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

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

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

Day 3654

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

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

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

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

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

Day 3653

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 63:54

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 63:54
" 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."

I had an interesting experience yesterday. I was talking to someone that withdrew their membership from the church. Their rules are that I do not speak of the second coming or Jesus Christ. They want nothing to do with the church or religion. So, I can't say anything. They were telling me how scared and almost in a state of panic they were over what was happening in the world. Their fears in most cases are legitimate, in others they border on paranoia. As they talked I thought about the peace I had because of my faith in Jesus Christ. Words I could not say to them. Instead I said, "I wish I could give you what I have." They replied that they wished I could too. We both knew it was something they had to obtain on their own, which they rejected the process.

Since then I have reflected on the parable of the ten virgins. How I have seen it first hand. Those that wanted oil in their lamps need to obtain it on their own. I cannot give you my oil for it was obtained one drop at a time through the precious blood of my Savior. That is how I know Him, and have peace through him come what may.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
(John 14:27)

Day 3652

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 62:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 62:1
"Behold, and hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, your advocate, who knoweth the weakness of man and how to succor them who are tempted."

I loved this verse. It tells me that when I am tempted I can turn to the Lord and he will succor me. He will give me the strength to endure, or overcome what hangs over me. I know this is true because I have been there and used this part of the atonement of Jesus Christ. He has strengthened me when I am weak. I now have a verse for it.

"In addition to providing the majestic gift of salvation, the Savior offers us relief and comfort as we face our afflictions, temptations, and weaknesses of mortal life, including the circumstances we have experienced recently in the current pandemic. I can assure you that Christ is ever aware of the adversities we experience in mortality. He understands all of the bitterness, agony, and physical pain as well as the emotional and spiritual challenges we face. The Savior’s bowels are filled with mercy, and He is always ready to succor us. This is possible because He personally experienced and took upon Himself in the flesh the pain of our weakness and infirmities"
(Ulisses Soares, "Jesus Christ: The Caregiver of Our Soul", April 2021 General Conference)

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
(1 Corinthians 10:13)

Day 3651