Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 57:21, 27

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 57:21, 27
"Yea, and they did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness; yea, and even according to their faith it was done unto them; and I did remember the words which they said unto me that their mothers had taught them.
Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually."

This made me reflect on the youth of today, and how they were reserved for these latter-days. They are the Lord's battalion. I noted that not all the Nephite youth joined in this battle, as the sons of the people of Ammon did. It was only those that were obedient, performed commands with exactness, and lived by faith. Their minds were firm and they trusted in God continually. They remembered the oaths and covenants their fathers made and honored that.

This reminded me of Brother Steven J. Lund's interview on his call as Young Men's General President in April 2020. I watched this video over again. President Nelson told him, "It's important that you're here, and it's important that you understand this, because this is a very important time for the church. You know we're in the end of times here. This is a very important time for the youth of the church. I've called them, I've invited them, to serve in the Lord's battalions." Brother Lund said "Yes, President Nelson, I know that you have, and I know that they're listening." President Nelson said. "I hope so, I know that many are, because this is such an important time of gathering. And the opportunity for them to be engaged in that work of gathering has never been like this before."
President Nelson spoke to him for about 10 minutes of this final work of the gathering and his deployment of the youth of the church to make that happen. "This thing that has been talked about by apostles and prophets for as long as there has been people on this earth. Looking forward to the end game, when the earth will be rolled up like a scroll, and the Savior will come again."
Brother Lund said he "walked out that room with this intense understanding, and knowledge, confirmed to me by the spirit, that I share with you, and that is, that He's Coming! He really is, and it's imminent. I don't know what that means. All I know is that there is a sense of urgency about the brethren."
(Steven J. Lund, "He is Coming. He really is and it's IMMINENT!", YouTube Channel, A Warning Voice, 28 Oct 2023)

Day 3501

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 56:40

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 56:40
"Now they durst not turn to the right nor to the left lest they should be surrounded; neither would I turn to the right nor to the left lest they should overtake me, and we could not stand against them, but be slain, and they would make their escape; and thus we did flee all that day into the wilderness, even until it was dark."

Whenever I hear the strategy of neither turning to the right or left, so you are not overtaken, it feels like counsel for our lives. If we turn to far right, or to far left the adversary will overtake us. We need to stand with the Lord, the prophet, within the mainstream of the church. We need to stay on the strait and narrow path, the covenant path. If we fall off the covenant path the adversary will overpower us.

"And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.
And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save."
(2 Nephi 31:18-19)

Day 3500

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 55:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 55:5
"And it came to pass that they found one, whose name was Laman; and he was one of the servants of the king who was murdered by Amalickiah."

I find it interesting that one of the servants of the murdered Lamanite king, that fled to the Nephites for protection, is the one later used to trick the Lamanite guards. That whole event of being wrongly accused by Amalickiah's men of killing the Lamanite king must have been so trying for him. Yet, the Lord needed him for another role in a different place. Our trials bring us to places that we need to be.

Day 3499

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 54:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 54:8
"But as ye have once rejected these things, and have fought against the people of the Lord, even so I may expect you will do it again.'

I pondered on how wicked people do not change. If they came after you once, you can be sure it will happen again. Very hard to make any treaty or arrangement with them. True repentance is the only way to trust them again. The people of Ammon are a great example of this.

Day 3498

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 53:19

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 53:19
"And now behold, as they never had hitherto been a disadvantage to the Nephites, they became now at this period of time also a great support; for they took their weapons of war, and they would that Helaman should be their leader."

I was curious as to why the two thousand stripling warriors wanted Helaman as their leader? Why not Moroni who was a righteous Nephite military commander, firm in his faith in Christ .

"Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.
Behold, he was a man like unto Ammon, the son of Mosiah, yea, and even the other sons of Mosiah, yea, and also Alma and his sons, for they were all men of God."
(Alma 48:17-18)

I went back and read Alma 53:14-15.

"But behold, as they were about to take their weapons of war, they were overpowered by the persuasions of Helaman and his brethren, for they were about to break the oath which they had made.
And Helaman feared lest by so doing they should lose their souls; therefore all those who had entered into this covenant were compelled to behold their brethren wade through their afflictions, in their dangerous circumstances at this time."

Helaman, son of Alma the younger, was a spiritual leader to them. He feared that their fathers that made an oath to bury their weapons of war would lose their souls to take them up again. If I had to select someone that would care for my young sons it would be such a leader.

Day 3497

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 52:13, 19

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 52:13, 19
"And thus he was endeavoring to harass the Nephites, and to draw away a part of their forces to that part of the land, while he had commanded those whom he had left to possess the cities which he had taken, that they should also harass the Nephites on the borders by the east sea, and should take possession of their lands as much as it was in their power, according to the power of their armies.
And in the commencement of the twenty and eighth year, Moroni and Teancum and many of the chief captains held a council of war—what they should do to cause the Lamanites to come out against them to battle; or that they might by some means flatter them out of their strongholds, that they might gain advantage over them and take again the city of Mulek."

Two words stood out to me in these verses, harass and flatter. The Lamanites used the tool of harassment to try and overpower the Nephites. It appears to have had no effect on them. The Nephites were inspired to use flattery to outmaneuver the Lamanites. They knew the pride of their enemy well and understood that to flatter them would lead to their downfall. They were able to flatter the Lamanites into thinking they could easily overtake the Nephites on their march. When in truth they were being tricked and ultimately surrounded. This was war and the enemy fell for the trap. This is a lesson for us today. First, the dangers of leaders were flattery and pride can over take them. Second, for us to be able to endure harassment.

Day 3496

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 51:5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 51:5-6
"And it came to pass that those who were desirous that Pahoran should be dethroned from the judgment-seat were called king-men, for they were desirous that the law should be altered in a manner to overthrow the free government and to establish a king over the land.
And those who were desirous that Pahoran should remain chief judge over the land took upon them the name of freemen; and thus was the division among them, for the freemen had sworn or covenanted to maintain their rights and the privileges of their religion by a free government."

We are right here with the same question facing our nation. The problem I see is many that are king-men see themselves as freemen, when the person they support is anything but.

Day 3495

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 50:35

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 50:35
"And it came to pass that the army which was sent by Moroni, which was led by a man whose name was Teancum, did meet the people of Morianton; and so stubborn were the people of Morianton, (being inspired by his wickedness and his flattering words) that a battle commenced between them, in the which Teancum did slay Morianton and defeat his army, and took them prisoners, and returned to the camp of Moroni. And thus ended the twenty and fourth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi"

In this chapter is another character with traits we have to be aware of. This tells the story of Morianton. In the land of Morianton they started to have warm contentions over part of the land of Lehi. Morianton wanted it. The people of Lehi flee to the camp of Moroni because they were not in the wrong. Morianton put fear into the hearts of the people that the army of Moroni would come after them. They fled to take possession of land that was northward. That's when Morianton, a man with much passion, became angry and beat one of his maid servants. She also fled to the camp of Moroni. There was a concern that if the people of Morianton obtained the land northward they would overthrow their liberty. The army of Moroni and Teancum did meet the people of Morianton there. This is where we see the people of Morianton are stubborn, they are inspired by Morianton wickedness and flattering words. Why would you want to follow someone like that, that only causes trouble? That is an age old question. But, the important lesson is to not follow them in the first place.

Day 3494

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 49:10-11

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 49:10-11
"Now, if king Amalickiah had come down out of the land of Nephi, at the head of his army, perhaps he would have caused the Lamanites to have attacked the Nephites at the city of Ammonihah; for behold, he did care not for the blood of his people.
But behold, Amalickiah did not come down himself to battle. And behold, his chief captains durst not attack the Nephites at the city of Ammonihah, for Moroni had altered the management of affairs among the Nephites, insomuch that the Lamanites were disappointed in their places of retreat and they could not come upon them."

I noticed Mormon warning on who we are to watch out for in our day. This type of person wants power, but "he did care not for the blood of his people". He also "did not come down himself to battle". In verse 13 it also tells us that "their chief captains came forward and took an oath that they would destroy the people of that city." When they lose Amalickiah is angry, exceeding wroth, and cursed God. He swore with an oath he would drink the blood of Moroni. Amalickiah seeks for revenge. There is a lot more in this chapter and it is a clear warning to not be deceived and fight for the wrong side, and for the wrong things. Moroni on the other hand keeps the commandments of God in preparing for the safety of his people. How grateful I am for a living prophet that is doing the same.

Day 3493

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 48:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 48:7
"Now it came to pass that while Amalickiah had thus been obtaining power by fraud and deceit, Moroni, on the other hand, had been preparing the minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord their God."

This made me ponder on two men in our day. One is trying to obtain power by fraud and deceit, the other is trying to prepare his people to be faithful to the Lord. The latter is Russell M. Nelson, a prophet of God. It's interesting that President Nelson even gave a general conference talk on Moroni.

"In that regard, we can learn a lot from Captain Moroni. As commander of the Nephite armies, he faced opposing forces that were stronger, greater in number, and meaner. So, Moroni prepared his people in three essential ways.
First, he helped them create areas where they would be safe—“places of security” he called them. Second, he prepared “the minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord.” And third, he never stopped preparing his people—physically or spiritually. Let us consider these three principles.
Principle Number One: Create Places of Security
Principle Number Two: Prepare Your Mind to Be Faithful to God
Principle Number Three: Never Stop Preparing"
(Russell M. Nelson, "Embrace the Future with Faith", Oct 2020 General Conference)

Day 3492

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 47:22-26

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 47:22-26
"But behold, as the king came out to meet him Amalickiah caused that his servants should go forth to meet the king. And they went and bowed themselves before the king, as if to reverence him because of his greatness.
And it came to pass that the king put forth his hand to raise them, as was the custom with the Lamanites, as a token of peace, which custom they had taken from the Nephites.
And it came to pass that when he had raised the first from the ground, behold he stabbed the king to the heart; and he fell to the earth.
Now the servants of the king fled; and the servants of Amalickiah raised a cry, saying:
Behold, the servants of the king have stabbed him to the heart, and he has fallen and they have fled; behold, come and see. "

This is such a fascinating story of how Amalickiah uses treachery, murder, intrigue and fraud to become king of the Lamanites. I think this is a warning for our day. That things are not always as they seem. The one warning sign of the dangers of Amalickiah was his conspiring heart. He was not a man to be trusted. At the root Amalickiah was bad, and obviously surrounded himself by others that would do his dirty deeds. We have to be ever watchful that we do not support anyone with the tendencies of Amalickiah. This is where the warning of President Nelson fits for us to survive this danger. It is only through the ability to receive personal revelation that can keep away from such people and identify lies when we hear them.

"But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.
My beloved brothers and sisters, I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", Apr 2018 General Conference)

Day 3491

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 46:3-4

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 46:3-4, 10 "Now the leader of those who were wroth against their brethren was a large and a strong man; and his name was Amalickiah. And Amalickiah was desirous to be a king; and those people who were wroth were also desirous that he should be their king; and they were the greater part of them the lower judges of the land, and they were seeking for power. Yea, we see that Amalickiah, because he was a man of cunning device and a man of many flattering words, that he led away the hearts of many people to do wickedly; yea, and to seek to destroy the church of God, and to destroy the foundation of liberty which God had granted unto them, or which blessing God had sent upon the face of the land for the righteous’ sake."

I've reached the part of the Book of Mormon that seems to be a play by play for our day. As I've study this I feel a compilation of those in the Book of Mormon, like Noah, Amlici and Amalickiah to name a few, point to who we need to identify in our day and be mindful and careful of. They are deceptive and draw good people to their side that ultimate destroys them. One very basic thing that draws them is anger. In their anger they desire to support these traitors and give them full reign and power. They think they are just, but they don't realize who they are defending, in time it will break people down into tribes and lose their form of government. We also see an interesting flip where the Lamanites will become more righteous than the Nephites.

"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."
(Alma 3:4, 13, 18)

Day 3490

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 45:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 45:14
"But whosoever remaineth, and is not destroyed in that great and dreadful day, shall be numbered among the Lamanites, and shall become like unto them, all, save it be a few who shall be called the disciples of the Lord; and them shall the Lamanites pursue even until they shall become extinct. And now, because of iniquity, this prophecy shall be fulfilled."

Alma is speaking to his son Helaman. First, its like a temple recommend interview. Alma makes sure the Helaman will be faithful and keep the commandments. Then he gives him a prophesy that Helaman is to record but not make known to the people. They are to be kept until the prophecy is fulfilled. He prophesied for what would happen 400 hundred years from then, when the Nephites would be destroyed. All destroyed except a few called the disciples of the Lord. Alma saw Moroni, he was the last prophet to record in the gold plates before hiding them up to the Lord. But, Moroni was not alone. There were three Nephite disciples that Jesus Christ blessed to remain on the earth, just like John the Beloved. I hadn't thought about that connection until now. Those disciples of the Lord remained until the wickedness of the people became to great.

"And there are none that do know the true God save it be the disciples of Jesus, who did tarry in the land until the wickedness of the people was so great that the Lord would not suffer them to remain with the people; and whether they be upon the face of the land no man knoweth.
But behold, my father and I have seen them, and they have ministered unto us.
And whoso receiveth this record, and shall not condemn it because of the imperfections which are in it, the same shall know of greater things than these. Behold, I am Moroni; and were it possible, I would make all things known unto you."
(Mormon 8:10-12)

Day 3489

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 44:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 44:4
"Now ye see that this is the true faith of God; yea, ye see that God will support, and keep, and preserve us, so long as we are faithful unto him, and unto our faith, and our religion; and never will the Lord suffer that we shall be destroyed except we should fall into transgression and deny our faith."

The Nephites were being attacked by the Lamanites that wanted to destroy them and have power over them. Yes, good people can die in battle, but the Lord's promise was they would not be destroyed as a whole until they fell into transgression and denied their faith. That is ultimately what did happen to the Nephite civilization.

This made me reflect upon the church, and the promise that we have that it will never be taken again from the earth. The safest place of protection both spiritually and physically is to be in the mainstream of the church. Not a wolf in sheep clothing, but a faithful, active member of Christ's church.

"Apostasy can occur at two basic levels—institutional and individual. At the institutional level, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will not be lost through apostasy or taken from the earth.
The Prophet Joseph Smith proclaimed: “The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing … ; the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”
(David A. Bednar, "In the Space of Not Many Years", Oct 2024 General Conference)

Day 3488

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 43:19-20, 37

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 43:19-20, 37
"And when the armies of the Lamanites saw that the people of Nephi, or that Moroni, had prepared his people with breastplates and with arm-shields, yea, and also shields to defend their heads, and also they were dressed with thick clothing—
Now the army of Zerahemnah was not prepared with any such thing; they had only their swords and their cimeters, their bows and their arrows, their stones and their slings; and they were naked, save it were a skin which was girded about their loins; yea, all were naked, save it were the Zoramites and the Amalekites;
And the work of death commenced on both sides, but it was more dreadful on the part of the Lamanites, for their nakedness was exposed to the heavy blows of the Nephites with their swords and their cimeters, which brought death almost at every stroke."

I know the war chapters are not always what they seem to be. There are warnings and lessons deeper in the stories as we ponder them. This time my mind was on garments. How they were a protection to the Nephites and covered their nakedness. They would not have survived the battle and been victorious without that protection. We have been hearing a lot about the wearing of garments in many general conference talks. There are many reasons why we need to be wearing them.

"Our temple garment reminds us that the Savior and the blessings of His Atonement cover us throughout our lives. As we put on the garment of the holy priesthood each day, that beautiful symbol becomes a part of us."
(J. Anette Dennis, "Put Ye On the Lord Jesus Christ", Apr 2024 General Conference)

"Partaking of the bread and water is a weekly reminder of His power working in you to help you overcome. Wearing the garment of the holy priesthood is a daily reminder of the gift of His power working in you to help you become."
(Emily Belle Freeman, "Live Up to Your Privileges", Oct 2024 General Conference

Day 3487

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 42:18

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 42:18
"Now, there was a punishment affixed, and a just law given, which brought remorse of conscience unto man."

I pondered on the role of our conscience. At a very basic level everyone knows right from wrong. Their conscience is there to prick them. Though some may never hear the gospel in this life they will be judged on their ability to do what is right or not. We have a moral compass, the light of Christ within us.

“All of us sometime, and some of us much of the time, suffer remorse of conscience from things we did wrong or things left undone. That feeling of guilt is to the spirit what pain is to the physical body. …
“We all make mistakes. Sometimes we harm ourselves and seriously injure others in ways that we alone cannot repair. We break things that we alone cannot fix. It is then in our nature to feel guilt and humiliation and suffering, which we alone cannot cure. That is when the healing power of the Atonement will help.
“The Lord said, ‘Behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent [D&C 19:16]”
(Boyd K. Packer, "The Touch of the Master's Hand", Apr 2001 General Conference)
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, "Chapter 32:Alma 40-42)

Day 3486

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 41:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 41:1
"And now, my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the restoration of which has been spoken; for behold, some have wrested the scriptures, and have gone far astray because of this thing. And I perceive that thy mind has been worried also concerning this thing. But behold, I will explain it unto thee."

This made me think of people wresting the scriptures. It's such dangerous slippery slope one goes on, that will lead them astray. I have been amazed on how rapid an increase I have been seeing of it of late. I think what makes it worse is people then espouse what they have twisted and feed it to others as gospel truths. One prime example is heavenly mother and some praying to her. The false doctrine reached a point that Elder Dale G. Renlund gave a general conference talk, "Your Divine Nature and Eternal Destiny" in April 2022 on it. I see the same thing happening with politics and the second coming. I feel like we just need to hush for a moment, be quiet and just listen to the spirit. Stop letting people whip you up into a frenzy. If your mind is worried just take a break and step away. Not away from the church, but away from those pushing agendas. There is peace when you are on the right course. Let God prevail in your life and move forward. Follow the prophet, you won't go astray.

"During these perilous times of which the Apostle Paul prophesied, Satan is no longer even trying to hide his attacks on God’s plan. Emboldened evil abounds. Therefore, the only way to survive spiritually is to be determined to let God prevail in our lives, to learn to hear His voice, and to use our energy to help gather Israel."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Let God Prevail", Oct 2020 General Conference)

"In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", Apr 2018 General Conference)

“Bring to light the true points of my doctrine, yea, and the only doctrine which is in me.“
And this I do that I may establish my gospel, that there may not be so much contention; yea, Satan doth stir up the hearts of the people to contention concerning the points of my doctrine; and in these things they do err, for they do wrest the scriptures and do not understand them.”
(Doctrine and Covenants 10:62-63)

Day 3485

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 40:4-5

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 40:4-5
"Behold, there is a time appointed that all shall come forth from the dead. Now when this time cometh no one knows; but God knoweth the time which is appointed.
Now, whether there shall be one time, or a second time, or a third time, that men shall come forth from the dead, it mattereth not; for God knoweth all these things; and it sufficeth me to know that this is the case—that there is a time appointed that all shall rise from the dead."

Alma is speaking to his son Corianton and explains all that has been revealed to him on the resurrection. He does not know all the details at this point but he does know by an angel that there is an appointed time for everyone to be resurrected. I love Alma's response that the details matter not, for God knoweth all these things. Sometimes we just have to trust that not everything is revealed to the prophets or us all at once. This manner of instructing us helps develop our faith in Jesus Christ.

Day 3484

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 39:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 39:14
"Seek not after riches nor the vain things of this world; for behold, you cannot carry them with you."

President Oaks explains what vain things of the world are.
"The “vain things of [the] world” include every combination of that worldly quartet of property, pride, prominence, and power. As to all of these, the scriptures remind us that “you cannot carry them with you”  We should be seeking the kind of treasures the scriptures promise the faithful: “great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures”
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Focus and Priorities", Apr 2001 General Conference)

I have also been reflecting on President Nelson's General Conference talk.

"Come unto Christ and “offer your whole [soul]” to Him. This is the secret to a life of joy!
The best is yet to come, my dear brothers and sisters, because the Savior is coming again! The best is yet to come because the Lord is hastening His work. The best is yet to come as we fully turn our hearts and our lives to Jesus Christ."
(Russell M. Nelson, "The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again", Oct 2024 General Conference)

If one's focus is on the vain things of the world there is no way you could "offer your whole soul to Him". When we fully turn our hearts and lives to Jesus Christ that is something we truly can take with us.

Day 3483

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 38: 5

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 38: 5
"And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye should remember, that as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day."

I know that this is true. I have experienced the Lord's grace and mercy as I have trusted in Him to deliver me out of the midst of my trials.

Day 3482

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 37:33-34

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 37:33-34
"Preach unto them repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ; teach them to humble themselves and to be meek and lowly in heart; teach them to withstand every temptation of the devil, with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls."

Alma is speaking to his son Helaman. He is giving him charge of the plates of Nephi, brass plates, the twenty-four Jaredite plates, the interpreters, and the Liahona. With the twenty-four plates he is told what to share and what not to share. Then Alma gives Helaman a charge on what he is to preach to the people. As I read this I thought how this is exactly the counsel given to us during general conference. Prophets of old, and prophets today teach the same things, for it makes no difference in what era we live the natural man and his weaknesses are the same. The plan of happiness is for us all.

"Some may wonder why General Authorities speak of the same things from conference to conference. As I study the utterances of the prophets through the centuries, their pattern is very clear. We seek, in the words of Alma, to teach people “an everlasting hatred against sin and iniquity.” We preach “repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ. We praise humility. We seek to teach people “to withstand every temptation of the devil, with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ. We teach our people “to never be weary of good works.
Prophets say the same things because we face basically the same problems. Brothers and sisters, the solutions to these problems have not changed. It would be a poor lighthouse that gave off a different signal to guide every ship entering a harbor. It would be a poor mountain guide who, knowing the safe route up a mountainside, took his trusting charges up unpredictable and perilous paths from which no traveler returns."
(Spencer W. Kimball, "The Stone Cut without Hands", Apr 1976 General Conference)

"Recently I have found myself drawn to the Lord’s instruction given through the Prophet Joseph Smith: “Say nothing but repentance unto this generation.” This declaration is often repeated throughout scripture. It prompts an obvious question: “Does everyone need to repent?” The answer is yes."
(Russell M. Nelson, "We Can Do Better and Be Better", Apr 2019 General Conference)

Day 3481

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 36:3, 27

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 36:3, 27
"And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.
And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has delivered me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me."

We never alone in our trials for the Lord is already there. I have felt that divine presence and support when I have had to struggle seemingly alone. I was never alone.

"Jesus Christ took upon Himself your sins, your pains, your heartaches, and your infirmities. You do not have to bear them alone! He will forgive you as you repent. He will bless you with what you need. He will heal your wounded soul. As you yoke yourself to Him, your burdens will feel lighter. If you will make and keep covenants to follow Jesus Christ, you will find that the painful moments of your life are temporary. Your afflictions will be “swallowed up in the joy of Christ.”
(Russell M. Nelson, "The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again", Oct 2024 General Conference)

Day 3480

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 35:8-10

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 35:8-10
"Now the people of the Zoramites were angry with the people of Ammon who were in Jershon, and the chief ruler of the Zoramites, being a very wicked man, sent over unto the people of Ammon desiring them that they should cast out of their land all those who came over from them into their land.
And he breathed out many threatenings against them. And now the people of Ammon did not fear their words; therefore they did not cast them out, but they did receive all the poor of the Zoramites that came over unto them; and they did nourish them, and did clothe them, and did give unto them lands for their inheritance; and they did administer unto them according to their wants.
Now this did stir up the Zoramites to anger against the people of Ammon, and they began to mix with the Lamanites and to stir them up also to anger against them."

Whenever I hear about people that are angry and prejudice against immigrants, legal or otherwise, I think about how such displaced people were treated in the Book of Mormon. The Nephites not only accepted the people of Ammon they willingly gave them the land of Jershon for their inheritance. Then when the Zoramites kicked out their poor and those that accepted the words of Alma, the people in Jershon received them. This is how we should treat others coming to our land. Except for a very few, we are all immigrants of one flavor or another. It is a wise purpose of the Lord that people are led here.

"Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore." ("The New Colossus", written on the Statue of Liberty)

"But, said he, notwithstanding our afflictions, we have obtained a land of promise, a land which is choice above all other lands; a land which the Lord God hath covenanted with me should be a land for the inheritance of my seed. Yea, the Lord hath covenanted this land unto me, and to my children forever, and also all those who should be led out of other countries by the hand of the Lord.
Wherefore, I, Lehi, prophesy according to the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that there shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord.
Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever. "
(2 Nephi 1:5-7)

Day 3479

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 34:18-21

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 34:18-21
"Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save.
Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him.
Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks.
Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening."

This made me think of our family prayer tonight and praying for all our loved ones in the path of this terrible hurricane. And all those still trying to recover from the last one. I thought of all the humble people praying in their homes this night for the Lord's mercy and protection. Our prayers will continue morning, noon and night for all of them.

Day 3478

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 33:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 33:14
"Now behold, my brethren, I would ask if ye have read the scriptures? If ye have, how can ye disbelieve on the Son of God?"

I pondered on how important reading the scriptures have been in developing my testimony of Jesus Christ. I have come to know Him in a way all the sacrament sermons, Sunday school lessons, and Relief Society discussions could have never given me. It is my one on one time to be instructed by the Spirit, and to come to hear the words of Christ testifying of Him to me.

Day 3477

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 32:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 32:6
"And now when Alma heard this, he turned him about, his face immediately towards him, and he beheld with great joy; for he beheld that their afflictions had truly humbled them, and that they were in a preparation to hear the word."

This made me think of the increased disasters we are seeing. I knew they were a warning voice, but I guess I didn't grasp what the purpose is. God isn't out to destroy us, he's trying to gather us to Him. If we will not listen to His servants, then he will preach his own sermons by the forces of nature. The Lord brings about circumstances that will prepare souls to hear the word. Yes, some do turn against God in their trials, and that is sad. But, really it's an opportunity to humble themselves and turn to Him.

"O, ye nations of the earth, how often would I have gathered you together as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, but ye would not!
How oft have I called upon you by the mouth of my servants, and by the ministering of angels, and by mine own voice, and by the voice of thunderings, and by the voice of lightnings, and by the voice of tempests, and by the voice of earthquakes, and great hailstorms, and by the voice of famines and pestilences of every kind, and by the great sound of a trump, and by the voice of judgment, and by the voice of mercy all the day long, and by the voice of glory and honor and the riches of eternal life, and would have saved you with an everlasting salvation, but ye would not!"
(Doctrine and Covenants 43:24-25)

Day 3476

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 31:24-25, 35

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 31:24-25, 35
Now when Alma saw this his heart was grieved; for he saw that they were a wicked and a perverse people; yea, he saw that their hearts were set upon gold, and upon silver, and upon all manner of fine goods.
Yea, and he also saw that their hearts were lifted up unto great boasting, in their pride.
Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious, and many of them are our brethren; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee."

Alma having heard that the Zoramites were perverting the ways of the Lord, has his heart begin to sicken. His heart is sorrowful for them. He gathers others to go with him to preach to the Zoramites. What they witness of the Zoramites manner of worship astonished them beyond all measure. Even though their gross wickedness grieves Alma he prays for them. He looks upon them as children of our Heavenly Father. They need to be saved. Alma does all that he can. I think that is a good lesson. That even though some people's sins may sicken us to our cores, we still pray for them. We still try to be there to turn their hearts. We don't mock, belittle, make fun or condemn them. We pray for them, and try to do what the Lord would have us do for them. Truly every soul is precious.

Day 3475

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 30:60

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 30:60
"And thus we see the end of him who perverteth the ways of the Lord; and thus we see that the devil will not support his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell."

This chapter is the story of Korihor, an anti-Christ. In the end he is mute because he sought after a sign. Then he begged for his food, and was trampled to death by the Zoramites. People may think they can make a deal with the devil, but in the end when he is done with you, he will chew you up and spit you out. There is no loyalty by that evil master. He is powerless to save you in any way.

"Notably, at the last day the adversary “will not support” those who followed him anyway. He cannot. Jesus will triumph majestically, and the adversary’s clever constructs, “pleasing to the carnal mind,” will also collapse, and “the fall thereof will be exceedingly great”.
(Neal A. Maxwell, "How Choice a Seer!", Oct 2003 General Conference)

Day 3474

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 29:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 29:10
"And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me."

This is Alma the younger speaking. When he sees the Lamanites that have converted to the gospel and truly repented it reminds him of how he was also forgiven. That would be such a sweet moment. He knows where they are coming from, and experiencing.

Day 3473

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 28:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 28:12
"While many thousands of others truly mourn for the loss of their kindred, yet they rejoice and exult in the hope, and even know, according to the promises of the Lord, that they are raised to dwell at the right hand of God, in a state of never-ending happiness."

Before I read scriptures tonight I was watching news on horrific hurricane Helene and its devastating path of destruction. I watched this one interview with a women who lost her parents and seven year old son. I was so moved on her and her sister's faith and belief in God and how he has and will get them through this. In their sorrow, they rejoiced in the Lord. It was so inspiring. I found the video again so I could share it.

"In the midst of the chaos, all I heard was God telling me to be still and to stop fighting the water," Drye recalled. "That was Him, that was prayers. That was prayers that told me to be still and to let the water carry me to where I needed to be rescued."
"When I did let go, I heard the voice say, 'You still don't fight the water' and then I ended up in between the two carriers that stuck with me the whole time," she said.
She was then spotted by a man and then tended to by a rescue team."
("Asheville mother recounts last moments with son before he was swept away by Helene floods: ‘He became my hero’, Fox Weather, October 1, 2024)

"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."
(Psalms 46:10)

"Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God."
(Doctrine and Covenants 101:16)

Day 3472

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 27:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 27:1-2
"Now it came to pass that when those Lamanites who had gone to war against the Nephites had found, after their many struggles to destroy them, that it was in vain to seek their destruction, they returned again to the land of Nephi.
And it came to pass that the Amalekites, because of their loss, were exceedingly angry. And when they saw that they could not seek revenge from the Nephites, they began to stir up the people in anger against their brethren, the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi; therefore they began again to destroy them."

I was pondering on why the Amalekites felt they needed to go after the Anti-Nephi-Lehies? The Amalekites wanted to destroy the Nephites but since they couldn't they turned on a group of Lamanites that only wanted to be peaceful. That just didn't make sense. Then I realized there is no sense in what Satan inspires in the hearts of men. When you incite people and stir them up to anger about a group of people the cause doesn't even need to be true. Men's hearts had failed them.

It made me think of the video with President Nelson "Men's Hearts Shall Fail Them".

"If you got a faith you can handle difficulties, with an eternal perspective that all will be well. "...the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear,..." (Luke 21:25-26)
"Men's hearts are failing because they forget their identity and purpose."

The Amalekites were Nephite apostates. They had lost their religion, identity and purpose. Without that eternal guidance they lashed out at anyone they perceived a threat and in particular those that loved God.

Day 3471