Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 24:12, 16

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 24:12, 16
"And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men."

I pondered on how not disputing with others, and living in a manner where your conscience is void of offence, would make this world a peaceable place. It must be the manner we will live after the Savior's second coming and during the millennium. As I pondered this further it should be the way I need to live before he comes too. Just because others may not hold the same standard it does not mean I shouldn't either.

Day 1615

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 23:12-13

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 23:12-13
"And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.
And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy."

This made me think of the "secret combinations" spoken of in the Book of Mormon. I pondered on my day and nothing really has changed. Satan will always lead people into darkness and try to overthrow governments and the Lord's people. The thing is the Lord is always one step ahead and will turn things to our good, if we let him. In the end Paul's conspirators were revealed and he is now headed to testify in Rome.


Day 1614

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 22:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 22:7
"And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?"

I was struck this time with these words. Paul is recounting his story about persecuting the saints and apostles. Keeping the coats of those that stoned Stephen. I'm not sure when Paul appeared on the scene, but it seems to be after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If he had persecuted Jesus Christ while in the flesh then I would have thought that would be part of his story. Then this scripture verse came to me.

"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
(Matthew 25:40)

I thought upon how powerful a thing it is to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ. For even to be persecuted for his name sake he takes it so personally as if they persecuted Him. That is an incredibly humbling thought.



Day 1613

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 21:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 21:4
"And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem."

In this chapter on three occasions it appears others tell Paul by the spirit and of prophesy not to go to Jerusalem. I wondered then why Paul still went? The people after trying to persuade Paul ceased and said, "The will of the Lord be done."  So this all made me wonder if Paul was really suppose to go, and he suffered because he didn't listen?  Or, was Paul inspired to go even knowing what would happen to him? I don't have an answer but it made me think about what I would have done if I was Paul. I settled in myself that I would be like Paul and go if the spirit had told me that I still needed to go, even if it meant I suffered. It reminded me of Joseph Smith going to Carthage even though he knew it would lead to his death.

"Some of Joseph's closest associates had heard him say, "I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summer's morning; I have a conscience void of offense towards God, and towards all men. I shall die innocent, and it shall yet be said of me—he was murdered in cold blood" (D&C 135:4). Two days before they left Nauvoo, Hyrum had similarly prophesied, "Just as sure as we fall into their hands we are dead men" (History of the Church, 6:545). ("Knowledge of God's Plan", The Prophet's Legacy)

Paul said "What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
(Acts 21:13)

Day 1612

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 20:22

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 20:22
"And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:"

This reminded me of what Nephi said when he went alone to get the brass plates from Laban.

"And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do."
(1 Nephi 4:6)

I pondered on how it takes faith to act in such a manner. How important it is for the Lord's disciples to have these opportunities of growth. I was thinking this morning at the temple on how may attributes, like endurance, patience, and long-suffering I have so feared and now I see them is a different light. I had a wonderful time there reading about long-suffering and the wonderful promises that come with it. Wish I had had a way to record my thoughts while I was there. These things are all opportunities for sanctifying and perfecting the soul. Blessings instead of any type of punishment. I think that when this life is said and done I will look at so many things as wonderful blessings in my life and not the horrible things I thought them to be. Just thinking about Paul and Nephi and how hard the things they endured but what a blessing it was in the end.

Day 1611

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 19:11-12

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 19:11-12
"And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:
So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them."

The footnote for miracles has priesthood power. In Luke 8 I read how the women with the issue of blood was healed by touching the border of Jesus' garment. In Act 5 I read how sick in the streets were healed when the shadow of Peter passed by them. It reminded me of the story record by Wilford Woodruff in his journal of the prophet Joseph Smith giving him a red silk handkerchief to go in his place to heal 3 month old twins.

"A man came to [Joseph] and asked him if he would go about three miles and heal two of his small children, who were twins, about three months old, and were sick nigh unto death. He was a man of the world, he had never heard a sermon preached by a Latter-day Saint. Joseph said he could not go, but he would send a man. After hesitating a moment, he turned to me and said, “You go with this man and heal his children,” at the same time giving me a red silk handkerchief, and said, “After you lay hands upon them, wipe their faces with it, and they shall be healed; and as long as you will keep that handkerchief, it shall ever remain as a league between you and me.” I went and did as I was commanded, and the children were healed."

Museum Treasures "A Day of God's Power" by Heidi Bennett

Day 1610

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 18:24-25, 28

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 18:24-25, 28
"And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures,. came to Ephesus.
This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

Apollos was mighty in scriptures but only knew of John the Baptist. I love how Aquila and Priscilla upon hearing him "expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly". He embraced it and and now was mighty in showing in the scriptures Jesus Christ. It made me think of how the gospel can always give us more. We don't take away from what people know, we add to it.

Day 1609

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 17:2-3, 11

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 17:2-3, 11
"And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures.
Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

I pondered on the importance of reading and searching the scriptures. It is how we also come to know Jesus is the Christ. It reminded me of a quote by an apostle, Elder Richard G. Scott.

"If you want to talk to God, pray. If you want him to talk to you, read your scriptures."

What a blessing reading the scriptures have been to my life.  It has been said, "Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast."  For me I have found it is the scriptures. I can be upset and troubled, even angry over something. If I sit and read the scriptures, all is put into its proper place and my heart is right again.

Day 1608

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 16:25

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 16:25
"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them."

In this chapter Paul is directed by the spirit on where he needs to preach the gospel. At one point the multitude rises up against them. They are beaten and cast into prison. From there Paul and Silas devotion to the Lord are heard by others. Then an earthquake hits and the prison doors are open and everyone's band come loose. Yet, the prisoners did not flee. The keeper of the prison then asks Paul and Silas, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Upon hearing the word of the Lord, he and his household are converted, baptized and care for Paul and Silas. I pondered on how terrible things happened to Paul and Silas, but it was all so they would be in the right place at the right time to preach the gospel to the keeper of the prison. How when we endure and stay strong in our faith it is the testimony that most influences others. In fact it's why we had to pass through it.

Day 1607

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 15:2, 6, 23, 28

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 15:2, 6, 23, 28
"When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
For it seems good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;"

I pondered on how the process of answering doctrinal questions that came up in the primitive church is the same in the restored Church of Jesus Chris today. It is taken to the prophet and apostles and is discussed. Unity comes on the matter through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost and revelation from God. A process of both reason and faith for obtaining the mind and will of the Lord. Then a letter from the First Presidency is sent to the members on the matter.



Day 1606

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 14:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 14:2
"But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren."

I found it interesting that one of the adversary's tactics is exactly what we have now. He stirs up the mind to think evil of their brothers. The worst persecution comes from within. Once you set the mind to think evil of another its very difficult to look at them any other way.

Day 1605

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 13:42, 46

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 13:42, 46
"And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that the words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judged yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles."

I had wondered why the apostles and disciples of Jesus Christ were preaching in the synagogues of the Jews when obviously it upset many of them. They were rejecting Christ.  Now I realize it was what they had to do. The gospel had to be preached to the Jews first. Then when the Jews fully rejected it the prophesy would be fulfilled. The word now went to the gentiles.

Day 1604

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 12:17, 23

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 12:17, 23
"But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.
And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost."

In these two versions they show the difference between Peter giving glory to God on his escape from prison, and Herod being called a God by the people and not acknowledging any difference. It is better to confess God's hand in all things. It really isn't that hard to do.

"In nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments."
(Doctrine and Covenants 59:21)

Day 1603

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 11:16-17

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 11:16-17
"Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Forasmuch then as God gave them the gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?"

I think it such an amazing thing how the gospel went from the Jews to the Gentile. What a learning curve to put away customs and traditions and the law of Moses being fulfilled. With the gospel being received by the gentiles they went from calling themselves Jews to Christians. It made me think about how strange it will feel when the time of the Gentiles end and the gospel once again is taken to the Jews. The first shall be last and last shall be first.

"And the time cometh that he shall manifest himself unto all nations, both unto the Jews and also unto the Gentiles; and after he has manifested himself unto the Jews and also unto the Gentiles, then he shall manifest himself unto the Gentiles and also unto the Jews, and the last shall be first, and the first shall be last."
(1 Nephi 14:42)

Day 1602

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 10:15, 28, 34, 44

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 10:15, 28, 34, 44
"And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word."

How interesting, I read this after I just had a conversation with someone that had no idea how prejudice they really were. Lumping people in categories and groups based on race, culture, and income. I explained how the Nephites & Lamanites lived as one after Christ visit to them. It was only later when they broke down into tribes that one civilization annihilated another. I then related how Zion needs to be prepared for the second coming by being pure in heart, united and one. If we are not, we are not part of it. In the millennium we will all be one. We can have our cultures and nationalities but what unites is our love and belief in God.

I could have related this story of Cornelius and Peter, and the gospel going to the Gentiles. Can you imagine if the gospel never went to the Gentiles? That only one race and people had the word of God? How grateful I am for the story of Cornelius. God is no respecter of persons and neither should I be. If he was, I wouldn't know my Savior. His gospel is for all, the invitation "Come, follow me" is for everyone. I have learned a lot about worshipping God from being with those that gave everything to know Him. The sweetest blessing I ever had was being sent to a ward with Spanish and Cambodian refugees, converts to the church. We were there to teach them and they taught me. Their faith humbled me.


Day 1601

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 9:21

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 9:21
"But all that heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?"

I ponder on how history repeats itself. How the primitive church was blessed and very much so needed the testimony of Saul (Paul). How the Nephites very much so needed the testimony of Alma the Younger, and the sons of Mosiah. I wondered when I would see the latter-day Saul or Alma the younger. One that persecutes the saints and then an angel of God appears and they miraculously change their life, and the lives of others with their testimony of Jesus Christ. I think that is one reason we can never cast judgment on another, and say they will have eternal damnation. Even with the last ounce of breath in their bodies they can yet repent and be of service to the Lord.



Day 1600

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 8:18-19

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 8:18-19
"And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost."

Simon has used sorcery and bewitched people and had a following which thought he had the power of God. He didn't, it was from Satan. Then when he heard the word he was converted to Jesus Christ. Yet, when he saw Peter and John through the laying on hands give the Holy Ghost he wanted to buy this power.

I can understand how Simon new in his faith would not understand the workings of the spirit and the power of Satan. He quickly understood as Peter and John told him how his heart was not right in the sight of God. All this made me think of a chapter in "Gospel Principles" that is needful, especially for new converts and those returning in fellowship in the church.

Satan Imitates the Gifts of the Spirit

"Satan can imitate the gifts of tongues, prophecy, visions, healings, and other miracles. Moses had to compete with Satan's imitations in Pharaoh's court. Satan wants us to believe in his false prophets, false healers, and false miracle workers. They may appear to be so real to us that the only way to know is to ask God for the gift of discernment. The devil himself can appear as an angel of light.

Satan wants to blind us to the truth and keep us from seeking the true gifts of the Spirit. Mediums, astrologers, fortune tellers, and sorcerers are inspired by Satan even if they claim to follow God. Their works are abominable to the Lord. We should avoid all associations with the powers of Satan."
(Gospel Principles, Chapter 22, "The Gifts of the Spirit")

Day 1599

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 7:55-56, 59

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 7:55-56, 59
"But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

This was the last testimony given by Stephen before he was martyred. I pondered on how merciful God was to give him this vision. It would strengthen him to endure what was to come. The peace it must have given Stephen to call upon the Lord to receive his spirit even in the midst of his final moments on earth. His only fear was God. His sins would have been forgiven for the testimony he bore.

"Nevertheless, ye are bless, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you."
(Doctrine and Covenants 62:3)



Day 1598

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 6:3, 6

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 6:3, 6
"Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them."

The widows and daily ministration were being neglected as the apostles preached the gospel. The spirit directed them to call seven to tend to this business of the church. They were set apart to their callings by the laying on of hands, by those in authority. Just like we do today.

Now, I wonder were these seven called Seventies in the primitive church or were they a Presiding Bishopric? Today we have seven presidents of the Seventies, but only three in the presiding bishopric. The reason I wonder is because the charge over widows seems to fit the role of a bishop. The footnote for the word business does refer to the office of a bishop. Then again I am not well versed on the specific duties of the Seventy. I have more reading to do.

"After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name."
(Luke 10:1, 17)

Day 1597

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 5:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 5:3
"But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?"

I've always been fascinated with this story. Ananias and then his wife Sapphira both fell dead after having lied to Peter on the sale price of their land. Why did they even consecrate it if they didn't want to do that? Now I've understood the part of this story about honestly and spiritual death for lying but I thought there was more. I found this wonderful Oct. 1992 General Conference talk on consecration by Neal A. Maxwell, "Settle This in Your Hearts".

"Likewise it is only fair to warn that any determination to seek greater consecration will soon expose what we yet lack, a painful but necessary thing. Remember the rich, righteous young man who was told by Jesus, "One thing thou lackest"? Ananias and Sapphira, otherwise good members of the Church, "kept back" a portion instead of consecrating their all. Some would never sell Jesus for thirty pieces, but they would not give Him their all either!

Unfortunately, we tend to think of consecration only in terms of property and money. But there are so many ways of keeping back part. One might be giving of money and time and yet hold back a significant portion of himself. ..One might hold back from kneeling before God’s throne and yet bow to a particular gallery of peers. One might accept a Church calling but have his heart more set on maintaining a certain role in the world.

Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus! Consecration is the only surrender which is also a victory... Heavenly Father is only asking us to lose the old self in order to find the new and the real self. It is not a question of losing our identity but of finding our true identity!

Increased consecration is not so much a demand for more hours of Church work as it is for more awareness of Whose work this really is! For now, consecration may not require giving up worldly possessions so much as being less possessed by them."

Day 1596

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 4:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 4:7
"And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?"

This question was asked by the high priests after learning Peter and John healed the man crippled from birth. The answer was "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified."

I find it interesting that Christ asked something similar, as a test we can give to the hypocrites that give the adversary power to deceived.

"Wherefore, I the Lord ask you this question - unto what were ye ordained?"
(Doctrine and Covenants 50:13)

I guess the difference in what the correct answer is determines who are you following. What authority are you acting under and have you been called to do so? Knowing what the correct answer should be makes all the difference to me.

Day 1595

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 3:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 3:12
"And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?"

This is the story of the man lame from birth that Peter by the name of Jesus Christ healed. I pondered on healings. I know that some are given the gift of healing by the spirit. Yet, that power is still not of themselves. It is through the gift and power of Jesus Christ that such miracles are done. One worthy to hold the priesthood should have the same power through Jesus Christ to heal as another. It shouldn't matter which priesthood holder is giving the blessing. Maybe the words used are not as powerful to the listener, but Peter didn't use impressive words. I am not sure where the line is for the gifts of the spirit to heal, be healed and working miracles. Is there a line or is it all the timing of the Lord in the matter? I guess the key to understanding is realizing it's not the man that makes the outcome but faith in the will of the Father in the act being done.

That said how I wish I could have the opportunity to be given a blessing by an apostle of the Lord, Jesus Christ. I would love to be free of this pain and have my leg healed. How I wish I could be out of the wheelchair and freely walk and do things again. I've had blessings and told someday I would be healed. Yet, I sit. Though as I sit I have found amazing spiritual blessings come to me. I have found the absolute beauty and holiness in patience. The healing appears to be in my heart instead of my knee. How could I loose the one for the worldliness of the other?  I may not understand how miracles and healings happen, but I know the timing is the Lord's. He's plan is always a better plan than mine.

Peter and John Heal a Man Crippled Since Birth

Peter Preaches and is Arrested

Day 1594

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 2:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 2:17
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:"

I sat and pondered on what would be in these dreams, visions and prophesies? If it is particular to the last days then I would think it would be a way to prepare people for the Savior's second coming, and the events that lead up to it. I thought about how Lehi being warned in similar manner was told to leave Jerusalem with his family before its destruction. It is similar to recent stories, particularly out of Iran, that claim that Jesus has been appearing to Muslims in dreams and visions saying "Come to Me". Leading them to the Christian faith." The righteous will be prepared for what comes ahead no matter where they are. There is comforting in knowing that prophesy, visions and dreams will direct us in our lives for what is to come.

Day 1593

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 1:23-24

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 1:23-24
"And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,"

I pondered on callings and the example this sets. First, the apostles studied the matter of who should be called as the apostle to fill the vacant seat in the quorum of twelve. Then they prayed to know the Lord's will in the matter. As a quorum they then agreed. I wonder if it was unanimous among them all?  It doesn't say. It just says "they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles".

Day 1592

Today's Favorite Verse: John 21:3

Today's Favorite Verse: John 21:3
"Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing."

I pondered on how after all Jesus had taught them, after he was risen from the dead the apostles went fishing. In reality they were called as fishers of men. They didn't understand their mission but the symbolism of what they were drawn to, "fishing" was preparation for what would come next. How many times do I do things and not realize it was preparation for what would come next? After Jesus stood on the shore and called them, he directed them where to cast their nets. He calls again "come and dine" and feeds them. Now he is ready to ask Simon Peter, "lovest thou me?" Three times he asks and three times he instructs to "feed my sheep".  Truly loving the Lord comes first before feeding his sheep. His invitation "follow thou me" is for all. When I don't follow His voice then all that I do is for nothing.


Day 1591

Today's Favorite Verse: John 20:30

Today's Favorite Verse: John 20:30
"And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:"

Not sure why I hadn't spotted this verse before. Maybe it's because I was at the temple this morning. My mind is on the possible signs he could have given them. Now it would be very important that they have them, so no deceiving angel could mislead them as they guide His church. The same keys he gave his apostles are upon the earth today.

President Russell M. Nelson, Peter holding keys

Day 1590

Today's Favorite Verse: John 19:24

Today's Favorite Verse: John 19:24
"They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scriptures might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my rainment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did."

I pondered on how the soldiers were busy casting lots for the garments of Jesus oblivious to what was happening around them. The focus was so much on things of this world then things of eternity. Even with these acts, which didn't require much thought, they were fulfilling prophesy. How many times I wonder have I seen prophesy around me and not realized it? How many times have small actions on my part guided my course into something larger? I never know when or how my actions affect another. I can't go back and change things because the path I am going, no matter how small, is the path I needed to take. There is peace in knowing that. Otherwise, you are just wracked in torment trying to force the tide of yesterday that is impossible to change.

I thought about the centurion that watched Jesus being crucified and when the tempest and earthquake happened he said "Truly this was the Son of God"? Saul who persecuted the saints and held the coats of those that stoned Stephen, later on the road to Damascus truly learned who Jesus was. How it must feel to miss what is truly going on around you and then have your spiritual eyes opened up. I guess the key is for me to keep my eye on eternity and not on the world as I walk in faith. When I stumble through Christ I can repent and change direction.

Day 1589

Today's Favorite Verse: John 18:6

Today's Favorite Verse: John 18:6
"As soon than was he said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground."

I find it so interesting that as the band of men, officers, chief priest and Pharisees came to the garden to take Jesus they fell to the ground upon hearing they were speaking to Jesus, the one that they were looking for. What would cause them to fall backward to the ground? I just pictured Christ must have stood so majestic when he declared who he was. It made me think that one day every knee shall bow and tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ. This was their last chance to do so before they meet again at the judgment seat.

"Yea, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess before him. Yea, even at the last day, when all men shall stand to be judged of him, then shall they confess that he is God; then shall they confess, who live without God in the world, that the judgment of an everlasting punishment is just upon them; and they shall quake, and tremble, and shrink beneath the glance of his all-searching eye."
(Mosiah 27:31)

Day 1588

Today's Favorite Verse: John 17:4

Today's Favorite Verse: John 17:4
"I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do."

I pondered on how the Savior could say that he had finished the work the Father had sent him to do. And, how I need to follow His example, and be able to say when my life is over that I have done the same. That when I account for my actions, that I pointed the way back to Christ and the Father. That I did as I was sent to do. The challenge is knowing what that is. That is why I need the spirit as my guide. Somehow, somewhere I will accomplish all that I need to if I follow Him.

Day 1587

Today's Favorite Verse: John 16:2-3

Today's Favorite Verse: John 16:2-3
"They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whoseover killeth you will think he doeth God service.
And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me."

The absolute deception of the adversary to make man call good evil.

"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!"
(Isaiah 5:20)

To get so caught up in self-righteousness that you totally miss the mark of what your behavior really is. To confuse the ideas of right and wrong and consider it God's service to take another person's life for their beliefs. It's beyond me to think people can do this, but yet there are actions like this around today in much simpler things. Isn't that how deception begins. Satan never drops it on face value but has to carefully lead us down to hell. I guess the key is to always self-evaluation my actions. Is what others are saying truly what God would do? The only prevention is to known the Father and the Son.

Day 1586

Today's Favorite Verse: John 15:7

Today's Favorite Verse: John 15:7
"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."

I know that all my prayers are answered but not always the way I will them. So, I pondered on the condition set in this verse on how I could ask what I will and it shall be done. The condition is having the spirit abide with me. It is through the spirit that I know what I can ask for so I won't ask amiss. To have the spirit always with me and only ask according to the Father's will is such a desire in me. I am learning. I remember when my father was dying. I never could ask that he be healed, I could not even speak the words. It wasn't that I didn't want him to be healed. I just knew it wasn't what the Father's plan was. I just knew it was wrong to even ask. I could ask that he have peace and comfort. What a comfort it actually was to know ahead of time what the plan was, for it to gave me peace to accept the Father's will that my dad was coming home.

A little side note. Today, I have come full circle reading all the scriptures in the standard works one chapter a day. Then sharing my favorite verse for that day. I started March 29, 2015 where I was currently reading, John 15. I have learned so much in this 4 year, 4 months and 5 day journey. I smiled when I realized I had already marked a scripture verse green in this chapter. Meaning it was my favorite verse for the day when I started. Guess what? I had a different favorite verse this time around. One thing is for sure there is always something new that will stand out to me every day. I love the scriptures and how they speak to me. This next circle around is going to be so great!

Day 1585