Today's Favorite Verse: Ephesians 6:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Ephesians 6:7
"With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:"

This made me think of this.

"Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven."
(Matthew 6:1)

Living the gospel really does change a person's heart and motives.

Day 1676

Today's Favorite Verse: Ephesians 5:18-19

Today's Favorite Verse: Ephesians 5:18-19
"And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord."

I reflected on music and how quickly I feel the spirit when I hear hymns or songs that praise God. No wonder we have a sacrament hymn before the bread and water is blessed and passed. So many times as I prepare for sacrament, by singing the hymns, my eyes fill with tears and they just stream down my face. What a blessing music is, and I am grateful to God that he has given me such a comfort.

When I re-listen to General Conference I love to hear the full sessions because the songs prepare me to hear the talks that follow or reinforce what was just said. They bring back the spirit I felt when I first heard the talks. As an experiment, I sat and listened to the October 2018 General Conference hymns before and after President Russell M. Nelson's talk "The Correct Name of the Church".  The music surrounds that talk so powerfully with the spirit and testifies of the truthfulness of the words just spoken.

His Voice as the Sound

The Correct Name of the Church, Russell M. Nelson

It is Well with my Soul

Day 1675

Today's Favorite Verse: Ephesians 4:4-5

Today's Favorite Verse: Ephesians 4:4-5
"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
One Lord, one faith, one baptism."

Body = church

If there is one church, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, then why are there so many churches?

"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."
(1 Corinthians 14:33)

I believe my church is the one spoke of by Paul, but I also know there are many people that feel the same of their church. The matter will probably not be settled until after the Savior's second coming, during the thousand years of peace. I am reminded of what happened after Jesus Christ appeared to the people in the Americas after his resurrection.

"And it came to pass that the thirty and fourth year passed away, and also the thirty and fifth, and behold the disciples of Jesus had formed a church of Christ in all the land round about. And as many as did come unto them, and did truly repent of their sins, were baptized in the name of Jesus; and they did also receive the Holy Ghost.
And it came to pass in the thirty and sixth year, the people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land, both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another."
(4 Nephi 1:1-2)

It took two years for everyone to be converted to the church of Christ. I expect the same thing to happen after the Savior's second coming. For there will be many good people of different faiths that survive this event. In time they will all be converted and say Jesus is Lord over all.

Day 1674

Today's Favorite Verse: Ephesians 3:17-19

Today's Favorite Verse: Ephesians 3:17-19
"That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God."

As I read this chapter I thought of apostolic blessings. Paul sounds like he was leaving the saints at Ephesus one. I think I first became aware of apostolic blessings about 10 years ago at RootsTech during Family Discovery Day. Every year since then an apostle has left an apostolic blessing on us in this great work of redeeming the dead. I don't know if I am just looking for them or if there actually are more and more of them being given by the apostles and prophet during General Conference. Elder Dale G. Renlund visited our stake and left us one too. I think there just has been more of them given while I have been blessed to hear them.

In these verses I love the imagery of being rooted, grounded in love and faith.

"If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;"
(Colossians 1:23)

Elder Rasband Offers Apostolic Blessing

 to Quake-Weary Ecuadorians

Day 1673

Today's Favorite Verse: Ephesians 2:19

Today's Favorite Verse: Ephesians 2:19
"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners with the saints, and the house hold of God;
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:"

I love how it places together saints, apostles, prophets, Jesus Christ and the temple. This is how you recognized the restored gospel upon the earth today.

Day 1672

Today's Favorite Verse: Ephesians 1:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Ephesians 1:10
"That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which is in heaven, and which are on the earth; even in him."

Paul knew not only would an apostasy come after him, but the next dispensation would be the fulness of time. The gospel has been restored again and now I live in the dispensation of the fulness of time. As I pondered on this verse and pictured a gathering together in one all things in Christ, both in heaven and earth, it made me think of the city of Enoch returning. President Nelson has said the restoration is a continuing process, I wonder what more will I see in my lifetime. There really is a lot to be done in the hearts of men to prepare for the second coming of the Lord.

President Spencer W. Kimball spoke of preparing:
“For many years we have been taught that one important end result of our labors, hopes, and aspirations in this work is the building of a Latter-day Zion, a Zion characterized by love, harmony, and peace—a Zion in which the Lord’s children are as one. …“This day will come; it is our destiny to help bring it about! …“… That can only be done through consistent and concerted daily effort by every single member of the Church. … May I suggest three fundamental things we must do if we are to ‘bring again Zion.’ …
“First, we must eliminate … selfishness. …
“Second, we must cooperate completely and work in harmony one with the other. …
“Third, we must … sacrifice whatever is required by the Lord”.
(Spencer W. Kimball, "Becoming the Pure in Heart",  Apr 1978, General Conference)

Elder D. Todd Christofferson spoke of this too.
"Zion is Zion because of the character, attributes, and faithfulness of her citizens. Remember, “the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them” (Moses 7:18). If we would establish Zion in our homes, branches, wards, and stakes, we must rise to this standard. It will be necessary (1) to become unified in one heart and one mind; (2) to become, individually and collectively, a holy people; and (3) to care for the poor and needy with such effectiveness that we eliminate poverty among us. We cannot wait until Zion comes for these things to happen—Zion will come only as they happen."
(D. Todd Christofferson, "Come to Zion", Oct 2008, General Conference)

Day 1671

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 6:3, 7

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 6:3, 7
"For it a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."

I saw a connection in this chapter I wasn't aware of before. It actually answered a question for me on some false doctrine I've seen floating around, taking verse 7 out of context. It is not God's law to think something into being. If you were to think yourself already popular, successful and rich when you are not, then you are deceived. If you are deceived then God won't be mocked, or answer. Oh, I know people are obtaining things by these occult practices. They are reaping benefits and attracting things to themselves, but they are not being answered by God. To be deceived is against God's law. It always come down to my will or God's will and who will answer. What God wants is an honest heart that is seeking his will.

I am reminded of a part of the Joseph Smith, Jr. history that the Pearl of Great Price doesn't have in full. Here is the part with the warning.

"[Moroni]...added a caution to me, telling me that Satan would try to tempt me (in consequence of the indigent circumstances of my father’s family), to get the plates for the purpose of getting rich. This he forbade me, saying that I must have no other object in view in getting the plates but to glorify God, and must not be influenced by any other motive than that of building his kingdom; otherwise I could not get them.
(Joseph Smith - History 1:46)

What I recalled that is missing is the part of Joseph's thoughts as walked to the hill, and how he was unable to obtain the plates because of them. I was finally able to find part of it in a conference talk by Marion G. Romney.

"The principle of obedience to the laws of the gospel is fundamental. It lies at the base. The Prophet Joseph Smith learned it very early in his ministry. He learned it when he went that first morning, after the visits of Moroni, to the Hill Cumorah. He had gone there under the direction of the angel, who had told him that he should have no thought in mind other than to bring to pass the righteousness of God and the accomplishment of his purposes in the earth  (JS—H 1:46) Joseph's family was very poor, and as he walked toward the hill, he thought about the intrinsic value of the things that the angel had told him were buried there. He wondered if the plates, or something else to be found with them, could not be used to relieve the poverty of his parents and their family. When he uncovered the box and saw the gold plates, he reached to take them out and received a shock that set him back. He reached again and received a more severe shock. Then the third time, thinking all he needed was physical strength, he reached with all his might to take the plates and received still another shock which sapped his strength  (JS—H 1:53) and he cried out, "Why can I not obtain this book?" And unexpectedly to him, the angel said, "Because you have not kept the commandments of the Lord." And then Joseph received a great manifestation that I have not time here to tell you about, but it kept him reminded all the days of his life that he had to obey in order to receive the promised blessings. The angel told him that he could not get the plates then, and that he would not be able to get them until he was not only willing to obey the laws of God but also was able to do so.
(Marion G. Romney, Conference Report, Oct 1946, pp. 73-78)

As Joseph had been warned and soon found out, these thoughts were a temptation from Satan. When Joseph reached for the plates he received a shock. He could not obtain them with no other objective then to glorify God. Thoughts are very important and Satan will use them to deceive us into all types of things that seem good. For God to bless and answer us it has to be with no other objective in mind then to do his will.

Day 1670

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 5:25

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 5:25
"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."

This made me think of walk the walk. President M. Russell Ballard did a better job at describing it.

"As members of the Church, each of us needs to model what it truly means to be a believing and behaving Latter-day Saint. Our example will have a powerful effect on others, making the restored gospel become much more relevant, meaningful, convincing, and desirable to them. Let us, each one, radiate to others the joy, confidence, love, and warmth of being part of the true Church of Christ. Our discipleship is not something to be endured with long face and heavy heart. Nor is it something to be jealously clutched to our bosoms and not shared with others. As we come to understand the love of the Father and the Son for us, our spirits will soar, and we will “come to Zion, singing with songs of everlasting joy”
(M. Russell Ballard, "Beware of False Prophets and False Teachers", Oct 1999 General Conference)

Day 1669

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 4:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 4:16
"Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?"

The footnote leads to this verse.

"Behold, ye are worse than they; for as the Lord liveth, if a prophet come among you and declareth unto you the word of the Lord, which testifieth of your sins and iniquities, ye are angry with him, and cast him out and seek all manner of ways to destroy him; yea, you will say that he is a false prophet, and that he is a sinner, and of the devil, because he testifieth that your deeds are evil."
(Helaman 13:26)

I have thought a lot about this after what I witnessed online during general conference. Those that would call themselves saints behaved unseemingly. The open rebellion against an apostle of the Lord made me ill. They only attacked him because what he said was true. It has made me think of the shifting of the wheat and tares that will come. This has made me earnestly pray for them that their eyes would be opened in enough time.

It makes me recall an experience my husband and I had many years ago. We were invited to a neighbor's home and while there this man started saying somethings that bothered me. I finally asked him what the "brethren", meaning the leaders of the church, had said about this. He only needed to begin with "Let me tell you, I have a problem with....." To my husband and I the discussion was now over. We wanted no part of this, so we quietly found an excuse and went home. Boy, did we seriously examine ourselves to see why this man thought we would have been liked minded with him. There were some things we needed to change. I do not blindly follow the prophet or apostles. I seek the spirit's confirmation on what has been said. I have never found the spirit contradict what has been said. This is a blessing that as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that I claim, for I have been endowed with the gift of the Holy Ghost. If the day comes that I do not have the spirit of what has been said, then I will look deep inside myself to exam why.

Day 1668

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 3:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 3:8
"And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed."

What I realized for the first time is that even in Abraham's day a way was prepared for the gospel to be preached to the gentiles. I can't describe what I just put together because I always knew the gentiles were adoption into the house of Israel when converted. I guess what I didn't appreciate is how far back the knowledge of this went. So why was it a new concept to the apostles that the gospel was to be taken to the gentiles? I guess it's like today, we don't do certain things until we are told the time is now to do so. When the time of the gentiles is fulfilled then the gospel will be preached to the Jews.

Day 1667

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 2:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 2:2
"And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain."

Paul returns to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and Titus. The interesting things is they came by revelation. It made me think of the prophet and apostles today and their inspired travels around the world to the saints and leaders of nations. I have been listening to and reading about President M. Russell Ballard and Elder D. Todd Christofferson's three-day visit to New England.

President Ballard said, ““As an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, I have a solemn duty to face the Lord and deliver His message. His words often include words of encouragement and expressions of love. They also include words of warning. America and the nations of the earth, as in times past, “are at another crossroad,” Let it begin today that we take leadership and reach out in our own prayers and encourage our neighbors, our friends, our families … to pray for this country that we all love much.

I plead with you this evening to pray for this country, for our leaders, for our people, and for the families that live in this great nation founded by God.”

We start and end our family scripture reading with prayer. We discussed this request from President Ballard before hand, and made sure to include this in our prayers. It was amazing how powerfully the spirit filled our home. It really touched our hearts. There are blessings to us as we pray for our great nation and its people. It was a testimony to me that we need to heed this great counsel and advice from a servant of God. Whatever is ahead the time is now for the prayers for our nation.

Day 1666

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 1:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 1:7
"Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ."

The biggest way the gospel is perverted is by the philosophies of man. If you add enough scriptures to it and say words that sound like it's part of the gospel, even those that would be very elect will accept it. This is what I am seeing and it grieves my heart, oh how I pray for them. It is such a hard thing to witness. All I can pray is that one day after their eyes are opened that they will be stronger in the faith from the experience. I know that is possible because I traveled that road myself.

Day 1665

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 13:1

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 13:1
"This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."

The "law of witnesses" is a truth. I live by it. I have come to find that when the spirit speaks to me, something I never understood before, that I never have an original thought. I will soon have a confirming witness to the truth. I will stubble upon a quote by a general authority or another scripture that confirms what my eyes were just opened up to. It is a comfort that the doctrine is true and I was taught by the spirit by someone with authority. I have found it in other ways too. My soul will be troubled by something and then I will find others had the same witness too. In fact if I look I will see others saying the same thing I would have said. Though in these cases they are as my patriarchal blessing said that I would be "able to distinguish between social, educational, political and philosophical doctrines which are keeping with the Gospel from those that run counter." 

One experience I had still amazes me. I went to an event that I thought was with like minded members of my faith, though not sponsored by the church. What I found instead was priestcrafts, the twisting of scriptures for gain. I was unfamiliar with one man that presented a class that sounded interesting. It ended up being very popular and soon it was standing room only. I was locked in the middle of the room in the middle of a row, and when I discovered what this man was teaching I had no way to get out past the crowd. Seriously, not only was that room a fire hazard, it was an even greater spiritual hazard. I was never so agitated in my life sitting there. I knew I was hearing priestcraft, and my stomach was ill seeing those around me lapping it up. When the class was over I was trapped again, as people rushed to stand in line to buy this man's book. The line was so large it came flowed back into the room blocking the exit. I was never so glad to get out of there and back home.

I was telling a good friend of the experience but did not say this man's name. I had no idea who he was, if I had misunderstood him, if he had even repented of his ways. I wasn't going to name him. Several times my friend told me I needed to tell them his name. Finally the spirit said tell them, so I did. And come to find out this person was in their ward, and I was told I had every right to feel as I did about them. He was preaching a priestcraft, he had quite the following and was doing firesides in his home. The leaders in the ward organizations were told to not leave him alone with the youth. Once again the law of witnesses came into play. I had confirmation by the only person close enough to me that could have told me. The only person the spirit confirmed I could say his name to. I think it was about a year later this same friend called and told me the Stake President visited their ward and told them this man was excommunicated for priestcraft. That is hardly every done publicly. But, in this case the members that were following this man were told so they could do as Paul says in verse 5 "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith..." They were warned if they continued to follow this man they would apostasy too. The law of witnesses is there to keep the saints from being deceived. The thing is you have to know the source of the witness. Reading the scriptures and not books about the scriptures is a great place to start.

Day 1664

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."

This made me reflect on my infirmities and what I have learned from them. It's interesting how I have learned different Christlike attributes through them. My recent one I am learning is patience. I think in the past year I've gone through the hardest part of learning patience. That is actually having it. Now I am learning the beauty and blessings that come from patience. I would have had a hard time saying I gloried in my infirmities when I first read this verse. After serious reflection I see glory is very fitting description. It's not the bragging about the affliction, it's the change that happens because of them, a weakness that is making another part of me strong. 

Day 1663

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 11:23-27

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 11:23-27
"Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in [perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness."

These are things Paul suffered for his testimony of Jesus Christ. If he was false, if he was making up his experience on the road to Damascus, he would have folded at the slightest of trials. Sometimes the followers of Christ go through hard things as a testimony of faith to strengthen others.


Day 1662

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 10:12

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 10:12
"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."

Interesting. I've heard it spoken of several times during General Conference that we need to not compare ourselves with others. Social media can be such a trap and give others a false sense of reality. Unhealthy comparisons can lead to depression. Looks like this was an issue for the early saints as well. One such talk was given by Elder Gary E. Stevenson.

"Two additional risks related to social media are idealized reality and debilitating comparisons.Many (if not most) of the pictures posted on social media tend to portray life at its very best—often unrealistically. We have all seen beautiful images of home decor, wonderful vacation spots, smiling selfies, elaborate food preparation, and seemingly unattainable body images. Here, for example, is an image that you might see on someone’s social media account.

However, it doesn’t quite capture the full picture of what is actually going on in real life. Comparing our own seemingly average existence with others’ well-edited, perfectly crafted lives as represented on social media may leave us with feelings of discouragement, envy, and even failure."
(Elder Gary E. Stevenson, "Spiritual Eclipse", Oct 2017 General Conference)

Day 1661

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:7

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:7
"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."

This made me think of a scripture, but I can't find it because I'm sick with a bug. So I will try to describe what I am looking for. We've had discussion in our home about service and there is a scripture that says something along the lines that it profiteth them nothing if they serve unwillingly. I realized that it doesn't mean your service doesn't count. It just mean you didn't move in a forward motion. If all you can do is serve with the heart that you have then serve. For keeping at it long enough you will catch the spirit of it. So like this scripture if all you can do at first is give grudgingly it doesn't mean not to give. For if you seek to do it with a willing heart you will soon catch the spirit of it.

Day 1660

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 8:2

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 8:2
"How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality."

This made me think of some stories I've been reading of members caught up in numerous disasters around the world. In their want they will help others before themselves. I struggled to find the story I wanted then I realized there was simply to many, and I couldn't just highlight one.

After this recent General Conference, I have been reading and pondering on the city of Enoch and what makes a Zion people. I came to realize why President Russell M. Nelson gave his talk "The Second Great Commandment". If we are to prepare for the second coming of Jesus Christ then we need to be a Zion people, where there is no poor among us. President Nelson spoke of all the saints had donated through their fast offerings and humanitarian aid. How this has blessed so many around the world.

Though he never used this word, this is part of becoming a Zion people, where we are united in one and there is no poor among us. Truly interesting how Satan always has a counterfeit, for he would say socialism is the means to achieve that. You cannot take from a man and have his heart in it. Zion is the pure in heart and it comes from their desire to truly be equal and one. As President Nelson spoke during his conference talk I thought of what I had donated, and after seeing how it was used made me want to donate more. Yet, at the same time I saw how even my little when added with others truly can bless many lives. It is fascinating and at the same time a little scary to see how as the Lord's plan is starting to take shape that Satan is deceiving many into accepting his counterfeit.

Day 1659

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 7:9-10

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 7:9-10
"Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death."

I had written this in my notes on these verses.
"Godly sorrow - repentance with an honest heart.
Worldly sorrow - seen of the world because you were found out. Motivated by fear of people not of God."

As I pondered on this I realized godly sorrow makes one change for the better. The wordly sorrow does not change the man it punishes him into submission. God will never do that.

Day 1658

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 6:10

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 6:10
"As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things."

This reminded me of a scripture I had promised to find during family scripture reading this week. It was about seeking wealth.

"Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you.
But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.
And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.
(Jacob 2:17-19)

Our family had a discussion about deception and how this verse in Jacob can get twisted. Where people say they want wealth to help others, but in reality they are seeking wealth to help themselves and increase their standard of living. Then with the "surplus" they will "benevolently" give to others.

I think the true key to knowing if you are seeking wealth to help others, is if you are completely satisfied with what God has already blessed you with. There is no desire to improve your lot first. Your needs become very basic and simple, and you willing share what little you do have. The only way that is possible is by seeking the kingdom of God first. Then your soul is satisfied and the giving to others comes naturally. The basket is always full because you share what little you have and the Lord returns it back again, and you know it. Man's standard of wealth and riches has nothing to do with this. The most humblest of individuals can be the riches people on earth. This is not something that can be seen or judged with the outward eye.

"Seek not for riches but for wisdom; and, behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich."
(Doctrine and Covenants 11:7)

As a beautiful example, Elder D. Todd Christofferson related this story in his Oct 2008 General Conference talk "Come to Zion".

"I remember the story of a Vietnamese family that fled Saigon in 1975 and ended up living in a small mobile home in Provo, Utah. A young man in the refugee family became the home teaching companion to a Brother Johnson who lived nearby with his large family. The boy related the following:

One day Brother Johnson noticed that our family had no kitchen table. He appeared the next day with an odd-looking but very functional table that fit nicely against the trailer wall across from the kitchen sink and counters. I say odd-looking because two of the table legs matched the tabletop and two did not. Also, several small wooden pegs stuck out along one edge of the worn surface.

Soon we used this unique table daily for food preparation and for eating some quick meals. We still ate our family meals while we sat on the floor … in true Vietnamese fashion.

One evening I stood inside Brother Johnson’s front door as I waited for him before a home teaching appointment. There in the nearby kitchen—I was surprised to see it—was a table practically identical to the one they had given to my family. The only difference was that where our table had pegs, the Johnsons’ table had holes! I then realized that, seeing our need, this charitable man had cut his kitchen table in half and had built two new legs for each half.

It was obvious that the Johnson family could not fit around this small piece of furniture—they probably didn’t fit comfortably around it when it was whole. …

Throughout my life this kind act has been a powerful reminder of true giving” (Son Quang Le, as told to Beth Ellis Le, “Two-of-a-Kind Table,” Liahona, July 2004, 45; Ensign, July 2004, 63).

Day 1657

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

I pondered on old things, for I never practiced the law of Moses, so I was not familiar with that experience of it going away. But, I have experienced looking back at old things I used to love, in particular movies. As I began to read my scripture daily I found things that I could once over look now destroyed the whole movie, and I could not longer watch it. Not only was the old thing gone but the old me too. I was a new creature in what brought me true joy. I am much happier for it.

Day 1656

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 4:3

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 4:3
"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:"

This is reminding me of something I noticed this morning while reading the Book of Mormon. It is in 1 Nephi 8 during Lehi's dream. He was wandering for many hours in darkness and then prays to the Lord for mercy. In verse 9 it says:

"And it came to pass AFTER I prayed unto the Lord I beheld a large and spacious field."

The word AFTER is what stood out to me. Lehi could not see this large and spacious field that led to the tree of life, until after he prayed. Meaning it was there, he just couldn't see it.

So then I looked at what Laman and Lemuel were doing in verse 18.

"And it came to pass that I saw them, but they would not come unto me and partake of the fruit."

It made me wonder if Lehi called and they didn't even see him? The point I felt this morning and again tonight is we don't see things as the really are unless we are spiritually prepared to see them. The meaning of spiritual things are lost to those that reject them. What would my eyes see if I was spiritually prepared to see them? Reminds me of the words of Elisha, once again it was prayer that opened the spiritual eyes.

"And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?
And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
(2 Kings 6:15-17)

Day 1655

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 3:17

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 3:17
"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."

As I see our liberties being taken, so does wickedness gain momentum in our nation. The one builds upon the other.

"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."
(Romans 8:2)

"But where the Spirit of God is, there is union, harmony and liberty, and where it is not there is strife, confusion and bondage. Let us then seek to be one, honor our God, honor our religion, and keep the commandments of God, and seek to know His will, and then to do it"
(JD 22:38, John Taylor, The Organization of the First Presidency, Etc., Oct 1880 General Conference)

"Through our faith in Jesus Christ, believing in His Atonement, repenting of our sins, and being baptized, we may then receive the supernal gift of the Holy Ghost. This gift provides knowledge and understanding, guidance and strength to learn and gain a testimony, power, cleansing to overcome sin, and comfort and encouragement to be faithful in tribulation. These incomparable blessings of the Spirit increase our freedom and power to do what is right, for “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
As we walk the path of spiritual liberty in these last days, we must understand that the faithful use of our agency depends upon our having religious freedom. We already know that Satan does not want this freedom to be ours. He attempted to destroy moral agency in heaven, and now on earth he is fiercely undermining, opposing, and spreading confusion about religious freedom—what it is and why it is essential to our spiritual life and our very salvation.There are four cornerstones of religious freedom that we as Latter-day Saints must rely upon and protect.

The first is freedom to believe. No one should be criticized, persecuted, or attacked by individuals, or governments either, for what he or she believes about God. It is very personal and very important...
The second cornerstone of religious liberty is the freedom to share our faith and our beliefs with others...
The third cornerstone of religious liberty is the freedom to form a religious organization, a church, to worship peacefully with others...
The fourth cornerstone of religious liberty is the freedom to live our faith—free exercise of faith not just in the home and chapel but also in public places..."
(Elder Robert D. Hales, Preserving Agency, Protecting Religious Freedom, Apr 2015 General Conference)

Day 1654

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 2:11, 17

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 2:11, 17
"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in sight of God speak we in Christ."

I just listened to two days worth of General Conference where this warning to be not deceived was peppered in the majority of talks. I have no doubt the prophet and apostles are well aware, far greater than I, of what is happening. I have seen far to many would be saints being deceived. I have prayed for them to have eyes that see and ears that hear. In fact I had an incident right before conference that caused me to pray for a talk that I could use as a resource to help others. I cried because now there are so many. I am not the only one seeing this issue. The Lord wants to prepare His saints for his Second Coming. How desperately he wants us to get rid of our idols, false gods, and priestcrafts. These two talks stood out to me. Sadly, the link to Elder Stevenson full text is not working correctly. There are even more talks, but these are a good start. I have made it a matter of prayer, and I invite others to join me in it. Ask with real intent where you might be deceived, so you can root it out. You cannot serve two masters, so you have to forsake the one to fully love the other.

Elder Gary E. Stevenson, "Deceive Me Not"
Elder Peter M. Johnson, "Power to Overcome the Adversary"

Day 1653

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 1:6

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 1:6
"And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation."

I've shed many tears today. My body is tired of pain. It's been a year since I first injured my knee and after the third time of re-injuring it I've been sitting in a wheelchair. I have seven more years to endure because I cannot afford surgery and that is how long before I can, unless a miracle comes. The new tears are over my hurt wrist. The wrist I use to pull myself up in my wheelchair, the one I use to walk with my crutch. The one I use to control the computer mouse so I can work. I've still done all these things today, because I have to, even though the doctor told me I need to rest it. My wrist is in a brace, it allows me to type. So far it hasn't done much for the pain.

The real reason I have shed so many more tears today is because I feel the Lord very close by my side. He knows my pain like no one else can. He is my comfort. I had a blessing tonight and in it I was told the Lord was well please with my patience, and it would take time for my wrist to heal. Yes, affliction and enduring is hard, but I am not left comfortless.

Day 1652

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 16:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
"Now concerning the collection from the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gathering when I come.

It reminded me of the talk President Russell M. Nelson gave today in the Sunday morning session of General Conference. He discussed the donations of Fast Offerings and Humanitarian aid the saints have been able to provide to those in need. How much of it has been given in disaster relief. Paul in this chapter was speaking to the saints in Corinth taking up a collection for the saints in need. If I remember correctly it was for the saints in Jerusalem. He wanted it collected in advance so when he came it didn't need to be gathered. Seems preparedness and self-reliance was part of the early church. Not surprising when you think of the counsel to have charity for others.

Day 1651

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:12, 29

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:12, 29
"Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?"

What struck me in this chapter is how many questions Paul asks. These questions are all guided by the spirit and meant to instruct. How powerful it is to ask myself these questions so the spirit can testify the truth in them. Questions are so vital to the spirit teaching me I often forget I just had a question. That is because I can have one form and then the answer comes right after. Other times I will have a question in my mind and carry it for days, just pondering on it. I have learned to be patient for the spirit will instruct me as I am ready. In time I will be guided to another scripture, conference talk or have an experience that opens up what I had been pondering on. I rather rejoice in this whole path of discovery and instruction by the spirit. There are such eternal truths in questions and it is good to have them, when asked in faith. A spiritual question cannot be answered if one doubts or challenges God with it.

The other thing I noticed in questions is not everyone's questions are the same. We all have different gospel understanding. I can take for granted that people know the answer to Paul's question on baptism for the dead. Yet, there are untold Christians in the world that are lost to this practice and the whole concept of the redemption of the dead in the spirit world. Yet, if they prayerfully seek an answer and are receptive to being taught the answer will come.

"The two pillars, one sea, and twelve brasen bulls that were under the bases, which king Solomon had made in the house of the Lord: the brass of all these vessels was without weight."
(Jeremiah 52:20)

Baptismal Font

Memphis Tennessee Temple of 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Day 1650

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 14:13-15, 27

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 14:13-15, 27
"Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
For if I pray in a unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, and at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret."

Like Paul, the prophet Joseph Smith taught about the gift of tongues. That if it is of God then there would be an interpretation of it. Reading this verse on singing in tongues reminded me of stories that took place during meetings in the Kirtland Temple. I also found an interesting quote that the Lord will never reveal Church doctrine through tongues.

"At another time a cousin of ours came to visit us at Kirtland. She wanted to go to one of the saints' fast meetings, to hear someone sing or speak in tongues, but she said she expected to have a hearty laugh. Accordingly we went with our cousin to the meeting, during which a Brother McCarter rose and sang a song of Zion in tongues; I arose and sang simultaneously with him the same tune and words, beginning and ending each verse in perfect unison, without varying a word. It was just as though we had sung it together a thousand times. After we came out of meeting, our cousin observed, 'Instead of laughing, I never felt so solemn in my life."

"At a meeting in 1835, Elizabeth Ann Whitney received a blessing from Church patriarch Joseph Smith Sr., in which she was promised the “gift of singing inspirationally.” During the meeting, Whitney arose and began singing in an unknown language. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Parley P. Pratt interpreted her song for other hearers. “In ancient days there lived a man,” the song began, “Amidst a pleasant garden, Where lovely flowers immortal bloom’d, And shed around a rich perfume; Behold, his name was Adam.” Joseph Smith Sr. believed Whitney sang in the pure language of heaven. Instances of glossolalia, like Whitney’s singing, occurred in some early American church meetings, and though it was frowned upon by many Christians, the practice resonated with early Latter-day Saints, who believed a revitalization of spiritual gifts was an important part of the Restoration of the gospel. Brigham Young regarded speaking in tongues as a spiritually “electrifying” experience and an important part of his conversion."
(Accounts of Heavenly Manifestations in the Kirtland Temple)
"The first, speaking or singing in an unknown language, is sometimes called glossolalia."

Prescindia Huntington recalled: “Brother McCarter rose and sang a song of Zion in tongues; I arose and sang simultaneously with him the same tune and words, beginning and ending each verse in perfect unison, without varying a word. It was just as though we had sung it together a thousand times.” (As cited in Tullidge, Women of Mormondom, pp. 208–9.)
(Truman G. Madsen, "Joseph Smith Lecture 5: Joseph Smith and the Kirtland Temple)

"Joseph later warned the Saints that Satan could manipulate tongue-speaking and that the Lord would never reveal Church doctrine by this practice. He further clarified, “Tongues were given for the purpose of preaching among those whose language is not understood,” adding that anyone “that has the Holy Ghost can speak of the things of God in his own tongue, as well as to speak in another.”
(Church History Topics - Gift of Tongues)

Day 1649

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 13:2

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 13:2
"And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing."

I was struck on how powerful charity is; it is even greater than having faith to the point you could move mountains and prophesy. So I pondered on what was lacking in these other areas that charity could be greater? I realized it is the human element. The others can all be done to the benefit of yourself. What purpose do they serve without charity? When I sit and think about what Jesus did, everything was done for the benefit of the person he was teaching, healing, serving. Even the greatest miracle of all, Christ's atonement and resurrection were all for the benefit of man. If Christ only had all knowledge, prophecy and faith it would lose the essence of his divine purpose and mission on earth. If I am to become like him, and do as he did, then I need to have this charity. Otherwise my purpose here would just stop with me. I would be an incredible waste of space, or nothing, for I had no purpose other than to serve myself. 

Day 1648

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 12:28

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 12:28
"And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps governments, diversities of tongues."

I was rejoicing in knowing that Christ establish his church and showed us how we would recognize it again. Is there any religion other than "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" that has prophets and apostles?  I think not. Ask other faiths and they will say such things were done away with. But, I wonder who ever said that? It certainly didn't come from Christ. It certainly didn't come from Paul. The only way they were done away with was through apostasy, that is exactly why they needed to be restored, and have been.

As I was pondering on the beauty that The Church of Jesus Christ is once again upon the earth a thought came to me. Why are apostles first and prophets second? I always think of the prophet first and the apostles second. I sat and pondered on that for a good while. Then I realized the apostles hold all the priesthood keys. When the prophet dies the keys are never lost from the earth for the apostles as a quorum still hold them. Then the senior apostles is ordained as the prophet with all apostles holding the keys placing their hands upon his head. The prophet then acts as the mouth piece of the Lord. The reason apostles would be first is because of the priesthood keys they hold together, with them they will never be taken again from the earth.

Day 1647

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 11:1

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 11:1
"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."

General Conference is this coming Saturday and Sunday and I can't wait. I will sit at the feet of the prophet and apostles and be taught the words of Christ. This is exactly what Paul is saying follow me, but follow me as I follow Christ. What do the prophets and apostles do?  They point the way to Christ.

Day 1646