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