Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 42:18

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 42:18
"Now, there was a punishment affixed, and a just law given, which brought remorse of conscience unto man."

I pondered on the role of our conscience. At a very basic level everyone knows right from wrong. Their conscience is there to prick them. Though some may never hear the gospel in this life they will be judged on their ability to do what is right or not. We have a moral compass, the light of Christ within us.

“All of us sometime, and some of us much of the time, suffer remorse of conscience from things we did wrong or things left undone. That feeling of guilt is to the spirit what pain is to the physical body. …
“We all make mistakes. Sometimes we harm ourselves and seriously injure others in ways that we alone cannot repair. We break things that we alone cannot fix. It is then in our nature to feel guilt and humiliation and suffering, which we alone cannot cure. That is when the healing power of the Atonement will help.
“The Lord said, ‘Behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent [D&C 19:16]”
(Boyd K. Packer, "The Touch of the Master's Hand", Apr 2001 General Conference)
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, "Chapter 32:Alma 40-42)

Day 3486

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 41:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 41:1
"And now, my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the restoration of which has been spoken; for behold, some have wrested the scriptures, and have gone far astray because of this thing. And I perceive that thy mind has been worried also concerning this thing. But behold, I will explain it unto thee."

This made me think of people wresting the scriptures. It's such dangerous slippery slope one goes on, that will lead them astray. I have been amazed on how rapid an increase I have been seeing of it of late. I think what makes it worse is people then espouse what they have twisted and feed it to others as gospel truths. One prime example is heavenly mother and some praying to her. The false doctrine reached a point that Elder Dale G. Renlund gave a general conference talk, "Your Divine Nature and Eternal Destiny" in April 2022 on it. I see the same thing happening with politics and the second coming. I feel like we just need to hush for a moment, be quiet and just listen to the spirit. Stop letting people whip you up into a frenzy. If your mind is worried just take a break and step away. Not away from the church, but away from those pushing agendas. There is peace when you are on the right course. Let God prevail in your life and move forward. Follow the prophet, you won't go astray.

"During these perilous times of which the Apostle Paul prophesied, Satan is no longer even trying to hide his attacks on God’s plan. Emboldened evil abounds. Therefore, the only way to survive spiritually is to be determined to let God prevail in our lives, to learn to hear His voice, and to use our energy to help gather Israel."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Let God Prevail", Oct 2020 General Conference)

"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)

“Bring to light the true points of my doctrine, yea, and the only doctrine which is in me.“
And this I do that I may establish my gospel, that there may not be so much contention; yea, Satan doth stir up the hearts of the people to contention concerning the points of my doctrine; and in these things they do err, for they do wrest the scriptures and do not understand them.”
(Doctrine and Covenants 10:62-63)

Day 3485

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 40:4-5

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 40:4-5
"Behold, there is a time appointed that all shall come forth from the dead. Now when this time cometh no one knows; but God knoweth the time which is appointed.
Now, whether there shall be one time, or a second time, or a third time, that men shall come forth from the dead, it mattereth not; for God knoweth all these things; and it sufficeth me to know that this is the case—that there is a time appointed that all shall rise from the dead."

Alma is speaking to his son Corianton and explains all that has been revealed to him on the resurrection. He does not know all the details at this point but he does know by an angel that there is an appointed time for everyone to be resurrected. I love Alma's response that the details matter not, for God knoweth all these things. Sometimes we just have to trust that not everything is revealed to the prophets or us all at once. This manner of instructing us helps develop our faith in Jesus Christ.

Day 3484

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 39:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 39:14
"Seek not after riches nor the vain things of this world; for behold, you cannot carry them with you."

President Oaks explains what vain things of the world are.
"The “vain things of [the] world” include every combination of that worldly quartet of property, pride, prominence, and power. As to all of these, the scriptures remind us that “you cannot carry them with you”  We should be seeking the kind of treasures the scriptures promise the faithful: “great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures”
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Focus and Priorities", Apr 2001 General Conference)

I have also been reflecting on President Nelson's General Conference talk.

"Come unto Christ and “offer your whole [soul]” to Him. This is the secret to a life of joy!
The best is yet to come, my dear brothers and sisters, because the Savior is coming again! The best is yet to come because the Lord is hastening His work. The best is yet to come as we fully turn our hearts and our lives to Jesus Christ."
(Russell M. Nelson, "The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again", Oct 2024 General Conference)

If one's focus is on the vain things of the world there is no way you could "offer your whole soul to Him". When we fully turn our hearts and lives to Jesus Christ that is something we truly can take with us.

Day 3483