Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 19:26-27, 34

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 19:26-27, 34

"Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:

So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.

But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians."

Paul's conversion of the Ephesus affected the livelihoods of those that made idols and profited from those that worshiped Diana. Paul wanted to go into the theater at Ephesus and speak to them but was persuaded not to. For two hours the people cried "Great is Diana of the Ephesians". This made me ponder on where is that theater and those that worshiped Diana today? They are all gone. Yet, the name of Jesus Christ lives on, and people still worship Him.

Day 3196

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 18:3-4

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 18:3-4

"And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks."

I didn't realize that Paul was a tentmaker by trade. He worked at his profession while preaching in Corinth on the Sabbath. It brings greater understanding when Paul says he was a burden to no one.

"I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.

Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me."

(Acts 20:33-34)

"And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself."

(2 Corinthians 11:9)

"For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat."

(2 Thessalonians 3:7-10)

This reminds me a king Benjamin and how he also labored with his own hands.

"I say unto you that as I have been suffered to spend my days in your service, even up to this time, and have not sought gold nor silver nor any manner of riches of you;

And even I, myself, have labored with mine own hands that I might serve you, and that ye should not be laden with taxes, and that there should nothing come upon you which was grievous to be borne—and of all these things which I have spoken, ye yourselves are witnesses this day.

Yet, my brethren, I have not done these things that I might boast, neither do I tell these things that thereby I might accuse you; but I tell you these things that ye may know that I can answer a clear conscience before God this day.

Behold, I say unto you that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God."

(Mosiah 2:12, 14-16)

Day 3195

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 17:31

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 17:31

"Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead."

I pondered on the appointed day of judgment. How God isn't waiting for the world to get more wicked, or the righteous to become more righteous. The day of judgment is set, it has been from the beginning. To some it will come as a thief in the night, and unaware. To others it will be a day of reverence and awe. The time of preparation and repentance is now.

Day 3194

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 16:6-7, 9

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 16:6-7, 9

"Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us."

Twice Paul is told to not preach in a specific location and he listened. He instead when into Troas, (Turkey) and into Europe. He has success but also suffers being put in prison. Even that trial had a purpose for the keeper of the prison and his family are converted. Following the spirit literally opened doors for them in sharing the gospel.

"Paul, Silas, and Timothy traveled to various branches, strengthening the Saints in their faith (see Acts 16:4–5). The Spirit forbade them from preaching the gospel in Asia at that time, so they journeyed to Troas, which was located on the western coast of Asia (modern Turkey). This 500-mile (800-kilometer) journey would have taken the missionaries about six weeks to travel on foot (see Acts 16:6–8). From Troas, the missionaries crossed for the first time into Europe and began ministering in areas of present-day Greece (see the map accompanying the commentary for Acts 16:1–2). In Acts 16:6–10, we see the Lord directing His servants to where they were needed. This journey into Europe was a turning point in the preaching of the gospel to the Gentiles, for the missionaries were soon able to preach with power among people who listened to them.

Modern Apostles have had similar experiences that came from following the guidance of the Spirit. While serving a mission in England in 1840, President Wilford Woodruff (1807–98), then one of the Twelve Apostles, was prompted by the Spirit to go to the south of England. Through his efforts and the efforts of others serving with him, about 2,000 people were converted in the area of Herefordshire, Worcester, and Gloucester. Reflecting on this extraordinary period of his life, President Woodruff wrote: “The whole history of this Herefordshire mission shows the importance of listening to the still small voice of God and the revelations of the Holy Ghost. The Lord had a people there prepared for the Gospel. They were praying for light and truth, and the Lord sent me to them” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff [2004], 91).

(New Testament Student Manual, Chapter 33:Acts 16-20, "The Spirit led Paul to Europe")

Day 3193

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 15:1, 5

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 15:1, 5

"And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses."

This chapter covers what is called the Jerusalem conference. The question being if the gentiles needed to be circumcised and if they still practiced the law of Moses. Ultimately, the church leaders were unanimous in this was not a requirement. What I wondered about is why it was a question in the first place when Jesus said he fulfilled the law of Moses. This is what I found.

"Jehovah instituted the practice of circumcision among Abraham and his descendants as a token of their covenant with Jehovah. The token reminded them of their obligations and of the sacred and eternal blessings given to all who served the Lord in righteousness (see Abraham 2:8–11; Genesis 17). The law of Moses directed that every male child was to be circumcised when he was eight days old (see Leviticus 12:3) “that thou mayest know forever that children are not accountable before me [the Lord] until they are eight years old” (Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 17:11 [in the Bible appendix]). In New Testament times it was common to refer to Jews as being of the circumcision and to Gentiles as being of the uncircumcision.

In the new covenant instituted by Jesus Christ, the token of circumcision was replaced by the ordinance of baptism. In a revelation given to Mormon and recorded in the Book of Mormon, Jesus Christ said: “The law of circumcision is done away in me” (Moroni 8:8). The debate over circumcision concerned not only the interpretation and application of doctrine, but also the accepting of new revelation through Church leaders."

(New Testament Student Manual, Chapter 32: Acts 13-15, "Circumcised after the Manner of Moses")

It seems it didn't put the whole matter to rest. The gentile converts didn't need to be circumcised but culturally and traditionally it was still being practiced. I have to say we still have some issues today with what is doctrine and what is cultural.

"Despite Church leaders’ unanimous resolution to not require Gentiles to be circumcised prior to baptism, many Church members did not readily understand or accept the decision. Robert J. Matthews taught: “The action of the Jerusalem council involved a significant policy decision. … Peter’s unmistakable experience with Cornelius makes it clear that the Brethren understood that the law of Moses was fulfilled in Christ, but evidently many members of the church did not understand. It was a matter of doctrine, tradition, culture, and emotion. Even though the Brethren had settled the matter doctrinally a decade before, considerable time passed before the matter was settled culturally and emotionally in the minds of some Jewish Christians. Furthermore, at least ten years after the council, many Jewish Christians in Jerusalem were still following the law of Moses. (Acts 21:17–25.)

“The decision of the Jerusalem council was not definitive and did not forthrightly say that the law of Moses should be discontinued. Although it declared that Gentiles did not need circumcision for salvation, it did not say that Jewish members of the church need not circumcise their sons” (“Unto All Nations,” in Studies in Scripture, Volume Six: Acts to Revelation, ed. Robert L. Millet [1987], 39).

In the years following the Jerusalem conference, Paul still found it necessary to combat contrary teachings and attitudes wherever he went"

(New Testament Student Manual, Chapter 32: Acts 13-15, "Decisions of the Jerusalem Conference")

Day 3192

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 14:21, 23

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 14:21, 23

"And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed."

The apostles returned to where they had once preached the gospel. Then they ordained elders to lead the churches. We see the same today. Having lay ministers to watch over the flock.

"And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves."

(1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)

"I testify to the truthfulness of that principle, which imposes a solemn duty upon the members of this Church to be loyal to their leaders and faithful in following their direction. I affirm that the Lord will bless us for doing so” (“Bishop, Help!” Ensign, May 1997, 23)."

(President Dallin H. Oaks, "Chapter 32: Acts 13-15" New Testament Student Manual)

Day 3191

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 13:5, 14, 42, 46

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 13:5, 14, 42, 46

"And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.

Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles."

This reminds me of.

"So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen."

(Matthew 20:16)

Barnabas and Saul first went to preach the gospel in the synagogues to the Jews. For they are the first. When the Jews rejected them they preached to the Gentiles, who are last. This is a pattern Paul continues throughout his ministry. The gentiles were the first to receive the gospel when the church was restored. In time the gospel will be taken again to the Jews. They will be the last when Christ returns.

Day 3190

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 12:2-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 12:2-3

"And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)"

Reading of the death of James made me cry. I don't really know why it touched me so. Then as I read of Peter being rescued by the angel I wondered why the difference in one being preserved and the other not?

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord."

(Isaiah 55:8)

I don't know the answer, other than its for God's will and purposes. I found that thought interesting because during sacrament I actually thought on that. Before church I had been pondering on how I am content not knowing all the how to's, what for's, and why's of things. I can accept God's will if I know or don't know. God will be there for me regardless. Then during sacrament a past event came to mind, just something stupid I once did, of no real significance. Then I thought well if I can so easily not hold control over things now why does my mind hold onto things with no meaning? I kind of laughed at myself. Funny thing is now I can't even remember what that past event even was. Now this doesn't mean the death of James or rescue of Peter is of no importance. The difference is accepting God's will and purpose, and I don't have to understand every part of it. No blessing will be withheld in the eternities for either.

Day 3189

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 11:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 11:12

"And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house:"

The words "nothing doubting" stood out to me. I first thought of Joseph Smith reading James 1:5, how he had to act in faith, nothing wavering. This opened the door to the restoration of the gospel. Peter also had to act in faith, nothing doubting and this opened the door to the gentiles being preached the gospel. I wondered what other scriptures had the same theme.

"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.

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways."

(James 1:5-8)

"Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth."

(Mormon 9:21)

"And whosoever shall believe in my name, doubting nothing, unto him will I confirm all my words, even unto the ends of the earth."

(Mormon 9:25)

"And because of the knowledge of this man he could not be kept from beholding within the veil; and he saw the finger of Jesus, which, when he saw, he fell with fear; for he knew that it was the finger of the Lord; and he had faith no longer, for he knew, nothing doubting."

(Ether 3:19)

Nothing doubting, doubting nothing, nothing wavering reminds me of President Uchtdorf's excellent counsel to doubt your doubts.

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters—my dear friends—please, first doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith"

(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Come, Join with Us", Oct 2013, General Conference)

Day 3188

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 10:10, 17, 19

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 10:10, 17, 19

"And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate,

While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee."

I had missed the part that Peter was hungry when he fell into this trance and saw a vision of unclean animals and was commanded to eat. All the more reason for him to doubt and ponder on this vision afterwards. I can picture him wondering if the dream was simply because he was hungry? Not all dreams mean something. Things around us, experiences we have had can appear in our dreams. President Wilford Woodruff, a visionary man, explains it thus.

"A man eats a hot supper when he goes to bed; he gets the nightmare; he is chased by a bear; or he falls over a precipice, and as soon as he strikes the ground he wakes up. Now, the Lord had nothing to do with that. A man may go to bed half worried to death, tired, and dream about something that will never take place. Last night, for instance, I dreamed I was making glass houses out of blocks of glass two feet square. Now, I don't know that the Lord was in that. Yet I have had dreams of a very different character.

(Wilford Woodruff, "The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff", by G. Homer Durham, page 283)

President Woodruff, continues in the book to share several examples of inspired dreams he has had. Then he says "Hence there are a great many things taught us in dreams that are true, and if a man has the spirit of God he can tell the difference between what is from the Lord and what is not. And I want to say to my brethren and sisters, that whenever you have a dream that you feel is from the Lord, pay attention to it." (pg. 286)

The important thing Peter did was ponder on his vision and ask the meaning. Then the spirit was able to give confirmation and instruction that Peter needed to follow. It is so important to have that confirmation that something is of God, because sometimes it can come from the wrong source. This past week I had a dream where in it I did something I would never do. I just knew it was not of God. Then the next night I had a dream of a similar nature. At that point it was so seared in my brain I had to actively stopping my mind from reviewing it again during the day. That third night of going to bed I asked that I would no longer be troubled by such a dream. That I could have it removed from my thoughts. And, if I was somehow wrong in the purpose of such a dream that the interpretation be made known to me. The wonderful thing was I was troubled no more by that dream and those thoughts were gone in the morning. I have not thought about it again until now, but thankful only in an instructional way confirming the need to test the source of our dreams and pray about it.

Day 3187