Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 8:2-3

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 8:2-3

"Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.

Now behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground."

I sat and pondered on personal revelation. In this chapter the Lord is beginning to explain how revelation works to "receive a knowledge of whatsoever things you shall ask in faith, with an honest heart, believing that you shall receive a knowledge concerning....by the manifestation of my Spirit." It truly is a learning process to understand how the Spirit speaks to me. It's like a baby trying to walk and making all the parts move together at the same time. You can totally expect to fall a few times, if not many.

So, I asked myself how do I identify the Holy Ghost is speaking to me? The best way for me to describe it is to share a story.

I had a desire to get out of debt. As I studied our finances and prayed it was clear it was time to get rid of our storage unit. I gave my husband an ultimatum, get our storage unit cleared out by a certain date. If it wasn't cleared out then I would stop payment on the unit anyways and they could have whatever was left in there. He had several months. He made the deadline with time to spare.

No sooner was the storage unit cleared then while sitting in my computer room an impression came to me. I heard my own voice in my mind. It said "You have to decide today if you are going to buy a Tuff Shed." That was a totally random thought. I didn't need a Tuff Shed, I just got rid of our storage unit. Again the thought came and I couldn't think of why I needed one. When the impression came again it said "Not only that, it needs windows, heat and air conditioning". I knew then that the Spirit was speaking to me and telling me something I needed to do. This was not my own idea.

So I asked what I needed to use this shed for? The impression that it was an art studio came to me. My husband is an artist it must be for him. I now knew in my mind and heart that I had to go look at Tuff Sheds today. I told my husband and he happily went with me to Home Depot to look at the Tuff Sheds on display. I found that it was perfect timing to buy one, for two sales were merging. Thankfully, I could cover the cost of the shed from what I saved monthly on the storage unit. When the Tuff Shed was built a neighbor helped us run electricity so it could have heat and air conditioning.

We were still in this stage of wiring the shed when my prodigal daughter that had been estranged from us for several years contact us. We meet, and soon it became evident she needed to move back home. The art studio became her home and since being here her love of art has had time to blossom and is now her full-time career. This is what the Lord had planned all along. For revelation is given to further His work, with faith required by us to act upon it.

When this verse describes that it will "dwell in your heart" that is key to me. For, the mind and heart, can easily be deceived. It is the spirit dwelling there between the two that helps me understand.

Day 2011

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 7:1-3

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 7:1-3

"And the Lord said unto me: John, my beloved, what desireth thou? For if you shall ask what you will, it shall be granted unto you.

And I said unto him: Lord, give unto me power over death, that I may live and bring souls unto thee.

And the Lord said unto me: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, because thou desireth this thou shalt tarry until I come in my glory, and shalt prophesy before nations, kindreds, tongues and people."

The chapter header says "Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, April 1829, when they inquired through the Urim and Thummim as to whether John, the beloved disciple, tarried in the flesh or had died. The revelation is a translated version of the record made on parchment by John and hidden up by himself."

What I pondered on how wonderful it was to have a living prophet inquire of the Lord the mysteries that generations have wanted to know. Did John the Beloved ever taste of death? The answer is no.

This makes clear the verse in Luke 9:27 "But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God."

Day 2010

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 6:14

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 6:14

"Verily, verily, I say unto thee, blessed art thou for what thou hast done; for thou hast inquired of me, and behold, as often as thou hast inquired thou hast received instruction of my Spirit. If it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou art at this time."

Before I read my scriptures I pray that the Spirit will let me know what it is I should learn. For each time I read its an open book and the Spirit will let me know what it is I should ponder on. I have never been disappointed in that prayer. There is always a new thought or insight that comes as I prayerful ponder what I read.

As I sat and reflected on this I recalled that for years there was an issue with reading scriptures. I could barely read and comprehend because of my illness. But over the years and slowly healing I have never been disappointed. One thing I am realizing tonight is that I did not always pray before reading my scriptures. I don't even know when it changed. It makes me wonder now if things would have been different when I started, when my brain was not yet well? Then I realized the Spirit teaches and when I was ready to learn, then the desire to pray became part of it. I am so grateful that I have come to place that am now.

Day 2009

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 5:19

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 5:19

"For a desolating scourge shall go forth among the inhabitants of the earth, and shall continue to be poured out from time to time, if they repent not, until the earth is empty, and the inhabitants thereof are consumed away and utterly destroyed by the brightness of my coming."

I had to pick this verse to ponder on because the whole world is in the middle of a desolating scourge. It was just this last week I was reading over an article and it mentioned of how we've had circumstances like this before.

"The world coronavirus pandemic will not be different, [President Russell M. Ballard] said during an interview March 24. “From the beginning of history there have been circumstances similar to this one. Somehow they got through them, and we are going to get through this one.”

(Sarah Jane Weaver, "The world will win the war on COVID-19, President Ballard says", Church News 26 Mar 2020)

What I pondered on is how the Lord said these scourges would be poured out from time to time. President Ballard confirms that they have. Why are the perspectives so different? Then I realized its where you stand in the middle of the scourge. Is it a voice of warning to the unrepented or is it hope in the time of trouble for those that repent? There is peace in the midst of the storm depending on the shelter you are secured in.

One thing I have realized is how quickly things can change. It was almost overnight we heard of this plague and then boom it traveled around the world. As the Lord's warning voice becomes louder and louder we know in time greater scourges will come. The important thing is to learn from where we are right now, so we are better prepared physically and spiritually for what is to come. I have often thought of those that don't respect what is happening. How easily Satan can deceive them in believing what comes later is nothing too. He will make sure there is no oil in their lamps.

Day 2008

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 4:1-2

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 4:1-2

"Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.

Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day."

When I read "a marvelous work is about to come forth" I could feel it. It's like there is something in the air. At the time this was given to Joseph Smith the Book of Mormon hadn't yet been printed, and the church was still to be organized. But, now I feel like I've been resting in my home during this pandemic. Learning and growing spiritually for the marvelous days ahead. Sadly, the world is growing more wicked, but at the same time the Lord is doing a marvelous thing. He is preparing his saints for his second coming. How am I to get ready? It is by serving God with all my heart, might, mind and strength. If I can just keep that in focus I will stay on the right track.

I have no doubt this world-wide pandemic is not only a warning voice to the world, but a blessing for those that will listen. This other verse really stood out to me tonight during our family scripture reading. It took new meaning in light of what we are going through.

"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."

(3 Nephi 17:3)

This time next week I will be sitting at the feet of the prophets and listening to General Conference. I can't wait.

Day 2007

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 3:4, 8

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 3:4, 8

"For although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he boasts in his own strength, and sets at naught the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him.

Yet you should have been faithful; and he would have extended his arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble."

These verses meant something to me tonight because of a scripture my husband showed me today..

"And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.

(Exodus 15:26)

I have felt throughout this pandemic that I needed to learn obedience, and faithfully follow through with exactness the impressions I am given. Listen to the Lord and sustain his servants by following their counsel and examples. I have been grateful for the apostolic blessing the Elder Bednar gave me, "to have eyes to see and ears that hear". Today was one of those days, and we listened. It feels good. This is not the time to fall and be without the protection of the Lord. But, just like another way was prepared in advance when Joseph fell the Lord will humble us and teach us. The important thing is to repent and learn from it.

Day 2006

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 2:1-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 2:1-3

"Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.

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."

I pondered on how the restoration of the sealing power, which priesthood Elijah held, could prepare us for the great and dreadful day of the Lord. This is a prophecy that has been fulfilled in the sense that Elijah did come. He appeared to the prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple April 3, 1836. This was 13 years after Moroni had quoted these verses to Joseph to let him know he would be coming. The temple had to once again be upon the earth before Elijah could come. But, before that even the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods had to be restored too. There are so many steps that had to take place to make the saints ready before Elijah could even come.

The thought that occurred to me is that now is the time of the Gentiles but, before the Savior's second coming it will be the time of the Jews. The first will be last and the last will be first. (Mark 10:31) Interestingly, their temple will need to be build before Christ returns again. There is so much connection to the temples that prepare His saints for his return. For on the day that Elijah came, the Savior appeared to them too. We must be a temple prepared people in order to survive His coming. It extends on both sides of the veil.

Day 2005

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 1:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 1:1

"Hearken, O ye people of my church, saith the voice of him who dwells on high, and whose eyes are upon all men; yea, verily I say: Hearken ye people from afar; and ye that are upon the islands of the sea, listen together."

I had to pick this verse because that is the one President Russell M. Nelson has pointed to. The Doctrine and Covenants begins with Hearken, #HearHim. I felt something so different as I began to read the Doctrine and Covenants this time. I am not sure how to describe it. It's like the spirit was telling me "Read this as the Lord is talking to his servants today. Not when the prophet Joseph Smith was receiving them. This is for your day."

As I read further I see the Lord is pointing me to listen to his servants, the prophets and apostles of my day.

"And the arm of the Lord shall be revealed; and the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people;

They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the images of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall."

(Doctrine and Covenants 1:14, 16)

I don't want to get cut off from the Lord. I want so badly to hear and listen to the Lord. It really makes me stop and ponder on what could be stopping me from doing that? How have I embraced the image of the world? What am I trying to do that is my way and not the Lord's way? What am I setting up as my idols and worshipping or prioritizing over the Lord? Where is my heart, focus, and passions taking me? Sometimes you just really have to sit and get real with yourself and honestly see what path you are on. I know one thing is for sure if my desire is to follow the example the prophets and apostles have set, than I must be on the right path. "By their fruits ye shall know them." (Matthew 7:20)

Day 2004

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants: Introduction

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants: Introduction

"The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of divine revelations and inspired declarations given for the establishment and regulation of the kingdom of God on the earth in the last days. Although most of the sections are directed to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the messages, warnings, and exhortations are for the benefit of all mankind and contain an invitation to all people everywhere to hear the voice of the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking to them for their temporal well-being and their everlasting salvation."

I have wanted to study the Doctrine and Covenants for quite a while now. I did finish reading it earlier this year, but wanted to start over the minute I finished. I am excited to finally have time to read and ponder it again. I'm looking at the introduction and this opening paragraph really sets the stage for what a treat I am in for.

I also love this sentence "..the work that is initiated herein is preparatory to His Second Coming". Here is finally a set of scripture written in my language and in the dispensation that I live in. This is the dispensation of the fulness of time and the saints need to be a people prepared for the Savior's Second Coming. I know if I study, ponder and pray about what is in this sacred set of scriptures I will be ready for the days that are ahead.

Day 2003

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 10:32-34

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 10:32-34

"Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.

And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.

And now I bid unto all, farewell. I soon go to the rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the Eternal Judge of both the quick and dead. Amen.

The End"

I just finished the closing chapter of the Book of Mormon. I always think of Moroni 10 as the invitation to pray and ask God in the name of Jesus Christ if these words are true. This is an invitation that I have already taken and know for myself these are the words of God. I cherish them, love them, and am strengthened by them.

So, I asked myself what message is there for someone that already knows it is true? That is when I realized my favorite verse for today is becoming perfected in Christ. The key is perfection will never happen if I try to do it alone. Trying to do that will lead to discouragement, depression and hopelessness, for I have been there. It is only when I realized perfection comes through Christ, that I realized how much I really needed Him. I am good enough, and He will make me better.

As I watched what will be the final Book of Mormon video, I was struck with how alone Moroni was. On some level what a relief that must have been after all the carnage that he witnessed. But, then you are a prisoner to your thoughts. What a blessing it must have been to keep himself occupied by reading the scriptures he carried, and pondering them in his heart. What he read is what I am reading. What a power these words have to heal the broken heart, simply because you come to know the Christ.

Day 2002

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 9:25

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 9:25

"My son, be faithful in Christ; and may not the things which I have written grieve thee, to weigh thee down unto death; but may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever."

It's not hard to find so many stories in the news that break my heart. Sometimes I am just so incredibly sad and tearful for the suffering that I see. I have found that when these times happen that I simply need to sit quiet and just read the scriptures. I feel strength come back to me, and peace within. Mormon speaks of some pretty horrible things that were happening among the people. I imagine he knew from his own experience that focusing on the Lord, all he had done for us, and the hope of eternal life was the only way to get through this. Moroni must have cherished this council from his father in order for him to save this letter and record it for us.

Day 2001

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 8:28

 Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 8:28
"Pray for them, my son, that repentance may come unto them. But behold, I fear lest the Spirit hath ceased striving with them; and in this part of the land they are also seeking to put down all power and authority which cometh from God; and they are denying the Holy Ghost."

In this chapter Mormon inquires of the Lord about the baptism of little children that people had started to dispute over and practice. He was told it was an evil abomination. That the Lord came into the world to call the sinners to repentance and little children are whole, and not capable of committing sin. It is solemn mockery before God to baptize little children. 

What struck me about this set of instructions Mormon gave to his son Moroni is that members of the church have fallen into perversions and were accepting false doctrine. After preaching to them the truth we were to pray for them. That truly is all we can do, especially when the spirit has ceased to strive with them.

Day 2000

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 7:3, 34

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 7:3, 34

"Wherefore, I would speak unto you that are of the church, that are the peaceable followers of Christ, and that have obtained a sufficient hope by which ye can enter into the rest of the Lord, from this time henceforth until ye shall rest with him in heaven.

And he hath said: Repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, and have faith in me, that ye may be saved."

Moroni is writing the words his father Mormon spake in their synagogue. This is such an important chapter when you think that these followers of Christ would soon be hunted down and killed because they would not deny the Christ. What was the most important thing he could tell them?

He prepared them to enter into the rest of the Lord. To have peace in the midst of trial. To have faith and hope and charity, the pure love of Christ. He taught them to judge good from evil and be guided by the Holy Ghost. He taught them of the ministering of angels, and the doctrine of Christ. He taught them the very message the prophets speak today, and that we need to give to a world that is ever becoming darker.

The only thing that can bring peace and the softening of hearts is a testimony that Jesus is the Christ. That is the only message that a darkening world needs. It's not the battle or fight for freedom or that they are called to arms. In fact today I realized that in the book of Revelations the saints are never in any of the battles. Their job is to flee Babylon (repent), gather Israel through the preaching of the gospel; perfect the saints, redeem the dead, and build Zion. It is amazing to me how Satan deceives the saints today in thinking they are fighting a different battle, and that somehow that will overcome evil. Which it cannot, because it's Satan's plan. I guess that is why Mormon tells us...

"For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night.

But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil.."

(Moroni 7:15, 17)

I think the easiest one that Satan can trip up the saints is "serve not God". For, he will use pride to have them serve themselves and their own agendas. We have to be ever watchful that we are serving God and not following and serving the false doctrine of men.

Day 1999