Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 29:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 29:7
"And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.'

Even though the children of Israel are carried away into Babylon the Lord would help them find peace in their captivity. There is a battle between false prophets, some say they will be back in two years, then there is Jeremiah that says 70 years. He councils them to build houses, plant gardens and fruit trees. Have children and let their children marry and have children. Their numbers would increase and not diminish. Overall they were to seek peace, they were to seek the Lord. This captivity was a time for them to repent. False prophets would expose themselves when their prophesies do not come true.

Day 4001

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 25:31-33

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 25:31-33
"A noise shall come even to the ends of the earth; for the LORD hath a controversy with the nations, he will plead with all flesh; he will give them that are wicked to the sword, saith the LORD.
Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.
And the slain of the LORD shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground."

Jeremiah is speaking of the latter-days, and the final battle Armageddon. I have been reflecting on how some are saying the battle in the middle east is the beginning of Armageddon. In fact some military leaders are telling their troops that they are fighting God's battle. They want Armageddon to happen. To me that is just offensive and wrong. Moral men cannot decide to make such a war happen. That's not how God works. We are told to not make the first offense. I think such desires are not of the Lord, and inspired of the adversary. Only evil and designing men would have such an objective. Yes, God has his purposes and sees the end from the beginning. It does not mean man will be held unaccountable for their actions and who they were inspired by.

"They think that men manipulate the affairs of men. They do in part, and they are used ofttimes as instruments by the Almighty, and sometimes by another power that is called Lucifer, just as circumstances may be."
(John Taylor, "The Gathering, Etc.", JD 25:341)

Day 4000

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 23:23

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 23:23
"Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off?"

I felt to ponder on this question. Was God near or far off? I feel Him near me so He is a God at hand. Then I pondered on what it meant to be "a God afar off". The distance is probably of our own making. At that point you would feel God is afar off, and possibly doesn't see what you are doing. That would be a great lie to ourselves. For God sees and knows all of what is done by man. We cannot hide our sins, like we can from our fellow man.

Day 3999

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 20:10-11

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 20:10-11
"For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.
But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten."

Defaming and slander are tools of the adversary, so are confusion and chaos. These tools are being drawn with sophistication against one another. They may have their season, but in the long run they will not win.

“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
“Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God”  (1 Cor. 6:9–10)
Be not deceived, brethren. Heed the ancient and modern prophetic warnings against thievery, drunkenness, and all forms of sexual sin. The deceiver seeks to destroy your spirituality by all of these means. Paul warns us against those who “lie in wait to deceive … by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness” (Eph. 4:14) Beware of the slick package and the glitz of a good time. What the devil portrays as fun can be spiritually fatal.
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Be Not Deceived", Oct 2004 General Conference)

Day 3998

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 16:14-16

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 16:14-16
"Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that it shall no more be said, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;
But, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers.
Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the LORD, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks."

We are the hunters and fishers of today. Elder LeGrand Richards mentioned it in 1971 there were 14,000 missionaries. At the end of 2025 there were 84,000. Recently I heard one apostles say they had assigned the largest number of missionaries in a single day. I just wish I could recall where I came across that. Soon we should hear what the new numbers are.

"In a general conference address Elder LeGrand Richards commented on these verses:
“Just contemplate that statement [vv. 14–15] for a few moments. Think how the Jews and the Christians all through these past centuries have praised the Lord for his great hand of deliverance under the hands of Moses when he led Israel out of captivity, and yet here comes Jeremiah with this word of the holy prophet, telling us that in the latter days they shall no more remember that, but how God has gathered scattered Israel from the lands whither he had driven them.
“And Jeremiah saw the day when the Lord would do this very thing, when he would call for many fishers and many hunters, ‘and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.’ (Jer. 16:16.) Where do you find those fishers and hunters that we read about in this great prophecy of Jeremiah? They are these 14,000 missionaries of this church, and those who have preceded them from the time that the Prophet Joseph Smith received the truth and sent the messengers out to share it with the world. Thus have they gone out, fishing and hunting, and gathering them from the hills and the mountains, and the holes in the rocks. I think that is more literal than some of us think!” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1971, p. 143; or Ensign, June 1971, pp. 98–99.)
(Old Testament Student Manual Kings-Malachi, "As ye Sow, So Shall Ye Reap")

Day 3997

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 15:17, 19-21

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 15:17, 19-21
" I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.
Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.
And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.
And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible."

Jeremiah had been faithful when those around him had not. He pleads with the Lord to remember him, that he was part of those that mocked. It's better to be alone than to be with those on the wrong side of the Lord. For this the Lord promised Jeremiah that he will be delivered out of the hand of the wicked. He was not taken into Babylon. Instead he taken into Egypt. The greater deliverance however is spiritual and receiving an eternal reward.

I am reminded of an experience I had in the early days of the pandemic. I found these funny jokes and memes about it and started laughing at them. Everything struck me so funny. Then the Lord sharply rebuked me and said "Those that laugh will mourn." I humbled myself and repented of my follies, and have strived to be so careful at what I laugh at since then.

Day 3996

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 12:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 12:10
"Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness."

Those many pastors are "false prophets". They have destroyed the word of God and carry people far away from Him. No one knowingly follows a false prophet. That is why we need to take care and be watchful all the time. The importance of reading the scriptures and understanding the doctrine of Christ is so important. I remember when I listened to "false prophets", as members they were truly wolves in sheep clothing. I thought what they spoke of was probably in the Old Testament because I was ignorant of what was really there. I had to go search for what they spoke of and found it wasn't in the scriptures or on the Church website. As I searched further I found what they spoke of was an occult practice. I was horrified. I vowed never again to be so deceived. I could have paid a terrible price out of ignorance. Now I pay a greater price to keep from being ignorant and deceived. I want to learn God's words and never fall in that trap again.

Day 3995

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 7:23

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 7:23
"But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you."

I love this covenant relationship and commandment. Obey God and in turn He will walk with us. What more can I ask for.

Day 3994

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 5:21

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 5:21
"Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:"

We truly are foolish if we allow ourselves to be deceived. That we are devoid of the Holy Spirit and no longer have eyes that see and ears that hear and understand. This is my constant prayer that I will have both. That I truly will know what is around me, and see things as they really are. Having the spirit as our guide, with the scriptures, and the words of the prophets we can avoid the fiery darts of the adversary.

"Behold, my brethren, he that prophesieth, let him prophesy to the understanding of men; for the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls. But behold, we are not witnesses alone in these things; for God also spake them unto prophets of old."
(Jacob 4:13)

"For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear."
(Matthew 13:15-16)

Day 3993

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 3:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 3:14
"Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:
And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding."

The marriage is the Abrahamic covenant, and the gathering is taking place now, one of a city, two of a family. This is happening all over the world. President Gordon B. Hinckley said this almost thirty years ago.

"As we contemplate these things, we think of our brothers and sisters in distant lands. We have met hundreds of thousands of you, have looked into your faces, have felt of your spirits. You are so very precious to this work. The Lord has gathered you “one of a city, and two of a family,” as prophesied by Jeremiah. He is teaching you with pastors after His own heart. We pray for you, we visit you, we respect and admire you, we love you. We are all part of a great family—10 million strong—worshiping with one heart and one voice at the feet of our Master, the Son of God. Wherever you are, no matter how distant, you have the opportunity of participating in this conference. You will receive it by satellite in very many places. You will receive it by videotape in some places that cannot be reached by satellite. And for a few in faraway places, you will have it as the written word in our Church magazines."
(Gordon B. Hinckley, "Welcome to Conference", Oct 1998 General Conference)

As of the end of 2024 there were over 17.5 million members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In June 2025 there were more convert baptisms than any other 12-month period in the 195-year history of the Church. The gathering is happening. In a few weeks we will sit at the feet of a prophet and be feed.

Day 3992

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 64:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 64:4
"For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him."

I remember when I was a young bride we purchased a book about the last days. I would study and read that book over and over again. I had so many images and thoughts about how the last days would be. Everything was mapped in a timeline. It was all so dreadful and frightening. As I have grown older, and am seeing those days around me, they are so very different. Nothing that I imagined, has unfolded as I thought. The biggest difference is how my soul is handling all this. I used to envision such panic and feeling out of control. Now I just feel peace. I used to think it all depended on how strong I was. Now I realize we were not meant to do this alone. I need to look to Christ and have Him by my side. His prophets are preparing us. I don't know all that lies ahead and that's OK. All I know is the Lord is in control and is preparing the way before me. I am not alone.

"Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", Apr 2018 General Conference)

Day 3991

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 63:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 63:8
"For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour."

I really liked this verse, in the chapters I read tonight it prophesies of the second coming. Yet this tiny verse gives a very simple clue on who His people are. They will not lie. That's the ninth commandment "Thou shalt not lie". I think the Lord's covenant people keep all His commandments, but this one has a purpose. This commandment prohibits all forms of deceptions, including lying, perjury, slander and twisting the truth. We are actually being warned about this deception, and how if we do not have the Holy Spirit as our guide we will be deceived. We will believe lies, and mostly likely lie to ourselves, and others.

"I feel to emphasize the warning President Russell M. Nelson issued us: that “in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” One of the many reasons you will need the constant influence of the Holy Ghost is that you live in a season in which the adversary has become so effective at disguising truth that if you don’t have the Holy Ghost, you will be deceived. Many obstacles lie ahead. The distractions will be many."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Coming Closer to Jesus Christ", BYU Devotional 10 February 2026)

Day 3990

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 60:19-20

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 60:19-20
"The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.
Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended."

This chapter is speaking of the Lord's Second Coming, yet it reminds me of the creation story in Genesis.

"And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day."
(Genesis 1:2-5)

On the second day God created a firmament to separate the waters above and below it.
On the third day God gathered the waters and dry land appeared. Along with grass, herbs, seeds and trees.
It wasn't until the fourth day that God created the two great lights. The sun to rule the day and the moon to rule the night. So where did the light come from in the very beginning? Light bright enough to make plants grow? The light came from the Spirit of God. That same God that will return and once again light this world after His Second Coming.

Day 3989

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 55:8-9

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 55:8-9
"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."

I have come to learn that God has a plan and I'm just stumbling and feeling my way around. Sometimes things seem harsh but looking back I can see they had a purpose. The roads I have traveled in life, hard as they have been, have been for my good. They bring me to a better place. I have come to know that I have to trust the Lord knows what he is doing far better than me. He can see a far off and knows all that is ahead of me.

Day 3988

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 54:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 54:13
"And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children."

It's to the point that if I had young children I wouldn't want them to hear the news. In fact I don't even want to listen to the news. The world has no peace. The only peace comes from knowing the Lord. Now more than ever children need to be taught of the Lord. The faith and prayers of a child will bring comfort and peace. It's true for them and true for us. "Come, Follow Me in the home has been so inspired.

"I was in Idaho Falls and was the guest in a home of a typical Church family. There were a dedicated set of parents and many children. The oldest was in military duty in the dreaded South Pacific, and the hearts of the family followed him from place to place. They handed me his latest letter from the war zone. I read this:
“There have been times when we were so scared, we would tremble, but the fear was out of our minds with prayer and the knowledge that we were being guided by the Lord.
“Dad, I love my religion and I am proud that I had someone like you and Mother to teach me to pray. Then I also know that you are praying for me each morning and night. …”
Spirituality is born in the home and is nurtured in the home evenings, in the twice-a-day and oftener daily prayers, in the weekly meetings when the family goes en masse. That spirituality as the foundation of one’s life comes to his rescue when emergency strikes.
Security is not born of inexhaustible wealth but of unquenchable faith. And generally that kind of faith is born and nurtured in the home and in childhood.
Prayer is the passport to spiritual power."
(Spencer W. Kimball, "The Family Influence", Apr 1973 General Conference)

Day 3987

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 50:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 50:10
"Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God."

I pondered on this question and what I felt is there is no one that fears the Lord and obeys His servants and yet walks in darkness. It is not possible to be in darkness if you do those two things. You will walk in the light. You would remain faithful and trust in the Lord, and know that His authorized servants speak for Him. How grateful I am for the prophets.

Day 3986

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 48:22

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 48:22
"There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked."

I thought about the scripture that "wickedness never was happiness". Oh, I'm sure the wicked have pleasure and think they are happy. But there is a longing the remains in the soul that is never truly satisfied. They will not have peace, nor will they understand the fullness of joy and happiness that comes from the Lord.

"Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness."
(Alma 41:10)

Day 3985

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 45:15

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 45:15
"Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour."

I pondered if God really hides himself from us. It seems a yes and no answer. We were intended to have a veil of forgetfulness over us. That we cannot remember our pre-earth existence. We are to live by faith. Then I though about faith strong enough that the Lord cannot keep himself within the veil.

"And because of the knowledge of this man he could not be kept from beholding within the veil; and he saw the finger of Jesus, which, when he saw, he fell with fear; for he knew that it was the finger of the Lord; and he had faith no longer, for he knew, nothing doubting.
Wherefore, having this perfect knowledge of God, he could not be kept from within the veil; therefore he saw Jesus; and he did minister unto him."
(Ether 3:19-20)

Day 3984

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 42:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 42:10
"Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof."

Right before I read my scriptures I was listening to the new hymns that came out today. There were three of them that really touched me, "Long Ago, Within a Garden", "The Power of the Holy Ghost", and "This is My Father's World". When I saw this verse I thought I have to share one of those new hymns. The song that fits this verse the most is "This is My Father's World". It really does make my heart happy.

This is my Father’s world,
And to my list’ning ears,
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world;
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas—
The wonders God has wrought.

This is my Father’s world.
The birds their carols raise;
The morning light, the starry night
Declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world;
He shines in all that’s fair.
In rustling grass I hear Him pass;
He speaks to me ev’rywhere.

This is my Father’s world.
Oh, let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world;
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King; let heaven ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!

Day 3983

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 38:7-8

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 38:7-8
"And this shall be a sign unto thee from the LORD, that the LORD will do this thing that he hath spoken;
Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down."

I thought about signs. Only the wicked will seek for a sign. But, Hezekiah was not being wicked, nor did he ask for a sign. He was ill and the prophet Isaiah told him to get his life in order for he would die. Hezekiah wept sore tears in private and cried that the Lord would remember him. Isaiah came again and told him the Lord said he would live 15 more years, and the sun going backward ten degrees would to be the sign. The sign was both to be witnessed in Hezekiah by living, and also physically manifested for all to see. Hezekiah was blessed because he didn't ask for a sign by seeing one.

"But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:"
(Matthew 12:39)

"A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed."
(Matthew 16:4)

"Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying,
Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.
But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD."
(Isaiah 7:10-12)

"And he that seeketh signs shall see signs, but not unto salvation.
Verily, I say unto you, there are those among you who seek signs, and there have been such even from the beginning;
But, behold, faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe.
Yea, signs come by faith, not by the will of men, nor as they please, but by the will of God.
Yea, signs come by faith, unto mighty works, for without faith no man pleaseth God; and with whom God is angry he is not well pleased; wherefore, unto such he showeth no signs, only in wrath unto their condemnation.
Wherefore, I, the Lord, am not pleased with those among you who have sought after signs and wonders for faith, and not for the good of men unto my glory."
(Doctrine and Covenants 63:7-12)

"President Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918) explained the weakness of requiring a sign to uphold faith: “Show me Latter-day Saints who have to feed upon miracles, signs and visions in order to keep them steadfast in the Church, and I will show you members of the Church who are not in good standing before God, and who are walking in slippery paths. It is not by marvelous manifestations unto us that we shall be established in the truth, but it is by humility and faithful obedience to the commandments and laws of God” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1900, 40).
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, Chapter 16: Jacob 5-7, Jacob 7:13 "Show Me a Sign")

Day 3982

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 35:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 35:8
"And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein."

This highway, way of holiness, is the covenant path. That is what we must cross over in order to receive all the ordinances of the temple. The unclean shall not pass over.

"And they who are in the north countries shall come in remembrance before the Lord; and their prophets shall hear his voice, and shall no longer stay themselves; and they shall smite the rocks, and the ice shall flow down at their presence.
And an highway shall be cast up in the midst of the great deep."
(Doctrine and Covenants 133:26-27)

Day 3981

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 33:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 33:6
"And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure."

I pondered on wisdom and knowledge being the stability of my time. What time do I live in? The prophet and apostles are being very clear that we now live in the days that have been prophesied, this is the season. The Lord is at the door. I was just listening to Elder Neil L. Andersen's talk yesterday at BYU-Idaho. After hearing President Oaks speak 12 days prior he changed his talk and went into more details on what the prophet had said. What stood out to me in President Oaks talk, and what Elder Andersen just emphasized, is we will be deceived if we do not have the Holy Ghost as our guide. To me the stability that comes from wisdom and knowledge is totally the inspiration given by the Holy Ghost. That is to be treasured. I am so grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost. I cannot afford to lose it, or I will be deceived.

"After quoting President Nelson 12 days ago, President Oaks issued a more sobering counsel. He said, "One of the many reasons you will need the constant influence of the Holy Ghost is that you live in a season in which the adversary has become so effective at disguising truth that if you don't have the Holy Ghost, you will be deceived. Many obstacles lie ahead. The distractions will be many."
Very interesting. He did not say that without the constant influence of the Holy Ghost you might be deceived or you could be deceived. I thought his choice of words were very potent. He said if you don't have the Holy Ghost you will be deceived."
(Elder Neil L. Andersen, "President Oaks and the Law of Witnesses", BYU-Idaho Devotional, 22 Feb 2026)

As I was listening to Elder Andersen's talk I thought about the other things I could have been watching or listening to. If I had been distracted by them, I would have totally missed what the prophets are saying. Oh, I need to be wise and careful about my time.

Day 3980

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 29:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 29:13
"Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:"

This makes me think of those that treat Jesus like a genie in a bottle. Someone to call out for when they need help, but stuffed back in the bottle and placed on a shelf afterwards. They love the concept of a Jesus, just not his words or commandments. We can profess our love for Jesus, but God can see if our hearts are far removed from Him. If we loved Him we would do what he says.

Day 3979

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 25:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 25:9
"And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation."

I sat an pondered on that scene. I had a couple of thoughts, mainly about songs. One was the song "I Can Only Imagine". The other was "When He Comes Again". I couldn't decide which I loved best, just like I couldn't decide if I will dance, be still, stand, fall on my knees, or sing hallelujah. As I was listening to these song I was reminded of a new one called "When the Savior Comes Again". All of them are powerful and peaceful in their own way. The only thing I do know for sure is there will be tears.

Day 3978

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 24:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 24:5
"The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant."

This question was interesting to ponder on. I like how it was explained. After the ordinances are changed it is only through a restoration, and in effect the priesthood, for them to be restored. How grateful that I live when these ordinances have been restored.

(15-4) Isaiah 24:5. Why Was Changing the Ordinances So Serious?
"The gospel ordinances are part of the specific means outlined by the Lord whereby one can overcome his natural state, receive a spiritual rebirth, and become like God. Each ordinance was designed by God to teach spiritual truths and move His children toward godliness. When the ordinances are changed, their power to save is lost. The Prophet Joseph Smith said of the ordinances: “If there is no change of ordinances, there is no change of Priesthood. Wherever the ordinances of the Gospel are administered, there is the Priesthood.” (Teachings, p. 158.)
(Old Testament Student Manual Kings-Malachi, "Prophecies of the Dispensation of the fullness of Times")

Day 3977

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 19:18-19

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 19:18-19
"In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction.
In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD."

Six times in this chapter “In that day” is used. I read that it suggests future fulfillment. Elder McConkie gives the meaning behind some of those locations.

"Elder Bruce R. McConkie used a quotation that shows why Isaiah may have used such neighbors as Egypt, Moab, and Babylon to describe the wicked of latter days. Speaking of the world, he said: “‘Babylon marks its idolatry, Egypt its tyranny, Sodom its desperate corruption, Jerusalem its pretensions to sanctity on the ground of spiritual privileges, whilst all the while it is the murderer of Christ in the person of his members.’ ([Robert Jamieson and others, Commentary on the Whole Bible, ] p. 577.)” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3:510.)
(Old Testament Student Manual Kings-Malachi, "A Voice of Warning to the Wicked" (Isaiah 13-23)

Day 3976

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 18:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 18:3
"All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye."

I pondered on how the Lord has always warned people before destruction comes. We know we are near the end of the world, the time with Jesus Christ will come again. All the wicked will be destroyed. God won't destroy people unless he has warned them. That is the role of prophets. There are prophets on the earth today raising the warning voice. They have lifted up the ensign to the nations, and are blowing the trumpet. It is up to us to hear them.

"And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days.
And they shall go forth and none shall stay them, for I the Lord have commanded them.
Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the earth, that all that will hear may hear:
Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 1:4-5, 11-12)

Day 3975

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 14:12-15

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 14:12-15
"How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit."

This is how Lucifer became Satan, the devil. It was vanity and pride, he felt he should be exalted higher than God. Pride is the ultimate tool that Satan uses to destroy man. It is by pride that man will stoop to all the imaginations of his heart and no longer feel after God. As I was pondering on this it was the first time I realized that in the pre-existence we all had weaknesses. No wonder both God and the devil know us so well.

Day 3974

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 11:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 11:9
"They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea."

The only way the wicked will stop hurting and destroying others is if they came to a knowledge of the Lord, and truly know Him. Sadly, when the Lord comes the second time those individuals will not be here. I say sadly because they were to late in repenting and turning their hearts to him. Only those that will live a terrestrial or celestial law will remain. People of every nationality and faith that are of a good heart will remain. All that remain will eventually be converted as they come to know Jesus Christ. That would be an incredible thing to witness.

“There has never been a time in the history of the world when knowledge of our Savior is more personally vital and relevant to every human soul. Imagine how quickly the devastating conflicts throughout the world—and those in our individual lives—would be resolved if we all chose to follow Jesus Christ and heed His teachings.”
(Russell M. Nelson, "Pure Truth, Pure Doctrine, and Pure Revelation", Oct 2021 General Conference)

Day 3973

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 8:20

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 8:20
"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."

President Oak recently BYU Devotional spoke on four ways to draw closer to the Savior. The third one was to seek help from others. He then gave this warning.

"Remember, to survive spiritually, you will need the constant influence of the Holy Ghost. An abundance of speculation and false information in podcasts and on social media surround us. Some may protest or question the truth of Church doctrine, without knowing or even understanding the fulness of that doctrine.
Don’t be persuaded by false or inaccurate information. Discuss your concerns with faithful, well-informed friends, and always take those concerns to the Lord."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Coming Closer to Jesus Christ", BYU Devotional, 10 Feb 2026)

I really try to monitor who I listen to on social media and podcasts. I'm pretty good at spotting those preaching false doctrine and turn away from them. What I have noticed that seems infectious is those that speculate. They speculate on implied meanings in any talk or video released from leaders of the church. I swear some of them are even into astrology and numerology. The focus is always on how it applies to how close the second coming is. They give their opinions in a way that sounds like its fact, sadly what they are not aware of is they have crossed into false information. The speculation becomes such a focus that the gospel principle or doctrine that was discussed is completely overlooked.

My list of podcast and videos that I watch grows smaller and smaller. Mainly because those that start out good, seem to get swallowed up in it becoming their livelihoods and being sensational is a way to grow it. I cannot go wrong if I stay inside church websites.

President Ezra Taft Benson gave us three tests in "Be Not Deceived" (Oct 1963 General Conference).
1. What do the standard works have to say about it?
2. What do the latter-day Presidents of the Church have to say on the subject—particularly the living President? 
3. The third and final test is the Holy Ghost—the test of the Spirit. By that Spirit we ". . . may know the truth of all things"  (Moro. 10:5) This test can only be fully effective if one's channels of communication with God are clean and virtuous and uncluttered with sin. 

During President Benson's time frame we didn't have podcasts. What President Oaks is warning about is the dangers of how quickly false information and speculation can over take us. I am trying to be much more intentional on what I listen to in my down time. I'm grateful for the guidance of a living prophet to warn me what needs to be removed from my list.

Day 3972

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 5:20

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 5:20
"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"

Lately, as we listen to the news our family seems to mention calling evil good, and good evil all the time. Examples are getting easier and easier to find. We truly are living in the days that Isaiah prophesied. I noticed that Elder Gilbert mentions the same thing yesterday.

"Elder Gilbert quickly moved from talking about the way to involve the Lord in personal revelation and innovation to talking about the fact that the world is in a time foreseen by prophets throughout history.
"The world is in commotion, and people are struggling. Good is being called evil, and evil is being called good,” he said.The anxiety, stress and polarization that come with living today present opportunities that haven’t been seen before, he said.
“It is much harder in this climate to do things without the Lord, but when you involve Him and make Him your priority, all of those things calm.
”As challenges emerge in the world, Elder Gilbert said the gospel light is able to stand out even more and provide more clarity to those who need and seek it. He credited young adults in the world with being able to see that in increasing numbers.
“Ancient and modern prophets have prophesied of the last days before the return of the Savior that there would be increasing darkness, but it would make the light stand out even more than ever before. And people are flocking to that.”
(Church News, "Elder Gilbert says ‘Christ is always pointing you to something better’ as he accepts apostolic call", 13 Feb 2026)

Day 3971

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 2:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 2:12
"For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:"

I've been reflecting on pride every since President Oaks speech the other day at the BYU Devotional. I had an interesting thing happen after that speech. I happened to read a post on social media from a friend of mine. We have the same faith, pray to the same God, attend the same church, read the scriptures, attend the temple, and are both trying to be good people. I know they are a good person, yet, they see and feel completely different on social and political matters than me. What I see them posting I just can't understand how they see things that way, and I've tried. As time has gone on their posts have gotten louder and bolder. I am sure they feel they are doing a good thing with their posts. I never reply because I don't feel I need to, or should.

Then I saw their post on President Oaks' talk and the warning about being deceived. From that talk they boldly warned people about listening and watching propaganda, accepting lies as truths. Basically, they took President Oaks warning of being deceived to heart and felt anyone that didn't see things the way they did were the ones being deceived. I found it so interesting because from afar they would be speaking of me.

So, then I had this question come to me, "How can two people trying to take the Holy Ghost as our guide see things do differently?" How can we both be sure we are receiving personal revelation and right? Then the spirit brought to my remembrance that President Oaks spoke about being humble. That is the difference on who truly is listening to the Holy Ghost as their guide. I need to sincerely keep asking that my eyes are open, and that my ears are hearing, and seek for understanding. Then with that understanding I will be guided if I need to change course and direction. If we are not humble and teachable we will be unable to change course or admit we've been deceived. It is the pride of this world that causes man to stumble. Pride is what stops a man from accepting revelation when it is right in front of them, and instead follow the whisperings of their own heart. That was such a powerful lesson from the Holy Ghost, and a confirmation that President Oaks is truly a prophet of God and spoke the word of the Lord. Humility is a shield and protection in the days we live in. I wish I could quote his whole talk but this is what stood out.

"I feel to emphasize the warning President Russell M. Nelson issued us: that “in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” One of the many reasons you will need the constant influence of the Holy Ghost is that you live in a season in which the adversary has become so effective at disguising truth that if you don’t have the Holy Ghost, you will be deceived. Many obstacles lie ahead. The distractions will be many. Even active members may sometimes have concerns about some historical, doctrinal, or social issues connected with the Church.
...increased humility draws us closer to Jesus Christ. This will help us overcome questions about the Lord’s doctrine. When we are humble, we can more clearly hear the Lord’s voice.
President Ezra Taft Benson .. said, “Humility responds to God’s will—to the fear of His judgments and to the needs of those around us.”
President Spencer W. Kimball defined humility as “teachableness.” He explained:
Humility is teachableness—an ability to realize that all virtues and abilities are not concentrated in one’s self. . . .
. . .Humility is never accusing nor contentious. . . .
Humility is repentant and seeks not to justify its follies. It is forgiving others in the realization that there may be errors of the same kind or worse [that we ourselves commit].
. . .Humility makes no bid for popularity and notoriety; demands no honors.
To have humility is one of the powerful commandments we have been given to guide us in our mortal journey. It prepares us for our appointed meeting with our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Take care not to become distracted. Remember His parable of the ten virgins. We want to be among the five humble ones who were admitted to the presence of the Lord."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Coming Closer to Jesus Christ", BYU Devotional, 10 Feb 2026)

Day 3970

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 8:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 8:14
"Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices."

This is the last verse in the Song of Solomon. I can't say I learned anything inspiring the whole time I read this book. I really tried. Then I finally turned to the Joseph Smith Translation to see if I was missing anything, and I actually laughed.

"Note: the JST manuscript states that “The Songs of Solomon are not inspired writings”

Furthermore, I found Elder Bruce R. McConkie said: "Song of Solomon is biblical trash—it is not inspired writing."
(Bruce R. McConkie, "The Bible, a Sealed Book", Supplement, A Symposium on the New Testament, 1984 (1984), 1–7)

I guess I was actually being guided by the spirit the whole time.

Day 3969

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 4:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 4:7
"Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee"

The one without spot or blemish was our Lord, Jesus Christ. Is that what this song is about?

"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?"
(Hebrews 9:14)

"But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:"
(1 Peter 1:19)

Day 3968

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 3:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 3:1-2
"By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.
I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not."

I asked myself if these are love songs why are they in the scriptures? Then I though maybe like some poetry there is a deeper meaning to them. I was always bad at understanding the meaning behind poetry. The only thing I could picture was kneeling at my bed at night praying to Heavenly Father. There are times when He seems so very far away, which in truth it is me. Is Solomon saying he is seeking the Lord but he can't find Him?

Day 3967

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil."

When life is over that is the conclusion. Did we fear, or as I think of it, love God and keep his commandments. God will be the final judge on it. Nothing in our life is hidden from Him. He know all our little secrets, whether they are full of good acts or favorite sins we chose to not wash away.

Day 3966

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 8:11

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 8:11
"Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil."

If man was immediately punished after committing sin or evil works then man would learn to not commit sin simply to not be punished. Instead there is time for justice to seek his work. Time is given for man to repent on his own. Time for remorse and a mighty change of heart. Time to come to know the Lord. Those that learn no lesson will find justice served one day.

Day 3965

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 4:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 4:13
"Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished."

When we stop learning or being willing to change we soon grow foolish. We are to become as a little child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, otherwise we cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

"Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
(Matthew 18:4)

"Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein."
(Mark 10:15)

"For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father."
(Mosiah 3:19)

"Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved."
(3 Nephi 9:22)

Day 3964