Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 8:17

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

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


Day 1009

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 7:4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Day 1008

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 6:1

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

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


Day 1007

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 5:3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Day 1006

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

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

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


Day 1005

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

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

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


Day 1004

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 2:12

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

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

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

Then I found this scriptures.

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

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


Day 1003

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 1:19

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

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


Day 1002

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 13:22

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

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

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

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


Day 1001

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 12:43

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

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

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

Day 1000

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

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

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

Day 999

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

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

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


Day 998

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 9:17

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

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


Day 997

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

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

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

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


Day 996

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 7:64

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Day 995

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

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

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


Day 994

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

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

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


Day 993

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 4:18

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

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

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

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

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

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


Day 992

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 3:1

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

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


Day 991

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

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

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


Day 990

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 1:9

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

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


Day 989

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 10:1

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

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

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

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


Day 988

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

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

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


Day 987

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 8:21

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

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

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

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


Day 986

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 7:27

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

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


Day 985

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 6:10

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

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


Day 984

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 5:17

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

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

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


Day 983

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 4:5

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

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

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

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

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


Day 982

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 3:5

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

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

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

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


Day 981

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 2:62

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

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

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

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


Day 980

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Day 979