Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 22:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 22:7
"Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book."

I have really enjoyed reading the book of Revelation this time through. I was nervous at first because of all the symbolism and how hard it all seemed. What if I didn't understand something important for me to know? I trusted in what the prophet Joseph Smith said about Revelations, and wanted to know how this could be.

"The book of Revelation is one of the plainest books God ever caused to be written"
(in History of the Church, 5:342).

If it is plain and easy to understand then I had to make sure I wasn't reading it in the manner than went beyond the mark. What the spirit told me was to look for where I would be, and where the righteous saints are. That is what I prayerfully did and it has changed my feelings about Revelations completely. The book is full of keeping on the covenant path, the importance of the temple, and following the words of the prophet. If your focus is on the Savior it does not matter what the world is doing.

I can see how everything that is being covered in general conference is in keeping with the counsel given in Revelations. We are in the later part of the latter days. The prophet of God is preparing us for the second coming of Jesus Christ. We have to remain faithful and never take our eyes off of the Savior. There is divine protection for the saints. Revelation is a book of promise and hope depending on which side your focus is.

Day 3348

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 21:3-4

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 21:3-4
"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

This is such a marvelous promise for the faithful to look forward to. I have no words. All do I know is that everything we go through will be worth it, if we remain faithful.

Day 3347

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 20:6-8

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 20:6-8
"Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea."

When I was reading this the part about a thousand years stuck out to me. It said those part of the first resurrection would reign with Christ only a thousand years? Then Satan would be loosed to deceive the nations. I thought "What? I thought I was done being tempted." Then I read it over and over and realized it wasn't those that had died and were resurrected that are being tempted. As a resurrection being you are beyond temptation. Who is being tempted? All those that are still mortal, that were born during the thousand years of the millennium. They are as numerous as the sand of the sea. They are who need to experience the temptation we have gone through in our mortal lives.

Day 3346

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 19:7-9

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 19:7-9
"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God."

I want to be at the marriage feast. This is when the Lord as the bridegroom claims his bride, or the church. Only the faithful who watched will be ready. Reminds me of the ten virgins and only half were ready when the bridegroom came. It was to late for them to acquire oil in their lambs at that point. The key is to always be ready no matter what.

This also reminded me of Elder Bednar's Oct 2022 General Conference talk "Put on Thy Strength, O Zion" on the wedding feast found in Matthew 22. It ended with a quote from the Joseph Smith Translation of the bible.

“For many are called, but few are chosen; wherefore all do not have on the wedding garment.” (JST Matthew 22:14)

“Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?“Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men.”
(Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-35)

"Those who keep the commandments of the Lord and walk in His statutes to the end, are the only individuals permitted to sit at this glorious feast. … Reflect for a moment, brethren [and sisters], and enquire, whether you would consider yourselves worthy [of] a seat at the marriage feast”
(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], p. 165-66)

Day 3345

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 18:1, 4

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 18:1, 4
"And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

I pondered on coming out of Babylon and how the people of the world will mourn when they see it burning. I wondered how will I know I'm not partaking of Babylon, so I'm not part of her sins or plagues? Then I thought about this angel that comes down before Babylon is destroyed, and the earth is lightened with his glory. With that light knowledge on how to come out of Babylon will be there. Sounds like the restoration of the gospel to me.

I thought about the messages that are coming from the leaders of the Church. The intensity of the messages are getting brighter and brighter, President Nelson is not even subtle anymore on how close we are to the second coming. In 2005 then Elder Nelson gave a talk titled "Now is the Time to Prepare", "Now is the time to prepare to meet God. Tomorrow may be too late." 17 years later as prophet he tells us preparation time is over, now is the time for doing.

"Now is the Time"
"Only now can we do.
Now is the time we can learn.
Now is the time we can repent.
Now is the time we can bless others."
(President Nelson, "Now is the Time", Apr 2022 General Conference)

"The Lord is hastening His work and urging us to prepare for His Second Coming...I cannot overstate how vital you and your choices are."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Nevada Devotional" 13 Nov 2022)

"As President of His Church, I plead with you who have distanced yourselves from the Church and with you who have not yet really sought to know that the Savior's Church has been restored. Do the spiritual work to find out for yourselves, and please do it now. Time is running out."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Come Follow Me", April 2019 General Conference)

"For decades, the Lord's prophets have urged us to store food, water, and financial reserves for a time of need. The current pandemic has reinforced the wisdom of that counsel. I urge you to take steps to be temporally prepared. But I am even more concerned about your spiritual and emotional preparations."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Embrace the Future with Faith", Oct 2020 General Conference)

"Using a baseball analogy, we are in the last half of the ninth inning. Our Heavenly Father and His Son chose you to be on Their team when the game is on the line. This means They know you, They trust you and will help you fulfill your personal mission on this earth."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Worldwide Youth Devotional", June 2018)

"I now bless you with the ability to leave the world behind as you assist in this crucial and urgent work. Together we can do all that our Heavenly Father needs us to do to prepare the world for the Second Coming of His Beloved Son."
(President Nelson, "Sisters' Participating in the Gathering of Israel", Oct 2018)

"Things are going to move forward at an accelerated pace. The Church is going to have an unprecedented future, unparalleled. We're just building up to what's ahead now."
(During Rome Temple interview, "President Nelson: 'President Nelson: 'a hinge point in the history of the Church", Church News, 27 Dec 2019)

"The Lord placed you here now because He knew you had the capacity to negotiate the complexities of the latter part of these latter days. He knew you would grasp the grandeur of His work and be eager to help bring it to pass."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Embrace the Future with Faith", Oct 2020 General Conference)

"The future is bright for God's covenant-keeping people. The Lord will increasingly call upon His servants who worthily hold the priesthood to bless, comfort, and strengthen mankind and to help prepare the world and its people for His Second Coming."
(Russell M. Nelson, "What we are learning and Will Never Forget", Apr 2021 General Conference)

"We are sparing no effort to give this venerable temple...a foundation that will withstand the forces of nature into the Millennium. In like manner, it is now time that we each implement extraordinary measures - perhaps measures we have never taken before - to strengthen our personal spiritual foundations. Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures.
My dear brothers and sisters, these are the latter days. If you and I are to withstand the forthcoming perils and pressures, it is imperative that we each have a firm spiritual foundation built upon the rock of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ."
(Russell M. Nelson, "The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation", Oct 2021 general Conference)

"We have never needed positive spiritual momentum more than we do now, to counteract the speed with which evil and the darker signs of the times are intensifying. Positive spiritual momentum will keep us moving forward amid the fear and uncertainty created by pandemics, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and armed hostilities."
(Russell M. Nelson, "The Power of Spiritual Momentum", Apr 2022 General Conference)

"One crucial element of (the gathering of Israel) 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...I call upon you, my dear brothers and sisters, to become this righteous people."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Overcome the World and Find Rest", Oct 2022 General Conference)

Day 3344

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 17:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 17:14
"These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful."

I liked the part where we are with Him. The righteous are not waging war against the inhabitants of the earth. Oh, the world may war against us but, but the Lamb will overcome them. Those that are called, chosen and faithful we will stand on the side that wins. We can't lose faith in that.

Day 3343

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 16:7, 15

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 16:7, 15
"And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.
Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame."

The seven vials are poured out upon the wicked. I had to look for the righteous and were they would be. I see that they recognize the judgments for what they are, and acknowledge they are from the Lord. With all these disasters man will probably foolishly not recognize they come from the Lord, but see them as climate change, or man made pollutions. Thinking they could control what is to come. There is also warning that the Lord will come as a thief in the night and we are to watch. See if we are watching we won't be caught unaware. I find that last part about the garments interesting. The adversary is working overtime to make those that have been endowed to remove their garments. Their protection is gone. They would be among those not watching. The righteous are faithfully watching and remaining true to their covenants.

Day 3342

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 15:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 15:1-2
"And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.
And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God."

This chapter and the next one will speak of the seven last plagues of God's wrath poured out upon the wicked. This chapter tells me where the righteous are, standing on a sea of glass mingled with fire. Now the sea of glass is the celestial kingdom, and fire typifies the Spirit of God. I don't think this is referring to us being dead, because those worthy of a celestial and terrestrial glory will survive to live during the millennium. What this reminds me of is "stand in holy places". Those that are worthy of a celestial glory, that have overcome the world and all the Satan would throw at them, have the Holy Spirit as their guide and will be found in holy places praising God.

This week in family scripture study we have been reading about the people in the land of Nephi and it struck me how different the experiences were for people that lived in the same location. Depending on their ability to repent and keep the commandments they were led in different ways to safety. When they were slow to repent their experiences were much harder. When they were quick to repent their burdens were lifted and shortened. I think it will be no different for us in these later parts of the last days.

"Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.
My beloved brothers and sisters, I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation. Let this Easter Sunday be a defining moment in your life. Choose to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", Apr 2018 General Conference)

Day 3341

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 14:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 14:1
"And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads."

I pondered on the 144,000 and how it would be good to be one of them. I could do the part of having the Father's name written in my forehead. Yet, I know more has been revealed through the prophet Joseph Smith on them.

"Q. What are we to understand by sealing the one hundred and forty-four thousand, out of all the tribes of Israel—twelve thousand out of every tribe?
A. We are to understand that those who are sealed are high priests, ordained unto the holy order of God, to administer the everlasting gospel; for they are they who are ordained out of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, by the angels to whom is given power over the nations of the earth, to bring as many as will come to the church of the Firstborn."
(Doctrine and Covenants 77:11)

If the number is to be High Priests and not just Elders then that isn't our missionary force. Where is there a big force of high priest? Then I though of the ever growing number of General Authority Seventies and Area Seventies. There are 12 quorums of seventies. They certainly cover every nation, kindred, tongue and people. The Lord didn't say the 144,000 had to all go out at once. Nor do I know if the number is symbolic or literal. I have no idea how many Seventies have been called since the church was restored.

There is one thing that is curious about our missionaries. If it possibly included them the last stats I saw there were 72,000 of them, and the numbers are growing. Double 72,000 and in one turn over you get 144,000 who have served.

When President Nelson was first called as prophet in 2018 he held a Worldwide Youth Devotional. He invited the youth ages 12-18 to enlist in the Lord's battalion. That was 6 years ago. This year the youngest of the youth at that event are now able to enlist. I wonder how many missionaries have served in these past 6 years?

“Would you like to be a big part of the greatest challenge, the greatest cause, and the greatest work on the earth today?” President Nelson asked. “Would you like to gather Israel during these precious latter days? Would you, who are the elect, be willing to help find the elect who have not heard the message of the restored gospel?”
“My dear extraordinary youth, you were sent to earth at this precise time — this most crucial time in the history of the world — to help gather Israel,” he said. “There is nothing happening on this earth right now that is more important than that. … This is the mission for which you were sent to earth.”
“Those noble spirits — those finest players, those heroes — are you!” he said. “I testify that the gathering is now, and it is real.”
“So now, I am inviting every young woman and every young man between the ages of 12 and 18 in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to enlist in the youth battalion of the Lord to help gather Israel.”
(Russell M. Nelson, "President Nelson invites youth to enlist in the Lord's battalion by doing 5 things", Church News, Worldwide Youth Devotional, 3 June 2018)

When you think of all that the Lord's church is doing on the earth right now to find scattered Israel it doesn't take much to feel this is literally being fulfilled today.

Hmmm, (Revelation 14:3) now exactly when are those new hymns coming out?

Day 3340

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 13:8-10

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 13:8-10
"And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
If any man have an ear, let him hear.
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints."

Over the years I've seen so many conspiracies and speculations on what 666 means. I think in many respects in this chapter it's a deflection on worldly things and not the true focus for a saint. I again asked "where am I in this chapter, or where are the righteous". I found they have their names written in the book of life of the Lamb of God. They have patience and faith. If I can develop and obtain all of these things I don't even need to begin to worry about what 666 means. I find it interesting needing to have "ears to hear" about those that lead others into captivity, or kill with the sword, which can be both physical and mental. They will have the same done to them. Then there is this connection to saints having faith and patience. It makes me think of the people that conspire to dig a pit for someone and then they fall into it. It's like it's saying don't fall into this worldly practice of trying to mislead, corrupt or overcome others. Don't join in their contentions, infighting and stand separate.

I reflected on what I recently learned about patience. It truly is a god-like attribute. I learned that patience requires forgiveness not only with yourself but with others. The One that had the greatest capacity to forgive also demonstrated godly patience. As I have worked on forgiveness of others, I found being able to forgive as they are doing wrong to me, not waiting until after, changes the way I react and speak to them. It brings a level of godly patience towards them into the whole situation. There is a protection that envelopes your spirit when you combine patience and forgiveness together.

Day 3339

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 12:10-11

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 12:10-11
"And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."

I pondered on how the same battle Satan and his angels waged in the pre-existence is being waged here on earth. It's a battle of words, accusations, opinions and contention. The attacks are relentless now. However, the counsel is given on how to over come it. We are to hold fast to the word of God and our testimonies. We are to reply of the power of Christ to the end. It makes me think of President Nelson counsel to be peacemakers.

"The Savior’s Atonement made it possible for us to overcome all evil—including contention. Make no mistake about it: contention is evil! Jesus Christ declared that those who have “the spirit of contention” are not of Him but are “of the devil, who is the father of contention, and [the devil] stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.” Those who foster contention are taking a page out of Satan’s playbook, whether they realize it or not. “No man can serve two masters.” We cannot support Satan with our verbal assaults and then think that we can still serve God.
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.
Charity is the antidote to contention. Charity is the spiritual gift that helps us to cast off the natural man, who is selfish, defensive, prideful, and jealous. Charity is the principal characteristic of a true follower of Jesus Christ. Charity defines a peacemaker.
You covenant to always remember the Savior. In situations that are highly charged and filled with contention, I invite you to remember Jesus Christ. Pray to have the courage and wisdom to say or do what He would. As we follow the Prince of Peace, we will become His peacemakers. "
(Russell M. Nelson "Peacemakers Needed", Apr 2023 General Conference)

Day 3338

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 11:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 11:3
"And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth."

Where am I, or the righteous in this chapter? I want to recognize these two witnesses when they appear and listen to what they are saying. So many want to see the miracles they perform, but I want to know what are they saying? I can imagine it is a very exciting time for the saints of God to see this final prophesy happening. I may not be where the two witnesses are but I'm pretty sure I will see this event streamed live. Especially, when it says the people of the earth will rejoice over them when they are slain. I won't rejoice like them, only sit in anticipation of what is to come. The true rejoicing is when the Lord comes.

I try not to setup in my mind exactly how prophesies are fulfilled. I believe if I treasure up the word of God that I will recognize it when it happens. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.". (Isaiah 55:8) Tonight, I was reading in the Book of Mormon where the Savior appears to the Nephites and explains how they were the sheep of another fold he mentioned to his disciples in Jerusalem (John 10:16) and they understood him not. That was because they assumed incorrectly of whom He was speaking of.

"And verily I say unto you, that ye are they of whom I said: Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
And they understood me not, for they supposed it had been the Gentiles; for they understood not that the Gentiles should be converted through their preaching.
And they understood me not that I said they shall hear my voice; and they understood me not that the Gentiles should not at any time hear my voice—that I should not manifest myself unto them save it were by the Holy Ghost."
(3 Nephi 15:21-23)

Day 3337

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 10:11

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 10:11
"And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings."

I want to hear and read John's additional prophesies. I anxiously await all the promised additional scriptures. When I was looking for when John would prophesy again, at first I thought it would be after the Lord came in His glory, which would be the millennium. Then I realized I was overlooking a comma.

"And the Lord said unto me: John, my beloved, what desirest thou? For if you shall ask what you will, it shall be granted unto you.
And I said unto him: Lord, give unto me power over death, that I may live and bring souls unto thee.
And the Lord said unto me: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, because thou desirest this thou shalt tarry until I come in my glory, and shalt prophesy before nations, kindreds, tongues and people."
(Doctrine and Covenants 7:1-3

John will tarry until the Lord comes in His glory. Until then he is prophesying to every nation, kindred, tongues and people. They just don't realize that's who they are speaking to.

"A story about Joseph Smith and his bodyguard Allen Stout provides yet another example of an encounter with a translated person who concealed his angelic status while fulfilling his mission upon the earth. As Joseph Smith and Allen Stout were walking on a road west of the Mississippi River, “they saw a man walking along a road leading in from the south and coming towards them. The Prophet told Allen to remain where he was while he stepped over to speak with this pedestrian. Allen turned his back towards them and for a time forgot the Prophet and became engaged with his own thoughts, while he stood whipping a low bush with the cane he carried.
“The hand of the Prophet upon his shoulder aroused him. The Prophet said, ‘We must return immediately to Nauvoo.’ They walked silently and rapidly. Allen became very sorrowful over his recreancy to his duty and could not refrain from weeping. The Prophet asked him why he wept. Allen confessed, ‘I am an insufficient bodyguard—criminally neglectful of your welfare. I allowed that man you met to speak with you without even being ready to defend if he attacked you. He could have killed you and made his escape without my knowing who he is, which way he went or what he even looks like. You will have to dispense with my services and take a guard on which you can depend. Your life is too precious to be trusted to my care.’
“The Prophet then said, ‘That man would not harm me. You saw John the Revelator."
(McConkie, Remembering Joseph, 210–11)
(Donald W. Parry, "When Joseph Smith and His Body Guard Met John the Revelator on the Road", 24 Aug 2018, LDSLiving)

Day 3336

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 9:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 9:4
"And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads."

This chapter continues with the last three angels sounding their trumpets and wo's being pour out upon the wicked. I once again tried to find where should I be? Then I spotted where the righteous are, they have the seal of God in their foreheads. Which I will take to mean their focus and aim is to do what is pleasing to God. They have the Holy Spirit of Promise. They are not focused on the world and its destruction and the great fear coming upon man, for what is prophesied will come to pass. The focus is on the Lord's second coming. We are taking the Spirit as our guide for both physical and spiritual protection. Yes, we may get caught up in events as the wicked are destroyed, but that is not the destruction of our souls. It really doesn't matter which side of the veil we are one when the Lord appears again. The difference is in what direction is our focus.

"The Apostle John saw that certain calamities preceding the Second Coming would not affect all the earth or its inhabitants, “but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads” (Revelation 9:4). This corresponds with other scriptural promises that in the last days, those who are faithful will ultimately be protected (see 1 Nephi 22:17–19; D&C 115:5–6). President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) emphasized that spiritual preparation should be our first priority when seeking protection from the calamities of the last days:
“Someone has said it was not raining when Noah built the ark. But he built it, and the rains came.
“The Lord has said, ‘If ye are prepared ye shall not fear’ (D&C 38:30).
“The primary preparation is also set forth in the Doctrine and Covenants, wherein it says, ‘Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come’ (D&C 87:8). …
“We can so live that we can call upon the Lord for His protection and guidance. This is a first priority. We cannot expect His help if we are unwilling to keep His commandments” (“If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2005, 62).
Though the Lord promises protection to the righteous in the last days, the Prophet Joseph Smith clarified that some who are righteous may lose their lives in the trials and calamities of the last days: “[I] explained concerning the coming of the Son of Man; also that it is a false idea that the Saints will escape all the judgments, whilst the wicked suffer; for all flesh is subject to suffer, and ‘the righteous shall hardly escape’ [see D&C 63:34]; still many of the Saints will escape, for the just shall live by faith [see Habakkuk 2:4]; yet many of the righteous shall fall a prey to disease, to pestilence, etc., by reason of the weakness of the flesh, and yet be saved in the Kingdom of God” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 253)."
(New Testament Student Manual, Chapter 54: Revelation 4-11, "Revelation 9:4 The Righteous Will Be Protected")

Day 3335

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 8:2-4

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 8:2-4
"And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.
And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand."

It took a while to find where I would be in this chapter of Revelations. I poured over the seven angels and the destruction that followed and could not see where the righteous would be among them. Would everyone suffer the wrath of God alone? Then I went back to the beginning and noticed this separate angel that was not part of the seven. This angel was over the prayers of the saints. This made me think of the prayers being offered upon the temple altars. This is what my role would be. I will stand in holy places and worship my God.

Day 3334

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 7:9, 15

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 7:9, 15
"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them."

I pondered on the great redeeming work taking place in the House of the Lord for both the living and dead. I reflected on the number of temples that now dot the earth and are still coming. When my parents wanted to make eternal covenants and have their children sealed to them we had to drive from New York to Utah. When I married the Washington D.C. temple was available and only a 10 hour trip. Now I live within 10 minutes of a temple. There have been many around the world that had to make greater sacrifices than my family and I. As the temples grow closer to the members, the numbers grow on both sides of the veil for those wearing white. We are preparing for the great day of the Lord and worshipping in the House of the Lord is key to this. I take interest in the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple and how it mirrors this.

"That our garments may be pure, that we may be clothed upon with robes of righteousness, with palms in our hands, and crowns of glory upon our heads, and reap eternal joy for all our sufferings."
(Doctrine and Covenants 109:76)

(click to expand)

Day 3333

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 6:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 6:17
"For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"

As I'm reading the book of Revelations I'm trying to find where I will be, if I remain righteous. I could picture "who shall be able to stand?" I know the wicked won't be able to stand and they would wish the mountains and rocks to fall on them. I thought of others who won't be standing either, but instead they will be kneeling. I thought of that picture where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ.

"And the saints rejoiced in their redemption, and bowed the knee and acknowledged the Son of God as their Redeemer and Deliverer from death and the chains of hell."
(Doctrine and Covenants 138:23)

"And this shall be the sound of his trump, saying to all people, both in heaven and in earth, and that are under the earth—for every ear shall hear it, and every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess, while they hear the sound of the trump, saying: Fear God, and give glory to him who sitteth upon the throne, forever and ever; for the hour of his judgment is come."
(Doctrine and Covenants 88:104)

Day 3332

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 5:9-10

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 5:9-10
" And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth."

Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God, worthy to open the book with seven seals, which is to fulfill the work of God. I pondered on how we are preparing for that millennial day through our making and keeping covenants. In many ways we do not fully understand who we are and the important work we are here to do. If we did we would be like President Holland and feel a great urgency.

"Virtually all my experience in the hospital during that first period is lost to my memory. What is not lost is my memory of a journey outside the hospital, out to what seemed the edge of eternity. I cannot speak fully of that experience here, but I can say that part of what I received was an admonition to return to my ministry with more urgency, more consecration, more focus on the Savior, more faith in His word.
I bear witness that when Christ comes, He needs to recognize us—not as nominal members listed on a faded baptismal record but as thoroughly committed, faithfully believing, covenant-keeping disciples. This is an urgent matter for all of us, lest we ever hear with devastating regret: “I never knew you,” or, as Joseph Smith translated that phrase, “[You] never knew me.” "
(President Jeffrey R. Holland, "Motions of a Hidden Fire", Apr 2024 General Conference)

"That is, before the millennial era, before the time when Christ shall reign personally upon the earth, the elect of God among every kindred, the Saints who speak every tongue, the converts among all peoples and nations, having first believed the restored gospel, will go to the temples of God and receive the ordinances of exaltation whereby they qualify to become kings and priests."
(Bruce R. McConkie, "Go Ye Into All the World", Apr 1969 General Conference, Conference Report, pg. 143)

Day 3331

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 4:10-11

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 4:10-11
"The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."

This made me think of praying. Elder Neal A. Maxwell said: “We will go on praising [the Lord] for ever and ever! … We will never need to be coaxed”.
(Neal A. Maxwell, “From Whom All Blessings Flow, Apr 1997 General Conference)

I thought about my prayers, and how I would struggle to do that forever. It reminded me of a story President Steven J. Lund, (Young Men General President), told of President Nelson and how we need to teach the youth to pray. I need to apply this to myself.

"You must teach them to pray. To whom it is they pray and the language of prayer. I'm worried that we have become far to casual in the way that we approach the throne of God. If we really understood who it is on the other side of, "our Father in Heaven we ask thee", then we would bring the most elevated selves, elevated language, the most humble aspect that we could bring to that conversation imaginable. But, we don't see clearly who it is we are talking to. You must teach them to pray. To whom it is they pray and the language of prayer."
(President Russell M. Nelson, "Teach them to Pray", related by Steven J. Lund , "A Day in The Life of the Young Men General President - President Steven J. Lund", YouTube, For All the Saints With Ben Hancock, min 5:58)

Day 3330

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 3:3-5

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 3:3-5
"Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels."

This makes me think of all the talks on wearing our garments and going to the House of the Lord. We cannot afford to be slack in physically wearing our garments or found morally unworthy and unprepared to enter His House. If we are watchful and ready the Lord will not come as a thief in the night. The consequences are just to great.

"The garment of the holy priesthood is a sacred symbol of Jesus Christ and is a reminder of our covenant relationship with Him and Heavenly Father. As endowed members keep the covenants they have made, including the sacred privilege to wear the garment, they will have greater access to the Savior’s mercy, protection, strength, and power."
(First Presidency Letter, "The Garment of the Holy Priesthood", 12 Apr 2024)

Day 3329

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 2:21

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 2:21
"And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not."

It made me think of little children that are fighting. How after warning them to stop you often go out of their sight, but continue listening. Each time you leave you are giving them an opportunity to straighten up and stop their fighting. Some children need one warning, others may need multiple, some just never stop until they are removed from the situation. The one that does listen when first warned has the greatest opportunities to receive blessings for being good. We all have the same time and space to repent, until there is no more time left.

Day 3328

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 1:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 1:1
"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:"

"The Prophet Joseph Smith (1805-44) said: "The book of Revelation is one of the plainest books God ever caused to be written" (in History of the Church, 5:342). How is that? Because it is centered on Jesus Christ, and the events of him coming again."

As I knew the book of Revelation was coming I had this feeling of being inadequate in sharing anything meaningful. I wondered if I should study some writings about Revelations first. Then the Spirit told me not to. That I needed to read Revelations and look for the pure messages. I need to look for Jesus Christ and what it tells me about him. When I see that Joseph Smith said the book of Revelation is one of the plainest book, I realized I what to see what is plain too, and not go looking beyond the mark. I look forward to this adventure.

Day 3327

Today's Favorite Verse: Jude 1:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Jude 1:16
"These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage."

I think this is a good description of those that apostatize from the church. Their downfall begins with pride. It's when they think they know better than the prophet or in this case apostles. Pride is the only tool the adversary has to crack that protective shell around a righteous man, first by feeding them the lie that they are so righteous, and others should listen to them.

"Perhaps the greatest obstacle to our ability to hearken courageously to the word of the Lord involves our egos, vain ambitions, and pride. It seems that the proud find it burdensome to hear and accept the instruction of God. We are told in Proverbs that “pride goeth before destruction” The proud are more anxious about man’s judgment than they are of God’s judgment."
(H. David Burton, "Courage to Hearken", Apr 1994 General Conference)

"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud."
(Proverbs 16:18-19)

Day 3326

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 John 1:4

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 John 1:4
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."

No greater joy is when a lamb that has been lost returns home again. It's been 20 years but miracles do happen. God will bring our children home if we let Him. Children in their teens and twenties maybe leaving the church in droves, but in their mid 30's and 40's they are coming home. Walk with them as many days in the Lord as you can, and they will know where home is.

"Years ago, while I was serving as a young bishop, an older gentleman asked to meet with me. He described his departure from the Church and the righteous traditions of his parents when he was in his youth. He described in detail the heartache he experienced during his life while vainly seeking lasting joy amidst the momentary happiness the world has to offer. Now, in his later years of life, he experienced the tender, sometimes nagging whispering sensations of the Spirit of God guiding him back to the lessons, practices, feelings, and spiritual safety of his youth. He expressed gratitude for the traditions of his parents, and in modern-day words, he echoed the proclamation of Enos: “Blessed be the name of my God for it.
”In my experience, this dear man’s return to the gospel is characteristic of many and is repeated often among God’s children who leave for a time, only to return to the teachings and practices of their youth. In those moments, we witness the wisdom of the writer of the proverb, who exhorts parents, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
(Steve R. Bangerter, "Laying the Foundation of a Great Work", Oct 2018 General Conference)

Day 3325

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 John 1:7-8

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 John 1:7-8
"For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward."

This made me think of how its only Tuesday and twice now this week I have had friends tell me stories of how they were approached from seemingly "good" members that are delving into really strange things, and tried to make them join too. As I listened all I could think of is how ignorant these individuals were of what lessons are learned from the Old and New Testaments. God warned his people over and over to not get involved in worshipping these false gods. It's littered with needing to destroy their groves were they worshipped. Just like the early church Satan is working overtime to destroy, and we have to be so careful. Ultimately, Satan did win and the apostasy overcame the primitive church. The difference is this time the entire church will not apostatize, but that doesn't mean everyone survives. We have had warnings in our day.

"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 50:7-9)

When someone says they have knowledge to share and it sounds nothing like you've been taught in church you need to do as the Lord advised.

"Wherefore, I the Lord ask you this question—unto what were ye ordained?"
(Doctrine and Covenants 50:13)

If they have not been called by the proper authority and have stewardship over this, then its best to run.

“Let us beware of false prophets and false teachers, both men and women, who are self-appointed declarers of the doctrines of the Church and who seek to spread their false gospel and attract followers by sponsoring symposia, books, and journals whose contents challenge fundamental doctrines of the Church. Beware of those who speak and publish in opposition to God’s true prophets and who actively proselyte others with reckless disregard for the eternal well-being of those whom they seduce. Like Nehor and Korihor in the Book of Mormon, they rely on sophistry to deceive and entice others to their views. …
“Perhaps most damningly, they deny Christ’s Resurrection and Atonement, arguing that no God can save us. They reject the need for a Savior. In short, these detractors attempt to reinterpret the doctrines of the Church to fit their own preconceived views, and in the process deny Christ and His messianic role.”
(M. Russell Ballard, "Beware of False Prophets and False Teachers", Oct 1999 General Conference)

Day 3324

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 John 5:3

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 John 5:3
"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous."

I pondered on "commandments are not grievous", meaning burdensome, or oppressive. Somewhere over the years I have had a change of heart on this. I used to wonder how close can I come to being wicked, without being wicked? Oh, the follies of being a youth.

I've not heard commandments referred to in this manner, but they are joyful to me. Commandments have become a source of protection and offer security. It is an honor to keep them. Like many laws there are reasons for them and those reasons are to keep me and others safe. I'm not going to go swim in the ocean if there is a sign that says "No swimming, shark infested waters". Of course, I have my moments and I am not wise in all the ways commandments can be broken. But, what I do know I am grateful. I know God has patience with me as I repent and try to do better at keeping his commandments. In many ways that continued dialog makes me feel loved and watched over.

"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments."
(1 John 2:3)

Day 3323

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 John 4:12

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 John 4:12
"No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us."

Well that's not right. There have been several accounts of prophets seeing God. Even John himself saw God as mentioned in the book of Revelations. Jesus himself said the Father and Him would come to us.

"Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."
(John 14:23)

Paul saw Him.
"And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God."
(Acts 7:56)

Joseph Smith saw both the Father and the Son.
"It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!"
(Joseph Smith-History 1:17)

The Joseph Smith Translation clarifies this.
"No man hath seen God at any time, except them who believe. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us."
(JST 1 John 4:12)

The word "see" can have different meanings, which is explained well here.

President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876–1972) explained: “All revelation since the fall has come through Jesus Christ, who is the Jehovah of the Old Testament. In all of the scriptures, where God is mentioned and where he has appeared, it was Jehovah who talked with Abraham, with Noah, Enoch, Moses and all the prophets. … The Father has never dealt with man directly and personally since the fall, and he has never appeared except to introduce and bear record of the Son” The scriptures record a number of occasions when the Father has introduced Jesus Christ: Matthew 3:17; 17:5; 3 Nephi 11:6–7; D&C 76:23; Joseph Smith—History 1:17.
John 1:18 can have another meaning as well. In the scriptures, particularly the Gospel of John, the word see can sometimes mean “perceive with our minds” or “understand.” In that light, John 1:18 can be understood to mean that men have not fully “seen” or understood God. Therefore, Jesus Christ came as God’s messenger to “declare” or reveal to men what God the Father is like. This is a theme throughout the Gospel of John.
(New Testament Student Manual, "Chapter 21: John 1)

Day 3322

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 John 3:24

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 John 3:24
"And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us."

I pondered on how could we dwell in Jesus Christ? To dwell is to live in or at a specified place. What place would that be?

"For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God; for God giveth him not the Spirit by measure, for he dwelleth in him, even the fulness."
(John 3:34 (JST)

I think that place of dwelling is the fullness of the Spirit.

Day 3321

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 John 2:15

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 John 2:15
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

I sat and pondered on all the ways that I am showing a love of the world. The conclusion I came to is my love of the world has changed over the years. One little thing that gives me an indication is how I spend my down time. There are movies that I used to love that I just can't watch anymore. I thought about my Facebook posts and how they reflect what is meaningful to me. It's full of my love of the scriptures and news of the church. As I reflected on areas I need to address I found it interesting that my desire to have them has changed too. It's not like you are giving something up, its that you want something better.

The other day I had something happen that I had every opportunity to be angry and lash out. Instead of ranting to others I sat down and had a conversation with God to help me get past it. It really helped. The desire for God's blessings was greater than the world's justice. I think that over everything showed a love of God over the world. It's not just things that are markers, its were you find comfort or even if you want it. Earlier, I would have just relished in a good old rant. Oh, there still are triggers that want to bubble things up but I keep whacking them down like weeds. I want a clean lawn not a wild untamed one.

Day 3320