Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 72:3-4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 72:3-4

"And verily in this thing ye have done wisely, for it is required of the Lord, at the hand of every steward, to render an account of his stewardship, both in time and in eternity.

For he who is faithful and wise in time is accounted worthy to inherit the mansions prepared for him of my Father."

What just jumped out at me was the phrase "wise in time". Not only will I give an accounting of my stewardship, but also the wise use of my time. Does that ever make me not want to watch TV or waste my time in useless things again. I have felt every minute of my day is precious. I try to use it as wisely as I can. Even more so since I heard and felt the Lord hastening his work. I have to say this verse gave me confirmation of my feelings. I had just never spotted that phrase before. Every moment of my life is precious and I must continue to make wise use of it. I will make an accounting of it in the end.

Day 491

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 71:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 71:2

"Verily I say unto you, proclaim unto the world in the regions round about, and in the church also, for the space of a season, even until it shall be made known unto you."

I have found I have moved from needing to know every little detail of the Lord's plan for me; to being able to move without knowing the end results. The Lord doesn't need to tell me the full plan. I must have the faith to move as directed so I can learn all things. A space of a season could be any length of time, the important thing is to remain faithful. The beautiful part of working this way with the Lord, is he will make it known when the next step is. That means His spirit will come and direct me in what is needful. It took me a long time to realize I was missing out in the direction of the spirit when I decided I couldn't move until I knew it all. I was missing out on having the Holy Ghost as my constant companion. I was missing out on what the beauty of faith is. His plan really is a much better plan.

Day 490

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 70:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 70:4

"And an account of this stewardship will I require of them in the day of judgment."

What I pondered on what is my stewardship? What have I been called by the Lord to do? I will have to account for my stewardship. Even the least in his kingdom will be required to give an accounting. I don't think I ask myself this question as often as I should. I truly want to report back to the Lord that I was good and faithful in all he asked me to do. That I did everything he asked of me to help build his kingdom here upon the earth. I am so flawed, but I can do better.

Day 489

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 69:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 69:1

"Hearken unto me, saith the Lord your God, for my servant Oliver Cowdery's sake. It is not wisdom in me that he should be entrusted with the commandments and the moneys which he shall carry unto the Land of Zion, except one go with him who will be true and faithful."

I wish I had more background on this chapter. I wasn't sure where to find it. I was new to the Joseph Smith Papers website so I didn't find anything more there. So I just sat and pondered on this, which is probably the better thing to do.

It doesn't sound like Oliver Cowdery couldn't be trusted and that is why the Lord is saying this. He is saying this for Oliver's sake. I wonder if there was concern that Oliver would be robbed of what he was entrusted with if he took this journey alone? That he needed to be in the company of another for his safety. That the person selected needed to be one also trustworthy or true and faithful. The Lord names John Whitmer to go with him. 

What this made me think of is how the Church councils us to go in pairs. It is for our safety and protection. It is also to have a second witness. I went visiting teaching yesterday and my companion was able to go with me. Her husband has been ill, so I had gone alone earlier. It was really nice to go with a companion and not by myself. I had no fear of visiting my sisters, that just live in my neighborhood all by myself, especially in the middle of the day. But seeing the times we live in I shouldn't even take that for granted. It is always better to have a witness, it really does help to make sure you are speaking of gospel truths and not going off on a tangent yourself.

Day 488

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 68:29

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 68:29

"And the inhabitants of Zion shall also observe the Sabbath day to keep it holy."

Reading this I just had to think "No wonder the church is emphasizing the need to keep the Sabbath day holy." We literally cannot become a Zion people, prepared to meet the Lord, if we do not keep the Sabbath day holy.

It truly saddens me to see places of business open, and people doing all sorts of recreation and shopping on the Lord's day. I feel so badly for the people that are forced to work on Sunday because their employers and customers demand it. I know I had to do that for a while.

Knowing what I know now I should have had the faith to leave that employment and find other work. I know my family would have been blessed instead of the hard struggle we had financially during those years. It was not until I found work that did not require me to work on Sunday that our family got out of that deep dark hole of poverty. It wasn't until I pondered this that I see this is literally what happened.

Day 487

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 67:10, 13

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 67:10, 13

"And again, verily I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am - not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual.

Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected."

What I noticed in these two verses speaking of the same blessing, is that a prerequisite is to be humble and patient. I pondered on how they really go hand in hand. To not be patient means I do not understand that God's will and timing is better than my own. To not be humble means I have no patience for the things of God. My will would mean more. I had not placed the need for patience and humility together before. I will look to them more carefully now.

Day 486

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 66:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 66:1

"Behold, thus saith the Lord unto my servant William E. McLellin - Blessed are you, inasmuch as you have turned away from your iniquities, and have received my truths, saith the Lord your Redeemer, the Savior of the world, even of as many as believe on my name."

When I read that last part "even of as many as believe on my name" I had the thought "He wasn't just taking to William E. McLellin". So I went back and read this verse again and put my name in place of William E. McLellin. If fact I said my name twice because I had first used my married name. The second time I used my maiden name, which I never hear spoken anymore. The effect was so different and personal, I wept. I need to not only liken the scriptures to my day, but sometimes I just need to put my name in the place of others. The spirit testified about my standing. I have another way to check-in and know if I'm doing what is right. These little check-points are so important because I never want a major blowout to make me get back on the right path.

Day 485

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 65:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 65:3

"Yea, a voice crying -- Prepare ye the way of the Lord, prepare ye the supper of the Lamb, make ready for the Bridegroom."

Over 25 years ago I had a vivid dream and in it I was invited to the supper of the Lamb and was hurrying around making preparations for it. Just the other day it randomly entered my mind. I tried in vain to remember the details of this dream. I know it was very powerful at the time, and something I thought I would never forget. My memory of it lasted many, many years. It was the type of dream I would have put in my journal. I just can't recall if I did and where I put it. The other thing I can't recall is when I stopped playing it over in my memory. 

As I read this verse that dream popped into my mind again and with it the solution to remembering its details. I simply needed to pray about it. If a dream was inspired of the Lord once, I see no reason why he cannot help me recall what I have now lost. Now I am really curious to know if I would understand that dream totally different than my younger self did. I know as I read the scriptures new meanings jump out at me. Will the same thing happen with a dream?

Day 484

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 64:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 64:2

"For verily I say unto you, I will that ye should overcome the world; wherefore I will have compassion upon you."

So many favorite verses in this one chapter, it is well marked. But, this verse is a new highlight for me and I spent time pondering on it. I could feel the Lord's compassion on me. I am hopelessly flawed and its hard to measure up at times. Yet, I see in this verse he knows all that. His arms are always stretched out to me. I am forgiven as I run to Him. There is so much He wants to give me. Yet, he is a patient father watching me as I learn. It is only through compassion that he does not turn his anger against me as I am trying to learn. This verse just fills my soul. 

Day 483

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 63:23

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 63:23

"But unto him that keepeth my commandments I will give the mysteries of my kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life."

I have finally learned what a mystery of the kingdom is. A mystery is anything that I do not know or understand. Through the spirit the questions that I have will be opened up to me. I will understand that which I earlier did not know. Any instruction through the spirit is opening up the mysteries of God. One person can have a mystery and another mind already understand that particular thing. I can totally see the beauty in having gospel questions. It is on God's time table and through the Holy Spirit that I will receive those answers. It was quite exciting to me when I understood that and realized I have been having the mysteries of the kingdom opened up to me since I was just a little child. Once I learn one thing I will have yet another gospel question to ponder on. It really is a well of living water always being replenished as I obey the commandments of the Lord.

Day 482

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 62:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 62:2

"Nevertheless, ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you."

As I read this I thought of my Facebook page and Christian Life blog where daily I record my love of my Savior and the gospel truths. I thought of it being read by angels in heaven. It was almost like I could see my little testimonies just popping up to their view as they were being recorded. I thought of all the people's testimonies I have seen written down and read. How my heart has been touched. It is a sacred act to record someone's testimony. What a glorious thing it must be to be an angel and be able to sit and read all these testimonies that have been given. I would really like to do that. 

I thought of all the ways one can bare their testimony. It's the living and breathing the gospel. Acknowledging God's hand in my life in all things. How he answers prayers and will give me guidance in the trials of my life. It's the peace and comfort he can give, even during the darkness moments of my life. Bearing witness of my Savior and the blessings the gospel brings is to give hope to those that need him, just like I do. If I can receive personal revelation, inspiration or knowledge through the Holy Spirit then so can they. All they have to do is turn to Christ and learn of him. To bare testimony of my love for the Savior is only to believe in him. No wonder my sins are forgiven as I keep Christ ever in my heart and share His love with others.

Day 481

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 61:36-37

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 61:36-37

"And now, verily I say unto you, and what I say unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you;

And inasmuch as you have humbled yourselves before me, the blessings of the kingdom are yours."

When I read these words tonight tears sprang into my eyes. As the world is growing darker what a comfort it is to know the Lord will still be in our midst. If I humbly turn to him he will always be there for me. That brings such comfort and peace to my heart.

Day 480

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 60:2-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 60:2-3

"But with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man. Wo unto such, for mine anger is kindled against them.

And it shall come to pass, if they are not more faithful unto me, it shall be taken away, even that which they have."

I have heard this verse quoted a zillion times about using my talents. If I don't use them, but actually hide them then they will be taken away from me. I'm sure talents can be lost in such a manner. But would the Lord really have his anger kindled against me for not using and developing my talent for organizing things?

Today as I read it I thought more about the other verses around it. The Lord is talking about sharing the gospel with others. I think the talents is the gift of the Holy Ghost, with the ability to speak the words of Christ. To testify of Him in all that I do. To always encourage others to know of Him, and believe in Him. If I instead hide this because I fear the reaction of man then the Spirit will be taken also from me. I had never looked at the sharing of the gospel in this way before. I can see what a serious obligation this is. It makes much more sense to me why the Lord would kindle his anger against me. I would actually be denying Him if I would not share the gospel with others out of a greater fear of man.

Day 479

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 59:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 59:7

"Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things."

I had an interesting experience today and it made this verse stand out to me. I was really busy today. While I was working I would take little breaks to help my husband who is laid up in bed. Running and fetching things. Putting in a load of laundry here and there. My plate was full so I asked one of my sons if he would mop the floors for me. All day I waited to hear him start working on them. By the time 5:00 pm rolled around he left for an appointment and said when he got back he would mop the floors. I just knew that wouldn't happen. So once I was off the clock at work I jumped up and started mopping the floors and cleaning the bathrooms. Giving them a good scrubbing. All the while I was watching dinner as it cooked, and quickly doing a sink full of dishes. I worked three hours at a really hard pace. Sweat was dripping off me. 

Now here's the interesting part. At first I was upset I didn't get any help today. Then as I was working I realized I hadn't cleaned like this in years. If it wasn't for not receiving any help and having to work so hard I wouldn't have discovered how much better my health had become. It wasn't that long ago I was totally disabled and cleaning was only a dream. The recent impressions I had received on living the Word of Wisdom was healing me in an amazing way. I went from being upset with my son to realizing what a blessing I have been given. My heart was full of so much gratitude to be able to see this miracle. Yes, I was thankful for what God had done. He has given me the greatest help of all. 

Day 478

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 58:42

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 58:42

"Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more."

I love this promise and I know it is true. The only person that still remembers our sins is ourselves. Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is yourself, but we must. Otherwise Satan will seek to destroy us when there is no fault found in us from the Lord. God cannot lie, but Satan can.

Day 477

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 57:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 57:3

"And thus saith the Lord your God, if you will receive wisdom here is wisdom. Behold, the place which is now called Independence is the center place; and a spot for the temple is lying westward, upon a lot which is not far from the courthouse."

I pondered on how on this location prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ the New Jerusalem Temple will be built. The saints were forced to leave Missouri before building a temple there. Yet, someday it will be built when the time is right. Last I heard The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) only owns 20 of the original 63 acres for the temple lot. The Church of Christ and the Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, both off-shots of the original LDS Church own most of it.

I find it interesting that the Jews will also rebuild their temple in Jerusalem on the temple mount lot. Which now sits the Muslim Dome of Rock. I wonder what will cause both of these sites to come into the possession of God's people that need to build a temple there? Absolutely the condition of both these temple sites unable to be built on leaves the timing in the hands of the Lord. I pondered if I would behave any differently today if miracles happened and these temples were able to be built. I have to say no. I would keep doing what I know the Lord wants me to do, thought with a great deal of excitement. I think though to some it will be a major wake-up call.  

Day 476

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 56:16-18

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 56:16-18

"Wo unto you rich men, that will not give your substance to the poor, for your riches will canker your souls; and this shall be your lamentation in the day of visitation, and of judgment, and of indignation: The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved!

Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not broken, whose spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from laying hold upon other men's goods, whose eyes are full of greediness, and who will not labor with your own hands!

But blessed are the poor who are pure in heart, whose hearts are broken, and whose spirits are contrite, for they shall see the kingdom of God coming in power and great glory unto their deliverance; for the fatness of the earth shall be theirs."

All I could think of when I read this is the poor man's love of money. I remembered how shocked I was to realize this was my sin. My heart pains now to hear poor people complain about the rich. Do they not realize they are guilty of the poor man's love of money by so doing? I cannot judge a man by his material possessions. I have no idea how much he gives to the poor in secret. Just because a man is poor gives no indication of their greediness. Only the Lord knows a man's heart and where it lies. Both the poor man and the rich man need a broken and contrite heart to enter the kingdom of God.

Day 475

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 55:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 55:4

"And again, you shall be ordained to assist my servant Oliver Cowdery to do the work of printing, and of selecting and writing books for schools in this church, that little children also may receive instruction before me as is pleasing unto me."

I have reflected on this verse recently and then again tonight. If ever there is a time that children are not receiving an education pleasing to the Lord it is now. The politically correct environment, and the removal of any mention of Christianity from schools have left children open to the indoctrination of man. I can see the day that no Christian parent would let their child be taught in the public school system. What I find interesting is what the Lord told his saints at the beginning of this dispensation is starting to come around again to us today. All the preparation and instructions we need for establishing Zion are in the Doctrine and Covenants. 

Day 474

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 54:4-5

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 54:4-5

"And as the covenant which they made unto me has been broken, even so it has become void and of none effect.

And wo to him by whom this offense cometh, for it had been better for him that he had been downed in the depth of the sea."

I don't often dwell on such negative things. But, these verses made me stop and think about how dreadful it would be to find myself in this condition. The thought makes me shudder. To be void of any promises the Father has given me. To lose his protection and guidance. To wish instead I was drowned in the dept of the sea. To lose all that would be like someone was drowning me already. If only there was some way to never see a person in that condition. I realize there is, it is called repentance and turning my life back to Christ whenever I stray. The warning is here so I know never to forsake him. 

Day 473

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 53: 6

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 53: 6

"Behold, these are the first ordinances which you shall receive; and the residue shall be made known in a time to come, according to your labor in my vineyard."

I'm beginning to appreciate more and more that the Lord only gives me what I am ready for. His timing is far better than my own. I could read the scriptures, and talks from the prophet and apostles all day long and I would only become very weird. Unless, I actually apply the application of my learning. True knowledge comes from living the gospel. Applying truths in my life help me grasp what the Spirit tells me. Only then I am ready to learn and grow. 

Day 472

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 52:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 52:4

"And inasmuch as they are faithful unto me, it shall be made known unto them what they shall do;"

The key to having it made know what I should do is to be faithful. God cannot lie and what he says is true. Every needful thing that I must do in order to return back to him, and bring fruit worthy to him will be given me. If I am faith. This is a marvelous promise. This is my life's quest.

Day 471

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 51:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 51:13

"And again, let the bishop appoint a storehouse unto this church; and let all things both in money and in meat, which are more than is needful for the wants of this people, be kept in the hands of the bishop."

The Bishop Storehouse! I thought this was the first mention of it but I see now it was first mentioned in chapter 42. I just pondered on something different. What a blessing the Bishop Storehouse has been to my family in the poorest times of our lives. Truly it not only filled my needs but my wants also. I have been so grateful. In those humble beginning in the early days of the Church did they even imagine what it would become? How the fast offerings of this people would not only bless our members but others in need throughout the world. Truly if we listen to the Lord and obey his commands there is enough and plenty to take care of the people in this world. Not only will we have spiritual but temporal blessings as well.

Day 470

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 50:31

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 50:31

"Wherefore, it shall come to pass, that if you behold a spirit manifested that you cannot understand, and you receive not that spirit, ye shall ask of the Father in the name of Jesus; and if he give not unto you that spirit, then you may know that it is not of God."

I know that Satan can appear as an angel of light. He and his minions can deceive. This verse made me think back to my near-death experience and when I met him. He was the only one that could see me. He was also the only one I was not given his name or how I was related to him. All I wanted to do is be as far away from him as possible. This experience makes me understand how this verse fits. He is someone "you cannot understand". 

As I reflected on the manifestations of the Spirit there is never confusion. It is pure knowledge. The experiences are totally different. I think Satan totally capable of making one doubt themselves. With that doubt you will dwell on him and think it an issue with yourself being "worthy" to understand. With this doubt and confusion you will be taken into forbidden paths. This chapter gives very important guidance.

Day 469

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 49:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 49:7

"I, the Lord God, have spoken it; but the hour and the day no man knoweth, neither the angels in heaven, nor shall they know until he comes."

When I read this tonight I realized something in me had changed. I had always thought I would love to know the hour and the day when the Lord would return. Right now I realize I am totally happy that I don't. I want to be caught totally unaware. I want to be caught doing good, and being good. I think if I live every day feeling I would account to God today for my life, I would have a peace in my heart that he could come any moment and I wouldn't be found wanting. It really shouldn't matter the hour or day he comes. If I knew it I think it could make me more apt to procrastinate the day of my repentance. Thinking I can satisfy the natural man and repent right before the day of His coming, or enough time to make it stick. The danger in that thinking is by the time I would need to repent, I would no longer feel the need or desire to even do so. No it really is better than I don't know. I really should be caught being simply good. I am seeing what a marvelous plan this is.

Day 468

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 48:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 48:4

"It must needs be necessary that ye save all the money that ye can, and that ye obtain all that ye can in righteousness, that in time ye may be enabled to purchase land for an inheritance, even the city."

This revelation was regarding the procuring of land for the saints that were gathering to Kirtland, Ohio. What I see fitting is the same principle of sound fiscal management applies today. Save money, be out of debt, and don't purchase on time. The Church has used this counsel since the beginning. All chapels, temples and any Church undertaking is paid up front. I need to live this same counsel.

Day 467

I Was A Little Mad At God

I was a little mad at God yesterday over the political state of our nation. I was physically ill over FBI Director James Comey's listing of Hillary Clinton's crimes and then recommending not to charge her in any way. I looked into the heart of the most deepest exposure of secret combinations in our land. How could God not let her come to justice? Yes, I was angry, and I do not want anger in my heart in any shape or form.

I was at a loss for what to do so I prayed. I was able to recall my mood as I walked out of the temple that morning. This early morning moment has been an amazing barometer, allowing me to step back into the world and sense what is coming. My thoughts were "Things are going to be hot today. Stand in holy places." At the time I though it a comment on the weather, and a confirmation of where I had just been. I realized now it was the entire condition of the world. Things are going to be heating up. It may look like God is letting wickedness prevail. It has its purpose and we must let it run its course. The only way to survive is to stand in holy places and be not moved. We must do all that we can so the sins of this generation do not come upon us, but stand with God and live. Once I heard that my heart had peace, a peace that the world as a whole does not know. A peace that the world could know if they turned to Jesus Christ and lived. Now is a time for repentance and mourning for our nation. Now is the time to leave ultimate justice in the hands of the Lord.

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 47:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 47:4

"Wherefore, it shall be given him, inasmuch as he is faithful, by the Comforter, to write these things. Even so. Amen."

These are the words spoken by revelation given to John Whitmer. I can so relate. I have no gift or talent for writing on my own. Just speak to my high school English teacher. She would be shocked that anyone would read a word I said. I know it is through the spirit that I can write anything. I have not the ability within myself. It is the most humbling experience of my life.

Day 466