Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 69:3, 8

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 69:3, 8

"And also that he shall continue in writing and making a history of all the important things which he shall observe and know concerning my church;

Preaching and expounding, writing, copying, selecting, and obtaining all things which shall be for the good of the church, and for the rising generations that shall grow up on the land of Zion, to possess it from generation to generation, forever and ever. Amen."

This made me appreciate the hard work the early saints did in recording our history. They did it not only by command, but for future generations and that would include me. I would not even have the Doctrine and Covenants as a set of scriptures if they had not recorded what was taking place, and the revelations received. The Lord knew we needed this record. It made me think about the things that I write and how important they will be one day for my children.

Day 2072

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 68:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 68:4

"And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation."

This made me think of General Conference and how powerfully I feel the spirit as I listen to the prophet, apostles and other leaders of the church as they speak. I have no doubt they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost. I have started to listen and read the general conference talks over again in the mornings. I just felt I needed to give more time to studying them. There are so many wonderful talks on a variety of subjects, though the most recent ones I give extra attention too. It makes me wish I had a photographic memory so I could just recall them when needed. What a wonderful time I live in, where I can sit at the feet of the prophet over and over again.

Day 2071

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 67:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 67:13

"Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected."

As I have observed the reactions of people over the course of this pandemic I have come to be more convinced than ever that patience is a divine attribute. As I pondered on what patience can lead to, the ministering of angels and abiding the presence of God, I am more convinced of its means of perfecting us.

"But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

(James 1:4)

Day 2070

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 66:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 66:3

"Verily I say unto you, my servant William, that you are clean, but not all; repent, therefore, of those things which are not pleasing in my sight, saith the Lord, for the Lord will show them unto you."

I pondered on how merciful the Lord is to show us what we need to repent of, if we but ask. Repentance is best done daily, so we don't forget, and that we learn from them. I remember feeling the desire to repent of all my sins even the ones that I had long forgotten. It really concerned me. I went a whole week with this pressing on my mind. Trying to figure out what I should do about it. What if I couldn't think of them all? So, I prayed about it.

The impression I received was to ask during the sacrament that ALL my sins would be forgiven me, even those I had forgotten. So, I did. It was an experience I will never forget. I felt the spirit strongly as I took the bread, but as I drank the water I felt as if a wave of cool water just washed over me from my head to my toes. It was like I was baptized all over again. Well, I had been hadn't I? The taking of the sacrament is the renewal of my baptismal covenants. As wonderful as that experience was to be forgiven of all my sins, it is more wonderful to not let the sins build up in the first place. How blessed we are to have the ability to ask forgiveness in daily prayer, and while partaking of the sacrament. #GiveThanks

Day 2069

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 65:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 65:2

"The keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth, and from thence shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth, as the stone which is cut out of the mountain without hands shall roll forth, until it has filled the whole earth."

What an amazing promise and responsibility. For the prophets of God to hold the keys of the kingdom of God until Christ reigns again upon the earth. Never to be taken. But the responsibility to carry the gospel forward to the whole world is overwhelming, when one contemplates it. It can only be done through the power of God. Even in the midst of a world-wide pandemic the temples, as the mountains of the Lord, are quietly being built and made ready for those that will fill and flow from them.

Day 2068

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 64:2, 32

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 64:2, 32

"For verily I say unto you, I will that ye should overcome the world; wherefore I will have compassion upon you.

But all things must come to pass in their time."

I love how the Lord has compassion on us while we learn of him. You don't need to be perfect today. It's something that comes with time. Repent every day, grow every day.

Day 2067

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 63:58

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 63:58

"For this is a day of warning, and not a day of many words. For I, the Lord, am not to be mocked in the last days."

This verse stood out to me because in our family scripture reading tonight this one stood out to me.

"And when I had said this, the Lord spake unto me, saying: Fools mock, but they shall mourn; and my grace is sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your weakness;"

(Ether 12:26)

I am reminded of an experience I had in the early days of COVID-19. This is what I recorded in my journal.

"Last night I had such an unusual experience. I was reading all these memes about the virus and saving them and passing them on to my siblings. I was laughing the whole time. Everything was hitting me so funny. I had not felt so much laughter over this whole thing. Then in an instant I had this great soberness come over me and the spirit warned me not to laugh at this. That what I was doing was "loud laughter", and those that laugh will mourn. What an absolute wake-up call. 

I then read my scriptures and there it talked about destruction before the second coming. My frame of mind on this virus and its meaning completely changed. The Lord's hand is in all this and obedience is important. I have a feeling of much sorrow for those that are effected by this. When we did our family scripture reading I told them my experience and the other impressions that I had. We laid some ground rules for ourselves."

This situation is not funny. There are people dying, there are health professionals that are risking their lives for us. I know people will relieve stress with humor but it can become far to easy to forget oneself. If you are stressed the best relief is to turn to the Lord, he will bring comfort and peace. We must always remember Him."

As I pondered on these verses and the experience I had so many months ago, I realize that some people are mocking even if they are not laughing. You are guilty of mocking when you dismiss the Lord's voice of warning as being absolutely nothing to be concerned about.

Day 2066

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 62:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 62:3

"Nevertheless, ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you."

I pondered on my testimony being recorded in heaven. I thought about my testimony I share on social media. The times I bare my testimony at church. I'm sure they matter. But, what I think of as the testimony angels are recording are the quiet ones spoken between myself and someone else. It's those private conversations that come from the heart and strengthen each other. The public declaration may or may not come from the heart. But the quiet private ones bare the soul and what is deep inside the person. It is the fiber of who they really are and what they believe. They are the ones that testify of Christ and point the way to Him. I think its those pure testimonies that cause our sins to be forgiven.

I think this verse is an example of this concept.

"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are:, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to the Father who is in secret; and thy Father, who seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

(Matthew 6:5-6)

Day 2065

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 61:14-16

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 61:14-16

"Behold, I, the Lord, in the beginning blessed the waters; but in the last days, by the mouth of my servant John, I cursed the waters.

Wherefore, the days will come that no flesh shall be safe upon the waters.

And it shall be said in days to come that none is able to go up to the land of Zion upon the waters, but he that is upright in heart."

This is referencing this part of John's Revelations.

"And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;

And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.

And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;

And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter."

(Revelation 8:8-11)

This sure gave me some thoughts and impressions and then curious about the last time I thought about a last day prophesy. It made me look up one of my favorite verses where I pondered on plagues of the last days. I finally found it in Revelations 15:1 written January 18, 2020. That was before I even knew about COVID-19 and how it would effect the whole world. At the time I had wondered if the last day plagues could also be inward and of the mind? One thing is for sure the signs of the times and prophesies, never come about the way I picture them. But, when they happen you have no doubt they are part of the warning voice of preparation for the second coming.

Day 2064

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 60:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 60:7

"And in this place let them lift up their voice and declare my word with loud voices, without wrath or doubting, lifting up holy hands upon them. For I am able to make you holy, and your sins are forgiven you."

I sat here this morning reading all the sweet and powerful messages of gratitude and thanks that are filling my Facebook feed. This is in response to President Nelson's message to the world yesterday. That we take this week to #GiveThanks on social media. What a spirit has filled my soul from all this. As I ponder on this verse I have to say I am seeing this place lifted up with those declaring the words the prophet spoke inspired by God. Wrath and doubting have been turned away by these sweet expressions of gratitude. It does make one feel more holy. I #GiveThanks for a prophet of God that received revelation for our day.

"A few weeks ago, I woke in the middle of the night with the thought that I should offer a prayer of gratitude to God for all of His children around the globe. Thoughts flooded my mind of all of the things for which we should be grateful and how expressing that gratitude could become a healing spirit in our lives. As the inspiration came, specific details, including when and how I should share this message, came to my mind and heart. The video message shared today was not one that came by chance; it is one that came from heaven."

(President Russell M. Nelson, "The Story behind My Global Prayer of Gratitude" Nov 20, 2020, ChurchofJesusChrist.org blog)

Day 2063

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 59:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 59:7

"Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things."

Another one of those verses that fits with what was happening around me today. I watched President Nelson's message of hope and healing. He spoke of the healing power of gratitude. He asked us to flood social media with what we are thankful for in the coming week. We are also to pray and express thanks to our Heavenly Father. It was such a sweet and pure message and I know one that heals. For I have used this during my life to change the direction I was headed. I've also used this to help others see the positive side of difficulties they are going through. Having a thankful heart filled with gratitude does heal. All good things come from God, this is why I can give thanks to Him in all things. #GiveThanks

Day 2062

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 58:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 58:4

"For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand."

When I woke this morning I decided to watch a video that a friend yesterday kept telling me I needed to watch. I was told "It was so scary." "It exposed what is really happening with this pandemic." I had no curiosity to watch it. But when I woke this morning the thought came to me to watch it, so I did. As I watched it two scriptures came to mind and I read them. Then I thought of President Nelson's recent conference talk and watched it. The pieces all fit together as I read this.

"My dear sisters, let us not just endure this current season. Let us embrace the future with faith! Turbulent times are opportunities for us to thrive spiritually. They are times when our influence can be much more penetrating than in calmer times."

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

I understood then that during turbulent times the adversary will use that opportunity to further his plan, and the Lord will do the same. What I learned, and not what the intent of this conspiracy video intended, was that Satan will further his plan by planting fear in the hearts of men. To the point they will be deceived and actually further his work. With fear instilled in their hearts it will only draw them further from the spirit and the voice of the Lord. Instead in turbulent times we are to further the work of the Lord. Grow spiritually and share the gospel to those that are prepared to listen. The lessons learned during tribulation indeed bring blessings that help us thrive spiritually. The decision is ours as to which opportunity and master we will help further their cause.

Day 2061

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 57:15-16

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 57:15-16

"And now concerning the gathering - Let the bishop and the agent make preparations for those families which have been commanded to come to this land, as soon as possible, and plant them in their inheritance.

And unto the residue of both elders and members further directions shall be given hereafter. Even so. Amen."

This is a very good reminder that the gathering will be under the direction of the church. That direction will come when it's time. I remember several years ago having a discussion with someone in the Independence, Missouri area, and was told that there are members that have up and left their homes feeling they needed to "gather to Zion". They have made no advanced preparations, they have no jobs. They then become a burden to the church in the area. This is not how the Lord works. We can never let fear drive us to do things, for under such conditions it's hard to determine if the spirit is speaking to you or not. When you are driven by fear it's a pretty good indication that something is amiss. It would be really important to determine who you are listening to, and if they are false prophets or not.

Day 2060

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 56:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 56:17

"Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not broken, whose spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from laying hold upon other men's goods, whose eyes are full of greediness, and who will not labor with your own hands!"

The Lord left no doubt about how he feels when the poor behave is such manner. I pondered on how the greatest gift you can instill in a person is self-reliance and honest work. Even with that if the soul is not satisfied then their wants and desires will never be either. I remember how I always had a list of things that I wanted. I would no sooner get something when another thing would replace it on the list. One day I realized I no longer had that mental list. It wasn't that I now had everything I ever wanted. It was just that after years of reading my scriptures my soul was satisfied. I wasn't trying to buy things to fill the void that had been inside. It is amazing how satisfied you can be with less, when the soul is filled.

Day 2059

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 55:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 55:4

"And again, you shall be ordained to assist my servant Oliver Cowdery to do the work of printing, and of selecting and writing books for schools in this church, that little children also may receive instruction before me as is pleasing unto me."

As I've been watching the Church's BYU-Pathway Worldwide program expand I keep thinking on this verse. I do believe like in the early days of the church were we needed to education our children, that it will happen again. First the Pathways program was a prep for college and moved on to certificates and degrees, now there is a a new BYU Online High School for grades 7-12. I believe one day there will be a remote program for elementary age children. Maybe with the COVID-19 pandemic more parents will see the education of their children as their responsibility. I don't know how this scripture will be fulfilled again, but I do believe something is coming.

Day 2058

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 54:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 54:10

"And again, be patient in tribulation until I come; and, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, and they who have sought me early shall find rest to their souls. Even so. Amen."

I've done a lot of reflection on this pandemic and how with any trial there are lessons to be learned. I say lessons because its always been more than one thing I have learned from a trial. I think patience and obedience have been some of the greatest lessons I've come to appreciate. As I was reflecting on this the other day I realized not everyone chooses to learn a lesson from their trials. The trial can be over and they gained nothing positive from the experience. The Lord then will humble them in other ways. That's probably why in the last days we will pass through so many different types of disasters and plagues as the voice of warning. Giving all of God's children the opportunity to learn lessons from them and turn their hearts to Him.

When the Lord says he comes quickly, I thought about how it could mean there won't be a final warning. When something comes quickly there is no chance to prepare, it's just upon you. All the other warnings were ignored or people became numb to them. I can see why those that sought the Lord early will have inside them the peace to their souls ready to face the Lord. There is no time of preparation when the event is upon you. The time to learn and prepare is now.

Day 2057

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 53:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 53:7

"And again, I would that ye should learn that he only is saved who endureth unto the end. Even so. Amen."

This endurance is a life long commitment to obey the commandments, keep sacred covenants, and to continually repent. All of these are centered in Jesus Christ and his atonement. This is what helps me endure all that I must go through. Without Christ there is no endurance.

“Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life.”

(3 Nephi 15:9)

Day 2056