Doctrine and Covenants 106; 108

 

🌿 In what tender ways have you felt the Lord’s hand strengthening and sustaining you as you serve Him?

"Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, November 25, 1834. This revelation is directed to Warren A. Cowdery, an older brother of Oliver Cowdery.

1–3, Warren A. Cowdery is called as a local presiding officer; 4–5, The Second Coming will not overtake the children of light as a thief; 6–8, Great blessings follow faithful service in the Church.

1 It is my will that my servant Warren A. Cowdery should be appointed and ordained a presiding high priest over my church, in the land of Freedom and the regions round about;

2 And should preach my everlasting gospel, and lift up his voice and warn the people, not only in his own place, but in the adjoining counties;

3 And devote his whole time to this high and holy calling, which I now give unto him, seeking diligently the kingdom of heaven and its righteousness, and all things necessary shall be added thereunto; for the laborer is worthy of his hire.

4 And again, verily I say unto you, the coming of the Lord draweth nigh, and it overtaketh the world as a thief in the night—

5 Therefore, gird up your loins, that you may be the children of light, and that day shall not overtake you as a thief.

6 And again, verily I say unto you, there was joy in heaven when my servant Warren bowed to my scepter, and separated himself from the crafts of men;

7 Therefore, blessed is my servant Warren, for I will have mercy on him; and, notwithstanding the vanity of his heart, I will lift him up inasmuch as he will humble himself before me.

8 And I will give him grace and assurance wherewith he may stand; and if he continue to be a faithful witness and a light unto the church I have prepared a crown for him in the mansions of my Father. Even so. Amen." (Doctrine and Covenants 106)

"Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, December 26, 1835. This section was received at the request of Lyman Sherman, who had previously been ordained a seventy and who had come to the Prophet with a request for a revelation to make known his duty.

1–3, Lyman Sherman forgiven of his sins; 4–5, He is to be numbered with the leading elders of the Church; 6–8, He is called to preach the gospel and strengthen his brethren.

1 Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Lyman: Your sins are forgiven you, because you have obeyed my voice in coming up hither this morning to receive counsel of him whom I have appointed.

2 Therefore, let your soul be at rest concerning your spiritual standing, and resist no more my voice.

3 And arise up and be more careful henceforth in observing your vows, which you have made and do make, and you shall be blessed with exceeding great blessings.

4 Wait patiently until the solemn assembly shall be called of my servants, then you shall be remembered with the first of mine elders, and receive right by ordination with the rest of mine elders whom I have chosen.

5 Behold, this is the promise of the Father unto you if you continue faithful.

6 And it shall be fulfilled upon you in that day that you shall have right to preach my gospel wheresoever I shall send you, from henceforth from that time.

7 Therefore, strengthen your brethren in all your conversation, in all your prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your doings.

8 And behold, and lo, I am with you to bless you and deliver you forever. Amen." (Doctrine and Covenants 108)

And here's the beginning part of the commentary entitled: "The Lord supports me when He calls me to serve." : 

"In Doctrine and Covenants 106 and 108, the Lord gave counsel and promises to two members who were called to serve in His Church. As you study His counsel, you might think about your own opportunities to serve the Lord—perhaps a ministering assignment, a Church calling, responsibilities in your family, or spiritual promptings to do good.

What do you feel the Lord’s message to you is in these revelations? Which phrases seem particularly meaningful to you? Here are a few to consider:

• When has the Lord given you “grace [or divine help] and assurance” to be able to serve Him? (Doctrine and Covenants 106:8).

• What do you think it means to strengthen others “in all your doings”? (Doctrine and Covenants 108:7)."

This past summer (July to August 2025), I was the only member of the Primary Presidency in the Bangkok Ward who was around because both our President and First Counselor were both on vacation in the US. I was the one in charge of the singing time for six weeks. The Lord has given me grace during those time because I was able to serve our primary children during the singing time and also during classes. Nothing prevented me from going to church during those six Sundays. My allergy never came back. It's amazing! 

To strengthen other in all my doings to me means uplifting others in my thoughts, words, and deeds. It means praying for them to help them rise above their challenges. It means judging them not as the sin differently than I do, and showing them more love instead. It means thinking well of them and remembering I'm only seeing a bit of what's going on in their lives. They already have what it takes to be able to improve. I can be there for them, inspiring them, guiding them to discover what they already have, and helping to bring out what's best in them.