Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 39:8

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 39:8

"And verily I say unto thee, thine heart is now right before me at this time; and, behold, I have bestowed great blessings upon thy head;"

I pondered on how being right before the Lord is conditional. The heart can go astray at any time. One does not store up brownie points to call in at a later time. How grateful I am for the gift of repentance and the ability to be forgiven of my sins.

Day 2042

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 38:30

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 38:30

"I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear."

During this recent General Conference I felt like the reoccurring theme for me was "if ye are prepared ye shall not fear". Preparation is not only temporary but spiritual too. I cannot have one without the other, unless I want to live in fear. I don't know what's coming, in a way I'm grateful for that. All I know is whatever comes is what the Lord needs me to go through or witness. Sometimes you just sit silent on the sidelines and watch, but learn an awful lot. Which makes me think of this other verse I pondered on tonight.

"Which causeth silence to reign, and all eternity is pained, and the angels are waiting the great command to reap down the earth, to gather the tares that they may be burned; and behold, the enemy is combined."

(Doctrine & Covenants 38:12)

I wondered what silence meant. For me tonight, it means I will be sitting and watching what things are going to take place, but not take an active part. Sometimes that is the wisest thing a person can do.

Day 2041

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 37:3-4

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 37:3-4

"And again, a commandment I give unto the church, that it is expedient in me that they should assemble together at the Ohio, against the time that my servant Oliver Cowdery shall return unto them.

Behold, here is wisdom, and let every man choose for himself until I come. Even so. Amen."

What I pondered on is that the Lord commanded the saints to gather in Ohio. Yet, he never took away their free agency to choose if they would obey. Wisdom would be to follow, but not everyone is wise in how they follow the counsel of the Lord or his servants. In the first verse the Lord tells them why they must go, "because of the enemy and for your sakes". There is both a warning and a blessing. Often I see the counsel given to us today follows that same pattern.

Day 2040

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 36:2

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 36:2

"And I will lay my hand upon you by the hand of my servant Sidney Rigdon, and you shall receive my Spirit, the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which shall teach you the peaceable things of the kingdom."

I love the part "teach you the peaceable things of the kingdom". I think to often people look for the fantastic, strange or mystery and overlook the peaceable truths of the gospel. How beautiful is the pure doctrine of Christ, having faith, repentance, baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. These are things we teach children, but as adults we need to go back and embrace so we can endure to the end. These are the things that bring peace to the soul and everlasting life.

Day 2039

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 35:21

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 35:21

For they will hear my voice, and shall see me, and shall not be asleep, and shall abide the day of my coming; for they shall be purified, even as I am pure."

The Lord is speaking to the "salvation of mine own elect". What really stood out to me in this verse is they "shall not be asleep". The reference is to Matthew 25:5 "While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept". I pondered on how important it was to not be asleep. What would keep me awake? It would be to keep busy. What would I be busy doing? Making ready for the Lord's coming. This made me think of President Russell M. Nelson's recent General Conference talk when he spoke of "Never stop preparing".

"Even when things went well, Captain Moroni continued to prepare his people. He never stopped. He never became complacent.

The adversary never stops attacking. So, we can never stop preparing! The more self-reliant we are—temporally, emotionally, and spiritually—the more prepared we are to thwart Satan’s relentless assaults."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Embrace the Future with Faith", Oct 2020 General Conference)

Being complacent would be part of being asleep. President Nelson continued...

"Please, keep going! Your vigilance in safeguarding your homes and instilling faith in the hearts of your loved ones will reap rewards for generations to come.

My dear sisters, we have so much to look forward to! The Lord placed you here now because He knew you had the capacity to negotiate the complexities of the latter part of these latter days. He knew you would grasp the grandeur of His work and be eager to help bring it to pass.

I am not saying that the days ahead will be easy, but I promise you that the future will be glorious for those who are prepared and who continue to prepare to be instruments in the Lord’s hands."

This is such a wonderful promise, if I never stop preparing, and don't fall asleep.

Day 2038

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 34:2

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 34:2

"The light and the life of the world, a light which shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not;"

Jesus Christ is the light and life of the world. I pondered on how darkness does not comprehend who Christ is. This world is getting darker for religion is being set on a self and in some cases mocked and degraded. It just made me feel really sad for those that do not know all that the Savior has done for them, and the peace knowing Him can bring into your life.

Day 2037

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 33:13, 17

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 33:13, 17

"And upon this rock I will build my church; yea, upon this rock ye are built, and if ye continue, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.

Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom-"

What wonderful blessings if we remain faithful and ever ready to meet the Lord. What a small price is asked in order to receive such great promises. Both of these themes were mentioned during the recent General Conference. Elder David A. Bednar talk "We Will Prove Them Herewith" in particular came to mind so I sat and listened to it.

Day 2036

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 32:4

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 32:4

"And they shall give heed to that which is written, and pretend to no other revelation; and they shall pray always that I may unfold the same to their understanding."

I pondered on how person revelation helps to unlock the scriptures to my understanding. It's personalized in a way that I understand. That is why it's just for me.

Day 2035

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 31:12

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 31:12

"Pray always, lest you enter into temptation and lose your reward."

This made me think of these verses.

"And again, I command thee that thou shalt pray vocally as well as in thy heart; yea, before the world as well as in secret, in public as well as in private."

(Doctrine and Covenants 19:28)

"Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing - yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth and corruptibleness to the extent thereof."

(Doctrine and Covenants 19:38)

"Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you."

(Alma 32:27)

"But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering."

(Alma 13:28)

I cannot begin or end my day without prayer. Prayer is my anchor. With a continual prayer to God in my heart I am never alone.

Day 2034

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 30:1-3

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 30:1-3

'Behold, I say unto you, David, that you have feared man and have not relied on me for strength as you ought.

But your mind has been on the things of the earth more than n the things of me, your Maker, and the ministry whereunto you have been called; and you have not given heed unto my Spirit, and to those who were set over you, but have been persuaded by those whom I have not commanded.

Wherefore, you are left to inquire for yourself at my hand, and ponder upon the things which you have received."

This is such excellent counsel the Lord gives David Whitmer. I think everyone has to go through this learning process. The natural man will have us fear other men and listen to their counsel, and not the Lord's. The risk in following man is it's often in opposition to the prompting of the Spirit. Soon one no longer listens to the spirit because their heart is on the world and not God. When we don't listen and follow the spirit we are left to our own devices, until we are ready to listen again. As I ponder on this I think one key to getting back the spirit is to ponder on what we already received and what it means to us.

Day 2033

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 29:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 29:8

"Wherefore the decree hath gone forth from the Father that they shall be gathered in unto one place upon the face of this land, to prepare their hearts and be prepared in all things against the day when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked."

In this chapter it speaks of the terrible things that will happen to the proud and wicked before the Lord's second coming. As I read it the thought came over and over, "Where are the saint? Where are the saint?" I had to go back and read and find them. They are gathered to prepare their hearts and be prepared for when tribulation comes. Isn't that what I was hearing in this general conference? I went back and counted how many times the word "Prepare" was mentioned and it was 105 times. President Russell M. Nelson mentioned it 22 times in his talk "Embrace the Future with Faith". Preparing ourselves temporarily and spiritual for what is to come is exactly what I should be doing right now. President Nelson gave the following principles of preparation and a blessing for doing so.

Principles

Create Places of Security

Prepare Your Mind to Be Faithful to God

Never Stop Preparing

Blessing

"I promise that as we create places of security, prepare our minds to be faithful to God, and never stop preparing, God will bless us. He will “deliver us; yea, insomuch that he [will] speak peace to our souls, and [will] grant unto us great faith, and … cause us that we [can] hope for our deliverance in him.”

Day 2032

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 28:2, 12

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 28:2, 12

"But, behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., for he receiveth them even as Moses.

For, behold, these things have not been appointed unto him, neither shall anything be appointed unto any of this church contrary to the church covenants."

In this chapter the Lord explains that the prophet of the church receives revelations for the church. He also explains that Hiram Page had been deceived by Satan in believing he was receiving revelation for the church. This is very important to understand especially after President Nelson has told us we need to receive personal revelation. Sadly, I have seen people taking this to extremes. To the point they excuse following the counsel given by church leaders because their personal revelation tells them different. A study of this chapter should help in understanding the proper order of things, and how not to be deceived. It takes time to understand how the spirit speaks to you. To know when you have received personal revelation, and who it should be shared with.

Day 2031

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 27:5

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 27:5

"Behold, this is wisdom in me; wherefore, marvel not, for the hour cometh that I will drink of the fruit of the vine with you on the earth, and with Moroni, whom I have sent unto you to reveal the Book of Mormon, containing the fulness of my everlasting gospel, to whom I have committed the keys of the record of the stick of Ephraim;"

I had never thought of there being keys to the gold plates or stick of Ephraim, that became the Book of Mormon. I knew Moroni revealed it to Joseph Smith and took them back from him. He would still hold the keys to them because he still has them. At some point it will be Moroni then reveals them to the prophet that will translate the seal portion, the remaining two-thirds of the Book of Mormon. I hope I live long enough to see that day.

Day 2030

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 26:1

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 26:1

"Behold, I say unto you that you shall let your time be devoted to the studying of the scriptures, and to preaching, and to confirming the church at Colesville, and to performing your labors on the land, such as is required, until after you shall go to the west to hold the next conference; and then it shall be made known what you shall do."

I pondered on how reading and studying the scriptures is never wasted time. It makes us better prepared to work in the Lord's vineyard as we are needed.

Day 2029

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 25:12

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 25:12

"For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads."

I love the hymns. I especially love it when I wake up in the morning hearing a hymn playing inside my head. As I have been listening to the General Conference talks they seem so different when the hymns are not played before or after them. Hymns are sermons unto themselves. I feel like I'm bearing my testimony when I sing a hymn. Maybe that's why they are like prayers to God.

Day 2028

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 24:8

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 24:8

"Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days."

It is through afflictions that I have learned patience. I cannot say I am perfect in patience, but I have grown measurably in it. As I have learned to turn to the Lord in order to endure affliction, the greater the ability I have been given to wait patiently. I think there is a spiritual refinement that comes from patience. So it is a most desirable Christlike attribute to obtain. It is a very good thing to learn and grow stronger in patience. It really becomes quite a blessing to posses it, especially in very trying circumstances. I have been rather fascinated during this pandemic to see various reactions people are having with patience. Just like the parable of the ten virgins, either you have patience in your lamp or your don't. No one can share it with you if your lamp is empty. One must build their store of it in order to endure.

Day 2027

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 23:1

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 23:1

"Behold, I speak unto you, Oliver, a few words. Behold, thou art blessed, and art under no condemnation. But beware of pride, lest thou shouldst enter into temptation."

Pride the number one tool in the adversary's arsenal against the righteous. As soon as pride enters in, the flood gates are open. I pondered on how I am always drawn to the warning of pride. It is the greatest things I fear for it is my weak point and I know it. As I sat and pondered on that I realized that is the greatest gift I could be given. To be watchful and fearful of being overcome by pride. It is because I am watchful and looking for it that it helps me spot it when it shows up. This is something I hope I never stop looking for, because Satan will never stop using it against the saints and me.

Day 2026

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 22:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 22:4

"Wherefore, enter ye in at the gate, as I have commanded, and seek not to counsel your God. Amen."

This chapter was written 10 days after the organization of the church. Those that had been baptized previously questioned why they needed to be baptized again into the church. It is explained, but I find it interesting that even from the beginning of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ there have been people that continue to try and counsel God on the way things are done. Of us, it is required to have faith that God knows what he is doing and has seen the end from the beginning. It makes me think of this recent quote in General Conference.

"There are still a lot of unknowns about this virus. But if there is one thing I do know, it is that this virus did not catch Heavenly Father by surprise. He did not have to muster additional battalions of angels, call emergency meetings, or divert resources from the world-creation division to handle an unexpected need. My message today is that even though this pandemic is not what we wanted or expected, God has prepared His children and His Church for this time."

(Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "God Will Do Something Unimaginable", Oct 2020 General Conference)

Day 2025