Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 14:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 14:17

"He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated."

I have sure learned over the years to not make any decisions in anger. That's my red flag that I need to step away and cool off. The spirit has left me and I'm now left to my own devices, which doesn't turn out good.

Day 2801

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 13:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 13:10

"Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom."

I understand the part of contention comes from pride. What I pondered on was what it meant by "with the well advised is wisdom". What I could finally picture is the benefit of being the observer of contention, but not the participant in it. We've had some really good discussions in our home over contention happening in the world. There is something to be said for being on the outside looking in. You see things you would never have seen from inside. It does make you wiser. We've often wondered how parties cannot see where they agree, the root of the disagreement, how they are being manipulated, or what should be done in the matter. That must be the guidance of the spirit that instructs when you try to learn from other's mistakes and not a party to them.

Day 2800

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 12:19

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 12:19

"The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment."

I have learned no matter the situation its always best to tell the truth. There is a freedom in truth, that becomes a protection over you. The life of a liar would be very stressful. One lie builds upon another lie, and eventually you are exposed because your stories begin to not match up. That must be why a lying tongue is but for a moment. It's ever changing in its attempt to conceal itself from those that have eyes to see, and ears to hear.

Day 2799

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 11:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 11:14

"Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."

This chapter had so many wonderful verses to ponder on. It shows what happens to the righteous and wicked in various situations. This verse made me ponder on how blessed I am to have a multitude of counsellors in my life. How can you fall when you have counsellors inspired by the spirit to help direct your life? The biggest set of counsellors is the first presidency, with the prophet and his two counsellors. Then I have the counsel given by all the apostles. Listening to General Conference is when I can feast on hearing all of them. It puzzles me when people think there is no need for a prophet in our day, to help us prepare for the second coming of the Lord. The world needs the counsel of a prophet, seer and revelator more than ever.

"The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the programme. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so He will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty."

(Wilford Woodruff, "Official Declaration 1", Oct 1890, General Conference)

Day 2798

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 10:30

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 10:30

"The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth."

I pondered on how wickedness seems to be winning on the earth right now. Satan can revel in his glory for the moment. For there is no stopping the fact that the Lord, Jesus Christ will return. Then the wicked will be swept off the face of the earth, and the meek will inherit the earth.

"And he that liveth in righteousness shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, and the earth shall pass away so as by fire.

And the wicked shall go away into unquenchable fire, and their end no man knoweth on earth, nor ever shall know, until they come before me in judgment."

(Doctrine and Covenants 43:32-33)

"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."

(Doctrine and Covenants 63:54)

"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."

(Matthew 5:5)

Day 2797

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 9:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 9:8

"Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee."

I have sure witnessed this. To reprove a scorner you invite their wrath. They have no intention of changing their behavior or actions, no matter how modest a request it maybe. You are just inviting contention. It's best to just let them be. They have their agency to believe lies and whatever they may think about you. You sure have to have a thick skin to live in these days. Tough on the outside but harmless and full of the spirit on the inside.

"Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison"

(Matthew 5:25)

Day 2796

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 8:26-27

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 8:26-27

"While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:"

Chapter header: "Wisdom is greatly to be desired - The Lord and the sons of men possessed wisdom in the premortal life.

When I read the chapter header I wanted to find where premortal life was mentioned. This area is where I found it. To understand the plan of salvation is to have wisdom.

Day 2795

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 7:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 7:14

"I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows."

The footnote says "IE She cynically suggests her piety". The harlot is trying to entice the man with her words. We have the same danger if not greater today. It is hard to tell who is a friend or brother in the gospel, or a wolf among the sheep. The only way to tell is to have the spirit as a guide, and a knowledge of the words of the prophets. If you look carefully at all they say you will find they are not in harmony with the gospel.

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."

(Matthew 7:15)

Day 2794

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 6:18-19

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 6:18-19

"An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."

I feel like lately I'm always drawn to these verses but its what we're going through right now. I'm watching how destructive this behavior is and in the end instead of destroying others they destroy themselves. It's the saddest thing to witness, and I wish I didn't have to. I am reminded of these words from President Nelson as he spoke of the project to renovate the Salt Lake Temple.

"As I have watched workers dig out old tree roots, plumbing, wiring, and a leaky fountain, I have thought about the need for each of us to remove, with the Savior’s help, the old debris in our lives...

I invite you to pray to identify the debris you should remove from your life so you can become more worthy."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Welcome Message", Apr 2021 General Conference)

Never would I imagine the debris that had to be removed in my life was a relationship. I know it is wisdom in the Lord that my family stop walking on eggshells. He opened the door for all that took place and they removed themselves. I cannot help but feel sorrow for them. I have a place of refuge and peace inside my home, and they do not. I am coming to understand more fully forgiveness, love and compassion in ways I never could before. Prayers have become much richer as I pray they get the help that they need.

Day 2793

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 5:12-13

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 5:12-13

"And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;

And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!"

I pondered on how this is a sure way to fail in life. It's bad enough to not consider the counsel and advice of those that have experience to share. There is much to learn in life and easier done with the wisdom of someone with experience. I thought about how it's far worse if your heart despises reproof. That is such a pride that will surely bring your destruction.

"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."

(Proverbs 16:18)

Day 2792

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 4:18-19

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 4:18-19

"But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble."

This made me think of having the Holy Spirit to always be with me. That through the spirit we receive personal revelation to direct our path. That is the light that grows stronger day by day. Sadly with wickedness the spirit will flee. They are left to themselves and will stumble.

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life"

(John 8:12)

"They who are not chosen have sinned a very grievous sin, in that they are walking in darkness at noon-day."

(Doctrine and Covenants 95:6)

Day 2791

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 3:25-26

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 3:25-26

"Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken."

I think one of the most amazing promises of living in these end times, is the promise of peace instead of fear as we witness the calamity and decay of our world. The last general conference gave me such peace, but I could not tell you which words or talks it was. I think it was simply because it taught me to rely on and have faith in the Lord.

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

(2 Timothy 1:7)

"If our spiritual foundation is built solidly on Jesus Christ, we will not fall and we need not fear"

(Kevin W. Pearson, "Are You Still Willing?", Oct 2022 General Conference)

"But even with the increasing worldly influences around us, we need not fear. The Lord will never desert His covenant people. There is a compensatory power of spiritual gifts and divine direction for the righteous.

This added blessing of spiritual power, however, does not settle upon us just because we are part of this generation. It comes as we strengthen our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and keep His commandments, as we come to know Him and love Him. “This is life eternal,” Jesus prayed, “that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent "

(Neil L. Andersen, "Drawing Closer to the Savior", Oct 2022 General Conference)

"Because the Savior, through His infinite Atonement, redeemed each of us from weakness, mistakes, and sin, and because He experienced every pain, worry, and burden you have ever had, then as you truly repent and seek His help, you can rise above this present precarious world. You can overcome the spiritually and emotionally exhausting plagues of the world, including arrogance, pride, anger, immorality, hatred, greed, jealousy, and fear. Despite the distractions and distortions that swirl around us, you can find true rest—meaning relief and peace—even amid your most vexing problems."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Overcome the World and Find Rest", Oct 2022 General Conference)

Day 2790

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 2:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 2:6

"For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."

I pondered on how many times while reading in the scriptures wisdom comes. It may not even be what I just read. My mind opens up and connections are made on events going on around me, or why certain things are happening. Suddenly it's clear on how to resolve an issue, or the next step I need to take. I never could understand how they would say all the answers are found in the scriptures. But, over the years I have come to understand how your mind is enlightened while reading scriptures and answers will come.

"For when we want to speak to God, we pray. And when we want Him to speak to us, we search the scriptures; for His words are spoken through His prophets. He will then teach us as we listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit."

(Robert D. Hales, "Holy Scriptures: The Power of God unto Our Salvation", Oct 2006 General Conference)

Day 2789

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 1:25-31

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 1:25-31

"But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:

I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;

When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.

Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.

Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices."

I can't imagine the Lord laughing and mocking the wicked because they would not listen. I know I'm sensitive on that because I have someone I love that is facing jail time for their actions, and they just made things worse for themselves. There is no way I could laugh and mock them when the demands of justice fall on them. As I sat and pondered on this I realized the Lord's hands are tied in many ways. Just like mine are. That laugh and mock is not a cruel one. I could just picture His stretched out hands saying "Now you want me to save you?" It's that laugh of you're asking the impossible of me, because there are laws. You just don't get it, after all I warned you about. Sometimes, we don't receive answers to prayers because there are things we need to learn first. At some point the lesson time runs out and justice must be served. The doors to the ark are already closed and that boat isn't coming back.

Day 2788

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 150:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 150:6

"Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD."

I pondered on every creature praising the Lord. This made me think of the dust of the earth, and how it is even more obedient than we.

"O how great is the nothingness of the children of men; yea, even they are less than the dust of the earth.

For behold, the dust of the earth moveth hither and thither, to the dividing asunder, at the command of our great and everlasting God."

(Helaman 12:7-8)

Then I realized the dust is not a living thing, or is it? Man was formed from the dust of the earth, and then God breathed life into it.

"And I, the LORD God, formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul, the first flesh upon the earth, the first man also."

(Genesis 2:8)

Brigham Young said, “There is life in all matter, throughout the vast extent of all the eternities; it is in the rock, the sand, the dust, in water, air, the gases, and, in short, in every description and organization of matter, whether it be solid, liquid, or gaseous.” When God formed man from the dust of the ground, before he breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, man’s body was alive with light and spirit which had come from mother earth’s living matter (see Moses 3:7). He then breathed into man’s nostrils the breath of life, which was the unique intelligence we also call spirit (see Moses 3:7 and Abraham 3:22). When a man dies, his spirit intelligence separates from his body, but there is still life in his body, which returns to the dust of the earth (see Genesis 3:19).

(J. Michael Hunter, "The Living Earth: A Nineteenth-Century Latter-Day Saint Perspective", page 2, Brigham Young University, Our Stewardship: Perspectives on Nature Symposium, 28 Feb 2004)

Day 2787