Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 28:9
"Whom shall he teach knowledge?and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:"
In this chapter is speaks of an apostasy with false priests and prophets. When the gospel is restored who does God reveal it to? A youth. It made me ponder on the restoration of the gospel. Where Joseph Smith wanting to know which church was true went into a grove a trees to pray and ask of God. There the heavens were opened and a young man of 14 years of age saw the Father and the Son. It needed to be restored through someone innocent and untrained by man. Someone teachable and then he could be taught line upon line and precept upon precept.
I pondered on how it is the Lord's way to have us learn in our youth. It is also Satan's way, for in my day I see how desperately he is trying to destroy the innocent faith of youth. False doctrines of man are taught now even to kindergartners. It is so sad. It is more important than ever that parent teach their children correct principles and do not hand that responsibility over to someone else.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 27:5
"Or let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me."
I pondered on what is the Lord's strength that I need to take hold of? It is His greatest gift to me, His atoning sacrifice. It is through Christ's atonement and all it means for me, that I will have his peace with me.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 26:9
"With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness."
This is a confirmation of my thoughts early this morning. A habit I had formed was to make reading the Book of Mormon the first thing my eyes read upon waking. That included if I woke up in the middle of the night, which is often. I realized this morning that for several days now I had instead looked at the news first, then read my scriptures. It's funny how quick I can slide. It was just a quick peek to check the news once, and then every day this past week I continued to do it. This morning I realized what had been happening and forced myself to instead read the scriptures first. Oh, how glorious it was. I was reading in Helaman 4 and the scriptures just opened up. I made all these connections to my day. It was amazing how I was being tutored simply by putting my relationship with the Lord first. What I could have lost if I hadn't listened. My soul does need to desire the Lord in the night, and seek Him early.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 25:4
"For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall."
I pondered on what a strength the Lord has been for me. Then I realized if I am to become like him, I need to be a strength to others too. My hands as his hands. It made me think of the announcement The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made today in the article "Church Finding Ways to Increase Assistance to Those in Need".
It explained how they are taking their grain stores and converting them into finished products. They anticipate increasing food donations by more than 20 million pounds annually to community charities. Turning the grain into pasta, pancake mix and flour, etc will provide for need more quickly.
I had been pondering on that announcement all day, because I know how far ahead the church looks. Grain in its natural state stores longer than a finished product. This means the church is seeing turn over more important than long term storage. If they need more finished product to help provide need quicker then they are expecting more need. Yeah that kinda points to a lot of things. To provide need not only do you need product you need volunteers to prepare and distribute it. That brings me back to what Isaiah was saying. As the Lord's hands I need to be a strength to others. The Lord will use his servants in answering prayers.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 24:15
"Wherefore glorify ye the Lord in the fires, even the name of the Lord God of Israel in the isles of the sea."
I was looking at the footnote for fires and it reads "HEB lights; or perhaps a scribal error of "islands". It took several times reading and pondering this chapter to actually see something else.
It is speaking of the events leading up to the second coming. Where the earth will be destroyed. It reminded me of a thought I had about the earth burning, possibly even a nuclear holocaust. I have decided this is nothing to fear, for what happened to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego when they were cast into the burning fiery furnace can just as well happened to the saints that will remain after the cleansing. Else why would we be told this story and that it's even possible? I pondered on how as Nebuchadnezzar saw them in the fiery furnace walking without harm, there was a fourth person in there with them "like the Son of God". What would have Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego been doing during this event? I think they were glorifying the Lord who was in their midst. The "HEB light" could be a correct translation for what they saw. Regardless of what happens in life the Lord will be with me, as I remember and glorify him.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 23:18
"And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the Lord: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the Lord, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing."
Footnotes:
her = Any success she has will only be as permitted by the Lord.
hire = wages
What this verse reminded me of was the Self-Reliance class I took on small business and now on personal finances. I am learning how I have been given a stewardship over all that I have. Being a wise steward I will make it grow, in order to be of greater service to the Lord and care for others. These classes are teaching me to be spiritually and temporally self-reliant. I was really struck last week on a particular assignment. I was to counsel daily with the Lord over my finances. As the days went by I came to understand I was just barely touching the surface of what counseling with the Lord really means. The Lord is teaching me how to counsel with him and ponder things out. I love it! I do not know the full course these self-reliance classes will take me or the Church, but I know it's headed somewhere. Maybe it will be part of fulfilling these verses.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 22:23
"And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to this father's house."
I pondered on how this was a reference to the manner of death of the Savior. How he would be crucified and die for me. Oh what a price he paid for my sins.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 21:9-10
"And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men, with a couple of horsemen. And he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground.
O my threshing, and the corn of my floor: that which I have heard of the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, have I declared unto you."
All I could think of when reading these two verses together was preparedness and having a good food storage for the days ahead. How long have the saints been warned to be prepared? Though now it's implied but not preached from the pulpit, in order to not cause panic. I couldn't have a garden this year and there is much to do to restock my selves. All the gold in the world will not save me if there is no bread to buy from the stores. Just looking at how quickly the store selves are made bare when a disaster is coming, makes me appreciate how wise the council of preparedness is.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 20:5-6
"And they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory.
And the inhabitant of this isle shall say in that day, Behold, such is our expectation, whither we flee for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria: and how shall we escape?"
I pondered on "How shall we escape?" There is no place of security for the children of God when they seek comfort or protection from other nations. If they do not turn to the Lord there will be no escape. This is the warning Isaiah gave to them in 711 BC. This is a warning for our day.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 19:8-10
"The fishers also shall mourn, and all they that cast angle into the brooks shall lament, and they that spread nets upon the waters shall languish.
Moreover they that work in fine flax, and they that weave networks, shall be confounded.
And they shall be broken in the purposes thereof, all that make sluices and ponds for fish."
When I read verse 9 about fine flax and weave networks I immediately had the internet with its fiber optic cables and web come to mind. I sat and thought about it possibly being some sophisticated cybercrime and computer hacking that is exposed and taken down. It's not beyond the imagination in my day because data breaches are happening all the time. I decided that these verses are ones that will be made totally clear and understandable when it all comes to pass. For Isaiah is to be understood completely in the last days as prophesy is fulfilled. I'm ok with having the beginning of an idea form with the symbolism spoken of, but wait for full understanding to come.
Interesting how some other words lead to the internet.
Angle = fish hook = hooks are used in programming. Predefined points in code where additional logic maybe inserted or behavior overriden or altered. Can be used to run malicious programs and steal control of the computer from another.
Sluices = Iranian hackers compromised New York dam's sluice gates
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 18:3
"All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye."
Earlier this month I was traveling from Ogden to my home in American Fork. Along the way I wondered which mountain was Ensign Peak. In all my time here in Utah I have never been up to it. Not even sure if I can get up to it. Anyways it has been on my mind of late, so when I read this chapter I was reminded again of Ensign Peak. I found several accounts of the story to read.
Ensign Peak, photo by Brandon Flint
Soon after entering the valley, President Young pointed at Ensign Peak and said, “I want to go there.” He suggested that the peak "was a proper place to raise an ensign to the nations," and so it was named Ensign Peak. On July 26, 1847, a party consisting of Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, Ezra T. Benson, George A. Smith, Wilford Woodruff, Albert Carrington, William Clayton, Lorenzo Dow Young, and perhaps Parley P. Pratt climbed to the top of the hill. Of the event, Wilford Woodruff recorded that the group “went North of the camp about five miles and we all went onto the top of a high peak in the edge of the mountain which we considered a good place to raise an ensign upon which we named Ensign Peak or Hill. I was the first person that ascended this hill. Brother Young was very weary in climbing the peak, he being feeble.” While on the Peak, the group surveyed the valley below with Heber Kimball’s telescope to confirm their earlier judgment of the valley. “They appeared delighted with the view of the surrounding country,” said one of the settlers who heard the explorers’ report later in the day. From this experience, the group gained the perspective necessary to begin planning the settlement. At this time, President Young apparently also determined the location of the temple, which he announced two days later, on July 28, by planting his walking stick at the site selected for the temple and saying, "Here we will build the temple of our God."
https://rsc.byu.edu/archived/salt-lake-city/3-ensign-peak-historical-preview
"And when President Young first set his foot upon the ground where the Temple now stands in Salt Lake City, by the testimony of the spirit of God that was in his heart, by the inspiration of the Almighty, he exclaimed to the pioneers: “Here we will make our resting place, and here is the spot upon which we will build the Temple.” He had before seen an ensign descend and light upon the mountain peak which is now called from that circumstance “Ensign Peak”—which was an indication to him that this was the resting place God designed for His people.
(JD 24:150, Joseph F. Smith, Interest in the Work of God, Etc.)
I found it fascinating that the first endowments given in this valley was upon Ensign Peak. From this valley people have been endowed on high and missionaries have been sent to preached the gospel to the nations.
In my reading I discovered lyrics to the the hymn "High on the Mountain Top" came to Joel Johnson while glancing up at Ensign Peak. I had to listen to it.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 17:6
"Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an olive tree, two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof, saith the Lord God of Israel."
I pondered on how Israel was scattered and just a remnant remained. I reflected even on what happened to the Jews after World War II. Too many died, some families completely wiped out or only a small number remained. Yet the seed of Abraham has covered the whole earth and are being gathered. I think DNA very fascinating for people that never knew they had Jewish blood find that they have it.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 16:5
"And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness."
During the millennial reign of Jesus Christ he will rule with judgment and justice. I pondered on the unrighteous judgments I see happening now. How wonderful and merciful it will be when Christ is the judge and all judgments are just and fair. How righteousness truly will reign and the people will embrace it. That will be glorious.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 15:5-6
"My heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives shall flee unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old: for by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping shall they go it up; for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction.
For the waters of Nimrim shall be desolate: for the hay is withered away, the grass faileth, there is no green thing."
It does not help to read a chapter like this and all you think about is the mountains on fire and your friends having to evacuate their homes. The only difference here is this chapter speaks of complete destruction, for my friends I feel miracles will happen to control the elements and contain the fires.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 14:16
"They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;"
I pondered on my near-death experience when I saw Satan. I was repelled by him and wanted to get away from him because I did not want him to know me. There was a panic, but I believe more so for my protection. I was never afraid of him, I just didn't want to be near or have part of him. He did not look at all like the evil demons made to terrorize in movies. He was a good looking man as a spirit. Though I do realize that he can appear anyway he wants for he is a great deceiver.
I know that when this life is done and I finally look upon Satan as he really is, I will simply say "Him, such a being as this we allowed so much control over us?" With a body I have more than he will ever have. He is the scam artist many have sold themselves too. They will be disgusted with themselves for selling themselves to such a being as this. Comparing him next to the glory of the Father and the Son he will hold no worth or desire.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 13:19-20
"And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.
It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there."
Chapter heading: The destruction of Babylon is a type of the destruction at the Second Coming - It will be a day of wrath and vengeance - Babylon (the world) will fall forever.
It was rough reading and thinking about all the destruction. Hard to find a positive thing to dwell on in this chapter. Then I realized that in these verses it means Babylon is gone, never to be rebuilt and inhabited again. All the pain, suffering and hardship is over for the saints of God. That is something positive to look forward to and dwell on.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 12:6
"Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee."
The chapter header says "In the millennial day, all men will praise the Lord - He will dwell among them". I sat and pondered on how glorious it will be in that day. When I can feel the presence of the Lord because he is right there. Oh, how I will want to sing, and shout praises to Him. I could never find enough ways to express my gratitude for all the He has done for me. My heart is full just imagining what it would be like.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 11:15-16
"And the Lord shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his mighty wind shall he shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make men go over dryshod.
And there shall be an highway for a remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt."
This made me think of this.
"He shall command the great deep, and it shall be driven back into the north countries, and the islands shall become one land;
And the land of Jerusalem and the land of Zion shall be turned back into their own place, and the earth shall be like as it was in the days before it was divided.
And the Lord, even the Savior shall stand in the midst of his people, and shall reign over all flesh.
And they who are in the north countries shall come in remembrance before the Lord; and their prophets shall hear his voice, and shall no longer stay themselves; and they shall smite the rocks, and the ice shall flow down at their presence.
And an highway shall be cast up in the midst of the great deep."
(Doctrine and Covenants 133:23-27)
I have been interested in this drought happening in many lands. It fascinates me to see ancient treasures long sealed up in snow and ice finally melting and becoming exposed. I look at all the announcement I can of discoveries there are coming to light. For one day I think something amazing will be found. I don't know what, but it is not man that controls the weather it is God. He will use the elements as signs, warnings, and revealing according to his will and pleasure. Today I have had it reemphasized, the need for me to put my house in order and be prepared.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 10:3
"And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?"
This chapter did not become understandable until I answered this question. Where do I flee for help when there is nothing left around me? The same person I flee to now, my Savior. I pondered on how turning to the Savior's out stretched hands needs to always be my answer, so when that moment of panic comes I know immediately where to go. He will take the burden off my shoulder and yoke from off my neck. That chapter goes on to explain that I will go through hard things as the wicked are being punished, but be not afraid, it will be a very little while and then it will cease. So I see this chapter telling me the most important thing is to seek the Lord now, so he is my refuge from the storms.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 9:12, 17, 21
"The Syrians before, and the Philistines behind; and they shall devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one is an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh: and they together shall be against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still."
Three times in this chapter I am told "For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still."
It reminds me of this picture of Christ's second coming, where his arms are stretched out still. No matter what I have done, no matter how scarlet my sins, my Savior stands waiting for me with open arms, to return back to Him. I would say don't just walk, but run back to Him. Oh, how sweet will be your joy.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 8:16-17
"Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.
And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him."
I think this is speaking of the end of the time of the Gentiles, where they have rejected the gospel and it is no longer preached to them. Then we enter the time of the Jews. When Christ's disciples will search out and take the gospel to the Jews and they will receive their Messiah and King. How did I come to that conclusion I don't know. It's just what came into my mind. Now I guess I have to figure out who said that's what it means because the spirit never gives me original thought. I always find a second witness to it.
When Nephi is explaining parts of Isaiah I think these verses are covered in 2 Nephi 25:15-18.
"But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."
I must have a firm testimony of the gospel for the days ahead. The law of the gospel must be sealed upon my heart. Loving and honoring my God and his laws must mean more to me than life itself.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 7:14
"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
Today is my birthday so I pondered on the timing of each child of God's birth. The most important of which was Jesus Christ birth. Each an every person that has or will lived on this earth was selected to live at a specific time and for a specific purpose. What must it have been like for Jesus to know the role he would play, and how we all counted on him to do it perfectly. I have so much love for my Savior and all he has done for me. I hope is some small way I can be what I need to be for others that cross my path in life.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 6:9
"And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not."
This is why the Savior spoke in parables. In Matthew 13:14-15
"And in them is fulfilled the prophecy to Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."
My deepest desire is to have ears that hear and eyes that see. One thing I am sure is that I do not understand all that I want to. It's only given as my faith increases. It requires much study, pondering, fasting and prayer.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 5:19-20
"That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw night and come, that we may know it!
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"
I know there is a paragraph break between these two scriptures but tonight I read them together and saw something different. For those that want the end to come are making the increase of evil appear to be a good thing. And the stopping of the good work of the Lord moving light into darkness. That is making the bitter sweet and the sweet bitter. I had never looked at that verse is that way before.
The other thing I noticed is that some want the end to come quickly because they need to see it to believe it. That is a very dangerous game to play, for that is not how it works. The lesson of Thomas shows us that.
"And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."
(John 20:26, 29)
What blessing comes? I think the peace that is needed to survive the days before the Lord's second coming. For all will one day bend the knee and confess that Jesus is the Christ. But, having faith in him, without seeing, will bring a peace I would not want to be without until then.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 4:5-6
"And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence.
And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain."
The footnote for cloud says Divine Protection, and fire says Presence of God. I don't think this is just talking about the temple but also my home, for it should be an extension of the temple, and a place of refuge. I know family prayer and scripture reading has blessed and protected my home. It is a refuge from the storms ranging in the world.
Though it is rather interesting all the things that have happened outside of our home while we have been reading scriptures. The greatest was when a massive tree limb fell down right between our house and my son's car. It fell in the only perfect spot that would not hurt anything. A few inches south it would have hit the room we were in. Time and again I have felt divine protection over my home. It is a refuge for me, especially when I am pondering the scriptures here.
I am also being reminded of the recent announcement of the "home centered" Church curriculum for 2019. "Rather than just focusing on lessons to be taught in Church, the new curriculum shifts the emphasis to studying as individuals and families at home." I knew this was another example of raising the bar. We have to do better as a people to be all that Lord wants us to be for the days ahead. What great blessing are in store if I just listen and obey!
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 3:9
"The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves."
It doesn't take much looking in social media to know this prophecy has been fulfilled. There is no shame or guilt for breaking God's laws. Morals are gone but for a few. I am saddened each time I see how casual and common place sin is that it is promoted like a badge of honor and celebrated in the streets.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 2:2-3
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted about the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem."
As I travel up the hill to the Mount Timpanogos Temple each Tuesday morning, I see the temple shining on the hill through the tree tops. It brings tears to my eyes out of gratitude, that I am blessed to be so close and able to go inside. For inside I find rest for my weary soul. I am strengthened and refreshed. I am taught from on high marvelous things. When my parents joined the church there were only 13 temples worldwide and now there are 159 with 30 more in stages of construction or planning. What a blessed day to live in. Isaiah's prophecy is fulfilled.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 1:18
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; through they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
This reminds me of what I was pondering on during sacrament yesterday. The phrase "washed white through the blood of the Lamb" came into my mind. I had always wondered how that was done. Then I reflected on the sanctified water representing the blood of Christ. How taking the sacrament renewed my baptismal covenants and I was made clean again. It is by renewing my covenants through the sacrament that I can be washed clean through the blood of the Lamb. Probably not explaining it well, but I understood how very important the taking of the sacrament worthily was in becoming clean and sanctified. Through this continually repentance and cleansing process I will be washed white before the Lord.
"Therefore they were called after this holy order, and were sanctified, and their garments were washed white through the blood of the Lamb."
(Alma 13:11)
"And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."
(Revelations 7.14)
"And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end."
(3 Nephi 27:19)
Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 8:5
"Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bare thee."
I believe this is speaking of the restoration of the gospel. Though I'm not sure what the apple tree is. Unless it is speaking of the fruit of the gospel.
"Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them.
(Matthew 7:16-17, 20)
Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 7:3, 12-13
"Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins.
Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish, whether the tender grape appear, and the pomegranates bud forth: there will I give thee my loves.
The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved."
I believe this is speaking of working in the Lord's vineyard on both sides of the veil. The Song of Solomon has repeated the use of doubles, twins, and breasts. As the Church of Jesus Christ is upon the earth it is also organized and functioning on the other side of the veil. Making ready for our beloved's return.
