Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 26:20-21

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 26:20-21
"Oh, my soul, almost as it were, fleeth at the thought. Behold, he did not exercise his justice upon us, but in his great mercy hath brought us over that everlasting gulf of death and misery, even to the salvation of our souls.
And now behold, my brethren, what natural man is there that knoweth these things? I say unto you, there is none that knoweth these things, save it be the penitent."

There is a purpose in sin when we repent. When we feel God's mercy, forgiveness and redeeming love our hearts are forever bound to Him. We are willing to submit to His will, and be an instrument for good in bringing others to Him. We rejoice in His amazing grace.

Day 3470

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 25:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 25:16
"Now they did not suppose that salvation came by the law of Moses; but the law of Moses did serve to strengthen their faith in Christ; and thus they did retain a hope through faith, unto eternal salvation, relying upon the spirit of prophecy, which spake of those things to come."

In the Book of Mormon we understand the role the law of Moses played, in bringing them closer to Jesus Christ. I really liked this general conference talk that describes the state of the children of Israel and how they lost their way. It's important for us to also not get lost in culture over covenants and true worship.

"The law of Moses was given to the early Israelites as a preparatory gospel, designed to ready the people for a higher covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
The law, rich with symbolism pointing believers to “look forward to the coming” and Atonement of Jesus Christ, was meant to help the people of Israel focus on the Savior by practicing faith in Him, His sacrifice, and His laws and commandments in their lives—it was intended to bring them to a greater understanding of their Redeemer.
Just as we are today, God’s ancient people were invited to see their lives through Him in order to see more of Him in their lives. But by the time of the Savior’s ministry, the Israelites had lost sight of Christ in their observances, setting Him aside and adding to the law unauthorized practices that had no instructive symbolism pointing to the true and only source of their salvation and redemption—Jesus Christ.
The everyday world of the Israelites had become disoriented and obscure. The children of Israel, in this state, believed that the practices and rituals of the law were the path to personal salvation and in part reduced the law of Moses to a set of protocols administered to rule civilian life.
This required the Savior to restore focus and clarity to His gospel.
Ultimately a great portion of the Israelites rejected His message, even going so far as to accuse the Savior—He who gave the law and declared that He was “the law, and the light”—of breaking it. Yet Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount, speaking on the law of Moses, declared, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” Then the Savior, through His eternal Atonement, ended the codes, regulations, and ceremonial practices observed by the people of Israel at that time. His final sacrifice led the shift from sacrificial burnt offerings to our rendering of “a broken heart and a contrite spirit,” from the ordinance of sacrifice to the ordinance of sacrament."
(Tracy Y. Browning, "Seeing More of Jesus Christ in Our Lives", Oct 2022 General Conference)

Day 3469

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 24:6, 19

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 24:6, 19
"Now there was not one soul among all the people who had been converted unto the Lord that would take up arms against their brethren; nay, they would not even make any preparations for war; yea, and also their king commanded them that they should not.
And thus we see that, when these Lamanites were brought to believe and to know the truth, they were firm, and would suffer even unto death rather than commit sin; and thus we see that they buried their weapons of peace, or they buried the weapons of war, for peace."

I pondered on how this showed true conversion. The people of Ammon truly repented of all their sins. The honoring of the covenants they made, meant more to them than life itself. We should look at sin in the same way, for the death of the soul is greater than the death of the body.

Day 3468

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 23:5, 14

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 23:5, 14
"And thousands were brought to the knowledge of the Lord, yea, thousands were brought to believe in the traditions of the Nephites; and they were taught the records and prophecies which were handed down even to the present time.
And the Amalekites were not converted, save only one; neither were any of the Amulonites; but they did harden their hearts, and also the hearts of the Lamanites in that part of the land wheresoever they dwelt, yea, and all their villages and all their cities."

I could not help but think of that one Amalekite that joined the church. How precious one soul is.

"Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."
(Luke 15:10)

"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 18:10)

And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!
(Doctrine and Covenants 18:15)

Day 3467

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 22:15-18

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 22:15-18
"And it came to pass that after Aaron had expounded these things unto him, the king said: What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy.
But Aaron said unto him: If thou desirest this thing, if thou wilt bow down before God, yea, if thou wilt repent of all thy sins, and will bow down before God, and call on his name in faith, believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest.
And it came to pass that when Aaron had said these words, the king did bow down before the Lord, upon his knees; yea, even he did prostrate himself upon the earth, and cried mightily, saying:
O God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee, and that I may be raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day. And now when the king had said these words, he was struck as if he were dead.

The key word here is "ALL my sins". The king was willing to give up all his sins, even his favorite sins to know God. This is what is required of us too.

"What does it mean to overcome the world? It means overcoming the temptation to care more about the things of this world than the things of God. It means trusting the doctrine of Christ more than the philosophies of men. It means delighting in truth, denouncing deception, and becoming “humble followers of Christ.” It means choosing to refrain from anything that drives the Spirit away. It means being willing to “give away” even our favorite sins.'
(Russell M. Nelson, "Overcome the World and Find Rest", Oct 2022 General Conference)

Day 3466

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 21:22

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 21:22
"And he also declared unto them that they might have the liberty of worshiping the Lord their God according to their desires, in whatsoever place they were in, if it were in the land which was under the reign of king Lamoni."

I pondered on how the freedom of religion only comes when you allow people to worship according to their desires. You cannot force everyone to believe the same thing, or be of the same religion. That is not the Lord's way. Man must be free to decide. It is that agency to choose that gives a true and honest heart when they come to the Lord and worship Him.

"We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."
(Article of Faith 1:11)

Day 3465

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 20:26-27

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 20:26-27
"And when he saw that Ammon had no desire to destroy him, and when he also saw the great love he had for his son Lamoni, he was astonished exceedingly, and said: Because this is all that thou hast desired, that I would release thy brethren, and suffer that my son Lamoni should retain his kingdom, behold, I will grant unto you that my son may retain his kingdom from this time and forever; and I will govern him no more—
And I will also grant unto thee that thy brethren may be cast out of prison, and thou and thy brethren may come unto me, in my kingdom; for I shall greatly desire to see thee. For the king was greatly astonished at the words which he had spoken, and also at the words which had been spoken by his son Lamoni, therefore he was desirous to learn them."

I pondered on how hearts are changed when you show care and love towards others. It was Ammon's love for Lamoni that softened the kings heart. He asked nothing for himself, but only to defend and help his friends. It reminded me of how important it is to be a peacemaker too.

Day 3464

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 19:4, 9-11

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 19:4, 9-11
"And she said unto him: The servants of my husband have made it known unto me that thou art a prophet of a holy God, and that thou hast power to do many mighty works in his name;
And Ammon said unto her: Believest thou this? And she said unto him: I have had no witness save thy word, and the word of our servants; nevertheless I believe that it shall be according as thou hast said.
And Ammon said unto her: Blessed art thou because of thy exceeding faith; I say unto thee, woman, there has not been such great faith among all the people of the Nephites.
And it came to pass that she watched over the bed of her husband, from that time even until that time on the morrow which Ammon had appointed that he should rise."

I reflected on the faith of king Lamoni's wife, the queen. How her faith came from believing the words of others, and acting on them. It made me think of the gifts of the spirit, and believing on the words of others is one of them.

"For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.
To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.
To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful."
(Doctrine and Covenants 46:11-14)

Day 3463

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 18:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 18:10
"Now when king Lamoni heard that Ammon was preparing his horses and his chariots he was more astonished, because of the faithfulness of Ammon, saying: Surely there has not been any servant among all my servants that has been so faithful as this man; for even he doth remember all my commandments to execute them."

I pondered on how Ammon was a son of a king. Granted the Nephite king Mosiah was not as severe as the Lamanite king Lamoni was. The Nephites must have shown respect towards their king. Ammon would have known the greatest way to show respect and honor was to be faithful to the commands of a king. You cannot begin to teach someone if you do not show respect for them. Ammon showed great respect to king Lamoni by teaching him the gospel with an understanding and appreciation of what he already believed. He could then give him more.

Day 3462

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 17:11

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 17:11
"And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls."

I reflected on the importance of being a good example of a follower of Jesus Christ, before trying to preach. Those are the best of sermons. The sons of Mosiah were masters at this. They served. It is no wonder the missionaries today do much service for others. This morning while sick in bed I watched a lot of reaction videos, from those not of our faith listening to the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. These are all volunteers and their service through song has touched so many hearts. Beautiful sermons and testimonies. I looked at my note on this verse and found this quote. It's another story of being an example for good, and naturally opening doors to the gospel.

"Elder L. Tom Perry illustrated how our example can lead others to draw nearer to the Lord:
“A nineteen-year-old missionary … would never forget his first day in the mission field, for it taught him a great lesson about using his talents to teach the gospel.
“He and his senior companion were assigned to open a new city some distance from the mission headquarters. As they arrived in this new city and walked down the street, they passed a church with a minister standing at the front door. As they walked by the church, the minister went in and called to his whole congregation to follow him out into the street. There they followed the missionaries and started calling them names; then they became more violent and started to throw rocks at them.
“The young elder was excited about this experience—his first day in the mission field and already he was being stoned, he thought. Then, a big rock suddenly hit him squarely in the middle of the back, and his feeling changed to anger. Before entering the mission field he had been quite a baseball pitcher; and in the flush of anger he wheeled around, grabbed the first rock he could find on the ground, reared back in his famous pitching pose, and was just ready to let the rock fly at the crowd when suddenly he realized why he was there. He had not been sent all the way to Brazil to throw rocks at people; he was there to teach them the gospel. But what was he to do with the rock in his hand? If he dropped it to the ground, they would think it a sign of weakness and probably continue to throw rocks at them. Yet he could not throw it at the crowd. Then he saw a telephone post some distance away. That was the way to save face! He reared back and let the rock fly directly at the telephone post, hitting it squarely in the middle.
“The people in the crowd took a couple of steps back. They suddenly realized that that rock probably could have hit any one of them right between the eyes. Their mood changed; instead of throwing rocks at the missionaries, they began to throw them at the telephone post. After this incident, every time the elder went down that street he was challenged to a rock-throwing contest. The rock-throwing contests led to discussions of the gospel, which led to conversions, which led to the establishment of a branch of the Church in that community” (“Prophecies, Visions, and Dreams,” in 1979 Devotional Speeches of the Year [1980], 3)."
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, Chapter 27: Alma 17-22, "Show Forth Good Examples")

Maybe I will go watch "The Fighting Preacher" video, another wonderful story of serving and opening the gospel doors to others.

Day 3461

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 16:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 16:16
"And there was no inequality among them; the Lord did pour out his Spirit on all the face of the land to prepare the minds of the children of men, or to prepare their hearts to receive the word which should be taught among them at the time of his coming—"

This made me think about the First Presidency message President Nelson gave in the latest Liahona. Which was a call of unity, which would not come if there was inequality among us.

Unity = the state of being united or joined as a whole.
Equality = the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.

I felt this was such an important message that hopefully will be expanded upon in this coming general conference. Since President Nelson became the prophet we have been progressing up various tiers. Each step has been putrefying us to become the Zion people we need to be. A call of unity is that next step.

"...true followers of Jesus Christ yearn for peace and actively seek to build a different kind of society—one that is founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ. To this end, the Lord has charged us to “be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine”. Indeed, unity is a hallmark of the true Church of Jesus Christ.
If we are to be the Lord’s people and be unified, not only must we treat one another as equals, but we must also truly view one another as equals and feel in our hearts that we are equal—equal before God, of equal worth and equal potential.
"First and foremost, each of us is a child of God. Second, as a member of the Church, each of us is a child of the covenant. And third, each of us is a disciple of Jesus Christ. I urge all of us not to allow any other identifier to “displace, replace, or take priority over these three enduring designations.
"God has invited all to come unto Him. There is room for everyone. We may differ in our cultures, politics, ethnicities, tastes, and many other ways. But as we unite in Jesus Christ, such differences fade in their significance and are superseded by our overriding desire to be one—so that we may be His.”
(President Russell M. Nelson, "A Pattern for Unity in Jesus Christ", Oct 2024 Liahona)

Day 3460

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

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 15:1-2
"And it came to pass that Alma and Amulek were commanded to depart out of that city; and they departed, and came out even into the land of Sidom; and behold, there they found all the people who had departed out of the land of Ammonihah, who had been cast out and stoned, because they believed in the words of Alma.
And they related unto them all that had happened unto their wives and children, and also concerning themselves, and of their power of deliverance."

They found "all the people" that had been cast out of the land of Ammonihah. I thought about how they were gathered in a safe place. Yes, terrible things had happened to their families, but the Lord gave them each other and Alma and Amulek to bring comfort and the word of God to them.

"Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together, and stand in holy places;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 101:22)

"In conclusion, Latter-day Saints should be gifted, covenant-keeping people. Nonetheless, it remains for each of us to seek to exercise our spiritual gifts and then to invite and learn to recognize promptings of the Spirit. Four guiding principles to assist us in this crucial spiritual endeavor are:
1. Stand in holy places.
2. Stand with holy people.
3. Testify of holy truths.
4. Listen to the Holy Spirit."
(Gary e. Stevenson, "Promptings of the Spirit", Oct 2023 General Conference)

"True disciples love to submit themselves to the Lord with peace in their heart. They are humble and submissive because they love Him. They have faith to fully accept His will, not only in what He does but also in how and when. True disciples know that the real blessings are not always what they want but rather what the Lord wants for them.
True disciples love the Lord more than the world and are steadfast and immovable in their faith. They stay strong and firm in a changing and confusing world. True disciples love to listen to the voice of the Spirit and of the prophets and are not confused by the voices of the world. True disciples love to “stand in holy places” and love to make holy the places where they stand. Wherever they go, they bring the love of the Lord and peace to the hearts of others. True disciples love to obey the Lord’s commandments, and they obey because they love the Lord. As they love and keep their covenants, their hearts are renewed and their very nature changes."
(Massimo De Feo, "Pure Love: The True Sign of Every True Disciple of Jesus Christ", Apr 2018 General Conference)

Day 3459

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 14:10-11

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 14:10-11
"And when Amulek saw the pains of the women and children who were consuming in the fire, he also was pained; and he said unto Alma: How can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames.
But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily against them at the last day."

I can appreciate how Amulek wished to use priesthood power to stop the horrors happening to the women and children. Some of which were probably his own family members. There is an interesting perspective on this from President Spencer W. Kimball.

“If all the sick for whom we pray were healed, if all the righteous were protected and the wicked destroyed, the whole program of the Father would be annulled and the basic principle of the gospel, free agency, would be ended. No man would have to live by faith.
“If joy and peace and rewards were instantaneously given the doer of good, there could be no evil—all would do good but not because of the rightness of doing good. There would be no test of strength, no development of character, no growth of powers, no free agency, only satanic controls.
“Should all prayers be immediately answered according to our selfish desires and our limited understanding, then there would be little or no suffering, sorrow, disappointment, or even death, and if these were not, there would also be no joy, success, resurrection, nor eternal life and godhood” (Faith Precedes the Miracle [1973], 97).
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, Chapter 26:Alma 13-16, "The Martydom of the Righteous")

Day 3458

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 13:25-26

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 13:25-26
And now we only wait to hear the joyful news declared unto us by the mouth of angels, of his coming; for the time cometh, we know not how soon. Would to God that it might be in my day; but let it be sooner or later, in it I will rejoice.
And it shall be made known unto just and holy men, by the mouth of angels, at the time of his coming, that the words of our fathers may be fulfilled, according to that which they have spoken concerning him, which was according to the spirit of prophecy which was in them.

Alma spoke these words 82 years before the coming of Christ. I pondered on how we also wait in our day for news of the Lord's second coming. He will come three times, first at a great council at Adam-ondi-Ahman, second to the Jews, and finally to the world. I used to think all members will be in attendance at Adam-ondi-Ahman. Sadly, I know now this is not the case. President Nelson has said some very interesting things about this great council at Adam-ondi-Ahman. It makes me wonder on the current status of it. Has it happened or are we still waiting?

“Before the Lord Jesus descends openly and publicly in the clouds of glory, attended by all the hosts of heaven; before the great and dreadful day of the Lord sends terror and destruction from one end of the earth to the other; before he stands on Mount Zion, or sets his feet on Olivet, or utters his voice from an American Zion or a Jewish Jerusalem; before all flesh shall see him together; before any of his appearances, which taken together comprise the second coming of the Son of God—before all these, there is to be a secret appearance to selected members of his Church. He will come in private to his prophet and to the apostles then living. Those who have held keys and powers and authorities in all ages from Adam to the present will also be present”
(Bruce R. McConkie, The Millennial Messiah: The Second Coming of the Son of Man (Salt Lake City, Deseret Book Company, 1985), 578–579.)

"Judgment will be set and all who have held keys will make their reports and deliver their stewardships, as they shall be required. Adam will direct this judgment, and then he will make his report, as the one holding the keys for this earth, to his Superior Officer, Jesus Christ. Our Lord will then assume the reins of government; directions will be given to the Priesthood; and He, whose right it is to rule, will be installed officially by the voice of the Priesthood there assembled. This grand council of Priesthood will be composed, not only of those who are faithful who now dwell on this earth, but also of the prophets and apostles of old, who have had directing authority. Others may also be there, but if so they will be there by appointment, for this is to be an official council called to attend to the most momentous matters concerning the destiny of this earth.
When this gathering is held, the world will not know of it; the members of the church at large will not know of it, yet it shall be preparatory to the coming in the clouds of glory of our Saviour Jesus Christ as the Prophet Joseph Smith has said. The world cannot know of it. The Saints cannot know of it - except those who officially shall be called into this council - for it shall precede the coming of Jesus Christ as a thief in the night, unbeknown to all the world."
(Joseph Fielding Smith, The Way to Perfection (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1972), 291.)

"Think of this, my dear young brothers and sisters, right now I am preparing for the day when I will be required to give an accounting to the Prophet Joseph Smith, to President Brigham Young, and others—and ultimately to the Lord—about my stewardship as God’s prophet upon the earth today."
(Russell M. Nelson and Wendy W. Nelson, "Hope of Israel" (Worldwide Youth Devotional, Salt Lake City, Utah, June 3, 2018), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

"So, now a question as I conclude: What if you learned that the Savior had already returned to this earth—that He, as part of His Second Coming, had already met with some of His true followers in several marvelous, large gatherings—gatherings about which the world, including CNN and the blogosphere, knew nothing. If you found out that the Savior was already on the earth, what would you desperately want to do today, and what would you be willing and ready to do tomorrow?"
(Russell M. Nelson and Wendy Nelson, "An Evening with President Russell M. Nelson" (devotional, Brigham Young University, Hawaii, January 10, 2016) Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults)

Day 3457

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 12:11

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 12:11
"And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell."

I paused at people getting less until they know nothing. It must be something I reflected on earlier because this was in my notes.

"Lessor means they loose it. Like a dinner. Those that desire more will receive it until they are given all. Those that want lessor want only a small portion. Then they want less and less until they waste away and die."

"Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained that if we reject revelation through the Holy Ghost, we limit how much we can learn: “We teach and learn the mysteries of God by revelation from his Holy Spirit. If we harden our hearts to revelation and limit our understanding to what we can obtain by study and reason, we are limited to what Alma called ‘the lesser portion of the word’” (The Lord’s Way [1991], 42)."
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, "Chapter 25: Alma 8-12")

I also found this quote by Brigham Young. I looks like a plan the adversary is using for our day.

"The votaries of the bad excuse themselves for their persecutions of the good by supposing that they, themselves, as individuals, or their nations, are about to suffer some great wrong from the upholders of the good. As an example of this I will quote from the Gospel according to St. Luke—“And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him (Jesus Christ) unto Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a king.” This is the cunning of the devil, and a means by which he leads down to destruction great numbers of the human family. He gets the political world to believe that they are, or are going to, be infringed upon; he makes the religious world believe that the sanctity and rights of their holy religion are in danger, and thus he gets them to make his cause their own; they are lashed into a frenzy of excitement and hatred against the Saints; every high-toned, honorable and truthful feeling of the human heart is blunted or entirely subdued in them; they plan for the destruction of God's people, and, in many instances, the blood of the Saints—the blood of innocence has been shed by their hands. It is written in the book of Revelation: “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels with him."
(Brigham Young, "Opposition in All Things", JD 11:233)

Day 3456

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 11:41-42

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 11:41-42
"Therefore the wicked remain as though there had been no redemption made, except it be the loosing of the bands of death; for behold, the day cometh that all shall rise from the dead and stand before God, and be judged according to their works.
Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death; and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death, that all shall be raised from this temporal death."

I pondered on how the gift of resurrection is given to everyone that lived upon this earth. That is something we did not earn, but is a gift from our Savior, including to the unrighteous. Our body and spirit will be reunited and restored to its proper frame. That could be a blessing and a curse, for we will have a bright recollection of all our guilt. I pondered on the importance of daily repentance, and not leaving any sin unrepented. For we are promised that Christ will remember them no more.

"Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more"
(Doctrine and Covenants 58:42)

"And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."
(Jeremiah 31:34)

Day 3455

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 10:22-23

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 10:22-23
"Yea, and I say unto you that if it were not for the prayers of the righteous, who are now in the land, that ye would even now be visited with utter destruction; yet it would not be by flood, as were the people in the days of Noah, but it would be by famine, and by pestilence, and the sword.
But it is by the prayers of the righteous that ye are spared; now therefore, if ye will cast out the righteous from among you then will not the Lord stay his hand; but in his fierce anger he will come out against you; then ye shall be smitten by famine, and by pestilence, and by the sword; and the time is soon at hand except ye repent."

The prayers of the righteous are the cause of great protection upon the land. It made me think of the role of temples dotting the earth, and how the prayers of the righteous go continually upon from it. They are a great blessing to the people of those lands.

"President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) said the following about prayers offered in our day: “There are many many upright and faithful who live all the commandments and whose lives and prayers keep the world from destruction” ("Voices of the Past, of the Present, or the Future", April 1971 General Conference). Once the righteous were destroyed or removed from Ammonihah, the prayers of the righteous ceased to protect the city and “every living soul of the Ammonihahites was destroyed”
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, Chapter 25: Alma 8-12, Alma 10:22-23 "Prayers of the Righteous")

Day 3454

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 9:23-24

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 9:23-24
"And now behold I say unto you, that if this people, who have received so many blessings from the hand of the Lord, should transgress contrary to the light and knowledge which they do have, I say unto you that if this be the case, that if they should fall into transgression, it would be far more tolerable for the Lamanites than for them.
For behold, the promises of the Lord are extended to the Lamanites, but they are not unto you if ye transgress; for has not the Lord expressly promised and firmly decreed, that if ye will rebel against him that ye shall utterly be destroyed from off the face of the earth?"

As I was coming out of the temple yesterday morning I took time to reflect on how blessed I was. I marveled at how fortunate I was to born at a time that the gospel was on the earth, and I was baptized into His church. How blessed I was to have a temple less than 10 minutes from my home. There are more temples in Utah alone then there was in the whole world when my parents joined the church. Now, that I reflect on these verses I think of how I can never take what I have for granted and toss it away. It made me think about how the Lord will cleanse his house first.

"Behold, vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth, a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord.
And upon my house shall it begin, and from my house shall it go forth, saith the Lord;
First among those among you, saith the Lord, who have professed to know my name and have not known me, and have blasphemed against me in the midst of my house, saith the Lord."
(Doctrine and Covenants 112:24-26)

I found this talk of Ezra Taft Benson, given in 1969. I can't even imagine what he thinks of our world today.

"Sometimes we hear someone refer to a division in the Church. In reality, the Church is not divided. It simply means that there are some who, for the time being at least, are members of the Church but not in harmony with it. These people have a temporary membership and influence in the Church; but unless they repent, they will be missing when the final membership records are recorded.
It is well that our people understand this principle, so they will not be misled by those apostates within the Church who have not yet repented or been cut off. But there is a cleansing coming. The Lord says that his vengeance shall be poured out "upon the inhabitants of the earth . . . And upon my house shall it begin, and from my house shall it go forth, saith the Lord; First among those among you, saith the Lord, who have professed to know my name and have not known me".  I look forward to that cleansing; its need within the Church is becoming increasingly apparent."
(Ezra Taft Benson, "To the Humble Followers of Christ", Apr 1969)

Day 3453

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 8:27, 29

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 8:27, 29
"And Alma tarried many days with Amulek before he began to preach unto the people.
And the word came to Alma, saying: Go; and also say unto my servant Amulek, go forth and prophesy unto this people, saying—Repent ye, for thus saith the Lord, except ye repent I will visit this people in mine anger; yea, and I will not turn my fierce anger away"

I was struck with the part that Alma tarried many days with Amulek. He was in Amulek's home. It would be so interesting to know what they talked about. Obviously he was preparing Amulek to testify of Jesus Christ. It made me think of how new missionaries do part of their MTC experience from their homes. A home is a beautiful place to hear and learn the gospel.

"But God was preparing Amulek, and when Amulek met Alma, he welcomed the Lord’s servant into his home, where Alma stayed for many days. During that time, Amulek opened his heart to Alma’s message, and a marvelous change came over him. From then on, Amulek not only believed, but he also became a champion of truth.
When Alma went out again to teach among the people of Ammonihah, he had a second witness at his side—Amulek, one of their own."
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Learn from Alma and Amulek", Oct 2016 General Conference)

Day 3452

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 7:23-24

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 7:23-24
"And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.
And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works."

This is a wonderful list of virtues to strive for, for they are Christlike attributes. The one that stood out to me this time was gentle.

Gentle = having or showing a mild, kind, or tender temperament or character. Make or become gentle; calm or pacify.

It reminded me of being a peacemaker.

Day 3451

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 6:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 6:1
"And now it came to pass that after Alma had made an end of speaking unto the people of the church, which was established in the city of Zarahemla, he ordained priests and elders, by laying on his hands according to the order of God, to preside and watch over the church."

There is no doubt who is the leader of a branch, ward or stake in Zion. There is no doubt on who is the Prophet of the Church, and those that are apostles. The Lord's house is a house of order.

"We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof."
(Article of Faith, 5)

"No person is to be ordained to any office in this church, where there is a regularly organized branch of the same, without the vote of that church;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 20:65)

"Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion."
(Doctrine and Covenants 132:8)

Day 3450

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 5:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 5:7
"Behold, he changed their hearts; yea, he awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God. Behold, they were in the midst of darkness; nevertheless, their souls were illuminated by the light of the everlasting word; yea, they were encircled about by the bands of death, and the chains of hell, and an everlasting destruction did await them."

I have many that I pray for that their eyes will be opened. That they will awake from that deep sleep and recognize their blessings and privileges. I pray for them because I love them. Then I ask that my eyes will be opened too. For we never know when we are in a midst of darkness and not seeing clearly. I remember that day when I had my first cataract surgery and the first thing I noticed was white. One eye had the orangey dingy white, and the other eye I could see real white again. With that white an array of other brilliant colors poured in. I hadn't noticed over the years that white was no longer white for me. So it is with our testimonies and the word of God. If we stopped treasuring and pondering on His word, and renewing the covenants we have made, we may think we still have a testimony. Then slowly things darkened and we don't even realize we have lost our way. That moment of a change of heart that awaken us can be both painful and sweet, it is individual to us all.

Day 3449

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 4:20

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 4:20
"And thus in the commencement of the ninth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, Alma delivered up the judgment-seat to Nephihah, and confined himself wholly to the high priesthood of the holy order of God, to the testimony of the word, according to the spirit of revelation and prophecy."

This made me think of the prophet and apostles and how they have given up successful careers when their calls came to serve as apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ. I thought about President Dallin H. Oaks and how he was a justice of the Utah Supreme Court when his call came. They leave their careers and come, follow Him.

Day 3448

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 3:4, 13, 18

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 3:4, 13, 18
"And the Amlicites were distinguished from the Nephites, for they had marked themselves with red in their foreheads after the manner of the Lamanites; nevertheless they had not shorn their heads like unto the Lamanites.
Now we will return again to the Amlicites, for they also had a mark set upon them; yea, they set the mark upon themselves, yea, even a mark of red upon their foreheads.
Now the Amlicites knew not that they were fulfilling the words of God when they began to mark themselves in their foreheads; nevertheless they had come out in open rebellion against God; therefore it was expedient that the curse should fall upon them.

Today we have people that are marking themselves by wearing red on their foreheads. Does make me wonder if they are unknowingly fulfilling prophesy, but in our day? A study of Amlici has a lot of parallels.

Day 3447

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 2:6-10

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 2:6-10
"And thus they did assemble themselves together to cast in their voices concerning the matter; and they were laid before the judges.
And it came to pass that the voice of the people came against Amlici, that he was not made king over the people.
Now this did cause much joy in the hearts of those who were against him; but Amlici did stir up those who were in his favor to anger against those who were not in his favor.
And it came to pass that they gathered themselves together, and did consecrate Amlici to be their king.
Now when Amlici was made king over them he commanded them that they should take up arms against their brethren; and this he did that he might subject them to him."

I really, really, hope and pray that this election, history does not repeat itself. We've emulated enough of the downfall of the people in the Book of Mormon. There is a reason we study the Book of Mormon every four years in the church, which also happens to be during our presidential elections.

"O be wise; what can I say more?"
(Jacob 6:12)

Day 3446

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 1:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 1:5
"And it came to pass that he did teach these things so much that many did believe on his words, even so many that they began to support him and give him money."

Priestcraft is among the Nephites as Nehor preaches false doctrine for gain among the people. Two little words "so much" stood out to me. I realized this was one of his tactics. Say it long enough and often enough, even if untrue, and people will believe it. Just because a thing is accepted among many and repeated over and over we cannot assume it is truth. It could be propaganda. This is Satan's tactic. I decided to look for the quote I was thinking of, and found there are many attributed with saying similar things. Then I realized the author is none of them, this evil practice is inspired by the devil himself.

Here is a sampling of quotes with the same meaning.

‘If a lie is only printed often enough, it becomes a quasi-truth, and if such a truth is repeated often enough, it becomes an article of belief, a dogma, and men will die for it." (The Crown of Life, 1869)

"If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it." (Joseph Goebbels)

"If you repeat a lie often enough, people will believe it, and you will even come to believe it yourself. (Joseph Goebbels)

"If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed." (Adolf Hitler)

"A lie told often enough becomes the truth." (Vladimir Lenin)

"If you repeat a lie often enough, people will believe it. If you repeat a lie often enough, it becomes the truth. If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. If you repeat a lie long enough, it becomes truth. If you repeat a lie many times, people are bound to start believing it.
(The Sack of Rome (2006) by Alexander Stille, p. 14, and also A World Without Walls: Freedom, Development, Free Trade and Global Governance (2003) by Mike Moore, p. 63)

"Actually, Peking has operated, as Moscow has since the days of Lenin, on a number of principles which taken together can be called the technique of the "great lie." Among these are: 1) make it big enough and people will believe part of it; (2) repeat it often enough and you will convince some people; (3) say it in enough different ways, and you will convince others..."
(Great China Danger, 1966)

The ways to overcome being fed lies is to look for truth. I will often feel something is just a little off. That will send me on a hunt for original sources and its context. With doctrine I look up the scriptures and read them in context, then look for what the prophets have said about it.

Day 3445

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 29:26-27

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 29:26-27
"Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe and make it your law—to do your business by the voice of the people.
And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land."

King Mosiah is speaking to his people about the dangers of having kings. He reminded them of wicked king Noah and how much damage one unrighteous king can do. He then suggests instead of having kings that they have judges, established by the voice of people. He then gives a warning that this works because it is common for the voice of the people to desire what is right. But if the majority of the people choose iniquity the judgment of God will come upon them. This is a warning for us today. The voice of the people will make their decision in our land this year. In many ways I see this as a question of free agency, and how much we allow others their agency or force them to conform to ours.

I could see this also in the response king Mosiah's people gave to him on enjoying their own rights and privileges.

"And now I desire that this inequality should be no more in this land, especially among this my people; but I desire that this land be a land of liberty, and every man may enjoy his rights and privileges alike, so long as the Lord sees fit that we may live and inherit the land, yea, even as long as any of our posterity remains upon the face of the land.
Therefore they relinquished their desires for a king, and became exceedingly anxious that every man should have an equal chance throughout all the land; yea, and every man expressed a willingness to answer for his own sins." (Mosiah 29:32, 38)

Day 3444

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 28:10, 20

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 28:10, 20
"Now king Mosiah had no one to confer the kingdom upon, for there was not any of his sons who would accept of the kingdom.
And now, as I said unto you, that after king Mosiah had done these things, he took the plates of brass, and all the things which he had kept, and conferred them upon Alma, who was the son of Alma; yea, all the records, and also the interpreters, and conferred them upon him, and commanded him that he should keep and preserve them, and also keep a record of the people, handing them down from one generation to another, even as they had been handed down from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem."

I pondered on how after king Mosiah's son left to preach the gospel to the Lamanites he set his affairs in order. He had no one to confer the kingdom on and the very first matter he settled was translating the plates of gold the Limhi's people had discovered. He acted in the role of a seer. Then he took all the sacred records and conferred them upon Alma, with command to preserve them and record their history. Mosiah took care of spiritual things before he addressed the physical or political needs of the kingdom. He took care of what was most important first.

Day 3443

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 27:16, 30

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 27:16, 30
"Now I say unto thee: Go, and remember the captivity of thy fathers in the land of Helam, and in the land of Nephi; and remember how great things he has done for them; for they were in bondage, and he has delivered them. And now I say unto thee, Alma, go thy way, and seek to destroy the church no more, that their prayers may be answered, and this even if thou wilt of thyself be cast off.
I rejected my Redeemer, and denied that which had been spoken of by our fathers; but now that they may foresee that he will come, and that he remembereth every creature of his creating, he will make himself manifest unto all."

I pondered on how an angel appeared to Alma after his father Alma prayed for him. Alma the younger was a great hinderment to the prosperity of the church of God. One thing the angel told Alma was to remember the captivity of his fathers. It wasn't to remember what the Lord did for Moses and the children of Israel, or even for Lehi's family. It was more recent, it was part of his family history. While Alma was laid upon his bed for two days and nights the people prayed for him. During that time he did reflect upon his fathers. The words of his own father and those before him. It made me reflect on the importance of family history work and how those beyond the veil can help in the redemption on this side.

Day 3442

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 26:31

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 26:31
"And ye shall also forgive one another your trespasses; for verily I say unto you, he that forgiveth not his neighbor’s trespasses when he says that he repents, the same hath brought himself under condemnation."

This reminded me of a comment I had read on an article. The person was saying that we are only to forgive those that ask for forgiveness or repent. They said that is what the scriptures say. That made me curious, because that is not what I knew, for the Lord tells us to forgive everyone. These are two scriptures that come to mind.

"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; 3 Nephi 13:14-15)

"Wherefore I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.
I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men" 
(Doctrine and Covenants 64:9-10)

Elder Cook also explains it well.
"When we are truly humble, we pray for forgiveness and forgive others. As we read in Mosiah, Alma taught that as often as we repent, the Lord will forgive our trespasses. On the other hand, as indicated in the Lord’s Prayer, when we do not forgive others’ trespasses, we bring ourselves under condemnation. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, through repentance our sins are forgiven. When we do not forgive those who trespass against us, we are in effect rejecting the Savior’s Atonement. Holding a grudge and refusing to forgive and refusing to humbly approach our relationships in a Christlike manner truly brings us under condemnation. Holding a grudge is poisonous to our souls"
(Quentin L. Cook, "The Eternal Everyday", Oct 2017 General Conference)

I asked the person that made the comment what scripture they were referring to? They could not tell me, only that they knew it was in there. When I read this verse in Mosiah I wondered if this is what gave them that idea?

The difference I see in this mention of "when he says that he repents", is because the Lord was talking to Alma. He was discussing those that had dissented from the church, and leading others astray. In that case Alma, being called as a judge in Israel, would decide who of the dissenters would remain in the church or removed from its records. The Lord is telling Alma that if they have repented, but were not forgiven and still removed, then the one not forgiving them would be condemned.

It is further clarified on the next verse.
"Now I say unto you, Go; and whosoever will not repent of his sins the same shall not be numbered among my people; and this shall be observed from this time forward."
(Mosiah 26:32)

Day 3441