Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 5:71

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 5:71
"And the Lord of the vineyard said unto them: Go to, and labor in the vineyard, with your might. For behold, this is the last time that I shall nourish my vineyard; for the end is nigh at hand, and the season speedily cometh; and if ye labor with your might with me ye shall have joy in the fruit which I shall lay up unto myself against the time which will soon come."

In the past I disliked coming to this chapter in the Book of Mormon. It is 77 verses long and talks about tree husbandry. Over the years I have come to love it for I see the dispensations in it, and how long the Lord has worked to preserve his vineyard. I can see we are at the very end, that last time the Lord will nourish his vineyard. This is the last time laborers are called to work with Him.

As I was reading through this I thought of the apocrypha and how some have grasped onto a part they call Ezra's eagle. I have had no desire to follow their wresting of these non-canonized verses, especially with the political emphases they put on it.

"Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you concerning the Apocrypha—There are many things contained therein that are true, and it is mostly translated correctly;
There are many things contained therein that are not true, which are interpolations by the hands of men."
(Doctrine and Covenants 91:1-2)

The impression I received while ready the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees is we would have a much better understanding of the Lord's work reading it, than with twisting the interpolation of man to make it stand for something it is not.

"This great and last dispensation is building steadily to its climax—Zion on earth being joined with Zion from above at the Savior’s glorious return. The Church of Jesus Christ is commissioned to prepare—and is preparing—the world for that day. And so, this Easter, let us truly celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and all that it portends: His return to reign for a thousand years of peace, a righteous judgment and perfect justice for all, the immortality of all who ever lived upon this earth, and the promise of eternal life. Christ’s Resurrection is the ultimate assurance that all will be put right. Let us be about building up Zion to hasten that day. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
(D. Todd Christofferson, "Preparing for the Lord's Return", Apr 2019 General Conference)

Day 3409

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 4:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 4:6
"Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea."

This made me think of the various times prophets were commanded to control the elements. What they were not controlling was people, taking away their agency to choose. Even with Moses and Pharaoh, God didn't take away Pharaoh's agency to choose if he would release the children of Israel. It was Pharaoh that hardened his heart and would not let them go. It wasn't until that final plague where the first born died that Pharaoh said enough. Up until that very end everyone had the choice to do their will or God's will. We cannot control other people no matter how much at times we would want to.

"And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."
(Matthew 17:20)

"For the brother of Jared said unto the mountain Zerin, Remove—and it was removed. And if he had not had faith it would not have moved; wherefore thou workest after men have faith."
(Ether 12:30)

"And so great was the faith of Enoch that he led the people of God, and their enemies came to battle against them; and he spake the word of the Lord, and the earth trembled, and the mountains fled, even according to his command; and the rivers of water were turned out of their course; and the roar of the lions was heard out of the wilderness; and all nations feared greatly, so powerful was the word of Enoch, and so great was the power of the language which God had given him."
(Moses 7:13)

"Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.
And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will.
And if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou cast down and become smooth, it shall be done."
(Helaman 10:4-5, 9)

"And now, whoso readeth, let him understand; he that hath the scriptures, let him search them, and see and behold if all these deaths and destructions by fire, and by smoke, and by tempests, and by whirlwinds, and by the opening of the earth to receive them, and all these things are not unto the fulfilling of the prophecies of many of the holy prophets."
(3 Nephi 10:14)

Day 3408

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 3:11

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 3:11
"O my brethren, hearken unto my words; arouse the faculties of your souls; shake yourselves that ye may awake from the slumber of death; and loose yourselves from the pains of hell that ye may not become angels to the devil, to be cast into that lake of fire and brimstone which is the second death."

I pondered on how easily we can be asleep or blinded to the path of destruction we are on. It is a slumber of death if we are on the wrong path. It often takes something to jar us awake to our awful situation. Though we may need to pass through trials and pain it is worth it, if we correct the course we are on. Forgiveness is always possible, until our mortal probation on this earth is over. I guess the question always is how far deep into Satan's grasp do you have to go before you no longer care about leaving it?

Day 3407

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 2:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 2:2
"Now, my beloved brethren, I, Jacob, according to the responsibility which I am under to God, to magnify mine office with soberness, and that I might rid my garments of your sins, I come up into the temple this day that I might declare unto you the word of God."

This made me reflect on some hard subjects we had to hear during general conference. Some people didn't like several apostles because they would touch on subjects that called them to repentance, like pornography, sexual immorality, and other plagues of our day. I'm sure there were other subjects they would have loved to address with the saints, but their call and responsibility was not to coddle and speak of only smooth things. Their call was to guide us back to God, or our sins will fall on their heads. That is such a heavy responsibility.

"That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:
Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:"
(Isaiah 30:9-10)

"President Spencer W. Kimball spoke of the duty of prophets. He said:“I am sure that Peter and James and Paul found it unpleasant business to constantly be calling people to repentance and warning them of dangers, but they continued unflinchingly. So we, your leaders, must be everlastingly at it; if young people do not understand, then the fault may be partly ours. But, if we make the true way clear to you, then we are blameless” (“Love Versus Lust,” Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year, Provo, Utah, 5 Jan. 1965, p. 6). I wish to speak today of unwanted messages. My purpose in doing so is to attempt to give strength against mistakes, suffering, heartache, and anguish."
(James E. Faust, "Unwanted Messages", Oct 1986 General Conference)

Day 3406

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 1:2, 9

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 1:2, 9
"And he gave me, Jacob, a commandment that I should write upon these plates a few of the things which I considered to be most precious; that I should not touch, save it were lightly, concerning the history of this people which are called the people of Nephi.
Now Nephi began to be old, and he saw that he must soon die; wherefore, he anointed a man to be a king and a ruler over his people now, according to the reigns of the kings."

Before Nephi dies he gives his brother Jacob charge of the plates. He is to write what is most precious and sacred, revelation that was great, or prophesying, but touch lightly on the history. It always stands out to me when Nephi anoints a "man" to be king and ruler after him. Why did he call him a man? If he was a relative, son of one of his brothers, Sam, Jacob, Joseph, or even Zoram's descendant wouldn't he say that? I makes me wonder what other people they may have come across at this point and mixed with. We are only told of the Mulekites later when their story combines with confirmation on the destruction of Jerusalem, lack of what a record will do to a people, and the story of the Jaredites. There is so much we don't know, and I can't wait for the day when we do.

Day 3405

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 33:6

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 33:6
"I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell."

"I glory in my Jesus" touches me to my very soul.

Day 3404

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 32:2

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 32:2
"Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost?"

I pondered on the "tongue of angels". I think sometimes we expect to see that specular and don't realize what we have already been given.

"Nephi explained that angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, and you can speak with the tongue of angels, which simply means that you can speak with the power of the Holy Ghost. It will be quiet. It will be invisible. There will not be a dove. There will not be cloven tongues of fire. But the power will be there."
(President Boyd K. Packer, "The Gift of the Holy Ghost: What Every Member Should Know", Aug 2006 Ensign)

Day 3403

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 31:13

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 31:13
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel."

We may follow the Lord with full purpose of heart, have real intent that we will always do so, but it is part of the plan that we will still slip and fall. The difference is we know it, and won't hide it. We will repent and try again. This is how we learn and grow, it truly shows our real intent to follow Him.

I learned this week that you can lose patience and get angry, mess things up and watch things go out of control. Yet, there was still a purpose for all that happened. Things moved quickly in a direction for my family's greater good than I could have ever realized. Yes, I needed to repent of my part, because I could have done better, even though the ultimate outcome wouldn't have changed. There is a reason why my slower plan wouldn't work, because it wasn't His. The Lord is letting me stumble and grow, and watching out for me at the same time. I marvel at how as I sincerely repented and grieved how he revealed things regarding the situation I had no insight on before hand. He brought confirmation and peace to my soul. As the greater picture has taken shape I stand so amazed on how protected we have been all this time.

Day 3402

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 30:16

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 30:16
"Wherefore, the things of all nations shall be made known; yea, all things shall be made known unto the children of men."

I look forward to the day when "all things shall be made known".

"For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known."
(Luke 12:2)

"Yea, verily I say unto you, in that day when the Lord shall come, he shall reveal all things—
Things which have passed, and hidden things which no man knew, things of the earth, by which it was made, and the purpose and the end thereof—
Things most precious, things that are above, and things that are beneath, things that are in the earth, and upon the earth, and in heaven."
(Doctrine and Covenants 101:32-34)

Day 3401

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 29:8, 12-13

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 29:8, 12-13
"Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written.
For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it.
And it shall come to pass that the Jews shall have the words of the Nephites, and the Nephites shall have the words of the Jews; and the Nephites and the Jews shall have the words of the lost tribes of Israel; and the lost tribes of Israel shall have the words of the Nephites and the Jews."

Part of this is fulfilled today. We have the records of the Jews and the Nephites, the Bible and Book of Mormon. Now we wait for more records to come forth, including the lost tribes of Israel.

About 30 years ago I thought I had heard about them being found. I was serving at a family history center and the director came in looking out of sorts. He had just come back from a meeting in Salt Lake. He told me he had learned of a large collections of records that the Russian government had asked the church to microfilm. They were found in caves along the Caspian Sea. They were so fragile that when the Russians attempted to open these records they would disintegrate. They contacted The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because of their expertise in preserving and microfilming records. The arrangement was for the church to retain a copy of these records. There were so many records they were taken out by the truck loads. The church was in the process at that time of filming these records, and what they were finding was a history and genealogy of the lost tribes. This man was really in shock as he related to me what he had learned. I felt it to my core these were the records. I have waited nearly 30 years to learn any further news of these records but haven't.
 
Regardless if the records I heard about 30 years ago are truly them or not, I know somewhere the records of the lost tribes exist. Someday they will be restored to us, before the Lord's second coming. Someday I will read them and hold them and love them as I do all the scriptures I have today. I will continue to treasure and ponder and pray over the ones I have today. So when that day comes, that more records are given, I will thrill in the harmony and consistency of the Lord, as he speaks to his people. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Day 3400

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 28:19-22

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 28:19-22
"For the kingdom of the devil must shake, and they which belong to it must needs be stirred up unto repentance, or the devil will grasp them with his everlasting chains, and they be stirred up to anger, and perish;
For behold, at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good.
And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.
And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none—and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance."

This is absolutely a message for our day. What stands out to me is people being stirred up to anger, rage in their hearts, and anger against what is good. This is a careful descent that Satan leads them. They don't even realize they are fighting against what is good. Once Satan's chains are on them there is no deliverance. Yes, the Lord's arms are always stretched out towards us, but will they care or even realize the need for repentance until it is to late? I can see why President Nelson counsel over and over again is to not be contentious, to be peacemakers. You cannot serve two masters in this matter. If you are driven by anger and make choices based on it, you are not on the Lord's side. The spirit has fled and its a long, long road home, if you can find it again.

Day 3399

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 27:7-8, 21

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 27:7-8, 21
"And behold the book shall be sealed; and in the book shall be a revelation from God, from the beginning of the world to the ending thereof.
Wherefore, because of the things which are sealed up, the things which are sealed shall not be delivered in the day of the wickedness and abominations of the people. Wherefore the book shall be kept from them.
Touch not the things which are sealed, for I will bring them forth in mine own due time; for I will show unto the children of men that I am able to do mine own work."

How I wish it would be in my day that the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon comes forth. All I can do is live worthy to receive it, love, appreciate, and study what we already have.

"Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke of scriptures yet to be revealed, especially those from the Book of Mormon: “Many more scriptural writings will yet come to us, including those of Enoch (see D&C 107:57), all of the writings of the Apostle John (see Ether 4:16), the records of the lost tribes of Israel (see 2 Nephi 29:13), and the approximately two-thirds of the Book of Mormon plates that were sealed: ‘And the day cometh that the words of the book which were sealed shall be read upon the house tops; and they shall be read by the power of Christ; and all things shall be revealed unto the children of men which ever have been among the children of men, and which ever will be even unto the end of the earth’ (2 Nephi 27:11). Today we carry convenient quadruple combinations of the scriptures, but one day, since more scriptures are coming, we may need to pull little red wagons brimful with books” (A Wonderful Flood of Light [1990], 18)."
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, Chapter 12: 2 Nephi 25-27)

The little red wagon won't be needed as Elder Maxwell once envisioned. How grateful I am for the "radio in the pocket" David O. McKay foresaw, where I can carry around the scriptures with room enough for more.

“We should improve the means of communication until with radio in our pockets we may communicate with friends and loved ones from any point at any given moment.”
(David O. McKay, "Zion Shall Flourish"; Address delivered at the Leadership Assembly of the Brigham Young University, Jan. 29, 1935; Improvement Era, Apr 1935, pg 227)

Day 3398

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 26:32

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 26:32
"And again, the Lord God hath commanded that men should not murder; that they should not lie; that they should not steal; that they should not take the name of the Lord their God in vain; that they should not envy; that they should not have malice; that they should not contend one with another; that they should not commit whoredoms; and that they should do none of these things; for whoso doeth them shall perish."

I thought about the taking of the name of God in vain, and contending. Those are two areas that bother me the most, because I've had to deal with it on a personal level. Being screamed at and sworn at are so abusive, and I just can't tolerate it. If you want me to listen to you then don't do those things. Otherwise, I just shut down and will leave. This reminded me of a story about President Kimball.

"President Kimball tells a personal experience he had in one of his many stays at the hospital:
"In the hospital one day I was wheeled out of the operating room by an attendant who stumbled, and there issued from his angry lips vicious cursing with a combination of the names of the Savior. Even half-conscious, I recoiled and implored: 'Please! Please! That is my Lord whose names you revile.'
"There was a deathly silence, then a subdued voice whispered, 'I am sorry.' He had forgotten for the moment that the Lord had forcefully commanded all his people, 'Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain' (Exodus 20:7.)"
President Kimball went on to relate that such language demonstrates many things about a person: that they do not have self-control, and that they do not demonstrate gratitude towards God.
(President Spencer W. Kimball, "President Kimball Speaks Out on Profanity," Ensign, February 1981, p. 3)

Day 3397

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 25:7-8

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 25:7-8
But behold, I proceed with mine own prophecy, according to my plainness; in the which I know that no man can err; nevertheless, in the days that the prophecies of Isaiah shall be fulfilled men shall know of a surety, at the times when they shall come to pass.
Wherefore, they are of worth unto the children of men, and he that supposeth that they are not, unto them will I speak particularly, and confine the words unto mine own people; for I know that they shall be of great worth unto them in the last days; for in that day shall they understand them; wherefore, for their good have I written them.

I pondered on how events in my day have made me see difference verses of Isaiah in a new light. There have been times that particular verses come to my mind while a discussion is going on related to events of the day. I'm not an Isaiah scholar. I have never felt the need to drive deeply in my study of it. I just read it and treasure it up. Then I know when the time if right it will be plain to the understanding. Simply because Nephi promised it would be.

Day 3396

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 24:13-14

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 24:13-14
"For thou hast said in thy heart: I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north;
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High."

Isaiah (14:13-14) is being quoted here. He is speaking of Satan and how he sought to set himself above God and have his glory. He was full of pride, and with it desired to destroy the agency of man to obtain all power. The same fight over pride, and power is among us today.

"And I, the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying: That Satan, whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten, is the same which was from the beginning, and he came before me, saying—Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor.
Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down;"
(Moses 4:1, 3

Pride is the only tool the adversary has against the righteous. It is with pride the armor of God can be cracked, even if to say how righteous you are. This is the greatest of sins and must constantly be watched for.

"For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch."
(Malachi 4:1)

Day 3395

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 23:8

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 23:8
"And they shall be afraid; pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames."

I have been weeping. I sorrow for those being deceived. I have prayed to know if I am possibly the one deceived. This morning the answer came. I needed to stop asking that. I already knew. To ask again in this matter would be like Joseph that kept praying, after being given the answer twice, if he should give the 116 pages to Martin Harris to take home. Then they were lost. Then Joseph lost the ability to translate for a season. I cannot risk asking when the Lord has already counseled me in the matter. Now I just mourn because I sit back and watch others that I love, that should have the spirit to guide them be deceived. This last day stuff is hard. For one day they will wake up to their awful situation, that they supported and caused to overcome them. They will be amazed as they look upon each other, facing burning for shame, yet have lost the ability to look upon the Lord. It will be to late.

"For in those days there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch, that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant."
(Joseph Smith - Matthew 1:22)

Remembering the importance of the qualifier "if possible". If you are deceived you've already strayed. I need hope to stay on the right course. How grateful I am for living prophets that guide us through these days.

"I am optimistic about the future. It will be filled with opportunities for each of us to progress, contribute, and take the gospel to every corner of the earth. But I am also not naive about the days ahead. We live in a world that is complex and increasingly contentious. The constant availability of social media and a 24-hour news cycle bombard us with relentless messages. If we are to have any hope of sifting through the myriad of voices and the philosophies of men that attack truth, we must learn to receive revelation.
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. .. 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 3394

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 22:2

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 22:2
"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation."

This made me think of the hymn "The Lord is My Light". I had to find it and listen to it. So many times hymns say much better what I feel.

The Lord is My Light
The Lord is my light; then why should I fear?
By day and by night his presence is near.
He is my salvation from sorrow and sin;
This blessed assurance the Spirit doth bring.
[Chorus]
The Lord is my light;
He is my joy and my song.
By day and by night
He leads, he leads me along.
The Lord is my light; tho clouds may arise,
Faith, stronger than sight, looks up thru the skies
Where Jesus forever in glory doth reign.
Then how can I ever in darkness remain?
[Chorus]
The Lord is my light;
He is my joy and my song.
By day and by night
He leads, he leads me along.
The Lord is my light; the Lord is my strength.
I know in his might I’ll conquer at length.
My weakness in mercy he covers with pow’r,
And, walking by faith, I am blest ev’ry hour.
[Chorus]
The Lord is my light;
He is my joy and my song.
By day and by night
He leads, he leads me along.
The Lord is my light, my all and in all.
There is in his sight no darkness at all.
He is my Redeemer, my Savior, and King.
With Saints and with angels his praises I’ll sing.
[Chorus]
The Lord is my light;
He is my joy and my song.
By day and by night
He leads, he leads me along.

Day 3393

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 21:16

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 21:16
"And there shall be a highway for the remnant of his people which shall be left, from Assyria, like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt."

That highway is the covenant path. The straight and narrow path, not a physical highway built of asphalt, cement or stone.

"And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. 
No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there:
And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away."
(Isaiah 35:8-10)

"And an highway shall be cast up in the midst of the great deep.” The revelation to Joseph Smith says no more on this point than these words convey. Isaiah gives a somewhat more expansive view in these words: “And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those [who are worthy, and]: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there.” It appears that a way will be provided to assemble the outcasts of Israel again in their promised land. The safe and secure physical arrangements, whatever they may be, will, in fact, be but symbolical of the way of holiness whereon only the righteous can find footing. The way of holiness cannot be other than the strait and narrow path. The wayward tribes, having forsaken the ancient holy way, having been scattered for their wickedness, shall now be gathered because they forsake the world and seek again that whereon the footprints of their fathers are found.
(Bruce R. McConkie, "The Millennial Messiah: The Second Coming of the Son of Man", Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1982, 327.)

Day 3392

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 20:3-4

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 20:3-4
"And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?
Without me they shall bow down under the prisoners, and they shall fall under the slain. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still."

I have heard those that don't believe in God speak of fear of where things are possibly headed. Yet, they don't want you speak of how God's arms are stretched out still to them. There is comfort, peace, help and a refuge for God's people even in the midst of a storm.

"For the day of my visitation cometh speedily, in an hour when ye think not of; and where shall be the safety of my people, and refuge for those who shall be left of them?"
(Doctrine and Covenants 124:10)

"For it is ordained that in Zion, and in her stakes, and in Jerusalem, those places which I have appointed for refuge, shall be the places for your baptisms for your dead."
(Doctrine and Covenants 124:36)

"And it shall be called the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the saints of the Most High God;
And the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be called Zion."
(Doctrine and Covenants 45:66-67)

"And that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth."
(Doctrine and Covenants 115:6)

Day 3391

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 19:16

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 19:16
"For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed."

The "leaders of this people" are not the prophets of God. True prophets of God cannot lead us astray.

"The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the programme. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so He will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty." (Sixty-first Semiannual General Conference of the Church, Monday, October 6, 1890, Salt Lake City, Utah. Reported in Deseret Evening News, October 11, 1890, p. 2.)
(Doctrine and Covenants Official Declaration 1)

Those that set themselves up as a light and are false prophets and antichrists will pay the price for deceiving and leading others astray.

"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."
(Doctrine and Covenants 50:7-8

Day 3390

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 18:16-17, 19-20

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 18:16-17, 19-20
"Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.
And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.
"And when they shall say unto you: Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep and mutter—should not a people seek unto their God for the living to hear from the dead?
To the law and to the testimony; and if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."

I pondered on the contrast of two different groups of people. One will have obtained a testimony, wait upon the Lord and look for Him. These would be the people preparing and found ready at Christ's Second Coming.

The other group are following the ways of the world. I think of them as people that seek conspiracies and run in fear. The world will heal me and I don't need a prophet. Ever learning and never coming to a knowledge of the truth. It's not surprising how much culture is referencing the occult and devil worship. It seems harmless, its just a movie or a book, but there is no light there. If you follow darkness and let it entertain you long enough the things of God seem boring and don't hold purpose or value anymore. Then you are deceived.

"Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."
(2 Timothy 3:7

"And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."
(2 Thessalonians 2:10-12)

Day 3389

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 17:11-12

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 17:11-12
"Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God; ask it either in the depths, or in the heights above.
But Ahaz said: I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord."

Oddly, I had an experience the other night where someone sent me a message that I didn't read until the following morning. They said that they were impressed that I would have a dream that night and it was really import that I remember all of it and tell them what it was the next morning. I replied in the morning "Hmm, I didn't have any dreams." What I didn't say was if I did have a dream I wouldn't tell you. Then they told me I needed to pray about having a dream and then tell them. I didn't respond, because I absolutely would not do that. I don't ask the Lord for such things to satisfy someone else's curiosity. It's also not appropriate that someone else would be getting impressions about me dreaming things and telling them. I certainly wouldn't let them interpret any of my dreams for me either. Asking for dreams and visions is about as wrong as asking for signs in my book. The Lord knows were to find me when he has something to share.

This all reminded me of a talk by Elder Renlund where he told someone he would not pray about what they were asking either.

"I told him that he was mistaken, and he implored me to pray about it. I told him I would not."

He went on further to explain.

"I did not need to pray about this request for one simple but profound reason: 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.
Personal revelation rightly belongs to individuals. You can receive revelation, for example, about where to live, what career path to follow, or whom to marry. Church leaders may teach doctrine and share inspired counsel, but the responsibility for these decisions rests with you. That is your revelation to receive; that is your runway.
The promise of personal revelation through the Holy Ghost is awe-inspiring, much like an airplane in flight. And like airplane pilots, we need to understand the framework within which the Holy Ghost functions to provide personal revelation. When we operate within the framework, the Holy Ghost can unleash astonishing insight, direction, and comfort. Outside of that framework, no matter our brilliance or talent, we can be deceived and crash and burn.
...The scriptures also teach us how to receive personal revelation. And we ask for what is right and good and not for what is contrary to God’s will. We do not “ask amiss,” with improper motives to promote our own agenda or to fulfill our own pleasure. Above all, we are to ask Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ, believing that we will receive.
...A second element of the framework is that we receive personal revelation only within our purview and not within the prerogative of others."
(Elder Dale G. Renlund, "A Framework for Personal Revelation", Oct 2022 General Conference)

Day 3388

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 16:9-11

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 16:9-11
"And he said: Go and tell this people—Hear ye indeed, but they understood not; and see ye indeed, but they perceived not.
Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes—lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted and be healed.
Then said I: Lord, how long? And he said: Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate;"

The Lord gives everyone an opportunity to hear and understand, if they will only listen. Isaiah is being told that they won't receive his message, but we continue the quest until there is no one left. That is still happening today.

"Isaiah was commissioned to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ even though the people were “hard of hearing” and failed to “see” the truth of the gospel. He was advised that his preaching to a wayward people would generally not be received. Their hearts would “fatten” against the truth and their ears would be “heavy,” not willing to accept the gospel as preached in clarity. Isaiah was not commissioned to make the people resistant to the truth; rather, he was advised of the difficulty of his mission. Even so, in answer to Isaiah’s query of “how long?” (2 Nephi 16:11), the Lord answered that the people should have the opportunity to accept the gospel until “the land be utterly desolate.” The Lord will graciously continue His mission of salvation through His servants “so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved” (Moroni 7:36)."
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, Chapter 10: 2 Nephi 11-16, "Hear Ye Indeed, but They Understood Not")

Day 3387

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 15:19

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 15:19
"That say: Let him make speed, hasten his work, that we may see it; and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it."

I pondered on the Lord hastening his work in these latter-days. I determined that if one cannot tell that is happening then you are blind. Just look at all the temples dotting the earth. How a closer proximity to temples allows members to attend more often and perform ordinances in behalf of their kindred dead. I reflected on the marvelous leaps we have made in researching out our kindred dead by advancements in technology, the computer, internet, even the use of artificial intelligence. We live in a glorious time, and prophesy is being fulfilled. I found this little video that shows the growth of temples around the world. It is a good depiction of the Lord hastening his work.

Day 3386

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 14:5

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 14:5
"And the Lord will create upon every dwelling-place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for upon all the glory of Zion shall be a defence."

I feel like this is what we are working towards with our home-centered, church supported gospel learning. I went back and reviewed President Nelson's opening remarks in General Conference, where he announced "Come, Follow Me".

"For many years, Church leaders have been working on an integrated curriculum to strengthen families and individuals through a home-centered and Church-supported plan to learn doctrine, strengthen faith, and foster greater personal worship. Our efforts over these recent years to hallow the Sabbath—to make it a delight and a personal sign to God of our love for Him—will be augmented by the adjustments we will now introduce.
This morning we will announce a new balance and connection between gospel instruction in the home and in the Church. We are each responsible for our individual spiritual growth. And scriptures make it clear that parents have the primary responsibility to teach the doctrine to their children. It is the responsibility of the Church to assist each member in the divinely defined goal of increasing his or her gospel knowledge."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Opening Remarks", Oct 2018 General Conference)

I know reading the scriptures every day with my family, and the discussions that take place afterwards, are the highlight of my day. It has brought such a feeling of peace and unity among us that nothing else could bring. It truly does strengthen families and individuals.

After church we decided to drive around the boundaries of our stake. We wanted to see all the construction that will bring an estimated 3,000 people into our stake boundaries in the next few months. We were in awe of the five story apartment buildings. It was just massive. As we drove I did not see any new chapels. I remembered how in the past every time there was a new development going in there would also be a new chapel near by. I wondered where are we going to put all these people? Will the sharing of our existing chapels in the stake require us to attend church in the evening now? Or will we one day go to sacrament only and truly leave the greater responsibility of learning the gospel on the saints?

"And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents."
(Doctrine and Covenants 68:25)

Day 3385

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 13:9

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 13:9
"The show of their countenance doth witness against them, and doth declare their sin to be even as Sodom, and they cannot hide it. Wo unto their souls, for they have rewarded evil unto themselves!"

The people reach such a level of wickedness they can no longer hide it. Jeremiah says they can no longer blush.

"Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD."
(Jeremiah 6:15)

They think sin no longer bothers them, but deep inside they must know, for God knows. They can live a lie to themselves but they will never get away from it, unless they repent.

Day 3384

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

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 12:2-3
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, when the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it.
And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem."

These words of Isaiah are literally being fulfilled today. There are 350 houses of the Lord around the world, some are dedicated, waiting to be dedicated or in various phases of being renovated or constructed.

Payson UT Temple by Breasha Lewis

Day 3383

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 11:3

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 11:3
"And my brother, Jacob, also has seen him as I have seen him; wherefore, I will send their words forth unto my children to prove unto them that my words are true. Wherefore, by the words of three, God hath said, I will establish my word. Nevertheless, God sendeth more witnesses, and he proveth all his words."

As I pondered over the law of witnesses I recalled a quote on how the teaching of the doctrine is not obscure. Witnesses are there for a reason and to teach us. I finally found the quote.

"A few question their faith when they find a statement made by a Church leader decades ago that seems incongruent with our doctrine. There is an important principle that governs the doctrine of the Church. The doctrine is taught by all 15 members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. It is not hidden in an obscure paragraph of one talk. True principles are taught frequently and by many. Our doctrine is not difficult to find."
(Neil L. Andersen, "Trial of Your Faith", Oct 2012 General Conference)

I have found that every time the spirit teaches me greater understanding I will then go back and find were it has been already taught. I just didn't understand it at the time. When we learn something new there are always witnesses. If it cannot be confirmed by the Lord's witnesses then I would question it.

Day 3382

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 10:11, 14

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 10:11, 14
"And this land shall be a land of liberty unto the Gentiles, and there shall be no kings upon the land, who shall raise up unto the Gentiles.
For he that raiseth up a king against me shall perish, for I, the Lord, the king of heaven, will be their king, and I will be a light unto them forever, that hear my words."

Jacob is speaking about this, the American continent. Tomorrow is Independence Day, and it seems so ironic when we are on the verge of the voice of the people setting up a king. I never pictured the end times looking like this. I don't know how the Lord will stop this. His promise is sure that those that raise up a king will perish. Will it be at the Lord's coming or before? I don't know, but I feel like Ether. Instead of viewing these things within the cavity of a rock, I'm viewing them online.

"Now the last words which are written by Ether are these: Whether the Lord will that I be translated, or that I suffer the will of the Lord in the flesh, it mattereth not, if it so be that I am saved in the kingdom of God. Amen."
(Ether 15:34)

Day 3381

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 9:34, 47

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 9:34, 47
"Wo unto the liar, for he shall be thrust down to hell.
But behold, my brethren, is it expedient that I should awake you to an awful reality of these things? Would I harrow up your souls if your minds were pure? Would I be plain unto you according to the plainness of the truth if ye were freed from sin?"

My mind has pondered much on liars lately. In fact I woke early the other day with new understanding on the matter. My mind recalled this scripture.

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"
(Isaiah 5:20)

It takes a liar to call evil good, and good evil.

"Satan does rage in the hearts of some. Many he will lull away into carnal security; others he flattereth, or he says there is no hell. He has lured and enlisted many followers with enticements of fame, riches, and power. He forges a Rembrandt-quality representation by calling evil good and good evil. He has confused many people, even nations and leaders, to the point of an immoral approach to moral issues."
(Durrell A. Woolsey, "A Strategy for War", Oct 1995 General Conference)

As I pondered on this I recalled an aged man who appeared to be sleeping, but woke every time he heard a lie. I felt it was saying "Wake up to your awful situation."

"Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; or wo be unto it, because of the blood of them who have been slain; for they cry from the dust for vengeance upon it, and also upon those who built it up.
For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies; even that same liar who beguiled our first parents, yea, even that same liar who hath caused man to commit murder from the beginning; who hath hardened the hearts of men that they have murdered the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out from the beginning."
(Ether 8:24-25)

I reflected then on age and how that is not to be feared over a man of lies. My mind then recalled stories of our prophets and how as they aged they would awaken when the call was needed.

"The call of a man to fill a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is the responsibility and prerogative of the president of the Church....During the months preceding [Apr 1983] conference, President Spencer W. Kimball’s health had become increasingly frail and his memory spotty.
Then on January 11, 1984, a year to the day after the passing of Elder Richards, Elder Mark E. Petersen passed away... President Kimball’s health had deteriorated even further, and his mind was less dependable. To make matters worse, those privy to the situation knew President Kimball was in no condition to receive the revelation to extend such calls.
One of those persons was Dr. Nelson. The week before the April 1984 general conference, Russell’s surgical nurse, Jan Curtis, mentioned how excited she was for the upcoming conference because two new apostles would be called. Russell tried to gently tell her that it wasn’t going to happen. “I was his doctor, and I knew it wasn’t feasible, that President Kimball was not well or coherent enough to do it. I explained to her that calling an apostle is the prerogative of the president of the Church and that President Kimball was simply in no condition to do that.
For months, President Gordon B. Hinckley, the only healthy member of the First Presidency at the time (President Marion G. Romney’s health had also deteriorated), had left standing instructions with President Kimball’s caregivers that if the prophet’s mind ever cleared, they were to call him immediately, regardless of the hour. Month after month passed with no call. From time to time, President Hinckley looked in on President Kimball, but an opportunity to discuss such a spiritually sensitive topic as calls to the Twelve never presented itself.
Then, at about 2:30 a.m. on the Wednesday morning prior to the April 1984 general conference, the phone rang at President Hinckley’s home. President Kimball was alert and wanted to talk to him. President Hinckley rushed downtown to President Kimball’s suite in the Hotel Utah, where the issue of vacancies in the Twelve was raised. President Kimball said simply, “Call Nelson and Oaks to the Quorum of the Twelve, in that order.”
(Sheri L. Dew, "The Miracle Behind President Nelson's Call as an Apostle" LDSLiving, 5 Oct 2019)

My mind was settled on the subject I will not fear an aged man that can recognize lies, if that is my choice today. Yet, overall the greater message is "awake to a sense of your awful situation". Since this experience I have only seen things grow even darker for us. Yet, I feel incredible peace that I can move forward in faith come what may.

Day 3380