Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 8:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 8:17
"And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them."

Because of this reversed situation, where Mordecai was given Haman's house and power, and the Jews could now define themselves, many people of the land became Jews. I wondered did that mean that they openly spoke of their true identities as Jews or where they converted? True conversion doesn't come out of fear. If they converted then it would be a pretend conversion. I guess I won't know any of their hearts in the matter. At the very least I can see that there was support now for the Jews, when politically it earlier appeared it was not. One thing a persecuted people need is support. That could soften hearts and lead to true conversion. I suppose persecution can lead to missionary opportunities and conversion. All I can confirm is this whole situation was in the Lord's hands and he blessed his people.


Day 1009

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 7:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 7:4
"For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage."

although - HEB for that would not have damaged the king's interests.

I pondered on the great courage and wisdom it took for Esther to hold her tongue, and then loose it as being led by the spirit. For it is wisdom in deed to know when to use your tongue.

This reminded me of Jesus Christ's example of holding his peace and then testifying when the time was right.

"And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?
And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven."
(Mark 14:60-62)

I also though of when Joseph Smith was told to hold his peace after experiencing the loss of the 116 page manuscript of the Book of Mormon.

"But as you cannot always judge the righteous, or as you cannot always tell the wicked from the righteous, therefore I say unto you, hold your peace until I shall see fit to make all things known unto the world concerning the matter."
(Doctrine & Covenants 10:37)

It is through the spirit that I know when to speak and when to remain silent.


Day 1008

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 6:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 6:1
"On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king."

I pondered on how the Lord is always one step ahead of those that seek to destroy his church or people. Haman was seeking to have Mordecai hung on the gallows. It is only because of king Ahasuerus being unable to sleep that he has the chronicles read to him. He is reminded of Mordecai saving his life, and desires to know what honor was given him. Finding none, he then asks Haman what should be done for someone he is delighted to honor. Haman's pride assumes it is himself the king is referring to. Instead all that he suggests is placed on Mordecai. This never could have happened if the king hadn't been able to sleep. I am sure the spirit had troubled him. I don't so much worry when I have nights I can't sleep. I will sit and read my scriptures first, and I always learn something new.


Day 1007

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 5:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 5:3
"Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom."

The part "given thee to the half of the kingdom" made me search where else I had seen that offered.

King Herod said it to the daughter of Herodias, who danced before him.

"And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom."
(Mark 6:23)

Ammon meets the father of king Lamoni, who was king over all the land. When the king realized Ammon could slay him, he offered him even half his kingdom.

"Now the king, fearing he should lose his life, said: If thou wilt spare me I will grant unto thee whatsoever thou wilt ask, even to half of the kingdom."
(Alma 20:23)

It is interesting that a worldly king will offer up to half his kingdom. To give all he would no longer be a king. Yet, the Lord is a joint heir of all of that the Father has, and we can be join heirs also. We don't get a portion we receive all.

"And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father's kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him."
(Doctrine and Covenants 84:38)

I pondered on what an amazing attitude and heart one would have to have in order to be a joint heir and not try to claim ownership of a portion that the Father has. One would truly have to posses charity, the pure love of Christ. You would have to totally be able to live the law of consecration.

"To dedicate, to make holy, or to become righteous. The law of consecration is a divine principle whereby men and women voluntarily dedicate their time, talents, and material wealth to the establishment and building up of God's kingdom."

There has been times when the Lord's people have lived united with all things in common, and its never lasted. One doesn't need to live in a time when it's practiced to live that law. In fact I think its a higher law to live without being compelled to do so. Only a person's heart would know where they stand in this matter. It could only be done with the pure love of Christ.


Day 1006

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 4:13-14

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 4:13-14
"Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.
For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

I pondered over Esther's choices. She goes into the inner court to the king not invited and that can mean death. She says nothing and the Lord will find another way to deliver the Jews and she is destroyed. No wonder she says after asking others to fast for three days and nights with her, before going before that king, that "if I perish, I perish". She knows this is completely in the Lord's hands what is done to her. That is total submission to God's will. I pondered on how it is exactly when we "come to the kingdom for such a time as this". Everyone was placed on earth with a mission to complete. The timing of our arrival is divinely appointment by God. None of us know what mission we are to accomplished. It is only by seeking His will, and submitting to whatever comes, that our moment comes. Doesn't mean it was as recognizable as Esther's moment. It just means we helped in someway to further's the Lord's work upon the earth. Our life has meaning and that echoes into the eternities. It may not be until the next life that we see how important our actions really were.


Day 1005

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 3:5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 3:5-6
"And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.
And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai."

Haman plan for killing all Jews was a cover to simply kill Mordecai, who did not reverence him. I can see how pride is the downfall of man in this. I've been laid up with a bad back and because of this have been watching more movies than normal. I happened to watch last night one movie where a person was warned of their actions. They said they have witnessed how scandal has an unpleasant way of sticking to the wrong people. I found that a really curious statement and pondered on that most of the night. Then I read this and see that same pattern. What Haman thought to achieve with his plan turned around and stuck to him in the end. There is a warning in this to anyone that seeks a plan to destroy another. What a slippery slide that path is when we take offense because of our pride.


Day 1004

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 2:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 2:12
"Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)"

The part of it taking a whole year to be purified had escaped me in past reading. What an incredibly long time to wait to come before the king. Then I saw this parallel with how long the wait is after baptism before you can take out your full endowment or be sealed in the temple. That is a time of preparation, maybe even purification, to enter the Kings of Kings' house. Baptism would be the first step in purification.

So what would the six months each of oil of myrrh and sweet odours be like? All that comes to mind is six months to take off the rough edges and smooth and soften them. The six months of sweet odours would refine and make them more pleasing before the Lord. 

Then I found this scriptures.

"But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God."
(Philippians 4:18)

A sweet odour was an acceptable sacrifice to God. What a sacrifice it to be made to wait. That was part of what prepared them to enter the house of the Lord.


Day 1003

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 1:19

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 1:19
"If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let if be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she."

The situation is rather sad that Vashti is put into this position. Though I honestly don't know what her heart or intent was about the matter. One thing I do know is that Esther was meant for this time and place in history to save the Jews. First the condition that lead to her being there had to open up. This was the first step in the Lord preparing the way. He alone can remove people from their place and put someone better there. I've seen this in my own trials, the Lord will open doors that I wouldn't have gotten through any other way.


Day 1002

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 13:22

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 13:22
"And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy."

This made me reflect on all that I do in preparation for the sabbath day, and to keep it holy. How important keeping the gates is to this day. For it is an effort to keep the world out. As I have tried to make all that I do on this day be a sign to God, that I love him, it has been a tender and sweet day to me. I learn so much as I ponder the scriptures on the sabbath day. It is the best day of the week, and my soul is filled. It makes me strong enough to face the remainder of my week. It often makes me think of Mary and Martha. How Martha was cumbered about with much serving, while Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and heard his words. Martha asked the Lord to bid her help.

"And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."
(Luke 10-41-42)

On the sabbath day I sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to his words. I keep the gates to shut the world and its cares out. I am promised if I continue to do so it shall not be taken away from me. That is very important to me.


Day 1001

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 12:43

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 12:43
"Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off."

This made me think of missionary work and spreading the gospel. The joy I have in my life from the gospel is something to shout about. Wouldn't it be an amazing sound to hear if all of us rejoiced together, and others far off could hear? It did make me think about the #LightTheWord initiative and how it focuses on so much joy. How many lives and hearts has it touched.

Then I realized I have been posting my favorite verse from the scriptures for 1,000 days now. It has reached 74 countries with 13 of them were no LDS missionaries are. I hope the joy of the gospel and my love for my Savior Jesus Christ, and what he means to me has been heard even afar off.

Day 1000

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 11:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 11:1-2
"And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nice parts to dwell in other cities.
And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem."

This has me somewhat puzzled. Why did the people not want to live in Jerusalem?  That is the very place I would want to be. Sounds like they had to draw lots to select one tenth of them to live there. When I first read it I though the lots were to select who got to lived there, because they all wanted to. Then the next verse seems more clear that it was a sacrifice to live there. I guess I needed to see the surrounding areas to know why they would want to be outside of Jerusalem and not inside of it. If I look at what's happening in Jerusalem today, being divided into four religious sectors, I could see them fearing attack in that holy city. Was it like that back then too? I'm sure as I read on it will become more clear to me.

Day 999

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 10:28-29

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 10:28-29
"And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;
They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given to Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes."

The people had to come out of the world and separate themselves from the people of land before they could make covenants with the Lord. I pondered on how that is still true today.


Day 998

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 9:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 9:17
"And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not."

Even though this was written long after the time of Moses and long before the time of Christ, I sat and marveled that we can say those same words today. God's children rebel, but he is forever waiting for them to turn back to him. It is never to late to have God's mercy upon us. Because of Jesus Christ's atonement we can be forgiven and return back to him.


Day 997

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 8:3, 8

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 8:3, 8
"And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.
So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading."

What would it be like to not have my own copy of the scriptures and be able to read them. If all I could know is what someone read to me then I would sit attentively for hours listening to them. I could picture such a hunger these people had to hear the words of the Lord. Then to be told what it meant would be an absolute treasure. This was a wonderful event for the children of Israel. Now I could understand why Nehemiah said is verse 9.

"And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the Lord your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law."


Day 996

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 7:64

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 7:64
"These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood."

I was reminded of Ezra 2:62 which is a similar verse. Because their genealogies were lost these men lost the priesthood. I sat pondering again on how important keeping the genealogies were, and why it's so important to us today. Then I heard this verse come into my mind "We without our dead would be lost."

I went over the 128th section of the Doctrine & Covenants an epistle from Joseph Smith to the church, with direction on baptism for the dead.

"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:
And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse."
(Malachi 4:5-6)

"And now, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me assure you that there are principles in relation to the dead and the living that cannot be lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation. For their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation, as Paul says concerning the fathers - that they without us cannot be made perfect - neither can we without our dead be made perfect.
I might have rendered a plainer translation of this, but it is sufficiently plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and the children,upon some subject or other - and behold what is that subject? It is the baptism for the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be made perfect without those who have died in the gospel also; for it is necessary in the  ushering in of the dispensation of the fulness of times, which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time. And not only this, but those things which never have been revealed from the foundation  of the world, but have been kept hid from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto babes and suckling in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times."
(Doctrine & Covenants 128:15,18)

Joseph Fielding Smith
"Now, some members of the Church have wondered just what was meant by the words of the Prophet, that we without our dead could not be made perfect. Will not a man who keeps the commandments of the Lord, who is faithful and true so far as he himself is concerned, receive perfection? Yes, provided his worthy dead also receive the same privileges, because there must be a family organization, a family unit, and each generation must be linked to the chain that goes before in order to bring perfection in family organization. Thus eventually we will be one large family with Adam at the head, Michael, the archangel, presiding over his posterity.... "

"It matters not else we have been called to do, or what position we may occupy, or how faithfully in other ways we have labored in the Church, none is exempt from this great obligation.  It is required of the apostle as well as the humblest elder.  Place, or distinction, or where it may have been, will not entitle one to disregard the salvation of one's dead.  Some may feel that if they pay their tithing, attend their regular meetings and other duties, give of their substance to the poor, perchance spend one, two, or more years preaching in the world, that they are absolved from further duty.  But the greatest and grandest duty of all is to labor for the dead."
(Pres. Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, vol.2, pp.148-9)

I wondered, if providing temple ordinances is necessary for my perfection, does that mean that priesthood blessing would be lost if someone were not to do it? Just like the priesthood was lost to those that did not keep their genealogies?


Day 995

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 6:2-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 6:2-3
"That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.
And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?"

What a blessing to have the spirit to always be with you. I can see that the prophet Nehemiah was able to discern that these people wanted to stop the work on the temple walls, they wanted to get him into an argument and distract from the important work at hand. It made me think about the Book of Mormon musical that is offense to my faith. Yet the leaders of the church have wisely dealt with it. Let it alone and not have it stop the work we are about, sharing the gospel. They even placed an ad in the musical playbill saying "You've seen the play, now read the book." I have found great peace in my life when I don't worry about others impression of me, I have no desire to correct them. By my fruits people will know my heart.


Day 994

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 5:1, 4

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 5:1, 4
"And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews.
There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards."

The borrowing of money or mortgaging their lands brought the Jews into bondage. It was a great financial burden. I can understand financial bondage and the tears that come from it. I pondered on the council of the prophets to get out of debt. I must do better with this.


Day 993

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 4:18

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 4:18
"For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me."

This chapter described how "the Jews enemies seek to prevent them from rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah arms the laborers and keeps the work progressing."

It made me think of the opposition the early saints had in this dispensation trying to build the temple in Kirtland. Lucy Mack Smith recorded in her book "History of Joseph Smith by His Mother"

"But they suffered much pain, fatigue, and uneasiness, for as soon as the work was commenced, our enemies began to swear that we should not finish it. Still, the brethren were faithful to their charge, and they took turns keeping guard upon the walls every night. My sons also took their turns, standing upon the walls as often as three nights in the week. How many of those affectionate brethren spent days and nights watching for the enemy, lest they should steal into the town unawares and murder the Prophet and his council and tear down the foundation! But they clung fast by the walls and “gave no quiet sleep to their eyes, nor peaceful slumber to their eyelids, until they found a place for the Lord, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob."

Brigham Young described work on the Kirtland Temple as “a mere handful of men, living on air, and a little hominy and milk, and often salt or no salt when milk could not be had; the great Prophet Joseph, in the stone quarry, quarrying rock with his own hands; and the few then in the Church, following his example of obedience and diligence wherever most needed; with laborers on the walls, holding the sword in one hand to protect themselves from the mob, while they placed the stone and moved the trowel with the other” (JD 2:31).

Interesting parallel I hadn't noticed until now. "Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven."


Day 992

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 3:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 3:1
"Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel."

This chapter lists all the people that are repairing Jerusalem. I wondered why their names and what they repaired would be listed? When a temple is built today do I see the names of all of those that worked on it? Then I realized that any work for the Lord is recorded in heaven. Every name is important and he won't forget them. Who am I to mock the importance of their work, for every contribution and effort is important to the Lord. This list became very holy seeing it with new eyes.


Day 991

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 2:2-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 2:2-3
"Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? there is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,
And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?"

I pondered on how true sorrow softened the heart of a king. It made me think of things that have been sorrowful in the past year. The trials and suffering that people have gone through. How many opportunities were there for others to lift and serve them? How many hearts have been softened because of them?  I remembered a quote from a friend after the hurricane in Texas. "This flood didn't change my life. It was the kindness of others that did". That is a softened heart.


Day 990

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 1:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 1:9
"But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there."

I know this verse is speaking of the gathering of Israel, but all I could picture was the Lord's hands stretched out still. No matter how far I wander His arms are always stretched out waiting for me to return to Him.


Day 989

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 10:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 10:1
"Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore."

The Jews had taken "strange wives" out of the lands of their captivity. Any time the children of Israel had done that destruction had come upon them. Now they are in a state of repentance and the most heart breaking thing is they needed to put away these heathen wives and the children that came from them. They are breaking up the families they created. That seems so harsh and I sat and pondered on what does that represent for me today?

The first thing I thought of is how much easier it would have been if they never sinned. If they never married against the law to begin with. Then these broke hearts would have never happened. So first thing is to be obedient to God's commandments and laws, for it will protect my heart in the long run.

Then I thought on the repentance process and the confessing of sins. Forsaking of it, and doing it no more is all part of this process. Putting away the heathen wives was necessary part for them. It is like the giving up of worldliness today. No one said it wouldn't be painful if you loved the world to begin with.


Day 988

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 9:4, 13

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 9:4, 13
"Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice.
And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this;"

I could just picture Ezra is such a state of shock, having learned of the children of Israel's trespasses, that he just sits motionless for hours. Then to realize that God has punished them far less than they deserved. It made me think of the great mercy and compassion God has for all his children. He will not save me in my sins, but he gives me every opportunity and chance, even if I don't deserve it. He lifts the broken enough to let them know of his love and desire for them to return back to him. Heaven help me if I don't take the chance when its given.


Day 987

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 8:21

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 8:21
"Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance."

The word afflict didn't sound right to me, because to appear afflicted would not be what the Lord would have me show while fasting.

"Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward.
(Matthew 6:16)

Thankfully there was a footnote on the word afflict - OR humble. Now that made sense to me. Fasting and humbling myself before God is exactly what I try so hard to do on at such a special day. I am so grateful for Fast Sundays. How they fill my soul. For I rarely fast for something I need or anyone else needs. We have been blessed to not have the need. Instead I fast for the joy of the gospel and gratitude for all God has done for me. I am grateful for the spirit showing me a better way. As I fast in gratitude and joy my basket runneth over with more and I am filled.


Day 986

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 7:27

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 7:27
"Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem:"

I have had some quiet reflection of the last few days events in the news. I'm seeing the president of my nation recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. I don't know all that it means, but I know it means something. Just like in these past few chapters God is putting it into the heart of kings and now a president to do something for His people. Will I see in my lifetime the house of the Lord once again in Jerusalem? The timing is all the Lord's, I do not know, but I am waiting and observing, knowing someday everything will click. I just plan on keeping the course of reading and pondering the scriptures daily in my heart, because at some point I know my heart will understand.


Day 985

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 6:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 6:10
"That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons."

The search was made for Cyrus' decree and the roll was found. What an amazing gift Cyrus gave to help the Jews to rebuild the temple. I wondered why Cyrus and then Darius did this, other than being moved upon by the spirit. What was in it for them?  Then I read this verse, it was so they would pray for the life of the king and his sons. That is a testament of his heart and love of God. It touches my heart. God bless these kings.


Day 984

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 5:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 5:17
"Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter."

The Jews once again begin to build the temple in Jerusalem, but the Samaritans challenge their right to do so. They want to know who commanded it to be built and their names. With that a letter is sent to king Darius inquiring on the matter. A search is made for Cyrus' decree. The need for this record is very important for them.

What I find interesting is the emphasis on keeping records and documenting transactions with others. For the last two days I have had discussions with others on the importance of keeping records, and explained my record keeping methods. I also kept records on the resolutions of some matters in case the process is every questioned later. I pondered on how this chapter is an example of how the scriptures help in every day life. Document what is happening, it will be a protection to you later.


Day 983

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 4:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 4:5
"And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia."

The chapter header describes what happened pretty well. "The Samaritans offer help, then hinder the work - The building of the temple and of the walls of Jerusalem ceases."

It appears because the "child of the captivity" (Judah and Benjamin) didn't agree to let the Samaritans help to build the temple that it caused the Samaritans to stop the work from happening. I reflected on if they should have let them help. Then I thought about the temples today. Would we let another group of people help build it?  I don't think so. Why? because then they would also want to use it. The temple is sacred and only those worthy of a temple recommend can enter. So were the Samaritans "unclean"?

I read in the Bible Dictionary about the Samaritans, they were a mixed population partly Israelite and partly gentile. Their reaction in not being allowed to help in the rebuilding of the temple shows me they were not worthy to be in the temple. So, it must have been the right thing for Judah to do.

It is interesting that the same tactics to stop any good work is used today. The counsellors then are like our lawyers and politicians, putting up road blocks at every turn. Just like Judah would not get their temple for many years because of this, we as a nation can't seem to get any good work done either with all the infighting. Who wins in all of this? No one, to dig a pit for your brother is to fall into it yourself.


Day 982

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 3:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 3:5
"And afterward offered the continual burnt offerings, both of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of the Lord that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the Lord."

As I sat here tonight at the end of my fast reading my scriptures, this verse made me remember there was a new moon out tonight. It was a supermoon and the biggest full moon of the year. For some reason I never remember to go look when there is something special happening in the heavens at night. I had such a powerful feeling to stop reading and go look at that moon. My husband had told me this morning that with the storms today we might not be able to see it. I debated with myself if I should go look or stay the course and finish reading this small chapter first. Nope, get up go look, so I did.

It was amazing and I was so grateful the clouds were not covering it up. I took some time to gaze upon it and think of the people in that same verse looking upon such as moon as this. How amazing this supermoon is also on a fast day where fast offerings have been freely given. I realized I didn't have my camera so I went to go get it to take a picture of that beautiful moon. I came back and the moon was gone, the clouds that were lovingly framing it had now overshadowed it.

This caused me to ponder on my day of fast and how three times I had received impressions of the spirit. The first time I out thought the promptings of the spirit and ended up at church with a car and no keys. The error made me laugh at my foolishness for out thinking that prompting. The next prompting I followed through with immediately and I hope the other person felt my love for them. And tonight I was prompted to go look at the moon at the very moment it was there. I am learning that spiritual impressions need to be acted upon in the moment. The timing is the Lord's and if I listen and obey there are amazing sights to behold.


Day 981

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 2:62

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 2:62
"These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood."

Reading that made me see how important keeping track of their genealogy was to them at that time. They lost the priesthood because they could not find a record of the line they came through. The priesthood is not limited, but available to every worthy male today. It made me wonder how this verse applies to the church today. Then I found this.

"And they who are of the High Priesthood, whose name are not found written in the book of the law, or that are found to have apostatized, or to have been cut off from the church, as well as the lesser priesthood, or the members, in that day shall not find an inheritance among the saints of the Most High;
Therefore, it shall be done unto them as unto the children of the priest, as will be found recorded in the second chapter and sixty-first and second verses of Ezra."
(Doctrine and Covenants 85:11-12)

This is showing how very important it is to remain faithful, and not have my named removed from the records of the church. No man knows the hour or the day of the Lord's coming, or when a reckoning needs to be given of priesthood authority, or the rights of inheritance are to be given. I could not help but think that what the Lord did in old he will do again. How I hope and pray I never do anything that would have my name removed from the records of the church or the book of remembrance. I hold my baptism in the Lord's church as my most treasure possession. My testimony is earnestly watered, nurtured, feed and tended so it will continue to go. The biggest fear I have is apathy because then I know I can be lead carefully down to hell. This is something I absolutely don't take for granted.   


Day 980

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 1:2-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 1:2-3
"Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charge me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem."

I did some pondering on Cyrus and why someone that was not Jewish would receive a charge to build a temple in Jerusalem, liberating the Jews from captivity to do so? He must have been a good man capable of listening to the light of Christ within.

"...the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia..." (verse 1)

I found this quote by President Henry B. Eyring from the Oct 2010 conference talk "Trust in God, Then Go and Do".

"I have come to know that we can trust God to fulfill the promise of Alma that"behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that the should have".

God does not rule in nations, but He is mindful of them. He can and does place people in positions of influence who want what is best for the people and who trust in the Lord."

The more I pondered on this situation I could see it possible for a president of some nation, even mine, to one day help Jews that are still scattered to return home to Jerusalem and build their temple. Even giving them treasures to build it. A modern day Cyrus. My feelings turned from why to why not? This is something the Lord would do. I love how President Eyring says "God does not rule in nations, but He is mindful of them". I really pondered on that. Actually made me feel a little better about my changed feelings on politics and now much attention I give to it. I now give far more attention to the Lord. I know the leaders of our nations are exactly what the Lord feels we as a people deserve.


Day 979

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 36:15-16

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 36:15-16
"And the Lord God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place:
But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy."

That final statement "till there was no remedy" spoke volumes to me. My heart grieves tonight for those that mock God and despise any mention of his words or set them for naught. In this chapter it goes on to tell how Judah was carried away into Babylon. Why?  Because they had left God with no other option in trying to reach them. Hard things had to come to soften their hearts and have them turn back to Him. The Lord's arms are forever stretched out still, and he does everything to call his people home. Even if there is no other remedy than to allow their enemies to come upon them and bring them down into captivity.

I am concerned for my brothers and sisters that appear on this same path. Seems each day a new level of people being abased. Now much deeper can we fall as a people? I know what is needed is the light of the gospel in order to change hearts. I am sadden to see how quickly people mock and attack those that try to share some light in a darkening world. I shudder to think if we reach the point "till there was no remedy."


Day 978

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 35:18

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 35:18
"And there was no passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a passover as Josiah kept, and the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem."

Right after this passover Josiah is wounded in battle and dies. It was so sad. Then I pondered on how this was a good king, and his heart was right before the Lord. He had come to help the people worship God. No wonder the people mourned for his loss. To die after doing so much good would actually be merciful. He was in such a better place.


Day 977

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 34:25

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 34:25
"Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched."

This was one of those aha moments. I remembered a story a member once told during a class at church. She was visiting relatives of Asian decent and during this reunion the family burned incense to their god. Her parents had converted to the LDS church and would not burn the incense. She was also LDS, but wishing to not offend did join in the ritual and burn incense. She spoke of how disappointed she felt afterwards. For she knew she had offered her parents and her God. I didn't get why burning incense was such a terrible thing if she did not believe in these gods anyways. Now I can understand why she felt this way.


Day 976

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 33:6, 12-13

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 33:6, 12-13
"And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger.
And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,
And prayed unto him: and he was entreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord he was God."

I was so impressed and encouraged to see how wicked a person could be, yet he could repent. Granted Manasseh had to pass through hard things to seek the Lord, but he did turn to Him. This gives me hope for someone I love. As long as there is life in the body there is hope they will repent.


Day 975

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 32:31

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 32:31
"Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart."

This reminded me of a scripture I was reading and pondering on yesterday.

"And after their temptations, and much tribulation, behold, I, the Lord, will feel after them, and if they harden not their hearts, and stiffen not their necks against me, they shall be converted, and I will heal them."
(Doctrine and Covenants 112:13)

In a way this answers the question why bad things happen to good people. It is all part of the test that comes with this earth life experience. The Lord allows me to be tried and tested so he can feel after my heart and know if I will still turn to him. He is waiting to heal me from the pain I go through. It is in those moments of His peace that passes understanding that I come to know Him. It saddened me when people mocked the faith and prayers of others when recent mass killings happened. They showed a harden heart and stiff necks, with no understanding of how prayer can heal. My heart grieved for them more than for the people that were taken.


Day 974

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 31:10

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 31:10
"And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the Lord, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the Lord hath blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store."

This verse made me think of Malachi 3:10
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

In the April 1986 LDS Conference talk "The Law of the Fast" by Elder L. Tom Perry he quoted President Romney in saying.

"I am thoroughly in harmony with what the Bishop said about our need to contribute liberally to the fast-offerings fund and to every other fund that the Church officially calls upon us to contribute to. I am a firm believer that you cannot give to the Church and to the building up of the kingdom of God and be any poorer financially. I remember a long time ago, over 50 years, when Brother [Melvin J.] Ballard laid his hands on my head and set me apart to go on a mission. He said in that prayer of blessing that a person could not give a crust to the Lord without receiving a loaf in return. That's been my experience. If the members of the Church would double their fast-offering contributions, the spirituality in the Church would double. We need to keep that in mind and be liberal in our contributions." (Welfare Agricultural Meeting, 3 Apr. 1971, p.1.)

I sat and pondered on giving a crust to the Lord and receiving a loaf in return. I have been so blessed. Each time I increase my fast offerings I find my blessings have doubled. I remembered a conversation with a bishop's wife and she said that he gave a generous fast offering equal to a dinner out, not a meal at home. This came home to me one week when our family ordered take out the Saturday before Fast Sunday. It so happened it was the second time our family had eaten out that week. I totalled what the cost was and considered it against what I had been giving the Lord. It took faith to follow the impression to match the cost of those meals against my fast offering. It was also that Fast Sunday I decided to just fast for joy, with gratitude for the blessings I have already been given. It was one of the most memorable fasts of my life. It has now set my standard. When you give a loaf you get a full course meal in return.


Day 973

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 30:9-10

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 30:9-10
"For if ye turn again unto the Lord, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him.
So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them."

Hezekiah invites all of Israel to come to Jerusalem and join in the Passover. Some accept but others laugh him to scorn. I could not help but ponder on what if this same event happened today? The world at large would laugh us to scorn. Our nation needs to turn back to God to heal us, and that is the very thing people would laugh at the suggestion. If not get down right angry to mention anything religious. That makes me incredibly sad.


Day 972

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 29:5, 10, 36

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 29:5, 10, 36
"And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the Lord God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place.
Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the Lord God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us.
And Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, that God had prepared the people: for the thing was done suddenly."

I kept pondering on the word sanctify. The priests and the Levites needed to be sanctified before they could even clean the temple. They also prepared their hearts to covenant with the Lord. Then at the end of the chapter I see it was done suddenly. What I realized I was seeing was the preparations needed to be a people prepared to meet the Lord

"I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God; wherefore, gird up your loins and I will suddenly come to my temple. Even so. Amen"
(Doctrine and Covenants 36:8)

"The Lord who shall suddenly come to his temple; the Lord who shall come down upon the world with a curse to judgment; yea, upon all the nations that forget God, and upon all the ungodly among you."
(Doctrine and Covenants 133:3)

"Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping."
(Mark 13:35-36)

I may not know when the Lord's second coming is, but I can see a pattern that his people must be sanctified in preparation to meet Him. In this past year I have heard many talks on this subject. It has made me reflect on the law of chastity, virtue and sanctification. As the world grows darker and unclean, there is a need for God's people to sanctify themselves. I think it's the only way we get through it.

I found this in the bible dictionary under Conversion.
"...conversion will be complete and will change a natural man into a sanctified, born again, purified person - a new creature in Christ Jesus. Complete conversion comes after many trials and much testing."

"And after their temptations, and much tribulation, behold, I, the Lord, will feel after them, and if they harden not their hearts, and stiffen not their necks against me, they shall be converted, and I will heal them."
(Doctrine & Covenants 112:13)

That makes complete sense to me that this last LDS General Conference there was much discussion on being a tried and tested people. I know what a blessing my trials and tests have been for me. Without them I would not have come to know the Lord. Was it easy, no, was it worth it, yes! Am I done? Probably not, there is so much cleansing left to do.


Day 971

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 28:23

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 28:23
"For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel."

What an incredibly sad train of thought. That since Satan helped his enemies king Ahaz thought that if he sacrificed to these other gods, they would help him too. How carefully Satan leads us down to hell.

"And thus we see the end of him who perverteth the ways of the Lord; and thus we see that the devil will not support his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell."
(Alma 30:60)

Satan didn't help his enemies. It was only because God's people forsake Him that they were left to their enemies. Their enemies would never have had power over them, if they had relied on the Lord. Ahaz was putting credit for the victory in the wrong place. Then he worships the wrong god who's only desire is to destroy him. So very sad, yet I know I have had those lies whispered in my ears. Thankfully I have known the source and turned away. I am grateful for the experience though, it was a total wakeup call to me at the time.

Day 970

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 27:6

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 27:6
"So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God."

The footnote for "prepared his ways" is HEB for ordered, i.e., maintained a steady course."

What does that mean for me? What keeps me on a steady course? Reading and pondering the scriptures every day are my anchors. Personal prayers start and end my day, I would be lost without communicating with my Heavenly Father. Attending the temple, and Sabbath day worship restores my soul. As I'm pondering on things I do in my life to prepare myself to have the spirit to be with me, I realize its every thought and expression. I could do all the above but it would mean nothing if my heart wasn't in it. If I wasn't looking to the Lord to be my strength and my guide, all the "preparations" would be for naught. Faith without works is dead. I need both.


Day 969

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 26:15-16

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 26:15-16
"And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroard; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.
But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the Lord his God, and went into the temple of the Lord to burn incense upon the altar of incense."

This made me ponder on inventions and the inspiration for them that comes from the Lord. There have been many inventions just in my day that have furthered the Lord's work upon the earth. Yet, Satan uses them too for his own destruction. I ponder on the part "till he was strong". I think it means Uzziah thought it was his strength that gave him these inventions, and wasn't recognizing the Lord's hand in it any more. Because of this pride he also thinks he can go into the temple and burn incense, even when this honor belongs to the priests, the sons of Aaron. When told by Azariah to leave he is wroth, and leprosy breaks out in his forehead. This story speaks of the dangers of pride and boasting in your own strength. It will only lead to destruction.


Day 968

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 25:2, 14

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 25:2, 14
"And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart.
Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Sier, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them."

The footnote says perfect heart = wholeheartedly

"Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day."
(Doctrine & Covenants 4:2)

Amaziah may have on the outside been doing what was right but it was the intent of his heart that lead him astray. With this heart it was possible for him to bow himself down before other gods and burn incense to them. It made me ponder on people I have know through the years that seemed so faithful and so obedient and then overnight they left the church. The problem is where their heart was, and that is something no one but Lord can truly know.

"Yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart."
(Doctrine & Covenants 6:16)


Day 967

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 24:9-10

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 24:9-10
"And they made a proclamation through Judah and Jerusalem, to bring in to the Lord the collection that Moses the servant of God laid upon Israel in the wilderness.
And the princes and all the people rejoiced, and brought in, and cast into the chest, until they had made an end."

This made me think about rejoicing in paying tithes. I didn't always do that. I would look at the tenth I gave and wished that money was mine. My heart was far from what it should have been. Now I can understand rejoicing. I am so incredibly blessed, it is truly humbling. As I read of them rebuilding the temple with these funds I marveled at the wisdom and planning of the Lord to take care of the kingdom. If I follow all that he has commanded I am incredibly blessed in my life.


Day 966

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 23:6

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 23:6
"But let none come into the house of the Lord, save the priests, and they that minister of the Levites; they shall go in, for they are holy: but all the people shall keep the watch of the Lord."

The part that stood out to me was "all the people shall keep the watch of the Lord". First, I thought of watchmen, the watchmen on the tower. This is the role of the prophet, warning of danger ahead. Giving us the tools that are needed, to be protected of the Lord. I found a video I hadn't seen before that demonstrated the role of the watchmen. I loved how it showed how he can see things far off.


In this verse though it speaks of people keeping watch. What does that mean for me? How do I keep watch? I reflected on the times I have felt a concern when discussions seemed to go off track and opinions instead of the pure doctrine of Christ are espoused. At such times I will try to simplify discussions and bring it back to the pure doctrine of Christ, by reinforcing the basics of the gospel. The basics of the gospel are the anchors that never lead me astray. They fill my soul. I have developed such a love for the simplicity of the gospel, because as I ponder on them mysteries begin to unfold. I know from my own experience that going beyond the mark, only leaves me in the dark. I guess if I'm to keep the watch of the Lord I will warn my brothers and sisters of darkness ahead, by turning them back to the light.


Day 965

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 22:3

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 22:3
"He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab: for his mother was his counsellor to do wickedly."

This made me ponder on the responsibility and stewardship of a mother. How the Lord counts on us to raise and teach our children in righteousness. Ahaziah had none of that from his mother Athaliah. In fact she taught in contrary to the ways of God. We had a discussion recently in family scripture study on the sins being upon the head of the parents. Though honestly everyone has the light of Christ within them to know right from wrong. Totally cannot judge how unaccountable anyone is. All I know is that I need to teach my children the ways of the Lord or I will account for it.

I recently was reading the Oct 2017 LDS General Conference talk by Elder Dallin H. Oaks "The Plan and the Proclamation" and this quote struck me.

"Forty years ago, President Ezra Taft Benson taught that “every generation has its tests and its chance to stand and prove itself.” I believe our attitude toward and use of the family proclamation is one of those tests for this generation. I pray for all Latter-day Saints to stand firm in that test."

I cannot help but think how important right now it is to teach and council our children from the family proclamation, and the scriptures. I truly fear for the coming generation if we fail in this test.


Day 964

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 21:4, 14-15, 19

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 21:4, 14-15, 19
"Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel.
Behold, with a great plague will the Lord smite thy people, and thy children, and thy wives, and all thy goods:
And thou shalt have great sickness by disease of thy bowels, until thy bowels fall out by reason of the sickness day by day.
And it came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness: so he died of sore diseases. And his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers."

I pondered on the word "strengthened". My strength comes from the Lord, how it is internal, deep inside me that I feel it. Jehoram sought to strengthen himself by turning from the Lord. What was inside of him was rotten and capable of killing his brothers. Seems rather fitting that one so against the Lord had his bowels inside fall out. That must have been a terrible rotting sickness, he would have no doubt who had power over life or death. The Lord will have a cleansed people, in so many ways it comes from the inside out.


Day 963

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 20:17

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 20:17
"Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you."

This made me think of so many battles I see raging and am told to stand still. Leave it in the hands of the Lord. The people will just fight amongst themselves, just like the enemies that came against Judah. I think many times I am just a witness of my day. Standing still can be a protection. The times I do need to speak, if I trust in the Lord the words do come.


Day 962

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 19:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 19:1-2
"And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem.
And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the Lord."

How much did I really want to hear this verse, much less ponder on it? It was a hard day where my heart was broken and I mourned for the people that hated God, and abused him. I wanted to crawl into the shelter of my peaceful home and just ignore them. I wanted to clean out my social media contacts and only have contact with those that didn't make my heart grieve for them. Yeah, it's fitting that I read this and see that that's not God's way. There is a reason why I have to endure and not run away.

"Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witness of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life - "  (Mosiah 18:9)

I guess that means do that for the ungodly and those that hate the Lord too. Even if all I can do is be silent and pray for them. Can I just say I hate watching where this is all headed.

Then it was brought to my memory a person in high school that really gave me a hard time. She persecuted me over my religion. I was talking with another friend and we decided we were just not going to be friends with this girl any more. Then within minutes of saying that she called me in tears, and wanted to have what I had. She started taking the missionary lessons, and was baptized into the church. She was faithful until the day she died. She never would have known repentance and the gospel of Jesus Christ if I had been allowed to follow through with turning my back on her. I guess I needed this lesson today, to rethink some terrible plans.


Day 961

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 18:7

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 18:7
"And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may inquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so."

This verse made me ponder on good gifts.

"And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that every good gift cometh of Christ"
(Moroni 10:18)

"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"
(Luke 11:13)

I pondered on how the king of Israel felt that any of the prophesies that came from Micaiah always foretold evil coming to him. How can a bad gift come from God? What came to mind was these were warnings? Is not a warning from God showing mercy? Warning stops me from going down that road of destruction and pain. If the king of Israel had listened to the warning voice of the prophet and repented, then he could have received blessings instead.

God was going to give his greatest gift, His Son to atone for our sins, what the king of Israel was being given by a prophet was the warning to stop the course he was on.


Day 960

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 17:1, 9

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 17:1, 9
"And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel.
And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the Lord with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people."

I found a parallel to this story in the Book of Mormon. Alma 48 speaks of Captain Moroni, Helaman and his brethren.

"Now behold, Helaman and his brethren were no less serviceable unto the people than was Moroni; for they did preach the word of God, and they did baptize unto repentance all men whosoever would hearken unto their words.
And thus they went forth, and the people did humble themselves because of their words, insomuch that they were highly favored of the Lord, and thus they were free from wars and contentions among themselves, yea, even for the space of four years."
(Alma 48:19-20)

In order for Jehoshaphat to strengthen Judah against Israel he had to preach the gospel to them. Strength comes from within.


Day 959

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 16:7-9

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 16:7-9
"And at the time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the Lord thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand.
Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horseman? yet, because thou didst rely on the Lord, he delivered them into thine hand.
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars."

I wonder what would have happened if Asa had repented of what he had done that displeased the Lord? Being able to take chastisements, humble yourself and repent will soften the Lord's heart. There are examples of that happening in the scriptures. It is so heartbreaking that instead Asa goes into a download spiral after receiving this chastisement. Being chastised doesn't mean the Lord doesn't love you.

"And inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened, that they might repent;" (Doctrine & Covenants 1:27)

"Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you whom I love, and whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, for with chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance in all things out of temptation, and I have loved you -"
(Doctrine and Covenants 95:1)

"For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Now no chastening for present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."
(Hebrews 12:6, 11)


Day 958

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 15:2

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 15:2
"And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you."

I know from my own experience that these words are true.


Day 957

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 14:2-4

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 14:2-4
"And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God:
For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves:
And commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment."

I sat here longing to see such a cleansing happen to our nation. How wonderful it would be to have a leader of the nation throw out all that was evil before the Lord. But, I know that will never happen. We have laws guaranteeing the freedom of religion. There are too many people that love other gods more than the Lord God. That thought made me mourn.

Then I saw this in a different light. This was Judah, God's chosen people. I can look at this as applying to His church. A cleansing taking place, like the shifting of the wheat and tares to come. The way something is taken away, is to expose it in the eyes of the people, so they remove it from their hearts. I reflected on the conference talks. We have not had a single general conference where such things have not been exposed. We are commanded always to seek the Lord. This last general conference those words were even stronger. Yes, the shifting will come. I believe if I remain faithful and obedient to the counsel and words given by the prophets, I will withstand the shifting that will come, not being tossed by the winds of false doctrine, prepared to stand before my Lord. I pray I will do it.


Day 956

Will This Generation Fail the Test?

I was reading the Oct 2017 conference talk by Dallin H. Oaks "The Plan and the Proclamation" and found this:

"Forty years ago, President Ezra Taft Benson taught that "every generation has its tests and its chance to stand and prove itself." I believe our attitude toward and use of the family proclamation is one of those tests for this generation. I pray for all Latter-day Saints to stand firm in that test."

I believe my generation for the most part failed the test given us by Ezra Taft Benson, that mothers stay in the home, and today I see the results of that failure and the bondage our daughters are in. For we moved the standard from one income supporting a household to two and most mothers are now forced to work. As a mother in Zion I implore the mothers today to not fail in the test for your generation. Teach your children the family proclamation. The coming generation will need it, or they to will find themselves left in bondage by their mothers.

/

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 13:9

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 13:9
"Have ye not cast out the priests of the Lord, the sons of Aaron, and the  Levites, and have made you priests after the manner of the nations of other lands? so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young  bullock and seven rams, the same may be a priest of them that are no gods."

As I recently listened to someone that has taken the pure doctrine of Christ and mingled it with the philosophies of man, I could see that Israel had this same problem among themselves too. Sometimes it would be so much easier if a person would identify themselves and their intents, if they did physically cast the priest out. Then you would know where their loyalties stand. It's when they have cast him out of their heart that its the hardest of things to see. People can walk as if in light but be totally dark within.

The only problem is when people have turned to other gods they feel they know a secret that others don't know. Then they seek to share the perversion. How enticing that sounds to the natural man.

"Yea, wo be unto you because of that great abomination which has come among you; and ye have united yourselves unto it, yea, to that secret band which was established by Gadianton!"
(Helaman 7:25)

This reminds me again of Elder Ballard's warning in the Oct 2017 LDS General Conference talk "The Trek Continues"

"Be ware of organizations, groups, or individuals claiming secret answers to doctrinal questions that they say today's apostles and prophets do not have or understand.

In some places, too many of our people are looking beyond the mark and seeking secret knowledge in expensive and questionable practices to provide healing and support"


Day 955

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 12:14

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 12:14
"And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord."

What I noticed in this scripture was the word prepare. You have to prepare your heart before seeking the Lord. I pondered on how totally clueless I was at one point when told to seek the Lord. I wasn't really sure how one did that. It wasn't until I decided to just be obedient and do those simple things I had always been asked to do. Keep the commandments and repenting when I made mistakes. Pray, fast, go to church, take the sacrament, having personal and family scripture reading. Attend the temple and serving in my callings. I didn't do them all at once. As I was obedient to one thing I desired to become obedient in other areas. The list just began to grow line upon line. The more I sought to be obedient the greater the change that took place in my heart.

It was through the preparation made with obedience that I came to understand what it meant to seek the Lord. It is the preparing part that has to come first. I was in the temple waiting to go into an endowment session when I read this. I decided to look for all the ways some type of preparation was mentioned or demonstrated during the session. It was everywhere. 

In the scriptures there are 430 mentions of the word prepare.

"For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors."

Seems like such a simple word, but such a vital step.


Day 954

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 11:16

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 11:16
"And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the Lord God of their fathers."

Israel and Judah are divided, and temple is in Judah. After the Levites are cast out of Israel they come to Jerusalem. Then it mentions the people that come out of Israel too. They are the pure in heart that seek God. It made me think about the shifting. How even if Israel is now divided the sifting that happens finds the pure in heart. The pure in heart will find a way to come and worship God. The pure in heart seek to be at the temple. It made me ponder on the sifting that will happened before the Lord's return. Is part of the sifting happening now? Is part of it those that seek to go to the temple or not?


Day 953

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 10:15

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 10:15
"So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the cause was of God, that the Lord might perform his word, which he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat."

Rehoboam is make king. Jeroboam comes and requests that the burdens place on the people be made light. Rehoboam first counsels with the old men that were with his father Solomon. Their counsel to be kind and please them was sound advice. Yet Rehoboam turns and seeks the counsel of his peers. He is told to make it harder on the people. That is exactly what he does. The outcome is the kingdom splits and Israel and Judah are divided. I pondered on how prophesy is a hard thing. If you don't obey the Lord then what is prophesied will come to pass. 


Day 952

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 9:23

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 9:23
"And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart."

I reflected on how I have been drawn to people that had the spirit with them. I just wanted to have what they had, and just be around them. They are the people I have turned to for advice. It was the spirit that made people seek to be in the presence of Solomon and hear him, even if they knew it or not.


Day 951

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 8:11

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 8:11
"And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David unto the house that he had built for her: for he said, My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because the places are holy, whereunto the ark of the Lord hath come."

There is a footnote on My in this verse, in Hebrew "No wife of mine shall dwell." I went back and read 1 Kings 11 where it speaks of king Solomon loving strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh. When he was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods.

It made me wonder how Solomon could have wives that he thought unclean and not able to be in the same city as the temple, yet it was ok for him to be with them? That really is very telling, about what later happened to him.

"No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."
(Luke 6:13)


Day 950

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 7:10, 12, 16

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 7:10, 12, 16
"And on the three and twentieth day of the seventh month he sent the people away into their tents, glad and merry in heart for the goodness that the Lord had shewed unto David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people.
And the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard they prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice.
For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually."

So many thoughts on this. I reflected on temple dedications I have attended and going home afterwards with such joy and gladness in my heart for such a blessing. I could just picture Israel going home to their tents with such feelings in their hearts.

I also see confirmation of what I learned at the Payson Temple dedication and the first endowment session I could attend. Where I knew the Lord came to accept the operation of His temple. That the Lord accepts his temple after the dedication has taken place. I see that pattern also in the Kirtland Temple dedication where several days later the Lord, came to accept it. This is my second witness to my feelings that day.


Day 949

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 6:36

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 6:36
"If they sin against thee, (for there is no man which sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them over before their enemies, and they carry them away captives unto a land far off or near;"

In this chapter Solomon gives the temple dedicatory prayer. When I reached the part of them being carried away captives I reflected on how that literally is what happened to them. They were warned in their dedicatory prayer. I wondered what the dedicatory prayer contained for the temple which I attend?  I found the Mount Timpanogos Temple Dedicatory Prayer and read it. I can't say any warning stood out to me.

I did wonder about these lines. "May its beauty never be marred by evil hands. May it stand strong against the winds and storms that will beat upon it."

I would never want to see this beautiful temple marred by evil hands. I pray as a people we will remain faithful so this blessing upon our temple keeps it protected. The temple was dedicated in Oct 1996 and I don't recall any bad storms since then. It must be in the future. If the temple was blessed to stand against the wind and storms, I couldn't help but wonder how those storms would effect my home nearby.

I loved this promise:

"May it be a beacon of peace and a refuge to the troubled. May it be an holy sanctuary to those whose burdens are heavy and who seek Thy consoling comfort."

What a place of refuge I have found the temple to be. My burdens have been lifted and I have been consoled and comforted there. I thought about the terrible times I went through when I wasn't going to the temple. What a contrast between then and now. How I wish I knew then what I know now. The place I needed to be wasn't where my heart was, and I paid a price for it. How many people do I know around me that desperately need the blessing of peace and comfort in their troubled lives. Their refuge is just sitting on the hill. The thought of them not going there breaks my heart.


Day 948

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 5:14

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 5:14
"So that the priest could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God."

This made me think about all the times in the Book of Mormon  were people were overcome by the spirit and  fell to the earth. The spirit in the temple must have been so strong that the priest limbs were weak causing them to not be able to stand.

This made me hunt for the story of Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon receiving the vision of the degrees of glory.

"By this time in his life Joseph Smith had become so used to looking beyond the veil that it was almost an everyday occurrence. When he and Sidney Rigdon were privileged at Father Johnson’s home in Hiram, Ohio, to have the revelation that is known as section 76 of the Doctrine and Covenants [D&C 76], he was so used to the Spirit of the Lord that he did not fall to the earth from exhaustion as Moses had done when he talked with God (Moses 1:9–10) and as he himself had done after the First Vision. In fact we see a little bit of Joseph’s humor in this incident. After the vision closed, Sidney was completely exhausted and had to lie down on the couch. Seeing Sidney’s pallor, Joseph remarked with a smile on his face: “Well, Brother Sidney is not as used to it as I am.” (Juvenile Instructor, vol. 27 [May 15, 1892], pp. 303–4.)"
(The New Era, December 1973, "The Greatness of Joseph Smith and His Remarkable Visions")

I sat and read that whole article it was very interesting.

Here's another witness' account.

“Joseph sat firmly and calmly all the time in the midst of a magnificent glory, but Sidney sat limp and pale, apparently as limber as a rag, observing which, Joseph remarked, smilingly, ‘Sidney is not used to it as I am.’” (Juvenile Instructor, May 1892, pp. 303–4.)"


Day 947

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 4:7

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 4:7
"And he made ten candlesticks of gold according to their form, and set them in the temple, five on the right hand, and five on the left."

Every time I see the mention of candlesticks in the temple I think of the mention of them in Revelations. I'm not sure of the connection completely. I decided to read every reference to candlesticks in the scriptures. The whole time I read I kept picturing myself walking into the celestial room of the temple in the early morning hours, when it's still dark outside. My eyes are drawn to an end table with a small lamp burning. The glow of the lamp fills my heart and in my mind I hear the song  "Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy".

Then I found this verse about candlesticks.

"And thou shalt set the table without the veil, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and thou shalt put the table on the north side."
(Exodus 26:35)

Amazingly, that is exactly where this lamp I am drawn to sits in the temple.

Then I found this verse about candlesticks.

"No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light."
(Luke 11:33)

I sat and pondered on what that all means to me. Christ is the light. Candlesticks hold up the light of Christ. That light should not be hide under a bushel, but be beams that light the way back to Him. The prophets act as candlesticks to me, they hold up the light of Christ. I also must follow their example and hold up the light of Christ for others. I cannot bury it under a bushel, or hide it in a secret place. True followers of Christ are his candlesticks. Those candlesticks can come in many shapes and sizes. I think I am one of many lower lights that must keep burning, to help others to the shore.

I love this quote from the story about the song "Brightly Beams Our Fathers Mercy".

"The master will take care of the great lighthouse, but he depends on us to keep the lower lights burning."


Brightly Beams Our Fathers Mercy

Brightly beams our Father’s mercy
From his lighthouse evermore,
But to us he gives the keeping
Of the lights along the shore.

Let the lower lights be burning;
Send a gleam across the wave.
Some poor fainting, struggling seaman
You may rescue, you may save.

Dark the night of sin has settled;
Loud the angry billows roar.
Eager eyes are watching, longing,
For the lights along the shore.

Let the lower lights be burning;
Send a gleam across the wave.
Some poor fainting, struggling seaman
You may rescue, you may save.

Trim your feeble lamp, my brother;
Some poor sailor, tempest-tossed,
Trying now to make the harbor,
In the darkness may be lost.

Let the lower lights be burning;
Send a gleam across the wave.
Some poor fainting, struggling seaman
You may rescue, you may save.


Day 946

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 3:1

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 3:1
"Then Solomon began to build the house of the Lord at Jerusalem in the mount Moriah, where the Lord appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite."

What else happened in mount Moriah?
"And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, who thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of."  (Genesis 22:2)

It is the story of Abraham and Isaac. Where Abraham was command to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham demonstrated his obedience to the will of God. Then an angel of the Lord called out to him, to not lay his hand on him. "I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not witheld thy son, thine only son from me." The Lord then provided a ram to offer up instead.

How fitting that this first house of the Lord would be at mount Moriah. As Abraham being asked to offer up his only son was a type and shadow to God giving his only begotten son for us. I sat and pondered on how many types and shadows the Lord was giving the people in everything he commanded them to do. Why could they not recognize the Christ and his ultimate sacrifice?

As I read in the remainder of the chapter all the precious material put into the temple, I though of the most precious material given for them. It was the blood of Christ, worth more than any other thing.


Day 945

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 2:4

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 2:4
"Behold, I build an house to the name of the Lord my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the Lord our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel."

I sat and pondered on the word "This is an ordinance for ever to Israel". The temple today is not the temple of yesterday. There is no sweet incense, shewbread or burnt offerings. I don't celebrate the solemn feasts they had back then. Why is that?  Then I read in Matthew 12 where Jesus and his apostles plucked and ate corn on the Sabbath day, which was not lawful to do. He reminded them of when David ate the shrewbread. Then in verses 6-8.

"But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.
But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day."

So what did all these things of the temple in the Mosaic Law point to?  It was Christ, his ultimate eternal sacrifice. In the house of the Lord I make sacred covenants through his ordinances. On the Sabbath Day I renew these covenants through the ordinance of the sacrament. All things point to Christ and covenants I have made to him, through sacred ordinances. I cannot go back and practice the law of Moses, for it is a dead law. It was fulfilled in Christ, and he lives. To do so would deny the Christ and his atonement.

"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?"
(Hebrews 9:14)

We live a higher law now. Nothing really changed, for all of it was to worship Him. I make and keep sacred covenants through the ordinances which point to Him. It is His ordinances that stretch into the eternities forever.


Day 944

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 1:1, 7

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 1:1, 7
"And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.
In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee."

In this chapter it tells the story again of Solomon asking for wisdom and knowledge, instead of riches, wealth, honour, life of an enemy, or long life. And God said to Solomon, 'Because this was in thine heart", he would have wisdom, and knowledge, and riches, wealth and honour too.

What I noticed this time is how God knew Solomon's heart. He had been with Solomon and strengthened him, because he was worthy to have the spirit. The Lord then comes to him in a dream, where there are no false pretenses. Only the honest of heart could ask for something so humble. It just made me sit and ponder on the importance of spiritual preparation, and being worthy to have the spirit always to be with me. 


Day 943

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 29:9,17

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 29:9,17
"Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.
I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I will willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee."

The key to joy is a willing heart. Willing to do the Father's will. I loved these two footnote references.

"For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudingly; wherefor it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God." (Moroni 7:8)

"Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days."  (Doctrine & Covenants 64:34)

I pondered on how the willing heart is truly only known to God. For a man can hide his willingness and what he is thinking from others. The relationship to the Lord and the willingness to do the Father's will is totally a personal one. The blessing come personally too.


Day 942

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 29:9,17

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 29:9,17
"Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.
I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I will willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee."

The key to joy is a willing heart. Willing to do the Father's will. I loved these two footnote references.

"For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudingly; wherefor it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God." (Moroni 7:8)

"Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days."  (Doctrine & Covenants 64:34)

I pondered on how the willing heart is truly only known to God. For a man can hide his willingness and what he is thinking from others. The relationship to the Lord and the willingness to do the Father's will is totally a personal one. The blessing come personally too.


Day 942

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 28:9

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 28:9
"And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee, but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever."

What amazing counsel David gave his son Solomon. This counsel should be handed down from every father to son. I love the phrase "understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts". This quiet part of every person, where their imagination and thoughts lie is seen by God. This must be why he knows the heart of man. "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." (Proverbs 23:7).

I also love the promise "if thou seek him, he will be found". That is an eternal truth. All I have to do is look and I will find the Lord.


Day 941

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 28:9

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 28:9
"And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee, but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever."

What amazing counsel David gave his son Solomon. This counsel should be handed down from every father to son. I love the phrase "understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts". This quiet part of every person, where their imagination and thoughts lie is seen by God. This must be why he knows the heart of man. "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." (Proverbs 23:7).

I also love the promise "if thou seek him, he will be found". That is an eternal truth. All I have to do is look and I will find the Lord.


Day 941