Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 41:1, 5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 41:1, 5-6

"Hearken and hear, O ye my people, saith the Lord and your God, ye whom I delight to bless with the greatest of all blessings, ye that hear me; and ye that hear me not will I curse, that have professed my name, with the heaviest of all cursings.

He that receiveth my law and doeth it, the same is my disciple; and he that saith he receiveth it and doeth it not, the same is not my disciple, and shall be cast out from among you;

For it is not meet that the things which belong to the children of the kingdom should be given to them that are not worthy, or to dogs, or pearls to be cast before swine."

The saints have now come to gather at Kirtland, Ohio. The Lord is preparing them to receive power from on high. This is where the first temple of this dispensation will be built. Covenant blessings will be restored. I noticed these two warnings in this chapter that are very similar. Warning them that if they reject Him after receiving his word, that they will be cursed with the heaviest of cursings, and cast out. It sounds so harsh.

Then I saw how loving this is. To give a warning and speak the consequences. It's like a parent telling a child "Don't touch the hot stove, you will get burned." Why does God warn me? It's because he doesn't want me to be hurt. He's loves me, enough to warn me of everything that could possibly harm me. It's like the hot stove. He wants me to use it to make delicious food that nourishes me, not to be a vehicle to harm or to hurt me. He wants me to be his covenant daughter with all the blessings he can give, not to see me cast out. 

If I obtain His blessing and then cast it aside I will become in Satan's power. The cursing and the casting out is not the Lord doing it to me, I did it to myself. Satan cannot bless he only curses. The cast out is what I did the moment I left the Lord's side. The Lord cannot save me in my sins. I am no longer His. I've only done it all to myself. 

What is my hope? To hear Him, to obey His law, to ever stay his disciple. To take hold of the atonement and repent so I can become clean. If I do this the greatest of all blessings are mine, eternal life.

Day 460

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 40:1-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 40:1-3

"Behold, verily I say unto you, that the heart of my servant James Covel was right before me, for he covenanted with me that he would obey my word.

And he received the word with gladness, but straightway Satan tempted him; and the fear of persecution and the cares of the world caused him to reject the word.

Wherefore he broke my covenant, and it remaineth with me to do with him as seemeth me good. Amen"

I had a dear old friend break my heart today. We had a conversation on Facebook regarding the upcoming election and what candidate to pick. After expressing my views and being attacked I said I was done with the conversation and was leaving others to their discussion. She called me back today asking me by name a question. I responded with the answer I received in prayer. I was then challenged about my prayer and had I not consider this other option.

I have to say the comment shocked me. How does one tell the Lord you didn't answer me right? Did you consider this point? Truly don't you think the Lord already knows all the points on the matter more than I do? I told her I don't question the Lord. This lead into a discussion on how to get answers to prayers. I was then told I was being holier than thou. I know it could be taken that way when I say I got an answer to prayer and she hadn't. All I was saying is if you don't get an answer then look at the question and ask it differently. Sometimes what we want an answer on isn't what the Lord want us to know. Honestly how do I know what she is asking in her prayers? We might have posed the question differently and wanted or were willing to act in different ways. I don't know how I could have given any other answer.  

For this I was told I had undone all the efforts she had made with her friends not of our faith. I was a bad example for being holier than thou. I asked how explaining prayer could be a bad things for others to know? I was now unfriended for my poor example of a Christian and being a Utah Mormon. Really my head is still spinning from all this. I poured my soul out to the Lord to see where I had gone wrong. All I can say is I know the Lord loves me and knows my heart in this matter.

As I turned to read my scriptures the tears all came again. This fits what I saw today exactly. For the cares of the world you could throw away old friends of your faith for speaking of the gospel. For the cares of the world you can deny that a person can receive answers to prayers. For the cares of the world you can persecute a fellow Christian. You know what? I'm really, really tired of Satan. I don't want this fate for me or anyone, especially dear old friends. I am grateful we can repent and don't need to be left to the Lord to do with us as seemeth him good. 

Day 459

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 39:16, 18

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 39:16, 18

"Behold, verily verily, I say unto you, that the people in Ohio call upon me in much faith, thinking I will stay my hand in judgment upon the nations, but I cannot deny my word.

And inasmuch as they do repent and receive the fulness of my gospel, and become sanctified, I will stay mine hand in judgment."

I just had to ask myself "how many times has the Lord stayed his hand in judgment'? How many times has the prayers of the righteous saved our nation? When will he stop doing it? When the people no longer feel the need to repent. I hear those very words echoing in our nation. I am mournful that the Lord will no longer stay his hand.

Day 458

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 38:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 38:8

"But behold, verily, verily, I say unto you that mine eyes are upon you. I am in your midst and ye cannot see me;"

This verse made me wonder if the Lord has ever been in my midst yet I couldn't see him. I reflected on the times I have experienced the feeling that someone is watching me and no one is there. Really most of the times that just feels creepy. I have felt enveloped in love and the spirit really strong as I've reflected on various things. I know the feeling of the Holy Ghost being near, is that the same as feeling the Lord looking at you? As I sat here pondering I realized I have never felt like someone was watching me while I have sat in the celestial room in the temple. Of all places I would think I would feel the presence of a spirit there. I have also been in the temple and knew the Lord was there at that very moment. If I could have got up and walked the halls I knew I would have found the very room he was in. Yet he wasn't in the room I was in. I think he can look at us and we just don't feel it. Why? Because when we are alone we truly are ourselves. He knows us for who we really are.

Day 457

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 37:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 37:2

"And again, I say unto you that ye shall not go until ye have preached my gospel in those parts, and have strengthened up the church withersoever it is found, and more especially in Colesville; for, behold, they pray unto me in much faith."

The header to this section says "Herein is given the first commandment concerning a gathering in this dispensation." The Lord then tells the saint they are to gather in "the Ohio". But, they can't go until the gospel has been preached there. He tells them who is to go and where. What I loved in this verse is the Lord knows where his elect are. He has heard their prayers. He knows where to send his servants to bring the gospel to those ready to receive it.

I could not help but think about Revelation 14:6 "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people."

What was important about going to Ohio? That is the place the Lord would have his temple built and his people would be endowed with power from on high. This was needed before the restored gospel could sweep the earth, one last time, in preparation for the Lord's second coming. I have heard other Christian faiths say this part of Revelation is fulfilled. I believe it has not been. The fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ with the priesthood keys to officiate in saving ordinances has not had a chance to be preached in every land. We are close, but it not yet finished. There is work still needed to be done. The Lord is still in the midst of gathering his elect.

Day 456

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 36:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 36:6

"Crying repentance, saying: Save yourselves from this untoward generation, and come forth out of the fire, hating even the garments spotted with the flesh."

I had to pause and ponder on this verse so I could understand the meaning of some phrases. It's so interesting that when I sit and ponder the meaning will unravel to me. I remember in school we would have tests matching phrases to their meanings, such and such is to such and such. I have no idea what you call this exercise, I'm sure it has a name. I would never get it. My brain would just scream "I don't understand what this means!" So I find it so exciting my brain is able to finally grasp this when instructed by the spirit. I have no such ability on my own.

These are the phrases I wanted to understand:

"untoward generation"

"come forth out of the fire"

"garments spotted with the flesh"

I actually didn't get it until I went in reverse. I looked for any scripture reference to the phrase "garments spotted with the flesh". I found Jude 1:23 " And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh".

The word "by" help me understand that a little better. It's talking about taking on the sins of the flesh, that soil my garments and make me unclean from the world. The part "pulling them out of the fire" is similar to "come forth out of the fire". I know that I will be cast into an everlasting fire if I am found marked will the sins of this world in the end. So "come forth out of the fire" means to leave the world behind. This would mean then that the "untoward generation" would be those that do not come towards Christ. They will not come to his outstretched hands. They are moving away from him. 

What I learned is I need to come to Christ, keep myself from the sins of the world, and have garments washed white in his blood. 

Day 455

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 35:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 35:2

"I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was crucified for the sins of the world, even as many as will believe on my name, that they may become the sons of God, even one in me as I am one in the Father, as the Father is one in me, that we may be one."

The Father and Son are one in purpose. I reflected on how I must have that same purpose to be one with them. That would be a state I want to be found in. Whatever my purpose is, it must be to do the will of the Father, just like I have seen his Son do.

Day 454

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 34:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 34:3

"Who so loved the world that he gave his own life, that as many as would believe might become the sons of God. Wherefore you are my son;"

This chapter took me on a really great scripture chase. I wanted to know more about being a "son of God". So I pondered on how in the pre-existence or before my earth life, my spirit was created in the heavens by God the Father. I came to earth to receive a body and to be tried and tested. In doing so I have a literal father on the earth. So how does Christ fit in being my Father too? I know God the Father and Christ are two separate beings. 

Then I found these really great verses in Galatians 4:4-6

"But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father" 

(See Romans 8;14-16 also) 

So what I learned tonight was the "law of adoption". I didn't realize there was such a law. I had pondered on this previously and had reasoned that being born again would be like being adopted by Christ and he became my Father. I am excited to see that it really is called adoption - there is such a law. When I receive Christ in my heart, and am obedient to his commandments I am born again. I have the right to become heir to eternal life. In this way he does become Father to me since I am born again.

"And I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:18)

This gives me joy!

Day 453

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 33:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 33:1

"Behold, I say unto you, my servants Ezra and Northrop, open ye your ears and hearken to the voice of the Lord your God, whose word is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of the joints and marrow, soul and spirit; and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

I've often wondered what "sharper than a two-edged sword" means when the Lord says this. Today I felt I was ready to ponder on this. I think I can see it. A two-edged sword would be sharp on both side. So its the same coming or going. So I think it means the word of the Lord is the same and consistent, it does not change. It will not appear one way and come back another. There is exactness and gets to the heart of the matter. To divide asunder means he can expose it all. He knows my heart there is no way to hide it. Word being quick and powerful would be those that can pierce my heart if I let him. He alone has the power to redeem me. His words open the eternities. 

Day 452

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 32:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 32:4

"And they shall give heed to that which is written, and pretend to no other revelation; and they shall pray always that I may unfold the same to their understanding."

I found this verse interesting because at 4:00 am this morning I woke up to some personal revelation. It was the word "housetops" immediately a scripture came to mind (D&C 1:3). Then I in my mind I heard "things have changed". I looked at this scripture in a totally new way. I knew that I had witnessed this week in the news the fulfilling of what had been spoken of by prophecy. The hearts of men have reached a new level of wickedness. I can never receive revelation for the church only the prophet can receive that. What I can receive is an understanding of the scriptures. The spirit can speak to me and instruct me as I am prepared to learn. All that I receive from the spirit must be confirmed through the scriptures. There is order in the Lord's kingdom. This path has been prepared so I will not be deceived. 

Day 451

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 31:9, 12-13

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 31:9, 12-13

“Be patient in affliction, revile not against those that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and be steadfast.

Pray always, lest you enter into temptation and lose your reward.

Be faithful unto the end, and lo, I am with you. These words are not of man nor of men, but of me, even Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, by the will of the Father. Amen."

This chapter is a revelation given through Joseph Smith to Thomas B. Marsh. I recalled his name in a story of his apostasy over a “cream strippings incident” between his wife Elizabeth and the wife of George W. Harris. I will put the link to the story below. 

I don’t often search out other materials while reading and pondering the scriptures but this time I did. I wanted to read his story again. The saint suffered much due to his apostasy and false statements he made against the Church. After he apostatized he spent two decades away from the church. He later humbly came to Utah seeking repentance and Brigham Young allowed him to address the Saints. He explained his apostasy and asked for forgiveness and did receive it. This is a very interesting quote from Thomas B. Marsh's address.

“I have frequently wanted to know how my apostasy began, and I have come to the conclusion that I must have lost the Spirit of the Lord out of my heart.

The next question is, ‘How and when did you lose the Spirit?’ I became jealous of the Prophet, and then I saw double, and overlooked everything that was right, and spent all my time in looking for the evil; and then, when the Devil began to lead me, it was easy for the carnal mind to rise up, which is anger, jealousy, and wrath. I could feel it within me; I felt angry and wrathful; and the Spirit of the Lord being gone, as the Scriptures say, I was blinded,… I got mad, and I wanted everybody else to be mad."

Oh, how careful we must be not to anger. When there is anger it is a sign of the loss of the spirit. Today I had a bout with anger that I had not seen in a very long time. In fact I said a swear word I don’t think I’ve ever said. I was just that mad at something my son had done. Which looking back makes as much sense as “cream strippings". All day I’ve wondered what overcame me to do that. I think in some way it helped prepare me for reading this chapter. To have fresh in my mind the dangers of anger. In fact I think I was neglectful in my morning prayers asking for the spirit to be with me. My whole morning prayer was rather a mess. I had even remarked to myself afterwards that I needed to say them again later because they were so bad, which I neglected to do. Yes, I need to be much more careful in prayer so I do not lose the spirit and enter into temptation. It’s just so easy to slip up when I neglect needful things that keep me on the right path.

https://history.lds.org/article/revelations-in-context-doctrine-and-covenants-thomas-marsh?lang=eng

Day 450

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 31:9, 12-13

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 31:9, 12-13

“Be patient in affliction, revile not against those that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and be steadfast.

Pray always, lest you enter into temptation and lose your reward.

Be faithful unto the end, and lo, I am with you. These words are not of man nor of men, but of me, even Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, by the will of the Father. Amen."

This chapter is a revelation given through Joseph Smith to Thomas B. Marsh. I recalled his name in a story of his apostasy over a “cream strippings incident” between his wife Elizabeth and the wife of George W. Harris. I will put the link to the story below. 

I don’t often search out other materials while reading and pondering the scriptures but this time I did. I wanted to read his story again. The saint suffered much due to his apostasy and false statements he made against the Church. After he apostatized he spent two decades away from the church. He later humbly came to Utah seeking repentance and Brigham Young allowed him to address the Saints. He explained his apostasy and asked for forgiveness and did receive it. This is a very interesting quote from Thomas B. Marsh's address.

“I have frequently wanted to know how my apostasy began, and I have come to the conclusion that I must have lost the Spirit of the Lord out of my heart.

The next question is, ‘How and when did you lose the Spirit?’ I became jealous of the Prophet, and then I saw double, and overlooked everything that was right, and spent all my time in looking for the evil; and then, when the Devil began to lead me, it was easy for the carnal mind to rise up, which is anger, jealousy, and wrath. I could feel it within me; I felt angry and wrathful; and the Spirit of the Lord being gone, as the Scriptures say, I was blinded,… I got mad, and I wanted everybody else to be mad."

Oh, how careful we must be not to anger. When there is anger it is a sign of the loss of the spirit. Today I had a bout with anger that I had not seen in a very long time. In fact I said a swear word I don’t think I’ve ever said. I was just that mad at something my son had done. Which looking back makes as much sense as “cream strippings". All day I’ve wondered what overcame me to do that. I think in some way it helped prepare me for reading this chapter. To have fresh in my mind the dangers of anger. In fact I think I was neglectful in my morning prayers asking for the spirit to be with me. My whole morning prayer was rather a mess. I had even remarked to myself afterwards that I needed to say them again later because they were so bad, which I neglected to do. Yes, I need to be much more careful in prayer so I am do not lose the spirit and enter into temptation. It’s just so easy to slip up when I neglect needful things that keep me on the right path.

https://history.lds.org/article/revelations-in-context-doctrine-and-covenants-thomas-marsh?lang=eng

Day 450

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 30:1, 11

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 30:1, 11

"Behold, I say unto you, David, that you have feared man and have not relied on me for strength as you ought.

And your whole labor shall be in Zion, with all your soul, from henceforth; yea, you shall ever open your mouth in my cause, not fearing what man can do, for I am with you. Amen."

I could not help but reflect on Political Correctness and how it has stopped me so many times from saying all that is in my heart. Honestly, I guess I fear man more than God and that makes me sad. I always must be kind and not judgmental of a person. I can and should speak of sin and the problems that it causes. I think that Political Correctness must be a tool of Satan. To have made that spread throughout our country and world has caused many to fear man more than God. What an effective tool in stopping the spreading of the Gospel. To make you fear telling a man that anything is sin. I must be more brave. I need to reflect on this some more.

Day 449

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 29:30, 41

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 29:30, 41

"But remember that all my judgments are not given unto men; and as the words have gone forth out of my mouth even so shall they be fulfilled, that the first shall be last, and that the last shall be first in all things whatsoever I have created by the word of my power, which is the power of my spirit.

Wherefore, I, the Lord God, caused that he should be cast out from the Garden of Eden, from my presence, because of his transgression, wherein he became spiritually dead, which is the first death, even the same death which is the last death, which is spiritual, which shall be pronounced upon the wicked when I shall say: Depart ye cursed."

This is an amazing chapter. So many deep thoughts and pondering. I selected these verses because it made me look at the "first shall be last, and the last shall be first" a little differently. I used to think it was a ranking system. Oh, you've been oppressed on this earth for your love of the Savior, now come to the front of the line. I now see it as a reflection on the individual and not any judgment against were I stand against another. Judging me against another is not fair. Not sure why I didn't realize this sooner.

This verse thought me that when I go through spiritual death by sin, if I don't repent  I will be found at final judgment it is my lasting death. How I stand on this earth is how I will stand in the eternities. There is no beginning or end. How I stand in the eternities reflects how I stood in my earth life. It will echo with me for the eternities. God's judgments are just and true, they hold up no matter which way you look at them.

Day 448

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 28:2 & 7

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 28:2 & 7

"But, behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jun. for he receiveth them even as Moses.

For I have given him the keys of the mysteries, and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall appoint unto them another in his stead."

I am so grateful that there is order in Christ's church. These verses explain that the prophet is the one to receive commandments and revelation only. At that time it was Joseph Smith, Jr. As each prophet has passed another has been raise up in his stead. Even the process of how the next prophet is called has order. The apostles are placed in order by the date and time they were called to serve. The senior apostle is always the next prophet to lead the church. If they were not meant to serve as a prophet then God would have called them home instead. This just gives me so much comfort that there is order, and that brings peace. It also gives comfort to know no random person can all of a sudden say he speaks for the Lord. With order there is no room for deception. 

Day 447

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 27:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 27:5

"Behold, this is wisdom in me; wherefore, marvel not, for the hour cometh that I will drink of the fruit of the vine with you on the earth, and with Moroni, whom I have sent unto you to reveal the Book of Mormon, containing the fulness of my everlasting gospel, to whom I have committed the keys of the record of the stick of Ephraim;"

The chapter continues to list other great prophets and apostles that will be there with Christ when they drink of the fruit of the vine. It's a great list. What I saw differently this time and have been trying to work out in my mind is the part "committed the keys of the record of the stick of Ephraim". I didn't realize the Book of Mormon, which is the stick of Ephraim, had keys associated with it. 

If there is a key to it, what is its power? I pondered on this a while and was impressed to read Ezekiel 37:19

"Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God, Behold I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and they shall be one in mine hand.

From this I gather it's the power to bring the stick of Joseph and the stick of Judah together. It is unifying them and making them one in our hand. It's bringing the fullness of the gospel together. It's fulfilling a prophecy made long ago. It's part of the gathering of Lord's elect throughout the world. I think there is more than even this. I love it when I read and things like this jump out at me. I had never heard of the "keys of the record of the stick of Ephraim" before. What a great role Moroni has played. I can't wait to understand this even more.

Day 446

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 26:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 26:2

"And all things shall be done by common consent in the church by much prayer and faith, for all things you shall receive by faith. Amen."

This is one thing I love about Christ's church the raising of my hand to sustain my leaders. I love making a covenant that I will support them. I also love how it lets me know who are new members in my ward or what new callings have been given. I have only felt the need to express my voice in opposition on a matter once in my life. Once I talked to the leader and told what I knew and needed clarification on I knew their decision was not on my head, and I would support them going forward. Which I had no problem doing after that. It reminded me of the phrase "speak now or forever hold your peace".  It was a good experience and I am grateful for it. 

I went through all the scriptures that were footnoted to this verse to try and understand common consent better. I read about it in the Old & New Testament, Book of Mormon and other sections in the Doctrine & Covenants. This has been a responsibility for God's children throughout the ages.  This one in Mosiah 29:26-27 really spoke to me.

"Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe and make it your law - to do your business by the voice of the people.

And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land."

This verse was on electing judges, but I could see it also in Christ's Church. The voice of the people will chose what is right, until the time comes that they willfully choose iniquity. The members and nations both have this as a warning of coming destruction when they do that which is contrary to God's will and laws. Makes me realize even more my sacred responsibility in voting for righteous leaders, regardless of who wins. 

Day 445

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 25:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 25:12

"For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads."

I have noticed that my taste in music has changed the more I read the scriptures. I will wake in the morning with the songs of redeeming love in my mind. It is a glorious way to greet the morning. As I have felt sorrow or grief the music and words to hymns will come to my mind. Often they will have special meaning or bring greater understanding to me. I have done much reflection on the importance of hymns in my life. Yes, I agree that they are a prayer to God. I also think God answers back in song too. I wonder if that is what is meant here "and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads." 

Day 444

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 24:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 24:8

"Be patient in afflictions; for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days."

As I go through trials I think of the Lord standing beside me. He will carry for me what I am not able to carry alone. This is the only way I can have the strength and patience to endure all that life brings. Enduring with the Lord at my side is the better part of this life existence. 

Day 443

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 23:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 23:1

"Behold, I speak unto you, Oliver, a few words. Behold, thou are blessed, and art under no condemnation. But beware of pride, lest thou shouldst enter into temptation."

It would appear that pride is the door in which temptation enters. Humility and pride cannot dwell with each other. The loss of humility is to enter into pride. It amazes me how easy it is to slip from one state to another. It is my greatest struggle in life. A constant battle I have to be ever watchful of. I hold humility as a precious gift so easily lost and ever cherished. I constantly pray that I can be humble and not be compelled to be humble. That I will be mindful of the lose of humility before pride over takes me. I know I cannot have the spirit as my constant companion otherwise. Pride is the one way Satan can grasp the heart of the righteous man. It is the only tool that will work at that point. Once pride creeps in the door is open for all types of allowances and sins. I just want to keep that door shut or stand so far from it that my arms cannot reach to open it. 

Day 442

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 22:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 22:4

"Wherefore, enter ye in at the gate, as I have commanded, and seek not to counsel your God. Amen."

This verse made me think of a story Elder M. Russell Ballard related on his Facebook page on May 27th. It has been playing in my mind every since. 

"I have a dear friend who was dying of severe bone cancer. We served missions in Europe 65 years ago.

"Russ," he said, "tell God to let me die."

I replied, "I am not going to tell God to do anything, and neither are you! It doesn't work that way. But I will give you a blessing to see what Father will have you do at this time."

He said, "Well, if that is all you are going to do, then OK." Shortly thereafter, he died.

My point in sharing this story is that we should never tell our Father what to do. I happen to believe that God must have a glorious sense of humor. People order Him around in prayers all the time! I often hear those prayers and think God must smile and think, "Someday they will understand."

We should ask God for guidance and be patient. Move forward step by step in the plan of salvation and perform whatever He asks you to do. It is simple: have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in His plan for you."

I think God's telling me I order him around to much. I need a season of just expressing gratitude. Nothing brings his spirit closer than when I express my gratitude for all that he has blessed me with. Then my heart is ready to listen to his counsel with ears that hear, and eyes that see.

Day 441

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 21:11

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 21:11

"This being an ordinance unto you, that you are an elder unto his hand, he being the first unto you, that you might be an elder unto this church of Christ, bearing my name -"

This revelation was given on the day the church was organized, April 6th 1830. The name it was given was "Church of Christ". For the Lord himself gave it that name, to be called after him. It amazes me that in all the time since Christ established his original church, and throughout the period of apostasy that followed that no church thought to name their church after Christ. Now I know there was a reason for this. Their churches were of man, and had not the power or authority from Christ himself. With the restoration of the gospel, Christ's church was once again upon the earth, and it bore his name. What happened after the naming of the church in 1830 was a Restoration Movement among other religions and they began to use the name of Christ in their churches. It is not unique now to hear churches calling themselves the church of Christ or some variation. 

For this reason eight years later in 1838 the Lord did rename his church. Saying "For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." (D&C 115:4) This name shows the relations between Christ, his saints and the time frame in which they live - the last days. This church will never be taken again from off the earth, until Christ comes again and the earth received is paradisaical glory. 

Day 440

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 20:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 20:1

"The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh, it being regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April -"

This chapter is a revelation on the Church organization and government. It gives the duties of the various priesthood callings. It gives the manner for baptism by immersion and the prayer to be spoken for that ordinance. It also gives the sacrament prayer for the bread and the water. It's a long chapter with 84 verses. 

What I love about this chapter is how the organization is laid out when there was just one small group of saints meeting in a tiny cabin, yet it gives instructions on what is needful for establishing many branches of the church. It tells of the great work that would come and laid out in perfect detail how it was to be organized. I see this same organization today in a world-wide church with millions of members. I can go anywhere in the church and be perfectly at home. It is all run the same. Through this perfect organization there is a way setup that every member of the church can be accounted for and nourished. When disasters happen it is by this same organization that our members can be accounted for and assistance can be given. If any failings happen it is not due to the organization, it is due to neglect of the individual members of their duties. This organization is one of the ways the Lord's saint will have peace during the most trying of days. I am so grateful. 

Day 439

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 19:23

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 19:23

"Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me."

How do I learn of Christ?  I think the best way is to study the words He spoke. They are found in all the holy scriptures. 

How do I listen to Christ words?  I have listened to the scriptures on audio recordings. I also listen to conference talks, but I think it's more. I think I am listening when the spirit speaks the words of Christ to me. When I am instructed while reading his scriptures and pondering on them. It's anytime the spirit fills my mind with pure intelligence to understand the gospel in ways I couldn't know otherwise.

How do I walk in the meekness of his Spirit. I think its when I'm taking action on what the spirit has told me to do. When I am doing God's will and not mine. When the glory is God's, and not for my benefit. When I am serving and trying to become like Christ.

Have I known peace with these things? Yes, absolutely. Peace will never come any other way. To not do these things brings no fullness of joy or lasting peace. A new car, a pretty dress, accolades of the world are fleeting. They never satisfy or bring lasting peace. Peace in Christ is so soft, warm and refreshing, it envelopes me and I feel complete, there is nothing that can be made counterfeit. 

Day 438

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 18:15-16

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 18:15-16

"And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!

And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!"

I could not help but weep over the thought of my dear friends that have joined the church, and someday being with them at the feet of my Savior in the kingdom of my Father. I know our joy will be full.

I also remember when I helped one of my children at their baptism my heart was so full because I was thinking back on my friends baptisms. I wondered if being a parent and teaching my child to come to Christ was also part of what the Lord was speaking of in these verses. As a parent you truly do labor all your days to bring your child to the Lord.

Day 437

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 17:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 17:1

"Behold, I say unto you, that you must rely upon my word, which if you do with full purpose of heart, you shall have a view of the plates, and also of the breastplate, the sword of Laban, the Urim and Thummim, which were given to the brother of Jared upon the mount, when he talked with the Lord face to face, and the miraculous directors which were given to Lehi while in the wilderness, on the borders of the Red Sea."

This chapter is revelation received by the Prophet Joseph Smith on inquiry through the Urim and Thummim, regarding the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon. Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris were confirmed as those witnesses, and these are the items they would be permitted to view and then testify of there reality. Their later testimony is given at the beginning of the Book of Mormon.

What I found interesting is the mention of the Urim and Thummim. I am told in this verse that the brother of Jared received them when he talked face to face with the Lord. That event happened when he went to the mount Shelem with sixteen small white stones, clear as transparent glass. He asked the Lord to touch them with his finger so they would light the vessels the Jaredites would travel in across the ocean. The brother of Jared saw the finger of the Lord as he touched them and because of this the Lord revealed himself completely as they talked face to face. I have often wondered how these stones were used later since they were able to give off light.

The Urim and Thummim has been described as large spectacles that hooked into the breastplate for support in order to view through for translation. I had suspected at least two of these transparent glass stones became the Urim and Thummim. To me they would fit for being used inside spectacles. Now my question is where did the other 14 stones go? All of them could be seer stones. I can think of 15 people called as prophet, seer and revelator today. We would be one stone short if they had them. I suppose the Urim and Thummin itself would be the last one, since it uses two stones together. Isn't that interesting that there are 16 stones? The prophet would have two. 

Sometimes its just so fun to read the scriptures and see things like this pop up. I love how different sets of scriptures work together in answering questions. As I read thoughts just come into my mind and several months if not years later I stumble on the answers. This is such a marvelous way to learn patience. The Lord will answer as I'm ready to learn. Scripture reading is never boring. 

Day 436

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 16:1, 3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 16:1, 3

"Hearken, my servant Peter, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer.

And I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee alone-"

This chapter is exactly like the preceding chapter, with one exception. Chapter 16:1 says Peter and in chapter 15:1 it says John. The chapters were given in answer to an inquiry through the Urim and Thummim by the prophet Joseph Smith. Joseph was staying at the Whitmer farm while translating the Book of Mormon. The three Whitmer sons having received a testimony of the work were deeply concerned over the matter of their individual duty. Chapter 14-16 records revelation received for each of them. The thought occurred to me that they are like mini patriarchal blessings. 

I could not help but recall as I read this how upset my daughter was when she compared her patriarchal blessing with one of her friends. Which we have been told never to do. The blessings were similar, but we noted to her there was still differences. All she could see is the same words. She had serious doubts that her blessing was really hers. We tried to no avail to explain that a patriarch using the same verbiage was not unusual. We often use the same phrases in explaining similar things to people. I can think of a good example now with the phrase "I love you". Those words can be said to many people, yet have different meanings. 

My daughters rejection of her patriarchal blessing cast in her mind serious doubts on the church. She ultimately apostatized and left. I wonder now what she would have thought by reading these two chapters? Cannot the Lord say the same words to two people? Is he not the same yesterday, today and forever? It screams out to me the difference - he knows your name. 

"And I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee alone" This speaks volumes on how the Lord will acknowledge us but still speak to us privately. As our relationship with the Lord grows, and that love becomes deeper we will come to understand all the meanings behind the words spoken personally to us. That is exactly what a patriarchal blessing does. Oh, how I wish my daughter had a heart capable of hearing that. My prayer will always be that someday she will.

Day 435

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 15:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 15:6

"And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen.

I reflected on how those that bring souls to Christ are only bearing fruit of their love for him. For someone that didn't love the Lord wouldn't desire to do that. Some may use religion to bring souls to themselves for their own glory, if they are not true followers. But a true follower of Christ would seek no glory in spreading the words of Christ. The intent would be to serve the Lord and and brings souls into his rest. That alone brings joy.

Day 434