Today's Favorite Verse: Judges 6:7-8

Today's Favorite Verse: Judges 6:7-8

"And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites,

That the LORD sent a prophet unto the children of Israel, which said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage;"

I pondered on how in times of trouble people have turned to the Lord and cried unto God and he has deliver them. That delivery comes through a prophet. What they needed to do was listen to him. In this chapter I can see how a prophet was prepared because of his humility. He does test God to prove he sent an angel to him and to make sure that he is speaking with God. I'm ok with that, because all that he asked was personal between him and God. We do need to be careful to test any messenger that appears to us. I reflected on how grateful I am to know there is a living prophet of God upon the earth today. That he does receive revelation from the Lord. That he is faithful and guides us. I am so grateful I will be able to sit at his feet this coming weekend.

Day 2376

Today's Favorite Verse: Judges 5:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Judges 5:3

"Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel."

I reflected on my favorite hymns. Oh, how they fill my soul. I had to go back and listen to my very favorite which is "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing". The one version I particularly looked for was when a member of the Tabernacle Choir tears flowed. It's interesting how strong the spirit is when these hymns are sung during General Conference. I am so excited to hear a live Tabernacle Choir during General Conference this coming weekend.

Day 2375

Today's Favorite Verse: Judges 4:1-2, 9

Today's Favorite Verse: Judges 4:1-2, 9

"And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when Ehud was dead.

And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles.

And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh."

The words sold and to sell by the Lord did not fit. I know the Lord did not sell us, but he bought us with his blood. I turned to the footnote.

"Yea, for thus saith the Lord: Have I put thee away, or have I cast thee off forever? For thus saith the Lord: Where is the bill of your mother’s divorcement? To whom have I put thee away, or to which of my creditors have I sold you? Yea, to whom have I sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away."

(2 Nephi 7:1, and Isaiah 50:1)

The only selling is ourselves. For turning away from the Lord we sell ourselves, and that is when we pay a price.

Day 2374

Today's Favorite Verse: Judges 3:1, 4, 9, 12

Today's Favorite Verse: Judges 3:1, 4, 9, 12

"Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan;

And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.

And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother.

 And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD."

As I'm reading this I am seeing a parallel between the Book of Mormon. First impressions are why Nephi's brothers Laman and Lemuel had to remain with them. The Lord allowed them to stay so the others could be tested and proved. That is why the Lord allowed the other nations around Israel to remain. That is more than likely how we are proved and tested today.

Then as I was reading the rest of the chapter I thought of the Jaredites and how it is recorded in the book of Ether. It records when kings and the people were righteous or wicked, and how they prospered or fell because of it. I am going to continue to look for these parallels as I read the book of Judges. It really will be a story about us.

Day 2373

Today's Favorite Verse: Judges 2:16-17

Today's Favorite Verse: Judges 2:16-17

"Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.

And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD; but they did not so."

This made me think of something that was shared with me this week. This was an exchange that took place after a recent stake conference that Elder Gary E. Stevenson attended. The member asked, "What has the spirit been prompting you to focus your scripture study on most recently?" Elder Stevenson replied, "I've felt inspired to look at past scripture events and relate them to current events in our present day."

As I was reading this chapter I saw this as another example of past scripture events and how it relates to our day. Just like the children of Israel wouldn't listen to their judges we have members today that do not listen to the prophets. Anything that makes you not listen to the servants of God becomes other gods to you. This pandemic is a time of proving and testing the saints.

"That through them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not."

(Judges 2:22)

We must continue to hold onto the iron rod, and stay the course. As President Nelson 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.”

Day 2372

Today's Favorite Verse: Judges 1:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Judges 1:1-2

"Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them?2 And the LORD said, Judah shall go up: behold, I have delivered the land into his hand."

I'm starting the book of Judges and wondered who was the Lord speaking to? It was clear when it was Moses, and then Joshua but who is their prophet or leader now? I did read ahead and found that Othniel that is first mentioned in this chapter is the first judge.

"And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjath-sepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.

And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife."

(Judges 1:12-13)

I read a little more on what the book Judges is and found this.

"This book and Ruth contain all the Jewish history that has been preserved to us of the times between the death of Joshua and the birth of Samuel. Judges consists of three parts: (1) an introduction (Judg. 1:1–3:6); (2) the history of the Twelve Judges, which falls into a succession of periods of rebellion against God, and the oppressions and deliverances by which they were followed (3:7–16:31); (3) two narratives, which specially show the tendency to idolatry and lawlessness (Judg. 17–21).

...In some cases the influence of a judge only extended over part of the land, so that two judges might hold office at the same time.

...The lack of unity is vividly called to the reader’s attention in the closing sentence of the book (Judg. 21:25): “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”

(Bible Dictionary)

Now I have things that I will watch for as I read this chapter. I also pondered on how not having a clear leader over all the children of Israel, and the lack of unity that came from it, could be a cause of so many issues ahead. When there isn't unity in people there can be chaos and rebellion. Then again you can have a prophet and people don't always listen or follow him either.

Day 2371

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 24:23

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 24:23

"Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel."

This verse made me think of headline I saw today that said "Politics Is America's New Religion". I had remarked to my son that I believed that people have replaced God with politics. They have created their own god out of it. They worship the constitution, they worship political leaders, they pursue their politics with religious zeal. They are behaving very oddly. Now I even see this verse differently because of the usage of the phrase "strange gods". Yes, politics have become one of those strange gods that people are worshipping. Just like so many other worldly things. We are a world with an unlimited number of "strange gods", and there will be a price to pay for it. "If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good."

(Joshua 24:20)

Day 2370

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 23:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 23:6

"Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left;"

One of the lessons I have learned during this pandemic is to stay the course. Follow the prophet and the mainstream of the church. Don't go right or left because either side will lead you astray. Stay the course right down the middle. That doesn't mean I straddle the fence. It means stay on the narrow path that is straight and sure. The Lord is there and will lighten the way through all that is ahead. I have to be like Peter and not get distracted by the storm going on around me, but keep my eyes on the Lord.

I have come to understand Lehi's dream of the tree of life with new eyes. The importance of staying on the strait and narrow path and not to take my hand off the rod of iron for a moment.

"And I also beheld a strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood; and it also led by the head of the fountain, unto a large and spacious field, as if it had been a world."

(1 Nephi 8:20)

That there will be others on the right and on the left that will mock at those that choose to follow the prophet.

"And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth.

And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit.

And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not."

(1 Nephi 8:26-27, 33)

Those that choose to not follow the prophet think they are wise, but sadly they will perish. Right now there is a real possibility they will perish physically, but more devastating is they are perishing spiritually.

"O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish."

(2 Nephi 9:28)

Sometimes, I wish I could literally shake people that say their "personal revelation" told them to set aside the counsel of a prophet of God. Can they not see who's plan they are following? They have become that verse.

"For strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the lives, and few there be that find it, because ye receive me not in the world neither do ye know me."

(Doctrine and Covenants 132:22)

Day 2369

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 22:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 22:5

"But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul."

I pondered on how showing our love for God is by diligently heeding all his commandments and ways. Cleaving to Him and serving with all our heart and soul. There is pure allegiance to God and none other god put before Him. That can include not only idols but ideologies and doctrines of men. It would mean we don't justify for our own purposes why His laws do not pertain to us. It's doing His will and not seeking after our own. If that is being in bondage to the one free God then let me have him for my Master.

Day 2368

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 21:43-45

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 21:43-45

" And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein.

And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand.

There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass."

After reading this I thought, "Now that the promises are fulfilled, it is for them to be able to keep it. All the lessons learned along the way could bring them to Zion, if they were righteous and pure in heart. It is the people that will keep it or lose it.

Day 2367

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 20:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 20:9

"These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation."

If your unintentional actions caused the death of another there was a place of refuge that you could flee. You were given protection until you stood before the congregation and were judged. As I am watching the news and seeing the story that is unfolding, I realize what a better plan the Lord has in handing these situations. The one that has caused the death of another can flee, but to a safe place. Justice can then be served, or protection given to the innocent. I really dislike how judgment is made in the courts of public opinion, through social media, before all the facts are known.

Day 2366

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 19:49-50

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 19:49-50

"When they had made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts, the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them:

According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnath-serah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein."

Caleb and Joshua were the two faithful spies promised to live to enter the promised land, and inheritances. Caleb received land earlier, and now Joshua receives his. I imagine it must have been extremely difficult to divide all this land among those receiving an inheritance. Was there a lot of arguing among them? Then I thought they actually may have not seen all the land in order to argue about it. After-all, ten of the spies that gave bad reports, died and never got to receive inheritances. There was wisdom in that.

Day 2365

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 18:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 18:8

"And the men arose, and went away: and Joshua charged them that went to describe the land, saying, Go and walk through the land, and describe it, and come again to me, that I may here cast lots for you before the LORD in Shiloh."

This made me think about temple sites and how they are selected. How men are assigned first to look over the land and bring a report to the prophet on the best sites available. Then a member of the First Presidency will come and visit these sites. Afterwards they will prayerfully choose a precise spot on which to build. There are times that none of the locations are right and then a way opens up for just the right location. I love reading the stories of how our temple locations are selected. The story of the Hong Kong temple with President Gordon B. Hinckley has to be my favorite.

"The group was exhausted from the rigorous day of prayerfully reviewing the various properties. President Hinckley retired to his hotel room and requested that Elders Brough and Carmack come back the next morning to further discuss the matter. It was apparent that the Area Presidency had yet to find a solution President Hinckley could accept.

("How the Hong Kong Temple Came to Be", December 2006 Ensign)

[President Hinckley] referring to his experience.... "He went to bed...feeling unsettled about the decision he needed to make. Then the whisperings of the Spirit woke him up early the next morning.

Something very interesting came to my mind, he recorded in his journal. I did not hear a voice with my natural ears. But into my mind there came the voice of the Spirit. It said, Why are you worried about this? You have a wonderful piece of property where the mission home and the small chapel stand. They are in the very heart of Kowloon, in the location with the best transportation... Build a building of [several] stories. It can include a chapel and classrooms on the first two floors and a temple on the top two or three floors. Having received that revelation, President Hinckley said, I relaxed and went back to sleep."

("Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Gordon B. Hinckley", chapter 7, "The Whisperings of the Spirit")

Day 2364

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 17:17-18

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 17:17-18

" And Joshua spake unto the house of Joseph, even to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, Thou art a great people, and hast great power: thou shalt not have one lot only:

But the mountain shall be thine; for it is a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong."

I pondered on how blessings often require work from our own hands. Even so such blessings still come from the Lord. It's important to remember it wasn't achieved by our own hands but because the Lord gave us the strength to achieve it.

Day 2363