Doctrine and Covenants 84: 17-32;

 

What would your life be like if you have no access to God's power and blessings?

"17 Which priesthood continueth in the church of God in all generations, and is without beginning of days or end of years.

18 And the Lord confirmed a priesthood also upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their generations, which priesthood also continueth and abideth forever with the priesthood which is after the holiest order of God.

19 And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God.

20 Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.

21 And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh;

22 For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live.

23 Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God;

24 But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory.

25 Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also;

26 And the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel;

27 Which gospel is the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sins, and the law of carnal commandments, which the Lord in his wrath caused to continue with the house of Aaron among the children of Israel until John, whom God raised up, being filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother’s womb.

28 For he was baptized while he was yet in his childhood, and was ordained by the angel of God at the time he was eight days old unto this power, to overthrow the kingdom of the Jews, and to make straight the way of the Lord before the face of his people, to prepare them for the coming of the Lord, in whose hand is given all power.

29 And again, the offices of elder and bishop are necessary appendages belonging unto the high priesthood.

30 And again, the offices of teacher and deacon are necessary appendages belonging to the lesser priesthood, which priesthood was confirmed upon Aaron and his sons.

31 Therefore, as I said concerning the sons of Moses—for the sons of Moses and also the sons of Aaron shall offer an acceptable offering and sacrifice in the house of the Lord, which house shall be built unto the Lord in this generation, upon the consecrated spot as I have appointed—

32 And the sons of Moses and of Aaron shall be filled with the glory of the Lord, upon Mount Zion in the Lord’s house, whose sons are ye; and also many whom I have called and sent forth to build up my church." (Doctrine and Covenants 84: 17-32)

And here's the beginning part of the commentary entitled: "I have access to God’s priesthood power and blessings." :

"When you think of the word priesthood, what comes to mind? How does God’s priesthood power influence your life?

After pondering these questions, you might study Doctrine and Covenants 84:17–32, looking for what God wants you to know about His priesthood power. Consider how you could use these verses to describe the priesthood and its purposes to someone.

One thing you’ll find is that through priesthood ordinances “the power of godliness is manifest” (see verses 19–21). Perhaps you could list the priesthood ordinances you have participated in (the lists in General Handbook, 18.1, 18.2, can help). How have these ordinances—and the associated covenants—brought God’s power into your life? What would your life be like without them?"

The word priesthood brings back to my mind the memory of my father being a faithful priesthood holder who baptized and confirmed me when I was 8, and would give me priesthood blessings from time to time whenever I would get sick or need the blessing of comfort. I felt God's priesthood power during those moments the my own father exercised his authority to use it. Because I did, a desire was instilled in my soul to be able to continue to enjoy the blessings of the priesthood power during my whole lifetime on earth as well as throughout all the eternities. 

The ordinances of salvation and exaltation that I've participated are:

• Baptism
• Confirmation and gift of the Holy Ghost
• Temple endowment
• Temple sealing

These ordinances—and the associated covenants—brought God’s power into my life as I consistently strive to keep my part of the covenants and always seek the Lord's help. Without them, my life would lack direction and meaning. I wouldn't be the kind of person I am now if I didn't have the opportunity to receive these ordinances and enter into covenants with God. I wouldn't have the power to rise above the challenges I would face in life. Without that enabling power that is God's power, I would have chosen the easy way, I would have taken the wide road which leads to misery instead of the straight and narrow path which leads to peace, happiness, and joy in this life, and eternal life in the world to come.