Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 4:6-7, 16

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 4:6-7, 16
"For the Lord said unto me: They shall not go forth unto the Gentiles until the day that they shall repent of their iniquity, and become clean before the Lord.
And in that day that they shall exercise faith in me, saith the Lord, even as the brother of Jared did, that they may become sanctified in me, then will I manifest unto them the things which the brother of Jared saw, even to the unfolding unto them all my revelations, saith Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of the heavens and of the earth, and all things that in them are.
And then shall my revelations which I have caused to be written by my servant John be unfolded in the eyes of all the people. Remember, when ye see these things, ye shall know that the time is at hand that they shall be made manifest in very deed."

Moroni is speaking of the writings of the brother of Jared, that record all things until the end of the world. Moroni was commanded to seal them up. They were first sealed when king Benjamin translated them, until after Christ's resurrection when he appeared to them. It wasn't until 400 years later when all were wicked that Moroni was commanded to seal them up again. They will not come forth until the Gentiles have fully repented and with a broken heart and contrite spirit exercise the same faith that the brother of Jared had. It did make me ponder on how great a sifting of the wheat and tares would have to take place before this happened. Then again it also sounds like when one is spiritually ready the records could be shown to one with great faith. If any have seen it we would never know. For something sealed is not something one would talk about.

This sealed portion of the Book of Mormon is not the only thing that is to come. There are even more records of John to come. The ones that we already have will become clearer to our understanding. There is much to look forward to. Yet, I can appreciate the need to hold something back until one is spiritually ready to handle it. There is great wisdom in the Lord in not showing us something when we are not ready.

Day 1981

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 3:4-5

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 3:4-5
"And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man; therefore touch these stones, O Lord, with thy finger, and prepare them that they may shine forth in darkness; and they shall shine forth unto us in the vessels which we have prepared, that we may have light while we shall cross the sea.
Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men."

After the brother of Jared had gone to the Lord to inquiry on how they will light the vessels as they travel upon the waters, the Lord said "what will ye that I should prepare for you.."  meaning the brother of Jared had to study this out and come back specifically asking for the Lord to do something to light the vessels. The brother of Jared did study it out and prepared 16 white clear stones that appeared as transparent glass. He then asks the Lord to touch them to make them shine to light their way. What happened then because of his great faith the brother of Jared saw the finger of the Lord as He touched each stone. Then the Lord shows His full spirit body to him because Jared's brother could not be kept within the veil. After this the brother of Jared is shown all things until the end of the world. He was commanded to write them and seal them up. Someday we will be worthy to receive them. 

As I was reflecting on this and the brother of Jared's perfect knowledge of the Lord, these verses held more meaning. The next verse begins, "And it came to pass that when the brother of Jared had said these words..." These were important words, it showed the brother of Jared's faith in the Lord's ability to do anything. Jared's brother is baring his testimony before God of the Lord's great power. There is so much humility in the full dialog leading up to this miraculous event.

It made me ponder on how often I skip this part in my prayers. I need to do better at this. I'm great at asking and thanking but weak in acknowledging before God how powerful He and His Son are. It made me think how often when you are filled with the spirit and bare your testimony of the truthfulness of a gospel principle, how you come to understand it more deeply yourself. Acknowledging who God is before God would make your testimony even stronger. I have memories of doing this at times, why haven't I done this more?

Day 1980

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 2:10, 12

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 2:10, 12
"For behold, this is a land which is choice above all other lands; wherefore he that doth possess it shall serve God or shall be swept off; for it is the everlasting decree of God. And it is not until the fulness of iniquity among the children of the land, that they are swept off.
Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, who hath been manifested by the things which we have written."

Many thoughts on this chapter but I don't know if I can express them. I reflected a lot on the condition of this wonderful land I live in and how iniquity is displayed all over the news. If it wasn't for the God-fearing people that still live here, I think we would have been swept off this land. It happened to the Jaredites. It happened to the Nephites. With an everlasting decree it means if we don't meet the condition of serving God in this land then we will be wiped off too. I can't change anyone else, but what I can do is serve God with all my heart. As I pondered on this, I think serving God is the most patriotic thing I could do for my country.

Day 1979

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 1:38-39

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 1:38-39
"And it came to pass that Jared spake again unto his brother, saying: Go and inquire of the Lord whether he will drive us out of the land, and if he will drive us out of the land, cry unto him whither we shall go. And who knoweth but the Lord will carry us forth into a land which is choice above all the earth? And if it so be, let us be faithful unto the Lord, that we may receive it for our inheritance.
And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did cry unto the Lord according to that which had been spoken by the mouth of Jared."

I am now into the book of Ether. The last prophet among the Jaredites. It begins with the genealogy of Ether a direct descendant of Jared. The Jaredites are led to this land after the languages were confounded at the Tower of Babel. The Jaredites language was not confounded so the book of Ether would have been a language no one else spoke. It had to be very pure and concise to only be 24 plates but contain the writing of the Old Testament up until the Tower of Babel, plus the history of the Jaredites until its end, covering at least 30 generations. We have just a small part of it translated in the Book of Mormon. More of it is contained in the two-thirds of the Book of Mormon that was not translated, but sealed to come forth later.

What really stands out to me in this chapter is how Jared, who is obviously the head of the family and leader defers to his brother in speaking to the Lord. He is not challenged like I see Laban and Lemuel are with their younger brother Nephi. How different the story of the Book of Mormon would have been if Laban and Lemuel would have looked to their younger brother Nephi in matters that required spiritual guidance from the Lord.

Day 1978

Today's Favorite Verse: Mormon 9:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Mormon 9:8
"Behold I say unto you, he that denieth these things knoweth not the gospel of Christ; yea, he has not read the scriptures; if so, he does not understand them."

I have this note in my scriptures.

"Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained the connection between scriptures and personal revelation: "What makes [Latter-day Saints] different from most other Christians in the way we read and use the Bible and other scriptures is our belief in continuing revelation. For us, the scriptures are not the ultimate source of knowledge, but what precedes the ultimate source. The ultimate knowledge comes by revelation. With Moroni we affirm that he who denieth revelation 'knoweth not the gospel of Christ' (Mormon 9:8). The word of the Lord in the scriptures is like a lamp to guide our feet (see Ps. 119:105), and revelation is like a mighty force that increases the lamp's illumination manyfold. We encourage everyone to make careful study of the scriptures and of the prophetic teachings concerning them and to prayerfully seek personal revelation to know their meaning for themselves."
("Scripture Reading and Revelation", Ensign, Jan 1995, 7)

I have come to find that personal revelation that comes when pondering the scriptures may teach new things to me, but it is never an original thought. There is always another witness. I will find a second and third witness by other scriptures, words of the prophets, and general conference talks. I can know that the personal revelation I receive is true when it supports these other witnesses. If it does not and is counter to the counsel given by the prophets, then I know that revelation is from the wrong source. Reading and storing up the words of God in my mind is so important in this process. How else can the spirit bring to remembrance other witnesses if I have nothing for it to work from?

Day 1977

Today's Favorite Verse: Mormon 8:2-3, 35

Today's Favorite Verse: Mormon 8:2-3, 35
"And now it came to pass that after the great and tremendous battle at Cumorah, behold, the Nephites who had escaped into the country southward were hunted by the Lamanites, until they were all destroyed.
And my father also was killed by them, and I even remain alone to write the sad tale of the destruction of my people. But behold, they are gone, and I fulfil the commandment of my father. And whether they will slay me, I know not.
Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing."

Mormon has died and Moroni finishes the plates for his father. He will then hide up the records in the earth to be brought forth when the Lord sees fit. I was struck while reading this that Mormon knows nothing about his remaining days. 

He says "whither I go it mattereth not." (vs 4), I am alone..how long the Lord will suffer that I may live I know not (vs 5), no one knoweth the end of the war (vs 8), regarding the disciples of Jesus who tarried in the land... whether they be upon the face of the land no man knoweth (vs 10), they have ministered unto us (vs 11).

What he does know is our days. Moroni still had to live by faith for his day to day existence. Yet, by faith he could see our day. I realized that is exactly how we live now. We don't know how things will go for us, and it really doesn't matter. For all things are in the hands of the Lord, if we let him hold it. No matter how dark things may be there is still hope to hold onto that all will be well in the end. 

Day 1976

Today's Favorite Verse: Mormon 7:8-9

Today's Favorite Verse: Mormon 7:8-9
"Therefore repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus, and lay hold upon the gospel of Christ, which shall be set before you, not only in this record but also in the record which shall come unto the Gentiles from the Jews, which record shall come from the Gentiles unto you.
For behold, this is written for the intent that ye may believe that; and if ye believe that ye will believe this also; and if ye believe this ye will know concerning your fathers, and also the marvelous works which were wrought by the power of God among them."

I pondered on how much stronger my testimony of the Book of Mormon has increased, because I read both the Old and New Testaments before hand. The Bible and Book of Mormon support each other and help me come to Christ and love him. The more I study and ponder both I come to understand the doctrine of Christ and know of its truthfulness. I am grateful for what Mormon did to bring this book into my hands. He abridged the records and put in the book what I needed for my day. I am sad knowing these are his final words before handing the plates over to his son Moroni.

Mormon Abridging the Plates by Jon McNaughton

Day 1975

Today's Favorite Verse: Mormon 6:16-20

Today's Favorite Verse: Mormon 6:16-20
"And my soul was rent with anguish, because of the slain of my people, and I cried:
O ye fair ones, how could ye have departed from the ways of the Lord! O ye fair ones, how could ye have rejected that Jesus, who stood with open arms to receive you!
Behold, if ye had not done this, ye would not have fallen. But behold, ye are fallen, and I mourn your loss.
O ye fair sons and daughters, ye fathers and mothers, ye husbands and wives, ye fair ones, how is it that ye could have fallen!
Be behold, ye are gone, and my sorrows cannot bring your return."

These words of Mormon mourning the loss of his people always makes me weep too. There are only 24 remaining out of 230,000 troops. There are women and children also so I have no idea the true number of people that were slaughtered. The saddest part is it could have been prevented. Even if there is prophecy that something will happen, its always up to the people at that time that cause it to happen. They have their agency to not be part of it.

"And the day soon cometh that your mortal must put on immortality, and these bodies which are now moldering in corruption must soon become incorruptible bodies; and then ye must stand before the judgment seat of Christ, to be judged according to your works; and if it so be that ye are righteous, then are ye blessed with your fathers who have gone before you.
O that ye had repented before this great destruction had come upon you. But behold, ye are gone, and the Father, yea, the Eternal Father of heaven, knoweth your state; and he doeth with you according to his justice and mercy."
(Mormon 6:21-22)

Day 1974

Today's Favorite Verse: Mormon 5:2, 23

Today's Favorite Verse: Mormon 5:2, 23
"But behold, I was without hope, for I knew the judgments of the Lord which should come upon them; for they repented not of their iniquities, but did struggle for their lives without calling upon that Being who created them."
Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God? Know ye not that he hath all power, and at his great command the earth shall be rolled together as a scroll?"

Mormon agrees to once again lead the Nephites in battle, but he has no hope for them. They have turned their backs on God. I see again that when there is no hope for them he turns to us. To fulfill his mission in preserving and abridging the plates. He gives his counsel and advice which I am sure he wished he could have given to those around him.

I love imagery of being in the hands of God. If I could just stay within His hands I would never be lost or go astray. His hands would watch over me, protect me, sustain me, lift me, support me, give me power and direction to do His will. The comfort and peace knowing you're in God's had and his watchful eye is ever on me, mean we're never alone. I am sure that Mormon felt he was in God's hands.

Day 1973

Today's Favorite Verse: Mormon 4:11-12

Today's Favorite Verse: Mormon 4:11-12, 23
"And it is impossible for the tongue to describe, or for man to write a perfect description of the horrible scene of the blood and carnage which was among the people, both of the Nephites and of the Lamanites; and every heart was hardened, so that they delighted in the shedding of blood continually.
And there never had been so great wickedness among the children of Lehi, nor even among all the house of Israel, according to the words of the Lord, as was among this people.
And now I, Mormon, seeing that the Lamanites were about to overthrow the land, therefore I did go to the hill Shim, and did take up all the records which Ammaron had hid up unto the Lord."

The end is coming for the once great Nephite civilization. They were once the people of God, but the spirit no longer dwelled with them. There were a few faithful and Mormon is one of them. As I'm reading what he wrote, and he couldn't write it all, I wonder what would I do when faced with this? Then I see in the last verse Mormon's reaction. He cared for the duty the Lord had entrusted in him. It was obedience. When chaos and turmoil is all around, the peace and ability to function comes when we remain loyal and faithful to the commands of the Lord. Through the guidance of the spirit we will be lead to take what protects and brings peace. The death of the body is not the fear, the fear is the death of the soul, and the spirit within.

Day 1972

Today's Favorite Verse: Mormon 3:16-17

Today's Favorite Verse: Mormon 3:16-17
"And it came to pass that I utterly refused to go up against mine enemies; and I did even as the Lord had commanded me; and I did stand as an idle witness to manifest unto the world the things which I saw and heard, according to the manifestations of the Spirit which had testified of things to come.
Therefore I write unto you, Gentiles, and also unto you, house of Israel, when the work shall commence, that ye shall be about to prepare to return to the land of your inheritance;"

The Lamanites and Nephites are warring with each other. Mormon is leading the Nephites in battle until he sees they boast in their own strength, and began to swear by all things that were forbidden them by the Lord, and seek to avenge themselves of their enemies. This vengeance is not pleasing before Lord. It is then that Mormon refused to lead them anymore. How it must have broken his heart to see the downfall of a people. He has to stand now as an idle witness to their deeds.

Then I realized he really wasn't idle as in having no purpose. For what must have filled his soul is to write - for us. Four times he says "I write". Who is he writing to? He's writing to me. I'm holding these very words in my hands. He saw our day, he really knew how to strengthen us as we face these same situations in life. What solace he must have received for he feed his soul by reading the scriptures, and writing to us. There is a lesson here for when we have to stand as an idle witness. Immerse yourself in the scriptures so you don't lose all hope and faith. 

Day 1971

Today's Favorite Verse: Mormon 2:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Mormon 2:13
"But behold this my joy was vain, for their sorrowing was not unto repentance, because of the goodness of God; but it was rather the sorrowing of the damned, because the Lord would not always suffer them to take happiness in sin."

Alma once said "Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness."(Alma 41:10) Yet, you can look at some mildly wicked and very wicked people and they look happy. They will even tell you they are happy. So if wickedness was never happiness how can this be? The answer is for a season they may know their form of happiness, but it will not always be so. There is no peace, so when challenges come into their lives they do not have it. There can be happiness and joy in the midst of affliction when one knows the goodness of God.

Day 1970

Today's Favorite Verse: Mormon 1:13-14

Today's Favorite Verse: Mormon 1:13-14
"But wickedness did prevail upon the face of the whole land, insomuch that the Lord did take away his beloved disciples, and the work of miracles and of healing did cease because of the iniquity of the people.
And there were no gifts from the Lord, and the Holy Ghost did not come upon any, because of their wickedness and unbelief.
And I, being fifteen years of age and being somewhat of a sober mind, therefore I was visited of the Lord, and tasted and knew of the goodness of Jesus."

Mormon goes on to say that his mouth was shut and he was forbidden to preach to the people. I think this must have been for his own preservation. It appears that the light of Christ within was dimmed by the wicked and they would no longer accept the gospel. That must be why the Holy Ghost did not come upon them. Without faith miracles, healings and the gifts from the Lord could not happen. Yet, Mormon knew of the goodness of Jesus and was visited by Him. There were still good people around for Mormon's son Moroni was righteous and finished the plates for his father. That does show the importance of sharing and teaching the gospel within our homes. I see this as what we'll experience in the winding up scenes of our world. There are wicked but those that remain righteous receive incredible blessings to comfort them. 

Day 1969

Today's Favorite Verse: 4 Nephi 1:15, 20

Today's Favorite Verse: 4 Nephi 1:15, 20
"And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.
And he kept it eighty and four years, and there was still peace in the land, save it were a small part of the people who had revolted from the church and taken upon them the name of Lamanites; therefore there began to be Lamanites again in the land."

This chapter covers nearly 300 years after the coming Jesus Christ. It took two years before everyone was converted. Then they were a people of peace, because of their love of God. I sat and pondered on the contention now in our land, and its cause is a direct result of the people losing their love of God. The chapter goes on to explain that 194 years after the coming of Christ a small group revolted from the church and take the name of Lamanites. This is the point that pride crept in and the people began to love themselves more than God. The remainder of the chapter tells the sad story of their decline. It just breaks my heart because this the path we are on.

I had the following quote in my scriptures. I find it interesting that this was written in 1987, but sounds like it's explains what I'm seeing in the news today.

"Divisiveness is a result of unrighteousness. The following commentary suggests that pride is the beginning of all such divisions and the reason that some individuals "revolted from the church" and took upon themselves the name Lamanites. "Why would it matter to a people what they are called? Why would it be so important for them to be called Lamanites? Why would a group choose to forsake the transcendent privileges of unity in order to be designated by this or that name? The answer is simple: pride. A desire to be different. A yearning to be acknowledged. A fear of being overlooked. A craving for public notice. The righteous feel no need for attention, no desire to be praised, no inclination to demand recognition. The prideful demand their rights, even when they are wrong. The prideful feel that they must do things their way, even when that way is the wrong way. The prideful insist that they must pursue their own path, even when the road they take is wide and broad and leads to destruction."
(Joseph Fielding McConkie, Robert L. Millet, and Brent L. Top, "Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, 4 vols.", [1987-92], 4:204-5)

In the April 1989 General Conference President Ezra Taft Benson's talk "Beware of Pride" was read. At this same conference the future president of the church Russell M. Nelson speaks on the sources of contention and peace. It is the later that we must strive for, especially when contention is all around us. He outlines steps to supplant contention.

"Personal peace is reached when one in humble submissiveness, truly loves God. Heed carefully this scripture: "There was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people." (4 Nephi 1:15)
Thus, love of God should be our aim. It is the first commandment - the foundation of faith. As we develop love of God and Christ, love of family and neighbor will naturally follow. Then will we eagerly emulate Jesus. He healed. He comforted. He taught, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." (Matthew 5:9 and 3 Nephi 12:9)
Through love of God, the pain caused by the fiery canker of contention will be extinguished from the soul. This healing begins with a personal vow: "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me" This commitment will then spread to family and friends and will bring peace to neighborhoods and nations.
Shun contention. Seek godliness. Be enlightened by eternal truth. Be like-minded with the Lord in love and united with Him in faith. Then shall 'the peace of God, which passeth all understanding', be yours, to bless you and your posterity through generations yet to come."
(Russell M. Nelson, "The Canker of Contention", April 1989 General Conference)

Day 1968

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 30:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 30:1-2
"Hearken, O ye Gentiles, and hear the words of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, which he hath commanded me that I should speak concerning you, for, behold he commandeth me that I should write saying:
Turn, all ye Gentiles, from your wicked ways; and repent of your evil doings, of your lyings and deceivings, and of your whoredoms, and of your secret abominations, and your idolatries, and of your murders and your priestcrafts, and your envyings, and your strifes, and from all your wickedness and abominations, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, that ye may receive a remission of your sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost, that ye may be numbered with my people who are of the house of Israel."

This chapter only has these two verses. It caused me to ponder on what it would be like if all these wicked things were removed from our society. How peaceful life would be. The Nephites were able to obtain this in their society for hundreds of years after Jesus Christ appeared unto them. I cannot see our world obtaining this until after the second coming of Jesus Christ. Then I pondered on how that isn't right. It is obtainable for there will be a Zion people prepared for when Christ comes again. It is where Zion, the pure in heart dwell that there will be peace even when there is chaos all around. Building such a people and a place starts within my own home. 

"And it shall be called the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the saints of the Most High God;
And the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be called Zion.
And it shall come to pass among the wicked, that every man that will not take his sword against his neighbor must needs flee unto Zion for safety.
And there shall be gathered unto it out of every nation under heaven; and it shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another.
And it shall be said among the wicked: Let us not go up to battle against Zion, for the inhabitants of Zion are terrible; wherefore we cannot stand.
And it shall come to pass that the righteous shall be gathered out from among all nations, and shall come to Zion, singing with songs of everlasting joy.
(Doctrine and Covenants 45:66-71)

Day 1967

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 29:6

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 29:6
"Yea, wo unto him that shall deny the revelations of the Lord, and that shall say the Lord no longer worketh by revelation, or by prophecy, or by gifts, or by tongues, or by healings, or by the power of the Holy Ghost!"

How grateful I am that I know there is a prophet on the earth today, and that prophet is Russell M. Nelson. When I think of the winding up scenes taking place in preparation for the Lord's Second Coming I cannot imagine not having a prophet to direct us. Of all the times on the earth when God has warned his people of coming destruction he has done so through his prophets. How could I imagine he wouldn't do the same for us today? We are living in the last days and there is much we are going through. If ever the world was in a need of a prophet it is now. I am grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost and how it confirms all these things to me.

Day 1966

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 28:30-33

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 28:30-33
"And they are as the angels of God, and if they shall pray unto the Father in the name of Jesus they can show themselves unto whatsoever man it seemeth them good.
Therefore, great and marvelous works shall be wrought by them, before the great and coming day when all people must surely stand before the judgment-seat of Christ;
Yea even among the Gentiles shall there be a great and marvelous work wrought by them, before that judgment day.
And if ye had all the scriptures which give an account of all the marvelous works of Christ, ye would, according to the words of Christ, know that these things must surely come."

This chapter speaks of the twelve disciples and how three of the Nephite disciples desire the same blessing that John, the beloveth received. To never taste of death and live to behold all the doings of the Father unto the children of men. Then when Christ comes in his glory they will be changed in the twinkling of an eye from mortality to immortality.

I had a new thought while reading the chapter this time. That these three Nephites have a mission, and it must be part of their condition of never being able to die that is necessary in order for them to fulfill that mission. I always connect a great and marvelous work with missionary work. But, now I think there is something more to their role. I found this statement by Orson Pratt on it.

"Do you suppose that these three Nephites have any knowledge of what is going on in this land? They know all about it; they are filled with the spirit of prophecy. Why do they not come into our midst? Because the time has not come. Why do they not lift up their voices in the midst of our congregations? Because there is a work for us to do preparatory to their reception, and when that is accomplished, they will accomplish their work, unto whomsoever they desire to minister. If they shall pray to the Father, says the Book of Mormon, in the name of Jesus, they can show themselves unto whatsoever person or people they choose. (3 Ne. 28:30) The very reason they do not come amongst us is, because we have a work to do preparatory to their coming; and just as soon as that is accomplished they are on hand, and also many other good old worthy ancients that would rejoice our hearts could we behold their countenances, and hear them recite over the scenes they have passed through, and the history of past events, as well as prophesy of the events to come. How great and how precious are the promises of the Lord, contained in ancient revelation!
(Orson Pratt, "Progress of the Work, Etc." JD 2:259)

We have a preparatory work to complete before their great work begins. I wonder what great and marvelous works we will see, when we are ready? It appears it's recorded in the scriptures that we aren't ready for. 

Day 1965

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 27:2-3, 5

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 27:2-3, 5
"And Jesus again showed himself unto them, for they were praying unto the Father in his name; and Jesus came and stood in the midst of them, and said unto them: What will ye that I shall give unto you?"
An they said unto him: Lord, we will that thou wouldst tell us the name whereby we shall call this church: for there are disputations among the people concerning this matter.
Have they not read the scriptures, which say ye must take upon you the name of Christ, which is my name: For by this name shall ye be called at the last day;"

Several things I love here. One is the disciples were praying and Jesus appeared to them. It makes me think of Him doing the same thing today with His prophet and apostles.

He came to settle the matter on what to call the name of the church. He asked them "Have they not read the scriptures." It appears a study of the scriptures should have settled this matter. I wondered where in the bible it made this reference. I saw no references in the Old Testament. There are a handful in the New Testament which the Nephites wouldn't have had. So that leads me to believe the references to call the church in Christ's name must be in some lost scriptures. The rest of the footnotes take me to the Book of Mormon or Doctrine and Covenants.

The church must have the name of Christ and this is what they would be called in the last days. With the restoration of the gospel and the church being restored the name now has that. It is known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We just haven't always been good at using the full name.

This made me go back and review the talk that President Russell M. Nelson gave in the April 2018 General Conference called "The Correct Name of the Church". The Lord had impressed upon his mind the importance of the name He decreed for His Church, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If we would make a course correction in how we refer to the name of the Church and ourselves we were given a power apostolic blessing.

"My dear brothers and sisters, I promise you that if we will do our best to restore the correct name of the Lord’s Church, He whose Church this is will pour down His power and blessings upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints, the likes of which we have never seen. We will have the knowledge and power of God to help us take the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people and to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord."

After being told by President Nelson in the April 2020 General Conference that we have "gone to extraordinary efforts" to make this course correction the blessing was renewed.
"Previously, I promised that if we would “do our best to restore the correct name of the Lord’s Church,” He would “pour down His power and blessings upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints, the likes of which we have never seen.” I renew that promise today."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Opening the Heavens for Help", April 2020 General Conference)

I thought of the corrections I have made to correct how I referred to the church and myself and it feels right. I also thought of the all the blessings I have received in over a year's time. These are hard times we all need these blessings, but it's not over yet. Recently President Nelson said: "Dear friends, the road ahead may be bumpy, but our destination is serene and secure. So, fasten your seatbelt, hang on through the bumps, and do what’s right."

I am grateful that the blessing has been renewed.

Day 1964

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 26:3, 9

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 26:3, 9
"And he did expound all things, even from the beginning until the time that he should come in his glory - yea, even all things which should come upon the face of the earth, even until the elements should melt with fervent heat, and the earth should be wrapt together as a scroll, and the heavens and the earth should pass away;
And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that they should have first, to try their faith, and if it shall so be that they shall believe these things then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them."

Christ expounded all things to the Nephites, a greater part of it was recorded on the plates of Nephi. Moroni was going to write them all but was commanded not to. The Lord wanted to try our faith first before we would be ready to receive greater things.

I remember when this was said by President Spencer W. Kimball: 'When do you think we will get the balance of the Book of Mormon records?' And I have said, 'How many in the congregation would like to read the sealed portion of the plates?' And almost always there is a 100-percent response. And then I ask the same congregation, 'How many of you have read the part that has been opened to us?' And there are many who have not read the Book of Mormon, the unsealed portion. We are quite often looking for the spectacular, the unobtainable. I have found many people who want to live the higher laws when they do not live the lower laws." (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 531-32)

It was at that time that I bought a new set of scriptures and began to read the Book of Mormon, it was one of my many starts and stops in doing so. President Spencer W. Kimball died in 1985 and I wonder how many hands would be raised now saying they have read the Book of Mormon? With this year's "Come, Follow Me" focusing on the Book of Mormon all the hands should be raised.

The more I read the Book of Mormon the more I come to understand I have only begun to scratch the surface of what is contained in it. I am continually amazed at the new insight I see. During family scripture reading tonight I was struck by these words about the 2000 stripling warriors.

"..they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives..." (Alma 56:47

I realized that these young men probably between 12-16 years of age were willing to go through great personal sacrifice and discomfort for the well beings of their fathers. What does that even say about us when we do not want to be discomforted by wearing a simple mask in order to protect the lives of our parents. It is moments like these that I realize there is still so much to learn from the portion of the Book of Mormon I currently have. That if the saints truly had faith in its words it would be apparent by the actions in their lives. As much as I wish I could read the sealed portion, I know I am far from ready for it. Instead of dreaming of what I don't know I need to live and be what is already there.

Day 1963

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 25:1

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 25:1
"For behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble; and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch."

I decided I should ponder on the other verses in this short chapter. For I am always drawn to the coming of Elijah the prophet and its literal fulfillment.

I pondered on how pride or being proud is the root of every sin. It is the door we have to keep shut for when it is open all temptations follow. The adversary knows this and that is how he tempts those that are righteous and trying to do what is right. He will feed on their pride and that is what takes them down. I know pride is what so easily causes me to not hear the spirit as I should. For pride is what takes away humility. It is the leaving of humility and the turning over to pride that causes a spiritual change to take place. I have gotten to the point I can feel it when it is starting to happen. That is only because it has happened often enough, and I've pondered on the path of its progression and downfall that I know my warning signs. This is when I earnestly pray and ask for help to remain humble and not compelled to be humble. To do otherwise is to risk the loss of the spirit to guide me, and some very hard lessons to learn.

Once the spirit is lost to the person the heart is no longer on eternal things. They no longer look to God or care about what is right. They will jeopardize their eternal progression, and family connections for the praise of the world. Living in the great and spacious building means more to them then temple blessings. The temple ordinances and the sealing power to join the roots (parents and ancestors) to their branches (children and posterity) is tossed aside by them. They are left to be consumed as stubble in a field that cannot grow. They are cutoff not only from their families but also from the sealing blessings. More importantly they are cut off from the Lord. Without the Lord there is no eternal progression. What an absolute means of compelling someone to be humbled than to leave them as stubble in the field, that cannot grow.

Day 1962

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 24:10-11

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 24:10-11
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house; and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the fields, saith the Lord of Hosts."

This last verse meant something to me today, because of the fields in the mid-west that lost their crops yesterday. Literally, the storm "cast her fruit before the time of the fields". In the first verse it mentions that the paying of tithes would have prevented this. So did the farmers not pay tithing? I have no idea who even knows or understands this principle now. What I do know is there are some that do, and I'm sure there are even some that paid tithing and lost their crops.

As I reflected on this I realized the farmers crops are not just his crops, they are mine too. I count on their crops and buy from them. In a way they are my crops too. This situation was not just a reflection of a farmer paying tithing or not, its upon a nation that has left God behind them. When God gives the voice of warning all feel the affects of it.

The difference is those that put God first by paying their tithes, and love him with all their hearts, will have eyes that see and ears that hear because the windows of heaven are opened to them. The blessings come when you are inspired in how to protect yourself and loved ones from the suffering that will come. Even with that I sure hope I get a chance to read a story about some farmer that paid his tithing and his crops survived. It's not that I have to see it to believe it, its just that I know it had to have happened and somehow the story has to make its way to me.

Day 1961

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 23:1, 5

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 23:1, 5
"And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah.
And whosoever will hearken unto my words and repenteth and is baptized, the same shall be saved. Search the prophets, for many there be that testify of these things."

The Lord, Jesus Christ is speaking of the scriptures. He tells the Nephites that great are the words of Isaiah. That Isaiah speaks concerning the house of Israel and the Gentiles. That all things he spake have been and will be fulfilled. He says multiple times we are to search the scriptures. Then He had the Nephite records brought before him and he "cast his eyes upon them" and then asks them about the words of Samuel, the Lamanite, and the prophecy that many saints would arise from the dead. It had not been included, and they corrected this error. It does point out that if there are errors in the scriptures they are the errors of men. Then he expounds all the scriptures in one.

How amazing that would have been to have the Savior, Jesus Christ expound the scriptures to me. Then I thought about how over come I would have been and would have probably missed a lot of what he said. Again, I see the importance of having the scriptures so I could go back and ponder on the words that he said. And, not just to read them but to search them. That takes a lot more effort but is so worth it.

I noticed the phrase "search these things diligently" and it made me reflect on Elder Bednar's apostolic blessing yesterday.

"I invoke a blessing upon you that according to your desire and your diligence, that you may be blessed to have eyes to see and ears to hear, the remarkable lessons that can be learned through the constraints that we would not want to experience, but we are now experiencing. I express my love to you. I declare my witness and I invoke these blessings upon you in the sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."
(David A. Bednar, "Apostolic Blessing", Utah American Fork (South) - Member Devotional, Sunday, August 9, 2020)

I had felt the part of the condition of receiving this blessing was not only the desire but my diligence, and to me that included reading the scriptures. Now I see a correlation to this by the words of the Savior himself.

I reflected on the progress I have made since Christmas 2010 when I received a new set of scriptures. I committed to reading my scriptures every day and I have never missed. I had been so ill that I struggled to read and comprehend so the doctor told me to read out loud to myself. I needed to hear and see the words to make the connections. Instead I listened to the scriptures recordings and followed along in my new set. It took years to comprehend again and be able to read by myself. My brain healed and has expanded in strength, all from reading the scriptures. I love them and it is the best part of my day.

President Gordon B. Hinckley was so right when he said "I am grateful for the emphasis on reading the scriptures. I hope that for you this will become something far more enjoyable than a duty; that, rather, it will become a love affair with the word of God. I promise you that as you read, your minds will be enlightened and your spirits will be lifted. At first it may seem tedious, but that will change into a wondrous experience with thoughts and words of things divine."
(Gordon B. Hinckly, "The Light within You", April 1995, General Conference)

Day 1960

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 22:2

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 22:2
"Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thy habitations; spare not, lengthen thy cords and strengthen thy stakes;"

I saw this happen today. For some blessed reason my stake was invited to a devotional with church headquarters. From my home I listened to Elder David A. Bednar, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Elder Terence M. Vinson, Presidency of the Seventy, and his wife Kay Vinson; Elder Craig C. Christensen, Utah Area President, and his wife Debbie Christensen. In unity they strengthened this stake of Zion and me.

I have had so many things come to my mind as I have pondered their words this Sabbath day. I wanted to share what I took notes on and stood out to me, but I can't. Not that anyone said I couldn't, its just that they are so deep inside of my heart and welding together it just isn't time yet. There is one thing I will share, the apostolic blessing that Elder David A. Bednar left us with.

"I invoke a blessing upon you that according to your desire and your diligence, that you may be blessed to have eyes to see and ears to hear, the remarkable lessons that can be learned through the constraints that we would not want to experience, but we are now experiencing. I express my love to you. I declare my witness and I invoke these blessings upon you in the sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen." 
(David A. Bednar, "Apostolic Blessing", Utah American Fork (South) - Member Devotional, Sunday, August 9, 2020)

I realize that what I have experienced after this blessing is that my eyes and ears are beginning to see and hear, and learn. What a strength this has left this little grain of sand in the kingdom. I have been so blessed.

Day 1959

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 21:28-29

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 21:28-29
"Yea, and then shall the work commence, with the Father among all nations in preparing the way whereby his people may be gathered home to the land of their inheritance.
And they shall go out from all nations; and they shall not go out in haste, nor go by flight, for I will go before them, saith the Father, and I will be their rearward."

It's funny how long ago February seems now. It was when the pandemic first started and missions were closing and missionaries were starting to come home. Then the nations began closing their borders and calling their people home. That is when I reflected on this verse and could see how the Lord can do amazing things when he begins to call his people home to the land of their inheritance. This time people did leave somewhat in haste and many took flights, but one day it will be that final call home. Who knows maybe this was just the start of it. There is no doubt the Lord was the missionaries' rearward in guiding them safely home.


Day 1958

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 20:40

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 20:40
"And then shall they say: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings unto them, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings unto them of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion: Thy God reigneth!"

I enjoyed reading all the notes I had put in my scriptures in this chapter. This one I had found in the Book of Mormon Student Manual.

"Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that this wonderfully description phrase, "how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings unto them, that publisheth peace", refers to those who spread the Lord's gospel , but that it more specifically refers to the Savior Himself: "These familiar passages, written first by Isaiah but spoken of an inspired by Jehovah himself, are often applied to anyone - especially missionaries - who bring the good tidings of the gospel and publish peace to the souls of men. There is nothing inappropriate about such an application, but it is important to realize - as the prophet Abinadi did - that in its purest form and original sense, this psalm of appreciation applies specifically to Christ. It is he and only he who ultimately brings the good tidings of salvation. Only through him is true, lasting peace published. To Zion, in both the old and new Jerusalems, it is Christ who declares, 'Thy God reigneth!' It is his feet upon the mountains of redemption that are beautiful'
(Jeffrey R. Holland, "Christ and the New Covenant" [1997], 286)

This made me want to find those passages Elder Holland mentions. In Mosiah 15:14-18 I found the reference to Abinadi's words and had an even deeper appreciation for how he knew the Savior. Even to the point he would share his testimony to those that would take his life for it. I made me ponder again the sacrifice the Lord has made for me. It is indeed beautiful.

Day 1957

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 19:6, 18, 22-23

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 19:6, 18, 22-23
"And the twelve did teach the multitude; and behold, they did cause that the multitude should kneel down upon the face of the earth, and should pray unto the Father in the name of Jesus.
And behold, they began to pray; and they did pray unto Jesus, calling him their Lord and their God.
Father, thou has given them the Holy Ghost because they believe in me; and thou seest that they believe in me because thou hearest them, and they pray unto me; and they pray unto me because I am with them.
And now Father, I pray unto thee for them, and also for all those who shall believe on their words, that they may believe in me, that I may be in them as thou, Father, art in me, that we may be one."

In this remarkable chapter the Nephites prepare through the night for the coming of Jesus on the morrow. The multitude that gathers is so great the twelve that were called have to break into separate bodies. From there the twelve teach them to pray. They pray to the Father in the name of Jesus Christ. They pray for the Holy Ghost to be given to them. Then the twelve go down into the water and are baptized. The Holy Ghost does fall upon them and they are encircled by fire. Angels come down and minister unto them. Then Jesus comes and stands in the midst of them and ministered to them. Then he commands his disciples to pray. This is where it is unique. For their prayer now is to Jesus himself and not to the Father, and why is that? I have this in my scripture notes and not really sure where I found it.

"There is no place in scripture where we are taught to pray to Jesus. In this unique instance, however, the disciples offered prayers to the Son instead of the Father. Elder Bruce R. McConkie suggests a reason this occurred. "There was a special reason why this was done in this instance and on a onetime basis. Jesus had already taught them to pray in his name to the Father; praying to him, it was as though they prayed to the Father. It was a special and unique situation. (The Promised Messiah: The First Coming of Christ [1978], 560-61). It should also be noted that the Savior specifically stated that the people were praying to Him on this occasion because, as He said, "I am with them" (3 Nephi 19:22). Furthermore, on this occasion "they did not multiply many words, for it was given unto them what they should pray" (3 Nephi 19:24)

Day 1956

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 18:20

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 18:20
"And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you."

I have thought a lot on this and I hope I can put it into words. I do not believe that just because I want something bad enough and it is good that I can pray and it will happen. I do believe that the answers to my prayers are according to the Father's will. If the Father's will is that something does or doesn't happen then that is what will happen. So what is the role of prayer? To me the key is knowing by the spirit what to ask for. If I am in tune with the spirit I will know what I should or shouldn't ask for. It is through the promptings of the spirit that I will not ask amiss, and that which I pray for will be according to the Father's will and be right. When the spirit bears witness to me that what I ask is right then with faith and belief I will receive it.

I have experienced being stopped from asking for something, even when it is a good or righteous thing. In those moments I have come to learn to accept the Father's will for me, and been at peace over the matter. It takes just as much faith to accept when something is not right to ask for, as it does to ask for something when it is right.

Day 1955

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 17:3

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 17:3
"Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again."

I love this chapter. So many beautiful things to ponder on. Jesus speaks of the lost tribes and he will leave to go visit them. He has them bring their sick and afflicted to him so he can heal them. He has the little children brought to him and he kneels upon the earth and prays for them. The multitude are over come and weep for joy. Christ's joy is full and he weeps several times. He then blesses the children one by one. Angels come down from heaven and circle the little children with fire and minister to them. There were 2,500 men, women and children that witnessed all this. They say "eye hath never seen, neither hath the ear heard, before, so great and marvelous things as we saw and heard Jesus speak unto the Father." (vs 16)  What a miraculous experience this must have been. I just weep reading it. 

As I looked for my verse to ponder on I am reminded of something I am seeing happening among the saints. The prophet told us to seek personal revelation, and that it is vitally important that we understand how the spirit speaks to us. It is that last part, the learning how the spirit speaks to us, that I see some not grasping it and being led astray. For when the spirit speaks it will never counsel you to go against the words of the prophet and those with priesthood authority over you. If you feel you are listening to Jesus over the prophet (as I've heard some refer to as man) then you are mistaken about what spirit you are receiving revelation from. I feel it is no accident that we are called to be in our homes at this time, and taught to ponder the scriptures. It is important that we understand and prepare ourselves for all things that will be restored. It is important to see that when Christ leaves he has his chosen apostles to watch over His sheep. That means listening to them. 

“Go ye unto your homes, and ponder” is the next step in taking to heart the words of prophets and Church leaders spoken in this sacred setting. Christ-centered homes are fortresses for the kingdom of God on earth in a day when, as prophesied, the devil “rage[s] in the hearts of the children of men, and stir[s] them up to anger against that which is good.
(Ronald A. Rasband, "Build a Fortress of Spirituality and Protection", April 2019, General Conference)

Day 1954

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 16:10-11

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 16:10-11
"And thus commandeth the Father that I should say unto you: At that day when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, and shall be lifted up in the pride of their hearts above all nations, and above all the people of the whole earth, and shall be filled with all manner of lyings, and of deceits, and of mischiefs, and all manner of hypocrisy, and murders and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, and of secret abominations; and if they shall do all those things and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, behold, saith the Father, I will bring the fulness of my gospel from among them.
And then will I remember the covenant which I have made unto my people, O house of Israel, and I will bring my gospel unto them."

I was wondering if these verses were referring to the end of the time of the gentiles and the time of the Jews. I found a quote from Orson Pratt, that speaks of its fulfillment.

"I wish to state that when I read this in 1830, it was a great mystery to me. Recollect this was written and printed before there was any Latter-day Saint Church in existence, and yet here was a prophecy that the Lord would bring the fulness of his Gospel from among the Gentiles if they did not receive it. When the Lord commanded us to go up and settle in Jackson County I thought to myself—“Well, if we build up a great city here, according to that which is predicted in the Book of Mormon, we shall be right in the midst of the Gentiles, and how will it be possible for that prophecy ever to be fulfilled?” It was a mystery to me, I could not see it. I knew it was true, for God had given me a witness and evidence that I knew as well as I knew that I lived that that book was true; but yet I could not understand how the Lord would bring the fulness of his Gospel from among the Gentiles if we were going to be permitted to build up a city in Jackson County, Missouri, and stay there.

But some seventeen years after the rise of this Church circumstances rolled round by which the Lord fulfilled this prophecy in taking the main body of the people from among the Gentiles. Not voluntarily altogether, for we did not all feel perfectly willing to leave our houses. We had been driven four times before from lands and homes, and we did not really feel willing to leave; but still, rather than be shot down and mobbed, as many of our people had been, we concluded to move the fifth time, and we did so because we were obliged to, but little did we think then that we were fulfilling a prophecy in the Book of Mormon, such a thought had not entered into our hearts. But we were brought out west here to these mountains, and I do not know of another place on the face of this vast continent where we could have been so completely isolated from the Gentiles, the wicked who had rejected the Gospel, as we were by coming out en masse to this land.

“If the Gentiles shall sin against the fulness of my gospel, behold, saith the Father, I will bring the fulness of my gospel from among them.” 3 Ne. 16:10 It was done, the prediction was fulfilled to the very letter. You might have passed through the land there for hundreds and hundreds of miles, from city to city, and inquired for an Elder who had authority to baptize for the remission of sins and to build up the Church and kingdom of God, and the answer would have been—“There is no such person here.”

“Where are they?” “They have gone away beyond the Rocky Mountains,” more than a thousand miles away from civilization as they called it. When we got here and again searched the prophecies we found that the Lord had been as good as his word, and had literally fulfilled that which he had spoken concerning taking his Gospel from the midst of those who had sinned against and rejected it.

There is one thing which I am now about to read which has not yet been fulfilled, and which we must fulfill before Zion is redeemed. I will read it—“Behold, saith the Father, I will bring the fulness of my gospel from among them. And then I will remember my covenant which I have made unto my people, O house of Israel, and I will bring my gospel unto them.” 3 Ne. 16:10-11

Now then, we are here in this land, the house of Israel are scattered all around us, some in the great basin, some in Arizona, some in Idaho, some in Colorado, some in Montana, some in one place, some in another; I refer to the American Indians, all remnants of Joseph and belonging to the house of Israel. They have become very degraded in consequence of the apostasy and wickedness of their ancient fathers. This people—the Latter-day Saints, before they can ever return to build up the waste places of Zion and receive their inheritances in Jackson County, Missouri, have got to exert themselves to bring the remnants of Joseph to a knowledge of the truth. We have not made any very great exertions in this direction unto the present time. The Lord has given us time since he brought the fulness of the Gospel from among the Gentiles to lay a foundation so that we could commence this missionary work in behalf of and among the remnants of Joseph. We have got the foundation laid, we have succeeded in building many cities, towns, villages, &c., for some four hundred miles north and south; we have got our farms fenced and our water ditches dug, and we have begun to prosper in the land, so that now, I think, is the time for us to wake up our minds in relation to the scattered remnants of the house of Israel. “Behold, then I will remember my covenant which I have made unto my people, O house of Israel, and I will bring my gospel unto them.”
(JD 17:289, Orson Pratt, Redemption of Zion, etc.)

It would seem to me that to "bring the fulness of my gospel from among them" was when the saints had to flee to the rocky mountains. Then the "bring my gospel unto them" is what we are doing now with sharing the gospel to the world. The time of the gentiles will end and the fulness of the gospel will be taken to the Jews. This is a prophecy that I could say is fulfilled but the last part leads into another prophecy, or maybe it has layers to its fulfillment.

Day 1953

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 15:17-18, 20

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 15:17-18, 20
"That other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
And now, because of stiffneckedness and unbelief they understood not my word; therefore I was commanded to say no more of the Father concerning this thing unto them.
And verily, I say unto you again that the other tribes hath the Father separated from them; and it is because of their iniquity that they know not of them."

Jesus is telling the Nephites the the Jews is Jerusalem did not know who he spoke of as his other sheep. This was due to their stiffneckedness and unbelief. That the Nephites are who he spoke of, and not only that there are other tribes that have been separated. As I was pondering on this I thought of how today it would also be because of stiffneckedness and unbelief that people do not accept this. It will be the same in the future as the records of those other tribes come forth. How I cannot wait for those days.

Mikhail Nesterov "Holy Rus." (1905)

Day 1952

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 14:1, 15

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 14:1, 15
"And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words he turned again to the multitude, and did open his mouth unto them again, saying: Verily, verily, I say unto you, Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."

I noticed that we are being instruction in two different types of judgment. One hand we are asked not to judge, and on the other hand we are asked to beware of or judge if someone is a false prophet. How does one judge what is appropriate?  I found this great quote on this subject by a great judge himself President Dallin H. Oaks.

"I have puzzled that some scriptures command us not to judge and others instruct us that we should judge and even tell us how to do it. But as I have studied these passages I have become convinced that they seemingly contradictory directions are consistent when we view them with the perspective of eternity. The key to understand that there are two kinds of judging: final judgments, which we are forbidden to make, and intermediate judgments, which we are directed to make, but upon righteous principles.
First, a righteous judgment must, by definition, be intermediate...
Second, a righteous judgment will be guided by the Spirit of the Lord, not by anger, revenge, jealousy, or self-interest.
Third, to be righteous, an intermediate judgment must be within our stewardship.
Fourth, we should, if possible, refrain from judging until we have adequate knowledge of the facts
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Judge Not' and Judging", Ensign, Aug 1999, 7, 9-10)

It would seem that what I am not to give is any final judgment on the soul of a person. I would think great care would even be needed when facing a false prophet and pronouncing any final judgment on them. One never knows when a person will come to themselves and their condition. Every opportunity must be allowed for a person to repent. Zeezrom is a great example of this in the Book of Mormon.

I found another great quote this time by Elder M. Russell Ballard on false prophets.

"Therefore, let us beware of false prophets and false teachers, both men and women, who are self-appointed declarers of the doctrines of the Church and who seek to spread their false gospel and attract followers by sponsoring symposia, books, and journals whose contents challenge fundamental doctrines of the Church. Beware of those who speak and publish in opposition to God’s true prophets and who actively proselyte others with reckless disregard for the eternal well-being of those whom they seduce. Like Nehor and Korihor in the Book of Mormon, they rely on sophistry to deceive and entice others to their views. They “set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion”
(M. Russell Ballard, "Beware of False Prophets and False Teachers", Oct 1999, General Conference)

The judgment I make in the case of false prophets and teachers affects my soul, which I have stewardship over. I have actually experienced meeting these people, who are selling and practicing priestcraft. Once I had quite the disturbing experience, and I could not flee their symposium fast enough. I may have had to judge them for myself but I took great care not to pronounce a judgment on what I thought they were to others. How would I know if they had come to themselves and repented.

My stewardship isn't to publish and report people. I only have stewardship over myself and family. Some individuals that I know personally, and have witnessed them entering deep water, I give a single warning on what they are dealing with. Hoping it would open their eyes, but the moment they want to contend the matter I leave them to themselves. I have learned from experience that false prophets and teachers will expose themselves for who they are to those that need to know. The only thing I can do is be there when they come to themselves.

Day 1951