Divine Code Review

Join Shawnie Cannon for weekly Highlights from the Come Follow Me program for the Doctrine and CovenantsThis article took 3 solid days and 20+ years of learning curves for me to write. See what you think?The title of this article is “Win-win or Win-Lose”? But first, let’s add another scenario: ” lose-lose,” which is also a common outcome. We frequently see examples of lose-lose. You and I could sit together over a cup of herbal tea and pastries and name many lose-lose scenarios we see in associates and society all around us. Everyone has experienced lose-lose situations personally at one point or another, where everyone involved in an awkward or unfortunate exchange suffers. Misery loves company and is an expert at multiplying itself.One of the Greatest Leadership Principles of All-timeInterestingly, the Savior is the opposite of lose-lose. Repeatedly, Jesus Christ instructs us how to achieve a win-win for all. We’ll take a look at some of those blueprints throughout this article. For a full transcript - go to Divine Code Blog

Full Transcript available at Divine CodeDr. Steven Harper, the Church's managing historian for the new 'Saints' book series as well as the 'Joseph Smith Papers' project, recently wrote these questions about section 29 on his blog:"Could you identify the voice of Jesus Christ the way you can quickly identify the voice of one of his living apostles? What does the Savior sound like? Section 29 begins with a command to listen to Christ followed by a reason why."I know I could do better with recognizing the Savior's voice!There are many verses like 1 and 2 throughout the Doctrine and Covenants. Nonetheless, whenever we bring up scriptures about communicating with Christ directly, we sometimes get indignant reminders that we only pray to Heavenly Father. Any apprehension to talk to Jesus, worship Him or share with Him is a cultural, human understanding rather than a doctrinal truth and not from the Savior himself. You will not find one verse in any standard works that reinforce our unfortunate, prevalent culture of non-direct communication with the Savior.

Highlights for Doctrine and Covenants 27-28 with Shawnie Cannon of Divine Code.There are so many Latter-day Saint books and opinions out there and volumes of content from General Conference spanning decades. Sometimes the teachings contradict. How can we discern what is the official doctrine and what is, perhaps, more individual understanding and learning curves?For a full script - check out the Divine Code Blog

How remarkable - the Spirit of Christ will be poured out, in tremendous measure upon you, and you will be able to call upon the Lord to be delivered. What a miraculous, momentous time to be alive and witness God's power leading up to the Second Coming. What more, you can experience the magnificent and be magnificent even during a dark era. The harder the times, the greater the miracles.Highlights for Come Follow Me ~ JSH 1:27-65 (and D&C 2)For a complete transcript, go to Divine Code BlogMusic by Mat and Savannah Shaw - https://matandsavannamusic.com

This podcast can be helpful as a first step in your lesson prep for "Do Justly, Love Mercy and Walk Humbly with God" by Elder Dale G. Renlund.I adore this talk. I've also become conscious of how much it has moved me. For example, I softened towards people I was irritated with; I did and said kind things I didn't intend to. I suppose we could say this piece of inspiration did its in-depth work on me, and the outcome surprised me. It is now my playbook for 2021. For sure, Elder Renlund demonstrated his divine calling as an apostle and the power of his mantle.This podcast highlights 5 quotes along with discussion-promoting ideas for your teacher prep.Music by Mat and Savanna Shaw - https://matandsavannamusic.com/

Let's walk through 5 highlights from Elder Scott D. Whiting's General Conference talk "Becoming Like Him."  I'll play some quotes for you and offer up several suggestions for discussion-promoting questions to get class participation going.It's great to listen to for teacher prep or if you like to hear insights from a fabulous talk about becoming like Jesus, step by step.Music by Mat and Savanna Shawhttps://matandsavannamusic.com/

Highlights from D&C 1Perhaps my favorite verses are 24-28. Why? Because the Lord knew all His church leaders would be a work in progress. He shares His divine design of how to keep the Church functioning despite all of our imperfections. Let’s go through each of these verses with some short commentary:D&C 1:24 Behold, I am God and have spoken it; these commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding.The Lord works with each of us line upon line, precept upon precept. He stresses it is essential to talk and teach people at the level they understand.Music by Mat and Savanna Shaw  matandsavannamusic.com

The Difference Between the Spirit of Christ and the Holy GhostHighlights for Moroni 7-9One of the most stimulating descriptions ever recorded about charity, the pure love of Christ, is found in chapter 7 of Moroni. However, today's focus is the definition of the "Spirit." This topic might seem like a small thing, but let me ask: What exactly does "the Spirit" refer to in the scriptures? Sometimes, it seems to mean the Holy Ghost's influence and the feelings we get, or it could be the Holy Ghost himself; other times, it is the Spirit of Christ. Occasionally, when we see the phrase "the Spirit" used in scripture, the meaning is not entirely apparent.Moroni's writings sparked an incredible, new understanding for me, and I'm excited to share it with you. Indeed, these clarifications may not be new for some of you, but it will be something to ponder for others like me. Now, I find the Holy Ghost's distinct roles and those of the Spirit of Christ are more evident to me, including how they are different and the synergy of how they work together.Music by Mat and Savanna Shaw   https://matandsavannamusic.com/

Moroni Spells Out Church LifeMoroni's descriptions of the Church are heart-warming and encouraging. Isn't it interesting that the essential purposes of our Church have remained the same for centuries? I am so grateful Moroni held out and gifted us these last few insights about church meetings, and the care of other church members too.

Weaknesses Are StrengthsFirst, you may be wondering at the title above and perhaps even think, "no way, not my sins." That was my thought too. Please give me one chance to share some remarkable understandings from Ether, chapter 12 and maybe change your perspective?One of my greatest struggles are my inappropriate thoughts (in all their varieties) and the battle for real estate in my own mind. From talking to others, I'm guessing it's one of the greatest battles fought by a majority of us. Without a doubt, our imagination and thought space are one of Satan's most effective points of entry. 

But what about the flip side of the coin. What if you have complete obedience and faith but the requested relief doesn't come? We have two realities about miracles which might seem to conflict. We have miracles which don't happen because we didn't faithfully knock or ask; and we also have miracles which don't happen even when we do seek them in faith.  Mormon and Moroni obviously did not get the divine aid they hoped, for their people and society. They were at war or hunted down most of their lives. How could they believe so strongly in miracles?Music by Mat and Savanna Shaw "You Raise Me Up"

The prophet's recent General Conference message sent our household into action! For example, my husband ordered more security cameras and we are thinking about items like generators, a better gate and stronger locks on doors. We are also canning more garden produce.Mormon saw our day and his greatest wish was to warn everyone in every corner of the earth to "repent & prepare." What was President Nelson's biggest message from last General Conference? Bring God more fully into your life and get majorly fortified and prepared.To see the original article, please go to www.divinecode.pageMusic by Elenyi at enlenyimusic.com

With these descriptions in mind, it might be obvious to some of you that your ward or stake has not arrived at Zion yet. When I grumble, I can assure you mine hasn't either. We are currently still a band of flawed mortals practicing at eternal concepts and glorious truths. We occasionally get it right and have awesome moments. Plus, we do have some number of rather accomplished, Zion-like people. But to be truthful, as a group, Zion is a future destination. To see the original article, please go to www.divinecode.pageMusic by Elenyi at enlenyimusic.com

The Sacrament calls down the sacred power of the Atonement into our lives and opens up a strong, direct channel to the heavens. Sincere question: Has it been a while since you experienced the Sacrament as an inspirational event which rejuvenates the heart, mind and soul? To see the original article, please go to www.divinecode.pageMusic by Elenyi at enlenyimusic.com

The promises and advice from Christ directly to us (found in 3 Nephi) are powerful, essential reminders of the gospel standards we strive for. What caught my attention this time around, was how many verses dealt with how to interact with other people. To see the original article, please go to www.divinecode.pageMusic by Elenyi at enlenyimusic.com

Elder Andersen shares some wonderful doctrine about the Godhead during the last April Conference which adds context and dimension to the story of Christ's visit to the Americas. Podcast length < 10 mins. Please visit www.divinecode.page for the full article "Each Member of the Godhead Talks to Us."

Today, with all the commotion and noise, there is a growing urgency to take Elder Eyring's recent advice and know who your people are and to make sure those relationships are strong. For the full article, visit https://divinecode.page/

Why do we have earthquakes, fires, famines, floods and hurricanes if God is loving and kind? How do we answer to God's critics. I faced that tough question jus a few days ago and read the answer in Helaman 14.Highlights for Helaman 13-16 scripture study from the Book of Mormon.

Explore interesting highlights for 10-15 mins from the current chapters assigned by the Come Follow Me scripture study program which is produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Join weekly as we look into 2 or 3 of the most interesting verses. This week is about Helaman 7-12 and the powerful prophet Nephi.