Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 32:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 32:3
"And Ziba Peterson also shall go with them; and I myself will go with them and be in their midst; and I am their advocate with the Father, and nothing shall prevail against them."

This made me think of the promise that when we are gathered together in the Lord's name he is there with us. I thought about how that happens every night in our home as we gather for family scriptures.

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
(Matthew 18:20)

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples, where two or three are gathered together in my name, as touching one thing, behold, there will I be in the midst of them—even so am I in the midst of you."
(Doctrine and Covenants 6:32)

"But behold, verily, verily, I say unto you that mine eyes are upon you. I am in your midst and ye cannot see me;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 38:7)

"For the Lord shall be in their midst, and his glory shall be upon them, and he will be their king and their lawgiver."
(Doctrine and Covenants 45:59)

"Behold, I will go before you and be your rearward; and I will be in your midst, and you shall not be confounded."
(Doctrine and Covenants 49:27)

"Whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.”
(Doctrine and Covenants 84:88)

Day 3621

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 31:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 31:4
"You shall declare the things which have been revealed to my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun. You shall begin to preach from this time forth, yea, to reap in the field which is white already to be burned."

What stood out to me was the part about the field "is white already to be burned". I usually hear that it's white already to harvest. I was curious and searched but could not find those words anywhere else in the scriptures.

"Behold, the field is white already to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth to reap let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God."
(Doctrine & Covenants 12:3)

"Yea, verily, verily, I say unto you, that the field is white already to harvest; wherefore, thrust in your sickles, and reap with all your might, mind, and strength."
(Doctrine & Covenants 33:7)

Then I looked for when it mentioned the field being burned. These are two verses that mention this.

"Which causeth silence to reign, and all eternity is pained, and the angels are waiting the great command to reap down the earth, to gather the tares that they may be burned; and, behold, the enemy is combined."
(Doctrine & Covenants 38:12)

"Behold, verily I say unto you, the angels are crying unto the Lord day and night, who are ready and waiting to be sent forth to reap down the fields;"
(Doctrine & Covenants 86:5)

It is interesting to note that during the Salt Lake Temple dedication (6-24 April 1893) President Wilford Woodruff spoke of those angels being released.

"God has held the angels of destruction for many years, lest they should reap down the wheat with the tares. But I want to tell you now, that those angels have left the portals of heaven, and they stand over this people and this nation now, and are hovering over the earth waiting to pour out the judgments. And from this very day they shall be poured out. Calamities and troubles are increasing in the earth, and there is a meaning to these things. Remember this, and reflect upon these matters. If you do your duty, and I do my duty, we’ll have protection, and shall pass through the afflictions in peace and in safety.
(“The Temple Workers’ Excursion,” Young Woman’s Journal, Aug. 1894, 512–513.)

Day 3620

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 30:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 30:1
"Behold, I say unto you, David, that you have feared man and have not relied on me for strength as you ought."

I pondered on fearing man. I thought about how the fear of the Lord is really love and respect for Him, not trembling that you will be punished. You follow Him because you want to be like Him. On that same thread the fear of man could also be our love, respect and worship of a man instead of God. You rely on their wisdom and strength, instead of the Lord being your strength.

"The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe."
(Proverbs 29:25)

Day 3619

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 29:18

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 29:18
"Wherefore, I the Lord God will send forth flies upon the face of the earth, which shall take hold of the inhabitants thereof, and shall eat their flesh, and shall cause maggots to come in upon them;"

Probably one of the oddest verses to ponder on. It was the word flies that caught my eye. This chapter is speaking of the Second Coming and the signs, plagues and desolations that precede it. There was a footnote for flies that refers me to plagues. I pondered on if it means real flies or just plagues that fly through the air? It could be both. I do think we are seeing prophesy fulfilled with more plagues coming with greater occurrence among us. Just yesterday I started a new spreadsheet to track the numbers. I think one of the saddest parts is so much is preventable physically, and will even more so spiritually.

Some of the plagues mentioned are similar to what occurred to the Egyptians in order for the children of Israel to be released from bondage. Isn't the coming of the Lord the greatest release from bondage for the living and the dead? I have hope that some of these plagues will pass by the righteous in these end times. The key will be as it was for the children of Israel of old, to listen to the prophet.

"Else, if thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies upon thee, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thy houses: and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground whereon they are.
And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth."
(Exodus 8:21-22)

Day 3618

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 28:6-7

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 28:6-7
"And thou shalt not command him who is at thy head, and at the head of the church;
For I have given him the keys of the mysteries, and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall appoint unto them another in his stead."

I think these words are simple to understand. We don't command or tell the prophet what to do. He alone receives revelation for the whole church. Yet, I don't understand how people can go into strange paths and feel they know better than a prophet who can see around corners. When the prophet speaks as a prophet we listen. I just love the general conference talks and letters from the First Presidency. I know he is speaking as a prophet. The living prophet is here to guide us in our days.

"In speaking about this proper order of revelation, the Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “It is contrary to the economy of God for any member of the Church, or any one, to receive instruction for those in authority, higher than themselves; … if any person have a vision or a visitation from a heavenly messenger, it must be for his own benefit or instruction; for the fundamental principles, government, and doctrine of the Church are vested in the keys of the kingdom” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 197–98). On a later occasion he declared, “The Presidents or [First] Presidency are over the Church; and revelations of the mind and will of God to the Church, are to come through the Presidency. This is the order of heaven, and the power and privilege of [the Melchizedek] Priesthood. It is also the privilege of any officer in this Church to obtain revelations, so far as relates to his particular calling and duty in the Church” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 197)."
Elder Dallin H. Oaks outlined how this order of revelation continues today in the Church: “Our Heavenly Father’s house is a house of order, where his servants are commanded to ‘act in the office in which [they are] appointed’ (D&C 107:99). This principle applies to revelation. Only the president of the Church receives revelation to guide the entire Church. Only the stake president receives revelation for the special guidance of the stake. The person who receives revelation for the ward is the bishop. For a family, it is the priesthood leadership of the family. Leaders receive revelation for their own stewardships. Individuals can receive revelation to guide their own lives. But when one person purports to receive revelation for another person outside his or her own stewardship—such as a Church member who claims to have revelation to guide the entire Church or a person who claims to have a revelation to guide another person over whom he or she has no presiding authority according to the order of the Church—you can be sure that such revelations are not from the Lord” (“Revelation” [Brigham Young University devotional, Sept. 29, 1981], 7, speeches.byu.edu).
(Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, Chapter 11: Doctrine and Covenants 26-28)

Elder Renlund gave an excellent general conference talk on receiving revelation within a framework that is setup for our own safety. Otherwise, we could be deceived.

"In response, the Lord revealed that “no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith … until I shall appoint … another in his stead.” Doctrine, commandments, and revelations for the Church are the prerogative of the living prophet, who receives them from the Lord Jesus Christ. That is the prophet’s runway.'
(Regarding someone looking for additional scriptures to translate)...I told him that he was mistaken, and he implored me to pray about it. I told him I would not. He became verbally abusive and ended the phone call. I did not need to pray about this request for one simple but profound reason: only the prophet receives revelation for the Church. It would be “contrary to the economy of God” for others to receive such revelation, which belongs on the prophet’s runway."
The Prophet Joseph Smith warned, “Nothing is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the influence of a false spirit, when they think they have the Spirit of God.”
(Dale G. Renlund, "A Framework for Personal Revelation", Oct 2022 General Conference)

Day 3617

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 27:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 27:7
"And also John the son of Zacharias, which Zacharias he (Elias) visited and gave promise that he should have a son, and his name should be John, and he should be filled with the spirit of Elias;"

I am always fascinated with angel's names and who they are identified as when living on the earth. The footnote takes me to Luke 1:17-19, where an angel that appeared to Zacharias is called Gabriel, here we also know he was an Elias. Elias as a title can be a forerunner or restorer. There was also a man named Elias that appears to have lived in the time of Abraham but those scriptures are lost to us.

"Elias came and restored the gospel of Abraham. Who was Elias? That question is frequently asked. Well, Elias was Noah (D&C 110:12) who came and restored his keys. [Footnote: "The priesthood was first given to Adam; he obtained the First Presidency and held the keys of it from generation to generation. He obtained it in the Creation, before the world was formed, as in Gen. 1:26, 27, 28. He had dominion given him over every living creature. He is Michael the Archangel, spoken of in the scriptures. Then to Noah, who is Gabriel; he stands next in authority to Adam in the priesthood; he was called of God to this office, and was the father of all living in his day, and to him was given dominion. These men held keys first on earth, and then in heaven." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, page 157) It was Gabriel who appeared to Zacharias and promised him a son, and who appeared to Mary and announced the coming of the Son of God as recorded by Luke. It was also Gabriel as an Elias who is mentioned in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 27, verse 7. It was Gabriel, or Noah, who stands next to Michael or Adam in the priesthood.]"
(Joseph Fielding Smith, "Joseph Smith's First Prayer", April 1960 General Conference)

The angel Gabriel also appeared to Mary.
"And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary."
(Luke 1:26, 27)

Elias also appeared to Joseph Smith, Jr, and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple on April 3, 1836.
"After this, Elias appeared, and committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, saying that in us and our seed all generations after us should be blessed."
(Doctrine and Covenants 110:12)

"And again, the voice of God in the chamber of old Father Whitmer, in Fayette, Seneca county, and at sundry times, and in divers places through all the travels and tribulations of this Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! And the voice of Michael, the archangel; the voice of Gabriel, and of Raphael, and of divers angels, from Michael or Adam down to the present time, all declaring their dispensation, their rights, their keys, their honors, their majesty and glory, and the power of their priesthood; giving line upon line, precept upon precept; here a little, and there a little; giving us consolation by holding forth that which is to come, confirming our hope!"
(Doctrine and Covenants 128:21)

Day 3616

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 26:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 26:2
"And all things shall be done by common consent in the church, by much prayer and faith, for all things you shall receive by faith. Amen."

I decided to read more about common consent. I know it happens when a name and calling is proposed in the church. As members of that ward or stake we raise our hands to show we sustain and support them. It's not a vote per say, but an opportunity to confirm our agreement and do all we can to help them in that calling. If we do know something that would make the person unworthy or question the calling we do have a chance to raise our hand to oppose. It does make me wonder if we don't feel we can sustain the person, but don't know of any reason why they shouldn't have the calling do we just not raise our hands? I have never been faced with that. I have actually been faced with needing to raise my hand to oppose the calling, and spoke with the leader afterwards of my concern. It is comforting to know the Lord's house is a house of order, and we know who is acting under authority.

"Again I say unto you, that it shall not be given to any one to go forth to preach my gospel, or to build up my church, except he be ordained by some one who has authority, and it is known to the church that he has authority and has been regularly ordained by the heads of the church."
(Doctrine and Covenants 42:11)

"President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876–1972) taught that the purpose of a sustaining vote is not to express personal preference regarding those whom the Lord has duly called: “The priesthood selects, under the inspiration of our Father in heaven, and then it is the duty of the Latter-day Saints, as they are assembled in conference, or other capacity, by the uplifted hand, to sustain or to reject; and I take it that no man has the right to raise his hand in opposition, or with contrary vote, unless he has a reason for doing so that would be valid if presented before those who stand at the head. In other words, I have no right to raise my hand in opposition to a man who is appointed to any position in this Church, simply because I may not like him, or because of some personal disagreement or feeling I may have, but only on the grounds that he is guilty of wrong doing, of transgression of the laws of the Church which would disqualify him for the position which he is called to hold” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie [1956], 3:123–24).
After the Church members sustained President Thomas S. Monson as the President of the Church for the first time, Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles emphasized the covenantal nature of the law of common consent in the Church. He taught that when we raise our hands to the square, it is “not just a vote” but more “a private and personal commitment, even a covenant, to sustain and to uphold the laws, ordinances, commandments, and the prophet of God” (“Gaining a Testimony of God the Father; His Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2008, 29).
(Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, Chapter 11: Doctrine and Covenants 26-28, "All things shall be done by common consent in the church")

"Do not listen to those who have not been ordained and/or set apart to their Church calling and are not acknowledged by common consent of the members of the Church."
(M. Russell Ballard, "The Trek Continues!", Oct 2017 General Conference)

"Today, at this solemn assembly, we have complied with the will of the Lord, who said that “it shall not be given to any one to go forth to preach my gospel, or to build up my church, except he be ordained by … one who has authority, and it is known to the church that he has authority and has been regularly ordained by the heads of the church.” This law of common consent has been invoked, and the Church will move forward on its prescribed course."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Salvation and Exaltation", Apr 2008 General Conference)

Day 3615

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 25:2, 16

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 25:2, 16
"A revelation I give unto you concerning my will; and if thou art faithful and walk in the paths of virtue before me, I will preserve thy life, and thou shalt receive an inheritance in Zion.
And verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my voice unto all. Amen."

The chapter header says "Principles of obedience in this revelation are applicable to all." As I was pondering over this and how this revelation was given to Emma Smith the thought came to me that we all receive similar instructions. Our patriarchal blessings are conditional upon obedience. As I read this chapter over this felt very much like Emma's patriarchal blessing. I think it's time I read mine again.

Day 3614

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 24:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 24:13
"Require not miracles, except I shall command you, except casting out devils, healing the sick, and against poisonous serpents, and against deadly poisons;
And these things ye shall not do, except it be required of you by them who desire it, that the scriptures might be fulfilled; for ye shall do according to that which is written."

What stood out to me was "require not miracles". That's probably because the past two days I have been sick. Wasn't sure what I was coming down with until yesterday. I realized I was feeling pleurisy spots on my lungs. I've had it in the past and its just miserable. I was just figuring this was going to be a long ride. My husband was probably more concerned than I was and offered to give me a blessing if I wanted one. The thought hadn't even entered my mind until then. Yes, a blessing would be nice. I have to say I wasn't expecting a miracle and probably not even relief. I just wanted to be strong enough to get through this new trial. I can do that when I rely on the Lord. The blessing was sweet and comforting and I was blessed to be healed. I knew I would be when the time was right, even if I had to go through this pain. I decided to go to bed early and left to get ready for bed. I'm not sure how long after the blessing it was, less than an hour? I realized that overwhelming exhaustion was lifting. It had been such a profound exhaustion earlier I actually felt like I was going to pass out. My headache was lifting. By the time I crawled into bed I was breathing without the pleurisy pain. I was feeling better. I went to bed and when I got up this morning I still felt better. I have not felt this well in a while. It is a curious thing waiting on the will of the Lord and how and when he wishes to bless and heal us.

Day 3613

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 23:6-7

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 23:6-7
"Behold, I manifest unto you, Joseph Knight, by these words, that you must take up your cross, in the which you must pray vocally before the world as well as in secret, and in your family, and among your friends, and in all places.
And, behold, it is your duty to unite with the true church, and give your language to exhortation continually, that you may receive the reward of the laborer. Amen. "

This chapter is a revelation given in April 1830 for Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith, Samuel H. Smith, Joseph Smith, Sr., and Joseph Knight, Sr. All except Joseph Knight, Sr. were told "thou also art under no condemnation". So was Joseph Knight, Sr. found under condemnation? It appears not, as of yet. He is told to unite with the true church. He had refrained from joining the church on the day it was organized. He wished to study the Book of Mormon further. There is nothing wrong with investigating before joining. After this revelation was received he was baptized. I think the story of condemnation would have been different if he had not acted as the Lord revealed.

Day 3612

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 22:1, 4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 22:1, 4
"Behold, I say unto you that all old covenants have I caused to be done away in this thing; and this is a new and an everlasting covenant, even that which was from the beginning.
Wherefore, enter ye in at the gate, as I have commanded, and seek not to counsel your God. Amen."

The chapter header mentions "This revelation was given to the Church in consequence of some who had previously been baptized desiring to unite with the Church without rebaptism." The Lord explains that this is a new and everlasting covenant. This is done as days of old. Meaning this is with priesthood authority from God. The priesthood authority will never again be taken from the earth. It is so telling when He says "seek not to counsel your God." How oft is that a tendency of man? We think we know better.

Day 3611

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 21:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 21:1
"Behold, there shall be a record kept among you; and in it thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ,"

The word translator caught my eye. Today our Prophet, First Presidency and members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are all called and sustained as "prophet, seers and revelators".

"It is proposed that we sustain Russell Marion Nelson as prophet, seer, and revelator and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints;...
It is proposed that we sustain the counselors in the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators."
("Sustaining of General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers", Oct 2024 General Conference)

This left me with several question to ponder on. Are they not called in the role of translator right now because there is nothing to translate? Will the word translator be added to the sustaining of a prophet when other records are to be translated? I truly hope I live to witness how this all happens first hand.

There are only a few mentions of translator in the scriptures.

"And again, the duty of the President of the office of the High Priesthood is to preside over the whole church, and to be like unto Moses—
Behold, here is wisdom; yea, to be a seer, a revelator, a translator, and a prophet, having all the gifts of God which he bestows upon the head of the church."
(Doctrine and Covenants 107:91-92)

"I give unto you my servant Joseph to be a presiding elder over all my church, to be a translator, a revelator, a seer, and prophet."
(Doctrine and Covenants 124:125)

"Now Ammon said unto him: I can assuredly tell thee, O king, of a man that can translate the records; for he has wherewith that he can look, and translate all records that are of ancient date; and it is a gift from God. And the things are called interpreters, and no man can look in them except he be commanded, lest he should look for that he ought not and he should perish. And whosoever is commanded to look in them, the same is called seer.
And behold, the king of the people who are in the land of Zarahemla is the man that is commanded to do these things, and who has this high gift from God.
And the king said that a seer is greater than a prophet.
And Ammon said that a seer is a revelator and a prophet also; and a gift which is greater can no man have, except he should possess the power of God, which no man can; yet a man may have great power given him from God."
(Mosiah 8:13-16)

Day 3610

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 20:38

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 20:38
" The duty of the elders, priests, teachers, deacons, and members of the church of Christ—An apostle is an elder, and it is his calling to baptize;"

I love it while reading the scriptures that little things I had questions on will stand out. I had wondered why we called the twelve apostles Elders. Why didn't we call them Apostle Bednar or Apostle Soares? This was such a little question that I just never stopped to find out why. Here it is in the scriptures. An apostle is an Elder and that is why we say Elder Uchtdorf and not Apostle Uchtdorf.

"Years ago, President Boyd K. Packer observed that “the priesthood is greater than any of its offices. … The priesthood is not divisible. An elder holds as much priesthood as an Apostle. (See  D&C 20:38 When a man [has the priesthood conferred upon him], he receives all of it. However, there are offices within the priesthood—divisions of authority and responsibility. … Sometimes one office is spoken of as being ‘higher than’ or ‘lower than’ another office. Rather than ‘higher’ or ‘lower,’ offices in the Melchizedek Priesthood represent different areas of service.” [Boyd K. Packer, “What Every Elder Should Know—and Every Sister as Well: A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government,” Ensign, Feb. 1993] Brethren, I devoutly hope that we will no longer speak in terms of being “advanced” to another office in the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Elders will continue to be ordained high priests when they are called to a stake presidency, high council, or bishopric—or at other times as determined by the stake president through prayerful consideration and inspiration. When their terms of service in a stake presidency, high council, or bishopric are completed, high priests will rejoin the elders quorum in their ward."
(Elder D. Todd Christofferson, "The Elders Quorum", April 2018 General Conference)

Day 3609

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 19:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 19:5
"Wherefore, I revoke not the judgments which I shall pass, but woes shall go forth, weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth, yea, to those who are found on my left hand."

The "weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth" is a constant thought weighting on me, as I stand as a witness in these the latter part of the last days. I can see how when eyes are opened to what they have supported and the awful course they have put us on, they will truly mourn for what they have done. I hope their eyes are opened in time and not a condition of "endless torment". I truly hope there is time to repent. Much sorrow will be felt over being deceived but that is the price you pay for repentance.

Day 3608

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 18:37-38

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 18:37-38
"And now, behold, I give unto you, Oliver Cowdery, and also unto David Whitmer, that you shall search out the Twelve, who shall have the desires of which I have spoken;
And by their desires and their works you shall know them."

This revelation was received in June 1829. That was even before the church was organized. I had not placed that the searching out of the twelve apostles was given to Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer at such an early point. It wasn't until 1835 that the twelve were called.

"The twelve traveling councilors are called to be the Twelve Apostles, or special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world—thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling."
(Doctrine and Covenants 107:23)

Doctrine and Covenants 18:37. “You shall search out the Twelve”
At the time that the revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 18 was given, Martin Harris was not addressed in the Lord’s instructions. However, Martin later joined with Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer in selecting the Twelve Apostles. The Three Witnesses, who had received a special witness of the truthfulness of the Restoration, fulfilled their assignment to “search out the Twelve” (D&C 18:37), who were then ordained as Apostles. When the Apostles were called in February 1835, Oliver Cowdery stated that from the time this revelation was received in 1829, “our minds have been on a constant stretch to find who these Twelve were” (in The Joseph Smith Papers, Documents, Volume 1: July 1828–June 1831, 70).
(Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, Chapter 6: Doctrine and Covenants 7; 13; 18)

Day 3607

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 17:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 17:1
"Behold, I say unto you, that you must rely upon my word, which if you do with full purpose of heart, you shall have a view of the plates, and also of the breastplate, the sword of Laban, the Urim and Thummim, which were given to the brother of Jared upon the mount, when he talked with the Lord face to face, and the miraculous directors which were given to Lehi while in the wilderness, on the borders of the Red Sea."

This reminded me of a video on the lost 116 pages of the Book of Mormon. It told a story of where the Nephites received the Urim and Thummim given to the brother of Jared. King Mosiah obviously had them, but how did he get them?

Fayette Lapham, a Palmyra resident, reported hearing a narrative from Joseph Smith Sr. on how the Nephites got the Jaredite interpreters. They spoke in 1829 but Lapham didn't record it until 1870. Some of the interview is questionable but then parts made sense and fill in what was missing in the 116 pages. After coming to the new world the Nephites were on an exodus, and had a portable tabernacle with them. It is supposed this maybe when the first king Mosiah was warned to flee out of the land of Nephi and led to the land of Zarahemla. They were lead by the Liahona to an object but didn't know what it was or now to use it. He went into the tabernacle to inquire of the Lord.

"They also found something of which they did not know the use, but when they went into the tabernacle a voice said, "What have you got in your hand, there?" They replied that they did not know, but had come to inquire; when the voice said "Put it on our face, and put your face in a skin, and you will see what it is." They did so, and could see everything of the past, present, and future; and it was the same spectacles that Joseph found with the gold places. The gold ball stopped here and ceased to direct them any further;"
(Book of Mormon Evidence, "Joseph Smith Sr. Spoke about the Translation with Fayette Lapham", by Rian Nelson, 31 Mar 2022)

Covering the face with an animal skin to see through the interpreters makes a whole lot of sense now why Joseph but his face into an hat made of beaver skin to translate the Book of Mormon. How they found the interpreters and then the Liahona stopped working answers questions we have wondered on.

Start at 16:30

Day 3606

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 16:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 16:6
"And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen."

I thought about those that I have shared the gospel with and will find such sweet joy to see them in my Father's kingdom. Then I reflected on the sorrow that would be there if I had never shared the gospel with them. How sad to think of those that are lost. I can see how this would be of the most worth to us.

Day 3605

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 15:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 15:3
"And I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee alone—"

God knows the thoughts and intents of our hearts. We cannot hide anything from Him. He knows our sins and earnest desires. He is a perfect confidant and friend.

"Yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart."
(Doctrine and Covenants 6:16)

“For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?”  (Mosiah 5:13)
Now, you will still be startled, as President Benson said you would be, to realize how familiar the face of our Heavenly Father is. But when you see him, you will know his voice, because you will have prayed, listened, obeyed, and come to share the thoughts and intents of his heart. You will have drawn nearer to him."
(Henry B. Eyring, "To Draw Closer to God", Apr 1991 General Conference)

Day 3604

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 14:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 14:8
"And it shall come to pass, that if you shall ask the Father in my name, in faith believing, you shall receive the Holy Ghost, which giveth utterance, that you may stand as a witness of the things of which you shall both hear and see, and also that you may declare repentance unto this generation."

Our family has spoken together recently on being witnesses. There isn't much we can comment on to others about world events because we are trying to be non-contentious as the prophet asked. That leaves us as standing as witnesses of what is happening. We are in the later part of the last days and prophesy is being fulfilled. The Lord's coming to his saints is drawing near. It's so important to have the Spirit to always be with you, with eyes that see and ears that hear and know and understand. I pray for that daily. Just like I pray for forgiveness and repent daily. I just don't want to leave anything undone. I don't know if sharing my daily favorite verse counts as declaring repentance to others. I just hope it touches anyone's heart that needs to turn back to God. If you need to repent I hope you feel it and do it.

Day 3603

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 13:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 13:1
"Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness."

I wondered what the offering in righteousness to the Lord would be? How could it be an animal sacrifice when it represented the Lord and his ultimate sacrifice, and that was done away when He fulfilled the law?

"Therefore, it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice, and then shall there be, or it is expedient there should be, a stop to the shedding of blood; then shall the law of Moses be fulfilled; yea, it shall be all fulfilled, every jot and tittle, and none shall have passed away."
(Alma 34:13)

"And ye shall offer up unto me no more the shedding of blood; yea, your sacrifices and your burnt offerings shall be done away, for I will accept none of your sacrifices and your burnt offerings."
(3 Nephi 9:19)

I do believe that offering is as Joseph Smith, Jr. epistle stated, found in the Doctrine and Covenants. This is why there is such an emphasis on family history work and attending the temple as often as possible.

"Behold, the great day of the Lord is at hand; and who can abide the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap; and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. Let us, therefore, as a church and a people, and as Latter-day Saints, offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness; and let us present in his holy temple, when it is finished, a book containing the records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation."
(Doctrine and Covenants 128:24)

Day 3602

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 12:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 12:8
"And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care."

The word that came to mind is hypocrite. To try and assist in God's work without humility, love, faith, hope, charity, temperance or care, one would smell of hypocrisy. I thought of those that have fallen away because they found such among men in the church of God. It is a sad thing and much will fall upon their heads when the Lord judges them. None of us are perfect and have much to work on, but to be lacking in all areas they would be a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Day 3601

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 11:12, 22

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 11:12, 22
"And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit.
But now hold your peace; study my word which hath gone forth among the children of men, and also study my word which shall come forth among the children of men, or that which is now translating, yea, until you have obtained all which I shall grant unto the children of men in this generation, and then shall all things be added thereto."

I had a question today and these two verses answered it. I know the course I am on and what the Spirit has told me. I will not go amiss if I continue to study God's words, through scriptures and the prophets, and not books or man's wisdom about the scriptures. To many are trying to wrest the scriptures and make evil sound good. I just need to not listen to them, as tempting as that can be.

"Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous."
(Deuteronomy 16:19)

"As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction."
(2 Peter 3:16)

"Now I need not rehearse the matter; what I have said may suffice. Behold, the scriptures are before you; if ye will wrest them it shall be to your own destruction."
(Alma 13:20)

Day 3600

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 10:8, 34, 45

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 10:8, 34, 45
"And because you have delivered the writings into his hands, behold, wicked men have taken them from you.
But behold, here is wisdom, and because I show unto you wisdom, and give you commandments concerning these things, what you shall do, show it not unto the world until you have accomplished the work of translation.
Behold, there are many things engraven upon the plates of Nephi which do throw greater views upon my gospel; therefore, it is wisdom in me that you should translate this first part of the engravings of Nephi, and send forth in this work."

Seventy verses in this chapter and each one of them holds so much to ponder on. It was hard to pick a favorite. What I liked about these verses are they contained things I had not considered before. In verse 10 the Lord said "wicked men" had taken the 116 pages that were lost. He really could have said a women if Martin Harris' wife Lucy was among them. Lucy was affiliated with the Quaker's and on her death bed confirmed again that she had nothing to do with the lost pages. People of faith don't lie on their death beds, especially a Quaker.

In verse 34 I thought about how those that stole the 116 pages probably figured up until they read the Book of Mormon that they were going to prove Joseph was a false prophet by changing what was in those 116 pages. They had no idea that the book of Lehi was not retranslated.

In verse 45 I thought about how the better part is what was given us. How often I have had disappointments and things not go my way, according to my will. Yet, the Lord blesses me more after the trial of my faith. He brings me to something better. It's been a school of hard knocks but I have learn from repeated experience that the Lord knows best.

Day 3599

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 9:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 9:8
"But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right."

You cannot have an intellectual testimony of the gospel. You cannot know intellectually that God exists, and that Jesus Christ atoned for your sins. Yes, it is essential to ponder and study the word of God. Pray to know if it is true. Then the spirit will testify if the desire to know is sincere. I have learned many things through the spirit but I cannot intellectually explain it. Feelings is are what I have to go on.

Day 3598

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 8:2-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 8:2-3
"Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.
Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground."

I had a question today. I was trying to make sense of why I see things one way and some others see it drastically different. Am I just not seeing things clearly? I do this to check myself and make sure I'm not going off track. Yet in my heart I knew my impressions on the matter were correct. As I read these verses again I reflected on this question. Then into my mind I recalled an experience I had and how I was given exact instructions on how to prepare for what was coming. I followed those impressions. The event happened and I was prepared. What was prepared in advance was a blessing to me and my family. After recalling that experience I knew the answer to the question haunting me all day. I know today, just like I did when I was given exact instructions on how to prepare earlier. The same spirit of revelation confirms that to me. I am not off track and I have no need to question what I am seeing.

Day 3597

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 7:4, 8

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 7:4, 8
"And for this cause the Lord said unto Peter: If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? For he desired of me that he might bring souls unto me, but thou desiredst that thou mightest speedily come unto me in my kingdom.
Verily I say unto you, ye shall both have according to your desires, for ye both joy in that which ye have desired."

I pondered on how God's children are not cookie cutters of each other. We have various gifts and talents. We find joy differently. This is not the happiness some find in wickedness. I mean in righteous things. John wanted to tarry on the earth and brings souls until Christ, while Peter wanted to speedily come unto the Lord's kingdom and not remain until the end. Both were righteous desires that brought them each joy. As Paul said all members of the body are needed. Some are the foot, others the eyes. We should not concern ourselves over what others desire or feel superior to them.

"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another."
(1 Corinthians 12:12, 25)

Day 3596

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 6:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 6:12
"Make not thy gift known unto any save it be those who are of thy faith. Trifle not with sacred things."

This made me ponder on how just because someone is of the same faith as me doesn't mean I should share things with them. I have had several experiences in my life after sharing sacred experiences that those that should have understood turn on me. They did not see the sacred experience instead they sought to condemned me for having one. Now I am extremely guarded and protective to not open sacred things or experiences to being mocked or condemned.

"But as you cannot always judge the righteous, or as you cannot always tell the wicked from the righteous, therefore I say unto you, hold your peace until I shall see fit to make all things known unto the world concerning the matter."
(Doctrine and Covenants 10:37)

Day 3595

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 5:34

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 5:34
"Yea, for this cause I have said: Stop, and stand still until I command thee, and I will provide means whereby thou mayest accomplish the thing which I have commanded thee."

The means the Lord provided was a scribe, named Oliver Cowdery. It made me think of how we cannot predeterime how any of the signs of the time will come to past.

Day 3594