"And it came to pass that thus passed away the ninety and fifth year also, and the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds, and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and seen -
Imagining up some vain thing in their hearts, that it was wrought by men and by the power of the devil, to lead away and deceive the hearts of the people; and thus by Satan get possession of the hearts of the people again, insomuch that he did blind their eyes and lead them away to believe that the doctrine of Christ was a foolish and a vain thing.
And it came to pass that the people began to wax strong in wickedness and abominations; and they did not believe that there should be any more signs or wonders given; and Satan did go about, leading away the hearts of the people, tempting them and causing them that they should do great wickedness in the land."
In contrast to these verses I thought about what President Nelson recently said an General Conference.
"We live in the day that “our forefathers have awaited with anxious expectation.” We have front-row seats to witness live what the prophet Nephi saw only in vision, that “the power of the Lamb of God” would descend “upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.”
You, my brothers and sisters, are among those men, women, and children whom Nephi saw. Think of that!
Regardless of where you live or what your circumstances are, the Lord Jesus Christ is your Savior, and God’s prophet Joseph Smith is your prophet. He was foreordained before the foundation of the earth to be the prophet of this last dispensation, when “nothing shall be withheld” from the Saints. Revelation continues to flow from the Lord during this ongoing process of restoration."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Hear Him", April 2020, General Conference)
...and also this.
"Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."
Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", April 2018, General Conference)
I sat and pondered on what has been happening this year. As a family we have remarked that as we follow the "Come, Follow Me" schedule and read the Book of Mormon how much we find applying to our day. So what is this pandemic? I would have to guess it's a voice of warning. What is the warning? Maybe so we don't begin to practice imagining vain things in our hearts, become spiritual blind and dismiss the purpose of what we are to be learning through all this. How careful we have to be to not be deceived and lead away by the power of the devil. We have to be so careful about what sides we are joining. Probably best to join no sides and just side with the Lord and his prophets.
If Satan can blind people in a short 9 years after the sign was given of the birth of Christ, have them dismiss it and not believe, how much more powerful must he be right now to blind people to the truth of what is happening around them. How much more prepared will they be to deny the marvelous works that are to come?
Day 1939
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