Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 107:9
"For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness."
I pondered on how I never go away empty after reading and pondering on the things of the Lord. For 1,160 days I have been sharing my favorite verse found in my daily scripture reading. It amazes me what new things there are to learn and to see each day. There is no end to learning by the spirit. My soul is satisfied. Though I have to say I am hungry to learn more. I truly need to be feed every day with the word of God. I wonder what it would be like to just read and ponder the scriptures all day long? To have no interruptions or other obligations. To be able to do that would be my perfect day.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 106:43
"Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity."
This chapter is a review of when Israel rebelled and did wickedly. It shows the cause and effect of their behavior. It made me think of something I read in my Gospel Principles class this week.
Bible Dictionary: Covenant
"Sometimes denotes an agreement between persons or nations; more often between God and man; but in this latter case it is important to notice that the two parties to the agreement do not stand in the relation of independent and equal contractors. God in His good pleasure fixes the terms, which man accepts. The same word is sometimes rendered “testament.”
The gospel is so arranged that principles and ordinances are received by covenant, placing the recipient under strong obligation and responsibility to honor the commitment. Thus the severe consequences to Ananias and Sapphira, who deliberately broke their covenant and lied unto God (Acts 5:1–11)."
This stood out to me:
"..it is important to notice that the two parties to the agreement do not stand in the relation of independent and equal contractors".
The problem is that God's people begin to apostatize when they decide they will set the terms of the covenants. They seek to counsel God, and not receive his counsel. Its just not how it works. We cannot change God's laws. When we desire to, we no longer are saying he is our God. We are willing to follow a false God at the point. This is when God's people are ripe for destruction.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 105:1
"O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people."
This chapter continues with a review of many wonderful bible stories. Stories I have heard from my youth. I sadly pondered on how the memory of these stories are fading from the knowledge of the world. I took a bible quiz once and it was really long but all the stories were familiar, a primary child would have known them. The score I received was bible scholar and that only made me very sad. Sad because of the simplicity of the test. I know me, I am not a bible scholar. I simply read and ponder the scriptures. I thought about what I alone could do to not make the stories fade. I was reminded of people that shared bible stories with me and applied them to my life. These are lessons that will stay with me forever. If people will not read them for themselves, I can still apply it to what they are going through in our conversations. There is strength and wisdom found in these stories, that the world is sorely missing.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 104:34
"My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord."
I thought of the beauty of remembering and pondering on the Lord. How sweet my scripture reading time is to me. How glorious the Sabbath day is as I ponder on the Lord during the sacrament. These are sweet times and I would not trade the for the world. No one knows my heart, but Him.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 103:18-19
"To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
The Lord hath prepared his throne in heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all."
This made me think about this wonderful quote I found from Bruce R. McConkie.
"Everyone in the Church who is on the straight and narrow path, who is striving and struggling and desiring to do what is right, though is far from perfect in this life; if he passes out of this life while he's on the straight and narrow, he's going to go on to eternal reward in his Father's kingdom.
We don't need to get a complex or get a feeling that you have to be perfect to be saved. You don't. There's only been one perfect person, and that's the Lord Jesus, but in order to be saved in the Kingdom of God and in order to pass the test of mortality, what you have to do is get on the straight and narrow path--thus charting a course leading to eternal life--and then, being on that path, pass out of this life in full fellowship.
I'm not saying that you don't have to keep the commandments. I'm saying you don't have to be perfect to be saved. If you did, no one would be saved. The way it operates is this: you get on the path that's named the "straight and narrow." You do it by entering the gate of repentance and baptism. The straight and narrow path leads from the gate of repentance and baptism, a very great distance, to a reward that's called eternal life.
If you're on that path and pressing forward, and you die, you'll never get off the path. There is no such thing as falling off the straight and narrow path in the life to come, and the reason is that this life is the time that is given to men to prepare for eternity. Now is the time and the day of your salvation, so if you're working zealously in this life-- though you haven't fully overcome the world and you haven't done all you hoped you might do--you're still going to be saved.
You don't have to do what Jacob said, "Go beyond the mark." You don't have to live a life that's truer than true. You don't have to have an excessive zeal that becomes fanatical and becomes unbalancing.
What you have to do is stay in the mainstream of the Church and live as upright and decent people live in the Church--keeping the commandments, paying your tithing, serving in the organizations of the Church, loving the Lord, staying on the straight and narrow path. If you're on that path when death comes--because this is the time and the day appointed, this the probationary estate--you'll never fall off from it, and, for all practical purposes, your calling and election is made sure."
(Bruce R. McConkie, "The Probationary Test of Mortality," Address given at Univ. of Utah, Jan. 1982, p. II; See JD 1:6)
I just have to stay on the covenant path, pressing forward, and I will make it all the way home.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 102:13
"Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come."
I think this is talking about now. The fullness of the gospel is upon the earth. How much mercy and favour is being show to His saints. The days are shortened and He is hastening his work. The Lord is gathering Zion, in preparation for his second coming. Is it not mercy to let us prepare for that great and terrible day?
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 101:5-6
"Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me."
In verse five I could not help but think of those that point the finger at others and accuse them of terrible things, all the while they are doing the same. Then I laughed at myself because I was pointing my finger at them in my mind. Yeah, I totally see the "shame culture" going on that Elder D. Todd Christofferson spoke of in his April 2017 General Conference talk "The Voice of Warning".
I have been trying really hard not to get caught up in this vice. It's getting harder and harder for me to find anything in the main stream media that I can watch or listen to. I just don't want to get caught up in judging others. The other night I finally found something that satisfied me. I found so many wonderful stories to listen to on the Mormon Channel. Truly it has set "mine eyes upon the faithful of the land." As I pondered over this I see that instead of looking for those to shame, I need to look towards those that will be good examples. Those that I can make a joyful noise about.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 100:2
"Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing."
I pondered on "serve the Lord with gladness". How many stages have I gone through about serving? I know somethings I do now, I don't even consider them as serving. Where I once thought it asking a lot. It's just something I do to help in His kingdom. Can't say I'm always glad though, but I'm working on it. It would be such a lovely place to be, to be glad to serve. Truly that would show so much love for the Lord. I really want that attitude. Maybe with this desire I will be more observant about cultivating it.
I have to remember the words of king Benjamin "...when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." (Mosiah 2:17)
If I knew the Lord was standing there asking me to do something I would sing and be glad to do anything he asked. I need to picture Him more when I go about helping others. For it sounds like serving with gladness is needful to enter into his presence. He really is just standing there.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 99:1
"The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved."
The mention of cherubims made me look up what was known about them in the scriptures. This is what the Bible dictionary says:
BD Cherubim: Figures representing heavenly creatures, the exact form being unknown. They are found in the Holy of Holies, on the Mercy Seat of the Ark, and in the visions of Ezekiel. In the account of the Fall, cherubim are represented as keeping "the way of the tree of life".
I read in some scriptures that they have hands under their wings. They had glory and were next to God. They must be very remarkable beings. What are they I wonder? They sound like they have intelligence so they are not animals.
Then I thought about what the Lord God said to Moses about the creation of worlds without number.
"And behold, the glory of the Lord was upon Moses, so that Moses stood in the presence of God, and talked with him face to face. And the Lord God said unto Moses: for mine own purpose have I made these things. Here is wisdom and it remaineth in me.
And by the word of my power, have I created them, which is mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth.
And worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten."
(Moses 1:31-33)
God created the worlds for his own purposes. That purpose is only known to Him. He could put any being he wanted on those various worlds. They did not necessarily need to be in His image as we are. The cherubims must have come from an amazingly beautiful world. I can't wait to see them.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 98:9
"Before the Lord; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity."
Equity - the quality of being fair and impartial.
This made me think of this..
"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:"
(Acts 10:34)
and this..
"And for salvation I give unto you a commandment, for I have heard your prayers, and the poor have complained before me, and the rich have I made, and all flesh is mine, and I am no respecter of persons."
(Doctrine and Covenants 38:16)
I just sat and pondered on what an amazing site it will be to watch Christ judge the world. I think the world does not know the concept of being treated with equity, and no respecter of persons. I see unfairness all around me. When I witness the judgment of a just King I will have no doubt it was done in righteousness. I will know whatever my judgment will be it will be just.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 97:10
"Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked."
This made me ponder on the words "Ye that love the Lord, hate evil". I am finding a very interesting measuring stick. The more I come to love the Lord the smaller my movie collection becomes. What I once thought acceptable, I can no longer watch. The parts that I could simply skip over, just ruin the whole movie for me. It troubles my soul and I find no pleasure. I guess I am being delivered out of the hands of the wicked movie industry. Simply because I can't sit there anymore. The interesting thing is I don't even miss it. I have found something far better.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 96:7
"Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength."
When I read this I paused and thought "How can I give glory and strength to the Lord? I have no power to give Him." Which I knew that wasn't what the verse was saying but I had to sit and ponder on that thought. What I came away with it is that I need to acknowledge to others the Lord's glory and strength. As I testify of Him it is strengthening Him in their eyes. I then am giving Him glory, honor and strength.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 95:7
"For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice."
I pondered on how it is always how my relationship is with the Lord today. I cannot "store up" righteousness for a pass on a later date. I can repent of past sins and become clean today, and he will remember them no more. The Lord loves me for who I am today, not yesterday, or tomorrow. He wants me to be consistent and always love and listen to Him. But his judgment is always here and now. That is a beautiful thing.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 94:11-12, 19
"The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.
Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law;
In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul."
I have to think of vanity as my pride. For it is often because of my pride that I am chastened by the Lord. I had to sit and ponder on what a blessing that truly is. Really what a miracle that whole process is. Simply because He loves me enough to stopped me before it has gotten out of hand. Pride truly is man's down fall. I've been through this cycle so many times that now I have started to receive a warning before it even happens.
I will just get that feeling that I have to careful and watch myself, I am right on that edge and have to back off. It requires a lot of vigilance on my part to not fall into that trap. After much practice I am learning to spot the traps and maneuver around them. When I see that happen I am so grateful, for I truly hate to be chastened, because I do know better. I would much rather be warned and change my path instead. Even though having to be warned stings a little too. Having the ability to be warned is a comfort and protection to me. I am blessed when I listen and obey.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 93:5
"Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever."
The temple is a holy place, but the people that enter there are to be holy too. I may have passed a temple recommend interview when I first entered, but I know I am a different person today then I was then. Going to the temple has refined my soul. It is more sensitive to spiritual things around me. I am much more careful in what I do and say. I am not perfect and would not call myself holy. But, I know I have changed. My testimony has increased as I have spent time in the house of the Lord. How grateful I am to be a work in progress. I am more aware than ever for what the Lord has done for me.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 92:13
"Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God."
I love the house of the Lord. I can see myself spending a thousand years during the millennium there. It will be happy and joyful days for sure. I yearn for it now. I do wondered at times how people that do not find joy in going to the temple now, doing family history work or sharing the gospel, think they will suddenly find joy in it during the millennium? It is better to dip the toe now and become acclimated to it. They are missing out on so very many blessings in this life. I totally plan on flourishing by planting deep roots today.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 91:11-12
'For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone."
This is another messianic psalm. These verses where quoted by Satan when he tempted Jesus after 40 days of fasting.
"And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God."
(Luke 4:10-12)
What this all made me ponder on is how Satan will quote scriptures for his purposes too. How important it is for me to study and ponder the scriptures so I know all the words of God, and am not deceived. I wish I could spend more time each day reading them. There is just so much to learn. I thrill as I see how interconnected all the scriptures are to each other. How there is harmony and consistency and they support each other. There is just so much to ponder on and learn, it will take me a lifetime and more. I love it!
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 90:12
"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."
I thought of how incredible busy my days can be. How there is never enough time to do all that I want or feel I need to do. How instead of being overwhelmed I pray to know my Heavenly Father's will. What would he have me do this day. I am humbled and often surprised at what the answer is. How simple things can put all the other cares of the world into perspective. It is hard to let the other stuff go, or learn to delegate it. When I do I see God's wisdom in his plans, how very foolish were my cares.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 89:9
"Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them."
This is a messianic psalm. "A song setting forth the mercy, greatness, justice, and righteousness of the Holy One of Israel - The Lord will establish David's seed and throne forever - God's Firstborn will be made higher than the kings of the earth."
As I read this verse I thought about the story of Jesus. Where he entered a ship with is disciples. As he slept a great tempest arose in the sea. They awoke him "Saying, Lord, save us: we perish"
"And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm."
(Matthew 8:26)
The story in Mark is slightly different with his disciples saying:
"Master, carest thou not that we perish?"
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
(Mark 4:37-40)
I pondered on all the raging seas I have faced in my life. Where life has just tossed me to and fro, I knew not when it would stop. It is only when I have turn to the Lord in faith, asking him to save me, that I have learned of his peace. He does care for me and the fears that I have, and will carry them for me if I but ask. He stills my soul and brings peace while the tempest are raging. Through this I have come to know and to love Him. He does rescue me.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 88:10-11
"Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.
Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? or thy faithfulness in destruction?"
Yes, it was.
"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but quickened by the Spirit:
By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
Which sometimes were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water."
(1 Peter 3:18-20)
"For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit."
(1 Peter 4:6)
"And I wondered at the words of Peter—wherein he said that the Son of God preached unto the spirits in prison, who sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah—and how it was possible for him to preach to those spirits and perform the necessary labor among them in so short a time.
And as I wondered, my eyes were opened, and my understanding quickened, and I perceived that the Lord went not in person among the wicked and the disobedient who had rejected the truth, to teach them;
But behold, from among the righteous, he organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead.
And the chosen messengers went forth to declare the acceptable day of the Lord and proclaim liberty to the captives who were bound, even unto all who would repent of their sins and receive the gospel.
Thus was the gospel preached to those who had died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets.
These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands,"
(Doctrine and Covenants 138:28-33)
What a wondrous thing it must be for the dead to know, vicarious baptism for remissions of sins can be done for them. How they must desire it once they know of it. I have experienced them making their feelings known.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 87:5
"And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her."
I wasn't sure who this was speaking of so I did a little hunting around and found this.
"And then we want to see you operate as one in all things. You fathers of families and you mothers, see to it that you dedicate yourselves and your habitation and everything you have to God, and that you live pure, virtuous, and holy and upright lives. See to it that you are men and women of God - children of the Most High God, and your offspring with you. And I tell you that the time is rolling on when Zion will become the praise and glory of the whole earth. The time is coming and hastening on when, as one of the prophets predicts, people will say such and such a man was born in Zion - that is, the people of Zion will be so honorable, so upright, so virtuous, and so blessed of God, under the auspices of the Almighty, and the government which He will introduce, that they will think it an honor to have been born in Zion. We will fear God, and work righteousness on earth, and when we get through here be transplanted to the heavens until this earth shall be redeemed; for we shall again possess the earth when it shall be celestialized. God bless you all, in the name of Jesus. Amen."
(John Taylor, Why We Gather, Etc.)
I reflected on the Glens Falls branch/ward that I grew up in. How excited we were when new families joined us that came from Utah. We needed their wisdom and leadership skills. I remember being is such awe of them. They were such good, good people. That must have been a taste of what others see when looking at members of the church.
You no longer need to look at LDS members from Utah, for they are scattered all over the earth, doing good from their local stakes in Zion.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 86:5, 15
"For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth."
How grateful I am to know that every word of this is true.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 85:11
"Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven."
This made me think of this.
"The ancient record thus brought forth from the earth as the voice of a people speaking from the dust, and translated into modern speech by the gift and power of God as attested by Divine affirmation, was first published to the world in the year 1830 as The Book of Mormon."
(Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Book of Mormon)
"And now, my beloved brethren, all those who are of the house of Israel, and all ye ends of the earth, I speak unto you as the voice of one crying from the dust: Farewell until that great day shall come."
(2 Nephi 33:13)
"For those who shall be destroyed shall speak unto them out of the ground, and their speech shall be low out of the dust, and their voice shall be as one that hath a familiar spirit; for the Lord God will give unto him power, that he may whisper concerning them, even as it were out of the ground; and their speech shall whisper out of the dust."
(2 Nephi 26:16}
"And thou shalt be brought down, and shalt speak out of the ground, and thy speech shall be low out of the dust, and thy voice shall be, as of one that hath a familiar spirit, out of the ground, and thy speech shall whisper out of the dust."
(Isaiah 29:4)
"The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying,
Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions:
And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand.
And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these?
Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.
And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes.
(Ezekiel 37:15-20)
The stick of Judah and the stick of Joseph are now one in my hands. For the stick of Joseph was sealed up in the earth and has now come forth. As promised, prophets speak from the dust of the earth now speak truth to me.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 84:2, 10
"My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
For a day in they courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness."
I reflected on my Tuesday mornings spent in the House of the Lord. There is no place I would rather be then there. When I have missed my weekly temple session my soul feels it. For when I sit in the celestial room I feel my soul come to rest in the Lord. There is peace and strength that comes to me. It feeds me. To not be there I run empty.
Several years ago when I was visiting my daughter in California I got incredibly homesick. I couldn't understand why. I talked to my family back home every night. We still did scripture reading together. I had family around me but yet was homesick. Then I realized it was almost 3 weeks since I had gone to the temple. My homesickness was for the House of the Lord, and visiting Him. I had my daughter drive me to the San Diego Temple the next day and my feelings of homesickness were gone. Heaven is the place I want and need to be. Once you taste of how good home is you don't want to be away from it.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 83:1, 16
"Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.
Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O Lord."
I know some are champing at the bit for the Lord's second coming and for the wicked to be destroyed. I'm not looking forward to that day. It not out of any fear where I stand. It's because there are to many people I love that I am concerned about. I pray for more time for good people to repent and turn their hearts to God. I am trusting in the Lord's timing, giving us every opportunity and chance needed. I pray I can do my part. I know none can procrastinate the day of our repentance, for no one knows the hour or the day of His coming. For now I see the natural disasters and trials happening around the world as his wake up calls to the nations. Facing life or death helps man see there is someone greater in control. It should turn our hearts to God.
"And thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with death and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember him."
(Helaman 12:3)
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 82:6
"I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High."
Immediately I thought of the primary song "I am a child of God." Which we also sang at church today.
Then I reflected on being made in God's image.
"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness"
(Genesis 1:26)
I am also commanded to be perfect like Him.
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."
(Matthew 5:48)
I think God is telling me I have divine potential, someday I can become like Him. Thankfully it comes line upon line, precept upon precept, and not something expected of me all at once. There is beauty in the journey for it can only come as I yoke myself to Him.
"Be patient with yourself. Perfection comes not in this life but in the next life. Don't demand things that are unreasonable. But demand of yourself improvement. As you let the Lord help you through that, He will make the difference."
(President Russell M. Nelson)
"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."
(Ether 12:27)
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
(2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
Right now I am weak, but someday I will be strong. I am on a beautiful journey and I am so grateful for every step as I learn to walk in my Savior's footsteps. Being humble as a little child, having faith in my Father's plan for me, will make me everything he knows I can be.
I am a Child of God
I am a child of God,
And he has sent me here,
Has given me an earthly home
With parents kind and dear.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.
I am a child of God,
And so my needs are great;
Help me to understand his words
Before it grows too late.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.
I am a child of God.
Rich blessings are in store;
If I but learn to do his will,
I’ll live with him once more.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.
I am a child of God.
His promises are sure;
Celestial glory shall be mine
If I can but endure.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 81:13, 16
"Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways!
He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee."
When Moses smote the rock and water gushed forth, the children of Israel could have had wheat and honey instead. For forty years they walked through the wilderness eating only manna and water. The Lord cared for them, but they could have had something better, if they had only listened to Him.
It made me ponder on lower laws and higher laws, which means there are also lower blessings and higher blessings. I have been pondering on the changes from this past general conference. How home and visiting teaching is now replaced with a higher law of ministering. What wondrous blessings will waiting me for living the higher law?
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 80:3, 7, 19
"Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
Turn us again, O Lord God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved."
I found it interesting that three times the same verse is in this chapter. Each time deeper meaning is given to the name of God. How desperate is their cry. I pondered on my own prayers. How desperately I don't want to go astray. How very possible that is, if I forget the Lord. I need to read the scriptures to feel the spirit and draw closer to Him. I need His light in my life to guide me so I don't fall into crooked paths. If I can stay on the right path I know he will save me.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 79:8
"O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low."
Footnote: prevent us = HEB come to us.
I pondered on how being brought very low was a step in the repentance process. How when I follow the process of repentance the Savior has promised to forgive my sins and remember them no more.
The steps of repentance takes me from godly sorrow to the joy of keeping the commandments.
Recognizing sin
Feeling sorrow for sin
Forsaking sin
Confessing sin
Making restitution
Forgiving others
Keeping the commandments of God.
What a wonderful and merciful plan God has, that through Christ's atonement I can obtain forgiveness of my sins. Though my sins be as scarlet, they will become white as snow.
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: through your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
(Isaiah 1:18)
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 78:18, 24-25
"And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.
And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven.
Man did eat angels' food: he sent them meat to the full."
I have been on a private personal journey that focuses on the Word of Wisdom. The health and care of the body in the Lord's way for these latter-days. I am healing and am taking things slowly. I am acting as I am guided by the spirit and not the wisdom of man. One day I desired a change and the thought came that I'm just like the children of Israel that cried because all they had to eat was manna. With that thought I went to find this story in the bible. I went on a marvelous scripture journey in one of those wonderful middle of the night teaching moments. What I learned and understood was beyond measure. I have now been experimenting with my "manna" and I cannot tell you how improved my energy level has become. My family has the same results. Something so simply that I have overlooked so many, many times. Funny how we don't see things until we are ready.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 77:13-14
"Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?
Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people."
I sat and reflected on all the miracles I could recall in the scriptures. The great flood that covered the earth, and saving Noah family in the ark, Moses and the parting of the red sea. The children of Israel fed with manna, and the water from the rock. Jesus Christ's healing the blind, sick, maimed and raising the dead. Ultimately Christ's resurrection from the dead. I thought of miracles small and great. No false man made god on this earth can equal the true and living God.
I reflected on, "Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,"
(2 Thessalonians 2:9)
I don't know what working those will be, but I know lies and illusions never take the place of what is real. My God is real. Often as I read my scriptures or sit in the temple, I just pause and say to myself this is all so very real. Each time I reflect like that I feel like I'm coming out of a dream.
