Today's Favorite Verse: Philemon 1:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Philemon 1:6
"That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus."

Acknowledging God's hand in my life helps me recognize it and be grateful for it. So many times as I express this I learn more about what he has truly done for me.

Day 1706

Today's Favorite Verse: Titus 3:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Titus 3:1
"Put them in mind to subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,"

This reminds me of the 12th Article of Faith.
"We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."

Day 1705

Today's Favorite Verse: Titus 2:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Titus 2:12
"Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;"

There is a lot of good counsel in this chapter. This verse I pondered on how one goes with the other. When you put aside the things of the world you seek a better.

Day 1704

Today's Favorite Verse: Titus 1:15

Today's Favorite Verse: Titus 1:15

"Unto the pure all things are pure; but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled."

Unless we have clean hands and a pure heart, in other words, that we are not blemished with sins unrepentant and have a sincere desire to know, we will not have access to the Spirit and the things of God will be as foolishness unto us.  It is so important that we repent daily and that when we study the words of Christ that we do so with real intent, hungering and thirsting after righteousness.  This is how we are able to know that these things are true and this is how we can be benefited by the gospel.

Day 1703

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Timothy 4:3-4
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

Paul warned of an apostasy of the early saints. I know this same danger is here today. We know the church will never leave the earth again, but how many will leave the church? The protection is enduring sound doctrine.

Day 1702

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Timothy 3:1, 13

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Timothy 3:1, 13
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived."

I know several of the general authorities have warned that the one thing that we have to take the most care over is not being deceived. I have pondered on how I used to be afraid of the earthquakes, volcanos, floods, fires, famine, war and other natural disasters in the last days. Now that is not my concern. What I am the most watchful over is not being deceived. It is comforting that there are tools the Lord has given us. I have scriptures to learn sound doctrine. I have prophets and apostles that expound and teach the doctrine. I have such an amazing collection of resources on the church website. I have the Come, Follow Me gospel centered learning to keep me mindful of putting the Lord first. I can search and find resources that help me study out in my mind what is correct principles and doctrine. Above all I have the gift of the Holy Ghost to assist me. These are the hardest of times, but we have not been left unguided and alone. The care is in who and what we are listening to.

Day 1701

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Timothy 2:11

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Timothy 2:11
"It is a faithful saying: For it we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:"

I pondered on what is means to be dead. The footnote refers me to.

"For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:"
(Romans 6:5)

So one death is baptism in the manner of Christ's burial and resurrection.

Another death I though of was to be dead to sin. For when I forsake my sins and turn to Christ who atoned for them, I become alive in Him. I read further in that chapter and found it referred to that also.

"For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Romans 6:10-11)

Day 1700

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Timothy 1:6

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Timothy 1:6
"Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands."

Right before reading this chapter I had a very heartfelt prayer to my Heavenly Father, in gratitude for the gift of the Holy Ghost, given me by the laying on of hands after baptism. I seemed to have been going through a dry spell lately of recognizing the Spirit's whispering, until I came to see a new "phase" in my trial and the Christlike attribute I needed to work on. Since that discovery ten days ago and with a sincere resolve to do better, little impressions started to come to me. Maybe of no significance to others, but they were to me. They have been specific and helpful in time of need. Tender mercies to show me the Lord is mindful of me and what I have been going through. Now doors are miraculously opening for me. What an amazing journey I am on in this life. I went back and read the talk "Trust in the Lord" by Elder Richard G. Scott that opened the door ten days ago.

This is my favorite quote ten days ago.

"When you pass through trials for His purposes, as you trust Him, exercise faith in Him, He will help you. That support will generally come step by step, a portion at a time. While you are passing through each phase, the pain and difficulty that comes from being enlarged will continue. If all matters were immediately resolved at your first petition, you could not grow. Your Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son love you perfectly. They would not require you to experience a moment more of difficulty than is absolutely needed for your personal benefit or for that of those you love."

These are the quotes that have greater meaning today.

"I testify that when the Lord closes one important door in your life, He shows His continuing love and compassion by opening many other compensating doors through your exercise of faith. He will place in your path packets of spiritual sunlight to brighten your way. They often come after the trial has been the greatest, as evidence of the compassion and love of an all-knowing Father. They point the way to greater happiness, more understanding, and strengthen your determination to accept and be obedient to His will."

"True enduring happiness with the accompanying strength, courage, and capacity to overcome the most challenging difficulties comes from a life centered in Jesus Christ. Obedience to His teachings provides a sure foundation upon which to build. That takes effort. There is no guarantee of overnight results, but there is absolute assurance that, in the Lord’s time, solutions will come, peace will prevail, and emptiness will be filled."
(Elder Richard G. Scott, "Trust in the Lord", Oct 1995 General Conference)

Day 1699

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Timothy 6:7

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Timothy 6:7
"For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out."

I pondered on what I can take with me into the next life. I will take my experiences and what I gained from them. Knowledge and intelligence gained. I can take the talents that I developed. I think faith, hope and charity will still serve me well. Covenants I honored, and family relationships that continue beyond the veil. 

As I was pondering it made me think of how precious I need to treat those things I can take with me into the next life, versus what won't come with me.

Day 1698

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Timothy 5:24

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Timothy 5:24
"Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after."

This made me think of a quote from a bumper sticker that Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf mentioned in his talk "The Merciful Obtain Mercy", April 2012 General Conference..  "Don't judge me because I sin differently from you."

Day 1697

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Timothy 4:13, 16

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Timothy 4:13, 16
"Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."

I think this is pretty clear, to prepare for the Savior's second coming I need to be reading and giving heed to the doctrine. It reminds me of the parable of the ten virgins, putting oil in my lamp against the day of the bridegrooms coming. In exhortation we must be faithful to the doctrine and not give personal interpretation. As I sat and pondered on this I saw how beautiful this plan was. To read the scriptures and learn the doctrine helps me to have the spirit to be with me. Then it helps in sharing correct principles of the gospel with others. How I wish I could always hear sound doctrine from others. There is comfort in knowing the spirit will guide me around any slippery slopes. If I am faithful and give heed to reading scriptures and the doctrine, I can be an instrument in helping others recognize truth.

Day 1696

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Timothy 3:5

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Timothy 3:5
"(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)"

This chapter speak of the qualifications of a bishop. From this verse I learn a bishop must be married. He must also demonstrate the ability to rule over his own house. It's not just that the man must be worthy, but his wife and children must be considered by the Lord also.

Day 1695

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Timothy 2:1-2
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."

This made me ponder on religious freedom. How a person of faith only wants to lead a quiet and peaceable life, and somehow it looks like intolerance to those that don't understand. I pondered on the prayers we are saying for our nation, leaders, individuals and families in this country. How I pray religious freedom will be allowed to continue in this land. It isn't hard to imagine our days are being numbered. 

"Yea, and I say unto you that if it were not for the prayers of the righteous, who are now in the land, that ye would even now be visited with utter destruction; yet it would not be by flood, as were the people in the days of Noah, but it would be by famine, and by pestilence, and the sword.
But it is by the prayers of the righteous that ye are spared; now therefore, if ye will cast out the righteous from among you then will not the Lord stay his hand; but in his fierce anger he will come out against you; then ye shall be smitten by famine, and by pestilence, and by the sword; and the time is soon at hand except ye repent."
(Alma 10:22-23)

Day 1694

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Timothy 1:3, 6

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Timothy 1:3, 6
"As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine.
From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;"

Footnote References
Swerved = missed the mark
Turned = Apostasy of the Early Christian Church
Vain Jangling = vain, idle, fruitless discussion

What Paul warned the early church that they would head into apostasy if they strayed from sound doctrine. This is the same warning we have to today. Vain, idle, fruitless discussion reminds me of President Dallin H. Oaks, Oct 2019 General Conference talk "Trust in the Lord". He especially pointed out that we not teach what is not official doctrine. He used the example of spirit world and what we do and do not know. That we are not to teach dreams or visions that others had in the matter. I especially feel sensitive to this. I recognize that my near-death experience had symbolic meaning for me.

One vain, idle and fruitless discussion that rather drives me a little crazy is the obsession with a heavenly mother. Not if there is or isn't one, but that I tend to feel some women are so obsessed with the subject, and any glimmer of a mention, that if given the chance they would worship her instead of the Father. Otherwise why are they so obsessed with this subject? It simply is not what we have been taught. In fact I feel a concern whenever I hear people mentioning this subject that they will go the way of the primitive church into apostasy and begin to pray to and worship a "Heavenly Mother". There must be a very specific reason why revelation has not been given on this subject. I cannot help but see it as no coincidence in how many times false doctrines include worshiping the feminine. The adversary must know the feminine is a human weakness, and the Father as a protection has left that subject alone. All that is needful is to focus on the Father and the Son, and we will not be lead astray.

Day 1693

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Thessalonians 3:5

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Thessalonians 3:5
"And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ."

The footnote for direct is "Divine Guidance". I pondered on how spiritual growth and love of God comes line upon line. Each person's path is unique for them. We are all directed and guided if that is what we seek.

Day 1692

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11
"Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:"

One delusion people can have is that Satan doesn't have any power, or that he doesn't exist. He can create lying wonders and deceive. God will allow it if what they are seeking is not the truth. I pondered on why it's important to seek truth, and the word of God. To stand in holy place and be not moved. To have the spirit always to be with me.

"Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen."
(Doctrine and Covenants 87:8)

Day 1691

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8
"And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ."

I thought upon the word rest, having rest in the midst of trouble, and even while the wicked are destroyed at the Lord's coming. It made me look for a quote by President Joseph F. Smith that I found in the Book of Mormon Student Manual on Moroni 7:3. This is the preparation one needs to prepare for the Lord's coming.

"The scriptures often speak of “the rest of the Lord.” After quoting Moroni 7:3, President Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918) wrote:

“This is a very significant passage. The rest here referred to is not physical rest, for there is no such thing as physical rest in the Church of Jesus Christ. Reference is made to the spiritual rest and peace which are born from a settled conviction of the truth in the minds of men. We may thus enter into the rest of the Lord today, by coming to an understanding of the truths of the gospel. … Not all need to seek this rest, for there are many who now possess it, whose minds have become satisfied, and who have set their eyes upon the mark of their high calling with an invincible determination in their hearts to be steadfast in the truth, and who are treading in humility and righteousness the path marked out for the Saints who are complacent followers of Jesus Christ. …

“I thank our Father that I have come to a knowledge of this truth, that I know that Jesus is the Christ, in whom alone there is rest and salvation. As God lives, they are deceived who follow men and their philosophies; but happy are they who enter into the rest of the peaceable followers of Christ, obtaining sufficient hope from this time henceforth until they shall rest with him in heaven” (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 126, 128).

Day 1690

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 4-5

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 4-5
"For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you as a thief.
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness."

Well I had a new thought with these verses. It's funny how you can hear a verse quoted so many times and not really understand it. How many times have I heard the Lord would come as a thief in the night. It comes with the often quoted "but of that day and hour knoweth no man". (Matthew 24:36)

The key word I realized was "night". It speaking of those that are in darkness. To them the Lord's coming is as a thief. They are caught unaware. Those that are righteous are not in darkness. The day [Lord] will not come upon us unaware or as a thief. We are then told to not sleep, but watch and be sober. The reason the Lord coming is not as a thief is because we are waiting for him. If I was watching for a thief that was coming, I wouldn't be caught unaware at his arrival. I would be prepared and ready for it. Doesn't matter when he comes, the point is to be ready. The Lord's coming will be in full light with those watching prepared to meet him.

Day 1689

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Thessalonians 4:11

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Thessalonians 4:11
"And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;"

Wise counsel and advice both in and out of the church. One in which would make you a valuable employee. It would also make one a faithful members of the church.

Day 1688

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Thessalonians 3:12

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Thessalonians 3:12
"And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:"

When I awake in the morning I will often lay there and read my scriptures, which will take me on an amazing journey. Now I wish I could retrace the footsteps I took today. For I had landed on a scripture that spoke of the need of unity and love one for another. As I traced the footnotes I saw it was in preparation in becoming a Zion people. For quite a while tonight I sat here pondering on what it was I read and where?  I know I will stubble on it again for that is the way is usually happens.

What is so interesting to me is that when men's heart start to fail them, and love and unity is lacking the most in this world, that this is when the Lord calls us to it now more than ever. It will not be found in the world, but will be found in those not of the world.

Day 1687

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Thessalonians 2:4

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Thessalonians 2:4
"But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts."

In Relief Society today we went over President Dallin H. Oaks, Oct 2019 General Conference talk "Two Great Commandments". This was such an excellent talk, and it grieved me as I witnessed those online oppose him while he spoke. As I read the talk in preparation for attending class, I took note that he referenced President Russell M. Nelson 9 times, Jesus Christ once, President Spencer W. Kimball once, and the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at the time same-sex marriage was declared legal in the United States, once.

What this showed me is that President Oaks was not speaking of his own opinion. He was speaking on gospel truths. Just like Paul mentioned, what an apostle has to say is not always pleasing to man. It is not by choice they say hard things, it is because it is God's law. These quotes from the talk help me to see that charge.

"This Church was restored so that families could be formed, sealed, and exalted eternally."

"President Nelson reminded all of us that "our commission as Apostles is to teach nothing but truth. That commission does not give [Apostles] the authority to modify divine law." Thus, my sisters, the leaders of the Church must always teach the unique importance of marriage between a man and a women and the related law of chastity."

"The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us to love and treat all people with kindness and civility - even when we disagree."

Day 1686

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 4

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 4
"We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God."

I pondered on my prayers for the prophet and leaders of this church. I was watching a video the other day on President Nelson and he acknowledged that people come to see them because they honor the office that they hold. That is a very important distinction. I know they are elect, being called of God.

Day 1685

Today's Favorite Verse: Colossians 4:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Colossians 4:16
"And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea."

The footnote tells me the epistle of Laodicea is lost scriptures and not found in the bible. I took time to look over the list of scriptures referenced by other verses that are not found anywhere. Then I looked in the Topical Guide over "Scriptures to Come Forth".

"And after it had come forth unto them I beheld other books, which came forth by the power of the Lamb, from the Gentiles unto them, unto the convincing of the Gentiles and the remnant of the seed of my brethren, and also the Jews who were scattered upon all the face of the earth, that the records of the prophets and of the twelve apostles of the Lamb are true."
(1 Nephi 13:39)

"And then, behold, other records have I, that I will give unto you power that you may assist to translate."
(Doctrine and Covenants 9:2)

As I pondered on these I noted the Bible as the stick of Judah, and the Book of Mormon as the stick of Joseph, and wondered what other books would come forth. When Nephi wrote of other books he had no idea the Jaredite record, the Book of Ether would be included in with the Book of Mormon for his people. When Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were told of other records they didn't know the Book of Abraham and Moses would both come forth. I love the scriptures and now I wish to live to see more come to light. 

Day 1684

Today's Favorite Verse: Colossians 3:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Colossians 3:2
"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

As the world is darkening this counsel if more important than ever. From this verse I thought of the General Conference talk given by Elder L. Tom Perry, where he referenced John 15:19 and says, "From the teachings of the Savior we have adopted the common saying in the Church, 'to be in the world, but not of the world.' Normally, when this saying is used, we are emphasizing our need to stay free from sin and materialism which are so prevalent in the world in which we live."
(L. Tom Perry, "In the World", General Conference April 1988)

I have totally decided that the counsel "to be in the world, but not of the world, or not focusing my thoughts and affections on the things of this earth, are part of what brings peace in the midst of the storms. There is always hope that fills your heart of better things to come.

Day 1683

Today's Favorite Verse: Colossians 2:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Colossians 2:8
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately on the parable of the ten virgins and have really come to feel I am seeing it happen right now. It grieves me to see saints being lead away by the false doctrine of men, and a spirit of apathy in doing what the prophet has counseled, in particular reading the scriptures daily with their families. They will not have oil in their lamps when they need it the most, which is actually right now in the day we are living.

"And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins.
For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived - verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day."
(Doctrine and Covenants 45:56-57)

I wish I had saved the link to a post I read this morning. A mother related how she told the story of Noah and the ark to her child, and the little one asked "What happened to all the children?" The mother replied "Their parents didn't make sure they were on the boat." Isn't that just the saddest thought! I had never pictured little children dying in the flood due to the foolishness of their parents. It's made me think of that comment all day long. Right now if we are not doing everything in our power our children won't get on the boat. They won't know to put oil in their lamps or even have one. At the very least we should do what the prophet asked for them.



Day 1682

Today's Favorite Verse: Colossians 1:23

Today's Favorite Verse: Colossians 1:23
"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;"

How important it is to survive these days spiritually to have our faith grounded, settled and not moved. I am so grateful when I began to read the scriptures that the spirit told me to read the scriptures, and not books about the scriptures. Because now looking back I fear I would have started to look at the gospel through the eyes of someone not grounded in sound doctrine. When you have the spirit as your guide, not mingled with the doctrine of men, you can read the scriptures, the words of the living prophet and apostles and remain grounded, settled and not moved in what is truth.

Day 1681

Today's Favorite Verse: Philippians 4:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

I love this verse that adds to it.

"Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever."
(Alma 26:12)

I have witnessed miracles when I have needed strength greater than my own to do the Lord's work. I will never forget the time when I went to help someone because there was no one else they would let into their home. It was a job that needed to be done and physically I was not up to the task. Before I would leave my home I would pray that I would be given strength greater than my own to accomplish the task. I would step into their home and the Lord provided me strength to do things I knew I was incapable of doing. Afterwards I would walk to my car and drive the short distance home, when I got out of the car my whole body hurt and I could barely walk into the house. I would go straight to bed. For several days in a row I repeated the same thing until the job was done. It wasn't until I stepped inside their home to help that I would receive the strength. I knew then that Lord can give strength greater than your own when I am in his service. It is answered when I act in faith that he will provide.

Day 1680

Today's Favorite Verse: Philippians 3:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Philippians 3:14
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

This made me think of the opposite of "looking beyond the mark"

"But behold, the Jews were a stiffnecked people; and they despised the words of plainness, and killed the prophets, and sought for things that they could not understand. Wherefore, because of their blindness, which blindness came by looking beyond the mark, they must needs fall; for God hath taken away his plainness from them, and delivered unto them many things which they cannot understand, because they desired it. And because they desired it God hath done it, that they may stumble."
(Jacob 4:14)

To not look beyond the mark I need to look straight at it. That is towards my Savior, Jesus Christ. I need to press forward in Christ. How do I do that?, by plainness. The basic of the gospel, the doctrine of Christ. I need to cherish the word of God, in the scriptures and listen to the words of the prophets and apostles. They will not move me beyond the mark, they lead me towards Christ.

I love these words of Nephi for he gloried in plainness, and the doctrine of Christ.

"Wherefore, the things which I have written sufficeth me, save it be a few words which I must speak concerning the doctrine of Christ; wherefore, I shall speak unto you plainly, according to the plainness of my prophesying.
For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding."
(2 Nephi 31:2-3)

"I glory in plainness; I glory in turth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell."
(2 Nephi 33:6)

Day 1679

Today's Favorite Verse: Philippians 2:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Philippians 2:14
"Do all things without murmurings and disputings:"

I pondered on this and decided I do to much of this. I need to do better. At least I could chuckle at myself, that it's not with "all things".  Funny how you have categories of pet peeves, I want none. I have to figure out a way to break that habit. With disputings it references contention and strife. Now I will have none of that. I end things quickly if contention appears, for the spirit flees at these times. I am fine letting others think they won the discussion, my opinions are my own. But, what I reflected on was politics and when is discussion right and wrong? There are times to reason things out. I guess the line is when you start to content with others, because no one gets anywhere with it. So I looked at murmuring and see if has the same line, it actually gets you no where. Language must have a useful purpose to improve and not tear down. I guess the things to ask myself is it helpful or kind?

Day 1678

Today's Favorite Verse: Philippians 1:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Philippians 1:10
"That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;"

Approved = prove, put to the test
Sincere = pure, spotless

The word offence or being offended takes on so much meaning in society today. I pondered on this verse and the meaning of offence. It can be either giving offence to others or taking offense. If you are pure, spotless and test things, to make sure you stand with God in all things, there are people that will become offended by that. Well, there are people period that take offence over everything. I can't control that. I can try to not sincerely offend, and there is a legitimate point in the sincerity of the actions. For there are "religious" people that will purposely flaunt it in your face. That is not righteousness and it does offend others. I cannot see Paul wanting the saints to every do that.

The other offence is the one taken by other's words and deeds, being "resentful, annoyed, typically as a result of a perceived insult". That part I have control over. That is why I have to so careful to not become part of this new culture of becoming socially offended. I would tend to think that the more pure and spotless one tries to become the less you would be offended. Yes, you're more sensitive to evil and stay away from it. But, offended as in "resentful, annoyed, with a perceived insult" it not any part of the equation. For none of these is an action becoming a saint. Interesting that Paul says "without offence till the day of Christ". Paul must have seen our day, before the Lord's second coming, for being offended is a plague among us that is quickly turning into an epidemic.

I watched again the new Book of Mormon video that came out today "Lehi's Family Sails to the Promised Land" (1 Nephi 18) and what a powerful example it is of the behavior of people that give or take offense or not.


Day 1677