Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 25:11, 17-18

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 25:11, 17-18
"And again, when they thought upon the Lamanites, who were their brethren, of their sinful and polluted state, they were filled with pain and anguish for the welfare of their souls.
And it came to pass that after Alma had taught the people many things, and had made an end of speaking to them, that king Limhi was desirous that he might be baptized; and all his people were desirous that they might be baptized also.
Therefore, Alma did go forth into the water and did baptize them; yea, he did baptize them after the manner he did his brethren in the waters of Mormon; yea, and as many as he did baptize did belong to the church of God; and this because of their belief on the words of Alma."

I cried when I thought about the Lamanites, and how there are people today I feel the same way about. Maybe not people that want to kill me, like the Lamanites did the Nephites, but people that have lost their way. It's really hard to see people fall away from the gospel.

Then I cried when I thought of king Limhi and his people. What an amazing spiritual feast the baptism of all those people must have been.

Day 3440

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 24:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 24:16
"And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage."

I pondered on how sometimes we do not how we will be delivered from a situation we find ourselves in. Especially ones that are caused by others and beyond our control. Having faith and patience, with much prayer, is when the Lord will work miracles in our behalf. This is exactly what happened to the people of Alma.

Day 3439

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 23:21-22

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 23:21-22
"Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith.
Nevertheless—whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day. Yea, and thus it was with this people."

Patience is not the enemy it used to be to me. I see patience as a Christlike attribute. One worthy to have and can only be obtained through our relationship with him.

"Even though the people who followed Alma had repented and been faithful, the Lord allowed them to be temporarily oppressed by the Lamanites in fulfillment of Abinadi’s prophecy (see Mosiah 12:1–5) and as a trial of their patience and faith. Elder Orson F. Whitney (1855–1931) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that everything we experience teaches us valuable lessons: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God … and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven” (cited in Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle [1972], 98)."
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, "Chapter 21: Mosiah 18-24")

Day 3438

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 22:13-14

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 22:13-14
"And after being many days in the wilderness they arrived in the land of Zarahemla, and joined Mosiah’s people, and became his subjects.
And it came to pass that Mosiah received them with joy; and he also received their records, and also the records which had been found by the people of Limhi."

Through inspiration king Limhi and his people were able to safely take their women and children, flocks and herds, and precious things and flee from bondage. They left while the Lamanite guards were drunken and fast asleep. It was a journey of repentance and humbling themselves before they knew what to do. I pondered on how important the records were that they brought to Mosiah. It was not only their story but also of a people whose civilization was entirely wiped out. There are lessons to be learned from both.

Day 3437

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 21:13-15

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 21:13-15
"And they did humble themselves even to the dust, subjecting themselves to the yoke of bondage, submitting themselves to be smitten, and to be driven to and fro, and burdened, according to the desires of their enemies.
And they did humble themselves even in the depths of humility; and they did cry mightily to God; yea, even all the day long did they cry unto their God that he would deliver them out of their afflictions.
And now the Lord was slow to hear their cry because of their iniquities; nevertheless the Lord did hear their cries, and began to soften the hearts of the Lamanites that they began to ease their burdens; yet the Lord did not see fit to deliver them out of bondage."

So much happens in this chapter. I asked myself what was one of the most important things that happened? It was the process of the people of Limhi to humble themselves. The Lord did not delivery them from bondage right away. It doesn't mean he ignored them. He softened the hearts of the Lamanites to ease their burdens. He inspired them to try to send out men to search for the land of Zarahemla. Even though they thought they failed they were actually sent by the Lord to discover the record of the Jaredites, the book of Ether. Those secret records needed to go back with them to Zarahemla where king Mosiah could translate them. The Lord also prepared people from Zarahemla to look for them. They would have help in going back to Zarahemla. Even though the Lord can answer our prayers with a yes, but not now, there is a reason for it.

Day 3436

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 20:21

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 20:21
"For are not the words of Abinadi fulfilled, which he prophesied against us—and all this because we would not hearken unto the words of the Lord, and turn from our iniquities?"

I pondered on how important it was for the people of Limhi to recognize the prophesies of Abinadi were being fulfilled. It softened their hearts and began to humble them. They still were in bondage to the Lamanites, but they knew who to turn to for deliverance. The latter day signs and tribulations we go through are slowly opening the eyes of people. There is purpose in tribulation.

Day 3435

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 19:7-8, 11

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 19:7-8, 11
"And now the king cried out in the anguish of his soul, saying: Gideon, spare me, for the Lamanites are upon us, and they will destroy us; yea, they will destroy my people.
And now the king was not so much concerned about his people as he was about his own life; nevertheless, Gideon did spare his life.
Now it came to pass that the king commanded them that all the men should leave their wives and their children, and flee before the Lamanites."

I pondered on how the example of a wicked leader is shown us with king Noah. When first introduced to him we are told he did not keep the commandments of God, and walked in the desire of his own heart. He was morally bankrupt, spending time with his wives and concubines. He was vain, and spoke flattering words. He was a wine-bibber. He built many elegant and spacious buildings and covered them in gold and other precious things. He also encouraged his people to sin. He removed priests consecrated by his father and setup new ones lifted up in the pride of their hearts. They became idolatrous. King Noah's heart was so hardened he would not listen to a prophet and instead killed him.

This chapter shows how he only cared about preserving his life and not his people. He cared nothing about the women and children and commanded the men to leave and flee without them. Some men, like his son Limhi, loved their wives and children and would not abandon them to the Lamanites. The love of family preserved all of their lives. However, the men that at first fled with king Noah and his priests became angry when commanded not to return to their families. In that anger they fulfilled Abinadi's prophesy and king Noah suffered death by fire. Sadly, justice did not come to the priests because they had escaped. There are many important lessons from watching a king Limhi. It's best that they are never supported to begin with.

"For behold, how much iniquity doth one wicked king cause to be committed, yea, and what great destruction!
And behold, now I say unto you, ye cannot dethrone an iniquitous king save it be through much contention, and the shedding of much blood. "
(Mosiah 29:17, 21)

Day 3434

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 18:27

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 18:27
"And again Alma commanded that the people of the church should impart of their substance, every one according to that which he had; if he have more abundantly he should impart more abundantly; and of him that had but little, but little should be required; and to him that had not should be given."

I pondered on how at a future time all God's people will have things in common. There have been times when that has happened.

It happened in the primitive church.

"And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need."
(Acts 2:44-45)

It happened after Christ appeared in the America's after his resurrection.

"And they taught, and did minister one to another; and they had all things common among them, every man dealing justly, one with another."
(3 Nephi 26:19)

"And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift."
(4 Nephi 1:3)

Sadly, as the people forget God and are filled with pride, they divide themselves and can no longer live in common.

"And now, in this two hundred and first year there began to be among them those who were lifted up in pride, such as the wearing of costly apparel, and all manner of fine pearls, and of the fine things of the world.
And from that time forth they did have their goods and their substance no more common among them.
And they began to be divided into classes; and they began to build up churches unto themselves to get gain, and began to deny the true church of Christ."
(4 Nephi 1:24-26)

Even in the restored church there was an attempt.

"And you are to be equal, or in other words, you are to have equal claims on the properties, for the benefit of managing the concerns of your stewardships, every man according to his wants and his needs, inasmuch as his wants are just—
And all this for the benefit of the church of the living God, that every man may improve upon his talent, that every man may gain other talents, yea, even an hundred fold, to be cast into the Lord’s storehouse, to become the common property of the whole church—
Every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God"
(Doctrine and Covenants 82:17-19)

This made me wonder if living the law of consecration under the united order will be in its fullness before Christ's second coming or after? One thing is for sure, paying tithes and fast offerings, keeping temple covenants helps prepare the people.

"For verily I say unto you, the time has come, and is now at hand; and behold, and lo, it must needs be that there be an organization of my people, in regulating and establishing the affairs of the storehouse for the poor of my people, both in this place and in the land of Zion—"
(Doctrine and Covenants 78:3)

Day 3433

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 17:7-8

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 17:7-8
"And he said unto him: Abinadi, we have found an accusation against thee, and thou art worthy of death.
For thou hast said that God himself should come down among the children of men; and now, for this cause thou shalt be put to death unless thou wilt recall all the words which thou hast spoken evil concerning me and my people."

It took king Noah and his priests three days to come up with a reason they should put Abinadi to death. I pondered on how the stated cause and how he could redeem himself didn't fit. The supposed great offense was because he said God would lower himself to come to earth. That wasn't what bothered them though. It was what he had said about their own wickedness and judgments to come. They were supposed priests, so they had to find something "religious" to make him seem worthy of death, but couldn't state the true cause they wanted to kill him. They were still trying to give the appearance of being priests. If the great offense had been what he said about God they would have had him recall those words. They really were hypocrites.

Day 3432

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 16:6-7

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 16:6-7
"And now if Christ had not come into the world, speaking of things to come as though they had already come, there could have been no redemption.
And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the bands of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death should have no sting, there could have been no resurrection."

These are the words of Abinadi spoke 182 years before Christ would rise from the dead. I pondered on what absolute faith it took to think of these events as already taking place. I can't even imagine seeing a future event as already happening. I can believe events that happened in the past that I was not witness too. I do believe Christ will come again and there will be a Millennial reign and final judgment. But I think of all those as future. It made me think of the prophet Lehi and how he spoke of the destruction of Jerusalem and obtaining a land of promise before those events happened too.

"And it had come to pass that my father spake unto her, saying: I know that I am a visionary man; for if I had not seen the things of God in a vision I should not have known the goodness of God, but had tarried at Jerusalem, and had perished with my brethren.
But behold, I have obtained a land of promise, in the which things I do rejoice; yea, and I know that the Lord will deliver my sons out of the hands of Laban, and bring them down again unto us in the wilderness."
(1 Nephi 5:4-5)

Day 3431

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 15:21-22

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 15:21-22
"And there cometh a resurrection, even a first resurrection; yea, even a resurrection of those that have been, and who are, and who shall be, even until the resurrection of Christ—for so shall he be called.
And now, the resurrection of all the prophets, and all those that have believed in their words, or all those that have kept the commandments of God, shall come forth in the first resurrection; therefore, they are the first resurrection."

I wanted to study further on the resurrection and the different time periods. We are still in the First Resurrection, it is on going and will continue until the end of the Millennium. There are also periods called the morning and afternoon of the first resurrection, and I wasn't sure what the others were called. I found in the Book of Mormon Student Manual a nice graph, but it didn't use the names I was looking for. This is what I have finally pieced together.

Resurrection of the Just - from Christ's resurrection through the Millennium
The Morning of the First Resurrection: Resurrection of celestial people - on going since Christ's resurrection and throughout the Millennium. You will be resurrected at the first opportunity that you can be.
The Afternoon of the First Resurrection: Resurrection of terrestrial people - begins at the start of the Millennium, until the end of it.
End of the resurrection of the just

Beginning of the Resurrection of the Unjust - after the Millennium
The Morning of the Second Resurrection: Resurrection of telestial people. They will not spend eternity in the presence of Satan and his minions, but will be eternally shut out from the presence of the Father and Son.
The Afternoon of the Second Resurrection: Resurrection of sons of perdition. They will spend eternity with the devil and his angels, because they did his work. There is no eternal glory for them, only outer darkness where God's light never shines.

I pondered on how Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith as a glorified, resurrected being. He died about 400 years after Jesus Christ was resurrected. The morning of the first resurrection is still ongoing. I though of some quotes that I found regarding resurrection being a priesthood ordinance. The full talk of President Kimball's is particularly interesting.

"Resurrection is a priesthood ordinance. As to the first question—how the dead are raised—we know that it is by the power of Jesus Christ because He holds the keys of death, hell, and resurrection. However, latter-day prophets have clarified how that power is activated in our behalf. President Brigham Young and Elder Erastus Snow taught that the Resurrection will be conducted much as other things are done in the kingdom, by those in authority and by delegation. As one cannot baptize himself, nor can he baptize others until he himself is baptized, ordained, and directed by the presiding officers, so one cannot resurrect himself but will be called forth by someone in authority. Men will be given the keys of this ordinance after they themselves are resurrected, and they then will resurrect others. I expect that a righteous father will be given the keys to resurrect his family.
In the April 1977 general conference, President Spencer W. Kimball quoted President Brigham Young: “We are in possession of all the ordinances that can be administered in the flesh; but there are other ordinances and administrations that must be administered beyond this world. I know you would like to ask what they are. I will mention one. We have not, neither can we receive here, the ordinance and the keys of resurrection.” President Kimball then explained that resurrection is the work of God and that the world by its wisdom has not produced the power to resurrect anyone."
(Robert J. Matthews, “Resurrection: The Ultimate Triumph,” in Jesus Christ: Son of God, Savior, ed. Paul H. Peterson, Gary L. Hatch, and Laura D. Card (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 2002), 313–33.)
(Spencer W. Kimball, "Our Great Potential", April 1977 General Conference)

Day 3430

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 14:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 14:2
"For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground; he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him."

I remember pondering on this during sacrament one time. I could not imagine that Christ had no physical beauty to look upon him. I could understand why we shouldn't look for the Messiah in such a physical manner, but I could never imagine him ugly or without any beauty. Then my heart began to understand, Christ has no worldly beauty. His pureness is not a desirable attribute to those that love the world. He was not adorned as a king in his mortal life. He would not show himself a warrior to fight their battles. His humility did not make him desirable to the natural man. Then I thought of those that have pride and arrogance in their mannerism and how some are drawn to that, but I am not.

Comeliness - The word comeliness comes from the adjective "comely," which means pleasurably conforming to notions of good appearance, suitability, or proportion.

Jesus Christ would not look suitable to be their Messiah when they looked upon him. To those that knew him he would be everything he should.

Day 3429

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 13:33

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 13:33
"For behold, did not Moses prophesy unto them concerning the coming of the Messiah, and that God should redeem his people? Yea, and even all the prophets who have prophesied ever since the world began—have they not spoken more or less concerning these things?"

I pondered on how ALL the prophets prophesied of Christ. There has not been a prophet of God that has not.

"And I said unto him: Believest thou the scriptures? And he said, Yea.
And I said unto him: Then ye do not understand them; for they truly testify of Christ. Behold, I say unto you that none of the prophets have written, nor prophesied, save they have spoken concerning this Christ."
(Jacob 7:10-11)

Not only mention of Jesus Christ is missing from the Old Testament but so are many books of scriptures that would also testify of Him. The scriptures themselves testify of books known to be missing. Here is a list as found in the Bible Dictionary under Lost Books.

book of the Wars of the Lord (Num. 21:14)
book of Jasher (Josh. 10:13; 2 Sam. 1:18)
book of the acts of Solomon (1 Kgs. 11:41)
book of Samuel the seer (1 Chr. 29:29)
book of Gad the seer (1 Chr. 29:29)
book of Nathan the prophet (1 Chr. 29:29; 2 Chr. 9:29)
prophecy of Ahijah (2 Chr. 9:29)
visions of Iddo the seer (2 Chr. 9:29; 12:15; 13:22)
book of Shemaiah (2 Chr. 12:15)
book of Jehu (2 Chr. 20:34)
sayings of the seers (2 Chr. 33:19)
an epistle of Paul to the Corinthians, earlier than our present 1 Corinthians (1 Cor. 5:9)
possibly an earlier epistle to the Ephesians (Eph. 3:3)
an epistle to the Church at Laodicea (Col. 4:16)
and some prophecies of Enoch, known to Jude (Jude 1:14).

The Book of Mormon makes reference to writings of Old Testament times and connection that are not found in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, or in any other known source. These writings are of
Zenock, Zenos, and Neum (1 Ne. 19:10; Alma 33:3–17).
An extensive prophecy by Joseph in Egypt (which is not in the Bible) is also apparent from 2 Ne. 3:4–22
A prophecy of Jacob (not found in the Bible) is given in Alma 46:24–26. These writings were evidently contained on the plates of brass spoken of in the Book of Mormon (1 Ne. 5:10–13).

Day 3428

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 12:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 12:1-2
"And it came to pass that after the space of two years that Abinadi came among them in disguise, that they knew him not, and began to prophesy among them, saying: Thus has the Lord commanded me, saying—Abinadi, go and prophesy unto this my people, for they have hardened their hearts against my words; they have repented not of their evil doings; therefore, I will visit them in my anger, yea, in my fierce anger will I visit them in their iniquities and abominations.
Yea, wo be unto this generation! And the Lord said unto me: Stretch forth thy hand and prophesy, saying: Thus saith the Lord, it shall come to pass that this generation, because of their iniquities, shall be brought into bondage, and shall be smitten on the cheek; yea, and shall be driven by men, and shall be slain; and the vultures of the air, and the dogs, yea, and the wild beasts, shall devour their flesh."

I pondered on how the Lord gave king Noah and his people two years to repent. He sent Abinadi again to them to warn them. It would be in the current generation that they would be brought into bondage. Giving them time is being merciful, but eventually time runs out.

"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."
(Amos 3:7)

"The original Hebrew word used in the Bible for secret literally means “counsel,” so it has to do with the Lord’s plans or intentions."
(New Era, "Line upon Line Amos 3:7", March 2012)

Day 3427

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 11:2, 7, 9, 14

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 11:2, 7, 9, 14
"For behold, he did not keep the commandments of God, but he did walk after the desires of his own heart. And he had many wives and concubines. And he did cause his people to commit sin, and do that which was abominable in the sight of the Lord. Yea, and they did commit whoredoms and all manner of wickedness.
Yea, and they also became idolatrous, because they were deceived by the vain and flattering words of the king and priests; for they did speak flattering things unto them
And he also built him a spacious palace, and a throne in the midst thereof, all of which was of fine wood and was ornamented with gold and silver and with precious things.
And it came to pass that he placed his heart upon his riches, and he spent his time in riotous living with his wives and his concubines; and so did also his priests spend their time with harlots."

Mormon who abridged the records saw our day and knew how to liken the scriptures to us. This is also what we need to do. This is a warning about the wickedness of kings, and what people we should not put in power and have authority over us. The people became idolatrous because of the vain and flattering words of the king and priests. As they became more wicked they boasted in their own strength and were blinded to the words of Abinadi. King Noah hardened his heart and saw no need to repent of his evil doings. These people were ripe for destruction and that is what Abinadi came to warn them of.

Day 3426

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 10:12-13

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 10:12-13
"They were a wild, and ferocious, and a blood-thirsty people, believing in the tradition of their fathers, which is this—Believing that they were driven out of the land of Jerusalem because of the iniquities of their fathers, and that they were wronged in the wilderness by their brethren, and they were also wronged while crossing the sea;
And again, that they were wronged while in the land of their first inheritance, after they had crossed the sea, and all this because that Nephi was more faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord—therefore he was favored of the Lord, for the Lord heard his prayers and answered them, and he took the lead of their journey in the wilderness."

I pondered on false traditions and how believing an incorrect narrative can lead us and future generations astray. The Lamanites had believed a false narrative handed down by their fathers, which gave their descendants an eternal hatred towards the children of Nephi. This reminded me of how a First Presidency letter made me look at my traditions and rethink what I was supporting.

“Merely voting a straight ticket or voting based on ‘tradition’ without careful study of the candidates and their positions on important issues is a threat to democracy and inconsistent with revealed standards,”
(The Church News, "First Presidency letter emphasizes Latter-day Saints’ participation in elections and civic affairs, reaffirms political neutrality", 6 Jun 2023)

Day 3425

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 9:3, 17

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 9:3, 17
"And yet, I being over-zealous to inherit the land of our fathers, collected as many as were desirous to go up to possess the land, and started again on our journey into the wilderness to go up to the land; but we were smitten with famine and sore afflictions; for we were slow to remember the Lord our God.
Yea, in the strength of the Lord did we go forth to battle against the Lamanites; for I and my people did cry mightily to the Lord that he would deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, for we were awakened to a remembrance of the deliverance of our fathers."

What a contrast between being slow to remember the Lord, and to cry to Him for strength and deliverance. I also noticed that in both situations Zeniff is recalling the fathers. First, it was to possess the land their fathers had. Then it was remembering how their fathers were delivered out of the hands of their enemies. I pondered on how important lessons can be learned from our ancestors and what they went through, especially when we have examples of their faith in the Lord.

Day 3424

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 8:20

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 8:20
"O how marvelous are the works of the Lord, and how long doth he suffer with his people; yea, and how blind and impenetrable are the understandings of the children of men; for they will not seek wisdom, neither do they desire that she should rule over them!"

I pondered on seeking wisdom and how many resources the church has given us to understand the scriptures. Yet, there are voices out there that sound knowledgeable and compelling about the gospel. New blogs and videos are popping up all the time. They are all putting their own spin on the gospel. I've seen things go south in the past so I am pretty leery about what resources I consume.

Yesterday, I noticed some new graphics being shared and posted on Facebook. Many of them having quotes from general conference talks. Each of these were branded with a site I hadn't heard of. I decided to investigate who they were before I reposted any of their graphics. I didn't want to endorse them blindly. As I looked into this site, which was only a couple of months old, I found a noticeable trend that made me feel very uneasy about them. I'm skipping sharing their graphics.

Then today I was trying to find something to listen to and thought I would try this YouTube channel others were recommending. I had given it a try earlier and experienced a few red flags in the video I was watching, so I shut it off before finishing. I thought I would try to be fair and listen again. Maybe, they have their act together now? Nope, I lasted about 5 min this time before turning it off. In my quest to seek wisdom I don't want imitations. Deception is real out there and there is to much to risk listening to the wrong sources.

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation."
(2 Peter 1:20)

I've been deceived in the past out of ignorance. Thankfully my son challenged what I was listening to and asked me to find where that was mentioned in the scriptures. It wasn't, nor was it mentioned anywhere on the church website. I was horrified when I did find were it came from. I now make sure I know the source of where quotes and information comes from and don't just take others word for it. Look for the full transcript and provenance and make sure key things have not been left out. It is amazing how many supposed dreams, visions and quotes have been falsely attributed to the prophets. Some are waiting for signs and events that the Lord never promised. When we are waiting on the wrong things we can be blinded to the truth.

The qualifier the Lord gives is the best question to ask.

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

Day 3423

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 7:20, 29, 33

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 7:20, 29, 33
"And again, that same God has brought our fathers out of the land of Jerusalem, and has kept and preserved his people even until now; and behold, it is because of our iniquities and abominations that he has brought us into bondage.
For behold, the Lord hath said: I will not succor my people in the day of their transgression; but I will hedge up their ways that they prosper not; and their doings shall be as a stumbling block before them.
But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage."

Wickedness was never happiness, and king Limhi knows the reason his people are in bondage is because of their wickedness. They are oppressed by the Lamanites, being taxes half of all they possess. They wanted to escape from their bondage and are greatly relived when Ammon and his brethren from Zarahemla find them. All that the people of king Limhi had to endure was for a purpose. It caused them to soften their hearts and turn to God for deliverance. Sometimes we get what we deserve with trials caused by past actions, because we deserve better if we just repent. There is a way prepared for us.

Day 3422

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 6:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 6:2
"And it came to pass that there was not one soul, except it were little children, but who had entered into the covenant and had taken upon them the name of Christ."

It's understandable that little children do not enter into covenants. What is sad is it doesn't appear that the parents taught their children the words of king Benjamin. We cannot assume because we believe that our children will also.

"Now it came to pass that there were many of the rising generation that could not understand the words of king Benjamin, being little children at the time he spake unto his people; and they did not believe the tradition of their fathers.
They did not believe what had been said concerning the resurrection of the dead, neither did they believe concerning the coming of Christ.
And now because of their unbelief they could not understand the word of God; and their hearts were hardened.
And they would not be baptized; neither would they join the church. And they were a separate people as to their faith, and remained so ever after, even in their carnal and sinful state; for they would not call upon the Lord their God."
(Mosiah 26:1-4)

The reason I feel these children were not taught is because they were not baptized when eight years old. The only way I can see an eight year old not wanting to get baptized is because they were never taught the gospel before they reached that age.

"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 3421

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 5:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 5:2
"And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually."

I pondered on how a mighty change of heart and conversion can come to many at one time by hearing the word of God, like king Benjamin's people did. But, more often than not this mighty change of heart comes one person at a time, and often slowly over time. Sometime we don't even realize it is happening. I can remember realizing how my heart had changed when I went back to watch an old movie that I had loved. I could feel how it now effected my spirit and I just threw it away. It's little things that tell us we are improving and getting better over time.

"Surely one of Jesus’s most consistent invitations and pleas during His mortal ministry was that we change and repent and come unto Him. Fundamentally implicit in all of His teachings to live on a higher plane of moral conduct is a call to personal progression, to transformative faith in Christ, to a mighty change of heart."
(Patrick Kearon, "God's Intent is to Bring You Home", Apr 2024 General Conference)

Day 3420

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 4:22-23

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 4:22-23
"And if ye judge the man who putteth up his petition to you for your substance that he perish not, and condemn him, how much more just will be your condemnation for withholding your substance, which doth not belong to you but to God, to whom also your life belongeth; and yet ye put up no petition, nor repent of the thing which thou hast done.
I say unto you, wo be unto that man, for his substance shall perish with him; and now, I say these things unto those who are rich as pertaining to the things of this world."

As I read this chapter I cannot help but think of the man that I lent a large sum of money to and never repaid me. When they bragged about the money they had I asked for what was owed me and they twisted it all around and wouldn't repay me. Then they were so bold to claim they were planning on giving me money with their found wealth to help me "because I was so poor", but now they wouldn't because I didn't deserve it. Their behavior was beyond shocking. I turned them over to the Lord, so their sin would not be my sin. I needed to forgive them so it wouldn't sour me. May God have mercy on their soul.

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."
(Roman 12:19)

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
(Matthew 6:14-15)

Day 3419

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 3:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 3:1-2
"And again my brethren, I would call your attention, for I have somewhat more to speak unto you; for behold, I have things to tell you concerning that which is to come.
And the things which I shall tell you are made known unto me by an angel from God. And he said unto me: Awake; and I awoke, and behold he stood before me."

This made me think of this.
"Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7)

I also thought about President Russell M. Nelson and how he has received revelation in the night. I grew up thinking the restoration of the gospel was complete. It wasn't until President Nelson became prophet that I understood it was ongoing and much more is to come.

"Ponder these three truths:
1. The Restoration is a process, not an event, and will continue until the Lord comes again.
2. The ultimate objective of the gathering of Israel is to bring the blessings of the temple to God’s faithful children.
3. As we seek how to accomplish that objective more effectively, the Lord reveals more insights. The ongoing Restoration needs ongoing revelation."
(Russell M. Nelson, "The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation", Oct 2021 General Conference)

I love this video where Sister Wendy Nelson described what happens as President Nelson receives revelation or visitations in the night.

"I am a witness by being present, and I’m a witness by being absent, that the Lord indeed instructs His prophet...Sometimes the Lord has me stay close to my husband when he is receiving instructions. My husband will say during the night, “OK dear, it’s happening.” I just remain quiet and then soon he's sitting up at the side of the bed writing, now with a lighted pen that someone gave him. It’s pretty cute. The number of nighttime messages to him, since becoming President of the Church, have increased exponentially. It's incredible.
It was an early Saturday morning, and I could feel I was supposed to get out of bed. I wasn't finished sleeping, I didn't want to get out of bed, but I could feel, “Move out of bed now.” So I went down and did some family history research. Two hours later, my husband emerged from our bedroom and said, “Wendy, you won't believe what’s been happening for two hours. The Lord has given me detailed instruction about a process I am to follow.” Sometimes it's just two lines, I never look at it, he’ll just hold it up and show me. I just think, those are private messages to him and I would never look."
(Sister Wendy Nelson, "My Witness | Sister Wendy Nelson," video, 0:00 and 1:20, YouTube, posted by Church News, March 11, 2019)

Day 3418

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 2:28

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 2:28
"I say unto you that I have caused that ye should assemble yourselves together that I might rid my garments of your blood, at this period of time when I am about to go down to my grave, that I might go down in peace, and my immortal spirit may join the choirs above in singing the praises of a just God."

As I read king Benjamin's words I wondered if President Nelson has rid his garments of our blood? King Benjamin spoken to his people near the end of his life. Three years after this he passed away. President Nelson will turn 100 next month, and each day is precious. I recalled one talked that seemed a little different than most since he became the prophet. It was in the Oct 2023 general conference where he told us to "Think Celestial!" and rid ourselves of addictions like gaming, gambling, debt, drugs, alcohol, anger, pornography, sex and even food. He spoke of the law of chastity and moral purity.

"And if you have been unchaste, I plead with you to repent. Come unto Christ and receive His promise of complete forgiveness as you fully repent of your sins."

He warned us of the adversary's deceptions, and not to question our testimonies. He spoke of the faith to pay a full tithing. He called us to repent, and to spend more time in the temple. As I reviewed this talk I thought about how President Nelson has faithfully rid his garments of our blood.

Day 3417

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 1:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 1:2
"And it came to pass that he had three sons; and he called their names Mosiah, and Helorum, and Helaman. And he caused that they should be taught in all the language of his fathers, that thereby they might become men of understanding; and that they might know concerning the prophecies which had been spoken by the mouths of their fathers, which were delivered them by the hand of the Lord."

The "language of his fathers" was found in the brass plates. King Benjamin was teaching his sons to read the scriptures. From the scriptures they became men of understanding, and they knew of the prophecies to come. I pondered on how important "Come, Follow Me", reading the scriptures as a family is to us today. I have experienced how great a tool the Book of Mormon is in teaching my children to read. The language of the scriptures does not come easy to the natural man, but it does to the man of God. It takes desire and effort to transition between the two.

Day 3416

Today's Favorite Verse: Words of Mormon 1:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Words of Mormon 1:3
"And now, I speak somewhat concerning that which I have written; for after I had made an abridgment from the plates of Nephi, down to the reign of this king Benjamin, of whom Amaleki spake, I searched among the records which had been delivered into my hands, and I found these plates, which contained this small account of the prophets, from Jacob down to the reign of this king Benjamin, and also many of the words of Nephi."

I pondered on Mormon spending so much time and effort to abridge the plates of Nephi and then he finds these other plates of Nephi that cover the same time period. Yes, I know he includes them for a wise purpose that he doesn't at that time understand.

"But behold, I shall take these plates, which contain these prophesyings and revelations, and put them with the remainder of my record, for they are choice unto me; and I know they will be choice unto my brethren.
And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will."
(Words of Mormon 1:6-7)

I can't help but wonder if he felt in part that his earlier efforts were for nothing? When I've had to repeat or redo things it feels like such a waste of time. Why couldn't I have just done it right the first time? I pondered on what you learn along the way. When on the Lord's errand the time spend and the effort given is never wasted. There is always a purpose. Plan as we will the course can change, because it's not our will, it's His will.

Day 3415

Today's Favorite Verse: Omni 1:5-7

Today's Favorite Verse: Omni 1:5-7
"Behold, it came to pass that three hundred and twenty years had passed away, and the more wicked part of the Nephites were destroyed.
For the Lord would not suffer, after he had led them out of the land of Jerusalem and kept and preserved them from falling into the hands of their enemies, yea, he would not suffer that the words should not be verified, which he spake unto our fathers, saying that: Inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall not prosper in the land.
Wherefore, the Lord did visit them in great judgment; nevertheless, he did spare the righteous that they should not perish, but did deliver them out of the hands of their enemies."

The book of Omni is so key to understanding the different groups mentioned in the rest of the Book of Mormon. As I was reading it I wondered what happened in 280 BC that caused the wicked part of the Nephites to be destroyed? That's something we don't have a lot of detail on. I went back to look at when the promise was given in Jarom 1:3 that God was merciful in not yet sweeping them off the land. It was about 400 BC, so in 120 years the wicked had been removed. That made me wonder were we are in the scheme of things? This chapter ends in 130 BC so there is a huge amount of history being highlighted in this one chapter.

Day 3414

Today's Favorite Verse: Jarom 1:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Jarom 1:3
"Behold, it is expedient that much should be done among this people, because of the hardness of their hearts, and the deafness of their ears, and the blindness of their minds, and the stiffness of their necks; nevertheless, God is exceedingly merciful unto them, and has not as yet swept them off from the face of the land."

I had this note added to this verse, "Parents & family picking up returning missionaries during COVID-19". It reminded me of how the church gave guidelines for returning missionaries during the pandemic, which included a 14-day self isolation. After the first arrivals we watched horrific news broadcasts that showed families swarming the airport to welcome them home. It was so embarrassing for all of us, especially the church. The families had been told the returning missionaries needed to self isolate for 14-days upon arrival. It was crazy how families ignored it and brought huge groups to welcome them home. The Church and governor had to both reprimand them and set up even stricter guidelines. When we think rules don't apply to us and that we can ignore them, then we are showing a hardened heart, deafness, blindness and stiff necks, which is absolute pride and arrogance. It showed me how you may think you are doing a "good thing" but in reality you are showing behavior totally unbecoming a saint.

Church: ‘Substantial numbers’ of missionaries may return to home nations; mission lengths may be reduced; all MTCs will stop accepting new missionaries Utah Area presidency asks families to not congregate at airports as unprecedented numbers of missionaries return home Pickup for missionaries in Salt Lake will be limited to one car, drivers to stay in car

Day 3413

Today's Favorite Verse: Enos 1:22-23

Today's Favorite Verse: Enos 1:22-23
"And there were exceedingly many prophets among us. And the people were a stiffnecked people, hard to understand.
And there was nothing save it was exceeding harshness, preaching and prophesying of wars, and contentions, and destructions, and continually reminding them of death, and the duration of eternity, and the judgments and the power of God, and all these things—stirring them up continually to keep them in the fear of the Lord. I say there was nothing short of these things, and exceedingly great plainness of speech, would keep them from going down speedily to destruction. And after this manner do I write concerning them."

I have always loved the book of Enos. In one chapter it tells the quest of his whole life. After he gained a remission of his sin, his prayers were for his brethren, the Nephites. He has also been given charge of the sacred records by his father, and prays for their preservation. That the records would not be destroyed by the Lamanites. God covenants with him that he will bring them forth to the Lamanites in his own due time. Having been given his charge Enos labors with all diligence to call his brethren to repentance and remember the Lord.

"Church leaders must speak out at times with directness and sharpness in warning members of the Church of anything that may jeopardize their salvation. President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) referred to this obligation as he spoke to young adults: “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 [Jan. 5, 1965], 6).
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, "Chapter 17: Enos-Words of Mormon")

Day 3412

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 7:8, 23

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 7:8, 23
"But behold, the Lord God poured in his Spirit into my soul, insomuch that I did confound him in all his words.
And it came to pass that peace and the love of God was restored again among the people; and they searched the scriptures, and hearkened no more to the words of this wicked man."

Jacob is confronted by Sherem, an anti-Christ. Sherem sought to overthrow the doctrine of Christ, and lead away the hearts of the people. In these two verses I see how Jacob was able to overcome him. First, it was by having the Spirit to be with him. He was given the Spirit in order to confound Sherem in his words. He knew what questions to ask and to detect deception. Once Sherem had been overcome peace and the love of God was restored because the people searched the scriptures. They had been deceived once because they did not understand them like Jacob had said to Sherem.

"And I said unto him: Believest thou the scriptures? And he said, Yea.
And I said unto him: Then ye do not understand them; for they truly testify of Christ. Behold, I say unto you that none of the prophets have written, nor prophesied, save they have spoken concerning this Christ.
(Jacob 7:10-11)

Before Sherem dies he testifies that he had lied that he had believed the scriptures, for they truly do testified of Christ.

"And he said: I fear lest I have committed the unpardonable sin, for I have lied unto God; for I denied the Christ, and said that I believed the scriptures; and they truly testify of him. And because I have thus lied unto God I greatly fear lest my case shall be awful; but I confess unto God."
(Jacob 7:19)

It is no wonder that the people saw the importance of searching the scriptures and understanding them after this event. It's just as important for us today to do the same.

Day 3411

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 6:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 6:5
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I beseech of you in words of soberness that ye would repent, and come with full purpose of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you. And while his arm of mercy is extended towards you in the light of the day, harden not your hearts."

Before I was reading this I was reading in Exodus 9 and 10 and noticed the footnotes. Every time it said "And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh" in the footnote it is corrected and says "And Pharaoh hardened his heart". At one point Moses is told "for he hath hardened his heart, and the hearts of his servants, therefore I will show these my signs before him;" (JST Ex. 10:1) The Lord God does not harden his heart against his children. His arms of mercy are always extended towards us if we will repent. It is man that will harden his heart against God. Pharaoh was given every opportunity to repent and soften his heart. Sometimes we pass through hard things before we are humble enough to do it.

Day 3410