Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 3:12-13

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 3:12-13

"Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?

And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you."

There was something missing and the Joseph Smith Translation had it.

"For it is well known unto you, Theophilus, that after the manner of the Jews and according to the custom of their law in receiving money into the treasury, that out of the abundance which was received was appointed unto the poor, every man his portion;

And after this manner did the publicans also, wherefore, John said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you."

(JST Luke 3:19-20)

John had told them earlier "Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance.." (vs. 8). John could preach repentance and baptize them but the change had to come from within. John exposed where they erred and what sin could still overcome them. He gave the counsel that may have been hard to hear. It is interesting that publicans collected the tax under the Roman government. For this the Jews detested them and they were excommunicated. They also showed themselves ready to receive the gospel, ready to change. Matthew was one of them.

"Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him."

(Luke 15:1)

"Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him."

(Matthew 21:31-32)

Day 3135

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 2:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 2:16

"And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger."

I was drawn to the story of the shepherds, that heard the angels message and left with haste to Bethlehem to find the infant Jesus. I had a note for haste: with purpose, and not casually. I also had another note about casual feasting.

“If we are to survive the difficult times ahead, we need to move from casual feasting to urgent feasting upon the word of God. We need to make regular and focused scripture study a priority in our lives. If we do, I promise that we will not fear.”

(Matt Maxwell, "From Fear to Feasting", Jan 2019, Ensign)

I find this interesting because just the other day I said "I have felt such an urgency to learn that I am currently reading from the New Testament, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants each day. I want to find time to add the Old Testament somehow too. That one takes so long to read all the way through, but its so important." In reflecting back on this I realized, with all the events going on in the world I have no fear, just peace. If you have fear right now I encourage you to start urgently feasting on the word of God. Feast on the scriptures, not books about the scriptures. The Gospel Library app or the Book of Mormon app are wonderful places to start.

https://go.churchofjesuschrist.org/bookofmormonapp

Day 3134

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 1:18, 20, 34, 38

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 1:18, 20, 34, 38

"And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?"

And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

I wanted to compare the two different answers when the angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias and Mary. Both events required faith to believe in the angel's message. Zacharias ask how he would know this? I can see how that answer shows doubt. At first I couldn't until I compared him to Mary. Gabriel told Zacharias he was an angel sent from the presence of God, and he was sent to speak to him. He told him by what authority he was there. What Zacharias didn't seem to grasp was he was speaking to an angel sent from God. God cannot lie so the message would be true. Seeing that Zacharias served in the temple it made me wonder if he didn't know how to test an angel? Because Zacharias doubted he was made dumb, being unable to speak.

Mary showed her faith by asking how it would be done. As I reflected on this I could see how that showed faith because she didn't doubt it could happen, she just wanted to know how it would take place. The angel then explained it to her.

This reminded me of other stories in the scriptures when God has spoken to his servants, and given them assignments.

"And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Thou shalt construct a ship, after the manner which I shall show thee, that I may carry thy people across these waters.

And I said: Lord, whither shall I go that I may find ore to molten, that I may make tools to construct the ship after the manner which thou hast shown unto me?

And it came to pass that the Lord told me whither I should go to find ore, that I might make tools."

(1 Nephi 17:8-10)

"And it came to pass that the brother of Jared cried unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, I have performed the work which thou hast commanded me, and I have made the barges according as thou hast directed me.

And behold, O Lord, in them there is no light; whither shall we steer? And also we shall perish, for in them we cannot breathe, save it is the air which is in them; therefore we shall perish.

And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared: Behold, thou shalt make a hole in the top, and also in the bottom; and when thou shalt suffer for air thou shalt unstop the hole and receive air. And if it be so that the water come in upon thee, behold, ye shall stop the hole, that ye may not perish in the flood."

(Ether 2:18-20)

This shows me that God does not mind if we ask how to do something. He will require at times that we study it out and come back to him with a plan. The important this is to ask if faith.

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

(James 1:5)

Day 3133

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 16:11

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 16:11

"And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not."

I wondered if I had heard Mary Magdalene say she saw the risen Lord, would I have believed her too? I like to think that I would have. I can only sit here having heard this story in the scriptures many times and knowing that it's true. This was the first time anything like this would have taken place. It would have seemed impossible for them. I cannot compare our reactions since my story is so different being able to look backwards.

"President James E. Faust (1920–2007) of the First Presidency explained why it may have been so difficult initially for the disciples to believe that Jesus Christ had risen from the dead:

“Perhaps the Apostles should not be unduly criticized for not believing that Jesus, having been crucified and buried in a tomb, had come back to earth as a glorified being. In all human experience, this had never happened before. It was completely unprecedented. This was a different experience than the raising of Jairus’ daughter, the young man of Nain, or Lazarus. They all died again. Jesus, however, became a resurrected being. He would never die again. …

“Said President David O. McKay of this experience: ‘The world would never have been stirred by men with such wavering, doubting, despairing minds as the apostles possessed on the day of the crucifixion.“

‘What was it that suddenly changed these disciples to confident, fearless, heroic preachers of the gospel of Jesus Christ? It was the revelation that Christ had risen from the grave. His promises had been kept, his Messianic mission fulfilled. … On the evidence of these unprejudiced, unexpectant, incredulous witnesses, faith in the resurrection has its impregnable foundation.’ (Treasures of Life, comp. Clare Middlemiss, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1962, pp. 15–16.)

“Like the Apostles of old, this knowledge and belief should transform all of us to be confident, settled, unafraid, and at peace in our lives as followers of the divine Christ. It should help us carry all burdens, bear any sorrows, and also fully savor all joys and happiness that can be found in this life”

(Elder James E. Faust, “The Supernal Gift of the Atonement,” Oct 1988 General Conference)

Day 3132

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 15:13-14

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 15:13-14

"And they cried out again, Crucify him.

Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him."

I pondered on how the people just called for Pilate to crucify Jesus, when they couldn't even explain what the evil was he had done. He hadn't done evil, only good among the people, so there was nothing for them to tell. Yet, they were driven by the chief priests to ask for Jesus to be crucified and Barabbas to be let go.

This keeps making me think of this scripture.

"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."

(Matthew 7:20)

It's so important to look at the fruit of a person. You may have to look deep at times because some people can try to pass themselves as good but are rotten to the core.

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!'

(Isaiah 5:20)

Day 3131

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 14:38

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 14:38

"Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak."

The Savior spoke these words to Peter, James and John at one of the greatest events of this world. At the Garden of Gethsemane where He would make the infinite atonement, for all our sins. He tells them to watch and pray, so they will not fall into temptation. What they did instead was fall asleep. It made me think of a ripple I have been seeing lately. Those that are "taking a break" from church and the gospel. It's interesting how these unconnected people use that same phase "taking a break". They are not just taking a break, they are sleeping. I marvel at how they could even think that's a good idea right now, especially with all that is going on in the world. The signs are greater now, more than ever, that we are in the midst of these winding up scenes. The prophet is warning us that we need to be closer to the spirit more than ever, or we won't survive.

"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", April 2018 General Conference)

"The baseless notion that we should “eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us” is one of the most absurd lies in the universe."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Think Celestial!", Oct 2023 General Conference)

Day 3130

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 13:32

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 13:32

"But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father."

I have several quotes from Joseph Smith that let me know at least the prophet will know the timing.

"Did Christ speak this as a general principle throughout all generations? Oh, no, He spoke in the present tense. No man that was then living upon the footstool of God knew the day or the hour. But He did not say that there was no man throughout all generations that should not know the day or the hour. No, for this would be in flat contradiction with other scripture. For the prophet says that God will do nothing but what He will reveal unto His servants the prophets. Consequently, if it is not made known to the prophets, it will not come to pass."

Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook, The Words of Joseph Smith (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1980), 180-181.

"An example of this was his use of Amos 3:7 to refute speculation about the date of the Second Coming. In the early 1840s, Baptist William Miller stirred considerable national interest with his prediction that the Second Coming would occur in 1843. When one of Miller’s followers claimed to have seen the “sign of the Son of Man” as predicted in Matthew 24, Joseph replied: “He has not seen the sign of the Son of Man, as foretold by Jesus; neither has any man … for the Lord hath not shown me any such sign; and as the prophet saith, so it must be—‘Surely the Lord God will do nothing but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets.’ (See Amos 3:7.) Therefore hear this, O earth: The Lord will not come to reign over the righteous, in this world, in 1843, nor until everything for the Bridegroom is ready.” Of the Savior’s words that no man knows the day or the hour of the coming of the Son of Man (see Matt. 24:36), the Prophet asked: “Did Christ speak this as a general principle throughout all generations? Oh, no, He spoke in the present tense. No man that was then living upon the footstool of God knew the day or the hour. But He did not say that there was no man throughout all generations that should not know the day or the hour. No, for this would be in flat contradiction with other scripture. For the prophet says that God will do nothing but what He will reveal unto His servants the prophets. Consequently, if it is not made known to the prophets, it will not come to pass.”

(Ensign, "The Prophet Joseph Smith's Use of the Old Testament", Aug 2002)

"For our present purposes, it suffices to know that the children of light shall know, not the day or the hour, but the approximate time of our Lord’s return. This approximate time can certainly be narrowed down to a generation."

(Bruce R. McConkie, "The Millennial Messiah", The Second Coming of the Son of Man (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1982), 30.)

What is our prophet telling us today?

"As I have stated before, the gathering of Israel is the most important work taking place on earth today. One crucial element of this gathering is preparing a people who are able, ready, and worthy to receive the Lord when He comes again, a people who have already chosen Jesus Christ over this fallen world, a people who rejoice in their agency to live the higher, holier laws of Jesus Christ.

I call upon you, my dear brothers and sisters, to become this righteous people. Cherish and honor your covenants above all other commitments. As you let God prevail in your life, I promise you greater peace, confidence, joy, and yes, rest."

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

Day 3129

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 12:24

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 12:24

"And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?"

This made me ponder on the time I erred because I wasn't reading the scriptures. I am horrified by the false doctrine I accepted on the words of a couple members. I thought what they spoke of was a law in the Old Testament because I had never heard of it. I was wrong, so very wrong. When my missionary son counseled me to search for it, I could not find it. I then searched for it online and to my horror discovered it was an occult practice. From that experience I vowed to never be so deceived again. That is when I promised to read the scriptures every day. I have felt such an urgency to learn that I am currently reading from the New Testament, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants each day. I want to find time to add the Old Testament somehow too. That one takes so long to read all the way through, but its so important.

Someone asked today "Who is your favorite Isaiah scholar". They were trying to sell me on the idea this one man should be it. My reply "My favorite Isaiah scholar is the Holy Ghost. I prayerfully read the scriptures not books about the scriptures. Stick with the scriptures and words of the prophets and you won't go wrong. You will know what you need to know." When I look at this verse I can see more clearly that the scribes knew their scriptures but didn't understand them. That understanding comes through the Holy Ghost. That is the power of God. That is greater than any book about the scriptures.

Day 3128

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 11:25-26

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 11:25-26

"And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."

I learned a great lesson recently on forgiveness. I had a person that I was trying so hard to forgive over the years. They borrowed money and never paid me back. I've had others do that to me in the past, but this was someone close to me, and also the largest amount of money I have ever lent someone. I lent it because I trusted them to pay me back. For the most part I wasn't consumed by the thought, but there were moments when that resentment would bubble up.

I prayed to be able to forgive them and just move on. But, each time I prayed I was told to ask them for it. Well, I didn't want the confrontation over it, so many years had pass. My plan was to forgive and let it go. Which wasn't inline with the counsel God was giving me as I prayed. It just kept getting harder and harder the more this person expressed pride over how much money they had, and how great their investments were.

Then the dam finally burst when they proudly announced they had a settlement coming, they were set for life, and boasted owing no one anything. That last part was a knife in my heart. I finally steeled my courage and asked for the money I lent them. Then I found they were not only a thief they were a liar also. They claimed to have paid me and with interest. Then the gaslighting began. Their moral character was glowingly on display. As shocking as this should have been, I actually wasn't shocked at all. Their behavior was only confirming their character. I could understand now why God wanted me to ask. It was their chance for redemption and to repent for their actions. This was their wake up call. That isn't what they chose.

This confrontation helped me heal. I was able to do as the Lord had told me to, and that was to ask, and if I didn't receive the money I could leave it in His hands. That is exactly where the matter was left. So, what I learned is forgiveness can require an action on our part, even if we were the one wronged. There is wisdom in following the counsel the Lord gives and we must do our part. Then when we have done all that we can do, we stand as a witness, and leave the rest up to God. Now, I have peace in the matter and am no longer under the bondage and judgment of being unable to forgive. I can truly now feel sorrow for them.

Day 3127

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 10:27

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 10:27

"And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible."

This verse is in response to the apostles being astonished that it would be "easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God" (vs. 25)

I love how the Joseph Smith Translation clarifies this.

"And Jesus, looking upon them, said, With men that trust in riches, it is impossible, but not impossible with men who trust in God and leave all for my sake; for with such, all these things are possible.'

(JST Mark 10:26)

I also pondered on how the wisdom of man or even for your money it will not make you clean to enter the kingdom of heaven. It's only through our faith in Jesus Christ, using the gift of his atonement that He freely gave, that we can be once more with God.

Day 3126