Tuesday, October 31, 2017

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


Monday, October 30, 2017

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


Sunday, October 29, 2017

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

Saturday, October 28, 2017

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


Friday, October 27, 2017

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


Thursday, October 26, 2017

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

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

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

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

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

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

Monday, October 23, 2017

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 27:23-24

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 27:23-24
"But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under: because the Lord had said he would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens.
Joab the son of Zeruiah began to number, but he finished not, because there fell wrath for it against Israel; neither was the number put in the account of the chronicles of king David."

This made me sit and think about keeping track of temple ordinances. Some things I count and other things I don't. I have been doing genealogy work for a man for a number of years. I am going through all his books and papers to make sure everyone in his research has had their temple work done. In my report I keep a running total of all the names I have submitted. Simply because its important to him. He once told me he wanted to live to reach 20,000. We are at 19,365 and he's 88 years old and not doing to well. I think he will live to see his 20,000 names submitted.

As I've done this work for him it has made me think about the number of names I have submitted over the years. I have no clue. All I know is my patriarchal blessing says "that through you a greater portion of their work will be performed in the Temples of the Lord." In my near-death experience I saw all of these people and could not see the end of them. At times I am tempted to track them, but I don't feel right about doing that. I can understand how David or Joab would be curious to know a count, but how its better not to.

On the other hand I have felt impressed to keep a log of all the people I personally perform temple ordinances for. It motivates me to try to do a little better each year than I did the previous year. I can see how slow and steady, one drop at a time, much work is being accomplished.


Day 940

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 26:12, 17

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 26:12, 17
"Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the Lord.
Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward Asuppim two and two.
At Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar."

A porter took charge of the doors or gates of the temple. I could immediately see this in my day. There is a temple recommend desk at every entry of the temple. I must pass by them in order to enter. I love seeing how the temple has been restored in my day. The only difference is the law of Moses is not longer practiced because it was fulfilled in Jesus Christ's ultimate sacrifice.


Day 939

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 25:1, 5

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 25:1, 5
"Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was:
All these were sons of Heman the king's seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters."

I had never thought about a musician prophesying until now. When I think about the Psalms of David there was prophesy in them. How many times have the words of a hymn been like a seer, opening up the visions of eternity to me. The one song that came immediately to my mind was "O My Father" written by the Eliza R. Snow, "Zion's Poetess". I can understand more so why Brigham Young called her a "Priestess, Prophetess, and Presidentess" of the church. As I sat and listened to this hymn I felt like I was in the presence of angels.


I reflected on my earliest memory of a hymn, hearing the Joseph Smith story told in "Joseph Smith's First Prayer" by George Manwaring.  As a small child it pierced my heart and I knew that story was true. I didn't have to be there to see it. The hymn takes me there.



Oh how my heart loves the hymns. They are a prayer unto God. It has been God's way of opening up his teachings to me.


Day 938

Friday, October 20, 2017

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 24:5, 19

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 24:5, 19
"Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for the governors of the sanctuary, and governors of the house of God, were of the sons of Eleazar, and the sons of Ithamar.
These were the orderings of them in their service to come into the house of the Lord, according to their manner, under Aaron their father, as the Lord God of Israel had commanded him."

As I was reading this I kept picturing having to figure out the visiting teaching routes. Sometimes it felt like you were casting lots. Then later you would see how perfect the pairing of companions and sisters they visited would be. The Lord is in control and knows his sheep.

Day 937

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 23:30

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 23:30
"And to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at even."

As I read of the responsibility of the sons of Aaron it made me think of the scripture that has been on my mind a lot lately.

"Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;"
(Doctrine & Covenants 88:119)

The Lord told the latter-day saint to prepare to build his temple. It too would be a house of prayer. After this perfect example I need to model my own home. When my house is in order light and knowledge of the Lord will fill it. That is what I am trying to do. I have found a pattern. As I establish my home to be a house of prayer, fasting, faith, learning, glory has filled it and enlightened our minds. Now we are purging and cleaning it and putting our things in order. We are becoming better organized. As the clutter is leaving light in taking its place. It feels so good to have this momentum going. I could not get my family on board to get it cleaned up until we established these other practices in our home first. I am so grateful for the temple and how it helps me find answers within the walls of my own home.


Day 936

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 22:5

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 22:5
"And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the Lord must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death."

David wanted to build the temple but was told not to by the Lord. That it would be built by his son in a time of rest. I love David's reaction. He would gather all the materials together that Solomon would need to build the temple he would never see. I could feel the honor David felt in doing such an important task. He was laying the foundation for another to do this sacred work. It made me ponder on all the foundations over time I have seen laid by previous generations.

The Salt Lake Temple took 40 years to complete. It started with Brigham Young, then John Taylor and finally Wilford Woodruff as the prophet. I wonder how many people started at the beginning of building the temple and lived to see the day it was completed? Each person was vital to the construction of the temple. Just like David's preparation would be vital to Solomon being able to build the temple. The credit isn't only given to the person that finished a task. What the Lord looks for is all the people that worked to bring it to pass.


Day 935

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 21:7

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 21:7
"And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel."

The whole time I read this chapter about God being displeased with David, I wondered how displeased God was with us today? My son was telling me tonight in family scripture reading that he read an article where an atheist said that it looks like we are living in the biblical end times. It is remarkable to me that an atheist could say that and still be an atheist. I do believe God is not happy with the things we are doing, but I also feel he is loving enough to allow destruction to come upon us in order to turn our hearts back to him. I hear a voice of warning from a loving Father, telling me it's a time to get my house in order. This is the time for repentance. His arms are forever stretched out still. 

Day 934

Monday, October 16, 2017

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 20:1

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 20:1
"And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it."

I believe this chapter matches what is happening in 2 Samuel 11. This was the time that all the kings go out to battle and David was not with them. He wasn't where he was suppose to be. Instead he stayed in Jerusalem. And what happened while he was there? He was restless and arose from his bed and walked upon the roof of his house. From there he saw Bathseba washing herself and beheld her beauty. If he had been where he was suppose to be he never would have seen Bathseba and that whole downfall that followed wouldn't have happened. There is a great lesson in this, there is protection in being where I am suppose to be, at the time I am to be there. Shirking my responsibilities does not bring me to a better place.


Day 933

Sunday, October 15, 2017

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 19:13

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 19:13
"Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the Lord do that which is good in his sight."

Israel is going to battle against the Syrians on one side and the children of Ammon on the other. I love this thought that they will do all they can to be valiant, and whatever the outcome is the Lord's will for them. It made me think of the time I faced a terrible situation ahead of me. I knew I would be either left maimed or dead. All my attempts to stop my car were of no effect. I knew whatever the outcome, it would be the will of the Lord. I prayed "Thy will be done."  I had such incredible peace with that thought. Then at the last moment my car that was sliding out of control into the busy intersection spun and went up the sidewalk. No harm to me or my vehicle. I found that after all I can do, that leaving myself in the hands of the Lord and accepting his will, allows him to work miracles in my life. 


Day 932

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 18:7-8, 11

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 18:7-8, 11
"And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadarezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.
Likewise from Tibhath, and from Chun, cities of Haarezer, brought David very much brass, wherewith Solomon made the brasen sea, and the pillars, and the vessels of brass
Them also king David dedicated unto the Lord, with the silver and the gold that he brought from all these nations; from Edom, and from Moab, and from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines, and from Amalek."

I pondered on how war was necessary to preserve Israel. Yet the spoils of war were dedicated to the Lord. From them came the brass to make the brasen sea, or baptismal font. I'm sure the gold and silver was used there too. I think this a great example of the behavior that nations that believe in God should follow.


Day 931

Friday, October 13, 2017

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 17:11-14

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 17:11-14
"And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom.
He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever.
I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was before thee:
But I will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be established for evermore."

As I read this I knew that David's son Solomon would build the temple. Yet, in reading this I could see that it wasn't just Solomon that God was referring too. He would send his son Jesus Christ from the loins of David to establish his kingdom and throne forever. What an amazing promise David was given.

It made me ponder on my patriarchal blessing and how it does mention my children. I wondered if my parent's patriarchal blessings mentioned me?  All I have is my mother's patriarchal blessing so I sat and read it.  I found its mention of me.

"Continue to teach unto thy posterity of the principles of the Gospel and the plan of life and salvation and they shall bless thee for the inheritance which shall come unto them as a result of thy faithfulness and thy teaching, and they as well as others shall heed thy teachings and thy counsel. Thou shalt especially be an influence and power from good therein among those of thy household and thy kindred as well as thine associates."

If it was not for my parents I would never know the goodness of the gospel. I have a priceless inheritance due to my mother's faithfulness and teachings. As I read her patriarchal blessing I could feel her arms around me. I offered a prayer of gratitude to the Lord for the blessing of having a wonderful mother and all she taught me. She has been a great influenced in my life for good. I would not be all that I am if I did not experience life with such a mother. I wanted to be sure that part of her patriarchal blessing was literally fulfilled and it is.


Day 930

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 16:8

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 16:8
"Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people."

So many wonderful verses in this psalm that David delivered. I have so many of them marked. This verse I pondered on the most. As Israel was receiving once again the ark of the covenant and placed it in a tent, it became their temple. I could picture today the blessings of the temple and how all our missionaries must first receive their endowments from on high, before they go to proclaim the gospel. The greatest thanks that can be given to the Lord is to share the joyful news of his gospel with others. It is the most precious gift one person can give to another. As it is shared it shows the Lord how much value is placed upon it.


Day 929

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 15:25

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 15:25
"So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the house of Obed-edom with joy."

David and Israel had learned their lesson, that the first attempt to bring the ark of the covenant was not done in a manner pleasing to the Lord. David then instructs them that none but the Levites are to carry the ark. They then make preparations to bringing the ark from Obed-edom to the City of David.

Part of those preparations are singers, music, psalteries, harps, cymbals, lifting up the voice with joy and shouting. The last verse in the chapter says Michal the daughter of Saul looked out the window to see king David dancing and playing. All of this reminded me of the cultural celebrations we have before the dedications of a new temple. The key word in this scripture was "joy".

I also pondered on how following the Lord's directions and doing things pleasing to him does bring joy.


Day 928

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 14:10

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 14:10
"And David inquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the Lord said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand."

This verse reminded me of this scripture.
"Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.
Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day."
(Alma 37:36-37)

I then read other scripture verses on "inquiring of the Lord". I read many verses that gave wonderful examples of how inquiring of the Lord directed God's people in the path they should take. Following His counsel protected them. I know it will protect me too.


Day 927

Monday, October 9, 2017

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 13:3-4

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 13:3-4
"And let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we inquired not at it in the days of Saul.
And all the congregation said that they would do so: for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people."

Uzza died while steadying the ark when the oxen stumbled. At first I had thought it was because he was not from the tribe of Levi that had the responsibility of bearing the ark. When I read this chapter something new stood out to me. The congregation of Israel had agreed to bring it to it to them based on it being "right in the eyes of all the people". What it doesn't say is that it was right in the eyes of God. So this was another reason the anger of the Lord was kindled. Now I see it so fitting that the oxen stumbled causing Uzza's to touch what was forbidden and die. When I lean upon my own understanding and not inquire of the Lord I too can stumble, and cause spiritual death. There was more to this story than I at first realized.

Day 926

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 12:22

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 12:22
"For at that time day by day there came to David to help him, until it was a great host, like the host of God."

When I read about these mighty men and armies that gathered to support and help David all I could see was a host of people wearing yellow vests marked "Mormon Helping Hands". I went online to find some pictures and as I went through them I wept. I don't even have words for my thoughts. There is an army of God flooding the earth today, in more ways than one.








Photos from the "Deseret News".


Day 925









Saturday, October 7, 2017

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 11:10

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 11:10
"These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the Lord concerning Israel."

I'm sitting here reading the list of names of the mighty men and have no idea who they are. At some time someone knew them and it meant something to see their names listed here. David would not have been the king he was if not for the mighty men that surrounded him and strengthened him in the Lord. Someday will I hear each man's story?

As I sat pondered on these men I was reminded of Doctrine and Covenants chapters 15 & 16. The chapters are identical except for the name of the person they were given to. What struck me with that fact is that the Lord knew their names. Blessings might be the same for individuals but the Lord still counts them, knows them, and loves them. I might only know the names of the mighty men, but to the Lord he knows them. These names will be written in the Book of Life. May I live my life to be so worthy to have my name written there too.

Day 924

Friday, October 6, 2017

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 10:13-14

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 10:13-14
"So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the Lord, even against the word of the Lord, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it:
And inquired not of the Lord: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse."

Not really sure why I cried so reading this chapter. The story of how Saul died and what was done to his body afterwards is just so sad. None of this ever had to happen. Saul had so much potential and basically threw it away. What an absolute waste. It made me think of the final judgment when everyone will come before the judgment seat of God. How many will feel they wasted their life here on earth, because they transgressed against their God. I just don't want that to happen to me. It's a constant daily battle to be good. I'm so hopelessly flawed. Could I not just be sealed up and made his and never sin again?

That made me think of my favorite hymn "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing". I sat and listened it to over and over again, until it soothed my soul. This version was sung at the April 2016 LDS General Conference and has "the crying man". That is my heart.




Day 923

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 9:13

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 9:13
"And their brethren, heads of the house of their fathers, a thousand and seven hundred and threescore; very able men for the work of the service of the house of God."

This chapter tells of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the responsibilities of the Levites and the areas where they are to serve in the temple. I see keepers of the gate and entries, porters, those charged to take in and out the ministering vessels, overseers, makers of ointments, preparers of the shewbread, and singers. As small as they might have thought their individual jobs were, each was important.

This made me ponder on 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
12: For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
17: If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling.
27: Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular
28: And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
29: Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
30: Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
31: But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

It doesn't matter what I have been called to do, it matters how I served the Lord in my calling.


Day 922

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 8:40

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 8:40
"And the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valour, archers, and had many sons, and sons' sons, an hundred and fifty. All these are of the sons of Benjamin."

Not as many mentions of valiant men in this chapter. Just the one with the sons of Ulam, descendants of Benjamin. I decided to look up in the topical guide all the references for valiant. This one was my favorite.

"And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all - they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted." (Alma 53:20)

I have always loved the story of the two thousand stripling warriors. I found a YouTube video of the Bountiful South Stake that did a recreation of Helaman's 2000 sons, the stripling warriors. It really touched my heart to listen to the music and see these images. It really does take a lot of courage to be missionaries at this time. Some battles are not fought with the spear. I wonder what will be written in the histories about the valiant youth of today?


Stripling Warriors marching, KSL clip and Bednar added


Day 921

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 7:40

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 7:40
"All these were the children of Asher, heads of their father's house, choice and mighty men of valour, chief of the princes. And the number throughout the genealogy of them that were apt to the war and to battle was twenty and six thousand men."

This chapter goes over the sons and families of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. I was really struck with how many times it mentions they were valiant men of might. It made me think of the military families in my day. How generations of men will follow in their father's footsteps and serve in the military. What a blessing it is to nations to have such men.


Day 920

Monday, October 2, 2017

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 6:10

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 6:10
"And Johanan begat Azariah, (he it is that executed the priest's office in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem:)"

I had to go back and count how many generations are listed for Levi. I'm not sure if some have been skipped. It was 21 generations from Levi to Azariah during the time of king Solomon and the first temple being built. It was only two generations from Levi to Moses, not sure if that's right. Probably why verse one says "the sons of Levi".

I sat and thought about how many years it would take for 21 generations to pass. Just picturing the passing of the mosiac law from generation to generation. I don't have anything passed down from my ancestors for 21 generations. What a blessing the written scriptures are to the children of mankind. I can know the fathers, with my heart turned to my Heavenly Father through them.


Day 919

Sunday, October 1, 2017

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 5:1

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 5:1
"Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright."

I didn't understand what that last part meant "and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright." I had to go digging for answers. I was reminded that the birthright was the first son of the father. For Israel that was Reuben. Reuben lost his birthright for his transgression that offended the Lord and his father. For that the birthright went to Israel's son Joseph the first born of his second wife. According to John Taylor in "The Order and Duties of the Priesthood, Etc." the "birthright was taken from him and given to the sons of Joseph; and the Priesthood was reckoned after that lineage."

So I gather that the priesthood keys were passed onto Joseph and his sons. When I think of what Reuben lost, it wasn't just a double inheritance of his father, and to rule over the family. He lost the priesthood keys. That makes it more understandable to me why his transgression lead to the loss of his birthright, he was no longer worthy to hold the priesthood.


Day 918