Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 131:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 131:5

"(May 17th, 1843.) The more sure word of prophecy means a man's knowing that he is sealed up unto eternal life, by revelation and the spirit of prophecy, through the power of the Holy Priesthood."

This verse made me things of this wonderful little video of Elder David A. Bednar, "You Don't Have to Die to Find Out" Where You'll Go on the Day of Judgment".

"How will I know where I am going to go? I can answer that for you. You don't have to die to find out.

If living the gospel for you is hard, if it's a chore, "Ahh, if I just wasn't a latter-day saint I could have fun." If that's what you're like when you die, guess where you are going to go? With other people that feel the same way. Because that is the law you have learned to love.

If during the course of your life, a little bit at a time, you have learned to love living the gospel, guess where you're going when you die? With people who love living the gospel. The Lord is not going to have to tell you.

When you come into His presence you won't think. "Gee, I hope he's in a really good mood today. I hope he gives me some extra points so my grade will be a little bit better." When you come into His presence you will go where you know you belong, based on what we have desired to do and become while we have lived on the earth.

If you can look your bishop in the eye, because you are worthy and clean, you already know what the day of judgment will be like. There is no awkwardness, no embarrassment, no shame. Joyfully, living the gospel is not hard. Not living the gospel is what's hard, and it is joyful to live it."

Day 2134

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 130:7-8

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 130:7-8

"But they reside in the presence of God, on a globe like a sea of glass and fire, where all thing for their glory are manifest, past, present, and future, and are continually before the Lord.

The place where God resides is a great Urim and Thummim"

I reflected on a time when I had great sorrow, because I had traveled and been somewhere a whole month, but was never able to go so much as to the ocean and dip my toe in it. As I sat on the plane ride home I was so grateful that there was no companion next to me, because I silently cried. Then this verse came to me and I realize that all the things I missed will one day be made up. That I really will never miss out on anything, because one day I will be able to see the past as it really was. Since then I have been comforted about the lack of being able to travel or attend events. If it really was important in the scheme of things, I will one day see it better than if I had seen and experienced it with my natural eye. Even if I don't have the doctrine or understanding right, I am grateful for the peace and comfort it gave me over the matter.

Day 2133

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 129:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 129:4

"When a messenger comes saying he has a message from God, offer him your hand and request him to shake hands with you."

This chapter explains how to detect angels who are resurrected personages, and spirits of just men made perfect. An angel has a body of flesh and bones and you will feel their hand when you shake it. A spirit doesn't have body, and "it is contrary to the order of heaven for a just man to deceive". He will not move forward and shake hands but he will still deliver his message. Then it explains the devil as an angel of light will shake hands and you will feel nothing.

I think it so important to understand these things. I have reflected at times, when I've heard a story of some visitation, how wonderful it would have been if they had only known to test whomever came to them. Then they would not have been deceived. I'm sure it will only become more important to understand these things, as the adversary gets more desperate to deceive those who would have been the very elect.

Day 2132

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 128:18

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 128:18

"I might have rendered a plainer translation to this, but it is sufficiently plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and children, upon some subject or other - and behold what is that subject? it is the baptism for the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they nor we be may perfect without those who have died in the gospel also; for it is necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fulness of times, which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time. And not only this, but those things which never have been revealed from the foundation of the world, but have been kept hid from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times."

In this epistle from Joseph Smith he lays out the whole purpose and need for baptism for the dead. "For we without them cannot be made perfect." I know being involved in family history work has refined me. I love this chapter. It is hard to pick just one verse to ponder on. What made me stop and pause was this part of the verse "but those things which never had been revealed from the foundation of the world". It is only since President Russell M. Nelson became prophet that I have become aware that the restoration is not complete. I always thought it had been fully restored. There are things that have never been revealed since the world began that will only be made known in this dispensation. I wonder what I shall see come in my lifetime? Whatever it is, I hope and pray my heart will be ready.

Day 2131

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 127:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 127:2

"And as for the perils which I am called to pass through, they seem but a small thing to me, as the envy and wrath of man have been my common lot all the days of my life; and for what cause it seems mysterious, unless I was ordained from before the foundation of the world for some good end, or bad, as you may choose to call it. Judge ye for yourselves. God knoweth all these things, whether it be good or bad. But nevertheless, deep water is what I am wont to swim in. It all has become a second nature to me; and I feel, like Paul, to glory in tribulation; for to this day has the God of my fathers delivered me out of them all, and will deliver me from henceforth; for behold, and lo, I shall triumph over all my enemies, for the Lord God hath spoken it."

This chapter is an epistle from Joseph Smith as he was forced to flee from his enemies. In it he instructs the saints on the method of baptism for the dead. Instead what I focused on was his reference of "deep water is what I am wont to swim in. It all has become a second nature to me". It reminded me of Ezekiel 47 and the water that issued out from the house of the Lord at the south side of the alter. First there was water to the ankles, then to the knees, up to the loins and finally waters to swim in. What a difference there is to wade through water and then freely swim. Is that not how we immerse ourselves in the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is a struggle until you totally immerse yourself and reach deep water and swim.

Joseph had trials since he was a boy. He had finally reach the point that he could glory in tribulation because they did not weigh him down or let them hold him back. He had turned himself over freely to the Lord and trusted him. Joseph was now swimming in living waters. What he then goes on to instruct the saints in becomes temple ordinances and blessings for those on both sides of the veil. Blessings that will flow from the temples to heal families and give them life. Temples can help prepare us to swim in deep waters, and glory in tribulation.

Day 2130

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 126:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 126:2

"I have seen your labor and toil in journeyings for my name."

This revelation was for Brigham Young who was serving as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. What I reflected on is the Lord could be speaking to any one of us, no matter our calling. The Lord sees our efforts we are making to serve him. Isn't that all that really matters?

Day 2129

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 125:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 125:1

"What is the will of the Lord concerning the saints in the Territory of Iowa?"

As I read this I realized how blessed we are to have a living prophet of God on the earth today. He can inquire on the will of the Lord for his saints and receive inspiration. This has been so evident because of all that we were prepared for when the pandemic hit.

It is so important to not say this is the only true church upon the face of the earth. The fact is it is the "only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth". The living part is essential, for this is the Church Christ directs through a living prophet. The heavens are open and the Lord speaks once again to prophets on the earth. Today that prophet is Russell M. Nelson.

Day 2128

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 124:46, 87

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 124:46, 87

"But if they will not hearken to my voice, nor unto the voice of these men whom I have appointed, they shall not be blest, because they pollute mine holy grounds, and mine holy ordinances, and charters, and my holy words which I give unto them.

Therefore, let my servant William put his trust in me, and cease to fear concerning his family, because of the sickness of the land. If ye love me, keep my commandments; and the sickness of the land shall redound to your glory."

This is a wonderful chapter with so many verses I would love to quote. But these two are the ones I decided to ponder on, because I could apply them to what is going on around me.

There is sickness in the land, and because of that sickness our temples are closed. But, I also thought of the purpose of that sickness. It can be used to strengthen us, or we can miss the opportunity and have it become a greater condemnation. Sometimes I feel the temples being close is a blessing because they may have been abused by those that would not follow the counsel of the Lord's servants. Yet, with it those that wait and are faithful will be blessed. There are purposes in all things, yet I would not want to be on the wrong side of this, and have my actions be a cause of keeping the temples closed.

Day 2127

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 123:1, 4, 6, 17

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 123:1, 4, 6, 17

"And again, we would suggest for your consideration the propriety of all the saints gathering up a knowledge of all the facts, and sufferings and abuses put upon them by the people of this state;

And perhaps a committee can be appointed to find out these things, and to take statements and affidavits; and also to gather up the libelous publications that are afloat;

That we may not only publish to all the world, but present them to the heads of government in all their dark and hellish hue, as the last effort which is enjoined on us by our Heavenly Father, before we can fully and completely claim that promise which shall call him forth from his hiding place; and also that the whole nation may be left without excuse before he can send forth the power of his mighty arm.

Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."

The saints had an extermination order against them from the State of Missouri. They had been abused, raped, murdered, jailed and had property stolen and all such manner of things happen to them. They were a persecuted and suffering people and sought for redress. This chapter is the Lord's counsel to them. Basically to gather all the truth of what happened and record it. Publish it to the world and present it to government. Then stand still and leave it in God's hands. They were never told to fight for their rights. Instead they were told to be cheerful and trust God. I see the same counsel being given to us today.

Day 2126

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 122:5, 9

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 122:5, 9

"If thou art called to pass through tribulation; if thou art in perils among false brethren; if thou art in perils among robbers; if thou art in perils by land or by sea;

Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever."

The part of passing through tribulation stood out to me tonight because of a quote by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf today.

"In the coming days, weeks and months - as stretching and hard as they may become - I invite you to trust God's love and the Spirit. They will enable you to be an angel of light to those around your."

Which also reminded me of President Russell M. Nelson's August Facebook post which said “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.”

We discussed these during family scripture study tonight and I am of the mind I do not know what is coming. I cannot guess because I have found I am never right. It is always something I never expected. Yet, when I am listening to the counsel of the Lord through his prophet I am protected and can weather what comes. I know what comes only makes me stronger. This quote from verse 7 of this chapter is fitting to leave with.

"...know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good."

Day 2125

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 121:13, 45

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 121:13, 45

"Also because their hearts are corrupted, and the things which they are willing to bring upon others, and love to have others suffer, may come upon themselves to the very uttermost;

Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven."

I was struck with the contrast in where a person's focus and heart is between these two verses. We receive the blessing or cursings that we are willing to bestow upon others.

It made me wonder if the Lord said this to Joseph because he first asked:

"Let thine anger be kindled against our enemies; and, in the fury of thine heart, with they sword avenge us of our wrongs." (vs 5)

The saints were suffering terrible things, the prophet had already spent several months in the dungeon of Liberty Jail. Of course, they wanted to be avenged of their enemies. The Lord is reminding them that they must never lose their charity towards others. To do so would poison you. I think that is why one of the most beautiful chapters in the Book of Mormon is Moroni 7. It is given at the end of the Nephite civilization and it reminds us to have faith, hope and charity towards others. It is an important message for our day. We will not survive spiritually the days ahead if we lose our faith, hope and charity. In fact to have it, is to endure what comes. Revenge is not ours to ask.

Day 2124

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 120:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 120:1

"Verily, thus saith the Lord, the time is now come, that it shall be disposed of by a council, composed of the First Presidency of my Church, and of the bishop and his council, and by my high council; and by mine own voice unto them, saith the Lord. Even so. Amen."

The chapter header says this verse is about the "disposition of the properties tithed as named in the preceding revelation." As I read this single verse chapter I though of the chain of authority mentioned to handle this matter. It goes from the First Presidency to the bishop and high council. All of them are the voice of the Lord as they work within their stewardship and keys. It made me reflect on what we have seen this past year with the church handling COVID-19. The First Presidency had decisions made locally thorough the Area Presidency. There were those that would not listen to their Area Presidencies. They wanted to hear from the prophet himself on matters. The point is the church leadership was doing directly as the Lord counseled them to do.

Day 2123

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 119:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 119:4

"And after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord."

The year is 1838 and the church has gone from the law of consecration and stewardship of property to tithing. In the heading it says "Because of failure on the part of many to abide by this covenant, the Lord withdrew it for a time and gave instead the law of tithing to the whole Church." Tithing it then appears is a lesser law. As I reflected on this I realized that even though I pay tithing I still must be a wise steward of what the Lord has given me. Stewardship over property has not gone away, its just the accountability is between myself and the Lord. When I reflected on the law of consecration I realized I must live that too. For all that I have is consecrated to the Lord and the building of his kingdom. For now I am only asked to tithe one-tenth of my increase. Even though I live a lesser law, I can still be of the heart of a higher law. This will only prepare me for a future time if called upon to do so differently.

Day 2122

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 118:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 118:1

"Verily, thus saith the Lord: Let a conference be held immediately; let the Twelve be organized; and let men be appointed to supply the place of those who are fallen."

This made me think of a quote that has had been for some reason on my mind lately. Now was my chance to find it.

The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “I will give you a key that will never rust, if you will stay with the majority of the Twelve Apostles, and the records of the Church, you will never be led astray.”

(Quoted in Young Woman’s Journal, Dec. 1906, p. 543 by William G. Nelson)

I could only find where William G. Nelson was quoted in the Young Woman's Journal as saying the Prophet Joseph Smith had said this. Then I found the quote used by Elder James E. Faust in his October 1994 General Conference talk "The Keys That Never Rust". With that I have confidence that it is truly something that Joseph Smith said. That the majority of the twelve would never lead me astray. I am grateful an order has been established by the Lord to replace members of the twelve as their places once held are now open.

Day 2121

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 117:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 117:13

"Therefore, let him contend earnestly for the redemption of the First Presidency of my Church, saith the Lord; and when he falls he shall rise again, for his sacrifice shall be more sacred unto me than his increase, saith the Lord."

I love seeing how the Lord looks upon our failures, as we are serving Him. It's not the success or the increase, it is the sacrifice and what we put into it that matters. Above all He wants us to learn and to grow. I also looked back at the purposes in failures. Some assignments He knows will fail, after all the saints weren't meant to remain in that area. The important thing was they try and what they became because of that effort.

Day 2120

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 116:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 116:1

"Spring Hill is named by the Lord Adam-ondi-Ahman, because, said he, it is the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of Days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the prophet."

This coming event is something I would love to attend. Doesn't matter which side of the veil I am on, as long as I'm number among the hundreds of millions of worthy saints throughout the dispensations in attendance. This event marks when the finally scenes of the last days begins. Those there already know the Lord has come, but not yet to the world at large. I read in Daniel where it speaks of this.

"I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.

A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom."

(Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, 22)

Day 2119

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 115:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 115:6

"And that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth."

This reminds me of the various discussions this week I've had with others on President Nelson's talk in general conference. At the time this talk was given the mention of having places of security stood out to me. Given what has taken place in the past week, and with more to come, there seems hardly any time to procrastinate doing as counseled by the prophet.

Principle Number One: Create Places of Security

"Similarly, as turmoil rages around us, we need to create places where we are safe, both physically and spiritually. When your home becomes a personal sanctuary of faith - where the Spirit resides - your home becomes the first line of defense.

Likewise, the stakes of Zion are "a refuge from the storm" because they are led by those who hold priesthood keys and exercise priesthood authority. As you continue to follow the counsel of those whom the Lord has authorized to guide you, you will feel greater safety.

The temple—the house of the Lord—is a place of security unlike any other. There, you sisters are endowed with priesthood power through the sacred priesthood covenants you make. There, your families are sealed for eternity. Even this year, when access to our temples has been seriously limited, your endowment has given you constant access to God’s power as you have honored your covenants with Him.

Simply said, a place of security is anywhere you can feel the presence of the Holy Ghost and be guided by Him. When the Holy Ghost is with you, you can teach truth, even when it runs counter to prevailing opinions. And you can ponder sincere questions about the gospel in an environment of revelation.

I invite you, my dear sisters, to create a home that is a place of security. And I renew my invitation for you to increase your understanding of priesthood power and of temple covenants and blessings. Having places of security to which you can retreat will help you embrace the future with faith."

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

Day 2118