Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 3:15

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 3:15

"And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel."

This is one of these verses I've been trying to figure out what it means for a long time. Who is bruising the head and who is bruising the heel? I noticed in the chapter header it said "Her Seed (Christ) will bruise the serpent's head". Then in the footnote "it" has HEB he. So now I know that Christ will bruise Satan's head. From this I finally figured out that Satan will bruise Christ's heel. Then I pondered on how he does that? Then the light bulb goes off. Christ was crucified, by his own, inspired by Satan. Satan thought he had wounded Christ and stopped the Father's plan. Instead it moved the plan ahead by Christ atoning for our sins, and his resurrection breaking the bands of death. This whole time I've been trying to figure out this verse and its speaking of Christ's atonement and the power to crush Satan in the end.

"And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen."

(Romans 16:20)

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;"

(Hebrews 2:14)

"Yet is pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand."

(Isaiah 53:10)

Day 2162

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 2:22, 24

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 2:22, 24

"And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."

This was the marriage of Adam and Eve. It was an eternal marriage preformed by God. I realized for the first time both Adam and Eve were immortal at the time of their marriage. The Father never said "Til death do you part". That is what happens if you have a marriage for time only. The only way to have an eternal marriage that exists after death is to have it performed by God, or by one given that authority by him. I am grateful that eternal marriages are performed in the House of the Lord, in His Holy Temples.

Day 2161

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 1:20-22

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 1:20-22

"And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.

And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth."

I noticed something new in the creation story. Birds come from the water. In the verses after this God speaks of the other creatures that come from the earth. So there are separate elements from which life is created. In thinking that a day is a creation period. I could also see evolution involved in the process.

Day 2160

Today's Favorite Verse: Articles of Faith: 12

Today's Favorite Verse: Articles of Faith: 12

"We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."

When I look at the Articles of Faith I think this is the one that has been the most abused this year. I reflected on how grateful I am for this one. It has been such a guiding light to me and how I should behave during this whole pandemic and politically upheaval. It has kept me from fighting the wrong battle and losing my way.

Day 2159

Today's Favorite Verse: Joseph Smith-History 1:38-39

Today's Favorite Verse: Joseph Smith-History 1:38-39

"And again, he quoted the fifth verse thus: 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.

He also quoted the next verse differently: 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'm reading the Joseph Smith History and this is what the angel Moroni quoted to Joseph Smith on the evening of September 21, 1823. As I read these words from Malachi I could not help but wonder what Joseph and Moroni must both be thinking on the eve of RootsTech Connect 2021. The last count I saw there were 501,203 people registered in over 237 countries and territories around the world. The interest and fascination in finding your roots has never been stronger.

There is no doubt that Elijah did come and the hearts of the children have turned to their fathers. It's almost like I can feel the spirit world collectively holding their breath for what is about to happen. The temples have been closed for almost a year and all work for our deceased ancestors have been on hold. If it wasn't for this pandemic none of that would have ever happened, and neither would RootsTech become a virtual worldwide event. It won't be long before the dam bursts and the temple doors will reopen with a flood that will fill the whole earth.

Day 2158

Today's Favorite Verse: Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:23

Today's Favorite Verse: Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:23

"Behold, I speak these things unto you for the elect's sake; and you also shall hear of wars, and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled, for all I have told you must come to pass; but the end is not yet."

I really think I could go through each of these 55 verses in this chapter individually and have something to ponder on and write. There is just so very much of great importance in this chapter. In fact when I just want some time to reflect I think I will read this chapter. I can see myself sitting in the celestial room of the temple reading and pondering these words.

I am struck on how many times the Lord says "I speak for mine elect's sake." In fact elect is mentioned 8 times. I think that means this chapter is of specific attention for the Lord's elect to be aware of. I want to count myself as one of them.

The reason this verse stood out to me is because I have been trying to express to others this thought, but didn't have the words. Now I see it's right here. "See that ye be not troubled, for all I have told you must come to pass." I have seen fear amongst people on many different levels. I have seen conspiracy theories and people all worked up over the words of false prophets. (Sadly, that isn't what they realize they are doing.) I think during this latter part of the last days the elect will not have fear, for they will have faith. They will know that even if storms, famines, earthquakes, floods, pestilence, plagues, wars and violence come. If nations fall and evil reigns to not be troubled. These things were prophesied to happen. We don't encourage bad things to happen, but we know that the Lord will strengthen us to endure these things.

I remember a discussion I had with someone. They were all concerned that our economy would fail and a new money system would be put in place. I cannot describe to you all they had worked themselves up over this matter into minute detail. I knew in my heart they were listening to false prophets that put fear in their heart. Then I asked "What difference does it really make if the money system changes? Will that really change your ability to live the gospel?"

Christ said "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." (Mark 12:17) A money system is not of God. It doesn't matter what is used. Why should it matter if the world uses the same thing? There are so many things that we need to not trouble ourselves over, for in the scheme of the eternities and our ability to have eternal life they mean nothing. They are only man's ways. The Lord has already told us what will come about. Know that if you are obedient and do what is right miracles and doors will open up for you. Yes, there are hard days ahead, but so are there promised mighty miracles too. "Be not troubled" is a measuring rod of who we are listening to. We have to have the faith that the Lord knows what is coming, there is a purpose and a plan for all that we endure. We have to be on the Lord's side in this and walk in faith and trust him.

Day 2157

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 5:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 5:13

"But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the time that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die. Now I, Abraham, saw that it was after the Lord's time, which was after the time of Kolob; for as yet the Gods had not appointed unto Adam his reckoning."

I pondered on time and how Adam died in the day that he ate of the tree of knowledge. For in God's reckoning one day equals 1,000 years for us.

"And the Lord said unto me, by the Urim and Thummim, that Kolob was after the manner of the Lord, according to its times and seasons in the revolutions thereof; that one revolution was a day unto the Lord, after his manner of reckoning, it being one thousand years according to the time appointed unto that whereon thou standest. This is the reckoning of the Lord's time, according to the reckoning of Kolob.

(Abraham 3:4)

"And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died."

(Genesis 5:5)

Adam begat Seth at 130 

Seth begat Enos at 105

Enos begat Cainan at 90

Cainan begat Mahaleleel at 70

Mahalaleel begat Jared at 65

Jared begat Enoch at 162

Enoch begat Methuselah at 65

Methuselah begat Lamech at 187

Lamech begat Noah at 182

Noah begat Shem, Ham and Japeth at 500

Noah was 600 when the flood came

The oldest living man was Methuselah.

"And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died."

(Genesis 5:27)

"Methuselah was one hundred years old when he was ordained under the hand of Adam.

Three years previous to the death of Adam, he called Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch and Methuselah, who were all high priests, with the residue of his posterity who were righteous, into the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and there bestowed upon them his last blessing."

(Doctrine and Covenants 107:50, 53)

Jewish tradition says Methuselah died 7 days before the great flood. He was not taken up to the city of Enoch so from his posterity Noah would be born. It was important that Methuselah would live long enough to prepare Noah. It's fascinating when you think of Methuselah being the last person on earth to have heard the testimony of Adam from his own lips. He was the bridge between Adam and Noah, which spanned 1,056 years until Noah was born, or 1,656 years from the fall to the flood.

Day 2156

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 4:18

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 4:18

"And the Gods watched those things which they had ordered until they obeyed."

The Gods are God the Father and his son, Jesus Christ. What I noticed in this chapter is how many times the words organized (10), ordered (7), and obeyed (6) was mentioned. Each creation period has it at last once if not multiple times. From this I realized the progression to the next step in creation did not happen until God saw they were obeyed. I pondered on the cause and effect each creation had on the ability for the next creation to become organized, ordered and obeyed. Then I thought about how my obedience or lack of it, effects others around me. How the lack of obedience causes life to go into chaos. Truly out of all of God's creations man is the least obedient, and is less than the dust of the earth. For even dust is obedient.

"And they viewed themselves in the own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men.

And it came to pass that after they had spoken these words the Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they were filled with joy, having received a remission of their sins, and having peace of conscience, because of the exceeding faith which they had in Jesus Christ who should come, according to the words which king Benjamin had spoken unto them."

(Mosiah 4:2-3).

I am grateful for a loving Father in Heaven and his beautiful plan. He knew out of all his creations that man would need a savior to sacrifice and atone for their sins. I am grateful for my Lord, Jesus Christ for doing that for me.

Day 2155

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 3:19, 22

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 3:19, 22

"And the Lord said unto me: These two facts do exist, that there are two spirits, one being more intelligent than the other; there shall be another more intelligent than they; I am the Lord thy God, I am more intelligent than they all.

Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones;"

This is what I understand, that before we had bodies we were spirit. Before we were spirit we were intelligences. God took of the intelligences and the one most intelligent he created the first born of spirit, the Lord Jesus Christ. I don't know what a intelligence looks like and how God would compare them. But, I can see how he could look upon all the intelligences and say this is the most of all of them. Then he made the noble and great ones, and finally all the spirits.

This made me think of this.

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

(Doctrine and Covenants 93:36)

"One of the primary purposes of mortality is to learn—to gain knowledge and intelligence. Doctrine and Covenants 93:36 states, “The glory of God is intelligence.” You might think intelligence means being gifted in academic work, but intelligence also means applying the knowledge we obtain for righteous purposes."

(Elder David A. Bednar, "The Glory of God is Intelligence", Oct 2007 Friend)

I think in a way the glory of God is us, and what we become that honors the purpose he created us for.

"And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come."

(Doctrine and Covenants 130:19)

Day 2154

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 2:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 2:12

"Now, after the Lord had withdrawn from speaking to me, and withdrawn his face from me, I said in my heart: Thy servant has sought thee earnestly; now I have found thee;"

I'm not sure I can describe how I feel reading this verse. I can really hear Abraham voice in this. I can't recall when I've read a passage that shows what a person was thinking and said to themselves after an spiritual event happened. There probably is, but I just can't recall one. It's something I will watch for now. I think that inner dialog with one's self is so important. It's that confirmation by the Spirit to really know where you stand. This is just one of those verses that you don't just know it you feel it. I can just picture the awe of it all.

Day 2153

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 1:31

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 1:31

"But the records of the fathers, even the patriarchs, concerning the right of Priesthood, the Lord my God preserved in mine own hands; therefore a knowledge of the beginning of the creation, and also the planets, and of the stars, as they were made known unto the fathers, have I kept even unto this day, and I shall endeavor to write some of these things upon this record, for the benefit of my posterity that shall come after me."

It is fascinating reading the book of Abraham, especially when you think about the learning of Egyptians, and that their knowledge of astronomy came from Abraham. Even more so when you think about what was common thought at the time of Joseph Smith when the papyrus was translated.

"There is a prevalent notion in the world today that before the time of Columbus, Galileo, and Copernicus, all ancient people believed that the earth was flat and the center of the universe. From the writings of the Scriptures, and more especially those which have come to us in this dispensation, we know that the ancient peoples, when they were guided by the Spirit of the Lord, had the true conception of the universe. The Lord revealed to Abraham great truths about the heavenly bodies, their revolutions, times and seasons, and these were published by the Prophet Joseph Smith before modern astronomers were familiar with these facts. From the writings of Abraham we learn that the Egyptians understood the nature of the planets. Moses also recorded much about this and other worlds, but because of the unbelief and apostasy from truth, these writings were eliminated from his writings."

(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 188, footnote a)

Day 2152

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 8:13-15

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 8:13-15

"And Noah and his sons hearkened unto the Lord, and gave heed, and they were called the sons of God.

And when these men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, the sons of men saw that those daughters were fair, and they took them wives, even as they chose.

And the Lord said unto Noah: The daughters of thy sons have sold themselves; for behold mine anger is kindled against the sons of men, for they will not hearken to my voice."

I think the story of Noah is worsened when you realize among the people begging to be let on the ark after the rains began, where his own grandchildren. The daughters of his sons. I sat and pondered on what it would have been like to know your offspring will die, and the three remaining sons and their wives will have prosperity after the flood. Noah was 452 years old when he begat Japheth. Japeth was 42 years older than Shem, and Shem was 8 years older than Ham. These are the names of the children we know, but how many other children did Noah have that died in the flood? Noah was 500 years old when Shem was born and the flood happened when he was 600.

I also looked at what the difference was between the "sons of God', and the "sons of men". The "sons of God" is obvious because they follow God. The "sons of men" are those that covenanted with Satan, and kept not the commandments of God. (Moses 5:52).

Day 2151

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 7:16,69

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 7:16,69

"And from that time forth there was wars and bloodshed among them; but the Lord came and dwelt with his people, and they dwelt in righteousness.

And Enoch and all his people walked with God, and he dwelt in the midst of Zion; and it came to pass that Zion was not, for God received it up into his own bosom; and from thence went forth the saying, Zion is fled."

I learned something new about the city of Enoch reading this chapter. I didn't realized that the Lord actually dwelt with them there until Zion was taken up.

Day 2150