Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 29:20

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 29:20
"But behold, he did deliver them because they did humble themselves before him; and because they cried mightily unto him he did deliver them out of bondage; and thus doth the Lord work with his power in all cases among the children of men, extending the arm of mercy towards them that put their trust in him."

Right before reading my scriptures I was sitting and pondering over the events of the day. An event happened earlier this week that yesterday it appeared that mercy was needed in order to resolve the situation. I told my family what was needed now was for us to pray for mercy, that the people in a position to make this decision would be merciful and this is what we began to do.

I could hardly sleep last night, not because of worry but because ideas on how to resolve it were coming to me. When I awoke the plan was formed on how to acquire this mercy. I contacted the person and offered them something in order for them to make their decision with mercy. Then I turned it over to the Lord. I had done all that he had impressed on me to do. Now the matter was in His hands. What was required of me is to be still and wait for the decision. Then I never thought about this situation for the remainder of the day, until I was ready to read my scriptures, and then find this verse. In fact what struck me tonight is how totally I had turned it over to the Lord. To me the matter was resolved regardless of the outcome. What the outcome would be would be what the Lord felt was needed for the parties involved. I am so grateful for the peace that trusting the Lord brings. That in itself is mercy.

Day 1858

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 28:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 28:2
"That perhaps they might bring them to the knowledge of the Lord their God, and convince them of the iniquity of their fathers; and that perhaps they might cure them of their hatred towards the Nephites, that they might also be brought to rejoice in the Lord their God, that they might become friendly to one another, and that there should be no more contentions in all the land which the Lord their God had given them."

I pondered on what a beautiful thing it is to have a heart turned to God. For then there is love and mercy towards our brothers and sisters. There is forgiveness and friendship. The only way to cure contention is if both parties love God more than themselves. When we seek to tear down or destroy then the spirit of the Lord is no longer with that man.

Day 1857

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 27:14, 16

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 27:14, 16
"And again, the angel said: Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith.
Now I say unto thee: Go, and remember the captivity of thy fathers in the land of Helam, and in the land of Nephi; and remember how great things he has done for them; for they were in bondage, and he has delivered them. And now I say unto thee, Alma, go thy way, and seek to destroy the church no more, that their prayers may be answered, and this even if thou wilt of thyself be cast off."

When I think of this story of Alma the younger my impression was that the angel appeared because of the prayers of his father. It has helped me pray for my wayward children.

This time as I read it I could see it was more than that. Alma and the sons of Mosiah were destroying the church, the members were oppressed and also praying that this would stop. It was more than just the prayers of a father that caused the Lord God to send an angel to Alma and the sons of Mosiah. What the objective was is to stop the destruction of the church, even if that meant that Alma of himself was destroyed. What an incredible lesson in your nothingness before God.

"O how great is the nothingness of the children of men; yea, even they are less than the dust of the earth.
For behold, the dust of the earth moveth hither and thither, to the dividing asunder, at the command of our great and everlasting God.
(Helaman 12:7-8)

Why am I less than the dust of the earth?  It's because even dust is strictly obedient to the will of the Lord. In the order of obedience man is lower than the dust.

"And if the Lord shall say - Because of thine iniquities thou shalt be cut off from my presence - he will cause that it shall be so.
And wo unto him to whom he shall say this, for it shall be unto him that will do iniquity, and he cannot be saved; therefore, for this cause, that men might be save, that repentance been declared.
Therefore, blessed are they who will repent and hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; for these are they that shall be saved."
(Helaman 12:21-23)

What an amazing blessing was given to Alma and the sons of Mosiah. They learned of their nothingness before God. After that is understood they could become an instrument for good in His hands when they repented.


Day 1856

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 26:18

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 26:18
"Yea, blessed is this people who are willing to bear my name; for in my name shall they be called; and they are mine."

I was just thinking about the importance and timing of the prophet emphasizing that the correct name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be used. I recall years ago an interview with a governor after a hurricane had devastated his state. The governor said that much help had come from the LDS Church and the Mormons. He didn't realize they were the same people. He didn't realize that in reality it was a nickname and not "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" that was helping him.

I am seeing so many articles now of all these food pantries and other faith's charities that the church is sending food donations to. I was really struck today on how this is all being done under the correct name of the church and that Jesus Christ is at the head. We are a people willing to bear His name.

I'm preparing for this coming Sabbath to be Fast Sunday. This will be our third fast since things were locked down and church meetings were suspended. Fast Sunday is now in my home. I will fast for two meals and then give a fast offering donation online to the church. Those funds will first be used locally and the surplus the church will use to continue to help those in need. I do not know who it is for but I know they are my brother or sister. What an amazing and humbling process this all is. How many things had to be done over the years line upon line, to bring us to a day that we can stand and bear Christ's name in helping others. I feel this coming fast will be even more holy and special because it's more quiet in its nature.


Day 1855

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 25:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 25:13
"And now all the people of Zarahemla were numbered with the Nephites, and this because the kingdom had been conferred upon none but those who were descendants of Nephi."

This was the first time I realized why someone saying they were a direct descendant of Nephi was an important distinction. Only Nephi's descendants could have the kingdom conferred on them. The reign of the kings began right before Nephi's death. What was establish was in order to rule they needed to be a direct descendant of Nephi. It didn't end until the reign of the judges some 500 years later. By then this distinction was well ingrained into their society.

"Now Nephi began to be old, and he saw that he must soon die; wherefore, he anointed a man to be a king and a ruler over his people now, according to the reigns of the kings.
Wherefore, the people were desirous to retain in remembrance his name. And whoso would reign in his stead were called by the people, second Nephi, third Nephi, and so forth, according to the reigns of the kings; and thus they were called by the people, let them be of whatever name they would."
(Jacob 1:9, 11)

Over 400 years later one descendant of Nephi was Mosiah and he was warned of the Lord to flee out of the land of Nephi. He and all those that would hearken to the voice of the Lord departed into the wilderness until they came to the land of Zarahelma. (Omin 1) The people of Zarahelma are descendants of Mulek that fled out of Jerusalem at the time Zedekiah, king of Judah, was carried away captive into Babylon. They are a remnant of the tribe of Judah. Lehi, father of Nephi, left Jerusalem  with his family before then. Lehi is of the tribe of Manasseh. Ishmael and his family came with Lehi's family and they are of the tribe of Ephraim. I find it interesting that out of all these tribes the direct descendants of Nephi are the fewest yet they were the rulers.

"Now there were not so many of the children of Nephi, or so many of those who were descendants of Nephi, as there were of the people of Zarahelma, who was a descendant of Mulek, and those who came with him into the wilderness.
And there were not so many of the people of Nephi and of the people of Zarahemla as there were of the Lamanites; yea, they were not half so numerous."
(Mosiah 25:2-3)

I tried to go back and find the references of when various times it mentions someone is a descendant of Nephi. Other times it mentions their genealogy and who they are the son of. Following that back it will shows who they are descendant of. They must have kept a beautiful genealogy.

Alma - Mosiah 17:2
Aminadi - Alma 10:3
Mormon - Mormon 1:5
Moroni - Mormon 8:13

Day 1854

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 24:13-15

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 24:13-15
"And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.
And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."

I love this chapter for it has been a light to me on how I was to pass through my afflictions. How the Lord will strengthen us to make our burdens light. That there is still joy in the midst of trial. The greatest thing I learned was patience and how it comes in many layers. Patience only comes when your desire is to do the will of the Lord and know he will deliver you when he knows the time is right. Then miracles can happen and blessings come. This chapter ends with Alma and his people being told the next day they would be delivered from their bondage. In faith they gathered their flocks and grains during the night and then just walked away as the guards where in a profound sleep. 

Day 1853

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 23:27-28

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 23:27-28
"But Alma went forth and stood among them, and exhorted them that they should not be frightened, but that they should remember the Lord their God and he would deliver them.
Therefore they hushed their fears, and began to cry unto the Lord that he would soften the hearts of the Lamanites, that they would spare them, and their wives, and their children."

This made me think of Elder David A. Bednar's April 2015 General Conference talk "Therefore They Hushed Their Fears", so I listened to it. I love how he describes "godly fear" and how it will hush our fears.

"Unlike worldly fear that creates alarm and anxiety, godly fear is a source of peace, assurance, and confidence.

But how can anything associated with fear be edifying or spiritually helpful?

The righteous fear I am attempting to describe encompasses a deep feeling of reverence, respect, and awe for the Lord Jesus Christ, obedience to His commandments, and anticipation of the Final Judgment and justice at His hand. Thus, godly fear grows out of a correct understanding of the divine nature and mission of the Lord Jesus Christ, a willingness to submit our will to His will, and a knowledge that every man and woman will be accountable for his or her own sins in the Day of Judgment.

As the scriptures certify, godly fear “is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7), “the instruction of wisdom” (Proverbs 15:33), a “strong confidence” (Proverbs 14:26), and “a fountain of life” (Proverbs 14:27).

"Godly fear is loving and trusting in Him. As we fear God more completely, we love Him more perfectly. And “perfect love casteth out all fear”. I promise the bright light of godly fear will chase away the dark shadows of mortal fears as we look to the Savior, build upon Him as our foundation, and press forward on His covenant path with consecrated commitment."

Day 1852

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 22:15-16

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 22:15-16
"And not it came to pass when the Lamanites had found that the people of Limhi had departed out of the land by night, that they sent an army into the wilderness to pursue them;
And after they had pursued them two days, they could no longer follow their tracks; therefore they were lost in the wilderness."

It is always amazing to me to see that after two days pursuit the Lamanite army could no longer follow the tracks of Limhi's people. There were men, women, and children, flocks and herds that all left their tracks upon the land as they were fleeing. The Lord was protecting these people and that is the only way a migration of people and their animals could simply disappear. There is a lot to be said for not standing out in a crowd. It can be a protection. It did make me think about the curse upon this land, if we are not righteous.   

"And it shall come to pass, saith the Lord of Hosts, yea, our great and true God, that whoso shall hide up treasure in the earth shall find them again no more, because of the great curse of the land, save he be a righteous man and shall hide it up unto the Lord.
For I will, saith the Lord, that they shall hide up their treasures unto me; and curse be they who hide not up their treasures unto me; for none hideth up their treasures unto me save it be the righteous; and he that hideth not up his treasure unto me, cursed is he, and also the treasure, and none shall redeem it because of the curse of the land.
And the day shall come that they shall hide up their treasures, because they have set their hearts upon riches; and because they have set their hearts upon their riches, and will hide up their treasures when they shall flee before their enemies; because they will not hide them up unto me, cursed be they and also their treasures; and in that day shall they be smitten, saith the Lord."
(Helaman 13:18-20)

Day 1851

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 21:6, 12, 14

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 21:6, 12, 14
"And it came to pass that the people began to murmur with the king because of their afflictions; and they began to be desirous to go against them to battle. And they did afflict the king sorely with their complaints; therefore he granted unto them that they should do according to their desires.
Yea, they went again even the third time, and suffered in the like manner; and those that were not slain returned again to the city of Nephi.
And they did humble themselves even in the depths of humility; and they did cry mightily to God; yea, even all the day long did they cry unto their God that he would deliver them out of their afflictions."

I cannot help but "liken the scriptures to my day". Today, I was readying about people that are fighting so hard to open our nation up again. I understand the desire to turn the economy back on. But, I seriously think it's to soon. In fact before I was reading this chapter we had family scriptures. We were talking about the people fighting for their rights. I feel our leaders will be like Limhi and give into the cries of the people and let them do as they desire. Knowing full well sickness will come back and this time the people can only blame themselves. As our family discussed this we formed a plan on what our next steps will be. 

What I hadn't though of until reading this, is that the wave of death hit the people of Limhi three times. It wasn't until the third time that Ammon and his people, with Limhi and his people, turned their hearts to God. Then they were able to study out the situation, and inspiration came to free the people. I do believe there is a cure for this illness but eyes will not be opened until we acknowledge that the inspiration comes from God.

Day 1850

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 20:22

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 20:22
"And now let us pacify the king, and we fulfil the oath which we have made unto him; for it is better that we should be in bondage than that we should lose our lives; therefore, let us put a stop to the shedding of so much blood."

I had made a note on this verse about the removal of my dangerous old trees and having to go into debt to do so. I had read this verse shortly after the event and this left an impression on me. For those trees were rotted and limbs were coming down, one having fallen in the only perfect spot where it could do no damage. That was my final warning. My insurance would not have covered me if it had landed on the house because they were rotted and I had not maintained the trees. It was better to be in bondage financially then to have someone lose their life.

Now I think of the pandemic around us and how it is better to be in bondage, remaining safely in our homes, until the danger is lifted. In fact as I am reading these words in the Book of Mormon I see them as a clear direction on when to fight for liberty and when we need to stand still and preserve life.

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints put out a letter "Administrative Principle in Challenging Times", April 16, 2020 and reaffirmed us upholding the laws of the land, especially when rights are restricted to protect others. 

Global Citizen Responsibility
"Members of the Church are grateful for the laws of many nations around the world that protect religious freedom and respect the sacred freedom of conscience.

The Church teaches that its members should sustain and uphold the laws where they reside. These governments enact such laws as in their own judgment are best calculated to secure the public interest. We acknowledge that in exceptional circumstances all individual rights may be reasonably restricted, for a time to protect the safety of the general public.

In times of pandemic or natural disaster the Church will respond to official orders to take needed actions such as cancelling or postponing meetings or other gatherings. The Church and its members are committed to being good citizens and good neighbors. The Church has a long history of reaching out and providing assistance to those in need.

Along with our commitment to be good global citizens, we respectfully assert that reasonable accommodations be extended to all people of faith as they strive to participate in rites, that are foundational to their faith."
(Tad Walch, "Church releases guidelines for weddings, funerals, ordinances during COVID-19 pandemic", Deseret News, Apr 17, 2020)

I feel that not only will we be temporarily blessed in being obedient, we will have spiritual blessings poured out to us for doing so. Those that are disobedient and press for their rights at the wrong time will suffer spiritually if not temporarily for their actions. 

Day 1849

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 19:11-12, 16-17

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 19:11-12, 16-17
“Now it came to pass that the king commanded them that all men should leave their wives and their children, and flee before the Lamanites.
Now there were many that would not leave them, but had rather stay and perish with them. And the rest left their wives and their children and fled.
And now there was one of the sons of the king among those that were taken captive, whose name was Limhi.
And now Limhi was desirous that his father should not be destroyed; nevertheless, Limhi was not ignorant of the iniquities of his father, he himself being a just man.”

What preserved Limhi was his heart being turned to his children, and to his father. His desire was for them not be destroyed. In turn he was able to later help preserve his people by turning their hearts to the Lord. This reminded me of the promise made in Malachi and the words Moroni spoke to Joseph Smith of this promise.

“And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers.If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming”
(Doctrine & Covenants 2:2-3)

Turning our hearts to our children and our fathers is what will preserve us in these latter-days. I've been observing how this pandemic is causing families to shelter together. They are studying the gospel and having church in their homes. This is bringing them closer together. They are also becoming much more active in pursuing their family history. I'm seeing people that have not worked on their family history for years now doing it. Those that never have are now taking an interest in it. The Lord must have a wise purpose in causing us to do this now, as we are preparing ourselves for His second coming. How many doors will open to the missionaries after this pandemic is over, simply because their hearts were softened by sending time with their families. 

Day 1848

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 18:34

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 18:34
"And it came to pass that Alma and the people of the Lord were apprised of the coming of the king's army; therefore they took their tents and their families and departed into the wilderness."

This verse has the footnote that explains who apprised Alma of the king's army coming.

"Now Alma, having been warned of the Lord that the armies of king Noah would come upon them, and having made it known to his people, therefore they gathered together their flocks, and took of their grain, and departed into the wilderness before the armies of king Noah."
(Mosiah 23:1)

It reminds of how Joseph was warned in a dream to take the young child, Jesus and his mother and flee into Egypt. When Herod slew all the children in Bethlehem Jesus was not there. I thought about how important it is to live close to the spirit and the power of personal revelation. When we listen and obey the saints of God are one step ahead of those that wish to destroy us. Later in the case of Alma's people being captured their burdens were made light because of their faith in Christ. Later they were saved in a miraculous way.

Day 1847

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 17:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 17:4
"But he fled from before them and hid himself that they found him not. And he being concealed for many days did write all the words which Abinadi had spoken."

I pondered on all the great spiritual writings that occurred because someone was concealed or in bondage at the time. One of the greatest would have to be the Book of Revelations while John the beloved was banished to the isles of Patmos. Then there is Paul's writing while a prisoner in Caesarea. Ether, Mormon and Moroni all wrote while in hiding. Joseph Smith had to seek refuge while translating the Book of Mormon and was in prison when revelations were received. Some of the revelations received while in Liberty Jail are among my most treasured verses.

"And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murders, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
(Doctrine and Covenants 122:7)

I pondered on how touched I have been on reading the story of Abinadi as recorded by Alma. What an effect all the spiritual writings and revelations have been by these prophets. Now I wonder what will come from the writings in my day? Alma didn't know he was going to be a prophet when he recorded the words of Abinadi. It made me think how important it is to record our spiritual experiences and events as we are going through them. How someday these words may strengthen our posterity in knowing we saw the hand of the Lord in our lives. If He can strengthen someone like me, then surely He will strengthen them.


Day 1846

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 16:5, 12

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 16:5, 12
"But remember that he that persists in his own carnal nature, and goes on in the ways of sin and rebellion against God, remaineth in his fallen state and the devil hath all power over him. Therefore he is as though there was no redemption made, being an enemy to God; and also is the devil an enemy to God.
Having gone according to their own carnal wills and desires; having never called upon the Lord while the arms of mercy were extended towards them; for the arms of mercy were extended towards them, and they would not; they being warned of their iniquities and yet they would not depart from them; and they were commanded to repent and yet they would not repent."

As I pondered over these verses I now believe the person being spoken of had full knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ and then chose to turn back to their carnal nature and will. They openly rebelled against God, and his prophets. At that point the devil has all power over them. I would think then it would include blindness to their true state. When the prophet or church leader calls them to repentance they choose not to. I can see such a person then calling that oppression and doing all they can to fight against the church. This is such a slippery path one sets themselves on. The whole time the Lord's arms are stretched out still to them. Mercy and forgiveness will be extended when they desire to repent. Loving church leaders try to call them back but they are deaf to it. What a sad state to allow the devil to have all power over you. What a tragedy and loss. Sadly, in the end the judgment that will be held against them by the Lord will absolutely be just, for this is what they had chosen for themselves. This is why I have to be so careful to do the Father's will and not my will.

"For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father."
(Mosiah 3:19)

Day 1845

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 15:15

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 15:15
"And O how beautiful upon the mountains were their feet!"

Such a simple verse but it unlocked a stream of tears and such longing to go to the temple. I have been very good and obedient this whole time I have been unable to go to the temple, attend church or leave the house. My home has been a place a refuge from the storm. I have had no sense of loss or feeling of being deprived. Tonight I feel the loss. It's been 37 days since I last step inside the house of the Lord and oh how I wish tonight my feet could stand there. Truly if there was one reason I could leave the house it would be to go there. Then this beautiful thought comforted me. There are those on the other side of veil wanting so badly to have their saving ordinances done in the house of the Lord. They need me there. They are praying for this day and night too. This condition will be but a small moment in time.

"She Will Find What is Lost"

 by Brian Kershisnik

Day 1844

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 14:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 14:2
"For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground; he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him."

I cannot picture that the Savior would be homely or ugly. Yet this verse I often think that is what it is saying. Then I pondered on it, and thought about what the world considers beauty, and how that is often achieved by falsehood and deception. It can set an unachievable standard. Seriously, how many women right now are worried about their roots showing? In that light I could picture the Savior being a good looking man, but not considered beautiful by worldly standards. He would not put on airs that would make worldly crowds desire him. Only those attracted to light would recognize the Lord when they see him.

Day 1843

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 13:11

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 13:11
"And now I read unto you the remainder of the commandments of God, for I perceive that they are not written in your hearts; I perceive that ye have studied and taught iniquity the most part of your lives."

Abinadi is speaking to king Noah and his priests. He is testifying of the coming of Christ, telling them of their iniquities and reciting the ten commandments. What struck me when reading this verse is not only did these people not have the commandment written in their hearts, it was purposely done. They were studying and taught iniquity. It shows me how careful I have to be about what I am studying and who I am listening to. They must have been involved in priestcrafts because they had twisted the gospel and lost the true purpose behind the law of Moses. The same danger exists today. This is why I must read and ponder the scriptures in my heart every daily.

Day 1842

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 12:34-35

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 12:34-35
"I am the Lord thy God, who hath brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Thou shalt have no other God before me."

The reason these verses stood out to me is because this world is suffering a pandemic. We are all taking refuge in our homes and for some it is a "house of bondage". Why is that? Because we have put other gods before the one true God. He's waiting for the world to wake up to our awful plight. These are the voices of warning. Today I've not only read about the plague, I also seen earthquakes, volcanoes, tornadoes, food shortages and swarms of locust in the news.

Every time I pray, and even during my fast, I ask that this pandemic will end. Each time the answer is, it will end when we've learned what we were all suppose to learn. In the mean time my house of refuge is exactly that. It's safe and I feel peace. I know the Lord is watching over our little family. He is inspiring us in what we need to do to maintain that peace. We are blessed in the middle of a crises. I think back on the 16 months of suffering I went through before my knee surgery. One of the greatest things I learned was patience. That lesson in patience is serving me well now. Today there are new lessons being taught and I know they will be important skills I will need for the future. These days are not lost opportunities, they are blessings that will serve me well in days to come, if I let the Lord lead me where I need to go. 

Day 1841

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 11:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 11:5
"For he put down all the priests that had been consecrated by his father, and consecrated new ones in their stead, such as were lifted up in the pride of their hearts."

I have often wondered if Abinadi was one of the priests of Zeniff that king Noah removed. For it says he "was a man among them". Abinadi shows he understands the role of the priest when he says...

"And now Abinadi said unto them: Are you priests, and pretend to teach this people, and to understand the spirit of prophesying, and yet desire to know of me what these things mean?"
(Mosiah 12:25)

If only the king and his priests would have listened to Abinadi instead of trying to destroy him. It's just as important for us to listen to a prophet today as it was for them in the days of king Noah.

Day 1840

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 10:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 10:14
"And his brethren were wroth with him because they understood not the dealings of the Lord; they were also wroth with him upon the waters because they hardened their hearts against the Lord."

This chapter does a good job explaining why the Lamanites had such a hatred of the Nephites. How because of the false traditions of their fathers they felt wronged by the Nephites, first when being made to flee Jerusalem and wronged in the wilderness, then while crossing the sea, then when they landed in the new world. All this because they felt they had a right to lead the people, even when Nephi was favored of the Lord. Why was Nephi favored? Because he was obedient and faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord. The stunning thing to me is all of them passed through the same experiences. The difference is who they turned to and trusted in time of need.

From this feeling of being wronged they became wroth with the Nephites. Why?  Because they did not understand the dealings of the Lord. Four times it described how they were wroth. From this the emotions turn to feeling robbed to hate, murder, robbing and plunder. Becoming cunning, lying, craftiness, deceiving and seek to destroy. It is amazing to me how after knowing the goodness of the Lord that a heart can harden when they turn away from God. Not only do the people turn from the Lord it turns against His people for generations. That anger and hatred can become all consuming. The ability to prosper leaves them because all they seek is to live off of the work of others. The ingratitude and feeling of entitlement then sweeps over them. Then they seek to take the Lord's people into bondage and over power them. I think there are a great number of Lamanites in our land.

Day 1839

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 9:3, 17

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 9:3, 17
"And yet, I being over-zealous to inherit the land of our fathers, collected as many as were desirous to go up to possess the land, and started again on our journey into the wilderness to go up to the land; but we were smitten with famine and sore afflictions; for we were slow to remember the Lord our God.
Yea, in the strength of the Lord did we go forth to battle against the Lamanites; for I and my people did cry mightily to the Lord that he would deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, for we were awakened to a remembrance of the deliverance of our fathers."

My family just finished our fast for today. We were fasting on Good Friday as the prophet asked and prayed that God would control the pandemic, protect the caregivers, that the economy would be strengthened, and life normalized. All day I have wondered if the world is ready for this pandemic to be over? Not like are you tired and done with it. But, have we sufficiently turned our hearts back to God. I guess the way we will know is by what happens next. Until then we will continue to have periods of fasting until we've learned all that we are suppose to learn from this. The primary thing is as Zeniff and his people learned, to be awakened to a remembrance of our God.

Day 1838

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 8:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 8:13
"Ammon said unto him: I can assuredly tell thee, O king, of a man that can translate the records; for he has wherewith that he can look, and translate all records that are of ancient date; and it is a gift from God. And the things are called interpreters, and no man can look in them except he be commanded, lest he should look for that he ought not and he should perish. And whosoever is commanded to look in them, the same is called seer."

As I was reading this I thought once again how I wished we could have the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon. I wondered if President Russell M. Nelson could be such a prophet and seer? Then the Spirit said "He is."

Then I realized the only difference is if he's the prophet when the Lord says it's time for us to have them. That last part makes all the difference.

 Limhi and his people had the Jaredite plates, but no seer to translate them. The seer didn't come until the people had repented and were ready for the message. The Lord will put in place the records, and seer when the people are ready.

Day 1837

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 7:17-18, 33

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 7:17-18, 33
"And now, it came to pas on the morrow that king Limhi sent a proclamation among all his people, that thereby they might gather themselves together to the temple, to hear the words which he should speak unto them.
And it came to pass that when they had gathered themselves unto them in this wise, saying: O ye, my people, lift up your heads and be comforted; for behold, the time is at hand, or is not far distant, when we shall no longer be in subjection to our enemies, notwithstanding our many struggles, which have been in vain; yet I trust there remaineth an effectual struggle to be made.
But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage."

I could not help but think of General Conference this past weekend. How President Russell M. Nelson did issue a proclamation. How we were told there would be an end to this pandemic. We were invited to fast this coming Good Friday for the pandemic to be controlled, caregivers protected, the economy strengthened and life to normalize. What hope filled my soul listening to these words, I know relief will come soon. That it is only through the hearts of the people worldwide turning to the Lord, that we will be released from our bondage. I can understand how Limhi's people must have felt being under the bondage of the Lamanites and seeing people from Zarahemla arrive. What hope must have filled their hearts.

Day 1836

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 6:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 6:1
"And now, king Benjamin thought it was expedient, after having finished speaking to the people, that he should take the names of all those who had entered into a covenant with God to keep his commandments."

This made me think of two scriptures I had been meaning to look up for a few days now. I wanted to read about the books we are judged from.

"Now, the nature of this ordinance consists in the power of the priesthood, by the revelation of Jesus Christ, wherein it is granted that whatsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Or, in other words, taking a different view of the translation, whatsoever you record on earth shall be recorded in heaven, and whatsoever you do not record on earth shall not be recorded in heaven; for out of the books shall your dead be judged, according to their own works, whether they themselves have attended to the ordinances in their own propria persona, or by the mean to their own agents, according to the ordinance which God has prepared for their salvation from before the foundation of the world, according to the records which they have kept concerning their dead."
(Doctrine and Covenants 128:8)

"And I saw the dead, small and great stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."
(Revelation 20:12, 15)

Day 1835

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 5:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 5:13
"For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?"

This made me think of a conversation I had and I was trying to explain something and why a certain behavior troubled me. Then I had this thought to say "Just ask yourself what would President Nelson do in that situation?"  As soon as I said that the matter was very clear on what the correct position should be.

So why did thinking of President Nelson make a difference in the discussion?  Because we've seen President Nelson all these years and know his goodness. He is not a stranger to us. As a prophet we know he would do as the Savior would have him do. That he would seek to understand the Savior's heart and will. 

As I ponder on this verse I know that as I read the scriptures and faithfully do as I have been asked that I will come to know the heart of my Savior and master, Jesus Christ. He will not be stranger to me. I can picture what he would want me to do. In that way I will work to serve and do good things as he did. With that thought close to my heart I will have the compass that I need that will bring me back to Him.

Day 1834

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 4:19, 21

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 4:19, 21
"For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and rainment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every king?
And now, if God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent for your lives and for all that ye have and are, doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith, believing that ye shall receive, O then, how ye ought to impart of the substance that ye have one to another."

I had two thoughts as I read this. One was on some examples of selfishness that I have seen rise out of people. I have kept my mouth quiet when I've seen those posts because they just make me incredibly sad. These individuals truly believe their needs are greater than others, even when it could mean other people's lives. What I am seeing is an inability to make personal sacrifices for others. It just breaks my heart.

The other one was a talk by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland today.

"As the world battles an “all hands on deck war” with COVID-19, many still have hopes that have not yet been fulfilled.“When we have conquered it — and we will — may we be equally committed to freeing the world from the virus of hunger and freeing neighborhoods and nations from the virus of poverty,” and hope for safer schools and the gift of personal dignity for every child. Many have deeply personal hopes in addition to these global desires, including marriage, overcoming an addiction, help for a wayward child, or for physical or emotional pain to stop."
(Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "A Perfect Brightness of Hope", April 2020 General Conference)

It's no wonder at the end of the Jaredite and Nephite civilizations that both prophets spoke of the need for charity, the pure love of Christ. That at its very basic level means an ability to see each other as human, and a desire to lift those around us to relieve their pain. Yes, I do see examples of that happening around me. But, I cannot help and think that having charity or not is part of the separation of the wheat and tares. What I am observing is that instead of a "Me" attitude I need the ability to make sacrifices to lift others.

Day 1833

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 3:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 3:17
"And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent."

As I searched and pondered this chapter I thought "what is the most important verse for me to know?" This is the one that I selected. Without the atonement made by Jesus Christ there would have been no salvation possible for the children of men. How grateful I am for my Savior Jesus Christ and all he has done for me.

Day 1832

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 2:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 2:6
"And they pitched their tents round about the temple, every man having his tent with the door thereof towards the temple, that thereby they might remain in their tents and hear the words which king Benjamin should speak unto them;"

So many good verses in this chapter but I can only keeping thinking about this one. Tomorrow General Conference begins and all of us will in our homes and listening to the words which the prophet and apostles will speak. I am so excited I just can't wait.

Day 1831

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 1:18

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 1:18
"And now, it came to pass that Mosiah went and did as his father had commanded him, and proclaimed unto all the people who were in the land of Zarahemla that thereby they might gather themselves together, to go up to the temple to hear the words which his father should speak unto them."

The realization that I will be reading king Benjamin's address to his people at the same time as General Conference this weekend has just hit me. I liken this coming general conference as a king Benjamin moment for the church. For we will all be in our homes watching conference this year, similar to how they sat with the doors of their tents facing forward. Oh, how my heart cannot wait to listen to the words of the prophet.

Like Mosiah I am going to invite everyone to come and watch General Conference this weekend. It promises to not only be memorable, but also unforgettable. At this time when the world needs hope, comfort, peace, and spiritual and physical relief its time to sit and listen to a prophet's voice and hear the word of the Lord. This article lists times and ways to listen from your home.

Day 1830

Today's Favorite Verse: Words of Mormon 1:3-4

Today's Favorite Verse: Words of Mormon 1:3-4
"And now, I speak somewhat concerning that which I have written; for after I had made an abridgment from  the plates of Nephi, down to the reign of this king Benjamin, of whom Amaleki spake, I searched among the records which had been delivered into my hands, and I found these plates, which contained this small account of the prophets, from Jacob down to the reign of this king Benjamin, and also many of the words of Nephi.
And the things which are upon these plates pleasing me, because of the prophecies of the coming of Christ; and my fathers knowing that many of them have been fulfilled; yea, and I also know that as many things as have been prophesied concerning us down to this day have been fulfilled, and as many as go beyond this day must surely come to pass - "

What struck me this time reading Mormon's account is that he had just finished abridging the plates of Nephi down to the time of king Benjamin. It is then that he finds these other plates of the same account. What he reads is pleasing to him. I can just imagine him wondering if he needed to start all over the work he had just done. It goes on to tell that he adds these plates to his record because the spirit whispers it is for wise purpose to do so. I know the purpose now. It's because the first 116 pages translated by Joseph Smith contained the records Moroni originally abridged, and those where later lost. In its place the Lord had prepared the small plates of Nephi to tell an even greater spiritual account.

I can just imagine Mormon wondering if he failed when he first abridged the plates of Nephi and then found the more pleasing smaller plates of Nephi. It gives me an appreciation in doing something and it not turning out quite right. It is never a failure or waste. There is purpose in the entire experience if I let it. 

Day 1829