Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 8:24-25

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 8:24-25
"And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.
And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy man: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand."

The vision that Daniel had will not be fulfilled until the end times. Which probably means we won't understand it completely until it is fulfilled. Rather scary to think of the man with all this power that is obviously anti-Christ and a worker of secret combinations. It is incomprehensible for someone to "destroy wonderfully" and "by peace", his target being the mighty and holy people. No wonder Daniel was made sick after this vision. He had experienced people affected by the king's "policy" which caused people to celebrate, yet led to certain death for many. I would think that for saints to survive these times you would need the faith of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego.

Day 1433

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
"I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Doctrine and Covenants 116 explains who the Ancient of Days is, and where this event will takes place.
"Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, near Wight's Ferry, at a place called Spring Hill, Daviess County, Missouri, May 19, 1838.
"Spring Hill is named by the Lord Adam-ondi-Ahman, because, said he, it is the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of Days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the prophet."

Why is this significant?
“Three years previous to the death of Adam, he called Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, and Methuselah, who were all high priests, with the residue of his posterity who were righteous, into the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and there bestowed upon them his last blessing.
And the Lord appeared unto them, and they rose up and blessed Adam, and called him Michael, the prince, the archangel.”
(D&C 107:53–54)

Before Adam left this earth he blessed his posterity and predicted what would happen to them unto the last generation. It is recorded in the book of Enoch, which will come forth in due time. The Lord appeared there and will again appear when Ancient of days comes to sit over the council of his saints. There will be an accounting of the keys that have been held in every dispensation. The world at large won't know it, even the Church at large will not know it. Only those who have officially been called to this council will know it. It will proceed the coming of Jesus Christ as a thief in the night, unbeknown to all the world. I would love to be there but highly suspect, even with 100 million in attendance, I am of no significance to be at such a glorious event. For these are the righteous from all dispensations of time. Regardless, I will continue to live my life in a manner to be worthy to go, if I could.

Day 1432

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 6:22-23

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 6:22-23
"My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.

Daniel and the lion's den is an old familiar primary story. What I thought about this time was my trials. Truly this was a big trial for Daniel and also for the king. But the Lord used this trial for their gain. Not only did they witness a miracle with the lions' mouth being shut, and Daniel receiving no harm, there were lessons to learn. The wicked men that plotted against Daniel were cast into the same pit and devoured. The king and the people were able to recognize that the God of Daniel was the living God, and his dominion shall never end. This is a teaching opportunity and all that Daniel needed to do was remain faithful and allow the Lord to use him for his purposes. I can see how trials I have gone through and still am, have been used in many ways for me to testify of the mercy and healing power of the Lord. That He will strengthen us, guide us and prepare the way before us. That burdens are made light when the Lord is by our side to strength us.

Day 1431

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 5:14-15

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 5:14-15
"I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee.
And now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof: but they could not shew the interpretation of the things:"

What amazes me is Belshazzar was familiar with Daniel yet he did not seek for him when he wanted to know what the finger's of a man's hand had written on the wall. Instead he looks to his wise men and astrologers. It must be that when you're so far removed from God you don't look to Him.  It's not even in your thought process. Just like those that Isaiah said looked to each other and their faces were as flames. Turning to God should not be an after thought. The problem is for these rulers, what the prophet reveals to them means the end of their kingdom.

Day 1430

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 4:34-35

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 4:34-35
"And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation.
And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?"

Nebuchadnezzar has a dream and first he seeks the wise men of Babylon the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers to have them interpret his dream. None of them can. That is when he calls for Daniel who Nebuchadnezzars says has the spirit of the holy gods. What Daniel has to tell him isn't want he would want to hear. The king will fall and go into madness. It will be seven years until he knows "that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will."

But, this doesn't have to be. Daniel tells him to repent.

"Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity." (Daniel 4:27)

The king doesn't repent and the Lord even gives him twelve months to choose. Nebuchadnezzar instead boasts of the kingdom he has built. A voice from heaven tells him the kingdom is departed from him. Nebuchadnezzar then goes mad. I see this as a merciful God giving us time to repent. For often the penalty of our sins do not fall upon us until we glory in them. I feel bad for Nebuchadnezzar, because of what could have been. After seven years Nebuchadnezzar regains his understanding and comes to himself. He knows God and praises and honors him. He knows that God has everlasting dominion and it is according to his will who rules the nations.

There is so much to learn from this. The key is to repent when your told to repent. Don't go seeking wisdom from men, seek the Lord. Worship the true and living God. Know that He rules the nations, we are only given what we deserve. Someday we will come to ourselves, with full understanding, and know that the Lord is King. None can ever escape it. That is just the beginning.

Day 1429

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 3:23, 25

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 3:23, 25
"And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God."

I was actually reading in the Book of Mormon the Isaiah chapters. It is translated a little differently than in the Bible. It is referring to the destruction of Babylon being a type for the destruction at the Second Coming. It made me thing about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego being cast into the fiery furnace for not bowing down to Nebuchadnezzar's golden image. They were cast into the fiery furnace, visited by the Lord, and came out with not even a smell of smoke upon them.

This is what happens to the righteous and then the wicked at the Lord's coming.

"I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones, for mine anger is not upon them that rejoice in my highness.
And they shall be afraid; pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames."
(2 Nephi 23:3, 8) (compare Isaiah 13:3, 8)

What I noticed is the wicked destroyed at the Lord's Second Coming turn to look at one another. Not the Lord but others, and their faces are as flames. They are being destroyed, yet they do not look to the Lord. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego are cast into the fiery furnace and survive. Why?? I think it's in verse 23 when it says they "fell down bound". I always thought it just meant that when tossed into the furnace they simply fell down. Now I see it as the "sanctified ones" in Isaiah. They fell down and called upon the Lord to save them. And he did! We can walk through fire and not be destroyed if the Lord is by our side. It all depends on the purposes of the Lord. In this case it was to testify that the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego does in deed delivery them out of Nebuchadnezzar's hands. It also shows me that I need not be afraid of even nuclear holocaust because the Lord will be with me if I turn to Him and ask.

Day 1428

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 2:20-22

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 2:20-22
"Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:
And he changeth the times and seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him."

I pondered on how the spirit is able to make someone smarter than their natural abilities. That it enables them to see things from angles others may not consider. The challenge is acknowledging the Lord and the Holy Ghost impart wisdom and knowledge, and that it is not our own. If we don't we risk darkness clouding the mind and loosing the knowledge we gained, or not advancing as quickly as we could.

Day 1427

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 1:15, 17, 20

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 1:15, 17, 20
And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.
As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
And in all matter of wisdom and understand, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm."

When Nebuchadnezzar wanted some of the children of Israel taken to his palace he asked that they be well favoured (good in appearance), and skilled in wisdom, knowledge and understanding. After three years of feeding them a provision of meat and wine he was going to have them stand before him.

I pondered on how the pulse and water that David, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah requested were instrumental in making them well favoured in appearance and healthy. I'm sure it helped their intellect too. Their having ten times more wisdom and understanding than the king's magicians and astrologers was because God gave it to them. This is the first time I considered that they were not made wiser because of the pulse, it was because of their obedience to God's laws. They were able to have the spirit with them and that is what enlightened them. A man could eat all the pulse he wants, or practice the Word of Wisdom, and he might look healthy, but this type of wisdom comes through the spirit.

Day 1426

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 48:8, 35

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 48:8, 35
"And by the border of Judah, from the east side unto the west side, shall be the offering which ye shall offer of five and twenty thousand reeds in breath, and in length as one of the other parts, from the east side unto the west side: and the sanctuary shall be in the midst of it.
It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The Lord is there."

The Joseph Smith translation of this verse is..."and the name of the city from that day shall be called, Holy; for the Lord shall be there."

It also references this verse.

"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."
(Revelation 21:3)

It seems like that day is coming sooner and sooner all the time. I cannot even comprehend how people are thinking what they are thinking. Yet I have no fear. That is because there is a prophet of God on the earth that speaks with the Lord. I was listening to October 2018 General Conference talks by President Russell M. Nelson this morning and how grateful I am in my heart to know he is a prophet of God. I loved this quote in his talk "Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints".

"My dear brothers and sisters, the assaults of the adversary are increasing exponentially, in intensity and in variety. Our need to be in the temple on a regular basis has never been greater. I plead with you to take a prayerful look at how you spend your time. Invest time in your future and in that of your family. If you have reasonable access to a temple, I urge you to find a way to make an appointment regularly with the Lord—to be in His holy house—then keep that appointment with exactness and joy. I promise you that the Lord will bring the miracles He knows you need as you make sacrifices to serve and worship in His temples."

Interesting that to prepare for the second coming I need to go to the house of the Lord. When the Lord comes I will right at home in his holy city, with a temple within, for he will be there.

Day 1425

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 47:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 47:5
"Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over."

I always loved the imagery of waters to swim in. I have crossed water up to my ankles and water up to the knees and loins and there is always a pull against your body as you try to walk. But once the water is deep enough to swim in there is freedom and joy. I think that is the way with living water, especially that which comes from the temple. Once you fully immerse yourself in the gospel there are waters to swim in. The waters envelopes you as the spirit always to be with you. There is a peace that cannot be comprehended any other way.

Day 1424

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 46:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 46:13
"Thou shalt daily prepare a burnt offering unto the Lord of a lamb of the first year without blemish: thou shalt prepare it every morning."

That was a lot of lambs. In Exodus it was two lambs every day, one in the morning and one at night. It made me think of the shepherds watching over their flocks, the temple flocks when the angel appears to them announcing Christ's birth. I reflected on how Ezekiel is told by the Lord the ordinances of worship and sacrifice but he didn't tell him how to manage the volume of lambs and other animals and where to get them from. That was left up to them to figure out. It's really like programs in the church. They point and lead us to ordinances but the program itself is not outlined by the Lord. He delegates that to his prophets. Who then receives revelation when corrections are needed to best lead us to ordinances.

Day 1423

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 45:8-9

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 45:8-9
"In the land shall be his possession in Israel: and my princes shall no more oppress my people; and the rest of the land shall they give to the house of Israel according to their tribes.
Thus saith the  Lord God; Let it suffice you, O princes of Israel: remove violence and spoil, and execute judgment and justice, take away your exactions from my people, saith the Lord God."

It makes me wonder if I will ever see the land of Israel settled and left alone? As men I seriously wonder if they can. When the Lord is judge over all I know we will see it.

Day 1422

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 44:5, 9

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 44:5, 9
"And the Lord said unto me, Son of man, mark well, and behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears all that I say unto thee concerning all the ordinances of the house of the Lord, and all the laws thereof; and mark well the entering in of the house, with every going forth of the sanctuary.
Thus saith the Lord God; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that is among the children of Israel."

This is why there is a temple recommend desk at the doors of the temple. You cannot proceed past that desk without showing a current active temple recommend and having it scanned. The recommend is obtain by first meeting with my local bishop and stake president or one of their counselors. I am interviewed and if found worthy the recommend is good for two years. If during that two year period I transgress to the point I should not access the temple, then it becomes invalid. If scanned at the temple access is denied. I am grateful they can do that, for if my recommend is ever stolen I can have access turned off and go get a new one. My temple recommend is my most cherished possession and I keep it with me always. No matter where I travel if there is a House of the Lord there I can enter. May it always be so.

Star Valley Temple

Day 1421

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 43:18

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 43:18
"And he said unto me, Son of man, thus saith the Lord God; These are the ordinances of the altar in the day when they shall make it, to offer burnt offerings thereon, and to sprinkle blood thereon."

As I read this chapter knowing it fulfills last day prophesy when the Lord comes to his temple and reigns upon the earth. I wondered why would we be doing blood sacrifices? The blood sacrifices of the Mosaic law were fulfilled and done away after Christ's sacrifice as the true lamb of God. What would be the purpose and need for a lamb sacrifice with the Lamb sitting there upon His throne? I think this verse explains it "These are the ordinances of the alter in the day when they shall make it." This was given in the time of the Mosaic law. This is what the people practiced and knew. When Christ comes again we will all see him as the Lamb. Then things will be revealed a new.

Day 1420

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 42:11, 14

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 42:11, 14
"And the way before them was like the appearance of the chambers which were toward the north, as long as they, and as broad as they: and all their goings out were both according to their fashions, and according to their doors.
When the priests enter therein, then shall they not go out of the holy place into the utter court, but there they shall lay their garments wherein they minister; for they are holy; and shall put on other garments, and shall approach to those things which are for the people."

I pondered on how its not just the Lord's house that is designed and fashioned the way revealed. It is also the people. Are we not also the temple of the Lord, for that is where our spirits dwell.

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"
(1 Corinthians 6:19)

(Old Testament high priest, created by Israel Daniel Smith.)

Day 1419

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 41:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 41:4
"So he measured the length thereof, twenty cubits; and the breadth, twenty cubits, before the temple: and he said unto me, This is the most holy place."

As I have been reading the measurements and rooms in this temple I am struck with how a temple today could have all its ordinances performed there. Though that's not to surprising since the Lord said "my people are always commanded to build unto my holy name." Even the holy of holies are in the smallest of our temples that dot the earth.

"Therefore, verily I say unto you, that your anointings and your washings, and your baptisms for the dead, and your solemn assemblies, and your memorials for your sacrifices by the sons of Levi, and for your oracles in your most holy places wherein you receive conversations, and your statutes and judgments, for the beginning of the revelations and foundations of Zion, and for the glory, honor, and endowment of all her municipals, are ordained by the ordinance of my holy house, which my people are always commanded to build unto my holy name."
(Doctrine and Covenants 124:39)

Day 1418

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 40:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 40:2

"In the vision of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a high mountain, by which was as the frame of a city on the south."

Ezekiel is given in vision the exact measurement for the temple to be built in Jerusalem in the last days. All I could think of was when President Hinckley received revelation on the Hong Kong temple. I know there are other stories of revelation received on the placement and building of latter-day temples, but this is the one I wanted to find and record. This is a section from the December 2006 Ensign article "How the Hong Kong Temple Came to Be" and part of chapter 7 "The Whisperings of the Spirit" in "Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Gordon B. Hinckley". 

"The group was exhausted from the rigorous day of prayerfully reviewing the various properties. President Hinckley retired to his hotel room and requested that Elders Brough and Carmack come back the next morning to further discuss the matter. It was apparent that the Area Presidency had yet to find a solution President Hinckley could accept.

[President Hinckley] referring to his experience.... "He went to bed...feeling unsettled about the decision he needed to make. Then the whisperings of the Spirit woke him up early the next morning.

“Something very interesting came to my mind,” he recorded in his journal. “I did not hear a voice with my natural ears. But into my mind there came the voice of the Spirit. It said, ‘Why are you worried about this? You have a wonderful piece of property where the mission home and the small chapel stand. They are in the very heart of Kowloon, in the location with the best transportation. … Build a building of [several] stories. It can include a chapel and classrooms on the first two floors and a temple on the top two or three floors.’” Having received that revelation, President Hinckley said, “I relaxed and went back to sleep.” 

At about 6:45 a.m., President Hinckley called Elder Brough and requested that he and Elder Carmack come to his hotel room at 8:00 a.m. Brother Simmons joined them there at the appointed time, and President Hinckley then shared, on a sheet of white paper, a detailed drawing. During the night, he had envisioned a building of about eight floors above ground, with the temple on the top floors and other functions housed on the lower floors. It included replacement facilities for the Kowloon Tong chapel and the Hong Kong mission home and office, since the new building would require that these existing buildings on side-by-side lots be demolished. This concept of multiple use, President Hinckley explained, would depart from tradition in that all other temples in the Church at that time were stand-alone buildings.

President Hinckley asked Elders Brough and Carmack to express their feelings. They each responded that the concept of a multi-story, multi-use building had not even been considered previously, but they had a strong conviction that President Hinckley had received inspiration—even revelation—about what the Lord intended.

After briefly reviewing the other options, President Hinckley asked the brethren to join in prayer. He asked if it would be all right if he offered the prayer. He then discussed the whole matter with the Lord. He talked of the need for a temple in China to bless the people in that area of the world. The prayer was powerful and compelling, evidencing his love for all the people of Asia.

Those present then returned to the Kowloon Tong site, walking the area. They crossed the street to check the neighborhood and view the site from all aspects, checking particularly the access to it from the underground railway systems. Then Elders Brough and Carmack returned President Hinckley and Brother Simmons to the Kai Tak International Airport.

After returning to Salt Lake City, President Hinckley presented his sketch to the Temple Department, asking that the architects turn the concept into building plans as soon as possible. Seeing an opportunity to expand the functions of the building, the department’s architects created a plan for a larger building—nearly twice the size of President Hinckley’s initial concept. To build this building, they would need a variance to the height limitations and other restrictions imposed on buildings in the area.

When the plans were completed, permission was sought to build this expanded facility, but after many months of negotiations with Hong Kong officials, the proposed building was rejected.

At the April 1993 general conference, President Hinckley invited Brother Simmons and Elders Brough, Carmack, and Tai to his office. He asked why the approval process was going so slowly and what might be done to obtain a building permit. After referring to President Hinckley’s earlier experience in Hong Kong and testifying of the feelings the Area Presidency had on that occasion, the Area Presidency unanimously recommended that the Church return to the original concept described by President Hinckley in Hong Kong.

Once the plans were redone to reflect the original concept in President Hinckley’s sketch, the necessary approvals were quickly obtained. Within days, various British, Hong Kong, and Chinese officials issued permits for the temple’s construction."

Day 1417

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 39:22

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 39:22
"So the house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God from that day and forward."

As I read I wept. So many lives gone, so much suffering. I know it will all come to pass. Even now I see its preparations. I looked so hard for something good to come out of it all. Then came this verse, for from that day and forward Israel will know the Lord their God. Is that not the beautify that comes out of any suffering. It is a chance to draw closer to God and come to know Him.

Day 1416

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 38:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 38:10
"Thus saith the Lord God; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought."

This is speaking of the battle of Gog and Magog. I've heard it both ways that it's before the second coming and after the millennium's thousand years of peace. All I know is that this made me think of something that has been on my mind. Why and how would Satan be let loose after a thousand years?  Then I read this verse.

"And because of the righteousness of his people, Satan has no power; wherefore, he cannot be loosed for the space of many years; for he hath no power over the hearts of the people, for they dwell in righteousness, and the Holy One of Israel reigneth."
(1 Nephi 22:26)

It is because of the righteousness of the people that Satan has no power. So to loose Satan they would need to listen to him. In this verse in Ezekiel I see it begins with an evil thought. What a incredibly simple thing to have the millennium end because of a thought. It sure shows how powerful the mind is, no wonder Satan tries so hard to destroy our peace by putting thoughts into our heads. All the more reason to watch our thoughts for they can become our downfall. All the more reason to value reading the scriptures and pondering them. It blocks out the thoughts Satan wants to shake us with.

Day 1415

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 37:16-17

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 37:16-17
"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."

I always wonder what other religions think the stick of Judah and the stick of Joseph are? I would think they know the stick of Judah is the Holy Bible. I know the stick of Joseph is the Book of Mormon, but what do they think it is I wonder? If they do not know, then when do they think they will get it?

With the thinking about this I had to go find the documentary "That Promised Day: The Coming Forth of the Latter-day Saint Scriptures" and watch it. I just love how inspired it was to make this edition of the King James Holy Bible with footnotes and Topical Guide that cross reference into the Book of Mormon, making the one in my hand. It truly is the promised day that Ezekiel saw.


Day 1414

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 36:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 36:9
"For, behold, I am for you, and I will turn unto you, and ye shall be tilled and sown:"

This made me think of gardening and when the rototiller turns up the earth, preparing the soil for the seeds. There is a lot of ripping and tearing of the earth to make it receptive. Is it not like me? Haven't I had a lot of ripping and tearing apart, breaking me down? All to make me into receptive earth, ready to receive the good seed. I'm sure the garden thinks this is a trial they are going through. I don't need this, why are you hurting me? Don't people think why is God letting me go through this pain? All the while the master gardener is preparing the soil to become all it can be. Never leaving me alone as he guides the tiller's hands.

Day 1413

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 35:13-14

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 35:13-14
"Thus with your mouth ye have boasted against me, and have multiplied your words against me: I have heard them.
Thus saith the Lord God; When the whole earth rejoiceth, I will make thee desolate."

This verse made me think of the mural in the Washington D.C. Temple. Where at final judgment every knee will bow and confess that Jesus is the Christ. Either it will be time of rejoicing or a time of dread. I cannot speak against God and mock him without one day paying the price that comes with it.

"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
(Philippians 2:10-11)

Day 1412

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 34:2, 4-5

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 34:2, 4-5
"Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.
And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered."

This totally makes me think of ministering, and how I need to visit my sisters and families. I haven't done as I would have wanted because of being laid up with my knee. It has weighted on my mind. How can I even climb up their stairs. Last month one of my sisters came to my home so we could minister to each other. That was very sweet. Another one sat and talked on the phone with me. I love our deep gospel discussions. My ministering sister has also been so sweet to me. She's getting me hooked on her sourdough bread. I start to just craved it and she will just magically appear at my door with one. It makes me smile, because she has no clue about what I have been thinking.  I have good shepherds, I just need to do better myself. For I know I will be accountable to the Lord on if I fed his sheep.

Day 1411

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 33:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 33:8
"When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand."

The chapter header states the "watchmen who rise the warning voice save their own souls". I can understand plainly the Lord is speaking to Ezekiel and all the prophets, and priesthood leaders called as judges in Israel. They are to sound the warning voice and warn the wicked to turn from their wicked ways. What I wonder is what my role is in this? Am I to go around and tell everyone I see sinning to not sin? I would be a very busy person if I fulfilled this absolutely. Would I also not become a judge? Am I told not to judge others? So I sit and wonder what is my role?

I see so many things that pain me. Today I cried many tears over the news stories. Yet, I found I could make no comments. In a way I feel restrained from passing judgment and commenting. Do the wicked not feel embolden when there is no one that stands in opposition? I have no answers, but I can honestly say there are times I know I should say more, and there are times I need to keep my mouth shut. I can only hope and pray I keep the spirit as my constant companion to have wisdom to know the difference. One thing is for sure I do not want to stand condemned before the Lord because I did not open my mouth when I should have. I guess maybe that's the key, it is to be done when move upon by the Holy Spirit. That's probably why this begins with "when I say".

Day 1410

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 32:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 32:9
"I will also vex the hearts of many people, when I shall bring thy destruction among the nations, into the countries which thou hast not known."

I thought of the ripple effect of one nations' downfall upon another. For destruction never comes alone. There are damages on both sides. There was always someone that felt the effects of corruption, oppression, tyranny and bloodshed that brought about its downfall. Wouldn't it be wonderful if people and nations could learn from past and experiences of others and not go down the wrong paths.

Day 1409

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 31:10-11

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 31:10-11
"Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because thou hast lifted up thyself in height, and he hath shot up his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his height;
I have therefore delivered him into the hand of the mighty one of the heathen; he shall surely deal with him: I have driven him out of his wickedness."

This is the age old problem, Pride. It is the cause of the downfall of men and nations. It is the greatest tool the adversary has to clip at the shield of the righteous. It is a constant battle.

"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
(Proverbs 16:18)

Day 1408

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 30:26

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 30:26
"And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and disperse them among the countries; and they shall know that I am the Lord."

I wondered why the Egyptians would also be scattered among the nations? I understood why the seed of Abraham would be, but not those not of the covenant. I am reminded that some of the children of Israel sought refuge there and their seed may already be scattered among them. But I think there is more to this than that. As I pondered on this, I thought of what blessings could come by scattering people? I think one would be an opportunity to hear the gospel, where in their native lands they may have built up a prejudice not to. Another could be to show other nations that we are all children of God. The laws of God pertain to all of us. God is no respecter of persons and neither should we be.

Day 1407

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 29:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 29:4
"But I will put hooks in thy jaws, and I will cause the fish of they rivers to stick unto thy scales, and I will bring thee up out of the midst of thy rivers, and all the fish of thy rivers shall stick unto thy scales."

I thought the phrase "hooks in thy jaws" was an interesting one so I looked for its meaning. I found this quote from John Taylor.

"It is sometimes hard for us to realize that we are in the hands of God, and that he controls, and manages, and guides our affairs. This is the thing we wish to understand, and wish the people to understand that our confidence is in Him. People talk sometimes about what they are going to do with the “Mormons,” and the rumor flies that we are going to be rooted out, destroyed, and overthrown. We shall, when God says so, and not before. The Lord knew in former times how to put a hook into the jaws of the enemies of Israel, and he knows just as well where to place it today. The nation in which we live and all nations are in the hands of God; and so are we, and our enemies cannot help themselves nor avert the destiny that awaits them. He will accomplish his purposes towards them, and they cannot help it, and towards us, and they cannot help it. Then we are all in the hands of God, like clay in the hands of the potter, to be molded, and trained, and fashioned according to the designs of God and according to his will."
(John Taylor, Revelation from God, JD 11:157)

Even though it looks like those against God's laws maybe winning. That powers are forming against the Lord's people. We can never forget He will have us rise above it all. He knows the right way to hook into the jaws of our enemies to hold them back. Nothing will stop His hallowed hands and work to go forth. 

Day 1406