Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 59:5
"They hatch cockatrice' eggs, and weave the spider's web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper."
A while back I had read this chapter and marked in the column next to this verse that this whole chapter fits with the internet. Tonight as I sit and read this, with all the terrible things I see reported in the news online, I realize this chapter is taking place today. There is so much symbolism in this chapter that can be understood only with the terms used today. I realize why I walk around saying "Am I really seeing what I am seeing? Is this all really happening?" It is the great and the terrible all in one. I have to stay focused on one of the last verses in this chapter.
"And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord." (Isaiah 59:20)
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 58:13-14
"If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it."
I absolutely love the Sabbath day. It is a delight to me. It wasn't always so. My soul is well feed and rested on this holy day, as I am more careful about what I do before and after going to church. I love sitting with my family discussing what we learned at church that day. We just can't wait to come home to talk with each other. I can't wait for next year's home-centered gospel learning. We have been prepared and it can only get better. I sit in amazement on how enlightening it is to study the scriptures particularly on this day, either with family or by myself. Pondering the scriptures is the greatest investment of my time on this day. I am so grateful for all the gospel learning materials available at my fingers. I am so blessed.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 57:1
"The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come."
Honestly when I hear of the death of a good person I grieve for those left behind, but not for them. They are being spared from that which is to come. I know we are in the middle of preparing for the Savior's second coming. Though almost daily I think "Am I really seeing what I am seeing? Are people really this blind and dumb?" It grieves my heart and I know that men's hearts are failing them. We are ripe to face the consequences of iniquity long foretold in the scriptures. All I can hope is that I hang onto the iron rod. Pressing forward towards Christ. For that is the only peace that will be afforded the righteous. Though there is much to be sad about I have to look forward with a brightness of hope. Zion will be redeemed, His people will be gathered. There will be peace even in the midst of chaos. Miracles will take place. For God is a God of miracles and he will not forget his covenant people. I absolutely cherish the counsel given by President Russell M. Nelson in April 2018 General Conference talk "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives".
"Nothing opens the heavens quite like the combination of increased purity, exact obedience, earnest seeking, daily feasting on the words of Christ in the Book of Mormon, and regular time committed to temple and family history work.
To be sure, there may be times when you feel as though the heavens are closed. But I promise that as you continue to be obedient, expressing gratitude for every blessing the Lord gives you, and as you patiently honor the Lord’s timetable, you will be given the knowledge and understanding you seek. Every blessing the Lord has for you—even miracles—will follow. That is what personal revelation will do for you.
Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 56:2, 6-7
"Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing an evil."
Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;
Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people."
I love the sabbath and I love the temple, both are a delight to me. So with both of these verses I had a hard time choosing only one as my favorite. Then I saw they go hand in hand. For it is by learning to keep the sabbath holy that I give a sign to God on how I love Him. In turn he blesses me with joy in His holy house.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 55:6
"Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:"
My first thought was "where did the Lord go?" Then I realize it wasn't Him that left it was me. As I distance myself from Him, I can no longer find or hear him.
I also thought about the terrible evil happening in the schools. Once there was prayer in schools and now it is not allowed. So sometimes the Lord cannot be found because people have cast him out. How can He bless and even be called to remembrance, when he is neither desired or wanted? God didn't leave it was the people that cast him out.
I pondered on the beauty of a home-centered, church supported, gospel learning. How speaking and teaching of Christ within the home will mean he is always there. Ready to be found.
I read this beautiful verse today in the Book of Mormon. Christ is speaking to the people on the American continent after his resurrection.
"Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again."
(3 Nephi 17:3)
Home is where I am to ponder the words of Christ. Then He will bring more.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 54:1
"Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break froth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord."
I think I read somewhere that 40% of all children born now are to single mothers. Yet at the same time I know an usual number of married women that are having fertility issues. I could not understand it until I read Isaiah's prophecy. This is the time that he is referring to. I am seeing this fulfilled in my day. May the Lord bless the dear married women that are not blessed to bare, for they are the means of this prophecy being fulfilled. They have been chosen, and the Lord will bless and compensate them for it.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 53:7
"He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth."
This verse made me ponder on how I came to understand the wisdom in being silent. How acting as the Savior did allowed me to endure and have peace. It has also been a protection to me. So much is learned and so much is gained when you don't have to have the last word. There is comfort in knowing when your right your right, but allow others to think whatever they choose to, especially when they want to twist my words. It's ok to me if we see things very differently. The only opinion that matters to me is the Lord's. In the end the truth always comes out. This has helped me learn patience like nothing else could.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 52:11
"Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord."
My heart was so broken today. I had been on the 10 day social media fast and I am ready to go back on it. I read the news and it broke my heart. At least 4 really bad stories on the same day. I am grieving for the children. Am I really seeing what I am seeing? Is this even real? My social media fast cleansed me and healed me and I put myself right back into the dirt of the world. Or maybe this fast made me more sensitive to its decay. I know I need to be in the world and not of the world, but I'm so ready to be out of the world and be in Zion right now.
I have never needed to sit and feast upon the scriptures more than I did this night. I know the Lord has a plan and he is in control, even if it means hard things happen to try to wake people up. I read the scriptures and they heal me and bring me peace. Strengthen me to go on for Him. I don't have the answers on what to do about reading the news. I guess just skim, skim, the surface? Can't I just not read it at all? I pray I will know what is the right thing to do, because I really want to be clean.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 51:7
"Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings."
This morning I was reading in 3 Nephi 12:25 which was similar to the beatitudes in Matthew 5:25
"Agree with thine adversary quickly while thou art in the way with him, lest at any time he shall get thee, and thou shalt be cast into prison."
These two verses made me ponder on if I am to agree with my adversary, or fear not their reproach? I live in a day that words are used against you. That not being politically correct can even cost you your job! I think what the Lord is saying is I do not have to become like them. I don't have to embrace the world out of fear of the world. I just have to let the world be, if that is what they choose. For myself I can still follow the Savior, and have his peace regardless of what others may do or say. There is actually a lot of protection from the opinions of the world if I do keep the commandments.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 50:10
"Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God."
I was actually asked two different questions today about faith and doing what the Lord asks of me. How did I know that what I was told came from the spirit, since I was going through a hard time as a result? I know exactly because I know his voice. The spirit told me what I needed to do and I was obedient. The path I am on is the right one. No one said it would be smooth sailing and all sunshine and roses when you walk in faith. Sometimes you hold onto the iron rod while surrounded in a midst of darkness. I don't know where its all leading but its where I am suppose to be. I was only promised peace and that is what I have. I just keep walking and moving forward, because the solution is there.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 49:5
"And now, saith the Lord that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and my God shall be my strength."
The thought that came to me was failing at the mission given me.
"And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!"
(Doctrine and Covenants 18:15)
What happens if you labor all your days and don't bring any soul unto Christ? I think with God its not the results, it's the desire of my heart and actions I took to do what was pleasing to him. In the very end I have no ability to control the agency of another. All I could do was give them the chance to be converted.
I've also experienced failure after following the guidance of the spirit. Only to find that the failure was the lesson I need to learn all along. The Lord always has a better plan. Nothing is lost, if in the end my eyes are facing towards Christ. There is even purpose in my sins, for now I know I needed a redeemer.
"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of the Lord."
(Matthew 25:21)
There is no need to cry when failure happens after all I could do. For it is my obedience and faithfulness through the trial, that my Savior will look upon.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 48:22
"There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked."
So many thoughts came into my mind as I read this chapter. So much to ponder on, but this is the one to share. This is the simple truth to be understood. Wickedness never was happiness. (Alma 41:10) There is no peace to those that sin against God. Oh, the devil will say sin a little, lie a little, take advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for your neighbor; there is no harm in this; (2 Nephi 28:8), for the ends will justify the means. For it is what we want that is right in the end. The devil cheateth their souls and carefully leads them down to hell. (2 Nephi 28:21) They are never satisfied, for their souls are never filled. That is why Jesus said to drink of living water and you will never thirst. (John 4:14)
When the soul is not satisfied there is no peace. There is no comfort, for things are only fleeting. There is no anchor for the soul. It is the soul that is filled with light that has a peace without understanding. There is peace in Christ.
There is peace in Christ
When we learn of him
Feel the love He felt for us
When he bore our sins
Listen to his words
Let them come alive
If we know Him as he is
There is peace in Christ
Chorus:
He gives us hope
When hope is gone
He gives us strength
When we can't go on
He gives us shelter
In the storms of life
When there's no peace on earth
There is peace in Christ
There is peace in Christ
When we walk with him
Through the streets of Galilee
To Jerusalem
Mend the broken hearts
Dry the tear-filled eyes
When we live the way He lived
There is peace in Christ
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 46:10
"Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:"
This verse reminded me of a college course I took. It was a computer class and the instructor would give a weekly test, and the day before he would actually say, "This is what will be on the test." We could take notes. I was the only one in the class that sat at my computer typing as fast as I could all the test questions as he read them aloud. From those notes I would make a test paper for myself. The paper was folded in half and on one side were the questions and on the other side the answers. I would quiz myself flipping the paper back and forth going over each question and answer. I was acing all my tests. Soon the other students noticed what was happening and asked me what I was studying before the test. I told them all the test questions. How did you get them they asked? Ummm, from the teacher, when he said "This is what will be on the test." It wasn't any mystery you just had to be paying attention. Soon they wanted copies of my notes. I thought good luck with that. I worked on them all day after class. You want to cram minutes before the test. I didn't stay in that class long because I found out I could actually test out of it and I did.
Why this experience came to mind was it's the same with Heavenly Father's plan. He has told us it from the very beginning. You will be tried and tested. These are my commandments you need to keep them. Faith, repentance and baptism are needed to return back to me. He has even told prophets through all generations what events will take place leading up to the end of time. There is no mystery, I just have to read the book. If I listen and prepare I will ace this test.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 47:8, 13
"Therefore hear not this, thou that art given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children:
Thou are wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee."
I have many examples of where I have seen these false things being taught by misguided individuals. Satan will package them up and make them seem good, even quoting scriptures to make the person seem learned and wise. I appreciated President Dallin H. Oaks Oct 2018 General Conference Talk "Truth and the Plan". He even addressed priestcrafts and being cautious of who we get "truth" from.
I can see how important it is to have the spirit as my guide now more than ever. I will never forget the experience of attending an event that on the outside seemed like a great opportunity to hear some speakers on church related topics, though not sanctioned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In one lecture it was standing room only. I was trapped inside of a row and had no way out. Boy did I ever want out when I heard what this speaker was saying. My husband never saw me so agitated and upset. We were forced to sit and listen to a man that I considered teaching and selling a priestcraft. It made me so ill to watch people afterwards flock in droves to his booth to buy up his book. I never went back to any of this groups events after that. Sadly this man was not the only one I was concerned about. The event had become polluted.
I mentioned this experience to a good friend and she asked the name of the lecturer. I didn't want to say, because all I had was my opinion, though I didn't know him personally. What if I was wrong? What if he found the error of his way and had changed? But, her repeated requests to know gave me pause, and the spirit told me "Tell her!" When I said his name she gasped, he was in her ward. She told me I was right to feel concerned about him. He was being watched, and had been spoken to several times. They had been told to never leave him alone with the youth. He was teaching false doctrine. I was in awe of the chance of actually saying his name to someone that could confirm as a witness what the spirit had already told me.
This happened about three years ago. My friend has since told me this man was excommunicated a few months ago for priestcraft. There was serious enough damage being done that the stake president had to tell them this specifically over the pulpit at stake conference. Warning those that were following him that this is where these false teachings lead. My oh my, it is both terrible and great things the spirit can tell us. I am grateful for the warning, but I am sorry for what I have seen. I'm sorry for those that are deceived and lead away into crooked paths. For but by the grace of God it could have been me.
Milky Way Stars over Pine Valley, Utah
Photography by Joseph Cowdell
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 45:15
"Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour."
Why does man not see God? Would it not make things easier if everyone could just see him? Why must I take the words of a few that testify of Him? Why? Because there is no other way to have faith. For even the Jews of old, seeing mighty miracles, did not believe Jesus was the son of God when they looked upon him. Learning to live by faith, with a veil in place, is the purpose of our earth existence.
"But behold, verily, verily, I say unto you that mine eyes are upon you. I am in your midst and ye cannot see me;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 28:7)
"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismay: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
(Joshua 1:9)
I have come to realize that wanting to see God, because I think it will some how make the relationship deeper, is not to realize he's already there. At that point it's important to ask, "Do I want to see so I can believe?" For to believe with real faith in Christ the deep relationship is already there. It would make no difference to see Him with my eyes. For I already know Him. Many, many times I have thanked Heavenly Father for allowing me to have a veil over my eyes and letting me live by faith. This is such a beautiful plan. It is to hard to walk on this earth without a veil in place.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 44:24
"Thus saith the Lord, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;"
Tuesday morning is my temple time, and I sat and had so many thoughts about the creation. New things I had never considered before. I also had many thoughts regarding things I needed to do for others or even how to managing my home better. When I was done I prayed that I would remember them when I got home because I had no way of writing these things down. I came home and forgot like half of them. I knew there was more, but this was an usual day with so many new thoughts. As I sat and read this chapter in Isaiah all the things I had not written down came back to me. How marvelous is that! Reading the scriptures really will bring things back into remembrance when its important between me and the Lord.
One fun thing I was thinking about with the creation I wanted to share with my family and get their thoughts. There are some scripture references I know I need to find and reflect on. Won't share them now because I'm not done forming it in my brain. I'm just so happy I remembered what it was I was needing to finish pondering on. I so love the scriptures and the harmony and consistency contained in them. They really do open up for the spirit to help direct my life.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 43:3, 11, 15, 25
"For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no Saviour.
I am the Lord, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King.
I, even I, am he that blotteth out they transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
I was really struck how in this chapter how many times it says "I am the Lord". The Lord is saying I want you to know me. It reminded me of what has been happening ever since I started President Nelson's challenge of a 10 day social media fast, along with reading the Book of Mormon. I have been immersing myself in listening to the Book of Mormon every moment that I can. I was already in Helaman in my personal reading and on track to finish by the end of the year when the challenge was given. The family is in 2 Nephi. I thought I was good to check that challenge off. Then I realized President Nelson wanted us to read the whole Book of Mormon within the 85 day time frame it took Joseph Smith to translate it.
I decided then to listen to it, since I was already reading and studying it twice in the day. It has been really amazing to hear the narrative story as I go about doing things at home. Saturday I listened to 40 chapters in Alma while scanning papers. Like I said I was immersing myself in it. What I have found is every day since starting this, the first moment I am consciously awake for the day, I have been hearing the hymn "This is the Christ". I have even start to hear it as I transition back to resume listening. It is following me. I think I get what is happening. President Nelson wanted us to take up this challenge so we could come to know Christ. Really know Him, and that he is the Savior and son of God.
This is the Christ
They heard His voice, a voice so mild.
It pierced them through and made their souls to quake.
They saw Him come, a man in white,
The Savior, who had suffered for their sake.
They felt the wounds in hands and side,
And each could testify:
This is the Christ.
This is the Christ, the holy Son of God,
Our Savior, Lord, Redeemer of mankind.
This is the Christ, the Healer of our souls,
Who ransomed us with love divine.
I read His words, the words He prayed
While bearing sorrow in Gethsemane.
I feel His love, the price He paid.
How many drops of blood were spilled for me?
With Saints of old in joyful cry
I too can testify:
This is the Christ.
This is the Christ, the holy Son of God,
Our Savior, Lord, Redeemer of mankind.
This is the Christ, the Healer of our souls,
Who ransomed us with love divine.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 42:7
"To open the blind eyes, to bring out of the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house."
This chapter is speaking of the Savior and in particular this verse is referencing Christ's visit to the spirit world between his death and resurrection.
"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 sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water."
(1 Peter 3:18-20)
"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)
This is explained further in the 138th section of the Doctrine and Covenants, in the Vision of the Redemption of the Dead, given to Joseph F. Smith. That vision was given October 3, 1918, which had its 100th anniversary this month.
"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."
(Doctrine and Covenants 138:29-30)
I went back and read President M. Russell Ballard's wonderful general conference talk "The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead" given last week in remembrance of its anniversary. It really touched my heart that he prepared his talk before knowing his dear wife, Barbara would pass. Her funeral was the day after his talk. What an amazing gift it is to be involved in ministering on both sides of the veil.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 41:8, 10
But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
When I read that the Lord called Israel his friend, I stopped to ponder on what it would be like to be called the Lord's friend. Is he my friend? Yes, he is, and he would have to be for me to love Him as I do. Then why would He not consider me his friend too? It was a nice thing to sit and think about. I realized then that the protection and strength promised in the next verse is part of what a friend would do for me. How blessed I am to call the Lord my friend. He is my firm foundation and strengthens me.
It made me find the song "How Firm a Foundation", which has very similar words as in this verse. I liked the BYU-Idaho combined choir's rendition of it.
How Firm a Foundation
1. How firm a foundation, ye Saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in his excellent word!
What more can he say than to you he hath said,
Who unto the Savior, who unto the Savior,
Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled?
2. In ev’ry condition—in sickness, in health,
In poverty’s vale or abounding in wealth,
At home or abroad, on the land or the sea—
As thy days may demand, as thy days may demand,
As thy days may demand, so thy succor shall be.
3. Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, upheld by my righteous,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
4. When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not thee o’erflow,
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee, and sanctify to thee,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
5. When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply.
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, thy dross to consume,
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.
6. E’en down to old age, all my people shall prove
My sov’reign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And then, when gray hair shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs shall they still, like lambs shall they still,
Like lambs shall they still in my bosom be borne.
7. The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose
I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, I’ll never, no never,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 40:31
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings of eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
I pondered on how in this life it is all conditional upon the Father's will if I am to have these blessings now. I am to walk in faith, pressing forward with a steadfastness in Christ. Hoping, believing that miracles can and will happen, if its according to the Father's will. One thing is sure these blessings will come in the next life.
This verse reminded me of Elder Neil L. Andersen's Oct 2018 General Conference talk "Wounded". I listened to it again and am adding the parts that stood out to me.
"Although the details will differ, the tragedies, the unanticipated tests and trials, both physical and spiritual, come to each of us because this is mortality.
We search for happiness. We long for peace. We hope for love. And the Lord showers us with an amazing abundance of blessings. But intermingled with the joy and happiness, one thing is certain: there will be moments, hours, days, sometimes years when your soul will be wounded.
My message today is especially to those who are keeping the commandments of God, keeping their promises to God, and, like the Norbys and many other men, women, and children in this worldwide audience, are confronted with trials and challenges that are unexpected and painful.
We each understand that difficulties are part of life, but when they come to us personally, they can take our breath away. Without being alarmed, we need to be ready. The Apostle Peter said, “Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.” Along with the bright colors of happiness and joy, the darker-colored threads of trial and tragedy are woven deeply into the fabric of our Father’s plan. These struggles, although difficult, often become our greatest teachers.
Never give up—however deep the wounds of your soul, whatever their source, wherever or whenever they happen, and however short or long they persist, you are not meant to perish spiritually. You are meant to survive spiritually and blossom in your faith and trust in God.
At a time of enormous suffering, the Lord told the Prophet Joseph, “All these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.” How can painful wounds be for our good? In the crucible of earthly trials, patiently move forward, and the Savior’s healing power will bring you light, understanding, peace, and hope.
“[This] is part of life. It’s why we’re here. We are here to have a body and to be tried and tested. Some of those tests are physical; some are spiritual, and your trials here have been both physical and spiritual.”
“You have not given up. We are [so] proud of you. You faithful Saints have lost much, but through it all, you have fostered your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.” "By keeping God’s commandments, we can find joy even in the midst of our worst circumstances.”
My brothers and sisters, it is my promise to you that increasing your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will bring you added strength and greater hope. For you, the righteous, the Healer of our souls, in His time and His way, will heal all your wounds. No injustice, no persecution, no trial, no sadness, no heartache, no suffering, no wound—however deep, however wide, however painful—will be excluded from the comfort, peace, and lasting hope of Him whose open arms and whose wounded hands will welcome us back into His presence. At that day, the Apostle John testifies, the righteous “which [come] out of great tribulation” will stand “arrayed in white robes … before the throne of God.” The Lamb will “dwell among [us] … and God shall wipe away all tears from [your] eyes.” This day will come. I so witness in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 39:3-4
"Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country unto me, even from Babylon.
The said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them."
Hezekiah had been sick and when he recovered the son of the king of Babylon sent letters and a present to him. Hezekiah was glad of them and then showed them everything in his household.That is when Isaiah comes in and asked the questions in these verses. He goes on to prophesy the everything Hezekiah has including his sons will be carried away into Babylon.
On the surface I wondered what Hezekiah did that was wrong. They I saw that is was prideful and boastful to show all that he had. This sin of pride was his downfall because now others wanted what he had. It reminded me of what happened here in Utah. We had taken care of our homeless population. Anyone that wanted a place to stay had one, then news of it went out in all the papers. Massive amounts of homeless people came here on their own or the mayors of other cities bused them here to get rid of them. Now we are overrun and cannot care for all of them. This is what happens with boasting in a matter. It's best to take care of matters and not advertise your success.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 38:19
"The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth."
This made me think of what just happened in the October 2018 General Conference. Where a home-centered, church supported plan was announced. The parents have the primary responsibility of teaching doctrine to their children. This was always the plan of the Father, we have not fully immersed ourselves in our responsibilities. I am excited for this opportunity. I love studying and pondering the scriptures with my family. It is the highlight of our day. I am grateful that we will have even more time together to make the Sabbath a delight as we learn of Jesus Christ and the beauty of His gospel together.
President Nelson said this in his opening address at general conference.
"For many years, Church leaders have been working on an integrated curriculum to strengthen families and individuals through a home-centered and Church-supported plan to learn doctrine, strengthen faith, and foster greater personal worship. Our efforts over these recent years to hallow the Sabbath—to make it a delight and a personal sign to God of our love for Him—will be augmented by the adjustments we will now introduce.
This morning we will announce a new balance and connection between gospel instruction in the home and in the Church. We are each responsible for our individual spiritual growth. And scriptures make it clear that parents have the primary responsibility to teach the doctrine to their children. It is the responsibility of the Church to assist each member in the divinely defined goal of increasing his or her gospel knowledge."
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 37:36
"Then the angel of the Lord went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses."
I pondered on what an amazing event this would have been. Just waking up and finding 185,000 men dead that morning. I pondered on how something like this would be reported in the news today. I think they would be hard pressed to acknowledge an angel smote them. That is was God that fought their battle for them. It would be blamed on poison gas or something like that. Did those living in the time of Isaiah during this event do that too? For man does not seem to change in the ways they behave. You have to be able to acknowledge God's hand in the little things in life, before you would ever believe he had a hand in the big things.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 36:4
"And Rabshakeh said unto them, Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?"
In this chapter I really couldn't tell who was who and who was right or wrong? Who loved the Lord and who didn't. What I could do was answer this question "What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?" For that is a question applicable to my day.
Who do I trust? The Lord. For man can fail me. Though I can put a qualifier on it, that the prophet and the majority of the twelve will never lead me astray. Even with that I need the spirit to confirm truth to me, for it helps me judge which side I am on in the matter.
I had an interesting experience the other day. I was watching some videos on body language. The presenter was reviewing current events and reading the subject's body language play by play. It was very little minute expressions that gave away their true feelings. As I watched it I tried to understand what I was seeing, for I knew something important was here, yet I had no desire to study body language. Then I realized that by the spirit I was told the same thing the presenter was seeing but they could only use tools with the understanding of man. There are laws that govern this world and God knows them and goes by them. Man at times can see it with the eye, but it is the Spirit that testifies of truth. So who will I trust absolutely - the Lord, with the Holy Spirit as my guide.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 35:3
"Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees."
Footnote
Weak = Romans 14:1
"Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations."
Feeble = Doctrine and Covenants 81:5
"Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees."
I feel like this whole General Conference weekend I have been taught how to care and watch out for others. I know blessings come as I serve and strength others. I have learned that in doing so I become stronger too.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 34:16
"Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them."
As I read the scriptures I can see prophecy is being fulfilled. Interesting how the world as a whole doesn't care or even seem to want to know. Silently the gospel of Jesus Christ is being preached and the gathering is taking place. I am grateful today for living prophets and General Conference. From the talks today I have even more books to seek out.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 33:6
"And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure."
I pondered on how I live in very unstable times. There are people that want others afraid to speak truth. I see so many things turned upside down and being good or righteous is a thing to be mocked and attacked. I cannot believe what I am seeing. So if these are unstable times what will make it stable for me? What wisdom and knowledge is it speaking of? It is coming to know the Lord. Gaining wisdom through the scriptures, having knowledge through the spirit is the anchor that I need. My soul is not troubled even as the world is troubled. For I know the Lord is coming and these are just signs of the times. I know what a treasure my testimony of the gospel is, and it strengthen me.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 32:3
"And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken."
That is my wish for this coming general conference. I want eyes that see and ears that hear. I want a heart that will hearken unto the council that is given. I want all the blessings that will come from these gifts.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 31:1
"Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the Lord!"
I pondered on how easy it is to look at the power and resources of man and rely on them, instead of turning to the Lord that I cannot see. It requires faith to seek the Lord and trust him. Even when I turn to the Lord it doesn't mean that what I want is what he knows is best for me. That prayers may not seem to be answered, when the answer is no. I have come to learn He always has a better plan for me, even if the path is hard. Faith and trust in the Lord is hard, but his comfort is always there when I lean on him. Over time, I have come to see that every effort I took to seek the Lord and stay on the covenant path is worth it. I am learning to use the greatest tool that has been given me, the Holy Ghost, to make it through the days ahead.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 30:20-21
"And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers.
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left."
I could picture this so well. For it is through my adversity and afflictions that I have come to see it is the Lord who has been teaching me all along. It is the spirit that is speaking to me. Directing and guiding me in the way to walk. If I only let them.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 29:21
"That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought."
This chapter does speak of the prophesy of the coming forth of Book of Mormon from the dust. Those are the verses I usually focus on, but this time I saw something that literally fits today.
The major new story is all about what is happening with the selection of the next supreme court justice. I am seeing our law of innocent until proven guilt no longer upheld. At the word of an accuser a life is being destroyed. There are snares that have been laid to fit an agenda. I have a hard time believing what I am seeing happening in my nation. It makes no sense, but I guess now it does. These are the days Isaiah prophesied of.
