Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 5:14, 16

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 5:14, 16
"And the Gods said: Let us make an help meet for the man, for it is not good that the man should be alone, therefore we will form an help meet for him.
And of the rib which the Gods had taken from man, formed they a woman, and brought her unto the man."

I wish I could recall what I was reading about the creation of Eve. Adam was given Eve as a help meet, it almost sounds like they had no choice. The idea though was as spirits in the pre-existence they would have known each other. Heavenly Father would have known the perfect companion for Adam. They would have been the greatest gift to each other. It would still be a love story for both of them.

Day 3742

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 4:18-19

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 4:18-19
"And the Gods watched those things which they had ordered until they obeyed.
And it came to pass that it was from evening until morning that it was night; and it came to pass that it was from morning until evening that it was day; and it was the fourth time."

I noticed in the creation story in Abraham that each creation period is called night and day after it is determined that what they ordered was obeyed. It was at the end of each creation period not that the creation happened within the night and day. It also mentioned these were called "times" and not "days" like we have in Genesis. Each creation period could have taken millenniums or longer. I also noticed that calling night and day had nothing to do with the sun and moon at first. The heavens were not organized until the fourth "time" it was called night and day.. I wonder if night or darkness could mean without creation, and day is when the creation is born or completed?

Day 3741

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 3:15

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 3:15
"And the Lord said unto me: Abraham, I show these things unto thee before ye go into Egypt, that ye may declare all these words."

Abraham is first shown the order of the sun, moon and stars through the Urim and Thummim the Lord gave him. He is instructed in the order and set timing and revolutions of the planets until you reach Kolob which is nearest to God. In God's time a day equals a thousand years for man. Then the Lord put his hands on Abraham's eyes and showed him the eternal nature of spirits, pre-earth life and foreordination. What I pondered on was this was all shown to him so he could declare these words when he went into Egypt. It made we wonder how much astronomy Abraham was able to bring to them?

Day 3740

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 2:6, 12, 19

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 2:6, 12, 19
"But I, Abraham, and Lot, my brother’s son, prayed unto the Lord, and the Lord appeared unto me, and said unto me: Arise, and take Lot with thee; for I have purposed to take thee away out of Haran, and to make of thee a minister to bear my name in a strange land which I will give unto thy seed after thee for an everlasting possession, when they hearken to my voice.
Now, after the Lord had withdrawn from speaking to me, and withdrawn his face from me, I said in my heart: Thy servant has sought thee earnestly; now I have found thee;
And the Lord appeared unto me in answer to my prayers, and said unto me: Unto thy seed will I give this land."

The Lord appeared to Abraham at least twice in this chapter. Abraham prayed in Haran and the Lord appeared to him there. Built an altar in the land of Jershon and made offerings and prayed. Came to Sechem in the plains of Moreh and offered sacrifice and called on the Lord devoutly, and the Lord appeared to him. Then between Bethel and Hai he built another altar and called on the Lord. As I was counting all the times Abraham stopped to built an altar, make offerings and prayed it made me think of all the temples that dot the earth right now. We can be like Abraham and seek the Lord earnestly and we will find him.

"Here is my promise to you: Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find Him in the temple. You will feel His mercy. You will find answers to your most vexing questions. You will better comprehend the joy of His gospel."
(Russell M. Nelson, "The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again", Oct 2024 General Conference)

Day 3739

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 1:23-25

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 1:23-25
"The land of Egypt being first discovered by a woman, who was the daughter of Ham, and the daughter of Egyptus, which in the Chaldean signifies Egypt, which signifies that which is forbidden;
When this woman discovered the land it was under water, who afterward settled her sons in it; and thus, from Ham, sprang that race which preserved the curse in the land.
Now the first government of Egypt was established by Pharaoh, the eldest son of Egyptus, the daughter of Ham, and it was after the manner of the government of Ham, which was patriarchal."

So much history explained in the book of Abraham. The Bible mentions the sons of Ham as Cush, Mizraim, Phut and Canaan. It excludes mention that Ham's wife was Egyptus and she was of Canaanite. This is how the blood of the Canaanites (with darkened skin) was preserved after the flood. Ham and Egyptus had a daughter named Egyptus. This daughter discovered the land still under water after the flood and it was named Egypt. Her first son was called Pharaoh. He was a righteous man but did not hold the priesthood. The right of priesthood was limited to a few.

"At times in the past, the power and authority to act in the name of the Lord was bestowed upon only a few worthy males and withheld from all others. In the days of Moses’s leadership of the children of Israel, for example, only the tribe of Levi had the privilege to hold the priesthood (see Numbers 8:5–26). Our day is the “long-promised day … when every faithful, worthy man in the Church may receive the holy priesthood.”
(Pearl of Great Price Student Manual, "Abraham 1:4-31: Facsimile 1")

Understanding how limited the priesthood was I can understand why Abraham was so desirous to have this blessing. His fathers had turned from their righteousness. I would think the priesthood was in jeopardy of being lost to their line.

"And, finding there was greater happiness and peace and rest for me, I sought for the blessings of the fathers, and the right whereunto I should be ordained to administer the same; having been myself a follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge, and to be a father of many nations, a prince of peace, and desiring to receive instructions, and to keep the commandments of God, I became a rightful heir, a High Priest, holding the right belonging to the fathers.
It was conferred upon me from the fathers; it came down from the fathers, from the beginning of time, yea, even from the beginning, or before the foundation of the earth, down to the present time, even the right of the firstborn, or the first man, who is Adam, or first father, through the fathers unto me.
I sought for mine appointment unto the Priesthood according to the appointment of God unto the fathers concerning the seed."
(Abraham 1:2-4)

Day 3738

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 8:25-26

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 8:25-26
"And it repented Noah, and his heart was pained that the Lord had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at the heart.
And the Lord said: I will destroy man whom I have created, from the face of the earth, both man and beast, and the creeping things, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth Noah that I have created them, and that I have made them; and he hath called upon me; for they have sought his life."

Comparing this verse to Genesis 6:6-7 and the Joseph Smith Translation found in Genesis 8:13-14)
"And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them."

"And it repented Noah, and his heart was pained that the LORD made man on the earth, and it grieved him at the heart.
And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man, and beast, and the creeping things, and the fowls of the air,"
(JST Genesis 8:13-14)

The difference is in who repented. It wasn't the Lord it was Noah. There is also another explanation here in the Hebrew word used.

"The Hebrew word used here, and translated repented in the Bible, is nacham (naw-kham), which literally means “to sigh,” “to breathe strongly,” “to be sorry,” “to pity.”
(Pearl of Great Price Student Manual, "Moses 8")

Noah was a just man, and perfect in his generation. After trying to preach the gospel there were people that wanted to kill him. Yet, I can see this great sorrow he must have had. He tried to warn them and change their hearts, knowing that destruction would come otherwise. Noah and his righteous sons would be saved with their wives, but none else. I pondered on how as wicked as this world gets before the Savior's Second Coming we need the heart of Noah. We need to feel sorrow and pity for those that chose the wrong path. We do all that we can for as long as we can, until the Lord says it's enough. I feel really bad when I hear people say they can't wait for the second coming with the intent that the wicked are destroyed. That should never feel like a good thing. Otherwise, we lose the humanity within us. We won't have the right spirit about us. I think at the Lord's Second Coming it will be both a great and dreadful day for the righteous. How could we not mourn for the millions that are gone, family and friends, no matter how bad they were.

Day 3737

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 7:65-66

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 7:65-66
"And it came to pass that Enoch saw the day of the coming of the Son of Man, in the last days, to dwell on the earth in righteousness for the space of a thousand years;
But before that day he saw great tribulations among the wicked; and he also saw the sea, that it was troubled, and men’s hearts failing them, looking forth with fear for the judgments of the Almighty God, which should come upon the wicked."

I thought about if I look with fear for the judgments of God. I honestly don't, but I think I would if I wasn't praying for forgiveness every day. When I used to bottle things up and repent when I was all weighted down it was a different story. I am so grateful I learned repentance is needed every day. Not to let things come to a head before I set my life in order. Correction is so much easier when its done in small increments and not when thrown completely off track. I'm also grateful for being able to take the sacrament each Sunday. I think these things bring peace into your life no matter what is swirling around you.

"Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."
(Luke 21:26)

Day 3736

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 6:5-6, 8, 46-47

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 6:5-6, 8, 46-47
"And a book of remembrance was kept, in the which was recorded, in the language of Adam, for it was given unto as many as called upon God to write by the spirit of inspiration;
And by them their children were taught to read and write, having a language which was pure and undefiled. 
Now this prophecy Adam spake, as he was moved upon by the Holy Ghost, and a genealogy was kept of the children of God. And this was the book of the generations of Adam, saying: In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him.
For a book of remembrance we have written among us, according to the pattern given by the finger of God; and it is given in our own language.
And as Enoch spake forth the words of God, the people trembled, and could not stand in his presence."

A book of remembrance was created in the beginning in the Adamic language. The pure language of God that was confounded at the Tower of Babel. It was preserved with Jared and his brother and those that came with them to their new land of inheritance. It was this land. They had the Adamic language, and their records would have been written in them. This is what Moroni said about the record left by Ether that would have been in this same language.

"And thou hast made us that we could write but little, because of the awkwardness of our hands. Behold, thou hast not made us mighty in writing like unto the brother of Jared, for thou madest him that the things which he wrote were mighty even as thou art, unto the overpowering of man to read them."
(Ether 12:24)

What must it be like to hear the words of God as Enoch spoke them, or read what Ether recorded?

Day 3735

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 5:6-9

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 5:6-9
"And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me. 
And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth.
Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore.
And in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, which beareth record of the Father and the Son, saying: I am the Only Begotten of the Father from the beginning, henceforth and forever, that as thou hast fallen thou mayest be redeemed, and all mankind, even as many as will."

I looked at when the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, it was after he repented and understood the Savior's role in his life. He had offered sacrifices as the Lord had commanded, but he was still ignorant as to why. Once it was explained that all was to be done in the name of the Son, and to repent, Adam understood and the Spirit could confirm the truthfulness of it to him.

"(May 17th, 1843.) The more sure word of prophecy means a man’s knowing that he is sealed up unto eternal life, by revelation and the spirit of prophecy, through the power of the Holy Priesthood.
It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance."
(Doctrine and Covenants 131:5-6

Day 3734

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 4:6
"And Satan put it into the heart of the serpent, (for he had drawn away many after him,) and he sought also to beguile Eve, for he knew not the mind of God, wherefore he sought to destroy the world."

I thought about how comforting it is to know that Satan doesn't know the mind of God. Satan or Lucifer knows parts of the plan of salvation, and knew us in the pre-existence as spirit children of God, but not everything. We ourselves don't even know the mind of God. How trials and difficulties, the road blocks of life caused by others, God will use them for our good. It will direct and move us into paths to further His work and our progression. All while allowing us to choose for ourselves and learn from experience. I often think of the mobs that persecuted the saints. In turn driving them to the rocky mountains where the church could blossom and establish itself and the headquarters of the church. We needed the roots and strength of spirit to flood the earth with his word. God knows his children well. He knows what combination of children won't play nicely in the sandbox together. Any mother can tell you this. On this earth are some of the greatest spirits, and then some of the most wicked. All of them are needed to bring about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. All of us free to decide which side we are on.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD."
(Isaiah 55:8)

Day 3733

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 3:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 3:1
"Thus the heaven and the earth were finished, and all the host of them."

I wondered who "all the host of them" were? I started to look at the footnotes.

"And it came to pass that Adam, being tempted of the devil—for, behold, the devil was before Adam, for he rebelled against me, saying, Give me thine honor, which is my power; and also a third part of the hosts of heaven turned he away from me because of their agency;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 29:36)

The third part of the hosts of heaven were Satan and his angels, all those that rebelled against God and were cast out. So automatically some of these other hosts are the two-thirds of spirit children that would be worthy to come to earth and obtain physical bodies.

"Thus saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, the Great I AM, Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the same which looked upon the wide expanse of eternity, and all the seraphic hosts of heaven, before the world was made;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 38:1)

seraphic hosts = Seraphim
"Probably fiery beings. Angelic beings mentioned in the account of Isaiah’s vision (Isa. 6:2). They are represented as winged and partly human in form. They are attendants in Jehovah’s court, the ministers of the heavenly sanctuary, joining in adoration before the throne." (Bible Dictionary)

The spirits of man and the heavenly beings were all created before we can to this earth. This earth had a divine plan and purpose. It was not formed by accident.

"The Prophet Joseph Smith (1805–44) said: “Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was. I suppose that I was ordained to this very office in that Grand Council” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 511).
President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876–1972) taught: “The Lord informed Abraham that he had chosen rulers from among the intelligences that were organized, to be given in various capacities down the ages; and Abraham was one of these who was so chosen [see Abraham 3:22–23].“It is reasonable to believe that in the beginning, before the earth was prepared, the Lord would have all things organized from the beginning to the end of time. It is written in the scriptures: ‘Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the hosts of them.’ This is equivalent to the Lord’s saying that everything was in preparation to be placed on the earth in its due course when mankind should be placed upon it” (Answers to Gospel Questions, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith Jr. [1966], 5:182).

(Pear of Great Price Student Manual, "Moses 3:1-25")

Day 3732

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 2:3-4

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 2:3-4
"And I, God, said: Let there be light; and there was light.
And I, God, saw the light; and that light was good. And I, God, divided the light from the darkness."

I pondered on how simple a verse it is to say "Let there be light", and there was. As if the creation of light was like flicking a light switch on. I thought about how light is the first condition needed to commence a project or work. God was creating a world, a place for man to dwell, and we needed light. Looking at the footnotes on light it took me to the source and power of that light.

"He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth;
Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made.
As also he is in the moon, and is the light of the moon, and the power thereof by which it was made;
As also the light of the stars, and the power thereof by which they were made;
And the earth also, and the power thereof, even the earth upon which you stand.
And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings;
Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space—
The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things."
(Doctrine and Covenants 88:6-13)

This made me ponder on how important it is to seek this light before undertaking the work that needs to be done. How important it is to seek God in prayer when I start my day and in the evening when I end it. This light of Christ will guide me in what I need to do.

Day 3731

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 1:36, 40-41

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 1:36, 40-41
And it came to pass that Moses spake unto the Lord, saying: Be merciful unto thy servant, O God, and tell me concerning this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, and also the heavens, and then thy servant will be content.
And now, Moses, my son, I will speak unto thee concerning this earth upon which thou standest; and thou shalt write the things which I shall speak.
And in a day when the children of men shall esteem my words as naught and take many of them from the book which thou shalt write, behold, I will raise up another like unto thee; and they shall be had again among the children of men—among as many as shall believe."

I'm now in the Pearl of Great Price. While Joseph Smith was translating the Bible he received by revelation these extracts from the Book of Moses. As I was reading this chapter I kept thinking about the Five Books of Moses in the Bible, which include Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. I wondered if they were oral traditions that Moses wrote down or revelations? In these verses I think I have my answer. God revealed the creation of this world and all its inhabitants. I can picture that he saw in vision all that took place in the garden of Eden, Noah and the flood, and the building of the Tower of Babel. He saw the beginning and the end of this world. He was commanded to write it. Moses was even shown that one day men would not esteem his words and take many things from the book. The one raised up would be Joseph Smith, restoring what was once lost.

Day 3730

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants Official Declaration 2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants Official Declaration 2
"This, in turn, has inspired us with a desire to extend to every worthy member of the Church all of the privileges and blessings which the gospel affords.
Aware of the promises made by the prophets and presidents of the Church who have preceded us that at some time, in God’s eternal plan, all of our brethren who are worthy may receive the priesthood, and witnessing the faithfulness of those from whom the priesthood has been withheld, we have pleaded long and earnestly in behalf of these, our faithful brethren, spending many hours in the Upper Room of the Temple supplicating the Lord for divine guidance"

I remember when this announcement was made in 1978. We had been aware of the promise that one day all worthy males would receive the priesthood. We speculated amongst ourselves on when this would happen. Then when the day finally came it was nothing like anyone had speculated on how it would unfold. It was a joyous day, that taught me so much. When I hear speculation my reflection on the inside is that is probably not how it will happen.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
(Isaiah 55:8-9)

It also taught me that the prophet doesn't just change things because it sounds like a good idea. He speaks with the Lord, and does not move forward until the Lord has spoken.

Day 3729

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants Official Declaration 1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants Official Declaration 1
"President Lorenzo Snow offered the following:
“I move that, recognizing Wilford Woodruff as the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the only man on the earth at the present time who holds the keys of the sealing ordinances, we consider him fully authorized by virtue of his position to issue the Manifesto which has been read in our hearing, and which is dated September 24th, 1890, and that as a Church in General Conference assembled, we accept his declaration concerning plural marriages as authoritative and binding.”
The vote to sustain the foregoing motion was unanimous.
Salt Lake City, Utah, October 6, 1890."

This official declaration is the manifesto given by President Wilford Woodruff that ended the practice of plural marriage. The chapter header explains that "monogamy is God's standard for marriage unless He declares otherwise." Once the law of the land made this religious practice illegal the prophet sought the will of the Lord. He was shown in vision and by revelation what would happen to the saints if they did not end this practice. They had struggles with some that would not stop and continued to perform plural marriages in the endowment house. The prophet Wilford Woodruff had the endowment house taken down. What I pondered on is how some members think they know better than the prophet. That is such a sad thing. As President Lorenzo Snow very clearly spells out the prophet holds the keys to the sealing ordinances. He alone holds that authority on the earth.

Day 3728

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 138:19, 51

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 138:19, 51
"And there he preached to them the everlasting gospel, the doctrine of the resurrection and the redemption of mankind from the fall, and from individual sins on conditions of repentance.
These the Lord taught, and gave them power to come forth, after his resurrection from the dead, to enter into his Father’s kingdom, there to be crowned with immortality and eternal life,"

It was the "doctrine of the resurrection" that stood out to me. I knew that resurrection is a priesthood ordinance, but I guess its the part about being a doctrine that made me try to find more on it. I found it called further as the "doctrine of the resurrection of the dead". While I was researching this I realized it was referring to the resurrection of the dead that I have always been familiar with.

Then I realized that through the ages people have not believed in the literal resurrection. Jesus dealt with the Sadducees that did not believe in angels, spirits and refused to accept the doctrine of immortality or resurrection.

"Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying,"
(Mark 12:18)

The resurrection is so fundamental to my core beliefs I had to step back and realize that belief is called a doctrine, and it takes faith to believe in it. Death does not have its sting because I believe that one day I will live again with my beloved family members and friends in the Celestial Kingdom of God.

"The Resurrection consists in the uniting of a spirit body with a body of flesh and bones, never again to be divided. The Resurrection shall come to all, because of Christ’s victory over death. Jesus Christ was the first to be resurrected on this earth. Others had been brought back from death but were restored to mortality, whereas a resurrection means to become immortal, with a body of flesh and bone...
One of the most fundamental doctrines taught by the Twelve was that Jesus was risen from the tomb, with His glorified, resurrected body. To obtain a resurrection with a celestial, exalted body is the center point of hope in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Resurrection of Jesus is the most glorious of all messages to mankind.Latter-day revelation confirms the reality of the Resurrection of Christ and of all mankind,"
(Bible Dictionary, Resurrection)

 "Even with the logic of nature’s regeneration and even with the testimony of that empty garden tomb, there are still those who feel the grave is a final destination. But the doctrine of the Resurrection is the single most fundamental and crucial doctrine in the Christian religion. It cannot be overemphasized, nor can it be disregarded.

Without the Resurrection, the gospel of Jesus Christ becomes a litany of wise sayings and seemingly unexplainable miracles—but sayings and miracles with no ultimate triumph. No, the ultimate triumph is in the ultimate miracle: for the first time in the history of mankind, one who was dead raised himself into living immortality. He was the Son of God, the Son of our immortal Father in Heaven, and his triumph over physical and spiritual death is the good news every Christian tongue should speak. The eternal truth is that Jesus Christ arose from the grave and was the firstfruits of the Resurrection. The witnesses of this wonderful occurrence cannot be impeached." (Howard W. Hunter, "An Apostle's Witness of the Resurrection", Apr 1986 General Conference)

"Contrast these events with an incident which happened to me when I was a young man in my early twenties. While serving in the Air Force, one of the pilots in my squadron crashed on a training mission and was killed. I was assigned to accompany my fallen comrade on his final journey home to be buried in Brooklyn. I had the honor of standing by his family during the viewing and funeral services and of representing our government in presenting the flag to his grieving widow at the graveside. The funeral service was dark and dismal. No mention was made of his goodness or his accomplishments. His name was never mentioned. At the conclusion of the services, his widow turned to me and asked, “Bob, what is really going to happen to Don?” I was then able to give her the sweet doctrine of the Resurrection and the reality that, if baptized and sealed in the temple for time and all eternity, they could be together eternally. The clergyman standing next to her said, “That is the most beautiful doctrine I have ever heard.”
The fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ brings great comfort in stressing times of mortality. It brings light where there is darkness and a calming influence where there is turmoil. It gives eternal hope where there is mortal despair. It is more than just beautiful doctrine. It is a reality in our lives that if we can be obedient and obtain the eternal rewards that God grants us, if we will draw nigh unto Him and embrace the eternal doctrine, we will be blessed."
(Robert D. Hales, "The Eternal Family", Oct 1996 General Conference)

"Our new revelations that we have received inform us of a great many individuals that were translated before the flood. We read that a great and mighty Prophet of the Most High God was sent forth in the days of Adam, namely Enoch, the seventh generation from Adam, who lived contemporary with his ancestor Adam; that in his days a great number of people heard the plan of salvation preached to them by the power of the Holy Ghost that rested upon Enoch and those who were called with him; that they received this plan of salvation and gathered themselves out from among the various nations of the earth where they had obeyed the Gospel; that they were instructed, after they assembled in one, in righteousness, for three hundred and sixty-five years; that they learned the laws of the kingdom, and concerning God and every principle of righteousness that was necessary to enable them to enter into the fullness of the glory of heaven; they were instructed to build up a city, and it was called a city of holiness, for God came down and dwelt with that people; he was in their midst, they beheld his glory, they saw his face, and he condescended to dwell among them for many long years, during which time they were instructed and taught in all of his ways, and among other things they learned the great doctrine and principle of translation, for that is a doctrine the same as the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead, which is among the first principles of the plan of salvation; and we may also say that the doctrine of translation, which is intimately connected with that of the resurrection, is also one of the first principles of the doctrine of Christ. They were instructed in relation to this government, the object of it, &c."
(Orson Pratt, "All Nations Believe, etc.", JD 17:145)

Day 3727

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 137:5-8

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 137:5-8
"I saw Father Adam and Abraham; and my father and my mother; my brother Alvin, that has long since slept;
And marveled how it was that he had obtained an inheritance in that kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life before the Lord had set his hand to gather Israel the second time, and had not been baptized for the remission of sins.
Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying: All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God;
Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom;"

In this vision Joseph Smith saw his brother Alvin in the celestial kingdom. He did not understand because Alvin died before the church was restored. He was never baptized. The Lord explains that any that died without a knowledge of the gospel and would have received it are heirs to the celestial kingdom. I reflected on how merciful the Lord is to all. This is why the gospel is preached on both sides of the veil. This is why we perform proxy baptism for our kindred dead.

"Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?"
(1 Corinthians 15:29)

Day 3726

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 136:31

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 136:31
"My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion; and he that will not bear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom."

Why do bad things happen to good people? We must be tried in all things. As I reflect on my trials I can see how much growth came from them. They led me down paths I never would have chosen on my own. What I learned through these experiences, and through relying on the Lord, have become the most valuable education I could ever receive. I don't seek out trials or suffering, but I've come to appreciate the strength and insight they bring. They have brought me closer to the Lord. It's even more rewarding when I can help others through the wisdom that was gained.

Day 3725

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 135:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 135:1
"To seal the testimony of this book and the Book of Mormon, we announce the martyrdom of Joseph Smith the Prophet, and Hyrum Smith the Patriarch. They were shot in Carthage jail, on the 27th of June, 1844, about five o’clock p.m., by an armed mob—painted black—of from 150 to 200 persons. Hyrum was shot first and fell calmly, exclaiming: I am a dead man! Joseph leaped from the window, and was shot dead in the attempt, exclaiming: O Lord my God! They were both shot after they were dead, in a brutal manner, and both received four balls."

I always cry when I read this chapter. I can't really imagine how the saints must have felt to have their beloved prophet Joseph, and patriarch Hyrum martyred. I know it makes me sad almost 181 years later. I don't have much to say about it. It simply makes me sad that they had to die like that. I know they were not taken until they were finished with their work. That finish including sealing their testimonies with their blood.

Day 3724

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 134:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 134:9
"We do not believe it just to mingle religious influence with civil government, whereby one religious society is fostered and another proscribed in its spiritual privileges, and the individual rights of its members, as citizens, denied."

This chapter is "a declaration of belief regarding governments and laws in general". It was adopted by unanimous vote at a general assembly of the church in 1835. As I reviewed each statement of belief this verse seems the most pressing concern for my day. It would be a terrible offense if Christian Nationalism was ever adopted in our land. We cannot force this nation to be Christian. Force does not go with true worship and belief.

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

Day 3723

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 133:2, 10

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 133:2, 10
"The Lord who shall suddenly come to his temple; the Lord who shall come down upon the world with a curse to judgment; yea, upon all the nations that forget God, and upon all the ungodly among you."
"Yea, let the cry go forth among all people: Awake and arise and go forth to meet the Bridegroom; behold and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord."

The parable of the ten virgins was a theme and focus this past general conference. The message being to prepare for the second coming. Whenever I see the Bridegroom mentioned it stands out to me now. When I read verse 10 the thought came, "Where do we go to meet Him?" Like in the parable of ten virgins the cry was made "Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him." (Matthew 25:6) Where would I go to meet the Lord? My answer, I cannot go wrong if I was at His House, the House of the Lord. The place where I am told he will suddenly come. Since general conference I have thought of the oil like a temple recommend. I can't share it with someone else. I cannot hurry and go get one when the call is made. Being prepared is also being ever ready to enter the House of the Lord.

Day 3722

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 132:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 132:13
"And everything that is in the world, whether it be ordained of men, by thrones, or principalities, or powers, or things of name, whatsoever they may be, that are not by me or by my word, saith the Lord, shall be thrown down, and shall not remain after men are dead, neither in nor after the resurrection, saith the Lord your God."

This is the ultimate "you can't take it with you". Everything of this world will burn. In the last few days I've heard multiple times, from various people, the thought of basically what is the real world. In reference to going to the temple and then leaving the "real world" behind you. Or leaving the temple to go back into the "real world". This perspective was wrong. What is "real" is all that is taking place in the temple. The outside world is temporary, not lasting, not eternal. It's almost like being in make believe. I've pondered on how others have been trying to describe this. It really is a paradigm shift.

“Time in the temple puts everything into an eternal frame,” she said. “What we experience inside the temple is real and really important.”
(Wendy Nelson, "Syracuse temple dedication" 8 Jun 2025; Church News "President Nelson dedicates Syracuse Utah Temple, 'a sacred place of revelation')

Day 3721

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 131:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 131:6
"It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance."

I thought upon this verse a little differently. I reflected on performing proxy baptisms and other ordinances for my kindred dead. If they are ignorant of that offering, or reject it out right, it has no saving grace upon them. Man must receive and accept ordinances to be in effect. This made me think of Joseph F. Smith vision of the redemption of the dead, regarding Jesus Christ's ministry between his crucifixion and resurrection. (1 Peter 3:18-20; 1 Peter 4:6)

"And I wondered at the words of Peter—wherein he said that the Son of God preached unto the spirits in prison, who sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah—and how it was possible for him to preach to those spirits and perform the necessary labor among them in so short a time.
And as I wondered, my eyes were opened, and my understanding quickened, and I perceived that the Lord went not in person among the wicked and the disobedient who had rejected the truth, to teach them;
But behold, from among the righteous, he organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead.
And the chosen messengers went forth to declare the acceptable day of the Lord and proclaim liberty to the captives who were bound, even unto all who would repent of their sins and receive the gospel.
Thus was the gospel preached to those who had died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets.
These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands,
And all other principles of the gospel that were necessary for them to know in order to qualify themselves that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit."
(Doctrine and Covenants 138:28-34)

Day 3720

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 130:14-17

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 130:14-17
"I was once praying very earnestly to know the time of the coming of the Son of Man, when I heard a voice repeat the following:
Joseph, my son, if thou livest until thou art eighty-five years old, thou shalt see the face of the Son of Man; therefore let this suffice, and trouble me no more on this matter.
I was left thus, without being able to decide whether this coming referred to the beginning of the millennium or to some previous appearing, or whether I should die and thus see his face.
I believe the coming of the Son of Man will not be any sooner than that time."

The reminded me of another quote of Joseph Smith, Jr.

"Of the Savior’s words that no man knows the day or the hour of the coming of the Son of Man (see Matt. 24:36), the Prophet asked: “Did Christ speak this as a general principle throughout all generations? Oh, no, He spoke in the present tense. No man that was then living upon the footstool of God knew the day or the hour. But He did not say that there was no man throughout all generations that should not know the day or the hour. No, for this would be in flat contradiction with other scripture. For the prophet says that God will do nothing but what He will reveal unto His servants the prophets. Consequently, if it is not made known to the prophets, it will not come to pass.”
(Grant Underwood, "The Prophet Joseph Smith's Use of the Old Testament", Aug 2002 Ensign)

President Nelson also spoke of not knowing the hour or day of the second coming.

"Regular worship in the house of the Lord increases our capacity for both virtue and charity. Thus, time in the temple increases our confidence before the Lord. Increased time in the temple will help us prepare for the Second Coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We do not know the day or the hour of His coming. But I do know that the Lord is prompting me to urge us to get ready for that “great and dreadful day.”
(Russell M. Nelson, "Confidence in the Presence of God", Apr 2025 General Conference)

Then in General Conference we have at least 4 talks that spoke of the parable of the ten virgins. You know what I find interesting? That in Jesus' time the bride and the virgins didn't know the day or the hour that the bridegroom was coming, but they knew the season. It would be after the harvest and the father of the bridegroom said it was time. The reason the virgins are waiting is because they knew the time was close the harvest was ending. Like a woman with child, they knew the month and the year the child is coming.

Another interesting thing about Matthew 24:36 is what comes after it.

"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."
(Matthew 24:36-37)

I asked myself how long was Noah building the ark? I find that some scholars say it between 55 to 75 years. Other scholars consider it was up to 120 years. Now how long has The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint been restored and waiting for the second coming? The 200th anniversary is in 2030. We've been preparing longer than it took Noah to build the ark. What also happened to Noah before the rain came? The Lord told Noah to take all his house into the ark. (It was their temple.) The Lord shut the door, and it was seven days later that the rains started. You cannot tell me that a prophet of God won't know how close we are to the second coming, if the Lord told us it would be like the days of Noah.

Day 3719

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 129:1, 4-5

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 129:1, 4-5
"There are two kinds of beings in heaven, namely: Angels, who are resurrected personages, having bodies of flesh and bones—
When a messenger comes saying he has a message from God, offer him your hand and request him to shake hands with you.
If he be an angel he will do so, and you will feel his hand."

The verses continue to explain - The spirit of a just man made perfect will not move to shake your hand, because it is contrary to the order of heaven to deceive. The devil as an angel will move to shake your hand and you will feel nothing.

Seriously, I have a question and I pondered on it after reading this verse. The question? If Jesus Christ was the first resurrected being how did angels appear to man and touch them before His death and resurrection?

Who were the three holy men that Abraham entertained? (Genesis 18) He fed them, they ate. We know the resurrected Lord could eat. These holy men also delivered a message from God, that Sarah shall have a son. Who did Jacob wrestle with until the breaking of day? (Genesis 32) He was given a message from God, and his name was called Israel. What angel touched Elijah and said to him, Arise and eat? (1 Kings 19) All these events happened before Jesus Christ was resurrected. They all had to have a physical body, yet were messengers from God.

I thought about this verse.

"I answer, Yes. But there are no angels who minister to this earth but those who do belong or have belonged to it.
The angels do not reside on a planet like this earth;
But they reside in the presence of God, on a globe like a sea of glass and fire, where all things for their glory are manifest, past, present, and future, and are continually before the Lord."
(Doctrine and Covenants 130:5-7)

If these messengers from God were not resurrected beings, or spirits what are they? They could only be those that belonged to this earth and now resided in his presence. Then I thought of translated beings like Elijah that was taken up in a whirlwind. (2 Kings 2:11-12) But, Elijah came after Abraham and Jacob, and someone else touched him. Then I remembered Enoch and the entire city of Enoch being translated. They are part of this earth, and people that never died. God received them into his bosom.

"Enoch was twenty-five years old when he was ordained under the hand of Adam; and he was sixty-five and Adam blessed him.
And he saw the Lord, and he walked with him, and was before his face continually; and he walked with God three hundred and sixty-five years, making him four hundred and thirty years old when he was translated."
(Doctrine and Covenants 107:48-49)

"By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God." (Hebrew 11:5)

"And Enoch and all his people walked with God, and he dwelt in the midst of Zion; and it came to pass that Zion was not, for God received it up into his own bosom; and from thence went forth the saying, ZION IS FLED."
(Moses 7:69)

Feeling like I was finally understanding, I looked for some confirmation that angels include translated beings of flesh and bones.

"There are two kinds of beings in heaven who are called angels: those who are spirits and those who have bodies of flesh and bone. Angels who are spirits have not yet obtained a body of flesh and bone, or they are spirits who have once had a mortal body and are awaiting resurrection. Angels who have bodies of flesh and bone have either been resurrected from the dead or translated."
(Bible Dictionary, Angels)

"He explained the difference between an angel and a ministering spirit; the one a resurrected or translated body, with its spirit ministering to embodied spirits—the other a disembodied spirit, visiting and ministering to disembodied spirits. Jesus Christ became a ministering spirit (while His body was lying in the sepulchre) to the spirits in prison, to fulfill an important part of His mission, without which He could not have perfected His work, or entered into His rest. After His resurrection He appeared as an angel to His disciples. Translated bodies cannot enter into rest until they have undergone a change equivalent to death. Translated bodies are designed for future missions. The angel that appeared to John on the Isle of Patmos was a translated or resurrected body [i.e., personage]. Jesus Christ went in body after His resurrection, to minister to resurrected bodies. There has been a chain of authority and power from Adam down to the present time."
(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 191)

Translated bodies are designed for future missions. That makes so much sense now on who God sent to prophets before Jesus Christ's death and resurrection.

Day 3718

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 128:24

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 128:24
"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."

This chapter is full of so many wonderful things to quote. So hard to pick a favorite. I picked the one that I am a part of. My work is family history. I am helping my family and other people's families to put together this book of humankind. One branch, one twig at a time. Some day all those that enter the house of the Lord will be pure and we shall see His face there. I feel this work is so great that many will weep and mourn when they realize what they missed out on during the winding up scenes of this earth, and preparation for the Lord's second coming. The Lord is hastening his work, we have to choose our priorities wisely.

“Like partaking of the sacrament, attending meetings, reading the scriptures, and saying personal prayers, doing family history and temple work should be a regular part of our personal worship. The response of our youth and others to prophetic invitations has been inspiring and proves this work can and should be done by all members at any age.
“… Doing the work now is much easier and limited only by the number of members who make this a priority. The work still takes time and sacrifice, but all can do it, and with relative ease compared to just a few years ago.
“To assist members, the Church has gathered records and provided tools so that much of the work can be done in our own homes or in the ward buildings and the temple. Most obstacles have been removed. Whatever your past perception, it is different now!
“However, there is one obstacle the Church cannot remove. It is an individual’s hesitation to do the work. All it requires is a decision and a little effort. It does not require a large block of time. Just a little time on a consistent basis will yield the joy of the work. Make the decision to take a step, to learn and ask others to help you. They will! The names you find and take to the temple will become the records for ‘the book’ [D&C 128:24]”
(Elder Allen F. Packer, “The Book", Oct. 2014 General Conference)

"Sister Susa Young Gates once asked her father, Brigham Young, how it would ever be possible to accomplish the great amount of temple work that must be done, if all are given a full opportunity for exaltation. He told her there would be many inventors of labor saving devices, so that our daily duties could be performed in a short time, leaving us more and more time for temple work. The inventions have come, and are still coming, but many simply divert the time gained to other channels, and not for the purpose intended by the Lord."
(Archibald F. Bennett, Improvement Era, Oct. 1952, p. 720)
Brigham Young died in 1877

"A universal system of intelligent cooperation will bring together on one record sheet every fact in existence regarding a particular family. This wealth of data will insure accuracy and banish error. Expensive and time-consuming duplication in research and repetitions in ordinances will be eliminated. No sooner will a new fact be uncovered in any part of the world by a researcher than it will be communicated to the Archives center and be assigned to its proper place, on some family record.
The process of 'facsimile transmission' as an application of the principle of television will make this possible."
(Archibald F. Bennett, Secretary Genealogical Society of Utah. Church News, December 20, 1947, pg 90)

Day 3717

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 127:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 127:4
"And again, verily thus saith the Lord: Let the work of my temple, and all the works which I have appointed unto you, be continued on and not cease; and let your diligence, and your perseverance, and patience, and your works be redoubled, and you shall in nowise lose your reward, saith the Lord of Hosts. And if they persecute you, so persecuted they the prophets and righteous men that were before you. For all this there is a reward in heaven."

This chapter and verse made me reflect on the building of temples around the world. As the world has grown darker and more wicked the Lord has hastened the building of temples around the world. I am so grateful to have a temple so near to me. It is the House of the Lord.

"Why are we building temples at such an unprecedented pace? Why? Because the Lord has instructed us to do so. The blessings of the temple help to gather Israel on both sides of the veil. These blessings also help to prepare a people who will help prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord!"
(Russell M. Nelson "The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again", Oct 2024 General Conference)

"Regular worship in the house of the Lord increases our capacity for both virtue and charity. Thus, time in the temple increases our confidence before the Lord. Increased time in the temple will help us prepare for the Second Coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We do not know the day or the hour of His coming. But I do know that the Lord is prompting me to urge us to get ready for that “great and dreadful day.”
(Russell M. Nelson, "Confidence in the Presence of God", Apr 2025 General Conference)

Day 3716

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 126:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 126:1
"Dear and well-beloved brother, Brigham Young, verily thus saith the Lord unto you: My servant Brigham, it is no more required at your hand to leave your family as in times past, for your offering is acceptable to me."

What a warm and loving greeting the Lord addresses Brigham Young. How he must have felt to be told his offering was acceptable to the Lord. As the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Brigham Young would become the successor of Joseph Smith after the martyrdom. I pondered on how important these next three years would be for Brigham Young. To be so close to Joseph Smith, and personally tutored with an understanding how things were to be setup. Joseph Smith knew that the saints would eventually flee to the rocky mountains. That wasn't just an idea of Brigham Young. How I wish I could have listened to their conversations.

Day 3715

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 125:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 125:2
"Verily, thus saith the Lord, I say unto you, if those who call themselves by my name and are essaying to be my saints, if they will do my will and keep my commandments concerning them, let them gather themselves together unto the places which I shall appoint unto them by my servant Joseph, and build up cities unto my name, that they may be prepared for that which is in store for a time to come."

I pondered on how the saint were once called to gather to specific places like, Kirtland, Nauvoo, and later Utah. Then the prophet would call people to expand into other areas. Now our gathering is in the lands that we live. We are assigned to local wards or branches within stakes or missions. This whole process has been nothing but inspiring.

"As the Church grows, it is very important that we build solidly and well, and that our prospective stakes have the basic ingredients that are necessary for success and that existing stakes work tirelessly for full stakehood in the sense of spiritual achievement. These stakes are to be the gathering spots for the Zion of today, and they need to be spiritual sanctuaries and to be self-sufficient in as many ways as is possible.
The stakes and districts of Zion are symbolic of the holy places spoken of by the Lord where His Saints are to gather in the last days as a refuge from the storm. You and your children will gather here to worship, to do sacred ordinances, to socialize, to learn, to perform in music, dance, drama, athletics, and to generally improve yourselves and one another. It is often thought significant that our chapels have on them a steeple, with spires toward the heavens symbolic of how our lives ought to be ever moving upward toward God.
The Book of Mormon prophet Nephi foresaw the day when the Saints would be scattered in stakes all over the world. He saw the time when the Lord would extend His protection to them when menaced by storms of destruction that threatened their existence. Nephi prophesied: “And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.” (1 Nephi 14:14)
Through revelation we know that there will be perils, calamities, and persecution in the latter days, but through righteousness the Saints may be spared. The promise of the Lord in the Book of Mormon is sure: “He will preserve the righteous by his power.” (1 Nephi 22:17)"
(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson, "Chapter 23: Strengthen Thy Stakes", [2014])

Day 3714