Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 92:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 92:1
"Verily, thus saith the Lord, I give unto the united order, organized agreeable to the commandment previously given, a revelation and commandment concerning my servant Frederick G. Williams, that ye shall receive him into the order. What I say unto one I say unto all."

This made me look for the times the Lord has said "What I say unto one I say unto all." It also also made me think about Nephi and how he likened all scripture to ourselves. I try to apply that while reading the scriptures.

"And now I give unto you a commandment that what I say unto one I say unto all, that you shall forewarn your brethren concerning these waters, that they come not in journeying upon them, lest their faith fail and they are caught in snares;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 61:36)

"And now, verily I say unto you, and what I say unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 61:18)

"Therefore, what I say unto one I say unto all: Watch, for the adversary spreadeth his dominions, and darkness reigneth;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 82:5)

"What I say unto one I say unto all; pray always lest that wicked one have power in you, and remove you out of your place."
(Doctrine and Covenants 93:49)

"And verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my voice unto all. Amen."
(Doctrine and Covenants 25:16)

"And what I say unto one, I say unto all men; Watch, therefore, for ye know not at what hour your Lord doth come."
(Matthew 24:49 JST)

"And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning."
(1 Nephi 19:23)

Day 3681

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 91:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 91:3
"Verily, I say unto you, that it is not needful that the Apocrypha should be translated."

I've read the Apocrypha and I think everyone should at least once. There were parts I felt the spirit and other parts I did not. The Lord said there are things true and some things that are not true and are interpolations of men. I can understand how it was not necessary to translate it. When you mingle truth and error the effort to untangle it becomes like salt that has lost its savor. How does it lose its savor? It's by being polluted or contaminated. If you mix sand into salt it has no value as salt any longer. I feel like the experience of reading the Apocrypha was to my benefit but to dig deeper into it would start to go beyond the mark.

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."
(Matthew 5:13)

Day 3680

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 90:24

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 90:24
"Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another."

This is one of my hope scriptures. When things look down and dreary I know all of it will work together for my good. That the Lord is in control. I need faith believing.

"I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise."
(Doctrine and Covenants 82:10)

"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD."
(Isaiah 54:17)

Day 3679

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 89:2-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 89:2-3
"To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days—
Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints."

I pondered and began to research when the word of wisdom became a commandment. The one overwhelming thought I kept having was the history and timing didn't matter. What matters the most is the saints living it today. It is today that we have highly processed food, and meat full of antibiotics and chemicals. We have man telling us grains and carbs are not good and push us to eat things the word of wisdom says to moderate or be sparing. It is today we face evil designs of conspiring men. The desire to make us addicted or become habit-forming, tempting us day and night with incessant advertisements. The word of wisdom is even more critical for the saints in this latter part of the last days. It was given for my day. It is to help the saints that are weak to heal and be made strong.

The word of wisdom is a principle with a promise. It's important to understand what a principle is.
1. fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning.
2. a general scientific theorem or law that has numerous special applications across a wide field.

When we take the word of wisdom as a guide we don't need everything spelled out that is not good for us. We should know based on the principled given us. If you can become addicted to alcohol, tobacco, coffee and tea, then wouldn't other items that cause addiction also be included? We don't need to be commanded in all things. As Joseph Smith said, “I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves.”

"For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward."
(Doctrine and Covenants 58:26)

"Elder John A. Widtsoe wrote: “The reward for keeping the Word of Wisdom is four-fold. 1. Self-control is developed. That is implied in verse 3 of the revelation which states that the Word of Wisdom is ‘adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all Saints, who are or can be called Saints.’ 2. Strength of body, including resistance to contagion, is a result of wise living. 3. Clearness of mind is the gift of those whose bodies are in a healthy condition. 4. Spiritual power comes to all who conquer their appetites, live normally and look upward to God.” (Program of the Church, pp. 39–40.)
(Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, Section 89, The Word of Wisdom)

Day 3678

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 88:63, 68, 83

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 88:63, 68, 83
"Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will."
He that seeketh me early shall find me, and shall not be forsaken."

It was so hard to pick a favorite verse out of the 141 verses in this chapter. So many wonderful thoughts. I decided on these three verses because the thought came to me that the Lord isn't hiding. If we seek Him, we will find Him. If we sanctify ourselves He will come when it's time. If we don't procrastinate in our efforts the promise is sure.

Day 3677

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 87:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 87:1-2
"Verily, thus saith the Lord concerning the wars that will shortly come to pass, beginning at the rebellion of South Carolina, which will eventually terminate in the death and misery of many souls;
And the time will come that war will be poured out upon all nations, beginning at this place."

I'm familiar with this chapter being the prophesy on the Civil War. It was more the header to this section that caught my eye. I didn't recall the mention of tariffs as a cause of the war between the North and the South.

"Revelation and prophecy on war, given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at or near Kirtland, Ohio, December 25, 1832. At this time disputes in the United States over slavery and South Carolina’s nullification of federal tariffs were prevalent. Joseph Smith’s history states that “appearances of troubles among the nations” were becoming “more visible” to the Prophet “than they had previously been since the Church began her journey out of the wilderness.”
(2013 edition, current version online and in the Gospel Library app)

I went back and found an earlier edition of the Doctrine and Covenants to read the header. My eyes were not deceiving me. It wasn't in the earlier header.

"Revelation and prophecy on war, given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, December 25, 1832. HC 1:301–302. This section was received at a time when the brethren were reflecting and reasoning upon African slavery on the American continent and the slavery of the children of men throughout the world."
(1981 Edition of the Doctrine and Covenants)

I searched online to find out a little more about the "South Carolina's nullification of federal tariffs". Then I read the background to the revelation in the Joseph Smith Papers.

"On Christmas Day, 25 December 1832, JS dictated this revelation warning of the outbreak of war across all nations, beginning in South Carolina. Remarking on the context of this revelation, a later JS history states: “Appearances of troubles among the nations, became more visible, this season, than they had previously done, since the church began her journey out of the wilderness.” The Painesville Telegraph of 21 December 1832 highlighted some of these problems. It contained an article titled “Revenge and Magnanimity. A Tale of the Cholera” about the worldwide cholera epidemic, as well as information about a plague in India that was killing 150 to 200 people a day. The newspaper also included extensive coverage of the passage of a resolution by a Nullification Convention held in November in South Carolina. This resolution declared the federal tariff acts of 1828 and 1832, which levied high duties against imports, “null and void” in the state. Many South Carolina residents believed the acts were passed solely to protect northern manufacturing at the expense of the South. Not only did South Carolinians claim the right to nullify the law, they also stated their willingness to “organize a separate Government” should the federal government try to enforce the tariffs in the state. The governor called for two thousand men to form a militia “for the defence of Charleston and its dependencies.” President Andrew Jackson responded quickly to this resolution, stating, according to the Telegraph, “that the laws and the Union must be maintained, at all events.” Because Painesville, Ohio, was only about ten miles from Kirtland, Ohio, it is probable that JS saw or heard about the articles in the 21 December Telegraph within a day or so. These developments troubled JS, who saw in them the threat of the “immediate dissolution” of the United States. Indeed, the 25 December revelation predicted that rebellion on the part of South Carolina would lead not only to civil war and war among nations but also to slave rebellions and an uprising of remnants of the house of Israel. This violence, combined with plague and other natural disasters, would ultimately lead to the “full end of all Nations.” Using millenarian language, the revelation cast such events as portents of the return of Jesus Christ to the earth"
(The Joseph Smith Papers, Revelation, 25 December 1832 [D&C 87], JSP, D2:328–331)

This really gives me pause because we are facing very similar issues in our nation today. What was an issue regarding slavery and tariffs is now an issue regarding tariffs and migrants today. Things are just not looking very pretty. This chapter also ends with a verse that is frequently quoted for our day.

"Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen."
(Doctrine and Covenants 87:8)

The American Civil War Art Print by Cais Asmiani

Day 3676

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 86:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 86:5
"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;"

This reminded me of a quote by Joseph Fielding Smith regarding the words he heard President Woodruff speak at the Salt Lake Temple dedication in 1893.

"I heard President Wilford Woodruff, in this stand, this same place where I stand, bear witness as he had done in other places, in 1893, and up to the time of his death, that the angels who had been waiting to go forth to reap down the earth had now been sent upon that mission and they were in the earth. Therefore, he said we may look for calamities, for destruction, for plague and bloodshed."
(Joseph Fielding Smith, in Conference Report, Apr. 1946, 154-159)

Day 3675

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 85:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 85:3
"It is contrary to the will and commandment of God that those who receive not their inheritance by consecration, agreeable to his law, which he has given, that he may tithe his people, to prepare them against the day of vengeance and burning, should have their names enrolled with the people of God."

This made me wonder where the scripture was that we refer to tithing as being fire insurance? The footnotes to this verse did not take me there. I looked and did find the one I was thinking of.

"Behold, now it is called today until the coming of the Son of Man, and verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming."
(Doctrine & Covenants 64:23)

I thought about now I don't pay tithing for fire insurance. That doesn't even cross my mind as a reason to pay it. I wondered why I do? I don't know, I think its because I just want to. It's become part of my celestial bookkeeping. I don't think I could balance my budget and make ends meet with the little that I have if I didn't. I've seen to many blessing.

I also looked at the words of Malachi.

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
(Malachi 3:10)

In the day of burning I think we will all say the Lord poured us out a blessing that there was not room enough to receive it.

Day 3674

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 84:23-24

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 84:23-24
"Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God;
But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory."

I have been reflecting on the children of Israel lately. How the Lord asked them to sanctify themselves and He offered to come down in the sight of all the people and they could Hear Him as he spoke to Moses. They would have witnessed an amazing revelation. Yet, when the trumpet sounded they trembled and were not ready to come up to where Moses was. Only Moses could endure God's presence. As the holy mount served as a House of the Lord I have thought on how many times we are instructed to prepare ourselves and attend the temple. President Nelson recently said in the Oct 2024 General Conference: "Here is my promise to you: Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find Him in the temple."

I feel like there is a parallel between the children of Israel and the saints today. Those that want to go up to the House of the Lord and those that don't, wanting someone else to go in their place. I feel there is greater importance in the need to attend the temple today than many are aware of. Those that could attend the temple and won't will feel like very foolish virgins in the end.

Day 3673

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 83:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 83:2
"Women have claim on their husbands for their maintenance, until their husbands are taken; and if they are not found transgressors they shall have fellowship in the church."

This makes me think of the sad situation many families find themselves in. It takes two incomes now to provide for a family. That was not always the case. It is my generation that brought this curse upon our children. I remember back in 1987 when the women of the church gathered in the stakes of Zion to attend a fireside by President Ezra Taft Benson. Women were counseled to not go out to work, to stay home and raise their children. Of course, if there was no father in the home or the father was unable work that would be the mother's responsibility. We would be blessed if we followed this counsel.

After the fireside the women in my stake discussed what was said. I was sickened as I listen to woman after woman get up and say how the prophet didn't understand they needed to go to work. Working provided the money to develop their children's talents. It would give them dance and piano lessons, etc. They weren't working to be rich, they just wanted some nice things. I was a young mother and the whole thing made me ill. They just heard a prophet of God and then the majority of women dismissed everything he said. I bore my testimony that I knew what President Benson said was true. I felt like a lone voice that day. Years later I see what these women did. Now their children that they though needed piano lesson so badly to thrive are mothers of their own, forced to go out to work because of the rising cost of living. We brought this curse upon the generations that came after us. It just breaks my heart.

Day 3672

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 82:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 82:14
"For Zion must increase in beauty, and in holiness; her borders must be enlarged; her stakes must be strengthened; yea, verily I say unto you, Zion must arise and put on her beautiful garments."

This revelation was given in 1832. How must they feel now to see the stakes of Zion around the world, and temples dotting the earth? We are living in the day the Lord spoke of.

"President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) explained: “The rule by which the people of God must live in order to be worthy of acceptance in the sight of God is indicated by [D&C 82:14]. This people must increase in beauty before the world; have an inward loveliness which may be observed by mankind as a reflection in holiness and in those inherent qualities of sanctity. The borders of Zion, where the righteous and pure in heart may dwell, must now begin to be enlarged. The stakes of Zion must be strengthened. All this so that Zion may arise and shine by becoming increasingly diligent in carrying out the plan of salvation throughout the world” (“Strengthen the Stakes of Zion,” Ensign, July 1973, 3).
(Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, "Chapter 30: Doctrine and Covenants 81-83")

Day 3671

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 81:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 81:6
"And if thou art faithful unto the end thou shalt have a crown of immortality, and eternal life in the mansions which I have prepared in the house of my Father."

What a beautiful promise. I pondered on how immortality would not be possible if Jesus Christ had not risen from the dead. He has prepared a place for us with the Father, if we remain faithful. I would gladly take the smallest of cottages in heaven to only be there.

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."
(2 Nephi 31:20)

"And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God."
(Doctrine and Covenants 14:7)

Day 3670

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 80:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 80:3
"Wherefore, go ye and preach my gospel, whether to the north or to the south, to the east or to the west, it mattereth not, for ye cannot go amiss."

I was reflecting on the "mattereth not" and wondered why missionaries usually receive an exact assignment, but in this case it didn't matter. I went to find a little more on it. I was able to find this interesting quote by Elder Bednar.

"I do not believe that the phrase “it mattereth not” as used by the Lord in this scripture suggests that He does not care where His servants labor. In fact, He cares deeply. But because the work of preaching the gospel is the Lord’s work, He inspires, guides, and directs His authorized servants. As missionaries strive to be ever more worthy and capable instruments in His hands and do their best to fulfill faithfully their duties, then with His help they “cannot go amiss”—wherever they serve. Perhaps one of the lessons the Savior is teaching us in this revelation is that an assignment to labor in a specific place is essential and important but secondary to a call to the work."
(David A. Bednar, "Called to the Work", Apr 2017 General Conference)

Day 3669

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 79:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 79:2
"And I will send upon him the Comforter, which shall teach him the truth and the way whither he shall go;"

This made me think of the sacrament prayers and the promise "that they may always have his Spirit to be with them." The key is to always remember the Savior. When we lose sight of the Lord we can travel down paths that will cause the Spirit to leave. I rely on and pray that I will always have the spirit with me. I do not want to ever risk the loss of the spirit. I try to be very conscious of the spirit so I know which way to go. The moment I feel it leave I stop and look at what is going on and consider things wisely. The counsel the Spirit has given me lately is to focus on Him, not the storm.

Day 3668

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 78:3, 14

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 78:3, 14
For verily I say unto you, the time has come, and is now at hand; and behold, and lo, it must needs be that there be an organization of my people, in regulating and establishing the affairs of the storehouse for the poor of my people, both in this place and in the land of Zion—
That through my providence, notwithstanding the tribulation which shall descend upon you, that the church may stand independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world;"

This made me think of the bishop storehouse and the distribution system that we have setup worldwide. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is trying to prepare all that is needful, and so are the saints independently. There is something so comforting knowing this. "If ye are prepared ye shall not fear."

Day 3667

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 77:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 77:9
"Q. What are we to understand by the angel ascending from the east, Revelation 7th chapter and 2nd verse?
A. We are to understand that the angel ascending from the east is he to whom is given the seal of the living God over the twelve tribes of Israel; wherefore, he crieth unto the four angels having the everlasting gospel, saying: Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And, if you will receive it, this is Elias which was to come to gather together the tribes of Israel and restore all things."

This is the verse is reference.
"And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,"
(Revelation 7:2)

In this chapter the Prophet Joseph Smith, Jr. is inquiring of the Lord the meaning of various verses in Revelation. How I wished he had asked even more questions. As I was reading more on these verses I stumbled on this interesting quote by Orson Pratt.

"When the Temple is built the sons of the two Priesthoods, that is, those who are ordained to the Priesthood of Melchizedek, that Priesthood which is after the order of the Son of God, with all its appendages;and those who have been ordained to the Priesthood of Aaron with all its appendages, the former called the sons of Moses, the latter the sons of Aaron, will enter into that Temple in this generation, or in the generation that was living in 1832, and all of them who are pure in heart will behold the face of the Lord and that too before he comes in his glory in the clouds of heaven, for he will suddenly come to his Temple, and he will purify the sons of Moses and of Aaron, until they shall be prepared to offer in that Temple an offering that shall be acceptable in the sight of the Lord. In doing this, he will purify not only the minds of the Priesthood in that Temple, but he will purify their bodies until they shall be quickened, renewed and strengthened, and they will be partially changed, not to immortality, but changed in part that they can be filled with the power 
of God, and they can stand in the presence of Jesus, and behold his face in the midst of that Temple.
This will prepare them for further ministrations among the nations of the earth, it will prepare them to go forth in the days of tribulation and vengeance upon the nations of the wicked, when God will smite them with pestilence, plague and earthquake, such as former generations never knew. Then the servants of God will need to be armed with the power of God, they will need to have that sealing blessing pronounced upon their foreheads that they can stand forth in the midst of these desolations and plagues and not be overcome by them. When John the Revelator describes this scene he says he saw four angels sent forth, ready to hold the four winds that should blow from the four quarters of heaven. Another angel ascended from the east and cried to the four angels, and said, “Smite not the earth now, but wait a little while.” “How long?” “Until the servants of our God are sealed in their foreheads.” What for? To prepare them to stand forth in the midst of these desolations and plagues, and not be overcome. When they are prepared, when they have received a renewal of their bodies in the Lord's Temple, and have been filled with the Holy Ghost and purified as gold and silver in a furnace of fire, then they will be prepared to stand before the nations of the earth and preach glad tidings of salvation in the midst of judgments that are to come like a whirlwind upon the wicked."
(Orson Pratt, "Consecration, Etc.", JD 15:354)

This was the first time I had seen a reference on people receiving a "renewal of their bodies in the Lord's temple". I have personally experienced this phenomenon, at least it was to me. It made me ponder on how much emphasis is being given for us to attend the temple. How it will prepare us for the second coming of the Lord. This must not be just a spiritual preparation, but a physical preparation too.

Day 3666

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 76:22

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 76:22
"And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!"

Such a wonderful chapter. What a marvelous plan God has for us if we truly love Him. There are parts that make me cry because I think of loved ones that have rejected the gospel and Jesus Christ. I simply remind myself it is not my place to judge, it's up to the Lord where you spend eternity. Their story is not fully written yet, there is still time to repent. I turn myself instead to all the glorious promises if I remain faithful. As I asked myself which verse is the most import to me, this was the one. The testimony that Jesus Christ lives. It was only recently that I learned some Christians no longer believe is Jesus Christ's literal resurrection. I cannot understand that. For He is Risen! He Lives!

Day 3665

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 75:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 75:10
"Calling on the name of the Lord for the Comforter, which shall teach them all things that are expedient for them—"

The word expedient stood out to me. I decided to look up its meaning. But the definitions didn't really feel complete.

Expedient = practical or advantageous, suitable to the circumstance, appropriate. Inclined towards methods or means that are advantageous rather than fair or just.
Suitable for achieving a particular end in a given circumstance.
Something done or used to achieve a particular end usually quickly or temporarily: an expedient action or solution.

I decided to look at the dictionary for the time frame. The one I found was from 1828.

EXPE'DIENT, adjective [Latin expediens; expedio, to hasten; Eng. speed.]
1. Literally, hastening; urging forward. Hence, tending to promote the object proposed; fit or suitable for the purpose; proper under the circumstances. Many things may be lawful, which are not expedient
2. Useful; profitable.
3. Quick; expeditious. [Not used.]
(Webster Dictionary 1828)

Now this felt right. The Lord through the Comforter is telling us what is urgent to hasten his purposes. The Lord instructs and teaches differently than the world. We may receive here a little and there a little, enough for what is needful at the time or circumstance. One of the blessings of being part of a true and living church is on-going revelation. A living prophet that speaks with the living Christ. We are told what is expedient for us to accomplish the work. The Spirit will tell us what is needful, when it is needed. That grows faith.

"And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do."
(1 Nephi 4:6)

Day 3664

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 74:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 74:5
"Wherefore, for this cause the apostle wrote unto the church, giving unto them a commandment, not of the Lord, but of himself, that a believer should not be united to an unbeliever; except the law of Moses should be done away among them,"

There are times that a prophet or apostle will speak for himself and not of God. It was the apostle Paul that counseled that you were not to marry an unbeliever. The Lord is saying that the counsel was from Paul and not himself. The doctrine appears to follow the rule of witnesses.

"As to all of these, the wise cautions of Elders D. Todd Christofferson and Neil L. Andersen in earlier general conference messages are important to remember. Elder Christofferson taught: “It should be remembered that not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine. It is commonly understood in the Church that a statement made by one leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, not meant to be official or binding for the whole Church.”
In the following conference, Elder Andersen taught this principle: “The doctrine is taught by all 15 members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. It is not hidden in an obscure paragraph of one talk.” The family proclamation, signed by all 15 prophets, seers, and revelators, is a wonderful illustration of that principle."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Trust in the Lord", Oct 2019 General Conference)

Day 3663

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 73:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 73:4
"And, inasmuch as it is practicable, to preach in the regions round about until conference; and after that it is expedient to continue the work of translation until it be finished."

This work of translation is the Bible. I've always wanted to read the Joseph Smith Translation (JST) of the Bible. It won't be that long before I will start studying the Old Testament again. I would like to read the JST Bible all the way through. I went looking to see where I could get a copy. I really don't want to buy it. Then I remembered the BYU Citation Index website has it. So it looks like a good possibility that this will be my year to start reading it.

"The Prophet Joseph Smith did not “translate” the Bible in the traditional sense of the word. He did not study ancient languages in order to make a new translation into English. Rather, he received the spiritual gift to make inspired revisions. While some of the revisions the Prophet made to the text restored original biblical passages that had been lost, other changes corrected, expanded, and supplemented existing biblical text. Overall, through revelation, Joseph revised passages to reflect the meaning God intended. The changes found today in the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible restore plain and precious truths and covenants once found in the Bible. The Lord explained that the inspired translation would do far more than provide information or even edification for the Saints. He said it was also given for “the salvation of mine own elect”. Furthermore, several revelations contained in the Doctrine and Covenants were received as a direct result of Joseph’s work of translation. The inspired translation of the Bible is further witness of the Prophet Joseph Smith’s divine calling and ministry."
(Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, Chapter 14: Doctrine and Covenants 35-36; 39-40, "Thou shalt write for him")

"The Prophet and Sidney Rigdon worked diligently on the Bible translation from this time until July 2, 1833, when the translators wrote to the brethren in Missouri that they had, that day, completed the translation of the Bible. Portions of Joseph Smith’s translation are now contained in the Pearl of Great Price (the book of Moses and Joseph Smith—Matthew) and in increasingly more languages in the Latter-day Saint edition of the Bible. The Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible had “a significant influence on the Church in the way it shaped the content of the Doctrine and Covenants. More than half of the current Doctrine and Covenants consists of revelations received during the three-year period in which Joseph Smith labored over the Bible translation. Many revelations were received as direct answers to questions Joseph was inspired to ask as his understanding of the gospel expanded during the effort to restore plain and precious parts of the Bible” (Elizabeth Maki, “Joseph Smith’s Bible Translation,” in Revelations in Context, 103, or history.lds.org).
(Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, Chapter 26: Doctrine and Covenants 71-75, "It is expedient to translate again")

Day 3662

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 72:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 72:4
"For he who is faithful and wise in time is accounted worthy to inherit the mansions prepared for him of my Father."

After this general conference my quest has been to study the parable of the ten virgins. Having at least four talks mentioning this parable during general conference, I figure it's pretty important to understand right now. In my quest I have also been trying to understand Hebrew marriage customs. The mansions being prepared made me think of this. After the betrothal the bride and groom lived separately for a year. During this time frame they both had important work to do in preparation of the marriage feast. The bridegroom lived with his father, and worked on building a home to bring his bride to. No one knew the hour or the day when the bridegroom would come for his bride. Only the father of the bridegroom knew because he alone would determine when the house was ready. The bride knew the year and the season which was usually after the harvest. That is why in the parable the ten virgins attending the bride are waiting, for they did not know the exact day or hour of the bridegroom's arrival, but they knew it was any day now.

What I find interesting is what the Lord said to his apostles leading up to his death and resurrection.

"In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."
(John 14:2-3)

After Jesus Christ's death and resurrection he literally went to His Father's house, and as the bridegroom has been preparing a place for all of us.

What is also interesting is in the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord doesn't mention he's preparing a place anymore, instead it says He has prepared them.

"For those that live shall inherit the earth, and those that die shall rest from all their labors, and their works shall follow them; and they shall receive a crown in the mansions of my Father, which I have prepared for them."
(Doctrine and Covenants 59:2)

"Let not your hearts be troubled; for in my Father’s house are many mansions, and I have prepared a place for you; and where my Father and I am, there ye shall be also."
(Doctrine and Covenants 98:18)

That makes me wonder if the homes are prepared what are we waiting for? It must be finishing the harvest before the wedding feast can begin. Which is exactly what we have been told to busy ourselves with.

Day 3661

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 71:5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 71:5-6
"Now, behold this is wisdom; whoso readeth, let him understand and receive also;
For unto him that receiveth it shall be given more abundantly, even power."

I pondered on the great messages during general conference. There was a theme of the parable of the ten virgins. I need to make a study of this parable. The prophet also spoke of charity. I reminded me of the last words of Mormon, that his son Moroni records in the Book of Mormon. He spoke on charity, and their desperate need to have charity, right when their civilization was being destroyed. That is exactly what we were counseled to obtain. I know these words were wisdom for us right now. I need understanding and to put it into practice.

Day 3660

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 70:7, 9

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 70:7, 9
"Nevertheless, inasmuch as they receive more than is needful for their necessities and their wants, it shall be given into my storehouse;
Behold, this is what the Lord requires of every man in his stewardship, even as I, the Lord, have appointed or shall hereafter appoint unto any man."

In the Doctrine and Covenants we learn of the early saints being called to live the United Firm or Law of Consecration. This is how the Lord would provide for the saints, and the building up of the church. Later it is replaced with tithing. In the Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual I learned something new. The stewardship mentioned was regarding the printing of the Doctrine and Covenants and the profit generated from it. The men given this stewardship were to use the funds for their needs and what was more than needful went into the Bishop storehouse. The Lord provided a way to supply for their needs, but they weren't getting rich off church proceeds. It is the same today, no one is rich from serving.

"In the revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 70, the Lord called Martin Harris and William W. Phelps to join the four men who had been previously appointed to serve as stewards over the revelations. These stewards were not only responsible for publishing the revelations but also for managing the revenue generated from the sale of the Book of Commandments. The Lord commanded them to use the profits to provide for their families and to consecrate what was left to the Lord’s storehouse for the benefit of the people in Zion. The Lord organized this joint stewardship according to the principles of the law of consecration."
(Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, Chapter 25: Doctrine and Covenants 66-70, "Stewards over the revelations and commandments")

Day 3659

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 69:3, 8

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 69:3, 8
"And also that he shall continue in writing and making a history of all the important things which he shall observe and know concerning my church;
Preaching and expounding, writing, copying, selecting, and obtaining all things which shall be for the good of the church, and for the rising generations that shall grow up on the land of Zion, to possess it from generation to generation, forever and ever. Amen."

I am so grateful that the Lord called those to keep a record and history of the church since its early days. I made me ponder on how there was much talk about keeping personal journals when I was young. I was very faithful in doing that. I do mourn the loss of keeping one when my children were very young. I have since kept one and being able to go back and check dates when things happened have been vital at times. I do wish I had copies of my parents journals. Sadly, my siblings have them and have not made copies to share.

Day 3658

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 68:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 68:4
"And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation."

This is a very fitting chapter to read after watching three sessions of general conference today. I cannot wait to read the talks and study them, for they are scripture for truly the spirit testified of this. I also find it interesting that as this chapter discusses we were taught the same things in general conference. They spoke of missionaries preaching the gospel, testimonies, baptism, and even the signs of the coming of the Son of Man. We heard words of keeping our covenants, and repentance. Parents were instructed to teach their children the gospel and to walk uprightly before the Lord. It was a wonderful day of instruction and being taught of the spirit. I cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Day 3657

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 67:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 67:13
"Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected."

I really like the subject of patience. It is a divine attribute I wish to obtain. It is something I learned the hard way not to pray for, because working those patience muscles really hurt. Having your patience level tested can be really rough when you are not spiritually prepared for it. One thing I have come to appreciate is patience comes a little easier when you leave your will and pride behind you. Knowing things come in the Lord's time, and He knows best on a matter has really helped me to not fight things so hard.

"When the Lord advises us to “continue in patience until [we] are perfected,” He is acknowledging that it takes time and perseverance. Understanding the why of the gospel and the why of the priesthood will help us to see the divine purpose of all of this. It will give us motivation and strength to do the right things, even when they are hard. Staying focused on the basic principles of gospel living will bless us with clarity, wisdom, and direction."
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Why of Priesthood Service", April 2012 General Conference)

"Patience is a process of perfection. The Savior Himself said that in your patience you possess your souls. Or, to use another translation of the Greek text, in your patience you win mastery of your souls.  Patience means to abide in faith, knowing that sometimes it is in the waiting rather than in the receiving that we grow the most. This was true in the time of the Savior. It is true in our time as well, for we are commanded in these latter days to “continue in patience until ye are perfected."
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Continue in Patience", April 2010 General Conference)

Day 3656

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 66:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 66:9
"Lay your hands upon the sick, and they shall recover. Return not till I, the Lord, shall send you. Be patient in affliction. Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

The part "be patient in affliction" reminded me of the recent Facebook post by President Jeffrey R. Holland. He mentioned how there will be trouble and challenges ahead for all of us, before the millennium. But great will be the peace of our children. They will know no fear or terror, if they are taught of the Lord. How important it is for us to be righteous and teach our children the words of the Lord. Afflictions are coming, but the through the divine attribute of patience and relying on the Lord we will receive His protection and power.

"It's a prophecy about the last days. It's a prophecy about Zion and what will yet be established. And it talks about strong stakes, lengthen your cords, and the nice imagery of stakes and how you put up a tent - how you put up a tabernacle in their case. When we have trouble and we're in mortality - and this is not the celestial kingdom, if you thought it was, you took a wrong turn down there, but we're in mortality first - and there are going to be troubles. There's going to be difficulty. There's going to be personal challenges. There's going to be family challenges. There's going to be neighborhood and state and national challenges."
"In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment, but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer.
For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.
O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted! Behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.
And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.
And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.
In righteousness shalt thou be established; thou shalt be far from oppression for thou shalt not fear, and from terror for it shall not come near thee."
(3 Nephi 22:8, 10-14)
"What a terrific, quick series. That's only verse 8 through verse 14. What a marvelous series of reassurances: mercy and kindness, and a covenant of peace, and a strong Zion structure, and our children blessed. And in righteousness they'll be far from fear, and they'll be far from terror. And none of those shall come near us."
(Jeffrey R. Holland, Facebook and Instagram post 27 Mar 2025)

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Day 3655 

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 65:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 65:3
"Yea, a voice crying—Prepare ye the way of the Lord, prepare ye the supper of the Lamb, make ready for the Bridegroom."

As I read this chapter the four times it says to prepare stood out to me. "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." and "be prepared for the days to come.." I feel like general conference will emphases this again. We are preparing a people, ready for the second coming of the Lord. The bar continues to be raised. "The Son of Man shall come down in heaven, clothed in the brightness of his glory, to meet the kingdom of God which is set up on the earth." This is our quest, we must be prepared.

Day 3654

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 64:34

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 64:34
"Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days."

The "willing mind" stood out to me. I pondered on how I can do the Lord's will but if my heart and mind is not in it, then its not enough. At that point doing what's right is only for show. The Lord wants us fully committed. I may not be perfect at what is asked, but I can be willing.

"But remember, the Lord has never required expert, flawless missionary efforts. Instead, “the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind.”
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Missionary Work: Sharing What is in Your Heart", Apr 2019 General Conference)

"But the Lord requires not only outward acts but also your inner thoughts and feelings to be close to the spirit of the law. God “require[s] the heart and a willing mind.” 
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "A Matter of a Few Degrees", Apr 2008 General Conference)

Day 3653