Build Zion In Our Lives Today

Some thoughts and notes from the Sunday School Lesson today - Doctrine and Covenants section 45

D&C 45:9 - And even so I have sent mine everlasting covenant into the world, to be a light to the world, and to be a standard for my people, and for the Gentiles to seek to it, and to be a messenger before my face to prepare the way before me.

The EVERLASTING COVENANT is the Standard, Is the messenger, is what God has sent to be the light to the world. It is what we are to seek to! The Everlasting Covenant prepares the way before him and his return/his coming. What is the Everlasting Covenant? Maybe it's FAMILY! Sealed families, families sealed in the temples of God.

Elder Richard G. Scott - Trials are either for our progression or because of transgression

If ye are prepared ye shall not fear - Bumpy road, shock absorbers, potholes in the road

How Can We Build Zion In Our Lives and Communities Today?

5 Principles delivered by Joseph Smith:

1. Faithfully Endure Trials
2. Obey God's Law
3. Exercise Agency
4. Preach the Gospel
5. Purify our Hearts

Elder Christofferson - Zion is Zion because of the character, attributes, and faithfulness of her citizens. Zion will come only as they happen. 

AND in that talk, Elder Christofferson quotes one of my favorite verses! 1 Nephi 14:14! "And so today the Lord’s people are gathering “out from among the nations” as they gather into the congregations and stakes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that are scattered throughout the nations. Nephi foresaw that these “dominions” would be small but that the Lord’s power would descend “upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, … who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they [would be] armed with righteousness” (see 1 Nephi 14:12–14). The Lord calls upon us to be beacons of righteousness to guide those who seek the safety and blessings of Zion: “Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations; And that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth” (D&C 115:5–6).

Demand of yourself improvement, Divine Discontent by Elder Maxwell