Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 100:5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 100:5-6

"Therefore, verily I say unto you, lift up your voices unto this people; speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, and you shall not be confounded before men;

For it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say."

I pondered on some of the miracles that Jesus performed. When he turned water into wine at the marriage in Cana of Galilee. When he feed the five thousand men with five barley loaves and two small fishes, and took up twelve basket after they were all filled. When he feed the four thousand with seven loaves and a few small fishes, and took up seven baskets afterwards. Each of these miracles started with an element, be it water, bread or fish and he created more and to spare out of them.

This made me ponder on the importance of treasuring up the word of God, so when the time comes that we are to speak the spirit has something to draw from. You can only bring to remembrance what was once stored to be remembered.

"Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man."

(Doctrine and Covenants 84:85)

"Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.

But that is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting, therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God."

(Alma 17:2-3)

"Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men.

But now hold your peace; study my word which hath gone forth among the children of men, and also study my word which shall come forth among the children of men, or that which is now translating, yea, until you have obtained all which I shall grant unto the children of men in this generation, and then shall all things be added thereto.

Therefore, treasure up in your heart until the time which is in my wisdom that you shall go forth."

(Doctrine and Covenants 11:21-22, 26)

Day 2103

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 99:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 99:3

"And who receiveth you as a little child, receiveth my kingdom; and blessed are they, for they shall obtain mercy."

I pondered on the characteristic of being a little child. I think above all is being teachable. There are blessing that come to those that are teachable, willing to learn, and accepting of change.

Day 2102

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 98:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 98:3

"Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name's glory, saith the Lord."

This makes me think of the blessings I have seen from this pandemic, and the hope of even greater things to come out of it. I know the year is almost over and when I weigh all that has happened it has been a good year. I have learned so much and my faith is stronger from it.

Day 2101

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 97:12-17

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 97:12-17

"Behold, this is the tithing and the sacrifice which I, the Lord, require at their hands, that there may be a house built unto me for the salvation of Zion -

For a place of thanksgiving for all saints, and for a place of instruction for all those who are called to the work of the ministry in all their several callings and offices;

That they may be perfected in the understanding of their ministry, in theory, in principle, and in doctrine, in all things pertaining to the kingdom of God on the earth, the keys of which kingdom have been conferred upon you.

And inasmuch as my people build a house unto me in the name of the Lord, and do not suffer any unclean thing to come into it, that it be not defiled, my glory shall rest upon it;

Yea, and my presence shall be there, for I will come into it, and all the pure in heart that shall come into it shall see God.

But if it be defiled I will not come into it, and my glory shall not be there; for I will not come into unholy temples."

Tonight is Monday, and before COVID-19 I would be going to bed early so I could wake up and attend the temple early Tuesday morning. Reading tonight about the temple made me feel so homesick. I haven't really felt homesick until now. Now I just sit and weep because I can't go to the temple. I used to gain so much going there. How long will it be before I can go back?

As I reflected on what I could do about this sadness and homesickness I thought about what I loved most while I was at the temple. I realized I wasn't getting the quiet time I needed. The time you reflect without any distracting noises. I used to spend several hours at the temple each week. I think I need more time to sit and reflect on this beautiful eternal plan, and the doctrine of Christ. There are things that I can do better. When I do get to go back to the temple I want to come a better person because I was made to wait.

Day 2100

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 96:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 96:7

"For he is a descendant of Joseph and a partaker of the blessings of the promise made unto his father-"

The reference in this verse is speaking of John Johnson being a descendant of Joseph. When I read this I had one of those duh moments about genealogy. That multiple lands and people can be descended from one man. I had always wondered about 2 Nephi 3 where Lehi is telling his son Joseph about Joseph, son of Jacob. It's where we have the verse...

"And his name shall be called after me; and it shall be after the name of his father..." (2 Nephi 3:15)

I knew this was talking about Joseph Smith, Jr. being named for his father Joseph Smith, Sr. What I had mangled was at the end of the chapter is verse 23 and 24 and thought he was saying that Joseph Smith, Jr. would come through Joseph, son of Lehi's line. I knew I didn't understand it because that thought didn't make sense. Joseph Smith did not come from the blood of native American Indians. I wasn't sure how that could be. After reading about John Johnson being a descendant of Joseph my genealogist brain finally kicked in. I realized there are many descendants from the same Joseph, son of Jacob's line that play different roles and were raised in different lands.

I love it when those moments of understanding come. I have long learned that if I don't understand something it doesn't mean you doubt, it means you wait until you do understand. I just never know the time or the place where the understanding on a matter will finally come. The important thing is to put yourself in the place where the understanding can happen. That is why reading the scriptures every day is important. The only way to come to an understanding of the scriptures is to read them.

Day 2099

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 95:5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 95:5-6

"But behold, verily I say unto you, that there are many who have been ordained among you, whom I have called but few of them are chosen.

They who are not chosen have sinned a very grievous sin, in that they are walking in darkness at noon-day."

These verses made me reflect on what I have observed of late. There has been a lot of bad comments on posts that the church puts out. It has gotten to the point it doesn't even matter what the subject is. Recently something as innocent as congratulating President-elect Joe Biden on winning the election drove some members to tear up their temple recommends, and call church leaders corrupt over it. This simple statement by the church was nothing new or unique. It has been done after every election. It doesn't matter who the President is, it matters that we support the office of President of our nation. It was also something that President Oaks discussed in his recent general conference address.

"This does not mean that we agree with all that is done with the force of law. It means that we obey the current law and use peaceful means to change it. It also means that we peacefully accept the results of elections. We will not participate in the violence threatened by those disappointed with the outcome. In a democratic society we always have the opportunity and the duty to persist peacefully until the next election."

(President Dallin H. Oaks, "Love Your Enemies", Oct 2020 General Conference)

The whole situation was so sad. How could someone feel ripping up their temple recommend equates to who the president is or not? It seems fitting to apply "they are walking in darkness at noon-day". Truth can be right in front of you, but you can be so blinded by worldly agendas that you can no longer see where your passions are leading you.

Comment made on

Newsroom of the Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-day Saints

Facebook page posted 14 Dec 2020

Day 2098

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 94:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 94:2

"And behold, it must be done according to the pattern which I have given unto you."

This chapter is a revelation on building the first temple of this dispensation. The pattern to be used was given to Joseph Smith through revelation. The last temple on the earth was destroyed in 70 A.D. so no one knew the pattern. I find it interesting that the temple built in Kirtland, Ohio is unlike the ones built since then. I'm sure it was unlike the one destroy in 70 A.D. Yet, this temple served its purpose and when completed and dedicated it was accepted by the Lord and the heaven's opened.

Day 2097

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 93:24, 28, 36-37

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 93:24, 28, 36-37

"And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come;

He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.

The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.

Light and truth forsake that evil one.

This chapter has so much in it and especially speaking of the source of all light is through Jesus Christ. He is the light of the world, and tonight we celebrate his birth. While I was reading this chapter I was especially drawn to truth, light and knowledge. I have come to realize that facing truth does bring light into your life. Seeing truth sets you free. It is through the Savior's atoning sacrifice that we heal when we have to see truth, accept it and change because of it. With truth and knowledge we can look at the past, see things as they were and as they are now, and see a brighter future because of it. As we embrace truth; knowledge and intelligence follow. I think they testify of the path we are on. In the past as I've read this chapter I only thought of it speaking to the pre-existence, mortal life, and the eternities. But I think this chapter also helps us see our mortal existence and put it into the proper perspective through the light of Christ.

Day 2096

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 92:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 92:1

"Verily, thus saith the Lord, I give unto the united order, organized agreeable to the commandment previously given, a revelation and commandment concerning my servant Frederick G. Williams, that ye shall receive him into the order. What I say unto one I say unto all."

In this verse I focused on "What I say unto one I say unto all". It reminded me of my Pathway class on the Book of Mormon, and learning the study skill Substitution. This is where I insert my name in the scriptures and follow the pronouns. So where this verse says Frederick G. Williams, I would read it Renee M. Zamora. This was an easy concept to understand because of what Nephi had said earlier.

"And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning."

(1 Nephi 19:23)

Day 2095

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 91:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 91:1-2

"Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you concerning the Apocrypha - There are many things contained therein that are true, and it is mostly translated correctly;

There are many things contained therein that are not true, which are interpolations by the hands of men."

Joseph Smith was working on translating the Old Testament when he came to the ancient writings called the Apocrypha. He inquired of the Lord regarding them and received this revelation. It was not needful for him to translate them. This chapter also says, "And whoso is enlightened by the Spirit shall obtain benefit therefrom;" (vs 5)

This year I finally felt ready to read them. I have to say it was an interesting experience. There were parts I felt inspired and learned from them. I really enjoyed "The Greek Additions to Esther". I did bookmark several passages in other books. It was cool to find the name Nephi in there. However, there were other parts I felt were kin to fables. Overall, I have to say I read it and felt the other scriptures are what is needful. I really don't feel a desire to read the apocrypha again. Though I would encourage others to read it when they feel they are ready.

Day 2094

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 90:25

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 90:25

"Let your families be small, especially mine aged servant Joseph Smith's Sen., as pertaining to those who do not belong to your families;"

When I read this first part "let your families be small", I was like wait a minute? Members of the church are known for having large families. This cannot be what it means? Then I found this that explains the meaning well.

"The Lord warns His servants, particularly the Prophet's father, to let their families be small in order that the substance provided for them by the Church be not used by the unworthy who were prone to take advantage of a situation. When the Lord advises them to let their families be small, He does not mean their immediate children; the visitors and hangers-on who had a tendency to take advantage of the brethren's open houses and open hearts are the ones meant. The brethren would not be hindered in accomplishing the Lord's work if they watched this matter."

(Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, Section 90, "The Oracles of God", and Sperry, Compendium, p. 462)

Day 2093

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 89:19

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 89:19

"And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;"

I have read and studied the word of wisdom many times. I challenged myself to ponder on something I had never pondered on before in this chapter. This time I looked at gaining wisdom. It also referenced the story of Daniel, Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach) and Azariah (Abed-nego). Where Daniel asked Melzar, the prince of the eunuchs to give them pulse to eat for ten days, to prove who faired better them or the children that ate of the king's meat.

"So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.

Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.

As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm."

(Daniel 1:14,16-17, 20)

Now I reasoned, that if the word of wisdom is to show "forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days" that having the blessing of wisdom, knowledge (hidden treasures), skill in learning, visions and dreams, and understanding are vital if not even more so than the health of the body at this time. Of course I do want both. We are warned in the very beginning that the word of wisdom exists due to evil and conspiring men. I had always thought of these evils as in processed foods harming the body but I hadn't thought of them really dimming our ability to receive gifts of the spirit. Then that light bulb went off that it's called the word of Wisdom, with an emphasis on the wisdom. Maybe that is the key element in this whole chapter. I had only focused on the destroying angel passing me by because I wasn't inviting death with a poor diet. Now I really see this as a key motivation for this being given to the saints in the last days. We need wisdom and the gifts of the spirit to survive the evil designs of conspiring men.

What I took away from pondering this was a personal challenge to only eat wholesome foods for ten days and see how I fair. Of course, I want to do this all my life but ten days seem like where I need to start. I did laugh at myself, as Christmas treats are all around me. I will begin this challenge after the holidays. For what I eat the rest of the family eats. I think I would be hit with a rebellion on Christmas Day if I only gave them pulse. After the riches of the "kings table" a modest diet will be a very welcome change.

Day 2092

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 88:91-92

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 88:91-92

"And all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men's hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people.

And angels shall fly through the midst of heaven, crying with a loud voice, sounding the trump of God, saying: Prepare ye, prepare ye, O inhabitants of the earth; for the judgment of our God is come. Behold, and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him"

This chapter is so instructional and even though it speaks of the second coming it brings peace. That what we will go through is known by Him, and he will prepare us. I reflected on how in these two verses are years of time, it could be decades or even less than that. I don't know, but this is where we are at right now. The world is in commotion, men's hearts are failing them, and the prophets of the Lord are speaking of preparing ourselves for the Bridegroom coming. When I think of the last couple General Conferences there truly has been a "Prepare ye, prepare ye".

Day 2091

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 87:6, 8

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 87:6, 8

"And thus, with the sword and by bloodshed the inhabitants of the earth shall mourn; and with famine, and plague, and earthquake, and the thunder of heaven, and the fierce and vivid lightning also, shall the inhabitants of the earth be made to feel the wrath, and indignation, and chastening hand of an Almighty God, until the consumption decreed hath made a full end of all nations;

Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen."

I cannot help but think of what the world is going through right now. How there is a plague upon the earth. There is cause to mourn. I also thought about standing in holy places. The holiest of places are the temples, and I can't go there right now. The next holy place is my home. It's interesting that my home is the best place for me to be during the plague all around me. It gives me comfort to know that when the wrath of God is poured out there are places of refuge prepared for us.

Day 2090

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 86:6-7

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 86:6-7

"But the Lord saith unto them, pluck not up the tares while the blade is yet tender (for verily your faith is weak), lest you destroy the wheat also.

Therefore, let the wheat and the tares grow together until the harvest is fully ripe; then ye shall first gather out the wheat from among the tares, and after the gathering of the wheat, behold and lo, the tares are bound in bundles, and the field remaineth to be burned."

I know we are right here in time. The shifting among the saints may come in my lifetime. I have no idea what will finally sift us. If fulfillment of prophecy has taught me, it's nothing I ever envisioned. So I cannot picture even what would cause it to happen. Instead of focusing on what is a tare I thought I would focus on what it means to be a wheat.

The faith would have to be strong to be a wheat. One would have to be fully matured spiritually to stand out against the tares. For when the wheat is mature it bows down, and the tares stand straight and proud. So, I would need to work on what is needful to strengthen my faith. There is a purpose for wheat and tares to grow together. I pondered on how my testimony has been strengthened as I have interacted with tares among the wheat. For it has caused me to turn to the Lord for guidance and support, and learning to forgive and place things in His hands. It has taught me a lot about the plan of salvation. I will be eternally grateful for what living among tares have taught me. I wonder if the separation comes because there are no more lessons for the wheat to learn from living among the tares?

Day 2089