't get me wrong, I love steak, but I don't eat it every day! Mostly because it's expensive, but also because that would be excessive! The promise that is given for following these guidelines are just a small reason I follow the Word of Wisdom. I love that I can have health, wisdom, treasures of knowledge, and energy to go throughout my day.
I am glad that I was taught the importance of these Words of Wisdom while I was in my youth, and that I stuck to them throughout my life. I have my weaknesses, but following these rules is a strengthen and comfort to me.

Section 88

I really took my time reading this chapter, and I wish I could say I was 3 times smarter because of it! Unfortunately, that's not how I feel. Yes, I found great stuff in this section, and yes, I felt the spirit while I was studying, but besides the markings I left behind I don't remember every topic or detail. Over all I'm not smarter, but like the heading says, it brought me peace.

I know with pure confidence that Christ is the light that shines to show the way to truth and is given to all (v7-13). I'm okay not knowing or even understanding every fact given about the second coming and how the earth will be. I'm okay not understanding the difference between the kingdoms of glory because I know I will end up where I am comfortable and meant to be (v32). Honestly, I am shooting for celestial, but I am very weak and make mistakes so I'm open to where I am comfortable. 

I believe in the power of my God, and I understand the laws that have been given to govern all kingdoms (v36-38). I also understand how my Savior, Jesus Christ, satisfied those laws by suffering for my sins so I can be forgiven for breaking the laws of God. Such amazing mercy was shown through His sacrifice that it warms and breaks my heart all at once. I want to be a righteous follower if Christ's church and help do His work by spreading His truths across all nations (v77). 

The guidance I receive from reading the scriptures are personal to me, and whoever reads this has every right to ignore anything crazy or outrageous. Either way, I continue to study scriptures because I want to diligently seek learning in the name of The Lord with my fellow church members (v118-122). Which is why I make church attendance and institute participation a priority in my life. 

Section 85-87

I don't think I have a lot to say today, but I will talke about two things. In section 86, it says that the angels are ready to be sent to reap the fields (world v2) so they can pluck the tares (wicked people v3) and harvest the wheat (righteous people) (v5). I'm somewhat grateful that The Lord is not letting them come before the world is fully ready because there is a chance the wheat could get destroyed (v6). But that also means I have to live in a world where tares grow wild and start bugging me!

Second thing I wanted to talk about what the war that was predicted in section 87. Spot on! I'm no history buff, but the war that is described is exactly what happened, and this revelation was like 30 years before hand! We are also told that the war is about slavery and that there will be mourning because of the chastening hand of an Almighty God. Honestly though, America deserved it with having slaves in the first place and not treating them right!

Section 84

There are many things I am grateful for, but the priesthood that gives power and authority to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is at the top of the list. A while back, I heard about the group of women within the church who want the priesthood. I personally think that Christ's way of organizing His church on earth is how it is meant to be, and I show my faithfulness by following that organization.

I respect the worthy priesthood holders in the church because I have been helped by them in the past. I was healed from a long-lasting and awful illness with a priesthood blessing from my father and another member of my ward. I trust that The Lord knows what is right for me because my father has led my family with proper priesthood guidance many times. I have faith in the power of the priesthood because I have felt the Spirit testify of it during sacrament and blessings.

There were a lot of good things in the long section but instead of focusing on specifics I wanted to let the entire message fill me with joy. The Lord's guidance for the priesthood holders back then to go and preach the gospel was so comforting. If it had been spoken to me, there would be no doubt that I could leave my family because they and it would be provided for. 

Section 82-83

First, I want to let anyone who reads this how grateful I am for how much The Lord has given me! I have a wonderful family, great education, blessed friends, and a complete knowledge of the truth of the gospel. Because I have been given much...you may be singing the rest of the hymn in your head, but I was going to say much is required (82:3). I know I am blessed with all these great things in my life and that only means I must do what is required by The Lord. 

I may be missing some of the messages sent by Him on everything I need to do, but I try my best to keep the commandments, do missionary work, be a good friend, and serve others. I love that The Lord has given me knowledge of my transgressions and the sacrament so that I can repent and be clean again. Simple truth that is plainly stated, "unto that soul who sinneth shall the former sins return" (82:7). I feel like I should make a poster and put that where I ca read it every morning to remind myself that if I recommit a sin, it is like I never repented in the first place! That is why we must repent and then sin no more that we forsake our sins.

Last point to make, I love The Chrurch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! For many reasons, but this time I would yell that statement at the top of my lungs because of the consecrations of the bishops storehouse that provides for the people in need. I believe that Christ watches over His saints by sending us to help those who need a friend or an angel.  I know I have been comforted by someone after praying for help, and I cherish them and thank them for reaching out to me. 

Section 79-81

These three small sections didn't seem to have a lot of depth or meaning. Let me start with my random thought: being told you can preach the gospel anywhere because you wouldn't go amiss would be awesome (80:3). But mostly, I want to bare my testimony about the importance of faithfully serving in the callings that I am given. Right now, I'm officially not called to anything in the church, but when I was asked to help in the nursery a few weeks in a row, I just started showing up. I'm in a home ward and felt like I was supposed to be there, but when I went to Sunday school and relief society, I didn't feel like I could contribute a lot. 

Helping in nursery is more than just a reason for me to love church more than just being there for the spirit. The children I'm with are precious little ones that the Savior loves and it makes me so happy to watch over them, even just for 2 hours. I did read that when Frederick faithfully in fulfilling his calling by proclaiming the gospel, he did the greatest good to other fellow beings (81:3-4). I would like to think that apples to my self appointed calling, at least I feel like I'm helping by being there. 

Section 77-78

The question and answer form of section 77 is so simple and easy to understand! I love that things are just explained so simply and clearly. Sometimes I don't think I'm too smart about figuring out how some parts of the gospel work, but these answers were so insightful about what's to come! It reminds me of how Nephi received answers about his fathers dream of the tree of life. That is the power of asking and recieving. What is most important to remind myself of though is that everyone's answers come in different ways. Maybe I just need to start studying better to find answers because it's a skill I need to learn. 

I've studied about the bishop's storehouse! Which is what I assume section 78 is speaking of, and I know that the organization that the church has established to help the poor is awesome! It's not only storehouse that help though, I know for a fact that our fast offerings and donations go straight to the cause. No percent of the donation, the full amount given is used for supplying, buying, and all other expenses towards whatever cause I donate to within the church. 

I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Section 76

This section is the longest one, as far as I know, but that just makes the truths revealed here are well explained and beautiful. It's amazing how just one verse in John can have such a huge impact on the prophet's live again! Shows how important the scriptures are and should be in our lives.

Whenever I think about the phrasing "fear God more than you fear man" I have to remember that it's not the 'be scared of what could happen to you' but respect and love. The Lord says that he is merciful and gracious to those who fear Him, but we shouldn't fear Him literally (v5). It's more of delighting to honor Him as He does to us who serve in righteousness. All the faithful can have experiences like Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon had here as their eyes were opened and understanding enlightened (v11-12). 

Now the real juice of this section is the truths about the Plan of Salvation and what happens after life on earth. Setting up for that was how Lucifer fell from glory by rebelling against God and seeking to lead away those who came to receive bodies on earth (v28-29). Anyone who decides to follow the devil during their time on earth are called the sons of perdition who are not redeemed and sentenced to hell after death (v30-38&43-49). I can't help but feel both sorry for the sons of perdition and anger that they would work so hard to work against the Lord's work. It makes me want to work for my Lord as hard as I can to help Him with His work on earth to spread the truth. In other words, I seek for the celestial kingdom during my life on earth so I can live with my Heavenly Father after death.
I know I have the potential to inherit the celestial kingdom if I continue on the path I am currently on because I want to be married in the temple and live my life in the service of my God. I constantly seek to grow closer to God through daily prayer, scripture study, and bettering myself with service. Writing my thoughts down in this blog has helped me understand my thoughts completely and then have a place to reread them if I lose any of the understanding I've had before. I have known of the this plan of salvation and the celestial kingdom to be my goal for a long time, and I am still hoping for the same thing I have since learning of it.

Section 75

I feel like I'm reading the priesthood section of conference when in reading this section. Not only is it speaking to a bunch of elders, but it calls a lot out by name! It's not a bad thing though, and I love the message of missionary work. There is encouragement given when they are told to "gird up your loins and be faithful, and he shall overcome all things," and also told that there families would be taken care of (v22-24).

I know that the work missionaries are called to do is very important, and they are to be diligent when doing it. I have a testimony that The Lord provides for His servants with opportunities, blessings, and trials in order to strengthen them. I hope one day, whether it be sooner or later, I can be blessed with the opportunity to serve a mission. The love for my Savior has grown so much over the last year, and I want to share that love with others. 

Section 72-74

I know I'm not married yet but I still love kids and can't wait to start my own family when the time comes! It's wonderful to know that little children and sanctified through the atonement of Jesus Christ (74:7). There may be some that still believe they need to be baptized as babies, but I know that they are holy and precious to God. I look for someone to marry that also believes this (74:5). The law of Moses was fulfilled and now we live by the new law of Christ (74:3).

This knowledge was brought to revelation because Joseph Smith was commanded to translate the bible into more correctness (73:3-4). It is needed to know all truths in this day so we can unify the church. Our organization is something that helps the latter day gospel stay unified. In section 72, the responsibilities of a bishop is explained and it has been according to God's revelation since it was given. Just like it is still true that whomever is faithful and wise in time is accounted worthy to inherit the mansions prepared for them of the Father (72:4). 

Section 69-71

Having a righteous companion is important because it is a form of positive peer pressure. I think that it should make it easier to make the right choices when you are accountable to someone physically. For me, it would make me remember that I am also accountable spiritually. And that all came from rating that Oliver Cowdery was commanded to have John Whitmer as is true and faithful companion (69:1-2). 

I wish I could have enough money to be able to spare some for helping others. I barely receive enough for my needs and a few wants, so I am unable to give excess to The Lord more than tithing and fast offering (70:7). There will be a time when my faithfulness of this commandment is tested though, I trust that I will eventually have a career that will leave excess funds after satisfying my needs (70:9-10). I don't want to say "I can't wait" because it may seem greedy, but it sure would be nice!

I love having a prophet that expounds the mysteries of The Lord here on earth (71:1). Joseph Smith was given time to teach the church and clarify doctrine so that satan couldn't lead the hearts of the saints away. Anyone that received the truth of the gospel was given more abundantly by The Lord, and that still happens (71:6). We are able to shame our enemies by being faithful and letting The Lord confound them (71:7).

Section 68

I love general conference and listening to the talks given through The Lord's servants. I have a testimony that the words that are spoken are scripture because the men were moved upon by the Holy Ghost (v4). We can learn the will, mind, word, and voice of The Lord through listening to them. Missionary work is another important principle that I have a testimony of because I know The Lord has called all to spread His word to every creature (v8). 

Something really awesome that I learned from this section is about decendants of the first born of Aaron and their inheritance. They have a legal right to the bishopric without having to be called, as long as they are worthy of their priesthood (v16&20). Of course, they aren't the only ones that can be bishop, but other men have to be ordained a high priest with the Melchizedek Priesthood (v19). But then again, all power or authority comes from Christ only if they are worthy, and He will call who is needed.

I am not a parent, but I plan to be married and have children, so the verses about parents responsibility are good for me to know beforehand. My responsibility will be to teach my children the doctrines of repentance, faith in Christ, baptism, and the Holy Ghost (v25). If I don't, any sin they commit will be my fault. If I fail to teach my children to pray and walk uprightly before God, I would be keeping them from the truths of the gospel and hindering their progress towards heaven. I just couldn't do that, even thinking about that makes me upset and I'm not anywhere close to having children yet!

I want to be pleasing to my Heavenly Father and work hard to raise my children in righteousness. They may have to grow up in a wicked world, but I will tell them all that I can about satan's tricks and temptations so they will be prepared. My parents have raised me to know the truth of Jesus Christ, but more importantly, they gave me the tools to gaining my own testimony of His atonement. I know that The Lord has blessed me with righteous and loving parents because I needed the guidance and I am truly thankful. 

Section 65-67

I feel like I'm flying through the Doctrine and Covenants because some of these sections are so short! Even being short, they include great insights and direction that have helped me while I've been studying them. Today's study started with a revelation in a prayer form and it is made clear that the kingdom of heaven is attainable for all men through our commitment. I have only to hope that I will have opportunity to "make known his wonderful works among the people" (v4). This may be weird, but I've always wanted to have a cool way of starting and ending my prayers that people who hear it will think, "that was awesome." The way that this prayer is ended is one of those awesome ways, "thine is the honor, power, and glory, forever and ever, Amen." Love it!
In section 66, I try to personalize all the things that are said by inserting my name in place of the actual person. So there are a few times that truly hit home for me. First being that I believe applies because of my turning away from my iniquities to receive truths from God was in the very first verse. Knowing repentance has made me clean led to the second instance in v3 when it says 'you are clean, but not all; repent." Then there is the final personal and comforting bit in the chapter, when I am assured by the knowledge that the Lord goes with me when I am faithful (v8).
Surprisingly enough, there are also three main things that I enjoyed about section 67 as well, or at least that I want to mention. First, the comfort of knowing that when there is fear in my heart, I cannot receive the blessings that are offered, therefore, I need not fear (v3). The next I will quote, "see me and know that I am not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual" (v10). I don't know exactly what to say about that, but it definitely makes me want to study deeper about the subject. Lastly, I know I am unclean and not worthy to be in the presence of God, but I also know that if I continue in patience until I am perfected in Christ, I can dwell with them again (v13).

Section 64

I wouldn't say that forgiveness is hard for me, but it sometimes can take a while for my stubborn heart to fully forgive and forget. I know I am expected to forgive no matter what, and even if the other person doesn't ask for it, they always deserve it (v10). God is the only one allowed to judge and if we don't forgive others of their trespasses, we end up sinning more than those who did against us (v9). When we are clean and have forgiven others, we can expect that we will be forgiven of our sins by confessing and asking God (v7).

What a comfort it is to know that when we repent, The Lord forgives (v17). The expectations of The Lord, for He requires my heart, will be easy to fulfill when I know that He does not hold my mistakes against me (v22). The saints back then may have been asked to give more physical means of helping the church (just like our tithing), but these days I think we are required to give more service. Service that includes missionary work, home and visiting teaching, callings, helping people move/clean/paint/etc, and lifting others spiritually. 

I want to be an agent for The Lord! It's been mentioned before but it keeps sounding cooler to be doing The Lord's errand with our heart and willing mind as an agent (v29&34). It sounds so cool that I don't think of it as 'work' but as a top not-so-secret mission to keep commandments, spread the gospel, and help lay the foundation of His great work to continue (v33). Let's all be agents! I call the code name: peaches.

Section 63

This section has so many good topics that it addresses and brought to my attention that I don't know if I'm going to mention them all! First, I want to mention signs that the Lord gives us and how my life has been influenced by them. In this section, the mention of signs coming through faith is quite dominant, and those who try to seek signs without faith are pointlessly searching and anger God (v9-12). In my experience, I am terrible at determining signs that are sent. Even now, I have no idea how to tell what I am supposed to be doing with my life now that I'm graduated, but I do have faith that the Lord will guide me! If only I knew how to interpret His signs...
I noticed that some of the wording in this section scares me because of the harshness towards the wicked and the anger that is mentioned towards those that are unfaithful to The Lord (v2,6,17-19,etc.). A comforting thought, is that I don't ever plan on being in that category so I don't have to worry about the anger of God being kindled against me. I plan to always keep the commandments of God to the best of my abilities and repenting as soon as I have made a mistake!
So, I don't know if anyone else notices this, but the Lord doesn't want to rush the saints in their moving process because he says, "assemble themselves together unto the land of Zion, not in haste, lest there should be confusion" (v24). I'm sure there are certain times when haste is encouraged, such as hastening the work of the Lord in this day, but the Lord knows when that would apparently cause confusion and lead to unnecessary strife. Such strife is hinted at when the Lord tells the saints that they need to buy the land for Zion so that the people of the world have no reason to shed their blood and take away Zion (v27-29). If the saints didn't take the time to buy the land, the people would have had cause to be angry and scourge them from city to city (v31).
It is true that the wicked shall slay the wicked (v33) and sometimes the saints are caught up in the cross fires (v34), but "blessed are the dead that die in the Lord" because they shal receive an inheritance before the Lord (v49). The Lord protects His people by warning them of wars and challenges that will come to them, and promises their protection when they follow His commandments and guidance. In this day that many mock the Lord, the righteous should stand stronger than ever to stand up for what is right and remember the sacred word that are from the Spirit to guide us to salvation (v64).

Section 61-62

I don't find myself having much to say about right now, and it's weird to be at a loss for words. It's not like I didn't find any good parts in these sections, I just don't know what to say about them, but I'll do my best. My first topic that caught my attention was about the forgiveness of sins through the Lord. The men that were gathered for this conference were not perfect and some even had to be chastened for all their sins that they might not perish in wickedness when they departed (v8). The Lord doesn't want us to be brought down by our sins because it might lead us to more wickedness, humbling us is just one way He protects us.
The Lord has given to His righteous followers a land of promise and told to be of good cheer because He is in our midst (v17&36). The simple truth is that we are given the blessings of the kingdom of heaven as we are humble in following Him, and I couldn't be happier by that because He humbles me A LOT. More importantly, He comforts us even while we are going through the rough process of being humbled! I am constantly being reminded of how much the Lord comforts me, provides for me, and blesses me. I am His faithful servant that I might please Him, be preserved, and be worthy of the celestial kingdom (62:6)