Today's Favorite Verse: 1 John 5:3
"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous."
Grievous = burdensome, oppressive
"For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
(Matthew 11:30)
I pondered on how I have come to understand this verse. For it is hard to keep the commandments if you do not have the love of God greater than the love for self. But, when you come to know God, and love him, the desire to sin has no place in your heart. It is not a burden or oppressive to keep the commandments when the Lord is there to carry me. There is an understanding that the commandments are there as a protection to me. It is the power of the Lord's atonement that lights the way.
Today's Favorite Verse: 1 John 4:1
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
This chapter is written by the apostle John, the Revelator, that also wrote Revelations. I pondered on how he understood the need to test spirits, and that is exactly what he did when he received the vision in Revelation.
"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:"
(Revelation 1:1)
This is how we are told to test spirits that come to us.
"When a messenger comes saying he has a message from God, offer him your hand and request him to shake hands with you.
If he be an angel he will do so, and you will feel his hand.
If he be the spirit of a just man made perfect he will come in his glory; for that is the only way he can appear—
Ask him to shake hands with you, but he will not move, because it is contrary to the order of heaven for a just man to deceive; but he will still deliver his message.
If it be the devil as an angel of light, when you ask him to shake hands he will offer you his hand, and you will not feel anything; you may therefore detect him.
These are three grand keys whereby you may know whether any administration is from God."
(Doctrine and Covenants 129:4-9)
Today's Favorite Verse: 1 John 3:23
"And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us."
This made me reflect on the sacrament that I took today. It is always a very tender part of my week. For I reflect on my actions and if I always remembered my Savior, during this past week. Are there things amiss and need to repented of? The slate is again wiped clean and I can do better. Then I sit and reflect on my Savior and all he has done for me. What a miracle. But the more part of the sacrament is the blessing, to always have the Spirit to be with me. It is my guide, for when I feel the Spirit has left me, or seems very far away, I know I need to look again at what I am doing and get back on the path. I am so grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost, it helps me understand my relationship with Jesus Christ.
Today's Favorite Verse: 1 John 2:1-2
"My little children, these thing write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."
I pondered on the great atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and just wept. How great a sacrifice and not only for those that repent, but those that never will. It was given free for all, if they only accept it. What incredible love. Words cannot express how grateful I am.
Today's Favorite Verse: 1 John 1:1
"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;"
John is testifying of having heard, seen and handled the living Christ. What must that have been like to hear John bear witness? Then I thought about the fact that I do. It's in the scriptures. Then I was incredibly grateful for the Bible Videos the Church has put out. For the one on the Risen Lord touched my heart so much, it was almost like I was almost there.
Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Peter 3:9, 18
"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."
As I pondered on this chapter I could see how merciful the Lord is. He is giving man all the time possible for us to repent before he "will come as a thief in the night" (2 Peter: 3:10). So this message I would say if for the unprepared. What about those that are preparing for his come? Verse 18 tells me I need to grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord. So none can afford not to prepare for the day of His Second Coming. We cannot just say we are saved and leave it at that. Preparation is continual, as well as his mercy extended towards us to repent, until final judgment comes.
Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Peter 2:21
"For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them."
This is such a sad thought to me, for people I love are in this situation. All I can do is pray they see the light and turn back to Christ, for "his hand is stretched out still."
Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Peter 1:20-21
"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
I wrote this in my notes on this scripture a while ago and still feel this is true.
"Scripture study comes through the Holy Ghost and not through the private interpretation of others. This is why I don't read other people's book about the scriptures."
I have learned far more from prayerfully reading the scriptures on my own, with the spirit prompting me on what to ponder. Questions form and then understanding comes. I have yet to experience this while reading someone's else's book on the scriptures. Don't get me wrong there are good books out there, and I may use them as a reference. But what the spirit feels I am ready to learn that day comes from the scripture themselves, and I need to spend quality time there.
Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Peter 5:7
"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
I pondered on my journey of learning to trust the Lord with my cares so he can carry them for me. His grace is sufficient and he meets me where I am at. I love the word "care" in this verse for I have always found he answers all my emotional cares immediately if I but ask him to carry them. Then my mind is free for the spirit to guide me on the solutions to the problems that weighed me down. I love this relationship with the Lord, for as I witness Him carrying my burdens I truly know that he cares for me.
Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Peter 4:8
"And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins."
I thought this verse didn't sound right. How could charity, the pure love of Christ, work to cover sins? We don't cover sins, nor will good deeds erase them. Sins need to be repented of. Then I saw the footnote for the Joseph Smith Translation.
"And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves; for charity preventeth a multitude of sins."
(JST, 1 Peter 4:8)
Now that made sense to my soul. Charity the pure love of Christ will help prevent or overcome the temptation to sin. That is a good reason to do good deeds and acts of service to others. It keeps us on the right path, it leads us towards Christ. It helps us to #LightTheWorld with His love.
Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Peter 3:16
"Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ."
This made me reflect on this Christmas season. I realized I've fallen into conformity. I call it the Holiday season. I hardly say the word Christmas now. Looking back I don't even know how that happened. Christ has been taken out of Christmas and even the name for the day is gone. You are hard pressed to find a school that would sing Christmas carols with references to Christ for fear of lawsuits. What was so pure and good is treated as if evil was spoken. That makes me sad. I am glad tomorrow is the Sabbath before Christmas and I will enjoy a sacrament meeting devoted to Him. I will sing Christmas carols and worship the "Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace". The Messiah, beloved Son of God, my Savior Jesus Christ.
Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Peter 2:8
"And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed."
This verse made me reflect on the current generation. How being offended is a national past-time. There is always something they can find to twist and make it look like the other person was being offensive. When the fact is choosing to take offense or not shows the character of the man. As I was pondering and reflecting on this I realized the root cause of this past-time. They stumble on the word of God. Society is losing its more compass that comes from a belief in God. What a different world this would be if people would read the word of God and apply it to themselves.
Today's Favorite Verse: James 5:7
"Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain."
This verse made me ponder on the wheat and the tares. I guess I had always thought more on the tares. How by their wickedness the tares would be plucked up and thrown into the fire. This made me think of how the Lord is waiting for the wheat to be fully matured and ready. What determines the harvest is that the wheat is finally ready.
"Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you my servants, concerning the parable of the wheat and of the tares:
But the Lord saith unto them, pluck not up the tares while the blade is yet tender (for verily your faith is weak), lest you destroy the wheat also.
Therefore, let the wheat and the tares grow together until the harvest is fully ripe; then ye shall first gather out the wheat from among the tares, and after the gathering of the wheat, behold and lo, the tares are bound in bundles, and the field remaineth to be burned.
(Doctrine and Covenants 86:1, 6-7)
"Therefore, I must gather together my people, according to the parable of the wheat and the tares, that the wheat may be secured in the garners to possess eternal life, and be crowned with celestial glory, when I shall come in the kingdom of my Father to reward every man according as his work shall be;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 101:65)
Today's Favorite Verse: James 4:4
"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."
I had this note in my scriptures.
"When are we friends with the world? When we leave the council of the church, to feel a greater love is to embrace or support sin."
It is amazing how Satan will deceive, and twist things. Agendas that support sin seem to produce some of the most unloving and intolerant of people, that are blind to what they have become. They really do become enemies to God and his people. The amazing thing is once they leave the church and their faith, they just can't leave it alone.
Today's Favorite Verse: James 3:10
"Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
This made me think of this.
"A double minded man is unstable in all his ways."
(James 1:8)
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purity your hearts, ye double minded."
(James 4:7-8)
Today's Favorite Verse: James 2:19-20
"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
I found this point on faith without works is dead something to ponder on today. For even the devil and his angels know who Christ is, yet it is by their works that we know them. How much more important is it for a person of faith and belief to do good works as the Savior did.
"When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not."
(Luke 8:28)
This video is of another story of Jesus healing a man possessed, but the story is the same the devils knew who Christ was.
Today's Favorite Verse: James 1:12, 26
"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain."
The footnote refers the tongue to gossip and profanity. I have to say the handling of these two situations expose many people and their commitment to their faith. Nothing grieves me more than to hear swearing, especially the Lord's name in vain.
Nothing pleases me more than to see one overcome the temptation to swear or speak ill of others. We are all tempted and it is through overcoming that temptation that spiritual maturity comes. The love of God becomes true, deep and abiding.
President David O. McKay said, “Spirituality is the consciousness of victory over self.” It is the sure knowledge that we are winning the struggle for the soul. Sensuality is the realm of self-indulgence. Spirituality is the realm of self-victory.
(Douglas L. Callister, "Seeking the Spirit of God", Oct 2000 General Conference)
Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 13:4
"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge."
I pondered on how society's opinions on marriage have changed over the years. There once was a feeling of shame for not living God's laws. Now, there is no shame and it is boastful. It is a curious thing to see the changes taking place. Yet, God's laws haven't changed. Sometimes I think of God just weeping for what he sees happening. For he told us what He expects and will judge us on, and yet we walk our own paths. The thought makes me feel pretty sad.
Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 12:1
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,"
I was drawn to the phrase "run with patience". I have made a study on the word patience, for that is one of the lessons I am learning right now. I have thought a lot on patience, as in sitting and waiting for the Lord's will. I had not thought about running with patience? One thing that the footnote does refer me to is Perseverance, along with Patience, Patient and Patiently. I could not find anything that gave me more understanding on "run with patience". So I pondered on it.
So what would I be running from or to in this verse? It appears I am running from sin. That I am taking the great weight of sin and removing it. To remove sin I would need to run to the Savior. The rest of the chapter speak of enduring and not to despise chastening. So maybe what I need is patience with myself as I run this race of life. For I will endure chastening for my profit and learning. Maybe I'm not so much running, but enduring. Probably why it also referred me to perseverance. One that runs must learn to pace themselves to endure the race. It is building spiritual stamina, through dedication, perseverance and self-discipline, everything a runner would need. They also run "the race that is set before us". Meaning they don't define the course themselves. They run the race the officials have set out. So I am running and enduring the course the Lord has set out for me.
Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 11:1
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
Not only do I love this verse, I love the whole chapter and the examples of faith that came before them. I love how Elder Andersen explains it too.
"Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is not something ethereal, floating loosely in the air. Faith does not fall upon us by chance or stay with us by birthright. It is, as the scriptures say, “substance … , the evidence of things not seen. Faith emits a spiritual light, and that light is discernible. Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from heaven that comes as we choose to believe and as we seek it and hold on to it. Your faith is either growing stronger or becoming weaker. Faith is a principle of power, important not only in this life but also in our progression beyond the veil. By the grace of Christ, we will one day be saved through faith on His name. The future of your faith is not by chance, but by choice."
(Neil L. Andersen, "Faith is Not by Chance, but by Choice", Oct 2015 General Conference)
As I pondered on faith, I thought of how having to live by faith is a perfect test for all of us. For either you have faith or you don't. For even when evidence is given as signs to people they don't always believe what they have seen or loose their belief over time. Faith when spiritually enlightened has staying power if we hold onto it.
Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 10:1-4
"For the law having shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have no more conscience of sins.
But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins."
I wasn't until Christ's atonement and sacrifice that man's sins could be forgiven. For then the law of Moses was fulfilled. What I pondered on is the quilt man would have carried, for every year he had to make sacrifice for his sins again. I know the hardest thing now is learning to forgive myself after repenting of my sins. It sounds like under the law of Moses one would have a continual feeling of not being completely forgiven. I'm not sure how it worked but once again I am glad for the time that I live.
Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 9:15-17
"And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth."
This made me ponder on probates and wills. I had never put this verses together with a "last will and testament". How it's not in effect until the testator dies. Then those that will inherit have a right to the estate. Christ needed to die before we could be blessed to inherit all that the Father has. His atonement and resurrection really are a new testament.
Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 8:10-11
"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest."
I love living at a time where God's laws are written into my mind and heart. I think it would have been so much harder to love God as I do while practicing the law of Moses. Maybe because they didn't always seem to understand what it was a similitude of, at least by the Old Testament. I cannot wait for the day when all around me will be able to say that they "Know the Lord". What a very different world we will live in at that time.
Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 7:26-27
"For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself."
The great high priest is Jesus Christ, he held the order of Mechisedec forever. He made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. On reflecting on this I thought of the video that was in the Come, Follow Me materials. The video starts a little geeky but I love how it teaches about the ancient temple sacrifice representing the Savior, and the sacrament today.
Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 6:6, 12
"If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."
The first verse here scared me to death to think about. I cannot imagine crucifying the Son of God to myself, and putting him to shame. The second verse seemed like a good reminder to me on how to prevent the first from happening. That I need to not be slothful in what I need to do to stay worthy and faithful. I do want these promises, and I do not take for granted they will always be there if I don't do my part.
Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 5:13-14
"For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their sense exercised to discern both good and evil."
The subject of the milk and meat of the gospel has been one I have strong feelings over. Years ago, I remember my husband and I being late for Sunday School, so we cut through the gym. On the way we met this brother that took the chance to speak with us about how much he disliked Sunday School. He said he was tired of only getting milk and never being taught the meat of the gospel. I left feeling rather unimpressed by his perceived superiority. I've heard several rants like this over the years and it does nothing but cause my spirit to hurt for them. I think the milk of the gospel is extremely important.
One day I was enjoying eating a bowl of homemade Zuppa Toscana brought over by a neighbor. As I was eating I noticed how every time I dipped my spoon into the milk up came pieces of meat with it. I could not eat the meat unless I had a spoonful of milk. I then reflected on the milk and meat of the gospel and how they go hand in hand.
"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:"
(1 Peter 2:2)
What I love about the verse in Hebrew is that meat comes to those that through experience discern good and evil. If I put that with the verse in Peter it comes by growing on the sincere milk of the word. If you push away the milk you will never understand the meat. Understanding just grows deeper and more sure over time.
Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 4:11
"Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief."
I pondered on what it meant to enter into the rest of the Lord. I had a nice quote on that but can't find it. So, what does it mean to me? That I believe Christ's words. That he atoned and paid the price for my sins. That I can turn to Him and he will comfort and forgive me. It's knowing His plan is better than my plan, so I trust Him absolutely. There is peace and rest as my eyes remain focused on the things of eternity. Knowing I would be at peace in His glory helps me know I've entered into His rest. Entering into the rest of the Lord is a reflection on the state of my soul. One either knows if they have it or they don't. I've been in both places.
Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 3:6, 14
"But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end;"
I just have to believe in Christ, and then stand firm and true to that unto the end. As I was reflecting on that I thought of the hymn that Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote, "I Believe in Christ". I found the Apr 1972 General Conference talk "The Testimony of Jesus" where he first read those powerful words. The hymn was amazingly first song by the Tabernacle Choir on the occasion that later became Elder McConkie's final general conference talk, April 1985, "The Purifying Power of Gethsemane" he passed just 13 days later. The witness by the Holy Ghost as he spoke was so powerful I shall remember and cherish the experience forever.
Afterwards, I listened to various renditions of the hymn song by the Tabernacle Choir on Temple Square over the years. I wanted to find the very best version of it. Then I remembered that I didn't hear if from them. In fact it happened this past July 2019 in New York City. The Millennial Choir and Orchestra were to perform in concert in Carnegie Hall and there was a major power outage. They took to the streets and sang the most amazing rendition I have ever heard. They sounded like angels truly testifying of Christ. People that would have never attended the show the Lord made sure they had a way of hearing these beautiful words. What a powerful moment.
Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 2:9, 18
"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted."
I pondered on my Jesus, and what his life has meant for me. What incredible gratitude I have for his atoning sacrifice. All that he has done, and continues to do for me. He is my refuge from the storms and brings peace.
Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 1:4-5
"Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?"
As I was reading I was drawn to the "more excellent name" and wondered exactly which name of Christ was the one it referred to? I followed the footnotes and read the Bible Dictionary on "Christ, names of". It was a good review. Then I pondered on still what name? Suddenly realizing the greatest was to be called the Son of God. Sure enough the answer was simply in the next verse. I had to chuckle at myself. I'm been sick all week with the flu and my mind isn't the clearest. Then I realized its never a mistake where the spirit leads me while studying the scriptures. Where I went while trying to answer that thought was exactly what my soul needed today. What a fitting thing to pondering on this 1st day of December, the month we celebrate the birth of His Son.
