Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 22:30

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 22:30

"And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none."

I feel like that about politics. Who do you vote for when there is no one to vote for? I am not looking forward to this next election. As I reflected on this the thought occurred to me that I wasn't doing my part. I need to start praying that a humble man or woman of integrity and honor will decide to run for office.

Day 2983

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 21:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 21:5

"That all flesh may know that I the LORD have drawn forth my sword out of his sheath: it shall not return any more."

This reminded me of the story Brigham Young tells of when Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery returned the gold plates to the Hill Cumorah. They saw the sword of Laban unsheathed.

"Oliver Cowdery went with the Prophet Joseph when he deposited these plates. Joseph did not translate all of the plates; there was a portion of them sealed, which you can learn from the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. When Joseph got the plates, the angel instructed him to carry them back to the hill Cumorah, which he did. Oliver says that when Joseph and Oliver went there, the hill opened, and they walked into a cave, in which there was a large and spacious room. He says he did not think, at the time, whether they had the light of the sun or artificial light; but that it was just as light as day. They laid the plates on a table; it was a large table that stood in the room. Under this table there was a pile of plates as much as two feet high, and there were altogether in this room more plates than probably many wagon loads; they were piled up in the corners and along the walls.

The first time they went there the sword of Laban hung upon the wall; but when they went again it had been taken down and laid upon the table across the gold plates; it was unsheathed, and on it was written these words: “This sword will never be sheathed again until the kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our God and his Christ.”

(President Brigham Young, Discourse 17 Jun 1877, JD 19:38)

Day 2982

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 20:40-41

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 20:40-41

"For in mine holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, there shall all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, serve me: there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the firstfruits of your oblations, with all your holy things.

I will accept you with your sweet savour, when I bring you out from the people, and gather you out of the countries wherein ye have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you before the heathen."

This made me reflect on the importance of attending the temple. How necessary it is for all the saints worldwide to have the same opportunity to worship there. Temple worship is where we can be brought out "from the people" or the world. This reminded me of Pastor Jeff McCullough and his wife's recent tour of the Saratoga Springs, UT temple. I loved his wife's comments on how it made her feel that "sense of longing, and desire for peace and rest, safety and refuge." We all need that.

Day 2981

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 19:12-14

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 19:12-14

"But she was plucked up in fury, she was cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up her fruit: her strong rods were broken and withered; the fire consumed them.

And now she is planted in the wilderness, in a dry and thirsty ground.

And fire is gone out of a rod of her branches, which hath devoured her fruit, so that she hath no strong rod to be a sceptre to rule. This is a lamentation, and shall be for a lamentation."

This is a allegory of the destruction of Judah and Israel, how there is no blood royals left to hold a scepter and rule.

"The allegory in Ezekiel 19:10–14 deals with the conditions in Israel at the time of Ezekiel: “Israel resembled a vine planted by the water. … This vine sent out strong shoots for rulers’ sceptres; that is to say, it brought forth powerful kings, and grew up to a great height, … It was torn up in fury by the wrath of God, cast down to the ground, so that its fruit withered. … The uprooting ends in the transplanting of the vine into a waste, dry, unwatered land,—in other words, in the transplanting of the people, Israel, into exile. The dry land is Babylon, so described as being a barren soil in which the kingdom of God could not flourish.” (Keil and Delitzsch, Commentary 9:1:261-2)

With the destruction of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar and the killing of Zedekiah’s sons, “she hath no strong rod to be a sceptre to rule” (Ezekiel 19:14). Clarke summarized: “None of the blood-royal of Judah [was] left. And from that time not one of her own royal race ever sat upon the throne of Israel.” (Commentary, 4:474.)

(Old Testament Manual, "Ezekiel: Watchman of Israel", (26-50) Ezekiel 19:10-14, The Allegory of the Vine and Its Branches)

Day 2980

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 18:20, 31-32

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 18:20, 31-32

"The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye."

This reminded me of the second Article of Faith, "We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression."

I pondered on how merciful God is allowing us to repent of our sins, and remember them no more.

"But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live."

(Ezekiel 18:21-22)

God loves us for who we are today. Past righteousness won't overlook today's sins. Yesterday's sins won't continue to stain us when they have been forgiven. It takes faith then to forgive ourselves. I am grateful for the gift of repentance, being able to wipe the slate clean, start over and move forward. Daily repentance keeps me on the straight and narrow path.

Day 2979

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 17:2-3, 12

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 17:2-3, 12

"Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;

And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; A great eagle with great wings, longwinged, full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar:

Say now to the rebellious house, Know ye not what these things mean? tell them, Behold, the king of Babylon is come to Jerusalem, and hath taken the king thereof, and the princes thereof, and led them with him to Babylon;"

This made me think about what I had pondered on the other day. This is an example of the meaning and interpretation being given to them.

"The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “I make this broad declaration, that whenever God gives a vision of an image, or beast, or figure of any kind, He always holds Himself responsible to give a revelation or interpretation of the meaning thereof, otherwise we are not responsible or accountable for our belief in it. Don’t be afraid of being damned for not knowing the meaning of a vision or figure, if God has not given a revelation or interpretation of the subject.”

(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 291.)

Day 2978

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 16:20

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 16:20

"Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured. Is this of thy whoredoms a small matter,"

I don't like to admit it but when I saw this chapter speaking against the high places and playing the harlot I thought, not again! Boy, did I learn my lesson about what was really, really bothering the Lord. It wasn't anger over them not worshipping Him, it was really all about how this behavior harmed others. They killed children!!! That is the most offense thing a person can do. It was no small matter.

"But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."

(Matthew 18:6)

When you lose your love of God, and worship other things in his place, the adversary becomes your master. That can lead you down a path that is beyond horrible. The agency of man, the right to choose right from wrong, God protects. When you destroy the innocents ability to make good choices, by teaching them that evil is good and good is evil you are in essence taking away their agency to choose. God looks at the physical and spiritual death of a child at our hands as most abominable. I think that is ultimately when He says enough.

Day 2977

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 15:2, 5

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 15:2, 5

"Son of man, What is the vine tree more than any tree, or than a branch which is among the trees of the forest?

Behold, when it was whole, it was meet for no work: how much less shall it be meet yet for any work, when the fire hath devoured it, and it is burned?"

I think James E. Talmage describes this pretty clearly. Jerusalem was so worthless it hardly had value in being burned.

"The people at Jerusalem in Ezekiel’s day were similar to those referred to by Isaiah in his parable of a vineyard (see Isaiah 5:1–25). Though they had been set up as the Lord’s vineyard to produce fruit, they did not produce and were of little value.

“The worthlessness of a vine save only for its fruit was set forth by the Lord through His prophet Ezekiel (15:2–5); and truly it is so, that the wood of the grape plant is fit for nothing but burning; the whole vine as wood is inferior to a branch from a forest tree (verse 3). And Israel is represented as such a vine, precious if but fruitful, otherwise nothing but fuel and that of poor quality.”

(James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 542.)

(Old Testament Student Manual Kings-Malachi, "Ezekiel: Watchman of Israel", (26-42) Inhabitants of Jerusalem Compared to a Useless Vine)

Day 2976

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 14:4, 9

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 14:4, 9

"Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols;

And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel."

The footnote makes an import addition.

JST Ezek: 14:9 ...I the Lord have not deceived

Considering that the Joseph Smith translations says the Lord did not deceive the prophet, yet in verse 4 it does say He will answer them, I pondered on when is the Lord speaking to the prophet or not? As I pondered on this further I realized I needed to understand what type of prophet an idol worshipper would even be going to?

First, the Lord spoke to Ezekiel, a prophet, telling him what to say to the idol worshipper. If they go to a prophet, the Lord will only answer according to his idols. So the answer isn't coming from the Lord, its coming from their idols. Ezekiel wasn't say if you come to me, a prophet, because that was not what they were doing. Instead he was saying if you go to "your" prophet you get the answers from them. Not only that but if a prophet deceives you then they will be destroyed.

I am reminded of President Woodruff's remarks in Official Declaration 1 about if a prophet could lead you astray.

"The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the programme. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so He will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty”

(Official Declaration 1, “Excerpts from Three Addresses by President Wilford Woodruff Regarding the Manifesto”)

There are two more witnesses to a prophet's inability to lead you astray.

President Harold B. Lee: “You keep your eye upon him whom the Lord called, and I say to you now, knowing that I stand in this position, you don’t need to worry about the President of the Church ever leading people astray, because the Lord would remove him out of his place before He would ever allow that to happen”

(The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. Williams [1996], 533)

(Teachings of the Living Prophets Student Manual, Chapter 2: The Living Prophet: the President of the Church)

President Gordon B. Hinckley: “The Church is true. Those who lead it have only one desire, and that is to do the will of the Lord. They seek his direction in all things. There is not a decision of significance affecting the Church and its people that is made without prayerful consideration, going to the fount of all wisdom for direction. Follow the leadership of the Church. God will not let his work be led astray” (Gordan B. Hinckley “Be Not Deceived,” Oct 1983 General Conference).

Day 2975

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 13:17-18

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 13:17-18

"Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, which prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them,

And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the women that sew pillows to all armholes, and make kerchiefs upon the head of every stature to hunt souls! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive that come unto you?"

Pillows = HEB bands or coverings to the elbows (trappings for magical arts)

Why is it that woman are more apt to get into dark things? They play with things they should not. They are easily deceived into following false gods and play with the occult. I thought about the energy healers, tarot card readers and those that summon the law of attraction. They think they do good and help others with these devices of the devil, but instead they destroy their souls along with those they trap with them. When I would see once good members I knew fall into these things, I felt responsible to warn them. My rule was I would only mention it to them once. I found that warning never worked. Once they were promoting their priestcrafts to others my words meant nothing. I since learned to just hold my peace, and drift away. It may mean I stop following you on Facebook, because I don't want to watch your train wreck. The direction has been reinforced by President Nelson telling us to be peacemakers and not to contend. I figure if I hold my peace maybe someday when they are ready, they may seek me out with ears that will really hear. In the mean time I will pray for you.

Day 2974

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 12:25

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 12:25

"For I am the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD."

I pondered prophets and the messages given. Have I heard anything referring to prophesies really far away? No, we are in the last days. I have not seen the mention of "in the last days" as something happening. It's now much sooner using "in coming days". There are so many that have used my favorite President Nelson quote.

But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.

(Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", Apr 2018 General Conference)

In fact I was curious how many times "in coming days" has been said. It was interesting that it was only said once before President Nelson's 2018 conference talk by Elder Allan F. Packer and it also speaks about the need for personal revelation or inspiration.

"This witness is not limited to the leaders but is available to all men, women, youth, and even little children. Having the capacity to receive personal inspiration will be necessary in the coming days."

(Allan F. Packer, "Finding Strength in Challenging Times!", Apr 2009 General Conference)

Here are the other times President Nelson or this though has been given each general conference after.

"Our desire to “always have his Spirit” with us will push fear aside for a more eternal view of our mortal lives. President Nelson has cautioned, “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

(Ronald A. Rasband, "Be Not Troubled", Oct 2018 General Conference)

"President Russell M. Nelson has taught, “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” As the Lord’s living prophet, seer, and revelator in this day, the watchman on the tower of our fortress, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he sees the advances of the enemy."

(Ronald A. Rasband, "Build a Fortress of Spirituality and Protection", Apr 2019 General Conference)

"I have felt inspired and enabled to make wise decisions, overcome temptations, and bless my life with increased faith in Christ and love for those around me. Our prophet, Russell M. Nelson, has taught us that “in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost” (“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” 96). Needed revelation will come as we try the “virtue of the word,” and that word will be more powerful than anything else we could try or imagine."

(Takashi Wade, "Feasting upon the Words of Christ", Apr 2019 General Conference)

"I am reminded of what President Russell M. Nelson taught us a year ago when he said that “in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”

(Mathias Held, "Seeking Knowledge by the Spirit", Apr 2019 General Conference)

"I repeat what our prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, has said: “We live in a world that is complex and increasingly contentious. The constant availability of social media and a 24-hour news cycle bombard us with relentless messages. If we are to have any hope of sifting through the myriad of voices and the philosophies of men that attack truth, we must learn to receive revelation.

”President Nelson went on to warn that “in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”

(Stephen W. Owen, "Be Faithful, Not Faithless", Oct 2019 General Conference)

"As we listen to the Spirit during this 200th anniversary celebration this weekend, consider what offering you will present to the Lord in righteousness in the coming days. Be courageous—share it with someone you trust, and most important, please take the time to do it!"

(M. Russell Ballard, "Shall We Not Go On in So Great a Cause?", Apr 2020)

"Record your feelings and follow through with actions that you are prompted to take. As you repeat this process day after day, month after month, year after year, you will ‘grow into the principle of revelation.’ ]President Nelson added, “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”

(Milton Camargo, "Ask, Seek, and Knock", Oct 2020)

"Although many may allow the world to cloud their faith in the Redeemer, we will “not be moved out of [our] place.” Christians who are not among our membership will welcome our role and our sure witness of Christ. Even those Christians who have viewed us with skepticism will embrace us as friends. In these coming days, we will be called by the name of Jesus Christ."

(Neil L. Andersen, "The Name of the Church Is Not Negotiable", Oct 2021 General Conference)

"The Holy Ghost can teach us, remind us of the Savior’s teachings, and abide with us forever. He can be our constant companion to guide us on the covenant path. President Russell M. Nelson taught that “in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost”

(Adeyinka A. Ojediran, "The Covenant Path: The Way to Eternal Life", Apr 2022 General Conference)

"But, my dear brothers and sisters, so many wonderful things are ahead. In coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen. Between now and the time He returns “with power and great glory,” He will bestow countless privileges, blessings, and miracles upon the faithful."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Overcome the Word and Find Rest", Oct 2022 General Conference)

"President Russell M. Nelson has warned that “in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” This is a clear and unmistakable warning to trim our lamps and increase our spiritual oil reserves. Are we still willing to follow the living prophets? What is the level of spiritual oil in your lamp? What changes in your personal life would enable you to have the influence of the Holy Ghost more constantly?"

(Kevin W. Pearson, "Are You Still Willing?", Oct 2022 General Conference)

"President Nelson has been a pioneer in the Church. As an Apostle he has traveled to and opened many lands for the preaching of the gospel. Shortly after becoming the prophet and President of the Church, he pled with us to “increase [our] spiritual capacity to receive revelation.” 

He continues to teach us to strengthen our testimonies. In a devotional for young adults, he said:

“I plead with you to take charge of your testimony. Work for it. Own it. Care for it. Nurture it so that it will grow. …

“[Then] watch for miracles to happen in your life.”

He is teaching us how to become more spiritually self-reliant. He has said that “in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

(M. Russell Ballard, "Follow Jesus Christ with Footsteps of Faith", Oct 2022)

Then I noticed in April 2023 the message of "in coming days" was not there. Instead we have the word "Now" and lessons on how not to drive away the spirit.

"Today, I am asking us to interact with others in a higher, holier way.

Contention drives away the Spirit—every time. Contention reinforces the false notion that confrontation is the way to resolve differences; but it never is. Contention is a choice. Peacemaking is a choice. You have your agency to choose contention or reconciliation. I urge you to choose to be a peacemaker, now and always.

Brothers and sisters, the pure love of Christ is the answer to the contention that ails us today.

If you are serious about helping to gather Israel and about building relationships that will last throughout the eternities, now is the time to lay aside bitterness. Now is the time to cease insisting that it is your way or no way. Now is the time to stop doing things that make others walk on eggshells for fear of upsetting you. Now is the time to bury your weapons of war. If your verbal arsenal is filled with insults and accusations, now is the time to put them away. You will arise as a spiritually strong man or woman of Christ."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Peacemakers Needed", Apr 2023 General Conference)

Day 2973