Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 12:30

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 12:30
"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment."

I pondered on the challenge with this commandment. How am I sure that I love God with all my heart and soul? Are there things that I place greater importance on at times? Does my mind wander? It certainly takes all your heart and strength to make sure you place nothing above God. I really appreciate my scripture time when I can evaluate my course and direction, and make corrections are needed.

Day 4093

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 11:28

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 11:28
"And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?"

This is something the chief priests, scribes and elders asked of Jesus. Now in this chapter Jesus did not tell them by what authority, because he wanted them to answer him first on if the baptism of John was from heaven or men. The scribes could not say, because they feared either option. In doing so neither would Jesus tell them.

I pondered on how their question was a good one, and similar to a question the Lord would have us ask when faced with false spirits, false teachers, and hypocrites. It is important to know if those trying to lead us actually have the authority and have been ordained to do so.

"Wherefore, I the Lord ask you this question—unto what were ye ordained?"
(Doctrine and Covenants 50:13)

Day 4092

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 10:31

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 10:31
"But many that are first shall be last; and the last first."

The Joseph Smith Translation of the verse is interesting. Not sure I ever noticed it before.

"But there are many who make themselves first that shall be last, and the last first."

That is speaking of pride and humility. Earlier in the chapter Jesus spoke of needing to be like a little child.

"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)

Day 4091

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 9:9-10

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 9:9-10
"And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.
And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean."

I pondered on how Peter, James and John may have not understood at the time what rising from the dead would mean. Though I am sure they understood it when they saw the resurrected Lord. As we are drawing closer to the second coming things I used to envision are not coming about like I imagined. Yet, as I see things I recognize how they fit. I have stopped trying to figure out any timelines or how things will happen. I know after the Lord comes he will explain all things. Until then I will watch and be ready.

Day 4090