Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 32:30-33

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 32:30-33
"And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin.
And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.
Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.
And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book."

I pondered on what Moses meant by saying perhaps he could make an atonement for their sins. The only one capable of atoning for our sins is the Savior himself. Did Moses think there was someway for him to pay the price for their sins? Or was he going to make an animal sacrifice to cover their sins? I could not come to a conclusion on what this meant. What is clear is the Lord said those that sinned against Him names will be blotted out. They are individually accountable and will face any judgment themselves.

Day 3773

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 29:45

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 29:45
"And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God."

I pondered on how the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is also my God. How as Moses built a tabernacle, so have saints today built houses of the Lord. Every temple has this inscribed, "Holiness to the Lord, the House of the Lord".

"Here is my promise to you: Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find Him in the temple."
(Russell M. Nelson, "The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again", Oct 2024 General Conference)

Day 3772

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 25:16, 21-22

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 25:16, 21-22
"And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee.
And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.
And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel."

What is the testimony? I'm thinking the stone tablets are the testimony but needed to look to see if that was correct.

"The ark of the covenant was a chest, or box, of shittim wood overlaid with gold. It was approximately three feet nine inches long, two feet three inches wide, and two feet three inches high. Staves, or poles, on both sides allowed the priests to carry it without actually touching the ark itself. Inside, the tablets of the law given to Moses on Mount Sinai were placed (see v. 16). Hence, it was called the ark of the testimony or ark of the covenant. Later, a pot of manna and Aaron’s rod, which miraculously bloomed, were also placed inside the ark (see Hebrews 9:4). The ark was placed inside the inner room of the tabernacle known as the most holy place, or Holy of Holies. The ark was viewed with the greatest reverence by the Israelites, and prayers were recited before it was moved or placed in position"
(Old Testament Student Manual, "Exodus 25-30; 35-40: The House of the Lord in the Wilderness")

"There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the Lord made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt."
(1 Kings 8:9)

"Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;"
(Hebrews 9:4)

I guess I'm just hung up on why you would call the stone tablets containing the ten commandments a testimony. I always thought of it as the ark of the covenant. I had to ponder on this. I thought about being in court and having to give a testimony of something I witnessed. While I am speaking it is being recorded and written down. It can be referred to later. Pondering on this I can see how God's word was written down in those stone tablets. It was his testimony. Those laws hold the covenant that God has made with Israel. I think of all the thou shalt nots, but really they are promises that God will protect us if we live by them. We will be able to be in His presence.

Day 3771

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 24:9-10

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 24:9-10
"Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel:
And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness."

Even though the children of Israel lost the privilege of seeing God, there were some found worthy. I had not noticed the seventy elders before. That must be where the calling of Seventy comes from. Just like the twelve apostles stood for the twelve tribes of Israel.

"After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name."
(Luke 10:1, 17)

"The Seventy are also called to preach the gospel, and to be especial witnesses unto the Gentiles and in all the world—thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling.
The Seventy are to act in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the Twelve or the traveling high council, in building up the church and regulating all the affairs of the same in all nations, first unto the Gentiles and then to the Jews—"
(Doctrine and Covenants 107:25, 34)

I do wonder on the difference of the pre-mortal Christ appearing on a paved work of sapphire, clear as the heavens. Then after the dedication of the Kirtland Temple he stood on a paved work of pure gold, like amber.

"We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber."
(Doctrine and Covenants 110:2)

Then I read Ezekiel's vision and realized sapphire can be amber, I was thinking blue.

"And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about."
(Ezekiel 1:26-27)

Day 3770

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 19:9, 11

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 19:9, 11
"And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD.
And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai."

The Lord promised the children of Israel if they sanctified themselves and washed their clothes they would hear and see him. Yet, when the time came they could not stand near and moved away. They were afraid to come in the presence of the Lord. They wanted Moses to speak to Him.

"And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.
And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die."
(Exodus 20:18-19)

I wondered if I would be afraid? This reminded me of President Nelson's recent general conference talk. I took the time to read it over again. I know that by listening and following a prophet of God I will be prepared to stand before the Lord with confidence.

"When we make and keep covenants with God, we can have confidence that is born of the Spirit.
When I speak of having confidence before God, I am referring to having confidence in approaching God right now! I am referring to praying with confidence that Heavenly Father hears us, that He understands our needs better than we do. I am referring to having confidence that He loves us more than we can comprehend, that He sends angels to be with us and with those we love. I am referring to having confidence that He yearns to help each of us reach our highest potential.
Now, how do we gain such confidence? The Lord answers this question with these words: “Let thy bowels … be full of charity towards all men, … and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God.”
Brothers and sisters, as the world grows more wicked, we need to grow increasingly pure. Our thoughts, words, and actions need to be unfailingly virtuous and filled with the pure love of Jesus Christ towards all men. The great opportunity before us is to become the people God needs us to be."
(President Russell M. Nelson, "Confidence in the Presence of God", Apr 2025 General Conference)

Day 3769

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 18:15, 19

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 18:15, 19
"And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to inquire of God:
Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:"

I'm reading three chapters a day in the Old Testament, so I can finish within a year. As I was reading chapter 16 and 17 it repeated stories of the children of Israel murmuring, chiding and complaining to and about Moses. Granted the problem of no food or water is pretty severe. The story makes it sound like Moses only went to the Lord after the complaining was unbearable. It doesn't mention Moses crying unto the Lord about their issue before that. Was Moses trying to wait on the Lord with faith alone to be uncomplaining, when more was required, to ask? This is a great lesson on the importance of prayer and asking.

Then Jethro, his father-in-law arrives and sees all these people coming to Moses to ask him to inquire of God for them. Yes, there were some issues that only a prophet could speak for God, but the true problem were the smaller issues. The ones that people needed to learn to talk to God and asked for themselves. It made me ponder on what I would have done. I think I would have prayed and asked God what to do about food and water for me and my family. Until that inspiration came I would pray for the prophet to also receive inspiration on how to solve this for everyone. As I was reflecting on this it made me think about food storage and how much prayer and preparation and guidance of the Lord has come from it. How it has taken faith to store it. I'm sure there are some that think when a crises hits the church will provide for them, which simply isn't possible. Once God gave the children of Israel manna to eat, and water from a rock they needed to properly take care of it on a family by family bases. We have resources now, and will be accountable if we think we can go out in the field on a Sunday to gather manna.

Day 3768

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 15:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 15:16
"Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased."

I pondered on being purchased and bought with a price.

"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s."
(1 Corinthians 6:20)

"Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men."
(1 Corinthians 7:23)

The Lord redeemed Israel by delivering them from Egypt. They were bought with a price. As are all of us, for the Lord has truly redeemed us from the fall. We will be released from the bondage of death. We can never pay Him back, the price it to great. It was bought with His precious blood. What is asked is to honor the gift by honoring and obeying Him, repenting and keeping his commandments.

Day 3767

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 10:13-14

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 10:13-14
"And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and the LORD brought an east wind upon the land all that day, and all that night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts.
And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the coasts of Egypt: very grievous were they; before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such."

I pondered on how the Lord uses the laws of nature for his mighty works. Are they any less miraculous because it could be a natural phenomenon? What I cannot doubt is the timing of all these things. Nor how selective some of these plagues were. It made me reflect on being thankful in all things.

"Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things."
(Doctrine and Covenants 59:7)

"And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more."
(Doctrine and Covenants 78:19)

Receiving all things in thankfulness doesn't exclude the bad that happens. I had a new understanding of this verse last week. I saw thankfulness in all things as recognizing no matter what the Lord is with me. He will be by my side come rain, hail or sunshine. If locust are devouring the earth I am thankful the Lord is with me as I pass through it. I am never alone. Receiving a hundred fold doesn't mean I will be rich in material things, but instead in spirit. I will come to know the Lord as I walk beside him.

Day 3766

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 9:19-21

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 9:19-21
"Send therefore now, and gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field; for upon every man and beast which shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon them, and they shall die.
He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:
And he that regarded not the word of the LORD left his servants and his cattle in the field."

I'm a little confused on how in an earlier plague the cattle were destroyed, and then they are told the hail and fire will destroy them again. Did the Egyptians somehow take the children of Israel's cattle that were not destroyed? One thing is for sure the servants of Pharaoh that believed Moses moved their cattle into the houses. It made me ponder on faith. Even though Pharaoh hardened his heart his people were having their heart's softened. It made me think of the earlier chapter where the children of Israel were told on leaving to ask of their neighbors, the Egyptians, for their gold, silver, jewels and raiment. The reason they gave it willingly was because their hearts were softened. They knew there was a powerful God with Moses.

Day 3765

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 4:6-8

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 4:6-8
"And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.
And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh.
And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign."

As I prayerfully read the scriptures questions will come to my mind. Not questions of doubt, but one of seeking understanding. When I read this verse I wondered when did Moses perform this sign of his hand turning leprous and then being healed? This wasn't something I recall being done in front of Pharaoh. Then the answer came when I read these two verses.

"And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel:
And Aaron spake all the words which the LORD had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people. "
(Exodus 4:29-30)

This sign wasn't for Pharaoh to believe, it was for the elders of the children of Israel to believe. It makes sense that Moses would be sent to them first, so they would know God's plan for the day of their release from bondage was upon them. God's people needed to understand that Moses, through his brother Aaron spoke for Him.

Day 3764

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 3:22

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 3:22
"But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians."

Borrow = to ask

"And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians."
(Exodus 12:36)

I pondered on why the children of Israel were to ask of the Egyptians jewels of silver and gold and raiment? You would think with leaving Egypt there would be more important things to take like food, water and provisions? Even Lehi in the Book of Mormon was told to leave his riches behind.

"And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness."
(1 Nephi 2:4)

Then I thought about how those riches left behind were used in trying to obtain the plates of brass from Laban. The attempt failed and they had to leave their riches behind a second time. But there was a purpose, if they had taken them into the wilderness they wouldn't have brought them back to Jerusalem when trying to obtain the brass plates. Then I thought about why the children of Israel may have needed the gold and silver and raiment. At first they failed by making a golden calf with some. Later they did need them in worshiping God. They were used in the building of the tabernacle. I imagine it would have been extremely difficult to find such things while wandering in the wilderness. God had also promised Abraham that this descendants would serve others for 400 years, yet come out with great substance. The Lord keeps his word.

"And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.."
(Genesis 15:14)

Day 3763

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 50:15-17

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 50:15-17
" And when Joseph’s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.
And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying,
So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him."

I pondered on how even though Joseph had earlier forgiven his brothers, they had not forgiven themselves. He had told them it was for a purpose.

"Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life."
(Genesis 45:5)

The hardest part of forgiveness is forgiving yourself. People can tell you that you are forgiven over and over again, but it will not register until God speaks that to your heart and soul. I learned after many years that if you cannot find peace in the matter then make it a matter of fasting and prayer. Then the Lord will say "I love you for who you are today, and you need to forgive that younger version of yourself."

Day 3762

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 48:18-19

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 48:18-19
"And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head.
And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations."

I pondered on how Jacob knew which of Joseph's son should receive the greater blessing. It was the younger son Ephraim, just like Jacob himself being the younger son. It seemed like Rebekah had tricked Isaac in giving the birthright blessing of Esau to Jacob, but in truth Isaac gave the blessing the Lord would have him give. Just like now, Jacob is giving Ephraim the second son the greater blessing. No one can take someone else's blessing.

Day 3761

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 45:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 45:5
"Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life."

I pondered on how there is purpose in trials, if we remain faithful to the Lord. Joseph knew that the trials he went through by being sold into Egypt by his brothers was God's will for him. There was a greater purpose. Yes, his brothers did wrong and we are punished for our wrongs if we do not repent. I love the reunion of Joseph and his brothers. I love Joseph's forgiveness of them. He knew the greater purpose was for him to be sent ahead to later preserve theirs and those around them lives. It is so important to wait upon the Lord, and have forgiveness of those that did us wrong. We never know the end of the story from the beginning.

Day 3760

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 40:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 40:8
"And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you."

Joseph was a dreamer, that is how he received revelation. I pondered on some of the dreams I have received. There are some things I have learned over the years. First, pray for the interpretation. My dreams have personal meaning for me. If they are from God, personally for me, then by prayer He will also give the interpretation. Be careful who you share a dream with. Like Joseph his family didn't understand the dreams he had when younger. They got down right rude and nasty about the whole thing. His siblings even turned on him. Later his dreams were shown to be prophecy that came true. It's better to hold it to yourself because it was for you anyways. If God wants to give someone else the same dream and interpretation He can. On that same hand there is no need to read stories about other people's dreams, they weren't for you. About the only dreams I care about is when a prophet relates it, for he's the one that receive revelation for the church.

"It is true that the Prophets have told us of dreams and visions which they have had, and in some instances the Lord has explained or interpreted them, and as such we are to receive them. But where he has not deigned to give the interpretation we must wait until he does, for it does not belong to men to give their own private interpretation thereto. It is written, “Interpretations belong to God,” and where it has pleased him to interpret, it behooves us to accept it, and where it has not pleased him to do so it becomes us to wait until he does, and not attempt to obtrude upon mankind our private interpretation of what God has revealed. Where plain predictions are uttered, we are to receive them as we would the writings of any other author—according to the plain and obvious meaning of the language."
(Erastus Snow, "Ancient Prophecy, Etc.", JD 16:200)

"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:"
(Joel 2:28)

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:"
(Acts 2:17)

"Revelation can also be given in a dream when there is an almost imperceptible transition from sleep to wakefulness. If you strive to capture the content immediately, you can record great detail, but otherwise it fades rapidly. Inspired communication in the night is generally accompanied by a sacred feeling for the entire experience. The Lord uses individuals for whom we have great respect to teach us truths in a dream because we trust them and will listen to their counsel. It is the Lord doing the teaching through the Holy Ghost. However, He may in a dream make it both easier to understand and more likely to touch our hearts by teaching us through someone we love and respect.
When it is for the Lord’s purposes, He can bring anything to our remembrance. That should not weaken our determination to record impressions of the Spirit. Inspiration carefully recorded shows God that His communications are sacred to us. Recording will also enhance our ability to recall revelation. Such recording of direction of the Spirit should be protected from loss or intrusion by others."
(Richard G. Scott, "How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life", Apr 2012 General Conference)

Day 3759

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 39:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 39:5
"And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field."

Not sure how to express this. This made me reflect on my prayers I have had for others, that know not God, but I will help them. I will often prayer that they do not suffer, so I do not suffer trying to help them. I do feel that our prayers and obedience to God helps others around us.

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

"And there had been murders, and contentions, and dissensions, and all manner of iniquity among the people of Nephi; nevertheless for the righteous’ sake, yea, because of the prayers of the righteous, they were spared."
(Alma 62:40)

Day 3758

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 35:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 35:5
"And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob."

It was the word "terror" that stood out to me. It reminded me of this verse where Zion is called terrible.

"And it shall be said among the wicked: Let us not go up to battle against Zion, for the inhabitants of Zion are terrible; wherefore we cannot stand."
(Doctrine and Covenants 45:70)

I looked for why Zion is called terrible and I found these two quotes.

"The priests of Christendom now say, “We cannot stand before this man,” and they warn their flocks to keep away from the Latter-day Saints. “Are you reading that ‘Voice of Warning?’ Lay it out of your hands and put it out of your houses, for it is a dangerous book. Put away from you their tracts and books, for they are dangerous; and keep away, keep away from those dangerous men that are turning the world upside down.” That is the cry throughout the world. What will be the cry when they come up against us and try the force of arms? It will be—“Let us not go up against Zion, for the people thereof are terrible: keep away, keep away.” The one cry follows in the wake of the other. What makes the people of Zion terrible? Answer: Strict honesty and integrity before God. That is what will bring the cloud by day and the shining of a flame of fire by night; and upon all the glory there shall be a defense. God will surround the people of Zion as it were with a wall of fire, and he will make bare his arm in the eyes of the nation that wars against her, and she will be like a beacon light to seafaring men; and men will come and bring their clothing and their treasures, and we shall have an abundant supply of such things. Let us take care of what we have, keep it clean and patch it up, take care of our sheep and raise all the flax and wool we can, and the Lord will make up the balance; and if we do right we shall find that we have an overflowing treasury of every good thing; which may God grant, for Christ's sake. Amen."
(Orson Hyde, "Opposition to the Gospel, Etc.", JD 6:53)

"For when the Lord shall appear he shall be terrible unto them, that fear may seize upon them, and they shall stand afar off and tremble."
(Doctrine and Covenants 45:74)

"Therefore he is gathering us here, that we may become like unto one body, being sanctified, and become, as another revelation says, “as fair as the sun, as clear as the moon, that the banners of my people may be terrible unto all the nations of the earth. Why terrible? Because of the power of the Lord which will be in the midst of his people, because of the manifestations of heaven unto his people, because the nations will hear that God is indeed in the midst of Zion. They will hear all these things, and the wicked will fear and tremble. They will fear because of their iniquity; fear and tremble, because of their wickedness; fear and tremble, because they have supported all manner of wickedness and corruption, division and strife, and abominations of every kind in their midst. Therefore fearfulness will seize upon them, and they will know of a surety that the Lord God is in the midst of the people of Zion, that his power is there, that his spirit is there, and that he manifests himself there in great glory. Amen."
(Orson Pratt, "The Priesthood, Etc.", JD 18:362)

I think its not so much the actions of Zion make her terrible, it's because the presence of the Lord is with her.

"And the day shall come when the nations of the earth shall tremble because of her, and shall fear because of her terrible ones. The Lord hath spoken it. Amen."
(Doctrine and Covenants 64:43)

"And, now, behold, if Zion do these things she shall prosper, and spread herself and become very glorious, very great, and very terrible.
And the nations of the earth shall honor her, and shall say: Surely Zion is the city of our God, and surely Zion cannot fall, neither be moved out of her place, for God is there, and the hand of the Lord is there;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 97:18-19)

"But first let my army become very great, and let it be sanctified before me, that it may become fair as the sun, and clear as the moon, and that her banners may be terrible unto all nations;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 105:31)

Day 3757

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 31:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 31:3
"And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee."

I pondered on how Jacob stayed with Laban, his wives' father, until the Lord told him to leave. Sometimes situations will change making where we are at uncomfortable. The Lord wanted to bless Jacob further but he could not stay with Laban, or Laban's sons. Where Jacob is told to go back to the land of his father, it is not comfortable for him either. He did not know if Esau would kill him or his wives and children. It took faith to return to the land of his fathers. The reunion with his brother Esau is very touching. The Lord will prepare the way when we are obedient.

"And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept."
(Genesis 33:4)

Day 3756

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 30:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 30:8
"And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali."

Jacob loved Rachel, but was first given Leah in marriage. Leah felt she was hated and the Lord opened her womb but not Rachel's. Then it seems to be a competition where sister also give their handmaidens to Jacob to bare children for them. As I was reading this story the thought came how the competition in effect fulfilled the Lord's promise. This is where the twelve tribes of Israel come from. It's fitting that they come from four different women. The Lord has purposes and we never know how the blessings or prophecies will be fulfilled.

Day 3755

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 27:46

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 27:46
"And Rebekah said to Isaac, I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth: if Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as these which are of the daughters of the land, what good shall my life do me?"

I was drawn to understanding why Rebekah felt this way. I pondered on the covenant line. Abraham did not want Isaac to take a wife among the Canaanites, where they dwelt. He sent his servant to find a wife among Abraham's kindred.

"And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:"
(Genesis 24:3)

Isaac and Rebekah experienced much sorrow and grief when Esau married outside of the covenant.

"And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite:
Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah."
(Genesis 26:34-35)

I could just see their concern after Abraham being promised to be the father of many nations and then Isaac and Rebekah struggled to have children. If these children, especially the promised birthright son, marries outside of the covenant, what would be the purpose of her life. Not only have they been commanded to not marry outside of their faith, there was danger in their hearts being turned from God. It wasn't simply an issue with blood line, it was an issue of faith and belief in the one true God and protecting and honoring that.

"When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;
And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:
Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.
For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly."
(Deuteronomy 7:1-4)

"But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;
Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.
And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.
For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.
For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.
And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father."
(1 Kings 11: 1-6)

Day 3754

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 24:63-65, 67

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 24:63-65, 67
"And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming.
And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel.
For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a veil, and covered herself.
And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death."

This is probably the most beautiful love story in the scriptures. You could say Isaac's bride Rebekah was chosen for him, but who better than an angel of the Lord to guide them to the perfect match. Abraham knew Isaac's bride would be amongst his kindred. The rest of the story is just simply a story of obedience and faith.

"The LORD God of heaven, which took me from my father’s house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence."
(Genesis 24:7)

"And he said unto me, The LORD, before whom I walk, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy way; and thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred, and of my father’s house:"
(Genesis 24:40)

Day 3753

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 19:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 19:17
"And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed."

The holy men that were angels were sent to bring Lot and his family out of Sodom. What stood out to me was the "escape to the mountain", which often means the House of the Lord. The prophet has been telling us that we need to worship in the house of the Lord, and why? It is as the angels said "lest thou be consumed". If we do not come out of the world we will be consumed by the world. It made me realize we are no different now than Lot fleeing from Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot was a righteous man, if he was not so the Lord would not have sent his angels to bring him out of it. He remained righteous even though those around him were not. When the men of the city surround his home he did not go out and war with them. He tried to be a peacemaker. Exactly as we have also been counseled. There are so many lessons I learn from Lot.

Day 3752

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 18:20-21

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 18:20-21
"And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know."

I wondered about the cry, who or what was crying? It reminded me of the earth that cries when the blood of the innocent is slain. Does the earth cry when the wickedness becomes to great for an area? I couldn't find an answer I decided then to search Sefaria to see if I could learn more. This is how Genesis 18 is translated.

Then יהוה‎ said, "The outrage of Sodom and Gomorrah is so great, and their sin so grave!
I will go down to see whether they have acted altogether according to the outcry that has reached Me; if not, I will take note."
(The Contemporary Torah, JPS, 2006, "Genesis 18:20-21")

That made more sense to me. God heard the outrage because their sins were so grave. It made me think of how Heavenly Father hears our prayers to Him. It must be that same godly quality that can hear the level of sin taking place that need to be addressed.

Day 3751

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 14:21-23

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 14:21-23
"And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.
And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,
That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:"

This made me ponder on how important it is to always give credit to the Lord for the blessings we receive. Abram did not want the king of Sodom to later take credit in any way that he made Abram rich. Abram was already very rich because the Lord had blessed him. Abram raised his hands in faith unto the Lord, giving all the credit past and future to Him. If the king of Sodom took credit it would cast a shadow on the Lord's blessings. For Abram principles came first before material things.

Day 3750

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 11:5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 11:5-6
"And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.
And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do."

These verses made me think about how at the ending of our world man is developing a common language, that will not restrained by their imaginations. It's interesting how quickly AI is being developed. Like all creations it can be used for good or evil. We have to control how it is used and how much we let it influence us. I do see it as a tool needed in the millennium, as we all work to build a record of humankind and the family tree.

Day 3749

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 9:12-15

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 9:12-15
"And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:
I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:
And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh."

I've been thinking about that rainbow and how it is not only a token of a covenant God made with man and the earth, but also one of the signs of the Lord's Second Coming.

“The Lord hath set the bow in the cloud for a sign that while it shall be seen, seed time and harvest, summer and winter shall not fail; but when it shall disappear, woe to that generation, for behold the end cometh quickly” (Smith, Teachings, p. 305).
“I have asked of the Lord concerning His coming; and while asking the Lord, He gave a sign and said, ‘In the days of Noah I set a bow in the heavens as a sign and token that in any year that the bow should be seen the Lord would not come; but there should be seed time and harvest during that year: but whenever you see the bow withdrawn, it shall be a token that there shall be famine, pestilence, and great distress among the nations, and that the coming of the Messiah is not far distant’” (Smith, Teachings, pp. 340–41).
(Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel, Genesis 4-11: The Patriarchs, "(4-19) The Rainbow as a Token of the Covenant")

The lack of a rainbow will bring famine, pestilence, and great distress among nations. I pondered on how famine was obvious if there was no rain, but is that the only reason rainbows are not seen? I wondered "What would cause no rainbows to be seen?"

This is what I learned: "Rainbows require very specific conditions to be visible. If you don't see a rainbow, it's likely because one or more of these conditions aren't met. These conditions include having sunlight, rain or water droplets in the air, and the sun being at the correct angle (low in the sky, typically behind you). If the sun is too high, if there isn't enough rain, or if the sun is blocked by clouds, you won't see a rainbow. "

The conditions around the world for not seeing a rainbow can be so varied, and if just right the entire world will not see rainbows. There isn't just one cause. It could rain to much or just be overcast all the time for some. There could be lots of fires choking the skies, or even volcanic eruptions.

"And the signs in heaven above are like nothing man has ever seen. Blood is everywhere; fire and vapors of smoke fill the atmospheric heavens. No man has seen a rainbow this year"
(Bruce R. McConkie, "The Millennial Messiah," Chapter 2: Eternity and the Seven Ages, "4. The Age of Immortality").

Day 3748

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 6:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 6:16
"A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it."

The footnote for window says "HEB tsohar; some rabbis believe it was a precious stone that shone in the ark. Ether 2:23-24"

It would make sense if Noah's ark was lite by precious stones that the brother of Jared would be familiar with this miracle and ask the same for their vessels. It's a good reminder to be familiar with the scripture stories and miracles.

"And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared: What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels? For behold, ye cannot have windows, for they will be dashed in pieces; neither shall ye take fire with you, for ye shall not go by the light of fire.
For behold, ye shall be as a whale in the midst of the sea; for the mountain waves shall dash upon you. Nevertheless, I will bring you up again out of the depths of the sea; for the winds have gone forth out of my mouth, and also the rains and the floods have I sent forth."
(Ether 2:23-24)

"And it came to pass that the brother of Jared, (now the number of the vessels which had been prepared was eight) went forth unto the mount, which they called the mount Shelem, because of its exceeding height, and did molten out of a rock sixteen small stones; and they were white and clear, even as transparent glass; and he did carry them in his hands upon the top of the mount, and cried again unto the Lord, saying:
And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man; therefore touch these stones, O Lord, with thy finger, and prepare them that they may shine forth in darkness; and they shall shine forth unto us in the vessels which we have prepared, that we may have light while we shall cross the sea.
(Ether 3:1, 4)

I turned to the Sefaria which has the Talmud and Midrash, with 3,000 years of Jewish text. This is the section on "The Miraculous Light in Noah's Ark".

"The miraculous light within Noah's Ark, described as a pearl that illuminated the entire ark, adds a fascinating layer to the biblical narrative. Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, an eighth-century midrashic work, elaborates on the biblical story of Noah's Ark, providing additional details and interpretations."

Rabbi Meir said: One pearl was suspended in the ark, and shed light upon all the creatures in the ark, like a lamp which gives light inside the house, and like the sun yonder which shines in his might, as it is said, "A light shalt thou make to the ark" (Gen. 6:16). Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 23:6

Day 3747

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 3:1-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 3:1-3
"Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die."

I'm reading the Old Testament now and my goal is to finish it in a year. Reading one chapter a day means it takes 2.5 years to complete. I will now pick a favorite verse from the three chapters I read a day.

The verse that caught my eye was Eve saying they could not even touch the tree in the midst of the garden. It made me think of the serpent's more subtle question "hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" By that question was he intentionally dismissing the fact it wasn't just eating of the forbidden fruit, it was even touching it? Did he think he would get her at least to start touching it? That made me think of the power of just touching something forbidden. Eve clearly knew she was not to eat or touch that fruit.

This made me reflect on the bird berries we had outside our home growing up. They were really pretty bright red berries. I remember my mother warning us every year when the berries came on that we were not to even touch the berries. They were bird berries and poisonous to us. I understood I wasn't suppose to eat them, that to do so could kill us. But, my mother warned us not to even touch them, the meaning being to stay away from them. Never in my whole life did I ever touch one of those red berries.

Day 3746

Today's Favorite Verse: Articles of Faith 1:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Articles of Faith 1:9
"We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God."

I love change, and I always have. I reflected on all the changes made in the church that I have seen over the years. The first I can recall was during the 70's oil crises. Our ward was given permission to have a continuous 3 hour church block. Prior to that you went to Sunday School and classes with an afternoon break, and come back in the evening for sacrament. We used to go to Primary during the weekday but that all changed with the 3 hour block.

I remember the first set of personal scriptures that I had. It came with a paper insert of Joseph F. Smith's vision of the redemption of the dead. First, it went into the Pearl of Great Price and later it became section 138 of the Doctrine and Covenants. It didn't seem to long after that the new scriptures came out with cross references between the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price. They truly became one in thine hand.

Then came the exciting day when it was announced that all worthy males could receive the priesthood. We had speculated on how that blessing would come to all, and when it did we heard the news on TV. That taught me that we never know how revelation comes about.

I remember having fund raising projects to build our ward chapel and then one day we no longer had to pay the building fund. The church was able to financially handle it because we were paying our tithing. Speaking of tithing I was so excited when we could pay tithing and fast offerings online. Who would have guessed how important that was when Covid hit. I've seen the change from 3 hour church down to 2 hours, with the home study, church supported "Come, Follow Me".

I love seeing changes happen in the church. I love all the many changes in the temple and lots more of them popping up. I embrace it all. Yet, I know more is to come. The restoration is ongoing. I thought the church was fully restored, but it wasn't until President Nelson became prophet that we knew that was just the beginning. I don't know what's ahead, but I already love it, because I love change.

"As the Restoration continues, I know that God will continue to reveal many great and important things pertaining to His kingdom here on earth. That kingdom is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Go Forward in Faith", Apr 2020 General Conference)

"Sometimes we think of the Restoration of the gospel as something that is complete, already behind us—Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, he received priesthood keys, the Church was organized. In reality, the Restoration is an ongoing process; we are living in it right now. It includes “all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal,” and the “many great and important things” that “He will yet reveal.” Brethren, the exciting developments of today are part of that long-foretold period of preparation that will culminate in the glorious Second Coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
This is one of the most remarkable periods of the world’s history! Ancient prophets yearned to see our day."
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Are You Sleeping through the Restoration?", Apr 2014 General Conference)

"Elder James E. Talmage wrote: “The canon of scripture is still open; many lines, many precepts, are yet to be added; revelation, surpassing in importance and glorious fulness any that has been recorded, is yet to be given to the Church and declared to the world” (Articles of Faith, 311).
(Pearl of Great Price Student Manual, "Articles of Faith 1:5-13")

Day 3745

Today's Favorite Verse: Joseph Smith - History 1:36-37

Today's Favorite Verse: Joseph Smith - History 1:36-37
"After telling me these things, he commenced quoting the prophecies of the Old Testament. He first quoted part of the third chapter of Malachi; and he quoted also the fourth or last chapter of the same prophecy, though with a little variation from the way it reads in our Bibles. Instead of quoting the first verse as it reads in our books, he quoted it thus:
For behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven, and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly shall burn as stubble; for they that come shall burn them, saith the Lord of Hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch."

Moroni quoted Malachi 4:1 differently. This is how it reads in the bible.
"For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch."

My question is who are "they that come"?

In the bible it says "the day that cometh" will burn them up. But Moroni that appeared to Joseph Smith quotes it with the variation "THEY that come". As I was researching this I noticed the Lord said He will burn them up.

"For the hour is nigh and the day soon at hand when the earth is ripe; and all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble; and I will burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, that wickedness shall not be upon the earth;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 29:9)

As I was pondering on who "they that come" are, I was looking at a picture of the second coming. The Lord comes with his angels. It has to be angels that do this work of burning. Angels appearing in the glory of the Lord. I then found other scriptures on the role of angels.

"And until that hour there will be foolish virgins among the wise; and at that hour cometh an entire separation of the righteous and the wicked; and in that day will I send mine angels to pluck out the wicked and cast them into unquenchable fire."
(Doctrine and Covenants 63:54)

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

"The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth."
(Matthew 13:41-42)

"And as they looked to behold they cast their eyes towards heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the angels did minister unto them."
(3 Nephi 17:24)

Those that are righteous are not consumed by the fire, they are embraced and ministered to by the angels in the midst of it. The righteous will remain while the wicked are destroyed.

Day 3744