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
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
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
"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
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
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
"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
Monday, November 27, 2017
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
"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
Sunday, November 26, 2017
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
"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
Saturday, November 25, 2017
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
"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
Friday, November 24, 2017
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
"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
Thursday, November 23, 2017
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
"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
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
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
"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
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
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
"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
Monday, November 20, 2017
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
"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
Sunday, November 19, 2017
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
"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
Saturday, November 18, 2017
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
"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
Friday, November 17, 2017
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
"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
Thursday, November 16, 2017
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
"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
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
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
"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
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
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
"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
Monday, November 13, 2017
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
"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
Sunday, November 12, 2017
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
"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
Saturday, November 11, 2017
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
"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
Friday, November 10, 2017
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
"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
Thursday, November 9, 2017
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
"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
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
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
"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.
/
"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.
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
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
"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
Monday, November 6, 2017
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
"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
Sunday, November 5, 2017
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
"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
Saturday, November 4, 2017
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
"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
Friday, November 3, 2017
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
"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
Thursday, November 2, 2017
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
"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
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
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
"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
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