Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13
"There hath no temptation taken you but such is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be to bear it."

As I have come to realize what enduring to the end means to me, I know by myself I can be tempted above what I can bear. For to endure I can only endure through Christ. Without him by my side strengthening and carrying me I can do nothing. Trials and temptations will overwhelm me. For in my trials I learn to rely on Christ as my comfort and shield. With him nothing is to much for me, for I have peace knowing that He will prepare the way ahead of me.

Day 1645

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 9:14

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 9:14
"Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel."

Seems like such an obvious statement but it's good to be reminded. Much damage can be done when those in leadership positions, teachers, etc. don't live up to what they preach. How many people have fallen away because of the pedestal they put another on has fallen out from underneath them.

"Suffer not yourself to be led away by any vain or foolish thing; suffer not the devil to lead away your heart again after those wicked harlots. Behold, O my son, how great iniquity ye brought upon the Zoramites; for when they saw your conduct they would not believe in my words."
(Alma 39:11)

I remember as a teenager traveling with my father when our chapel was not yet built. He was a bishop and would take me along when he had to visit sisters alone in their homes. I would sit in another room as they would discuss privately whatever their heartbreak was. On one such call I found myself at the home of a beloved teacher that I had wondered where she had gone. I tried so hard to not listen to my father's conversation with her. But there was no closed door between us, so I still heard the words that broke my heart. She had been unfaithful and no longer believed what she had once taught me as truths. I will remember that ride home from her house forever, for my father's words stuck deep inside my heart. He didn't speak of what this sister had done. He did however remind me of keeping whatever I had heard confidential. I was to speak of it to no one. Then he spoke of the power of repentance and forgiveness. People can change. He also spoke of the need to have my own testimony so mine was never shaken by what others might do.

The amazing thing from that experience is that I do not recall who that sister was. I knew I used to know her and love her. My heart was broken by what she had done. However, I have no idea if she later came back to church and was fully active or not. It is the beauty of repentance and forgiveness, sin can be remembered no more.

Day 1644

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 8:4, 8-9

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 8:4, 8-9
"As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak."

I had another great note on these verses that I had added to my scriptures.

"In Paul’s day, some of the meat sold in the markets of Corinth and other cities had been butchered as offerings or dedications to pagan deities. Faithful Jews would have felt that the law of Moses prohibited them from partaking of this meat; however, from Paul’s words it appears that some Christians did not feel restricted from eating it (see 1 Corinthians 8:1–13; 10:14, 19–33).

Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles discussed Paul’s response to this issue: “The Corinthians had asked Paul for counsel about eating meat sacrificed by pagan people to their idols. He replies that in theory it is completely immaterial whether the saints eat such meat or not, because idols are not true gods, and there is actually no religious significance to the pseudo-sacrifices one way or the other. But, he reasons, in practice it may be wise not to eat this meat, since such a course might cause those who are weak in the faith to assume there was virtue and benefit in the sacrifices themselves and therefore to be led astray” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [1966–73], 2:348). For Paul, the greater concern was to avoid doing anything that might weaken the faith of others, unintentionally leading them into sin."
(New Testament Student Manual, Chapter 38, 1 Corinthian 1-11)

It also reminds of this scripture.

"Abstain from all appearance of evil"
(1 Thessalonians 5:22)

I am reminded of a time I naively lent my car to an acquaintance and unknown to me they took it to bar. Then they called me to say my car wouldn't start. It was a temperamental car to start, especially in the cold. I thought I could easily ride the bus over and retrieve it. When I got to the bar the person had bailed on me. I went inside to inquire about my keys and thankfully they were there. Soon I discovered my car really wouldn't start. I was now stranded in the freezing cold at this bar. I wanted to cry. I was a good latter-day saint that didn't drink and here I was at a bar. I felt so humiliated, first at lending a car to an acquaintance, and next sitting in a bar. I needed help because I couldn't get out of this predicament by myself. I called my father for advice and then he told me to call my home teachers, which I did. These dear brothers came and helped rescue me. I was met with kindness all the way both by those at the bar and those that rescued me. But inside all I could think of was to not even give the near appearance of evil.

Outside the bar sat a very recognizable copper colored Gremlin. Anyone that knew me would have recognized my car. I did worry about my reputation. But, also I was sick inside with worry, that I could risk being someone's stumbling block for being seen there. I remember sitting there and getting thirsty. I wondered what do you drink at a bar that doesn't look like you're drinking? I was so pleased when the bar tender said he did have milk. I don't know if you put alcohol in milk but in my mind that seemed the least likely to give that message. Though sipping milk inside a bar would do me no harm, it was still the appearance of where I was at that was my concern. I do understand Paul's advice, eating the meat of idols has no effect, but becoming a stumbling block for others that are weak is what you protect.

A Roman marble relief depicting the preparation 

of an animal sacrifice; early second century.

Day 1643

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 7:1, 7

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 7:1, 7
"Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that."

The chapter header says: "Paul answers special questions about marriage among those called on missions - Paul praises self-discipline."

I had notes placed in this chapter but I cannot recall the source of them.

"While sexual immorality was common in ancient Corinth, some people there held the opposite belief - that it was "good for a man not to touch a woman," and therefore one should refrain from all sexual relations, even in marriage."

"Paul's words of counsel - "I would that all men were even as I myself" and "It is good for them if they abide even as I" (1 Corinthians 7:7-8) - have led some to mistakenly believe that Paul was unmarried and promoted the celibate lifestyle as being superior to marriage. However, Paul probably was married or had been at some point. Most scholars acknowledge that Paul was either a member of the Jewish ruling body - the Sanhedrin - or a close associate of the group (see Acts 8:3; 9:1-2; 22:5; 26:10). To comply with the Sanhedrin's membership requirements, Paul would have had to be married. Even if Paul was simply a representative of the Sanhedrin, he would have been expected to be in harmony with all accepted Jewish customs and therefore be married. In addition, Paul clearly taught the importance of marriage and family life (see 1 Corinthians 7:2; 11:11; Ephesians 5:21-6:4; 1 Timothy 3:2)"

Day 1642

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 6:11

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 6:11
"And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God."

The verses before this Paul names some major gross sins and for them the abusers of the law would not inherit the kingdom of God. Yet, in this verse he tells them, "and such were some of you". That is powerful. No matter the sin we can become clean, just like them.

This reminded me of Elder Dale G. Renlund, Oct 2016 General Conference talk "Repentance: A Joyful Choice", where he is quoting President Boyd K. Packer.

"The Atonement leaves no tracks, no traces. What is fixed is fixed.... It just heals, and what is healed stays healed... The Atonement, which can reclaim each one of us, bears no scars. That means that no matter what we have done or where we have been or how something happened, if we truly repent, [the Savior] has promised that He would atone. And when He atoned, that settled that.... The Atonement...can wash clean every stain no matter how difficult or how long or how many times repeated."
(Boyd K. Packer, April 2015 General Conference)

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
(Isaiah 1:18)

Day 1641

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 5:4-5

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 5:4-5
"In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
To deliver such as one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus."

Paul wanted the early saints to clean house. There were fornicators, extortioners, and idolaters that were part of the church. Once they were part of the fold, but through gross sins they had fallen away. Pride within the church was keeping those in that condition numbered among them. Over time it would cause others to sin and feel no need to repent. In such cases it was necessary to remove them from the church. The purpose being for the spirit to still remain with those of the church and keep them in good fellowship. To allow them to continue in sin while within the church it effected them all. I pondered on how excommunication does not need to be forever. It's a tool to help those sinning to start the repentance process. Once clean they can have all blessings restored to them. If they do not repent they are delivered unto Satan. They no longer have the protection and guidance of the Holy Spirit. That is a place you do not want to be.

Day 1640

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 4:20

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 4:20
"For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power."

What is this power?  These scriptures references go with that footnote.

"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."
(1 Corinthians 1:18)

"Behold, I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and you God, and your Redeemer, by the power of my Spirit have spoken it. Amen."
(Doctrine and Covenants 18:47)

"And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach."
(Doctrine and Covenants 42:14)

The power is the spirit that teaches. For words will just sounds like words, and not show the power of the atonement of Jesus Christ to save and His doctrine otherwise. I think when I teach Sunday School I spend far more time in preparation to have the spirit to be with me, than to know everything about the subject I am to teach. Even now the time I spend reading and pondering the scriptures, though not the scriptures I will teach, are what my soul needs to be feed in order to have the spirit always to be with me. If I have the spirit with me then I have the power to teach His words.

Day 1639

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."

There are many ways one can defile the body.

Defile = GR spoil, corrupt, deprave.
TG Cleanliness; Filthiness; Holy Ghost, loss of; Pollution; Sacrilege; Uncleanness; Word of Wisdom.

Whatever it is that makes the Holy Ghost unable to reside with me, then that will defile the body. It makes me think of a PG movie I've been looking forward to and has just been released. I really want to see it. After watching the previews I have been debating within myself on watching it. The problem is there's one part that I morally cannot support, and can't sit through. It used to be I could pretty much tell by the rating if it was something I could watch. Not any more, because the standards of morality are so different in society now. By going to the movie I would just be supporting the movie industry in lowering our standards. At least that is what my argument has been. Financial support of what I shouldn't be supporting.

Now, as I read these verses I realize the issue isn't about me supporting the movie industry in immorality. It's about me watching immorality. The spirit would be gone at that point and I can't put myself in that position. If the spirit would be gone then I shouldn't be there either. Already knowing the spirit won't be there makes me not want to be there. I guess I have just solved the moral dilemma I've been having with myself over this. Once again I found the answer to my problem within the scriptures. 

Day 1638

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God."

Spiritual discernment and revelation. Man cannot comprehend the things of God. But, through the Spirit with much searching and pondering on the deep things of God it will be made know. That is an amazing promise. It made me think of Joseph F. Smith's vision of the redemption of the death, found in Doctrine and Covenants 138. I took the time this Sabbath day to watch the video on BYUtv.org "I Saw the Hosts of the Dead".

Day 1637

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:2

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:2
"Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:"

This made me ponder on the name of the church, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints".  I am a saint, though to say that seems so unreachable. So I pondered on what it means.

First I looked at "sanctified", because to me that also seems so unreachable. I am not pure and holy, though I wish and hope one day to be. So what does that mean? I looked in the footnote and the other topic guide sections referenced. They are also: Consecrate; Consecration; Earth, Destiny of; Hallow; Holiness; Holy Ghost, Baptism of; Jesus Christ, Atonement through; Justification; Man, New, Spiritually Reborn; Purification; Righteousness; Sacred; Separation. I asked myself which of these would describe me? I can see glimmers of some. I realized in doing so that I was at the beginning. Sanctified is a process and one just doesn't jump into it as a whole. So I felt good that I was able to say I'm in the process of becoming sanctified. I think that is what I am suppose to be doing.

So now I looked at "Saint". In the topical guide it says see also: Church Organization; Holy; Sheep.  Yes, I am part of Christ's church organized on the earth today. I am part of the fold and a sheep. I am a Saint in these the latter-days. I read the verses in the topical guide under Saint and it really struck me how many times it is used to name the members of Christ's church. One thought I had is how interesting it is the most religions that are followers of Christ refer to themselves as "Christians", myself included. But, I am told by them because I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that they do not consider me a Christian. (Yes, that totally confuses me given the name of the church.) 

I became curious when the name of Christ's followers as Christians was given. It is found in both the New Testament and Book of Mormon. It wasn't until I read these verses in the Book of Mormon that I realized something. 

"For thus were all the true believers of Christ, who belonged to the church of God, called by those who did not belong to the church.
And those who did belong to the church were faithful; yea, all those who were true believers in Christ took upon them, gladly, the name of Christ, or Christians as they were called, because of their belief in Christ who should come."
(Alma 46:14-15)

"And thus he was preparing to support their liberty, their lands, their wives, and their children, and their peace, and that they might live unto the Lord their God, and that they might maintain that which was called by their enemies the cause of Christians."
(Alma 48:10)

The name Christian was given to the followers of Christ by their enemies. Curiously very similar to how Latter-day Saints were given the nickname "Mormons" as a derogatory, and disrespectful name by those not of the faith. It appears in both cases these nicknames were later adopted by Christ's followers, including used as a reference by apostles. In the case of the nickname "Mormon" the prophet, Russell M. Nelson, has emphasized that we need to stop using that name. We need to refer to the full name of the church and that we are latter-day saints. I realize now that to refer to myself as a Christian would be taking the name Christ's enemies gave to his followers. So interesting the name Christian is once again being used in very derogatory ways by society. 

I then went back and looked for the name "Saint" and that is the name Christ gave his followers. I turned to the Doctrine and Covenants.

"... the Doctrine and Covenants is unique because it is not a translation of an ancient document, but is of modern origin and was given of God through His chosen prophets for the restoration of His holy work and the establishment of the kingdom of God on the earth in these days. In the revelations, one hears the tender but firm voice of the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking anew in the dispensation of the fulness of times; and the work that is initiated herein is preparatory to His Second Coming, in fulfillment of and in concert with the words of all the holy prophets since the world began." 

Never, once does the Lord, Jesus Christ refer to his followers as Christians. We are His saints. If I take upon me the name of Christ then I should refer to myself as a the name he gave his followers, saint. Latter-day Saints is now used, not only because Christ gave us that name, but it shows which dispensation I am in. So as I am pondering this I realize it's totally ok for other Christians to not refer to me as a Christian. Because that is not the name Christ wanted to be used by his followers. I am a latter-day saint, a follower of Jesus Christ and a member of His Restored Church. There is a lot of power in that name.

Day 1636

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 16:17-18

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 16:17-18
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them.
For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple."

I turned to the footnotes to learn more.
Mark = watch, beware of.
Division = Acts 20:20
"Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Offenses = stumbling blocks, scandals
Doctrine = 3 Nephi 11:40
"And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them.
Avoid = 1 Corinthians 5:11
"But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat."
Fair = 2 Peter 2:3
"And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not."
Simple = innocent, guileless

It made me think of RUN, whenever I see someone that confesses the Lord on one hand with the other stretched opened for money. They so convincingly sell to the gullible and innocent a wrested version of the scriptures with their personal doctrine added to it. It's priestcraft and it troubles my soul. I've noticed a pattern recently of how a lack of self-esteem appears within its midst. As I pondered on why it was and now to prevent it, I realized the answer was to do as the prophets have told us. Read your scriptures, study and ponder them in your heart daily. It will prevent deception. Why is that? The prophet Joseph Smith, Jr. said it best. 

“If men do not comprehend the character of God, they do not comprehend themselves.”
(History of the Church, 6:303)

Day 1635

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 15:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 15:4
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."

This verse made me reflect on my journey of reading the scriptures. How I needed to be patient with myself as I learned to listen to the spirit and be taught. For without the spirit it was very hard to read the scriptures and understand. Symbolism was the hardest part of the scriptures for me. I just didn't understand what it meant. Now I have come to enjoy the layers found in them. I had to learn to be patient in receiving knowledge. What a blessing to have the spirit teach me to just pick one verse and ponder on it. I don't need to understand everything I read, just one little piece would fill my soul. Reading the scriptures is a lifetime pursuit and I will be back around another time. Then something else will stand out to me. Yes, through patience in learning now the scriptures bring me comfort and hope, I can have the worst trial and be out of sorts. Yet if I turn to the scriptures it will comfort and calm me and bring good things back into focus. I cannot go a day now without reading and pondering the scriptures for now it is the highlight of my day. It is how I know I have heard His voice and know His words.

"The Spirit speaking peace to one’s mind is not the only form in which a witness comes, but inasmuch as it is from God, there is none greater. Just as by feasting on the words of Christ in the scriptures we “can testify that [we] have heard [His] voice, and know [His] words” (D&C 18:36), we can testify from confirming spiritual feelings from God that we know His Son and that He lives."
(D. Todd Christofferson, "Becoming a Witness of Christ", Ensign, Mar. 2008)

Day 1634

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 14:19

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 14:19
"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another."

I was pondering on how some see making peace as giving into what is against God's laws. Where is the middle ground? If I am to edify, then I would point people towards Christ in all that I say and do. I can be kind and peaceful as I try to be a good example of a follower of Christ. Does not mean people have to accept it, but they should know by my actions that I see them as a child of God and treat them as such. Found a good quote from President Dallin H. Oaks in the Oct 2014 General Conference talk, "Loving Others and Living with Differences".

"The early Apostles taught that we should “follow after the things [that] make for peace” and “[speak] the truth in love” “for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” In modern revelation the Lord commanded that the glad tidings of the restored gospel should be declared “every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness”  “with all humility, … reviling not against revilers”.

Even as we seek to be meek and to avoid contention, we must not compromise or dilute our commitment to the truths we understand. We must not surrender our positions or our values. The gospel of Jesus Christ and the covenants we have made inevitably cast us as combatants in the eternal contest between truth and error. There is no middle ground in that contest.The Savior showed the way when His adversaries confronted Him with the woman who had been “taken in adultery, in the very act”  When shamed with their own hypocrisy, the accusers withdrew and left Jesus alone with the woman. He treated her with kindness by declining to condemn her at that time. But He also firmly directed her to “sin no more”. Loving-kindness is required, but a follower of Christ—just like the Master—will be firm in the truth."



Day 1633

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 13:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 13:12
"The nights is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light."

This verse reminded me of the hymn written by Eliza R. Snow, "The Time is Far Spent". I had to find it and listen to it. I have not sung this in a very long time. I was hoping there was a Mack Wilberg arrangement performed by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. If there was one I couldn't find it. However, I found this rendition of the hymn performed by the Denton Interfaith Choir and it's wonderful. The arrangement of the lyrics is moving. I have the original Eliza R. Snow lyrics below so I can compare the difference. The message however is what I wanted to hear the most. Amazing to think that I'm right here in this moment of time being spoken of.


The Time is Far Spent
The time is far spent; there is little remaining
To publish glad tidings by sea and by land.
Then hasten, ye heralds; go forward proclaiming:
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven’s at hand,
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven’s at hand.

Shrink not from your duty, however unpleasant,
But follow the Savior, your pattern and friend.
Our little afflictions, tho painful at present,
Ere long, with the righteous, in glory will end,
Ere long, with the righteous, in glory will end.

What, tho, if the favor of Ahman possessing,
This world’s bitter hate you are called to endure?
The angels are waiting to crown you with blessings!
Go forward, be faithful, the promise is sure.
Go forward, be faithful, the promise is sure.

Be fixed in your purpose, for Satan will try you;
The weight of your calling he perfectly knows.
Your path may be thorny, but Jesus is nigh you;
His arm is sufficient, tho demons oppose.
His arm is sufficient, tho demons oppose.

Day 1632

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 12:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 12:10
"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;"

I have someone that is hard to love with ease. It is a struggle. Today as I was helping and listening to them in my mind came a story, and with it I knew the key to working with them. It was to treat them as a person going through a difficult time, not a person that was trying to be difficult. It was amazing to see how my heart softened towards them, and I could feel genuine love and patience towards them. If I could just remember this always, things would be much better.

I tried really hard to find that story but it escapes me now. I know it was an apostle speaking on advise he was given when first called. He was told that as he visited with others, if he treated them as someone going through a difficult time, that the majority of the time he would be right.

Day 1631

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 11:34-36

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 11:34-36
"For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen."

This made me think of all the times I hear people trying to be God's counsellor. I can see how I have tried to do this at times too. I have a good plan and have learned over time the Lord's plan is better.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord."
(Isaiah 55:8)

One day I hope my thoughts and ways are exactly like His. For now I stumble along trying, and trust that all will come to my good in the end if I stay on His path.

Day 1630

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 10:9-10

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 10:9-10
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

This made me ponder on the discussions I have had over the years with people, regarding all they need to do is confess Jesus is the Christ and be saved. In the rest of this chapter Paul goes on to explain what it means to believe in your heart. It's more than just saying the words. If you believe it then you will live it unto righteousness. If you once believed and no longer live it then it's not in your heart. Words without actions are nothing.

Day 1629

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 9:11

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 9:11
"(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)

I had much to ponder on in this chapter. I thought about both sides of the veil. God knew us so well before we were born that He determined which lineage we would come through as our election. Not all live up to what they were given, and others not of Abraham's seed can be adopted in to receive the promises. Yet, when we seal children to their parents in the temple. There is again no conditions placed on that sealing. So lineage means something in the coming and going and into the eternities. Living up to the blessings of eternal life are were our faith and works comes in.

Day 1628

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 8:17-18

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 8:17-18
"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
For I reckon that the suffering of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

This quote by Sister Linda S. Reeves, was in the Come, Follow Me manual and I found it so profound.

“I do not know why we have the many trials that we have, but it is my personal feeling that the reward is so great, so eternal and everlasting, so joyful and beyond our understanding that in that day of reward, we may feel to say to our merciful, loving Father, ‘Was that all that was required?’ I believe that if we could daily remember and recognize the depth of that love our Heavenly Father and our Savior have for us, we would be willing to do anything to be back in Their presence again, surrounded by Their love eternally. What will it matter … what we suffered here if, in the end, those trials are the very things which qualify us for eternal life and exaltation in the kingdom of God with our Father and Savior?”.
(“Worthy of Our Promised Blessings,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 11)

Day 1627

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 7:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 7:9
"For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died."

I think President Brigham Young described this well in a discourse he gave Oct 23, 1853 in the Salt Lake Tabernacle.

"What is required of us when the law comes? We must obey it, as old Paul did. He was a servant of God in all good conscience, when he took care of the clothes of those who stoned Stephen to death; (Acts 7:58) but when the law came, sin revived in him, and he said, “I died.” (Rom. 7:9) That is, his former notions of serving God, his former incorrect traditions, all appeared to him in their true light, and that upon which he had trusted for salvation as baseless as a dream, when the law of the Lord came by Jesus Christ; and in it he found the promises and the gifts and the blessings of the holy Gospel, through obedience to the ordinances. That is the only legal way to obtain salvation, and an exaltation in the presence of God."
(Brigham Young, "The Gospel, Etc.", JD2:1)

Day 1626

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 6:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 6:5
"For it we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:"

This was a new thought to ponder on. Paul is speaking about the symbolism of Christ burial and resurrection in baptism. We are buried unto the death of our sins, and rise to the resurrection after. So after baptism we should walk in the likeness of the Savior. As Paul called it "walk in a newness of life." It reminded me of sometimes while in the temple I often stop and say to myself. "This is real". This isn't going through any motions, these promises and blessings are real and there is real meaning to everything I do.

While I take the sacrament I again remind myself of how real this ordinance is and the power of the gift of the spirit to always be with me, that it is real. I wish I could find the words to describe what I mean by having to stop and tell myself this is real. I know it stems from my near-death experience. When afterward I would walk around the house with both feet still planted on either side of the veil. I would say over and over to myself "I almost died". Then what would follow is this overwhelming thought about how real this life and the next life really is. Sometimes I just get so wrapped up in living that I forget how real the other side is. It's like I have to wake myself up to where I really am. 

Now I have one more thing to think about, and that is my baptism when I was only eight years old. It was real, and has meaning and purpose and wasn't just an act. I think it would be a very good thing to ponder on what it represented during the sacrament. For there is so much meaning there.   

Day 1625

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 5:3-5

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 5:3-5
"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

I have been studying and pondering on patience for several months now. I have found the best time to study it is when you don't feel you need it. It is so much easier to be instructed when one isn't in the midst of the crises without it. What a marvelous Christlike attribute patience is. It is sanctifying and makes one holy. It is my most desired attribute now. I can see how with patience I gain experience and hope. For one cannot have patience unless they turn to the Lord to help them through that which is overwhelming them. Then hope fills my heart and the Holy Ghost is there to guide and sanctify me. I see patience as such a beautiful thing. In a way it makes the tribulations worth it because it brings one to a totally different plain with Christ. I had come to see enduring to the end not as the beast I once thought it was, because to endure I come to know Christ. Now with patience I see I not only know him, I become like him.

"And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life."
(Doctrine and Covenants 101:38)

"Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected."
(Doctrine and Covenants 67:13)

The reason patience was so aloof for me was because I was trying to make things work according to my will and timing. How often does one say when they lack patience, "If only they would do this!". I have learned that without patience my desire was to take away the agency of others and control them according to my will. No wonder with the lack of patience we feel so out of control. Trying to control and in a way force Satan's plan, by taking away the agency of another. This is not the Father's plan. With patience I learn to trust the Lord's timing and will in the matter. Patience is the greatest of Christlike attributes that I could obtain. To have patience I possess my soul, for I have over come the natural man. Now I can see there is a better way. I am not perfect in having patience, but I have opened the door to the beauty of it, and am being instructed in a better way. To have patience is to have faith, trust in the Lord, and hope of eternal life.

Day 1624

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 4:20

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 4:20
"He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God:"

Paul speaks of father Abraham and his wife Sarah at an old age giving birth. It made me go back to that story in the old testament. I pondered on the difference between promised blessings and hope for a blessing. I also pondered on the Lord's timing of such blessings, and his will to bless or not.

"Is any thing to hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, an Sarah shall have a son."
(Genesis 18:14)

Nothing is to hard for the Lord. I would imagine no's are pretty hard too. Just like it takes faith to act and believe in what was promised. It takes faith to believe and act when the answer in faith was no. Both situations require glory being given to God. He knows which is best in our lives.

Day 1623

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 3:23-24

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 3:23-24
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."

I pondered on the Lord, Jesus Christ atonement. Freely this gift is given to every soul that walked this earth. It is up to each if it is a gift they will use. Whether while on this earth or on the other side of the veil a way is made for all to hear the good news and accept or reject the Lord's atonement for them. Every knee will bow and confess the Jesus is the Christ, regardless of their final judgment. What a merciful God.

Day 1622

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 2:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 2:1
"Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things."

At first I thought of the saying that when you point a finger at someone there are three fingers pointing right back at you. Meaning what you see in another is often the very thing you have an issue with. You know their sins because they are your own. Then as I was pondering on this I realized it was also talking about something else. In reality when I judge someone else, even when it's true, I have condemned them. They need mercy just as much as I do. We are all sinners and have much to be forgiven for. We all need the gift of repentance in our lives.

These thoughts made me remember a scripture that struck me so powerfully.

"And the Spirit of the Lord fell upon me, and said unto me, Speak; Thus saith the Lord; Thus have ye said, O house of Israel: for I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them."
(Ezekiel 11:5)

With that verse I had pondered on how powerful my thoughts are and now they can condemn me. How I really needed to control them and even be careful what I judge and say to myself about others. The root of where sins often begins is by the thoughts that I entertain in my mind. If I could just control what I entertain inside my head angels would be my associates. From those holy thoughts I knew this would be lifelong goal to achieve, but such a worthy one.

"Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence was strong in the presence of God."
(Doctrine and Covenants 121:45)

Day 1621

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 1:30

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 1:30
"Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents."

In this chapter is a list of various sins that will bring the judgment of God. The one that caught my eye was "inventors of evil things".  I pondered on the inventions now that bring evil, the first that comes to mind is pornography. I even sat and wondered about Revelations and the "mark of the beast". I have no idea what that could be, but I would suspect that it is something setup by man as an "invention of evil things." Technology can be used for good and evil, when used for evil it will bring the judgment of God.

Day 1620

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 28:26-27

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 28:26-27
"Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."

So my thought while reading this was "Are people accountable if they don't see or hear and understand what was said to them?"  As I was pondering on that question I realized the answer was already there. They by their own doing closed their eyes and ears from truth, basically rejecting it. They would be accountable for the closing. What they missed in a way is immaterial. What the could have heard and enjoyed would be the blessing that they missed. 

Day 1619

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 27:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 27:10
"And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives."

I pondered on how Paul received revelation of what was ahead, and the men did not listen. It was only after the ship ran aground that an angel of God told him more details, that there would be no loss of life. Revelation is a lot like that. You receive by the spirit line upon line, then more is added.

Day 1618

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 26:17, 19

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 26:17, 19
"Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:"

As Paul is recounting the story of his conversion to king Agrippa this part reminded me of something our family recently read in Doctrine and Covenants, sections 39 & 40. James Covel was a Methodist minister that covenanted to obey any command the Lord would give him through the prophet Joseph Smith. The Lord called him to be baptized and then go to the Ohio to preach the gospel. In less than 48 hours Covel broke his covenant to do either. The reason, Covel thought he should be called to preach to the prominent people where he had preached before. As I read his story I realize that the fear of persecution (most likely in Ohio), and the cares of the world (possibly pride in who he wanted to convert) left him with these stunning words from the Lord.

"Wherefore he broke my covenant, and it remaineth with me to do with him as seemeth me good. Amen."
(Doctrine and Covenants 40:3)

I see in the Paul the opposite. He does exactly what the Lord asked him to do. He isn't told to preach to his "own kind" he is sent to the Gentiles. Pride is gone, and yet Paul preached the gospel to a king. What would have happened to James Covel if he had done the same thing?


Day 1617

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 25:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 25:7
"And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.
Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusations of such things as I supposed.
But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive."

I pondered on how I have seen this same tactic used politically and how nasty it is to witness. They laid in wait to destroy a reputation with lies. It made me think of how this story of Paul is telling me this tactic will be used on Christians too.

Day 1616