Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 6:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 6:7

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."

It was the part "God is not mocked" that stood out to me to ponder on. I thought of two recent situations that I came across. The first was while I was by myself listening to little shorts from a comedian that I like. I like them because they are "clean". Then I heard this routine and they were making fun of God. I immediately turned it off. That's not something I entertain or listen to. It wasn't funny and I just don't go there.

Then a couple days later I was talking to someone that has left the church and I pretty much let them be and do what they do. But, this time I think they forgot who they were talking to. They started to make fun of the prophet Joseph Smith. I couldn't listen to it. Now I like to remain peaceful, and not contend, but this crossed a line in me. It took me all of one second to know the course to take. I respectfully stopped them and let them know we can't go there with this discussion. Then I bore my testimony that I knew Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Oddly, you wouldn't think it a conductive time to bare your testimony, but it was. The subject was changed and we moved on. I cringe to think of where that conversation could have gone if I hadn't taken a stand that ended it. Having the spirit to always be with me is very important to me. I believe mocking and loud laughter drives the spirit away. They cannot reside in the same place. What remains is not what I want to reap from. Your jokes just aren't worth it. To make one flee you have to bare witness of the other.

Day 3256

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 5:22

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 5:22

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,"

This is the type of fruit I want to partake of for the rest of my life.

"One of the most cherished titles of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is “Prince of Peace.” Ultimately His kingdom will be established including peace and love. We look forward to the millennial reign of the Messiah.

Notwithstanding this vision of the millennial reign, we know that world peace and harmony are not prevalent in our day. In my lifetime, I have never seen a greater lack of civility. We are bombarded with angry, contentious language and provocative, devastating actions that destroy peace and tranquility.

Peace in the world is not promised or assured until the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The Savior instructed His Apostles that His earthly mission would not achieve universal peace. He taught, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth.” Universal peace was not part of the Savior’s initial mortal ministry. Universal peace does not exist today.

However, personal peace can be achieved despite the anger, contention, and division that blight and corrupt our world today. It has never been more important to seek personal peace. A beautiful and beloved new hymn, written for today’s youth by Brother Nik Day, titled “Peace in Christ” declares, “When there’s no peace on earth, there is peace in Christ."

(Quentin L. Cook, "Personal Peace in Challenging Times", Oct 2021 General Conference)

Day 3255

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 4:27

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 4:27

"For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband."

I always find it interesting when scriptures are repeated. In this case Paul appears to be quoting from Isaiah to them.

"Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD."

(Isaiah 54:1)

Isaiah is also quoted by the Savior in the Book of Mormon.

"And then shall that which is written come to pass: Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child; for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord."

(3 Nephi 22:1)

I looked for these verses of Isaiah to be quoted in the Doctrine and Covenants or Peal of Great Price but could not find it. Somehow, I think it's there, with a little variation like Paul did. I cannot read these verses and not think of the faithful good women that long for children and are barren in my day. I know that all that we have lost or denied a blessing of will one day receive fulfillment as promised.

Day 3254

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 3:24-29

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 3:24-29

"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise."

The law of Moses testified and pointed to Jesus Christ. With the law fulfilled through Jesus Christ it is through faith and baptism that we make covenants, receive forgiveness, and becomes heirs to the blessings of Abraham. All are invited to the table.

"Paul taught that the cultural separations that existed between Jews and Gentiles, slaves and masters, or men and women should no longer divide people in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Each member’s covenant relationship with Jesus Christ creates unity among all members. Through baptism into Jesus Christ’s Church, we become part of “Abraham’s seed” and “heirs according to the promise” given to the ancient patriarch, as the Lord declared in modern revelation through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

President Dallin H. Oaks explained how the Church today, like the New Testament Church, extends the invitation to all to come unto Christ:

“Jesus and His Apostles did not attempt to make Gentiles into Jews. They taught Gentiles and Jews, attempting to make each of them into followers of Christ.

“Similarly, the present-day servants of the Lord do not attempt to make Filipinos or Asians or Africans into Americans. The Savior invites all to come unto Him, and His servants seek to persuade all [people] to become Latter-day Saints” (“Repentance and Change,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2003, 39).

President James E. Faust explained how there can be both diversity and unity in the Church:

“As we move into more and more countries in the world, we find a rich cultural diversity in the Church. Yet everywhere there can be a ‘unity of the faith’. Each group brings special gifts and talents to the table of the Lord. We can all learn much of value from each other. But each of us should also voluntarily seek to enjoy all of the unifying and saving covenants, ordinances, and doctrines of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. …

“We do not lose our identity in becoming members of this church. We become heirs to the kingdom of God, having joined the body of Christ and spiritually set aside some of our personal differences to unite in a greater spiritual cause. We say to all who have joined the Church, keep all that is noble, good, and uplifting in your culture and personal identity. However, under the authority and power of the keys of the priesthood, all differences yield as we seek to become heirs to the kingdom of God, unite in following those who have the keys of the priesthood, and seek the divinity within us” (“Heirs to the Kingdom of God,” Ensign, May 1995, 62).

(New Testament Student Manual, Chapter 43: Galatians, "One in Christ Jesus")

Day 3253

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 2:12, 16

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 2:12, 16

"But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."

Paul is speaking to the Church members who are straying because they are listening to false teachers. One issue was those that were Jews telling the Gentile converts they needed to practice the dead law of Moses, and the ritual of circumcision. I noticed that whenever I hear that discussion I remove myself from it. I feel it's a dead law and concern, and can just move on. This time I stopped. The thought I had is that today we may not have these discussions between church members, but it's very possible this discussion may return. What about the Jews of today that convert to the gospel of Jesus Christ? The situation then will be in reverse. Also the restoration of the gospel is on-going. What may change in the future that will cause us to pause like the early church members? The lesson is so important, we live by faith in Jesus Christ, and not by outward signs and rituals in what was once dead laws. Policies, procedures, traditions and culture may vary or change but not the requirement for faith in Jesus Christ universal to us all.

Day 3252

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 1:7-9

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 1:7-9

"Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed."

Due to a recent conversation with someone I pondered all night why some members of the Church or Christians can be so easily deceived, accept false doctrine, and apostatize? Why would someone entertain listening to false doctrine while another will not touch it? Interesting how the scriptures I read later rehearse these same thoughts. The conclusion I came to was due to pride. The one tool Satan has to destroy those that are righteous. The only way he can crack the armor around them, even to the convincing that due to their righteousness they are better or more elect than others. It is pride that will cause a man to seek for doctrines that will put them above others. Why would you follow a false prophet? Because somehow false teachers made you feel special if you do. It is the loss of humility when pride overcomes you. It's hard to describe all my thoughts but I could clearly see the difference in the mindset, on how one person will follow a false prophet over a prophet of God. Last night I decided I would listen to President Benson talk on Pride. This was my opportunity to do so, and so much stood out to me

"Our enmity toward God takes on many labels, such as rebellion, hard-heartedness, stiff-neckedness, unrepentant, puffed up, easily offended, and sign seekers. The proud wish God would agree with them. They aren’t interested in changing their opinions to agree with God’s.

Another major portion of this very prevalent sin of pride is enmity toward our fellowmen. We are tempted daily to elevate ourselves above others and diminish them.

The proud make every man their adversary by pitting their intellects, opinions, works, wealth, talents, or any other worldly measuring device against others. In the words of C. S. Lewis: “Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man. … It is the comparison that makes you proud: the pleasure of being above the rest. Once the element of competition has gone, pride has gone.” (Mere Christianity, New York: Macmillan, 1952, pp. 109–10.)

(Ezra Taft Benson, "Beware of Pride", Apr 1989 General Conference)

If President Benson's warning against pride is not enough, we are told in the scriptures how great a fall is coming from the pride of the world.

"And it came to pass that I saw and bear record, that the great and spacious building was the pride of the world; and it fell, and the fall thereof was exceedingly great. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying: Thus shall be the destruction of all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, that shall fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb."

(1 Nephi 11:36)

Day 3251

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 13:11

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 13:11

"Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.'

Does peace only come if we are perfect? Being perfect is not obtainable in this life. What is obtainable is being made perfect through the atonement of Jesus Christ. When one seeks to repent perfectly, and daily, the heart is more willing to be of one mind and live in peace and love with others.

"Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God."

(Deuteronomy 18:13)

I also think Paul was not saying for them to be perfect individually, but being perfectly joined together.

"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."

(1 Corinthians 1:10)

Day 3250

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."

I can appreciate what Paul is saying but I cannot go to the depths of glorying or taking pleasure in my infirmities. Maybe in time I can, but for now I am satisfied to appreciate my trials and what I have learned from them. I have come to see "enduring to the end" as the best part of the gospel. Where we come to have a personal relationship with the Lord as we walk with him through the fire. How he makes me strong when I am weak. How He teaches me patience and trust that all will be overcome through His mercy, and according to His will and time.

Day 3249

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 11:4, 13-15

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 11:4, 13-15

"For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."

Paul was warning the saint in Corinth that false teachers and apostles would come among them. This warning is just as specific for our day. The one difference is Paul knew there would be a complete apostasy of the church. In our day we know the Church will remain when Jesus Christ returns. Though not everyone remains faithful to the end, some will be deceived and fall away. One thing Paul emphases is that false teachers are teaching another gospel and a different Christ. It tells me absolutely that we must have a true and firm testimony of the gospel so we can tell when someone is teaching incorrect doctrine. Christ warned us of these deceivers in our day.

"But wo unto them that are deceivers and hypocrites, for, thus saith the Lord, I will bring them to judgment.

Behold, verily I say unto you, there are hypocrites among you, who have deceived some, which has given the adversary power; but behold such shall be reclaimed;

But the hypocrites shall be detected and shall be cut off, either in life or in death, even as I will; and wo unto them who are cut off from my church, for the same are overcome of the world.

Wherefore, let every man beware lest he do that which is not in truth and righteousness before me."

(Doctrine and Covenants 50: 6-9)

This is such an important question we are to ask when someone teaches us a doctrine that is not known.

"Wherefore, I the Lord ask you this question—unto what were ye ordained?"

(Doctrine and Covenants 50:13)

Elder Renlund gave an excellent General Conference talk that really helped to clarify things.

"only the prophet receives revelation for the Church. It would be “contrary to the economy of God” for others to receive such revelation, which belongs on the prophet’s runway.

"When we ask for revelation about something for which God has already given clear direction, we open ourselves up to misinterpreting our feelings and hearing what we want to hear."

"The Prophet Joseph Smith warned, “Nothing is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the influence of a false spirit, when they think they have the Spirit of God.”

"Joseph learned, as the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob taught: “Seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For … he counseleth in wisdom.” Jacob cautioned that unfortunate things happen when we ask for things we should not. He foretold that the people in Jerusalem would seek “for things that they could not understand,” look “beyond the mark,” and completely overlook the Savior of the world. They stumbled because they asked for things they would not and could not understand.

(Dale G. Renlund, "A Framework for Personal Revelation", Oct 2022 General Conference)

Day 3248

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 10:12

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 10:12

"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."

I found some really good quotes on comparing ourselves to others, even to the point it is the sin of pride.

"Comparison apparently is not just a sign of our times but was in times past as well. The Apostle Paul warned the people of his day that “they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”

With so many appropriate and inspired uses of technology, let us use it to teach, inspire, and lift ourselves and to encourage others to become their finest—rather than to portray our idealized virtual selves. Let us also teach and demonstrate the righteous use of technology to the rising generation and warn against the associated hazards and destructive use of it. Viewing social media through the lens of the gospel can prevent it from becoming a spiritual eclipse in our lives.

(Gary E. Stevenson, "Spiritual Eclipse", Oct 2017 General Conference)

“When the Lord measures an individual, He does not take a tape measure around the person’s head to determine his mental capacity, nor his chest to determine his manliness, but He measures the heart as an indicator of the person’s capacity and potential to bless others”

(Elder Marvin J. Ashton, “The Measure of Our Hearts,” Oct 1988 General Conference)

Sister Patricia T. Holland, “My greatest misery comes when I feel I have to fit what others are doing, or what I think others expect of me. I am most happy when I am comfortable being me and trying to do what my Father in Heaven and I expect me to be.

“For many years I tried to measure the ofttimes quiet, reflective, thoughtful Pat Holland against the robust, bubbly, talkative, and energetic Jeff Holland and others with like qualities. I have learned through several fatiguing failures that you can’t have joy in being bubbly if you are not a bubbly person. It is a contradiction in terms. I have given up seeing myself as a flawed person because my energy level is lower than Jeff’s, and I don’t talk as much as he does, nor as fast. Giving this up has freed me to embrace and rejoice in my own manner and personality in the measure of my creation” (Jeffrey R. Holland and Patricia T. Holland, On Earth as It Is in Heaven [1989], 69–70).

“At its core, pride is a sin of comparison, for though it usually begins with ‘Look how wonderful I am and what great things I have done,’ it always seems to end with ‘Therefore, I am better than you.’

“When our hearts are filled with pride, we commit a grave sin, for we violate the two great commandments [see Matthew 22:36–40]. Instead of worshipping God and loving our neighbor, we reveal the real object of our worship and love—the image we see in the mirror.

“Pride is the great sin of self-elevation. …

“This sin has many faces. It leads some to revel in their own perceived self-worth, accomplishments, talents, wealth, or position. They count these blessings as evidence of being ‘chosen,’ ‘superior,’ or ‘more righteous’ than others. This is the sin of ‘Thank God I am more special than you.’ At its core is the desire to be admired or envied. It is the sin of self-glorification”

(President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Pride and the Priesthood,” Oct 2010, General Conference)

Which brings me back to Paul's words, "But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."

(2 Corinthians 10:17)

Day 3247